Puerto Princesa · Palawan · Philippines
Puerto Princesa Tours & Things to Do
Discover the best Puerto Princesa tours and things to do on Palawan: paddle into the UNESCO-listed Underground River, hop the coral-fringed islands of Honda Bay, watch thousands of fireflies light the Iwahig River, and explore the beaches and jungle of Sabang. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
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Explore Puerto Princesa by interest
Whatever brings you to Puerto Princesa — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
What to see
Top attractions in Puerto Princesa
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Underground River
UNESCO cave.
15 toursView tours
Honda Bay
Island hopping.
15 toursView tours
City Tour
Palawan’s capital.
10 toursView tours
Firefly Watching
River of stars.
10 toursView tours
Sabang
Jungle & sea.
10 toursView tours
Sabang Beach
West coast shore.
10 toursView tours
Crocodile Farm
Wildlife rescue.
10 toursView tours
Palawan Highlights
River & islands.
15 toursView tours
Sabang awayUnderground River
UNESCO cave.
from €51View trips
45 min awayHonda Bay
Island hopping.
from €45View trips
Town awayCity Tour
Palawan’s capital.
from €15View trips
Iwahig awayFirefly Watching
River of stars.
from €31View trips
2 hr awaySabang
Jungle & sea.
from €50View trips
Sabang awayUnderground River Combo
River & zipline.
from €59View trips
Practical guide
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Puerto Princesa visitor asks before booking.
Dry (Dec–May)
Sunny and calm — the best time.
Peak
December to April is busiest and driest.
Wet (Jun–Nov)
Warm with tropical showers and rougher seas.
For island hopping
The dry season for calm Honda Bay water.
Typhoon care
Storms are possible from July to October.
Best overall
December to May for sunny, calm days.
One day
The Underground River and city.
Two days
Add Honda Bay and fireflies.
Three+ days
Add a Sabang beach stay.
For nature
The Underground River and mangroves.
For the beach
Honda Bay island hopping.
For the evening
A firefly-watching river cruise.
By van
Tours include van transfers to Sabang and Honda Bay.
By tricycle
Motor tricycles buzz around the town.
By boat
Boats reach the Underground River and islands.
On foot
The city centre and baywalk are walkable.
Where to stay
Stay near the town or in Sabang for the beach.
Philippine peso
The Philippines uses the peso; carry cash.
Underground River
Book ahead — daily visitor permits are limited.
Honda Bay
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes.
Fireflies
Choose a dark, moonless night for the best show.
Sabang
Combine the river with a beach or zipline.
City tour
The crocodile farm and Baker’s Hill are highlights.
Combos
Some tours pair the river with a city visit.
Underground River
Permits are limited — book ahead.
Honda Bay
Island trips fill up — reserve early.
Firefly cruises
Evening tours fill up — book ahead.
Sabang trips
Day tours fill up — reserve early.
City tours
Half-day tours fill up — book ahead.
Dry-season peak
December to April is busiest — book far ahead.
Underground River
Around €51 for a day tour with permit.
Honda Bay
About €45 for island hopping with lunch.
City tour
From €14 for a half-day city tour.
Firefly cruise
Around €31 for an evening river trip.
Sabang combo
About €59 for a river-and-zipline day.
How to save
Join group tours and combine the river with the city.
When to visit
Puerto Princesa through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
Dry (Dec–Feb)
Dec–Feb
- Best for
- Calm seas.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Best.
Dry (Mar–May)
Mar–May
- Best for
- Sunny & warm.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Great.
Wet (Jun–Aug)
Jun–Aug
- Best for
- Lush & quiet.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Showers.
Wet (Sep–Nov)
Sep–Nov
- Best for
- Fewer crowds.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Storms.
People also ask
Puerto Princesa travel FAQ
What are the best tours in Puerto Princesa?
The highest-rated experiences are the UNESCO Underground River, Honda Bay island hopping, a firefly-watching river cruise, and a city tour.
What should I book in advance in Puerto Princesa?
Reserve the Underground River (permits are limited), Honda Bay tours and firefly cruises ahead, especially in the December–April peak.
How many days do I need in Puerto Princesa?
One day covers the Underground River and city, and two to three let you add Honda Bay, fireflies and a Sabang beach stay.
Is Puerto Princesa worth visiting?
Yes — it is the gateway to Palawan, with the UNESCO Underground River, Honda Bay islands and magical firefly rivers.
When is the best time to visit Puerto Princesa?
December to May, the dry season, brings sunny days and calm seas for island hopping.
How do you visit the Underground River?
On a day tour from Puerto Princesa via Sabang, taking a paddle boat into the UNESCO-listed cave; a permit is required and included when you book.
What is there to do in Honda Bay?
Island hopping and snorkelling around Luli, Cowrie and Starfish islands over coral reefs.
108 Puerto Princesa experiencesfrom €14 · free cancellation
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