Apr 11, 2013

Puerto Princesa, Home of the Underground River



Today, Puerto Princesa is a popular tourist city with many beach resorts and ... Folk etymology attributes the name "Puerto Princesa" to a princess-like more maiden. The city gain more popularity around the world because of  the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park's inclusion to the new 7 wonders of nature.

How we got here

We departed from Davao City at 6:30 am to catch our flight to Manila, to then fly on to Puerto Princesa. We landed by 1:30 pm and just  had a few hours to stay before going to El Nido. Our first visit to Puerto Princesa took place on March, 2006 and we had a blast exploring the underground river, Mitra's Ranch and the Palawan Wildlife and Rescue Center.We took a tricycle from the airport to the hotel and paid Php 30.00 for the 15 minute ride. Our hotel,Audissie Pension   is located near the public market and pier. The rooms were perfectly clean, quiet and spacious enough. Well we didn't waste any time since we have only hours to visit the places that we haven't visited during our first visit. 


Immaculate Conception Parish

 The blue cathedral is an eye-catching edifice because of its unique architectural design in the district.

The pointed arches remind you of Gothic castles and buildings built during medieval Europe but unlike them, the Immaculate Conception Parish is predominantly made of cement, and not limestone. Nonetheless, the sight of the towering cathedral evokes different emotions.

The cathedral was built during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines in the late part of the 1800s. Since then, it has become part of every Palawan local’s spiritual refuge, especially during the war.


Old century church located along Rizal ave.
Century old church of Immaculate Conception Parish

The church interior of Immaculate Conception Church
Church Interior

Plaza Cuartel

Just a quick walk from Immaculate Conception Church is Plaza Cuartel. Not much to see here but if your into history, this place is worth a visit. The entrance is free by the way.

Japanese war memorial in Puerto Princesa

Plaza Cuartel is part of the complex town plaza of Puerto Princesa Palawan. It has a rich history because of the events that happened on the second World War.

Puerto Princesa Baywalk

Puerto Princesa City Baywalk is Palawan’s very own version of our Manila Baywalk in Roxas Boulevard.  It’s located beside the port area and is walking distance from the public market. This is a great place for strolling, biking and sunset viewing.


Puerto Princesa Baywalk


Biking along Puerto Princesa Baywalk
Biking at Baywalk
You can rent a bicycle for Php 30.00 per hour at the baywalk

Princesa ng Baybay Statue along Puerto Princesa Baywalk
Princesa ng Baybay Statue


A fiber glass sculpture by Ronel F. Roces located at the Baywalk. "Ang Prinsesa ng Baybay "Simbolo ng Ating Kultura at Buhay" Baywalk Puerto Princesa City Palawan.

Palawan, Philippines, fisherman, puerto princesa
Spearfishing along the bay

Stormy weather at Puerto Princesa Palawan
Gloomy Horizon



Blue hour shot at Puerto Princesa Baywalk
Illegal Fishing Boats


As I was taking this photo, a man approached me and identified himself as a local NGO working to protect the marine life in Palawan. According to him, these boats are caught illegally by authorities using illegal fishing methods like dynamite and cyanide. After our short chitchat, we bid goodbye's and saddened by his short story about illegal poaching happening in Palawan. After a quick dinner at a nearby fastfood, we took a 5 minute trike ride to our hotel and check the weather forecast using Pagasa website. According to the report there is a low pressure area from Mindanao and it's heading to Palawan. We just ignore it and off to bed early for tomorrow's El Nido trip


Fun things to do

Biking at baywalk.
Visit the Underground River.
Rent a boat and go firefly watching.
Visit the crocodiles at  Puerto Princesa Conservation and Wildlife Center.


Tuklasera tips 

• The cheapest way when touring Puerto Princesa is by tricycle. Tour vans cost Php 2,000 - 3,000 while the tricycle cost  Php 600.00 only. 

Cheapest transportation mode to Sabang. Jeepney ride from San Jose bus terminal to Sabang cost Php 200.00. First trip is at 7:00am and 10:00 am. Bus leaves Sabang to Puerto Princesa at 1:00 pm.

If you want hassle free tour packages book Puerto Princesa tour packages. Just don't
forget to ask for a discount especially if your booking for more than 8 persons. Immaculate Conception Church.


Rundown of Expenses

Tricycle Airport to hotel - Php 30.00 
Hotel ( Audissie) - Php 1500.00 / day 
Plaza Cuartel entrance fee - Php  10.00 / pax 
Food - Php 400.00 /pax/ day

8 comments:

  1. Awesome photos there. I like the effects, specially the Princesa ng Baybay Statue. By the way, if you have some time you can read this blogs about beautiful places and events in the Philippines. Here's the link urbanmala.info/blog/

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ganda ng mga pics. :)
    Ganda pala ng Baywalk kapag may araw pa. Gabi na kasi nung mapadpad kami sa baywalk ng puerto princesa. :(

    ReplyDelete
  3. You had a great shots of the baywalk and the chruch. Keep it up! :)

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  4. Thanks for the information. Will visit PP sometimes this November. :)

    ReplyDelete

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