5 Things to do when you are in Puerto Princesa

The Philippines is quite known for having so many beautiful islands and of course beaches around the world. Then, what would you do if you were in it right now? Do you have any ideas? I bet you have a crazy list in mind already, but let's talk about the practical ones. The ones that we already did in one of the most popular islands the country has, which is Puerto Princesa city on Palawan island.

Starfish Island in Palawan
Starfish Island in Palawan

This trip was a trip that almost did not happen. Melody is one of the people who anticipate seat sales of our local airlines here. She usually buys them immediately when either she likes it and/or she thinks some of her friends like it too. The catch here is that the sale usually lasts for some minutes and most of the time, seconds only as many also do it too. Thus bringing us to the situation of sacrificing our schedules for that if the time comes. Though we already have previous talks on having a trip together (the best batch, haha!) but not as surprising as this one lol. So after fixing our work leaves and personal errands, we pushed through with the trip. Wow! This is really happening haha!

Subli Guest Cabins
Subli Guest Cabins

As part of our schedule of course on arriving on the island, we first settled in our booked place there which is at Subli. A super cozy place to stay. So simple. The area was clean, peaceful and relaxing. Man, one of the things I really miss there is eating breakfast (You'll see in the video below why). They have accommodating staffs which can help you coordinate if you need some transportation. The place was surrounded by plants, trees, and they even have a wooden cottage library for the bookworms out there (not me lol). So if you are looking for such a place, not to mention their affordable rates too, this one is really recommendable. And with this, let us start the list of things to do when you are in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

 1. Eat local delicacies
  
Kinabuchs grill and bar
Kinabuchs grill and bar
Well, for this one, I will be using my immunity (haha!). We ate at Kinabuchs grill and bar upon our first night and there we tried two of their local delicacies. First is the alligator meat. Uhhhm.. Well, haha! It tastes like the regular meat we have in the metro, but this one, it's harder to chew since the meat is a bit thicker. Another thing is that I can still taste the swampy water on the dish. Maybe it depends on how it is cooked but this is just for me.

The second one was Tamilok. Tamilok is actually a worm who eats wood for breakfast. It is usually served raw and only dipped in a locally mixed substance/sauce. Man, "never again", sorry. I tried eating it. I swallowed it, I chewed on it a little, and I nearly gagged myself out. Thank you for the experience, but that would be the last time, really. Would I recommend it? Of course! Just for the experience. Besides, these are the memories you'll remember in the long run.

2. Visit a wonder of the world - The Underground river

Going inside the underground river
Going inside the underground river

I was so excited about this one as I have really no idea what to expect. Caves are so-so for me, but when we talk about an underground one with a river, well its a game-changer.

The guides here have a lot of jokes in their pocket so be ready to have some giggles. The river has many different pathways so the route you will be taking is the commercialized one.  There are parts of the river that are limited to the guests as going furthermore can be already risky. I felt a bit scared of the possibilities that might happen, knowing that some parts of it are really deep. One wrong turn without the guide can get you lost. If you still add the darkness factor and the difficulty of finding you when emergencies happen, ugh. You'll just be so willing to participate and do everything right until you see the light again haha! It was a nice experience really.. Especially once you reach the dome part. It surprised me big time as you'll not expect to see a huge space inside that narrow opening. So, fun stuffs.

3. Do that island to island zip-line experience

After the Sabang X Zipline
After the Sabang X Zipline

As a strong group (yes naman, except Lian lol), this is a must for us. I remember seeing a video of the Sabang X Zip-line before actually going there and I was so looking forward to this. You will be flying through above the water from like a high place to a detached land from the island.

Soo worth it. I felt like superman! You can even see some of the corals below as you fly above the water. Too bad all of our cameras went offline so this is the only picture we had to remember it. And just a little note, since you are flying from a "high place", you will be going for a little hike before reaching the take-off site. It actually surprised us that we need to climb "that" to experience the ride. Because "that" hike was really tiring. I still remember one of the foreign tourists who was with us repeatedly saying "Are we there yet?" a countless number of times. We actually had a good laugh because one of us said to the guide that we did not sign up for a hiking activity. Haha! But to be honest, we were all breathing heavily on top. Haha!

4. Drop by at Ihawig firefly watching

Ihawig firefly watching
Ihawig firefly watching

This one can actually be one of the highlights of the trip (lol). As far as I remember, we only agreed to visit this as it perfectly fits our schedule. Aside from it being an unusual activity, and us laughing about it when we saw it on the plane's brochure, it was efficient for us to visit it to spare our night time to use rather than sleeping early or maybe doing a nightlife (which they were continually bringing up lol - joking)

At first, we taught that it will be a comfy and relaxing ride, but we were completely wrong! Haha! The moment we saw how little the boat was, how close we were on the murky water and how dark it was (Men, it was absolutely black), we were like "Can we go back now?". Just imagine, going through all of that in a mangrove! And not only that, we heard an alligator-like breathe, then suddenly dipped into the water.. The three of us freaked out! Haha! I was already anticipating that anytime a creature will be jumping off the water and will be attacking us. lol!

The guide though made us feel a little bit secure and not that long, we saw the fireflies. It was great seeing them as it is not every day you see that kind of view. I actually want to do it again, but I hope to be more calm to appreciate it fully the next time.

5. Go island hopping

Sand bars at Palawan
Sand bars at Palawan

I can enumerate this one for you as they are many.

- The boat rides in between the islands are so cool. You can try to sit on the tip of the boat to fully enjoy the experience. I have never cruised before so it was extra special for me at that time. So now I really appreciate why they go there and spread their hands like what they did in the Titanic movie (lol).

- Go snorkeling. It is rare enough to snorkel in beautiful places such as the islands in here where you'll appreciate them better. The number of beaches all over the world that has clear waters is continually decreasing so might as well take the opportunity to find Nemo as soon as possible. 

- Discover unique islands with different characteristics. If you'll watch the video below, you will see some of the island's names which denotes either its major characteristic or what it is abundant of. For example, Luli island - which stands for "lulubog-lilitaw" or "sink and appear", because that island will only appear during low tides then will disappear on high tides. Well, the other island is starfish island. Maybe because there are many coconuts there? Lol. Of course, because many starfishes are seen on that island.. We did not have the courage to even see the snake island though.. would you?

- Fine white sand and Sandbars. Man, this reminded me of the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean". Pure beauty. I was not expecting to see such a view really. I just wanted to take it all in and breathe. In the video below, you'll actually see me just sitting on the sand and staring blankly at the horizon. Feels! Aaaah! Take me back now!

I wish we could have taken more photos and videos really. But we also have a phrase that says "The best moments you once lived are the ones you absolutely forgot to take pictures of". Well, it's not for everyone, but I guess I'll take it for now and for those memories here. I hope you guys enjoy the video below.

See how beautiful more the island is at this video
If you cannot see the video above, click HERE for it



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5 Things to do when you are in Puerto Princesa 5 Things to do when you are in Puerto Princesa Reviewed by Michael on March 14, 2019 Rating: 5

124 comments:

  1. Puerto Princesa looks so good in the pictures and cannot imagine the fun you people had there. Woww!

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  2. What a wonderful adventure! I am completely sold on visiting the underground river! I am for sure adding this to my bucket list!

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  3. I have always wanted to visit Philippines. There r so many things to do there. So lovely...

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  4. I've legit being dying to check out palawan islands since I saw the photos on pinterest. This is yet another location I'll check put when I'm there.

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  5. What a beautiful country! It literally looks and sounds amazing! My sister actually just returned from a trip there, and she loved it! Hoping one day to go :)

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  6. Oh wow this looks like some amazing things to do! I would love to be able to visit and try them out for myself.

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  7. That's must have been a nice experience, thanks for sharing.

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  8. I would have never dared to try Tamilok . That alligator thing tho lol something to remember as a good funny memory. With all the the tour options and your pics, seems like you all really had fun.

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    1. I never thought of trying it too but being there makes me want to get the most of it.. so.. haha! You really can never tell.

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  9. Oh wow, what a fun adventure! You are SO brave that you actually ate the tamalok! I don't think I would ever do it!

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  10. It looks like you had a wonderful adventure. thank you for sharing it.

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  11. I would love to try some local delicacies that the author recommends at the Kinabuchs grill. I have never been to the Philippines before so I’m excited to try all of their food.

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  12. Puerto Princesa is a gorgeous place to visit! I've only been there once before, but that was like in the 90's, I'm sure it's changed a lot since then. I agree, definitely must try out local food. I didn't get to go to the underground river then because I was too young, one more reason to go back, right? :P

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  13. What a fun adventure! Makes me want to go on vacation right now since it's snowing AGAIN here.

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  14. An island to island zip line!!! How cool is that! I would love to try that out:) I bet the view is beautiful!

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  15. This sounds like a fun place to visit. I would do the zip line.

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  16. Palawan is one place that I have heard about several times, but your post covers some activities that I haven't see before! They look right up my alley too! I would love to give these a try.

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  17. Wow this place looks incredible. There’s so much to do and see there! Looks like a brilliant place to take the whole family

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  18. I've never been to Puerto Princesa Palawan but the place seems to be really beautiful and a bucket-list material. Great adventure!

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  19. Wow! lots of things to do. I agree that we should always try the local delicacies, I may try the aligator but I'm not sure about the worm though!

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  20. Great list! i am sure this place is so much fun! I wouldn't mind visiting it too. Sounds ideal!

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  21. Looks like a great place to visit and someday I'll definitely visit here. Thanks for sharing.

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  22. I will definitely do some zip-lining! That has been one of my things I fear to do but must do. And also, local delicacies are a must!

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  23. All the pictures are looking amazing and it shows how much you had enjoyed you adventure tour.

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  24. Philippines has always enthralled me...this post gives me all the more reason to make a visit!

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  25. what a great place, I know a little about Philippines but here I think it's very beautiful

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  26. The idea of visiting the Underground river is super exciting. You must have had fun dusring a joyful ride!

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  27. Looks like such a fun time, if I am ever in that part of the world I will definitely refer back to this post.

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  28. What a lovely place to visit whenever i touchdown Philippines.

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  29. Having this place in our country is truly a pride! Palawan offers so much adventure, nature discoveries and reunion so as lovely people and food.

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  30. Definitely inspiring .. we have family members but hope to be in the country some day

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  31. It looks like you had a wonderful time. I know you suggested that we would remember eating the worm? I think I will remember you eating the worm and skip it for myself if I go LOL. I do want to island hop though -- thanks for the tips!

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  32. Now, I really want to visit Palawan after reading this post. I have a lot of Filipino friends and I enjoy the food. Thanks for sharing.

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  33. I have never been here, but boy what a magical experience this looks like. I'd love to experience new things here.

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  34. Experiencing cuisines from other countries is one of my reasons for loving international travel. I also love taking in the culture of each country.

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    1. Hmmm. True but not every time hehe. You know what I mean.

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  35. It must be quite the vacation experience to be zip-lining from island to island. I love the idea!

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  36. Wow, that seems to be a very nice place..!You had so much fun there! I don't think I can eat that tamilok...

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  37. We have friends from Philippines and they always tell us about this place! I see why now :)

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    Replies
    1. Well, its time to buy that plane ticket already.

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  38. Hello I am so excited I found your blog page, I really found you by error, while I was browsing on Aol for something else, Regardless I am here now and would just like to
    say kudos for a fantastic post and a all round entertaining blog (I also love
    the theme/design), I don't have time to read it
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    so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do
    keep up the excellent job.

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  39. I really love to visit in Palawan someday but for now I will visit Cebu first HAHAHHA! Awesome photos!

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  40. Such a detailed travel guide. The Philippines looks like such a fun place to visit!

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  41. I have read about how beautiful it is there and your photos are proof that it really is. We are planning on an Asian Tour (Part 2) and hopefully we get to explore the beaches in the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand.

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  42. We have talked about visiting here a few times, it really does look like a great place gto visit x

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  43. I never heard of Puerto Princesa before but I would love going island hopping.

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  44. There sure are a lot of things to do in Puerto Princesa now eh, so cool. :)

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  45. Wow! I love all your suggestions. I don't it is possible to visit Puerto without sampling local delicacies. I am very interested in the firefly watching and the underground river.

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  46. Wow! These photos really do demonstrate just how beautiful it is there! I hope this visit someday.

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  47. I am all about sampling local delicacies anytime I travel. It’s the best part:-)

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  48. I would absolutely love to do the underground river. That just sounds too amazing. I would love the food as well. Always love trying food in other cultures.

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  49. I always love sampling new local delicacies wherever i travel to, it's the best bit. Your photos are beautiful

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  50. Puerto Princesa, Philippines really looks amazing. There is so many adventures to explore there. I would love to visit Puerto Princesa, it looks so beautiful. The food looks great , but I will pass on the worm!

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  51. Puerto Princesa, Philippines really looks amazing. There is so many adventures to explore there. I would love to visit Puerto Princesa , it is so beautiful. The food looks so great, but I will pass on the worm!

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  52. It looks like there are so many neat things to do there. I have never been to the Philippines but it would be a fun place to explore.

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  53. I would love to go on this trip. It looks like it would be so beautiful to explore!

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  54. Sounds so adventures trip. Thanks for sharing all the details of your trip. I have not been there yet but enjoyed reading your experience.
    Elizabeth O

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  55. Palawan is on my bucket list when I visit the Philippines next time...I am looking forward to it.

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  56. Kristine Nicole AlessandraMarch 20, 2019 at 9:34 PM

    My son went there with his friends two years ago and he said it is so beautiful. My youngest son just recently went on a Palawan tour and visited Puerto Princesa and Coron. I am hoping next time, they will take me with them!

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  57. Looks really beautiful and amazing, I need to add Puerto Rico to my list of places to visit. Thank you for sharing your experience!

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  58. I would love to visit Palawan one day. This is my first time of hearing of the place and I love how it sounds.

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  59. I have been to Puerto about 8 years ago and it definitely is still beautiful!

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  60. I hope to experience PH one day. I love island hopping and I've done zip-lining so will love this a lot.

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  61. Looks like a good experience, thanks for sharing.

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  62. Palawan is really a great place to go in the Philippines. I already went before with my family to Puerto Princesa and Coron. Looking forward to going to El Nido in the future.

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  63. This is a nice guide. We haven't been to Palawan yet, so will keep this in mind. Especially the zip line. We won't miss it! :D

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  64. haven't gone to palawan! but I would really love to visit the place especially during summer. the underground river is definitely a must!!

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  65. It looks like that there are many interesting and fun things to do in Philippine. Thanks for sharing.

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  66. Kristine Nicole AlessandraApril 8, 2019 at 9:21 PM

    My two sons have been to Puerto Princesa and they have nothing but good words about the place. They would love to go back, but right now, their priority is establishing themselves in their career.

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