Palawan, Philippines
Discover the adventurous side of Palawan through its diverse terrain and waters.
Ugong Rock: Guided spelunking with an easy-to-moderate climb. Irawan Eco-Park: Trails for peaceful nature walks. Mount Magarwak: Challenging trek for experienced hikers, a local guide is needed for panoramic views.
Ziplining: Available at Ugong Rock Adventures and Mitra's Ranch, offering aerial views. Spelunking/Caving: Managed caving at Ugong Rock. Advanced caving may require specialized tours for experienced cavers.
Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (Crocodile Farm): View crocodiles and endemic wildlife. Iwahig Firefly Watching: A magical evening experience viewing fireflies in mangroves. Bird Watching: Opportunities in mangrove areas and parks; bring Binoculars.
Always check local weather warnings before embarking on outdoor and water activities, especially during the wet season. Some tours may be cancelled for safety reasons.
Engage with local culture through workshops, performances, and community initiatives.
Some resorts or cultural shows might feature traditional Filipino dances, like Tinikling (bamboo dance). Check with your hotel for scheduled performances.
Balayong Festival (March): Celebrates the blooming of Palawan Cherry blossoms. Puerto Princesa City Fiesta (December 8): Celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the city's patron saint, with religious activities and local festivities.
Less common for tourist viewing but sometimes occur during local festivals.
Purchasing directly from weaving centers or local markets supports the livelihoods of artisans.
Puerto Princesa provides options for unwinding and rejuvenating after your adventures.
Options for formal yoga and meditation retreats are limited within Puerto Princesa city itself. You are more likely to find wellness-focused resorts offering such programs in other, more secluded parts of Palawan.
Many resorts boast large swimming pools, providing a refreshing escape from the heat. Some resorts offer day passes for non-guests, allowing access to their pools and beach facilities.
Honda Bay islands offer natural beach relaxation spots, ideal for unwinding after island hopping.
Kinabuchs Grill and Bar: Often features live bands playing local and cover songs. A lively atmosphere. Baywalk: Sometimes hosts impromptu local performances or street musicians, adding to the relaxed evening ambiance.
Puerto Princesa's nightlife remains generally low- compared to larger Philippine cities. A few bars and pubs cater to locals and tourists, but no large nightclubs exist for extensive dancing. Bars are spread out, mainly along Rizal Avenue and nearby streets.
Some bars stay open late, notably on weekends. Food stalls along the Baywalk offer late-night snacks. No formal theater scene specifically caters to tourists. Local schools or groups may hold performances, but these are not regularly scheduled tourist attractions.
Discover local crafts, souvenirs, and fresh produce in Puerto Princesa's markets and shops.
Cashew Nuts: Palawan is famous for its cashews, especially "roasted cashews." Find them at Baker's Hill and local shops.
Woven Products: Bags, mats, and accessories made from local fibers, often from Binuatan Creations, make unique, handcrafted souvenirs.
Crocodile Products: Leather goods like bags and wallets from farmed crocodiles are available. Pearls: Palawan is known for cultured pearls; purchase from reputable jewelers for authenticity. Keychains and T-shirts are widely available.
For delicate or perishable souvenirs like cashew nuts, consider carrying them in your hand luggage to protect them during transit.
