Getting There:
We booked a flight via Cebu Pacific Air and landed at Puerto Prinsesa Airport. The airport is just 10 minutes away from the town proper where most of the accommodations are located.
Accommodation:
We stayed at Casitas de Az Pension House. They have air conditioned rooms with cable TV and hot and cold shower. The room cost Php1,200 per night for 2 pax (inclusive of airport transfer and daily breakfast). The place's nice and clean but there's no water on our first night so we had to use another room to shower.
Activities/ Must see attractions:
IWAHIG FIREFLY WATCHING
Located just near the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, Iwahig Firefly watching is a must see attraction/activity in Puerto Prinsesa. Package tour usually costs around Php1,100 per head (inclusive of van transfer, entrance fee, and dinner), Php900 if without dinner but I suggest you just rent a tricycle (Php700/two way fare) and then pay for your own entrance fee/boat fare (Php600/boat max of 3 pax). Be sure to bring mosquito repellent lotion for your own protection.. ;)
PUERTO PRINSESA UNDERGROUND RIVER
Part of the new seven wonders of the world, the underground river is the main reason why both local and foreign tourists would want to go to Puerto Prinsesa. Before you could enter the underground river, you need to have an advanced booking plus you need to get a permit from the local government, so I suggest that you avail of a tour package which usually costs Php1,500/head (inclusive of van transfers, permits, guides and buffet lunch) than to arrange everything when you get there.
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| The Holy Family (part of the rock formation inside PPUR) |
The Ugong Rock Adventure is usually a side trip when you go to the underground river. If you still have the energy (please have the energy), you may want to drop by here to experience caving, spelunking and their zip line. This is an exciting experience that you wouldn't want to miss. There are options in the activities that they offer. Caving (both going up and down)- Php200; Caving (going up) + zip line- seating position (going down) - Php450; Caving (going up) + zip line- superman position (going down)- Php650. Of course, I chose option 1 because it's much cheaper plus I find it more challenging.
HONDA BAY ISLAND HOPPING
The Honda Bay Island Hopping is a whole day activity, the price of the tour package that we availed is Php1,200 (inclusive of van transfer, boat transfer, permit and picnic lunch). Snorkeling gears are for rent so be sure to bring your own if you have one. We went to three different islands: starfish island, pambato reef and cowrie island. Though Coron still has the best islands, the honda bay tour is another experience of nature at it's best.
Starfish Island
The island is named Starfish Island simply because you'll see lots of starfish here. This is where the groups stay to have lunch.
Pambato Reef
From the filipino term "pambato" which means "can compete", the snorkeling spot in Puerto Prinsesa is called Pambato Reef because according to them, it can compete with the snorkeling spots in Coron and El nido. This is what locals refer to as their mini tubbataha reef. Just be careful when you go snorkeling, there's lots of jelly fish and they might sting.
Cowrie Island
According to the locals, it is named after the cowrie shells which you'll usually find here. But i didn't see any.. This is where you can swim or just sit down and relax. Comfort rooms are also available if you want to wash up but expect sea water to come out of the faucet/shower.
CITY TOUR
This is what we failed to experience due to very limited time. The city tour usually includes Crocodile Farm, Mitra Ranch, historical monuments and churches, and Bakers Hill. Among those that I've mentioned, we only managed to go to Bakers Hill for pasalubong. Aside from their famous hopia, bakers hill is also known for the beautiful landscape of their garden.
Food/Where to Eat:
BAYWALK
If you're looking for fresh sea foods at a very reasonable price, better go to bay walk. The bay walk in Puerto Prinsesa is like Dampa in Macapagal, only smaller and way much cheaper. Budget: Php200-250
KINABUCHS
One of the top 3 restaurants/grill in Puerto Prinsesa, Kinabuch is known for serving the exotic tamilok and crocodile. Plus don't forget to try kanin ni 04, named after their former Mayor Edward Hagedorn. Budget: Php250-300
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| Kanin ni 04 |
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| Crocodile Sisig |
THE GYPSY'S LAIR
With its eccentric aura, gypsy's lair is a place every tourist should really check out. It's a restaurant and a gallery in one. We tried sitting in the second floor but we were too scared to stay because we're accompanied by weird paintings and dolls and other strange fixtures. The food, though, is good and the staff are nice. Budget: Php200-300
I think I practically shared everything that we experienced in Puerto Prinsesa. Just one last thing, and this is the most important part, don't ever leave without experiencing the very famous TAMILOK.
Tamilok or woodworm is an exotic food only being served in Puerto Prinsesa. It is part of the mollusk family, usually found in the rotten mangrove woods. Best served fresh with vinegar and lime but Kinabuchs serves crispy fried tamilok as well.
