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.
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.
Honda Bay
Island hopping.
City Tour
Palawan’s capital.
Firefly Watching
River of stars.
Sabang
Jungle & sea.
Sabang Beach
West coast shore.
Crocodile Farm
Wildlife rescue.
Palawan Highlights
River & islands.
Sabang awayUnderground River
UNESCO cave.
45 min awayHonda Bay
Island hopping.
Town awayCity Tour
Palawan’s capital.
Iwahig awayFirefly Watching
River of stars.
2 hr awaySabang
Jungle & sea.
Sabang awayUnderground River Combo
River & zipline.
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.
Puerto Princesa through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Calm seas.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Best.
- Best for
- Sunny & warm.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Great.
- Best for
- Lush & quiet.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Showers.
- Best for
- Fewer crowds.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Storms.