Puerto Princesa City is the capital and largest city in Palawan, a gem of a city in a province rife with natural beauty. One of the largest cities in the Philippines in terms of land area, Puerto Princesa is also large in pristine beaches, great food, and hospitable people. Combine these with a well-organized tourism industry that values discipline and love of nature, and you get an immensely popular destination that has won the hearts not just of Filipino travelers, but also visitors the world over.

Puerto Princesa is the westernmost city in the Philippines; its western coast faces the South China Sea, while its eastern beaches touch the Sulu Sea. As a designated Independent City, the local government of Puerto Princesa operates separately from the rest of the province. Puerto Princesa is divided into 66 barangays, or districts, 35 of which make up the city’s urban area.

Aside from its natural wonders, Puerto Princesa enjoys a rich culture and history that predates the arrival of the Spanish. During pre-colonial times, there is evidence that the local indigenous peoples made contact and traded with the Chinese and the Malays. Even today, these indigenous tribes still maintain a pre-colonial way of lofe within their self-governed communities throughout the province.

The city was formally founded by the Spanish in 1872, and was so-named to honor Princess Maria Cristina of Spain, one of the daughters of then-Queen Isabella II. Even then, Puerto Princesa was already renowned for its beaches. In 1970, Puerto Princesa achieved cityhood.

Puerto Princesa is one of the Philippine’s most sought-after tourist destinations, especially during summer. The city’s main draw is the Underground River Park, a vast subterranean river system that’s included among the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Other attractions of note include Honda Bay, with its multiple white-sand islands, and Nagtabon Beach, a public beach popular among surfers.

Because Puerto Princesa is right in the middle of Palawan Island, it also serves as the primary gateway to other parts of province, like the municipalities of El Nido, San Vicente, Busuanga and Cuyo.

Additional information about Puerto Princesa:

Language: Filipino (Tagalog). English is widely spoken and understood. A significant number of the local population also speaks a second local language, whether Cuyunon, Hiligaynon, or Cebuano.
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP). PHP 100 is around 2 USD.
Modes of payment: Cash is preferred, but credit cards are accepted in most establishments.
Electricity Info: 220V. Type A sockets are most common, although Types B and C also exist.

Plan Your Puerto Princesa Trip

How to Get There	Tours and Attractions
Top Hotels and Resorts	Top Restaurants
Sample Itineraries

Top Puerto Princesa Tours

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Top Puerto Princesa Resorts

Munting Paraiso ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY	Panja Resort Palawan ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY	Costa Palawan Resort ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY

Top Puerto Princesa Hotels

Hue Hotels and Resorts Puerto Princesa ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY	Canvas Boutique Hotel ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
Greenspace Palawan Hotel ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY	Floral Villarosa Hotel ➡️ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY