Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines

Cruises to/from Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa - the tropical gateway to Palawan Island, which Travel + Leisure magazine has named the world's best island four times. The city stretches along Palawan's eastern coast, surrounded by the emerald green of tropical forests and the turquoise waters of Honda Bay. Here, the narrow streets of the old Spanish quarter border mangrove thickets, and just a few kilometres from the centre lies one of the world's natural wonders — an underground river whose navigable stretch runs for more than 4 kilometres beneath the earth. To Filipinos, Puerto Princesa is “the cleanest and greenest city in the country,” while to travellers worldwide it is a byword for pristine tropical nature that mass tourism has yet to change.
For a cruise traveller, Puerto Princesa is one of the youngest and, at the same time, most promising ports in Southeast Asia. The liner docks right in the city centre, and within 5–10 minutes' walk from the gangway travellers find themselves on the Baywalk promenade or by the cathedral. In 2026 the port expects around 21 cruise ship calls, six of which will be maiden calls for this destination, while the Philippines' overall cruise passenger traffic is growing by tens of percent every year. 🚢

📋 Before setting off on a cruise to/from Puerto Princesa or stepping ashore for a few hours during a port call, here is what you need to know:
🇵🇭 Country: Philippines
📍 Region: Palawan Island, Palawan Province (MIMAROPA Region)
👥 Population: about 316,000 residents (2024 estimate)
📐 Area: 2,381.02 km² (the second-largest city in the Philippines by area, after Davao)
🗣️ Languages: Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English — both official; Cuyonon and Hiligaynon are also widely spoken
💶 Currency: Philippine peso (PHP)
🕐 Time zone: PHT (UTC+8), year-round with no daylight saving time — 5 hours ahead of Kyiv
☀️ Climate: tropical, with a dry season (November–May, daytime +24…+32 °C) and a wet season (June–October, frequent downpours and high humidity)
✈️ Nearest airport: Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) — just a few kilometres from the cruise port
⚓ Official name of the cruise port: Port of Puerto Princesa (Pantalan ng Puerto Princesa)
📏 Distance from the gangway to the main port gate: 5–10 minutes on foot — one of the few truly “walk-off” cruise ports in Southeast Asia

🏛️ The history of Puerto Princesa — from a Spanish fort to the ecological capital of the Philippines
⏳ Over 150 years — from a royal name to a modern port
The history of Puerto Princesa began on 4 March 1872, when Spanish colonisers, searching for a site for the future capital of Palawan, came across a broad plateau above a deep, well-sheltered bay. The settlement was named in honour of the Spanish Infanta Eulalia, daughter of Queen Isabella II, born in 1864 — “Puerto de la Princesa,” meaning “Port of the Princess.” According to a less credible alternative account, the town was first called Puerto de Asunción and later renamed in honour of a royal daughter who had died. The first mass was celebrated by Father Antonio Muro on a hill that had been specially levelled for a chapel — and it was from there that the city began.
By May 1872 the port had already become a base for the Spanish navy in the region, and by 1883 the settlement had grown into a fully-fledged town with twelve streets, a hospital and a well-built port. In 1894 Puerto Princesa was officially recognised as one of the tidiest and most beautiful towns in the Philippines of the time — a reputation the city still guards today.
⚔️ From American administration to a modern city
In 1911, under American administration, Puerto Princesa became the administrative capital of Palawan province. World War II left a tragic page in the city's history: in May 1942 Japanese forces occupied the city, and American prisoners of war were forced to build a military airfield — the very site where the international airport stands today. On 14 December 1944, as the Allies were approaching the island, the Japanese garrison herded 139 American prisoners of war into air-raid shelters at Plaza Cuartel, doused them in petrol and set them alight; only eleven survived. This tragedy, known as the Palawan massacre, became one of the pieces of evidence at the Tokyo tribunal against General Yamashita. 🕯️
On 1 January 1970 Puerto Princesa officially became a city, with Feliberto R. Oliveros Jr. as its first mayor. In the second half of the 20th century the city chose a unique development path — a focus on ecology and nature conservation. The results were not long in coming: Puerto Princesa repeatedly earned the title of “Cleanest and Greenest City in the Philippines,” was inducted into the prestigious UNEP Global 500 Roll of Honour in 1997, and in 1999 its main natural landmark — the Underground River — was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 🌿

⚓ The Port of Puerto Princesa — gateway to the Philippines' last ecological frontier
📊 Scale and structure of the port
The modern Port of Puerto Princesa is located right in the city centre, near Rizal Avenue, 558 metres from a coral reef off Bancao-Bancao Point. The harbour is deep, well sheltered from bad weather and almost free of silt — qualities that have drawn seafarers here since Spanish colonial times. The Port Management Office was established on 1 June 1977 under the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA); today it employs around 117 staff. Besides cruise liners, the port handles cargo vessels and regular ferries to Coron, El Nido, Culion, Iloilo and Manila.
The port's standout feature is that liners dock directly at the pier, without tenders — a rarity in Southeast Asia. Passengers step ashore and, within 5–10 minutes on foot, find themselves in the city centre, by the cathedral or the Baywalk promenade. ✨

🚢 How many liners the port receives
In 2026 the Port of Puerto Princesa expects around 21 cruise ship calls, six of which will be the first ever for this destination. For comparison, nationwide cruise statistics for the Philippines show rapid growth: in 2024 the number of cruise passengers in the country reached 142,574 (+61.9% versus 2023, when there were around 88,000), and 2025 saw a further increase of almost 30%. In January 2026 the liner Costa Serena completed a voyage from Brunei, bringing around 3,000 passengers and over 1,000 crew members to Puerto Princesa — one of the largest single calls in the port's history.

🏢 Which cruise lines call at Puerto Princesa
Liners from Costa Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises call regularly at the port, while the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is actively working to attract new operators to Southeast Asian routes. Puerto Princesa is increasingly featured in cruises around the Philippine islands as well as routes to Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam. 🌏

💡 Interesting facts about Puerto Princesa and its port
A few non-obvious details worth knowing before visiting the city:
👑 The city is named after a Spanish princess. “Puerto de la Princesa” means “Port of the Princess” — in honour of Infanta Eulalia, daughter of Queen Isabella II.
🏝️ Palawan has been named the world's best island four times. The title was awarded by the respected magazine Travel + Leisure, most recently in 2020.
🌊 The Puerto Princesa Underground River is one of the world's longest navigable underground rivers. Its underground course (the Cabayugan River) runs for 8.2 km, while the entire cave system extends at least 32 km. The site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999 and named one of the New7Wonders of Nature in 2012.
✈️ The city's airport was built by American prisoners of war. Construction took place from 1942 to 1944 during the Japanese occupation, and on 14 December 1944 Plaza Cuartel was the site of one of the most tragic episodes of World War II in the Pacific — the Palawan massacre.
🏆 Puerto Princesa is the second-largest city in the Philippines by area. Its territory (2,381 km²) is second only to Davao, even though it has one of the lowest population densities in the country.
🚶 It is one of the few truly “walk-off” cruise ports in Asia. Liners dock right in the centre, so the walk from the gangway to the nearest café or market takes just minutes.
🌦️ The island lies outside the main typhoon tracks of the Pacific. This does not make Palawan entirely immune to bad weather, but it does make it one of the calmest regions of the Philippines in climatic terms.
🗣️ Several languages can be heard around the city. Besides Filipino and English, Cuyonon — the language of Palawan's indigenous population — is widely spoken.

📍 Top landmarks of Puerto Princesa — must-sees for the cruise traveller
A cruise ship's call in Puerto Princesa usually lasts from 8 to 12 hours, so it is worth planning your route in advance. A detailed list with photos, addresses and opening hours can be found in the “Landmarks and Places of Interest” section; below is a brief overview of the iconic spots that shape the city's character.
🌊 The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New7Wonders of Nature. This navigable cave with limestone stalactites and stalagmites lies about 50 km north of the city.
🏖️ Honda Bay — an archipelago of a dozen small white-sand islets, perfect for island-hopping tours, snorkelling and swimming.
⛪ The Immaculate Conception Cathedral — a light-blue Gothic building right in the city centre, a 10-minute walk from the pier.
🕯️ Plaza Cuartel — a quiet memorial park on the site of the 1944 tragedy, located opposite the cathedral.
🌅 The Baywalk promenade — a waterfront walk with local food stalls, vendors and views over the bay.
🐊 The Palawan Wildlife Rescue Centre — a sanctuary for saltwater crocodiles and the island's endemic animals.
✨ The Iwahig River — known for evening firefly-watching tours through the mangroves.

✨ Why choose a cruise to/from Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa — is a rare example of a port where tropical exoticism goes hand in hand with comfort and safety.
First, the logistics are convenient: the international airport is just a few kilometres from the pier, and the walk from the gangway to the city centre takes only a few minutes. ✈️
Second, it offers access to world-class natural wonders: from here it is easy to reach the Underground River — one of the New7Wonders of Nature — and the picturesque islets of Honda Bay. 🌴
Third, it is one of the region's few genuinely authentic ports: no skyscrapers or crowds, but plenty of warm Filipino hospitality, delicious cuisine and nature the city has carefully preserved for over a century. 🐢

The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group will help you choose the best route through Southeast Asia, take care of flight and port-transfer details, and offer attractive rates from Costa Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and other leading brands we work with as a priority partner in Ukraine. 🤝

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general guidance only and is accurate as of the date of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions may change without notice. For up-to-date information, please check with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or the official websites of the relevant venues.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals

How to Get to the Cruise Terminal in Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa — the capital of Palawan Island and the main sea gateway to the Underground River and the islands of Palawan — is a compact Philippine city without a metro or railway, so the only way to reach the pier is by road transport: taxi, tricycle (a local motorbike taxi with a sidecar) or private transfer. Unlike major European ports, the city has only one modern cruise terminal, so there is no confusion over pier numbers, and the whole logistics comes down to a few simple, tested options. Below is a step-by-step guide with up-to-date 2026 prices and tips from the Four Gates Group cruise specialists. 🎯

📍 Exactly where the cruise port of Puerto Princesa is located
The terminal's official name is the Puerto Princesa International Cruise Port (also known locally as the Puerto Princesa City Pier). It is a modern facility opened in 2021: a 500-metre wharf, 21 metres wide, that can berth just one large ocean liner at a time, plus a terminal building of about 10,000 m² designed to handle 2,500 passengers at once. The terminal has a waiting hall, immigration and customs desks, and several souvenir and tourism kiosks.
The pier sits in the southern part of the city, at the end of the main street, Rizal Avenue Extension, on the shore of Puerto Princesa Bay.
📌 GPS address: Rizal Avenue Extension, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan 5300, Philippines
🚶 Distance to the city centre: about 1.5–3 km to the main Rizal Avenue and the Baywalk market
❗ Important: the exact arrival time of your ship and the terminal gate number are always stated in your cruise voucher — check it 48–72 hours before the call, as the port authority sometimes adjusts the ships' schedule.

✈️ From Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) to the cruise terminal
Puerto Princesa International Airport is located just 2.5–4 km from the city centre and about the same distance from the cruise terminal. It is the only airport on Palawan Island, served by domestic flights from Manila, Cebu and other Philippine hubs (there are no direct international flights from Ukraine, so the only way in is via a connection through Manila or Cebu). The drive to the port takes 10–15 minutes.

🚕 Taxi
Official taxis wait for passengers in the arrivals hall. Meters are rarely used — the fare is usually agreed in advance.
• Travel time: 10–15 minutes
• Approximate cost (2026): about ₱450–600 to the city centre or the cruise terminal
• Payment: mostly cash

🛺 Tricycle — the most popular local transport
The tricycle (a motorbike with a covered sidecar) is the main mode of transport on Palawan. The price is always agreed before boarding, as there are no meters.
• Approximate cost for a tourist with luggage: ₱150–250 to the port or the city centre (locals usually pay ₱50–100)
• Travel time: 10–15 minutes
• Tip: negotiate the price using a translator app or show the amount on your phone's calculator — most drivers understand basic English

🚐 Private transfer — the most comfortable option
If you are travelling as a family, a group, or with a lot of luggage, a private transfer is the best choice. The driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name board and takes you straight to the terminal for a fixed price.
• Cost: from ₱800–1,200 for a sedan (1–3 people), from ₱1,800–2,500 for a minivan (4–8 people)
• Travel time: 10–15 minutes
• Advantages: fixed price, meet-and-greet with a name board, no waiting or haggling
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private transfers for its clients — simply provide your flight number when booking your cruise.

🚌 Public transport (jeepneys)
Jeepneys (local shared minibuses) run fixed routes around the city, but they do not connect directly to the port and are impractical with suitcases. This option is not recommended for cruise passengers.

📱 Ride-hailing apps
The Grab app is gradually being rolled out in Puerto Princesa, but as of 2026 its coverage remains limited and unreliable — you should rely mainly on taxis and tricycles, and check driver availability directly in the app after landing.

🏙️ From central Puerto Princesa to the cruise terminal
If you have spent a night or a few days at a hotel in the city centre, there are several ways to reach the pier:

🛺 Tricycle — the most popular option among tourists and locals alike. Cost: ₱100–200 depending on your hotel's district, travel time 10–15 minutes. Always agree the price before boarding.

🚕 Taxi from your hotel — ₱300–500, fast (10–15 min) and convenient with luggage. Most hotels in the centre can call a taxi at the reception desk in advance.

🚶 On foot along Rizal Avenue Extension — theoretically possible, but not always practical with suitcases:
• Distance: about 1.5–3 km
• Time: 20–35 minutes
• Not recommended in the midday heat (in summer it can feel like +35…+38 °C) or with heavy luggage

❗ Important: Puerto Princesa has no dedicated cruise shuttle bus like the major European ports — a tricycle or taxi remains the main way to reach the pier from anywhere in the city.

🚗 By your own or a rented car
The port can be reached via Rizal Avenue and Malvar Street — both have steep sections, so drive carefully, especially in wet weather. Unlike major European ports, there is no official paid car park right next to the cruise terminal — the area in front of the entrance is limited and mainly reserved for dropping off passengers and service vehicles.
Car rental on Palawan is not well developed: international rental chains are practically absent here, and a car can mostly be hired through hotels or local travel agencies, usually with a driver. For this reason, most tourists find it more convenient and reliable to use a taxi, a tricycle or a private transfer for the trip to the port rather than driving themselves.

♿ Accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility
The terminal, opened in 2021, is equipped with basic infrastructure for passengers with reduced mobility:
✅ Ramps and level walkways throughout the terminal building
✅ Terminal staff assist with boarding and disembarkation on request
❌ Tricycles and most taxis are not adapted for wheelchairs
❌ No dedicated specialised transport service for passengers with reduced mobility is officially organised in the city
💡 Tip: if you need accessible transport, let your cruise line and your Four Gates Group cruise specialist know in advance — we will arrange a private transfer in a suitable vehicle.

⏰ When to arrive at the cruise terminal
Puerto Princesa mostly receives ships as a port of call on Southeast Asia and Philippines itineraries, so below are recommendations for both possible scenarios.

🕐 If Puerto Princesa is a port of call (the typical case):
The ship's call usually lasts from 8 to 12 hours. Follow the «all aboard» rule — you must be back on board 60–90 minutes before departure; the exact time is always shown on your ship card and announced on board.

🕑 If Puerto Princesa is an embarkation or disembarkation port (a rare case):
For regional itineraries that start or end in Puerto Princesa, check-in usually opens 3–4 hours before departure. Because the terminal has limited capacity, we recommend arriving closer to the start of your check-in window rather than at the last minute.
❗ Boarding deadline: usually 60–90 minutes before departure. All Four Gates Group vouchers include the exact time that applies to your specific cruise.

💡 Tips from the Four Gates Group experts
Over years of working with Asian destinations, our cruise specialists have gathered tips that are especially useful in Puerto Princesa:

✈️ Fly to Palawan in advance. There are no direct flights from Ukraine, and domestic flights from Manila or Cebu do not run every hour — a delayed connecting flight could cost you your cruise. Plan to arrive on the island at least a day before boarding.

💵 Carry cash in pesos. Tricycles, and often small taxis too, do not accept cards. Withdraw cash at the airport or in the city centre in advance.

🤝 Agree the price in advance. There are no meters in tricycles or taxis — always agree the fare before boarding to avoid misunderstandings.

📱 Download an offline Google Maps map and keep your hotel or guide's contact details in both Filipino and English — mobile internet outside the city centre can be unreliable.

☀️ Protect yourself from the sun and humidity. Palawan's tropical climate is hot and humid year-round — a hat, sunscreen and water are essential even for a short trip to the terminal.

🏝️ Planning to stay longer on Palawan? El Nido is about 5–6 hours away by bus or minivan from Puerto Princesa — worth keeping in mind if your cruise includes an extended call or you are flying in ahead of time.

🤝 Book your transfer in advance through Four Gates Group. On days when large liners call, the number of taxis and tricycles near the port is limited, so a pre-booked transfer guarantees the price and no waiting.

📞 Contacts in Puerto Princesa
Police (duty desk):+63 48 434 98 90
Port maritime police:+63 48 433 32 62
Palawan Provincial Hospital:+63 48 433 26 21
Philippines nationwide emergency number: 911
Four Gates Group cruise specialists (24/7 for clients):+38 097 653 05 53

Logistics in Puerto Princesa are far simpler than in major European ports — there is no sprawling metro network or multiple terminals to navigate, but it's worth knowing the local transport quirks in advance: no meters in taxis or tricycles, a limited number of vehicles on peak days, and the need to carry cash in pesos. The Four Gates Group cruise experts help our clients plan every stage of the journey — from choosing the right connecting flight to Palawan to arranging a private transfer with a name board right in the arrivals hall. Get in touch with our manager, and your day in Puerto Princesa will start without any stress. 🛳️✨

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general guidance and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm up-to-date details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals

Top Attractions and Places in Puerto Princesa: The Complete Guide for Cruise Travelers

Puerto Princesa — is not, first and foremost, a city of museums and palaces, but a gateway city to one of the planet's natural wonders. There is only one UNESCO site here, but what a site: an underground river that flows directly into the sea — officially recognized as one of the New7Wonders of Nature. The capital of Palawan has long held the unofficial title of «City in a Forest» and regularly ranks among the cleanest and greenest cities in the Philippines — plastic bags are banned here, and the city council has spent years investing in the preservation of the surrounding jungle and coral reefs. For a cruise traveler, this means one thing: the main impressions here are not architectural but natural, and route planning deserves special attention, since the top attraction lies 75–80 km from the pier. A cruise ship's call in Puerto Princesa usually lasts from 8 to 14 hours (9–10 hours on average), so below is a verified guide to the main locations with up-to-date 2026 prices, opening hours, and precise directions from the cruise pier to every site. 🎯

⛰️ 1. Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River
💡 Interesting Facts and Background:
This is the main reason cruise ships call at Puerto Princesa in the first place. The 8.2 km underground river is one of the longest navigable underground rivers in the world and the only one that flows directly into the sea along its entire course: its lower section is brackish and subject to ocean tides. The cave chambers are astonishing in scale — up to 120 meters wide and 60 meters high, with stalactites and stalagmites millions of years old. 🦇
🔹 The river is the heart of the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, covering 22,202 hectares and encompassing a full mountain-to-sea ecosystem with 8 forest types, including the most valuable limestone forest in Asia.
🔹 In 2011, following a worldwide public vote, the river was named one of the New7Wonders of Nature, and in January 2012 the title was officially confirmed. 🏆
🔹 The site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List back in 1999 and also holds the status of a Biosphere Reserve and a Ramsar wetland of international importance.
🔹 To protect the ecosystem, the number of visitors is strictly limited — no more than 900 people per day.

📜 History:
Local Batak and Tagbanwa tribes knew of the river's existence long before the first written records, regarding the cave as a sacred site. It remained largely unknown to the wider world until the second half of the 20th century: systematic exploration and mapping of the cave only began in the 1980s. In 1992, management of the area was transferred to the jurisdiction of the Puerto Princesa city government, marking a turning point — that is when systematic work on park conservation and ecotourism development began. UNESCO recognition in 1999 and victory in the New7Wonders of Nature contest in 2011–2012 ultimately turned the river into the leading tourism brand of the entire island of Palawan.

🚢 How to Get There from the Cruise Pier:
• Distance: about 75–80 km to the village of Sabang (Barangay Cabayugan), where the cave entrance is located
• Private transfer/taxi: 1.5–2 hours one way
• Group van tour: the same travel time, but with fixed stops and a guide
• On your own (DIY): not recommended due to the complex permit system — the chance of getting a ticket without advance booking during cruise season is minimal
❗ Important: given the distance and the strict visitor cap, a tour to the Underground River must be booked in advance — ideally through your cruise line or a trusted local operator.

💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Environmental fee: 150 PHP
• Entrance ticket (foreign tourists, 21+): 500 PHP
• Audio guide: 85 PHP
• Boat to the cave entrance (up to 6 people per boat): about 350 PHP
• Total per person: approximately 900–1,100 PHP excluding transfer
• Boat ride through the cave: 30–45 minutes
• Opening hours (2026): daily 08:30–15:30
⚠️ Permits: book your permit at the national park office in the city 1–2 days in advance, or at the Sabang wharf on the morning of your visit — but during peak cruise season, tickets often sell out ahead of time.

🏝️ 2. Honda Bay
💡 Interesting Facts and Background:
Honda Bay is an archipelago of about a dozen small islets and sandbars with turquoise water and coral reefs — the most popular island-hopping destination among cruise travelers who don't have time for the long trip to the Underground River. 🐠
🔹 Luli Island — a sandbar that disappears underwater at high tide and reappears at low tide. The name «Luli» is short for the Tagalog phrase «lumulubog, lumulutang» («sinking and floating»).
🔹 Cowrie Island — the most developed island, with a cozy beach, cafes, and picnic areas.
🔹 Starfish Island — shallow waters where the sandy bottom is literally scattered with starfish.
🔹 Around the islands there are dozens of snorkeling spots with colorful coral gardens and tropical fish.

📜 History:
Historically, Honda Bay was a fishing bay that sustained the coastal communities of Sta. Lourdes and neighboring barangays. As tourism developed in Palawan in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, fishing bangka boats gradually shifted toward carrying tourists, and Sta. Lourdes Wharf became the main gateway for island hopping on the island. Today it is one of the symbols of Palawan's «accessible paradise» — a destination that can be fully enjoyed from morning to evening even during a single cruise call.

🚢 How to Get There from the Cruise Pier:
• Departure wharf: Sta. Lourdes Wharf
• Taxi/tricycle to the wharf: 25–35 minutes
• Then by bangka boat to the chosen islands (10–20 minutes between islands)

💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Boat rental with captain (group of up to 6, full day): about 1,800 PHP
• Entrance (environmental) fees for three islands combined: about 190 PHP
• Lunch on Cowrie Island: from 200 PHP
• Mask and snorkel rental: about 150 PHP
• Approximate cost per person (DIY, in a group): 800–1,000 PHP
• All-inclusive organized tour: 1,500–2,000 PHP per person
• Opening hours: boats usually depart from 08:00, with the last return trips around 16:00–17:00

🧗 3. Ugong Rock Adventures
💡 Interesting Facts and Background:
Ugong Rock is a limestone hill formation named after the «ugong» sound (Tagalog for «echo, rumble») produced by its hollow sections when tapped. It is one of the few attractions in Palawan that combines a natural landmark with active adventure. 🪨
🔹 The spelunking route winds through narrow natural tunnels past stalactites and stalagmites and takes about 30–45 minutes.
🔹 At the exit, visitors are greeted by the «Superman zipline» — a descent by cable above the tropical forest canopy.
🔹 The site is run by a local community cooperative, so ticket proceeds directly support the economy of Barangay Tagabinet.

📜 History:
Local residents have long known about Ugong Cave, but it was developed as a tourist attraction relatively recently, as part of community ecotourism programs along the road to Sabang. The idea was simple: give the local community an alternative source of income unrelated to logging or poaching, and redirect part of the tourist flow heading to the Underground River into the neighboring village. Today, Ugong Rock is one of the most successful examples of this approach on the island.

🚢 How to Get There from the Cruise Pier:
• Location: National Highway, Barangay Tagabinet, on the road to Sabang
• Travel time: about 1 hour 20 minutes from the city
• Tip: since the site lies directly on the way to the Underground River, it's most convenient to combine both locations in a single tour

💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Spelunking only: 300 PHP
• Spelunking + «Superman» zipline: 650 PHP
• Sitting zipline only: 550 PHP
• Photos from the activity: 200 PHP
• Opening hours: daily, approximately 08:00–17:00

🐊 4. Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center
💡 Interesting Facts and Background:
Known among tourists simply as the «crocodile farm», this center is actually far more than a place for photos with reptiles. 🐊
🔹 The facility's main mission is the conservation and breeding of the critically endangered Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis), one of the rarest crocodile species in the world.
🔹 Besides crocodiles, other endemic Palawan animals undergo rehabilitation here: hornbills, Palawan hill mynas, peacocks, and binturongs (bearcats).
🔹 The center is actively engaged in educational work with local school groups and tourists, explaining the role of predators in the mangrove ecosystem.

📜 History:
The facility opened in 1987, initially as a research station for breeding the Philippine crocodile — a species that was at that time on the brink of extinction due to hunting and habitat loss. Over the years its mission expanded: from a purely scientific breeding station, the center evolved into a full-fledged wildlife rescue center that takes in injured animals and those confiscated from illegal owners from across Palawan.

🚢 How to Get There from the Cruise Pier:
• Address: Puerto Princesa South Road, Puerto Princesa
• Taxi/tricycle: about 30 minutes

💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Admission: free
• Opening hours: daily 08:00–17:00
💡 Tip: plan your visit around feeding time — staff at the entrance can tell you the exact schedule.

⛪ 5. Immaculate Conception Cathedral
💡 Interesting Facts and Background:
Puerto Princesa's main church is built in a restrained Neo-Gothic style with distinctive bell towers on either side of the facade — architecture that recalls European churches while fitting naturally into the island's tropical landscape. ⛪
🔹 The cathedral is the seat of the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa — the main Catholic jurisdiction on the island of Palawan.
🔹 The very first Mass in the newly founded settlement was celebrated on the site of today's cathedral on March 10, 1872.
🔹 The building has been rebuilt several times; it took on its current appearance in 1961.

📜 History:
Spanish Augustinian Recollect friar Ezequiel Moreno celebrated the first Mass on this site on March 10, 1872, six days after the Spanish founded the settlement of Puerto de la Princesa. A parish dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary soon emerged here, around which the city itself began to take shape. The cathedral has undergone several reconstructions, including a post-war rebuild, and today remains the spiritual heart of the city and a silent witness to its more than 150-year history.

🚢 How to Get There from the Cruise Pier:
• Address: 58 Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa
• Taxi/tricycle: 5–10 minutes
• On foot: about 20–25 minutes

💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Admission: free
• Opening hours: daily, generally from early morning to evening (between Masses)
👕 Dress code: as with any active place of worship, overly revealing beachwear should be avoided.

🕯️ 6. Plaza Cuartel
💡 Interesting Facts and Background:
A small park right in the city center that, at first glance, looks like an ordinary town square, is in fact the site of one of the most tragic chapters in Palawan's World War II history. 🕊️
🔹 The remains of the air-raid shelters where the tragedy took place can still be seen on the grounds.
🔹 Memorial plaques tell visitors the story of the events.
🔹 In recent years, archaeologists have discovered an underground tunnel on the plaza grounds, the age of which researchers are still determining — another reminder that a complex history lies beneath this peaceful square.

📜 History:
On December 14, 1944, Japanese forces herded about 150 American prisoners of war into air-raid shelters on the plaza grounds, doused the entrances with gasoline, and set them on fire, shooting those who tried to escape. 139 prisoners were killed; only 11 survived, aided by Filipino guerrillas and scouts. This is one of the most tragic episodes of the Pacific theater of the war, known as the Palawan Massacre. The Japanese regional commander, General Tomoyuki Yamashita, was later found guilty of war crimes and executed in February 1946.

🚢 How to Get There from the Cruise Pier:
• Location: next to the Cathedral, in the city center
• Taxi/tricycle: 5–10 minutes
• On foot from the cathedral: 2–3 minutes

💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Admission: free
• Opening hours: open 24 hours (a public square), though the memorial plaques are best viewed during the day

🍞 7. Baker's Hill
💡 Interesting Facts and Background:
The story of an ordinary bakery growing into one of the city's landmarks is a classic Filipino entrepreneurial success story. 🥮
🔹 The star attraction is hopia, a traditional Filipino pastry with a bean filling, baked here to a signature recipe.
🔹 The grounds have been turned into a park with life-sized statues, manicured gardens, a playground, and a small mini-zoo.
🔹 The viewing deck offers a panoramic view over the city and the Sulu Sea.

📜 History:
The business began as a modest family bakery whose products — hopia above all — became so popular with locals and tourists alike that the owners gradually expanded the grounds, adding decorative gardens, statues, and recreational areas. Organically, step by step, an ordinary bakery grew into a themed park attraction that is today a must-stop on almost every city tour of Puerto Princesa.

🚢 How to Get There from the Cruise Pier:
• Address: Mitra Road, Puerto Princesa
• Taxi/tricycle: about 25 minutes

💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Admission to the grounds: free
• Opening hours: daily 07:00–20:00
• Pastries and souvenirs: paid separately at the local bakery

✨ 8. Iwahig Firefly Watching
💡 Interesting Facts and Background:
An evening ride in a paddle boat along the mangroves of the Iwahig River, where thousands of synchronized lights flash in the darkness, is one of Palawan's most atmospheric — though less famous among cruise travelers — experiences. ✨
🔹 The presence of fireflies is a natural indicator of clean air and an undisturbed river ecosystem: these insects cannot survive in a polluted environment.
🔹 The tour is organized by the local Iwahig community ecotourism association, so the income stays within the village.
🔹 The tour only runs in the evening, so it mainly suits passengers on cruises with a late departure or those staying overnight in the city before or after their cruise.

📜 History:
The village of Iwahig has long been known for its scenic river and dense mangrove forests, which for a long time remained off the beaten tourist track. In the late 2000s and early 2010s, the local community organized an ecotourism cooperative that set up night boat tours to watch the fireflies — a form of «quiet» tourism that does no harm to the fragile mangrove ecosystem.

🚢 How to Get There from the Cruise Pier:
• Address: Km 20 Ferry Area, South National Highway, Barangay Iwahig
• Travel time: about 35 minutes
• Tour start time: from 18:00

💶 Cost and Opening Hours:
• Van rental (up to 10 people): about 1,500 PHP
• Boat (up to 3 people): about 600 PHP
• Approximate cost per person (in a group): 200–350 PHP excluding transfer

🌿 9. Other Places Worth Visiting
• 🔒 Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm — a unique open-air penal colony without walls, bars, or barbed wire, where inmates farm the land and sell handmade souvenirs to tourists. One of the very few institutions of its kind in the world open to visitors.
• 🍜 Viet Ville — a former camp for Vietnamese «boat people» refugees who fled Indochina in the 1970s–1990s. Today only a Buddhist temple and a small restaurant serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine remain — a living, if largely forgotten, trace of one of the region's largest humanitarian stories.
• 🌇 Baywalk Park — a seaside promenade in the city center with an evening seafood market and a view over the bay — a pleasant spot for a short evening stroll before returning to the ship.
• 🏛️ Palawan Museum — a small but informative exhibition on the island's history, its indigenous Tagbanwa and Batak peoples, and finds related to the ancient Tabon Man.
• 🌊 Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park — a marine UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, one of the richest coral reefs on the planet. Puerto Princesa is the main gateway port for diving expeditions to the reef, but the reef itself lies more than 150 km out at sea and is only accessible via multi-day liveaboard trips (season: March–June), making it unsuitable for a single-day cruise call.

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🗺️ Three Self-Guided Routes Around Puerto Princesa in 9–10 Hours
A cruise call in Puerto Princesa usually lasts 8–14 hours (9–10 hours on average). Unlike compact European ports, here the top attraction — the Underground River — lies 75–80 km from the pier, so realistically you'll need to choose between «the city and the sea» (Honda Bay) or «the cave and the jungle» (the Underground River and Ugong Rock) — fitting both into a single call is nearly impossible. Below are three tested options depending on budget and priorities.

🥉 Route 1. Budget — City and Honda Bay, from 1,500 PHP per person
⏱️ Total time: 9 hours | 💰 Approximate budget: 1,500–2,000 PHP + food

🕘 09:00 — Leave the pier, tricycle to the city center
Local fare — 150–200 PHP.

🕘 09:15–10:00 — Cathedral and Plaza Cuartel
Free walk through the historic center, visiting the cathedral and the memorial square.

🕙 10:00–10:30 — Baywalk Park
A short stroll along the promenade.

🕙 10:30–12:00 — Baker's Hill
Tricycle (~25 min), a walk through the gardens, hopia tasting.

🕐 12:00–12:45 — Lunch
Local food at a nearby cafe — from 200–300 PHP.

🕜 12:45–13:15 — Transfer to Sta. Lourdes Wharf
Tricycle or van, 25–35 min.

🕐 13:15–16:15 — Island Hopping in Honda Bay
Shared boat, 2–3 islands (Cowrie, Luli, or Starfish), snorkeling.

🕟 16:15–17:00 — Return to the pier

💰 Cost Breakdown:
• Tricycle (several rides): 400–600 PHP
• Baker's Hill (hopia and souvenirs): 200–300 PHP
• Lunch: 200–300 PHP
• Honda Bay (shared boat, fees, lunch, gear): 800–1,000 PHP
💸 TOTAL: about 1,600–2,200 PHP per person

🥈 Route 2. Optimal — Underground River and Ugong Rock, from 3,500 PHP per person
⏱️ Total time: 9–10 hours | 💰 Approximate budget: 3,500–4,500 PHP + food

🕗 07:30–08:00 — Meet the group van tour at the pier
Booking is essential in advance — the river permit is limited.

🕗 08:00–09:30 — Transfer to Sabang
Comfortable van, 75–80 km.

🕤 09:30–11:00 — Underground River
Registration, boat to the cave entrance, a 30–45-minute journey along the underground river.

🕚 11:00–12:00 — Lunch in Sabang
A local restaurant with a bay view, from 250–350 PHP.

🕛 12:00–13:00 — Ugong Rock Adventures
Spelunking and the «Superman» zipline on the way back to the city.

🕐 13:00–14:30 — The road back to Puerto Princesa

🕝 14:30–15:00 — Brief stop at Baker's Hill (optional)

🕒 15:00–15:30 — Return to the pier

💰 Cost Breakdown:
• Group van tour with transfer, guide, and river ticket: 3,000–3,500 PHP
• Ugong Rock (spelunking + zipline): 650 PHP
• Lunch: 250–350 PHP
💸 TOTAL: about 3,900–4,500 PHP per person
💡 Skipping the zipline in favor of spelunking only saves 350 PHP.

🥇 Route 3. Premium — Private Tour from 8,000 PHP per person
⏱️ Total time: 9–10 hours | 💰 Approximate budget: 8,000–12,000 PHP + tickets

🏆 What's Included:
• ✅ Meet your private driver right at the ship's gangway
• ✅ A comfortable air-conditioned van for the whole day
• ✅ An English-speaking licensed guide
• ✅ A pre-booked permit for the Underground River, with no risk of missing out on a ticket
• ✅ Priority boat access to the cave
• ✅ A reserved table at a trusted restaurant
• ✅ A flexible route — adjusted on the fly

You can book through your cruise manager, or contact us directly, whichever is more convenient:

Phone numbers:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell):    +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar):   +380 97 653 05 53

Email us

Write to us

🕗 07:30 — Meet your driver and guide at the pier

🕗 08:00–09:30 — Private van transfer to Sabang

🕤 09:30–11:00 — Underground River with priority access
No queues or waiting, with detailed explanations from your guide on the park's geology and ecosystem.

🕚 11:00–12:15 — Lunch at a restaurant overlooking Sabang Bay
Fresh seafood, from 500 PHP per person.

🕧 12:15–13:30 — Ugong Rock Adventures (VIP pace, no queue)
Spelunking and the «Superman» zipline on the way back.

🕐 13:30–15:00 — The road back with a stop at Baker's Hill
A panoramic view of the city, hopia for the road.

🕒 15:00–15:30 — Return to the pier in a comfortable van

💰 Cost Breakdown:
• Private guide and driver with an air-conditioned van (9–10 hrs): from 6,000 PHP per group
• Priority permit and Underground River ticket: about 1,100 PHP per person
• Ugong Rock (spelunking + zipline): 650 PHP
• Restaurant lunch: from 500 PHP
💸 TOTAL: from 8,000–9,000 PHP per person (for a group of 2+, calculated per group — more cost-effective per person)

🤝 Four Gates Group organizes private tours of Puerto Princesa with trusted local guides, transfer from the ship's gangway, and a guaranteed return on board. Contact your cruise specialist — and your day on Palawan will be perfectly tailored to your taste. 🛳️✨

⚠️ Good to Know Before You Go Ashore
🕐 The «all aboard» rule: you must be back on the ship 60 minutes before departure. Given the long distances to the main attractions, build in extra time for the return trip — Filipino traffic and road conditions can unexpectedly add 20–30 minutes.
🪪 Documents: bring a photocopy of your passport and your cruise Ship Card.
💵 Cash: carry 2,000–3,000 PHP in small bills — most tricycles, local cafes, and the wharves at Honda Bay and Sabang accept cash only.
👟 Clothing and footwear: comfortable closed-toe shoes for spelunking, lightweight long-sleeved clothing for the jungle, and swimwear for Honda Bay.
🦟 Insect protection: be sure to bring insect repellent — especially for evening tours and jungle trips.
☀️ Sun protection: the tropical sun is intense here year-round, with temperatures reaching +33 °C. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential, and bring plenty of water.
📱 Internet: mobile signal and Wi-Fi are reliable in the city center, but coverage is weak or unavailable in Sabang, on the Honda Bay islands, and in Iwahig village — download offline maps in advance.
🔐 Safety: Puerto Princesa is considered one of the calmest and safest cities in the Philippines, but the usual precautions regarding valuables and walking alone at night in quiet areas always apply.
🚫 No advance booking, no guarantee: Underground River tickets can sell out during peak cruise season — don't plan this excursion «on a whim» without reserving ahead of time.

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general guidance only and is accurate as of the date of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. For up-to-date information, please check with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or the official websites of the relevant sites.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals

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