Puerto Princesa Travel Guide: Underground River and Honda Bay

Palawan's gateway city

Puerto Princesa is the capital of Palawan and the main gateway to the province, but it is far more than a transit stop. Home to a UNESCO World Heritage underground river, the easy island-hopping of Honda Bay, and a relaxed, green city itself, it deserves a couple of days before you head north to El Nido or Coron.

The Underground River

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River - one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature - is the city's headline attraction. You take a boat into a vast limestone cave system, gliding beneath cathedral-like chambers of stalactites and stalagmites, with bats and swiftlets overhead. It is gentle, accessible and genuinely awe-inspiring. Permits are limited, so book ahead.

Honda Bay island hopping

Just north of the city, Honda Bay is a scatter of small islands and sandbars in warm, shallow, clear water - the city's favourite day trip. Islands like Cowrie, Luli and Starfish offer soft sand, easy snorkelling and beach bars, making it a joyful, family-friendly introduction to Palawan's island life.

Around the city

Puerto Princesa itself is worth exploring: the buzzing Baywalk for sunset and seafood, the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (the crocodile farm), Iwahig for firefly watching, and a growing scene of cafes and farm-to-table restaurants. Honey, cashews and fresh seafood are local specialities.

Getting there and practical tips

Puerto Princesa has an airport with direct flights from Manila, Cebu and beyond. It is the starting point for the long road trips north to El Nido (five to six hours) and to Sabang for the Underground River (about two hours). Travel in the dry season for the best conditions, and book the Underground River permit in advance.

Frequently asked questions

What is Puerto Princesa known for?

Puerto Princesa is known for the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River - a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature - as well as Honda Bay island hopping, firefly watching at Iwahig, and its relaxed, green city vibe. It is also Palawan's main gateway, with the province's busiest airport.

Is the Underground River worth visiting?

Yes - gliding by boat into the vast limestone caverns of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, beneath towering stalactites with bats overhead, is a genuinely awe-inspiring and accessible experience suitable for all ages. It is one of the Philippines' signature natural wonders. Permits are limited, so arrange your visit in advance.

How do you get to the Underground River?

The Underground River is near Sabang, about two hours by road from Puerto Princesa city. Most visitors join a guided day tour that includes the van transfer, the boat into the cave, permits and lunch. Because daily visitor numbers are capped for conservation, booking ahead - especially in peak season - is essential.

How many days should I spend in Puerto Princesa?

Two days is enough for the highlights: one for the Underground River (a full-day trip to Sabang) and one for Honda Bay island hopping, plus an evening on the Baywalk or a firefly tour. It makes a great start to a Palawan trip before heading north to El Nido and Coron.

Is Honda Bay good for families?

Very much so. Honda Bay's calm, shallow, clear water and soft-sand islands make it ideal for families and non-swimmers, with life vests provided and easy snorkelling straight off the beach. There is plenty of time to relax, swim and wander between islands, making it a gentle, joyful day out for all ages.

Can you visit Puerto Princesa and El Nido together?

Yes, and many travellers do. Fly into Puerto Princesa, spend a day or two on the Underground River and Honda Bay, then take a five-to-six-hour van north to El Nido. This linear route avoids backtracking and lets you experience three of Palawan's big draws in one trip.

Plan your trip with PANA.PH

Ready to turn Puerto Princesa into a real itinerary? Browse our tours and activities for guided island hopping, canyoneering, diving and day trips, compare places to stay, and read more destination guides on the PANA.PH blog. Underground River wonder and Honda Bay sandbars await - our Puerto Princesa tours make them effortless.

The best Philippine trips come together when the big pieces are booked early - flights between islands, the headline tours, and rooms in peak season - while the small pleasures are left to discover on the ground. Travel in the dry season (roughly late November to May) for the calmest seas and clearest skies, carry enough cash for island fees and local eateries, and always keep a buffer day in case the weather reshuffles a boat trip. A little planning around the seasons and the logistics turns a good holiday into a great one.

PANA.PH gathers the best of the Philippines in one place - handpicked tours from trusted local operators, honest guides written to help rather than sell, and practical tips drawn from real island travel - so you can spend less time organising and more time actually exploring. Whether you are chasing beaches, reefs, waterfalls, food or culture, use the links above to shape your route, then book with confidence and let the islands take care of the rest.