Exploring the City of Puerto Princesa: A Summer Like No Other!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Puerto Princesa is known all over the world, for its tourist destinations, beautiful sceneries, warm beaches, and many seafood restaurants. This city was also acclaimed as the cleanest and greenest city in the Philippines. It’s truly God’s gift, so come and join me in exploring Puerto Princesa, Palawan!

Upon arriving at the Puerto Princesa Airport, we were welcomed by its fresh, cold and very relaxing atmosphere. People there were very hospitable and friendly to tourists like us. It is like staying New York or in Rio because even though it’s already late at night, the city is still alive and full of life. 

Stores were still open, restaurants were still accepting diners, and people were still out on the streets having fun. We were never bored. Each day we were given an activity to do and a place to visit.

On our first day we went island hopping and the activities were swimming, fish feeding and snorkeling. We first visited the Pambatu reef for the first activity which was snorkeling. The reef was famous for its beautiful coral reefs, clams and different fishes. 

After that we went to the Island of Luli for fish feeding. Luli is famous for its long shoreline. 

The last island we visited was the Cowrie Island which is famous for its fine white sand and beach. 

Our second day was the most exciting day, because we explored Puerto Princesa’s most famous attraction, the Underground River. During the fifteen minute tour, we were able to see beautiful stalagmite and stalactite formations. 

Our next destination was the Ugong Rock, we were required to climb it to see the beautiful scenery and to able to do our activity that day which was Zip-lining. It was quite hard to climb up the cave for it was too slippery and a bit steep, but I didn’t give up and I was able to reach the top. 

We were given two choices on how to go back down, either we going down the way we went up or going down by the means of zip-lining. It was a really tough decision to make because I am scared of heights, but I convinced myself to try the zip-line. 

At first it was really terrifying, but as I continued gliding I started to enjoy it. The view was just too breathtaking, it was too beautiful to ignore. 

On our third day we had our City Tour. We visited places like Baywalk, their local version of baywalk of Manila. Next was the Binuatan Weaving Center where materials from indigenous grasses and plants are hand-woven and designed into colorful table runners, bags, and other works of art. After that we visited other destinations like the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral, Baker’s Hill, Mitra’s Ranch, Plaza Cuartel and the Crocodile Farm. 

On our last night in Puerto Princesa we decided to dine in one of their most famous restaurant named Ka Lui. They offered delicious and mouthwatering food and dessert.

It is a summer like no other! I had fun spending time with my family away from stress and worries. I would really like to go back and visit more places and learn more about the city. It was an unforgettable vacation and I hope Puerto Princesa would continue to invite tourists to visit this wonderful country of ours. 

Contributed by Maria Cherisse Tuazon