Things to Do in Puerto Princesa, Philippines: Walking Guide

Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan, serves as a relaxed gateway to the island’s renowned natural attractions and cultural landmarks. Visitors can explore historic sites, the world‑famous underground river, and lively local markets while enjoying the city’s unhurried atmosphere. Neywo provides a free audio guide for Puerto Princesa that covers 9 narrated places and includes one self‑guided walking tour.

Explore the city’s highlights

Douglas DC‑2 Plaza Cuartel Museum

This museum marks the site of the Palawan massacre of 14 December 1944, when 150 Allied prisoners of war were killed by Japanese forces and only eleven survived. The memorial preserves the memory of that tragic event and offers insight into Puerto Princesa’s wartime history.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Located in the Saint Paul Mountain Range along the western coast, the park protects the Puerto Princesa Underground River. Established in 1971 and managed by the city government since 1992, it spans 3,901 hectares with an additional 18,301‑hectare buffer zone. Visitors typically reach the park via the seaside village of Sabang, then travel by bangka (small boat) to the river’s entrance.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Also known as Puerto Princesa Cathedral, this Neo‑Gothic church stands at the border of Barangay Matiyaga Poblacion and Liwanag Poblacion. Situated at 118° east longitude, it is recognized as the westernmost cathedral in the Philippines and serves as the mother church of the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa.

Palawan

As the provincial capital, Puerto Princesa lies within Palawan, often described as the Philippines’ “Last Frontier.” The province’s main island stretches about 450 kilometres in length and reaches roughly 50 kilometres across. According to the July 2024 census, Palawan is home to 968,795 people living in 230,836 households. A 2019 proposal to split the province into three was rejected by voters in a 2021 plebiscite.

Crocodile Fossils (Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center)

This facility, also referred to as the Crocodile Farm, focuses on the rehabilitation and conservation of crocodiles and other wildlife. It provides a chance to learn about local conservation efforts while observing the animals in a protected setting.

Museum of Palawan

The museum offers exhibits on the province’s natural history, archaeology, and cultural heritage. It serves as a compact resource for understanding Palawan’s diverse ecosystems and traditions.

Iwahig Penal Colony

Known historically as the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, this site operates as a minimum‑security penal colony where inmates engage in agricultural work. Its open layout reflects a unique approach to incarceration and rehabilitation.

Plaza Cuartel

A public park and historic site, Plaza Cuartel invites visitors to pause amidst shaded walkways and open lawns. It is closely linked to the nearby museum and commemorates the same wartime events remembered at the Douglas DC‑2 Plaza Cuartel Museum.

San Exequiel Moreno (1848–1906)

An NHCP historical marker here honors Saint Ezequiel Moreno, a Augustinian friar who lived from 1848 to 1906. The marker provides a brief connection to the city’s religious and social past.

Experience Puerto Princesa with Neywo

If you prefer to explore at your own rhythm, download the Neywo app and start the free walking tour titled “Plaza Cuartel and the Cathedral of the Far West.” This route covers 1.22 kilometres, takes about 37 minutes, and includes four narrated stops: Puerto Princesa Cathedral, the San Exequiel Moreno memorial, Plaza Cuartel, and the Museum of Palawan. As you reach each point, the app plays the corresponding story automatically—no guide, no schedule, just you and the city’s narrative. Neywo’s audio guide for Puerto Princesa features nine narrated places in total and is available in eleven languages, giving you a flexible way to discover what to see in Puerto Princesa, enjoy a self‑guided walking tour, and learn the city’s highlights without any cost.