Our adventure to Puerto Princesa, Palawan began with an early Friday morning flight from Manila. After a smooth one-hour journey, our plane landed at the Puerto Princesa International Airport at exactly 9:55 AM. A van from A&A Plaza Hotel was already waiting to take us in for our 4 days and 3 nights stay, where we would begin our much-awaited Puerto Princesa City Tour.
The moment we arrived, hunger greeted us louder than the city’s bustle. We headed straight to the hotel’s restaurant, Chow Na, and ordered a full platter of comfort food—grilled chicken, pork spareribs, tuna belly, grilled pork chop, chopsuey, rice, iced tea, and a refreshing bowl of mais con yelo. A hearty welcome to Palawan indeed.
Puerto Princesa City Tour
At one in the afternoon, our city tour van arrived. The first stop was the Puerto Princesa Baywalk, the city’s very own version of Roxas Boulevard. Instead of skyscrapers, though, the highlight was the series of colorful peacock sculptures decorating the stretch of the baywalk. The peacock, we learned, is the city’s proud symbol.
From there, we made our way to the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral, a century-old church sitting quietly on Rizal Street. Its blue and white façade stood out, weathered but graceful, a reminder of Puerto Princesa’s strong Catholic roots.
As we drove around, our guide peppered the ride with fascinating trivia. The locals speak Cuyonon, a language sprinkled with both Spanish and Bisaya influences. I laughed when she explained how “hindi” becomes “indi,” and “ulan” turns into “uran.” Even “I love you” had a unique ring—“Inggueguegma Tacao.” And since tricycles are the city’s main transport, she joked that Puerto Princesa has no taxis, only “taxicles.”
Souvenirs, Weaving, and a View from the Hills
No trip is complete without a little shopping. Along the Puerto Princesa North Road, we stopped by a souvenir center bursting with trinkets—keychains, woodcrafts, woven bags, dried fish, and T-shirts with witty island prints.
Then came one of my favorite stops: Binuatan Creations in Brgy. Sta. Monica. Inside, locals were weaving mats and other products using colorful buri fibers. A kind worker let me try the loom—it looked simple but was humbling in its precision. The woven pieces in their showroom made me appreciate the patience behind each one.
They also have their showroom where quality products are being displayed.
Next was Mitra’s Ranch (Rancho Sta. Monica), once owned by the late senator Ramon Mitra. Perched on a hill, it offered a sweeping view of Honda Bay’s islands—a perfect pause before the sweet stop that followed: Baker’s Hill.
Baker’s Hill is part pastry shop, part whimsical park. While the scent of hopiang ube and pineapple hopia tempted us, the quirky life-sized sculptures scattered around the grounds and the small zoo made the place feel like a mini theme park.
Meeting Crocodiles in Puerto Princesa
Our last stop for the day was both thrilling and slightly terrifying—the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, better known as the Crocodile Farm. At the entrance, a giant crocodile skeleton greeted us, its preserved skin displayed on the wall.
Inside, we first saw the hatchling house, where baby crocodiles up to six years old were kept. Then, we crossed a hanging bridge above massive adult crocodiles lounging beneath us. Standing above these giants gave me chills. The highlight? Getting the chance to hold a young croc for a photo. Before leaving, we even tried the unusual yet surprisingly tasty crocodile sisig.
As the sun dipped, we returned to the hotel, tired but filled with excitement. Our first day in Palawan had introduced us to the history, culture, flavors, and wildlife of Puerto Princesa City.
For anyone planning to visit, a Puerto Princesa city tour is the perfect way to begin exploring Palawan—an introduction that blends tradition, local stories, and a dash of adventure.
