Puerto Princesa Things to Do

Tour companies offer trips in Puerto Princesa Bay o watch dolphins at play. Half day trips cost in the region of 900 pesos per person and although i have never taken the trip i have heard that there are plenty of dolphins to see.

2 more images

This museum just opened in Dec 2011 and is privately owned by a local resident who is a keen historian. Many exhibits were donated from locals in the city, and there are several exhibit rooms, each on a different theme, such as the USA, the Japanese, the British and Russian etc. There is a good collection of relics, uniforms, weapons. This Museum is about 1 km after the airport and is open daily from 8-5 except Wednesdays. Admission is free but there is a donation box. Drinks can be purchased, and you can relax while browsing through various war books. Also there is internet access and a good collection of old photographs on the wall.

There are two information centres in Puerto Princesa, one is just 50 m on your right as you exit the departure hall and the other is situated in the Capital building. Both are very helpful and have several brochures about the island.

1 more image

Iwahig Penal Colony was established by the Americans near the turn of the 19th century for Filipino prisoners that couldn't be housed in Manila. Now the prison holds around 100 inmates, mostly murderers and drug dealers that have been sent from the notorious prison (Mantalupa) in Manila. The dangerous prisoners are placed in maximum security until they are trusted to join the work gangs on the farm, or they even involved in carpentry, or other types of agriculture. You can even hire prisoners to work for you in construction or your land if you transport them and pay the guard for the service. After some years in the colony they are given an opportunity to build a native house and bring their wife and children to live a normal life together. In the olden days it as difficult to escape because of the thick jungle, diseases such as malaria and the problem of feeding themselves. Nowadays there are a few escapes but most are apprehended, but some are released, feel insecure with the outside world so they commit a crime so they can come back to their "prison home". the total area of the colony is immense stretching from around km 15 on the highway south to perhaps km 50 or somewhere around there. There are also several sub-colonies scattered around with groups of prisoners occupied in different projects. At the main prison you will have to sign in as you enter, then it is 3 or 4 kms to the HQ where you find the administrative centre, snack bar, souvenir shop and a grassy quadrangle. Prisoners will perform disco dancing for you with the hope of receiving a small donation. You can reach the prison by jeepney or tricycle on the road south about an hour out of town.

1 more image

Rocky Mountain Pool Resort is 12 kms from town on the northern highway, just before you reach the turn off for Honda Bay boats. It consists of a swimming pool, picnic huts and a few bungalows for overnighters. The whole place has been constructed on a hillside, ot a bad place to swim if the local customers turn off their boom boxes. Bungalows a/c 1000 pesos, fan 700 pesos, swimming pool 30 pesos.

2 more images

We enjoyed a pleasant afternoon here where we rented a hut with a private tub for 4 hours, costing 500 pesos. although we were only two persons the price was good for up to 7 people.There are 5 or 6 tubs and a few overnight bungalows with sleeping quarters upstairs and a private tub downstairs, ranging from 750 pesos to 1,200 pesos. There was also a restaurant selling Korean and local food at very reasonable prices. There is a public hotsprings next door which appeared to be closed judging by the state of the property, and there was Marcos hot spring on the other side but it was crowded and loud music was booming. All are located around km 12 on the northern highway, just after the turn off for the boat trips to Honda Bay.

1 more image

There are several beaches within 5 kms of the centre but most are shallow water, but they are very busy especially at weekends or holidays. There is usually a small charge(10 pesos) to enter and then you can rent a bungalow for something like 200m pesos. Pristine Beach and White Beach are probably the closest but BM Beach is also good, but only at high tide as there are bungalows in the water which is around 3 feet deep. Alcohol and snacks are available at all the beaches. Good place to meet locals especially if you bring a bottle of Tanduay rum! There are three resorts that are on the beach but a little more expensive, Microtel, Dankayan resort and Puerto Aventura Resort. All offer accommodation.

1 more image

If you are going north there is a view deck along with a cafe, souvenir stand around 30+kms out of town. This will be on the left hand side of the road and offers you a view of tghe islands in Honda Bay. the site was a project of Mayor Hagedorn.