Exploring the Heart of the City: A Fresh Look at Puerto Princesa

I’ve set foot in Puerto Princesa more times than I can count, but I realized I had always treated it as a mere gatew...

I’ve set foot in Puerto Princesa more times than I can count, but I realized I had always treated it as a mere gateway—a quick pitstop before rushing off to the limestone karsts of El Nido or the quiet beaches of San Vicente. Even when I was living in El Nido, the city was simply a place for essential errands.

This time, through a recent visit with the Tourism Promotions Board and Palawan Tourism Council, I finally took a deeper look at the city’s history and heritage.

Princess Eulalia Statue

Beyond the “City in a Forest”

Taking the Puerto Princesa City Tour felt like finally meeting an old friend and actually listening to their stories for the first time. Beyond the “City in a Forest” tagline lies a rich tapestry of wartime resilience, vibrant craftsmanship, and quiet pockets of history that I had driven past for years. If you think you know Palawan, wait until you walk its city streets.

Where the Story Begins: Princess Eulalia Park

The tour kicks off at Princess Eulalia Park, a site that serves as the city’s historical compass. Here, we met our energetic and enthusiastic guide, Jed (09452572700 / TravelCart Tours), who helped bring the pavement to life.

Named after the Infanta Eulalia of Spain, the park honors the woman who gave this “Port of the Princess” in 1872. Interestingly, Eulalia was no ordinary royal; she was known as the “Rebel Princess”—a progressive writer and feminist who often defied the Spanish court. Her independent spirit feels like the perfect namesake for a city that has always marched to the beat of its own drum.

The highlight of the park is the Milestones Mural. This sprawling piece of street art isn’t just decoration; it’s a visual table of contents for the city, showcasing its evolution in vivid color.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral

The Heritage & History Stops

Dr. Jose P. Rizal Monument: Located in the heart of the city, this monument honors the national hero and serves as a central gathering point for civic pride.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral: An architectural standout with unique angular structures and a light blue facade. It’s a place of quiet refuge with a history dating back to the first Spanish expedition.

Plaza Cuartel

Plaza Cuartel: A somber but essential visit. These restored ruins of a WWII garrison serve as a memorial to the American POWs who perished here, offering a moment of deep reflection.

Mendoza Park

Mendoza Park: Named after a local resistance hero, this social hub is where the city breathes, often hosting local events and offering a shaded spot for people-watching.

Inside Palawan Museum

Palawan Museum: The ultimate “crash course” in local culture, from the ancient Tabon Caves to indigenous artifacts. Visit their Page

Palawan Special Battalion WW-II Memorial Museum

Palawan Special Battalion WW-II Memorial Museum: A private museum packed with well-preserved relics and stories of the local guerrillas. Visit their Page

Batak tribe of Palawan

Local Crafts & Unique Experiences

Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village: A two-part experience that starts with a walk through a lush garden of native butterflies and ends with a visit to the Batak Cultural Village. Here, you can learn about the “Mountain People” of Palawan—the Batak tribe—and see their traditional music, hunting tools, and handiwork. Visit their Page

Traditional hand-loom weaving at Binatuan Creations

Binuatan Creations: An interactive weaving center where you can watch—and try!—traditional hand-loom weaving using local fibers and grasses. Visit their Page

Earl’s Jewelry and Souvenir: The place to go for Palawan’s famous pearls, from high-end South Sea pearls to simple keepsakes. Visit their Page

Iwahig Penal Colony

Iwahig Penal Colony: Known as the “Prison Without Walls,” this facility allows inmates to farm and roam freely. Don’t miss the American-style colonial houses—ghostly architectural echoes of the early 1900s.The Iwahig “Pasalubong”: This is the best place to buy raw honey and hand-carved mahogany items. Proceeds directly support the inmates’ welfare and rehabilitation.

Iwahig Firefly Watching

Iwahig Firefly Watching: A magical nighttime paddle through the mangroves. As the sun sets, the trees light up like Christmas displays under a canopy of constellations.

The Dome Hotel

Where to Stay & Eat

Stay: The Dome Hotel: A modern, boutique choice known for its unique aesthetic and comfortable, clean dome-style rooms that provide a quiet escape from the city bustle. Check them out

Eat: Ang Nanay’s (Robinsons): A local favorite for authentic Filipino comfort food. It’s the perfect spot to refuel with home-cooked flavors after a long day of sightseeing. See the Menu

Ang Nanay by Corinne's Kitchen