Puerto Princesa City, Philippines is a captivating blend of natural wonders and urban vibrancy. Known for its pristine natural beauty and commitment to sustainable practices, the city offers visitors a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and immersive cultural experiences.
Forming part of the country’s last ecological frontier, Puerto Princesa City is a pioneering leader in environmental sustainability and has made significant strides towards achieving carbon neutrality. The city’s unwavering commitment to maintaining this status is evident in its numerous initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, conserving natural resources, and promoting eco-friendly practices among residents and visitors alike.
Leveraging CBST, this innovative approach ensures that tourism development benefits local communities, preserves cultural heritage, and protects the natural environment.
At the heart of CBST in Puerto Princesa is the empowerment of local communities. Residents are actively involved in the planning, development, and management of tourism activities, ensuring that they directly benefit from the industry. This inclusive approach creates employment opportunities, fosters entrepreneurship, and promotes economic growth within the community.
Eco-Tourism Enterprises: Local communities operate eco-tourism enterprises such as guided tours, homestays, and handicraft markets. These businesses provide authentic experiences for visitors while supporting the livelihoods of local families. For instance, visitors can stay in locally-run accommodations that offer a genuine glimpse into the lives and traditions of the people of Puerto Princesa.
Cultural Preservation: CBST initiatives also focus on preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Puerto Princesa. Traditional crafts, dances, and culinary practices are integral parts of the tourism experience, allowing visitors to connect with the cultural fabric of the region. This not only enriches the visitor experience but also helps maintain and revive cultural practices that might otherwise be lost.
Join Us in Making a Difference – Immerse yourself in authentic cultural experiences and help promote sustainable tourism practices. Contact us to book your eco-friendly adventure and contribute to the well-being of our communities and the preservation of Puerto Princesa’s natural wonders.
The city understands that its natural beauty is its greatest asset and has taken extensive measures to ensure that tourism activities do not compromise the environment. Visitors to Puerto Princesa can enjoy a wide range of eco-friendly attractions and activities designed to showcase the region’s incredible biodiversity.
Check out some of the exciting adventures you can experience in Puerto Princesa:
Underground River: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a must-visit. This stunning limestone karst landscape features an underground river that flows directly into the sea. Guided tours through the majestic caves emphasize environmental education, helping visitors understand the importance of preserving such natural treasures.
Honda Bay: Embark on an eco-friendly island-hopping adventure in Honda Bay. The bay’s crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life provide an idyllic setting for snorkeling, diving, and sustainable water sports. The city ensures that all tourism activities in Honda Bay adhere to strict environmental guidelines to protect its delicate marine ecosystem.
Firefly Watching: Experience the magical glow of fireflies! This enchanting evening tour allows visitors to witness the natural beauty of these luminescent insects while learning about the local ecosystem. The tour operators are committed to preserving the fireflies’ habitat, ensuring that future generations can enjoy this natural spectacle.
Hundred Caves: The 100 Caves, also known as the Tagabinet Caves, are a stunning network of limestone formations that invite exploration and wonder. As you embark on a guided tour, you’ll navigate through intricate passageways adorned with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites, each telling a story of the earth’s geological history. The cave system extends approximately one (1) kilometer, offering a diverse range of experiences for both novice explorers and seasoned adventurers.The local community of Barangay Tagabinet plays a vital role in managing and preserving the caves, ensuring that tourism activities do not compromise the delicate ecosystem.
Sabang Waterfalls: Reaching Sabang Waterfalls involves a scenic trek that begins at Sabang Beach. The 1.8-kilometer walk takes you through lush tropical forests, providing an immersive experience of Puerto Princesa’s rich biodiversity. As you make your way along the well-marked trail, you’ll encounter a variety of flora and fauna, from towering trees and vibrant flowers to the sounds of birds and other wildlife.
Upon reaching Sabang Waterfalls, you’ll be greeted by the sight of cascading waters plunging over 50 feet into a serene pool below. The waterfall is framed by verdant foliage and rugged rocks, creating a picturesque setting that is perfect for relaxation and photography. The cool, clear waters offer a refreshing escape from the tropical heat, inviting visitors to take a dip and rejuvenate in the natural pool.
Ugong Rock
A geological marvel that promises adventure and exhilaration, this towering limestone formation, coupled with the thrilling zipline experience, makes Ugong Rock a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.
The adventure begins with a climb through a network of caves within Ugong Rock. Visitors navigate through narrow passages, climb steep inclines, and squeeze through tight openings, all while marveling at the intricate stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over centuries. The climb is guided, ensuring safety while providing fascinating insights into the geological history of the rock.
After conquering Ugong Rock, the adventure continues with an exhilarating zipline ride. One of the longest ziplines in Palawan, this thrilling ride offers a unique perspective of the area’s natural beauty.
The zipline at Ugong Rock stretches over 800 meters, allowing you to soar high above the treetops and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the lush landscape below. The ride is both thrilling and serene, offering an adrenaline rush as you glide effortlessly through the air.
Batak Cultural Village
The Batak, one of the oldest indigenous tribes in the Philippines, have lived in the forests of Palawan for centuries. Known for their intimate connection with nature, the Batak people maintain a way of life that is deeply rooted in traditional practices and sustainable living.
Cultural Immersion: At the Batak Cultural Village, visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of the Batak people. Guided by knowledgeable locals, you can explore traditional bamboo houses, observe ancient crafts, and participate in cultural activities that provide a deeper understanding of Batak heritage.
The village is managed by the Batak community, ensuring that tourism activities benefit the locals directly. This empowerment promotes cultural preservation and provides sustainable livelihoods for the Batak people.
Ready to embark on a sustainable adventure? Learn more about the eco-friendly tour packages from our accredited partners and start planning your unforgettable trip to Puerto Princesa!
In addition to eco-tourism, Puerto Princesa City is a premier sports tourism destination with a strong focus on water sports.
As an archipelago, the Philippines offers unparalleled opportunities for water sports and has a rich tradition of hosting water-based events especially in its numerous coastal communities. Puerto Princesa City exemplifies this tradition, leveraging its pristine coastal areas and crystal-clear waters to become a natural venue for dragon boat races and other aquatic sports.
Dragon Boat Racing: Paddles Up in Puerto Princesa
The calm, clear waters of Puerto Princesa Bay provide an ideal venue for dragon boat racing.
The city has successfully hosted several prestigious dragon boat festivals, attracting teams from around the world to compete in this thrilling sport. Dragon boat racing is deeply rooted in Filipino culture, symbolizing teamwork, endurance, and the spirit of competition. The Philippines, with its extensive coastline and numerous waterways, is perfectly suited for this sport, and Puerto Princesa stands out as a top destination for both training and competition.
In 2024, the City will host the 3rd Puerto Princesa International Dragon Boat Festival from 25-27 October 2024 and the 2024 ICF Dragon Boat World Championships from 28 October – 4 November 2024 at Puerto Princesa City Baywalk.
Water Sports: Adventure Awaits in Puerto Princesa
The city’s coastal areas are perfect for various water sports, including kayaking, canoeing, and stand up paddling to name a few. The city’s commitment to maintaining clean and safe waterways ensures a fantastic experience for water sports enthusiasts. The stunning backdrop of the sea and the lush greenery of Palawan provide a picturesque setting for these activities, making each event a memorable experience for participants and spectators alike.
Whether you’re an eco-tourist eager to explore the wonders of nature or a sports enthusiast looking for your next adventure, Puerto Princesa City has something for everyone. As a vibrant eco-tourism and sports tourism destination,, the city promises unforgettable experiences that celebrate the beauty of nature and the thrill of sport.
Join us in Puerto Princesa City–where nature begins and never ends.