Puerto Princesa City, Philippines: A Tropical Paradise for Nature Lovers and Adventure Seekers
Puerto Princesa City is the largest city in the Philippines, sprawled over 106 km of 253,982 hectares of land. This tropical paradise is the perfect destination for a business and leisure trip, where the lush rainforests and white sand beaches are just a few hours away from the bustling urban center. With its pronounced wet and dry seasons, the best time to visit is during the summer months from April to June when the seas are usually calm.
Despite being a highly urbanized city, Puerto Princesa has managed to retain its natural beauty and is considered one of the cleanest and greenest cities in the country. This, combined with its wide range of attractions, has earned it the title of the Eco-Tourism Center of the Philippines.
The city’s main draw is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, also known as PPUR, an 8.2-km-long underground river that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. This natural wonder features low-hanging stalagmites and stalactites, as well as a cave that resembles a cathedral due to its sheer size and rock formations resembling religious figures.
Located 76 km from the city center, the tour to the underground river starts at Sabang Wharf and is a 1.5-2 hour journey. To avoid the hassle of registering in advance, it’s best to book a packaged tour with a tour operator. These tours usually include round-trip land and boat transfers, audio guides, and a buffet lunch.
In addition to the underground river, there are several other tourist attractions in Puerto Princesa, ranging from beaches to wildlife reserves, making it a nature lover’s paradise. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and Typhoon Odette, Puerto Princesa continues to draw adventurers and beach bums who are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Puerto Princesa City is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a tropical paradise that offers both urban amenities and natural beauty. With its UNESCO-listed underground river, clean and green environment, and a wide range of attractions, it is the perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.