City tour of Puerto Princesa Palawan Philippines

Exploring Puerto Princesa: A Practical Look at the City Tour

If you’re visiting Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and want to get a quick, comprehensive snapshot of the city’s highlights, this city tour offers a solid option. Priced at just $20 per person and lasting about four hours, it promises to cover the main attractions, from wildlife rescue centers to historical landmarks, all in one manageable outing. What’s especially appealing is the flexible scheduling—whether you prefer a morning or afternoon adventure—or a tailored cruise ship experience if you’re arriving by sea.

One thing we particularly like about this tour is its well-rounded itinerary. It balances nature, history, local culture, and scenic views, providing a taste of what makes Puerto Princesa special. Plus, the inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off makes it convenient, especially if you’re short on time or unfamiliar with the city.

However, a potential consideration is the timing. Some reviews mention that the pickup time might not always align perfectly with your plans—one traveler noted they were picked up earlier than scheduled, which slightly affected their day. Also, because it’s a group tour with a maximum of 150 travelers, the experience can be a bit rushed, especially if you’re someone who prefers a slow-paced, in-depth exploration.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want an efficient, cost-effective way to see Puerto Princesa’s highlights without dedicating an entire day. It’s ideal for cruise passengers, first-time visitors, or those with limited time but a desire to catch the city’s key sights.

Key Points

• Flexible timing: Choose between morning or afternoon sessions based on your schedule.
• Cost-effective: At $20, the tour offers good value considering the inclusions.
• Varied stops: Combines wildlife, history, scenic viewpoints, and local culture.
• Convenience: Hotel pickup, drop-off, and port transfers included.
• Guide quality: Recognized for friendly and knowledgeable guides, enhancing the experience.
• Limited customization: The tour follows a set itinerary, with few options for in-depth exploration.

A Deep Dive into the Puerto Princesa City Tour

When planning a city excursion in Puerto Princesa, it’s important to understand exactly what you’ll experience and what makes this tour stand out—or fall short. Let’s walk through each part of the itinerary and what it means for you.

The Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center

Starting with the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (often called the Crocodile Farm), this stop is a highlight for nature lovers. Here, you can observe the local crocodile population in a controlled environment, gaining insight into conservation efforts. The fact that admission is included makes this a hassle-free visit. Expect to spend about an hour here, which is enough to see various crocodile species and learn about their habitat and conservation status.

Travelers have noted that the guides tend to be well-informed, making the experience educational and engaging. One reviewer appreciated the way the guide “took us to spots we wouldn’t have seen on our own”—suggesting that the tour’s depth isn’t just superficial, but also insightful.

Plaza Cuartel and Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Next, the tour visits the Plaza Cuartel, a historic site that offers a quick snapshot of Puerto Princesa’s past. It’s a perfect spot for snapping photos and soaking in a bit of the local history. The nearby Immaculate Conception Cathedral provides an opportunity for some peaceful, reflective moments or a quick photo op. These stops are brief—about 10 to 15 minutes each—but give a sense of the city’s colonial and wartime history.

Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park

A walk along the Baywalk Park offers lovely views of the waterfront and a chance to capture the iconic “I ♥ Puerto Princesa” sign, which reviewers have found to be a favorite photo spot. Expect about 15 minutes here, enough to enjoy the breeze, take some photos, and get a quick feel for the city’s coastal vibe.

Baker’s Hill – A Local Favorite

No visit to Puerto Princesa would be complete without a stop at Baker’s Hill. Here, you can buy local delicacies, souvenirs, and pasalubong snacks—think sweet pastries and traditional treats. The 30-minute stop may seem brief, but it’s just enough time to pick up some unique gifts and enjoy the bakery’s delicious offerings. Reviewers often mention that Baker’s Hill is a highlight, especially for those keen on tasting local snacks or shopping for souvenirs.

Mitra Farm – Scenic and Photogenic

The tour wraps up with a visit to Mitra Farm, a spot famed for its panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It’s a photogenic location where you can snap pictures of lush fields and rolling hills. The 15-minute stop isn’t long, but travelers often rave about the scenery and the friendly farm animals that might be around.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s price of $20 per person covers all fees and taxes, making it a straightforward expense. The air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup and drop-off (within the city), and port transfers are all part of the package, which adds to its convenience.

However, if your hotel is outside the city center, there could be an extra fee. It’s worth confirming this ahead of time to avoid surprises. The tour is designed for groups of up to 150 travelers, which means it’s a shared experience—perfect for those who enjoy social settings, but maybe less ideal if you prefer a private, tailored tour.

Timing and Flexibility

You can choose an 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon morning tour or an 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM afternoon adventure. This flexibility caters to different travel plans, especially for cruise travelers trying to maximize limited port time. The tour provider can also customize the schedule if you’re arriving by ship, aiming to match your ship’s arrival and departure timings.

The Experience from Real Travelers

One reviewer mentioned that the tour and guide were friendly and knowledgeable, making the experience enjoyable despite some hiccups with timing. Another appreciated that the guide “took us to spots we wouldn’t have seen alone,” highlighting the value of local insights.

On the flip side, there was a note about the pickup time not always matching expectations—sometimes early, sometimes late—so it’s good to communicate clearly and confirm timings beforehand.

Value and Practical Tips

This tour offers a great balance between affordability and a rundown of Puerto Princesa. At just $20, it’s a budget-friendly way to hit key sights, especially when compared to private tours that can be significantly more expensive.

To maximize your experience, arrive prepared for quick stops and photo opportunities—this isn’t a deep dive into each site but a whirlwind snapshot. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and be ready for some fun, guided insights into the city’s highlights.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for first-timers wanting a quick, organized introduction to Puerto Princesa. It’s also perfect for cruise passengers with limited time, or travelers who prefer a cost-effective, guided approach rather than exploring independently. If you love a friendly guide and enjoy seeing a variety of sights in a short period, this tour ticks those boxes.

Those seeking a more personalized or in-depth experience might find the fixed itinerary a bit rushed, but for most, it’s a practical way to cover the essentials.

Final Thoughts

Puerto Princesa’s city tour from Worldholiday offers a balanced mix of wildlife, history, scenic views, and local culture. For just $20, you get a well-organized, mostly hassle-free experience that covers the highlights with knowledgeable guides. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers eager to see the city’s best without investing a full day or breaking the bank.

While the timing and group size have minor drawbacks, the overall value and convenience make it a good pick for most visitors. Be sure to confirm pickup times, and arrive with an open mind and camera ready—you’re likely to capture some memorable moments, even in a short outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, from around 8 AM to 12 PM or 1 PM to 4 PM, depending on your chosen schedule.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off within the Puerto Princesa city center are included. Extra fees may apply if your hotel is outside this area.

Can this tour be customized for cruise ship arrivals?
Absolutely. The tour can be tailored to fit your ship’s schedule. Just let the provider know your preferred timings, and they’ll try to accommodate.

What sites are covered on the tour?
The main stops include the Palawan Wildlife Rescue Center, Plaza Cuartel, Baywalk Park, Baker’s Hill, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, and Mitra Farm.

Are admission fees included?
Yes, all site entrance fees are included in the $20 price, making it a transparent and straightforward experience.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Most travelers, including families, can participate. The tour involves short walks and quick stops, but consider mobility needs for elderly travelers.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, water, sun protection, and perhaps some cash for souvenirs at Baker’s Hill.

Is this tour eco-friendly or wildlife-focused?
While it includes a wildlife rescue center, the main focus is on sightseeing and cultural sites. The wildlife stop offers educational insights into conservation efforts.

To sum it up, this Puerto Princesa city tour offers an accessible, value-packed way to see the city’s key sights in a short time. With friendly guides, reliable logistics, and a blend of cultural, historical, and natural attractions, it’s a solid choice for travelers who want a snapshot of what makes Puerto Princesa memorable—without fuss or hefty costs.