Palawan

Puerto Princesa is the capital of Palawan and the main gateway to one of the Philippines' most celebrated island provinces. Known as the City in a Forest, it combines a laid-back coastal setting, clean streets and a strong commitment to eco-tourism with direct access to beaches, islands and protected natural areas.

The city is best known as the jump-off point for the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose navigable underground river is one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Within the city itself, Honda Bay offers island-hopping, while the waterfront Baywalk, Immaculate Conception Cathedral and the memorial at Plaza Cuartel reflect the city's daily life and history.

Puerto Princesa grew from a small coastal settlement into a provincial capital with a distinct Vietnamese influence, visible today in the local noodle soup known as chaolong and in nearby restaurants and bakeries. Landmarks such as Baker's Hill, Mitra's Ranch and the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center add family-friendly stops around the city.

Popular bases for visitors include the central city proper around Rizal Avenue, the quieter Sabang area near the underground river, and resort stays around Honda Bay. Each offers a different pace, from restaurants and markets to beachfront lodges and early-morning boat departures.

For both leisure and business travellers, Puerto Princesa serves as Palawan's practical hub: it has the province's main international airport, a growing range of hotels and meeting venues, and road or sea connections to El Nido, Port Barton and Coron. It is a comfortable starting point for exploring Palawan's islands, forests and dive sites.