Puerto Princesa Highlights
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Port
Puerto Princesa, Philippines
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$99.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4¾ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Welcome to Puerto Princesa.
Legend says that Puerto Princesa is named for a maiden whose ghost roams the city. More pragmatic people attribute the name to the strategic location of the place as a seaport -- naturally protected the whole year and able to accommodate all kinds of vessels -- a virtual Princess of Ports, according to the Spanish colonists.
Today's orientation tour starts with a visit to the unique Iwahig Penal Colony -- a prison without walls. Iwahig is more like a modern farm, where prisoners toil unguarded and are encouraged to adopt a degree of self-sufficiency.
Your next stop is the Palawan Heritage Center. This museum showcases the life, rich culture and history of the proud Palawenos who considered Palawan to be their home and haven.
At the Palawan Special Battalion World War II Memorial Museum, discover five galleries highlighting the profiles of the major countries that participated during World War II—the USA, Japan, Germany, Great Britain and Russia. Each room features a collection of relics, weapons, aircraft carrier and bomber plane models, uniforms, bayonets and other significant relics of World War II.
Plaza Cuartel is the former site of a Japanese garrison; today, it serves as a memorial park in honor of local heroes and American soldiers who perished inside a tunnel during World War II. A few yards from Plaza Cuartel is the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. Enjoy some souvenir shopping among a variety of proudly Palawan-made items.
Notes:
There are no tour buses available in Puerto Princesa. We will use air-conditioned commuter buses and a portable PA system.