As a rising tourist destination that will soon eclipse all other destinations in the Philippines, Palawan does not come cheap in certain places, especially with the omnipresent travel agencies and tour companies that make a living out of your travel budget. So before you sign up for a 600 peso (US$15) city tour, consider the following cheap and free attractions in Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s capital, for a DIY itinerary.
Baywalk
Baywalk in early morning
Baywalk: The City Baywalk teems with fitness-minded Palawenos before the sun rises and breeze-seeking families after-hours. Bicycle rentals are as cheap as P25 (US$0.60) an hour. Some bicycles can even be rented for use outside the boulevard, which means you can get to other city landmarks on wheels.
Plaza Cuartel
Plaza Cuartel: If you are anywhere near the city center (within the radius of Rizal Avenue and National Highway junction) then this WWII memorial – where 143 American prisoners of war were burned by their Japanese captors – is accessible by tricycle for Php8. Entrance is free. If you want to walk it from the Baywalk, you can take Malvar Street, walk in the direction of the passenger port, and take a left at Concepcion Road. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Concepcion (painted in white and blue) can be seen from this secondary road. Plaza Cuartel is on the opposite street. Opens daily from 8AM to 6PM.
Chinese and Siamese 16th century pottery at the Palawan Museum
Palawan Museum: Discounting the fact that the precious relics deserve better than their present accommodation, Palawan Museum is an eye-opening destination for those who wish to see the province’s ethnological and archaeological history. If for nothing else, this is an excellent itinerary filler for days when the skies are overcast and promise to ruin whatever beach excursions you have planned ahead. With your rented bike, you can pedal all the way to Palawan Museum from Plaza Cuartel and stop at Plaza Mendoza in front of the museum. Entrance fee is P10 for students and P20 (US$0.50) for adults. Opens every day except Sundays from 9AM to 12NN and from 1:30 to 5PM.
Crocodiles are bred at the Palawan Rescue and Wildlife Conservation Center
A resident white-bellied sea eagle at the Crocodile Farm
Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center: A little out of the way from the city center, this refuge for ‘wayward wildlife’ can be accessed by public transport (multicab jeepneys) plying the Irawan-PPC (as in Puerto Princesa City) route. From Rizal Avenue in downtown PPC, the ride is about 30 minutes away and the fare is P20 (US$0.50) one way. Entrance to the Irawan Crocodile Farm (as it is known locally) is P40. Photo ops with baby crocs and the fuzzy bear cat are also available at less than a dollar each. Visiting hours on weekdays are from 1:30 to 5PM and on Saturdays from 9AM to 5PM with an hour lunch break from noon to 1PM.
The lush gardens at Baker’s Hill
Baker’s Hill: Another off-city center attraction is this eats-and-sights combo 30 minutes away from Rizal Avenue. Entrance is free and purchase of baked goodies (most popular of which is mung bean or purple-yam-filled pastry called ‘hopia’) is not even required to enjoy this botanical patch, mini-zoo and amusement park of sorts overlooking Honda Bay. From Rizal Avenue, take the PPC-Santa Monica/Pajara multicab (make sure it passes by Puerto Princesa School of Arts and Trade or PPSAT) and get off at the PPSAT junction (fare is P15). Take a tricycle uphill (about 5 minutes for P10 if with company or P20 if occupying the tricycle alone) or hike if you have the stamina and time (about 15 minutes). Closed on Mondays and open the rest of the week until dinner time (they have a restaurant). They also open early enough to buy hot ‘pan de sal’ (“bread of salt”) for breakfast.
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Photos by Cherry Vic Patalita
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Chris had a passion to contribute to society especially to fellow travelers like himself. He also had a passion for Southeast Asia and frequently visited. While brainstorming ideas, he decided that a travel blog dedicated to his favorite countries, Thailand and Singapore, could be more beneficial than any guidebook. Only one year later did the blog’s success bring in more writers, more countries, and more readers.
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