Puerto Princesa Things to Do Tips by davidjo Top 5 Page for this destination

HANG AROUND IN MENDOZA PARK

Mendoza Park is in Rizal Avenue and is near the market, the museum and the Bruno's Delicatessen . There is an auditorium there where kids will practice Sepak Taraw, and from time to time there are beauty contests or talent show as well as other events. In the park there is a playground for kids and also a police hut.
Recently they unveiled a statue to Higinio Mendoza who was a guerilla leader in WWII against the Japanese. He was the governor of Palawan from 1931-38 and he organized his guerilla unit in 1942, a few months before the Japanese arrived.After evacuating the town he moved a 150 kms north where he flew both the American and Filipino flag and he was responsible for executing locals who spied for the Japanese., whcih resulted on him being put on the enemy's most wanted list. He was eventually captured in 1944, and the Japanese forced him to dig his own grave before shooting and beheading him.

PERMIT FOR UNDERGROUND RIVER

Due to Mayor Hagedorn's successful campaign to make Puerto Princesa's Subterranean River Park one of the NEW 7 WONDERS OF THE WORLD the booking office in Puerto Princesa is very busy and you must allow a couple of hours to obtain the permit. The office has recently been relocated to the Coliseum which is 2kms from the capital Building in San Pedro. An online booking system is supposed to be introduced about now so it is worth checking out if it is in operation yet.

ANGELA'S FARM

Angela's Farm is 5 kms out of town but has three swimming pools, restaurant and bar, a good place to spend the afternoon if you are stuck for something to do.

GOING NORTH_-REST AT VIEWDECK RESTAURANT

If you are going north take a break at the simple Viewdeck Restaurant at km 84. This is a place to relax with a drink while viewing the ocean but not much of a restaurant i am afraid. There is a selection of snacks available plus precooked meals.

BATAK CULRTURAL VILLAGE

This small place is at Km 68 on the way north, but it's rarely visited but seems to offer an insight to Batak Life with a small museum, handicrafts, a Batak hut as the sign advertises.

ESCAPE FROM THE HEAT

Try and catch a movie at the new ROBINSONS SHOPPING MALL. There are 4 cinemas , one of which is 3D, all airconditioned, so get out of the heat and relax for a while. You can book tickets online.

Address: km4 highway north

CITY COLISEUM

If you ever happen to be around when Manny Pacquioa is having a world title fight the Coliseum will be open to all. Entrance is free to watch the fight on a big screen. Also there are occasionally PBA (basketball) matches here as well as live bands, so check the schedule out (there will be posters all over town)

Directions: SAN PEDRO

DOLPHIN WATCHING

Tour companies offer trips in Puerto Princesa Bay o watch dolphins at play. Half day trips cost in the region of 900 pesos per person and although i have never taken the trip i have heard that there are plenty of dolphins to see.

Palawan Special Battalion WW2 Memeotial Museum

This museum just opened in Dec 2011 and is privately owned by a local resident who is a keen historian. Many exhibits were donated from locals in the city, and there are several exhibit rooms, each on a different theme, such as the USA, the Japanese, the British and Russian etc. There is a good collection of relics, uniforms, weapons. This Museum is about 1 km after the airport and is open daily from 8-5 except Wednesdays. Admission is free but there is a donation box. Drinks can be purchased, and you can relax while browsing through various war books. Also there is internet access and a good collection of old photographs on the wall.

TOURIST INFORMATION

There are two information centres in Puerto Princesa, one is just 50 m on your right as you exit the departure hall and the other is situated in the Capital building. Both are very helpful and have several brochures about the island.