City Tour of Puerto Princesa sightseeing excursion

Planning a visit to Puerto Princesa and want to see the highlights without the hassle of navigating on your own? This city sightseeing tour offers a balanced mix of history, culture, wildlife, and local flavor— all in just about four hours. Perfect for cruise travelers or those on a tight schedule, it ensures you get a taste of Puerto Princesa’s charm without feeling rushed.

What we particularly love about this tour? First, the knowledgeable guides like Ernie and Super Mario, who bring the sights to life with humor and insights. Second, the value for money, given the affordable price of $35 per person, which includes several key attractions. Third, the convenience of hotel pickups and drop-offs, saving travelers time and stress. The only potential caveat? With a packed itinerary, you might find the pace a bit brisk if you’re looking for a deep dive into each site. Still, for most, this tour hits a great sweet spot and suits anyone eager to tick off the major city sights quickly and comfortably.

Key Points

• Efficient sightseeing: Covering Puerto Princesa’s top attractions in just four hours.
• Inclusive value: Admission to important cultural and wildlife sites at a very reasonable price.
• Comfort and convenience: Hotel pickups and drops right in the city center.
• Engaging guides: Well-reviewed, knowledgeable guides who make the experience enjoyable.
• Flexible options: Opportunity to buy snacks, souvenirs, and even try a zipline (fees not included).
• Limited meals: No meals included, so plan accordingly.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour provides van transportation, covering all listed stops, with all fees and taxes included—there are no hidden costs. You’ll get to explore five stops, each offering its own unique glimpse into Puerto Princesa’s culture, history, and natural surroundings.

However, meals are not included, so consider bringing snacks or planning to eat afterward. Gratuities are optional but appreciated if you feel the guide went above and beyond. The zipline at Mitra Farm isn’t included in the cost, which is good to know if you’re considering adding that thrill to your day.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Plaza Cuartel

We start at Plaza Cuartel, a site rich in history. This 15-minute stop offers a chance to reflect on Puerto Princesa’s past. The guide explained its significance as a military fortification, adding context with stories that brought the site alive. Reviewers have noted that guides like Super Mario are articulate and make these stories engaging, transforming a simple walk into a mini history lesson.

Stop 2: Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park

Next, a quick 15-minute stop at City Baywalk Park gives you fantastic photo opportunities along the waterfront. It’s an ideal spot to snap some pictures of boats, the sunset (if timing aligns), and the vibrant local scene. Reviews indicate this was a favorite stop for many, offering a relaxing break and some scenic views.

Stop 3: Palawan Heritage Center

The highlight for many is the Palawan Heritage Center, where you can learn about the island’s cultural and natural relics. Spending around 30 minutes here, you can view artifacts, traditional costumes, and exhibits that reveal the soul of Palawan. Reviewers like Mandy Coombs loved the guided explanation, noting that it’s a genuine source of Palawan’s history and culture. The center acts as a great educational stop for those wanting to understand the local identity.

Stop 4: Baker’s Hill

Baker’s Hill isn’t just about baked goods—although the smell alone makes it tempting. Here, you can buy snacks, souvenirs, and take photos of the colorful, whimsical gardens. The 30-minute stop offers a good balance between shopping and sightseeing, with reviews praising the wide array of Filipino snacks and souvenirs available. It’s a perfect place to pick up mementos or enjoy some local treats.

Stop 5: Mitra Farm

Mitra Farm offers a scenic overlook and the chance to try a zipline (additional cost). While the tour doesn’t include the zipline fee, many travelers find this stop enjoyable for its panoramic views and farm atmosphere. The farm also features a quaint restaurant and more photo opportunities. Some reviews mention that the farm can get crowded, but the views make it well worth a visit.

Stop 6: Binuatan Creations

Finally, the Binuatan Creations exhibit showcases traditional hand weaving, emphasizing sustainable tourism. This 15-minute stop is not only visually interesting but also supports local artisans. It’s a small but meaningful window into Palawan’s craftsmanship, appreciated by those interested in culture and sustainable practices.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

The tour operates on a comfortable van, making city travel hassle-free. Given the timing and stops, we’re talking about a well-paced but quick overview of Puerto Princesa’s highlights. The guides, like Ernie and Super Mario, are praised for their articulate, humorous, and organized approach, making the mostly factual narration engaging. Based on reviews, they seem to go beyond just reading facts—adding local anecdotes and humor that make the journey memorable.

The small group size, with a maximum of 99 travelers, ensures a relatively intimate experience and makes it easier to stay together, ask questions, and enjoy the stops without feeling rushed. The pick-up service from central hotels means you skip the hassle of finding your way into town, especially helpful if you’re tired from travel.

Most travelers appreciate the value—$35 per person includes multiple attractions, transportation, and entrance fees, which is quite reasonable for a half-day tour. The inclusion of cultural sites and wildlife, combined with photo stops and souvenir shopping, means you’re covering a lot without paying extra.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Reviewers consistently praise the guides for their knowledge and humor. Mandy Coombs mentioned that the pick-up from the cruise terminal was excellent, emphasizing how smooth the logistics were. Mike S highlighted Ernie as a “fantastic guide,” full of humor and surprises. That personal touch, especially from guides who are well-informed, elevates this tour from a generic city drive to a memorable experience.

One reviewer, Thomas K, appreciated how Super Mario’s articulate, humorous, and organized manner made the limited sights engaging. Conversely, a more critical review from Eric K pointed out that some stops felt like “stock tourist haunts,” such as the souvenir shop, which is worth considering if you’re after a more authentic or less commercial experience.

Final Thoughts

This City Tour of Puerto Princesa offers a compelling combination of cultural, historical, and natural sights, all wrapped into a well-priced, convenient package. The inclusion of key attractions like the Palawan Heritage Center and Crocodile Farm ensures you get a meaningful glimpse of what makes Puerto Princesa special.

It works best for cruise travelers, first-time visitors, or those with limited time who want a quick yet diverse overview. The professional guides and hotel pickup add extra value, making it easy to relax and enjoy the sights. Keep in mind that with a packed itinerary, you might not have time for in-depth exploration, but the tour strikes a good balance for a solid introduction.

If you’re eager to learn about Palawan’s culture, see wildlife, and enjoy some local shopping, this tour offers authentic experiences at an accessible price point—a good choice for those looking to maximize their limited time in Puerto Princesa.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off from all city center hotels, making it very convenient.

What attractions are included in the price?
You get admission to the Palawan Heritage Center and the Crocodile Farm, along with several scenic stops.

Can I buy souvenirs and snacks during the tour?
Absolutely. Baker’s Hill is a popular spot for purchasing local snacks and souvenirs, and you can also buy snacks at other stops.

Is the zipline at Mitra Farm part of the tour fee?
No, the zipline fee is not included. It’s an optional activity if you wish to add some adventure.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately four hours, covering six stops with enough time to enjoy each site.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best suited for those comfortable with short periods of walking and quick stops.

This Puerto Princesa city tour offers a practical, engaging, and budget-friendly way to experience the city’s highlights, especially if you prefer a guided experience that takes the stress out of planning and navigating on your own.