Day Tour Around Puerto Princesa City in Palawan

 

It was my second time in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan. Though it was not for tourism but for journalism purposes, I loved how I spent a free time to explore the city.

Here are some places you may visit if you have limited time in Puerto Princesa City like a whole day to go around and buy souvenirs before heading back home.

Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Cathedral

To start your day, it's better to pay a visit first to the church to give thanks for the blessings received and ask for forgiveness as well. And one perfect place to go to in the city is the Immaculate Conception Cathedral which can be reached after a few minutes through a tricycle or private car.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral is just one of the tourist attractions in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. It is located along Rizal Avenue in Barangay Liwanag. This cathedral is very historic. This used to be a small church during the Spanish occupation (circa 1872).

In 1961, it was developed to become a cathedral. Although there were developments made, the church edifice was preserved. Its design, as you may have noticed, have angular structures. The arches inside and outside the church are pointed.





Plaza Cuartel

Across the cathedral is the Plaza Cuartel. It is just a few meters away from Immaculate Conception Cathedral. It is said to have a dark past. 

During the World War II, 143 American soldiers were burned inside the tunnel by Japanese soldiers. Eleven soldiers were able to escape from Plaza Cuartel. In 1997, Plaza Cuartel was transformed into a leisure park after it was occupied by the National Police.








Inside Plaza Cuartel, you’ll see the Memorial Marker for the 143 American POW (Prisoners of War).


In addition, you will also see there a memorial made by Don Schloat. Don Schloat is a World War II veteran and he was once imprisoned in Plaza Cuartel. 




Puerto Princesa City Baywalk

And if you will ask some locals where the bay walk is, they will point you on the path near right side of the cathedral. You may walk for a few meters or ride a tricycle to save time.

You will feel the serene atmosphere in the morning while walking here along with the locals who exercise and spend family time.


Other tourists ride boats for island hopping.


Meanwhile, we spend some minutes roaming and taking some photos.



We observe that the bay walk is filled with peacock design or ornaments. It seems that the peacock is the symbol of Puerto Princesa City which is also part of the city’s official seal.

 

And when people visit here in the afternoon, they rent bikes to feel the cool breeze of the seaside.



Mitra's Ranch

Another place that is commonly visited in the city is Mitra's Ranch/Rancho ni Mitra?Rancho Sta. Monica, which is owned by the family of the late House Speaker Ramon "Monching" V. Mitra Jr.. The ranch makes you feel that you are one with nature.


 

You can enjoy horseback riding or picnic there.


Or, have an adrenaline rush in their zipline and...


this hanging bridge they call, the skywalk.



Baker's Hill

Near the ranch is the frequently toured Baker's Hill. Before, Baker's Hill was known for being a haven of baked goods. But now, this place has transformed into a theme park that people can enjoy for free and for unlimited time.














And after spending minutes in viewing the place, tourists may now buy the baked goods that are perfect as souvenir for their loved ones.


The best sellers are different kinds of hopia ranging from PhP 40 to PhP 50.00.




Puerto Princesa Public Market

Palawan is also known for dried seafood like dried pusit, tahong and sapsap. And the place where people may buy them is by going to the public market. This market was burned down but luckily, the store owners revived the business for the tourists.






LRC 908 Market Mall

If you want a one-stop shop, the LRC 908 Market Mall is the must-visit place. An hour is not enough to choose good stuffs and souvenirs in the whole are. They have all kinds of bags, wallets, food, snacks, pearls, jewelries, key chains and personalized shirts.











Badjao Seafront Restaurant

After your tiresome day of city tour and shopping, you may fill your tummy in Badjao Seafront Restaurant.  Badjao Seafront is a restaurant built on stilts above the clear waters of Puerto Princesa.


The boardwalk is unique as if you are walking beside the mangroves planted in the resto.


The restaurants has a good ambiance since the design has Filipino feels. Many foreigners visit the place not only for its ambiance but also for the good food and drinks. 



It is a bonus point to have a cool atmosphere while having a seafront view from the dusk to eve.



I hope my day tour trip might help you if you want to visit Puerto Princesa City. It can be short visit for a day before heading to other beautiful islands or places in Palawan.

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