Gateway to the Philippines' most spectacular nature, Puerto Princesa pairs a UNESCO World Heritage underground river with pristine island-hopped sandbars, a remarkably litter-free city, and a food scene shaped by Vietnamese refugees.
Ships dock at the commercial cruise pier at the edge of the city — no tendering required.
💡 Pro move: Rizal Avenue (main commercial strip with shops, banks, restaurants) is 1.5 km from the gate — easy tricycle ride for ~50 PHP.
Puerto Princesa has a modern 500-metre cruise wharf right at the city edge — virtually all ships dock; tendering is rare.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines | Puerto Princesa City International Cruise Port📍 | Docked |
| Expedition/smaller vessels | Puerto Princesa Port📍 | Docked |
Palawan's landscapes are spectacular — even a single shore day can include a UNESCO cave river, island-hop sandbars, or a WWII memorial walk.
Paddle the navigable 4.3 km of an 8.2 km UNESCO World Heritage cave system where the river flows directly into the sea. One of the New 7 Wonders of Nature — stunning formations, monkeys, and monitor lizards at the wharf.
Find Underground River tours →Boat tour among Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island — white sandbars, crystal water, snorkeling, and a floating lunch. The best beach experience within easy reach of the port.
Find Honda Bay island hop tours →Open-air ruins of the Japanese garrison where roughly 139 American POWs were massacred in December 1944 (only 11 of ~150 survived). A sobering, well-kept memorial park paired with the Immaculate Conception Cathedral across the street.
Find Puerto Princesa city tours →Sanctuary for hundreds of Palawan crocodiles (both species), endemic birds, and the Palawan bearcat. Guides explain breeding and conservation programs.
Find Palawan wildlife tours →Sample chaolong (Vietnamese-Filipino noodle soup), crocodile sisig, and tamilok (raw woodworm) at local eateries. Includes Baker's Hill bakery garden and Mitra's Ranch bayside views.
Find Puerto Princesa food tours →The port area and Rizal Avenue are flat and walkable; the baywalk promenade runs right along the waterfront from the terminal.
Walk the baywalk promenade from the port gate, then head inland past the city hall to Plaza Cuartel WWII ruins and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. Return along Rizal Avenue past shops and restaurants.
Tricycle or walk to Rizal Avenue, the main commercial strip. Browse local stalls, pick up pasalubong (souvenirs), and find a chaolong noodle shop for a quick lunch.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 82°F / 28°C | 76°F / 24°C | 20 | 6:26 AM | 6:02 PM |
| Feb | 83°F / 28°C | 76°F / 24°C | 16 | 6:24 AM | 6:13 PM |
| Mar | 84°F / 29°C | 76°F / 24°C | 16 | 6:12 AM | 6:15 PM |
| Apr | 86°F / 30°C | 77°F / 25°C | 19 | 5:55 AM | 6:15 PM |
| May | 86°F / 30°C | 79°F / 26°C | 25 | 5:44 AM | 6:18 PM |
| Jun | 85°F / 29°C | 78°F / 26°C | 27 | 5:45 AM | 6:26 PM |
| Jul | 85°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 28 | 5:52 AM | 6:30 PM |
| Aug | 85°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 26 | 5:56 AM | 6:22 PM |
| Sep | 85°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 27 | 5:55 AM | 6:05 PM |
| Oct | 84°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 28 | 5:53 AM | 5:48 PM |
| Nov | 84°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 27 | 5:59 AM | 5:39 PM |
| Dec | 83°F / 28°C | 77°F / 25°C | 25 | 6:13 AM | 5:46 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.