Cheap Flights to Puerto Princesa

For the ultimate coastal getaway, visit Puerto Princesa in the Philippines. Located on Palawan Island, it is a dream destination for sun-worshippers, nature-lovers and relaxation seekers alike. You will enjoy leisurely boat trips through vast limestone caverns, tracing the underground river of the island's subterranean river National Park as it crosses a rich biodiverse environment of marine life. Try diving and snorkelling across the bay and see rays, dolphins and turtles swimming freely around you.

The city is a melting pot of diverse cultures thanks to a rich immigration history and tribes with their own native customs and traditions such as the Cuyunons. Enjoy incredible locally baked delicacies up at Baker's Hill or taste a traditional crocodile dish at Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center. Tamilok is a famous local speciality that tastes like an oyster but is actually a woodworm! Wash it down with fresh coconut water served by the water's edge. Don't forget to participate in some of the island's main events such as the Bayalong Festival in March, and go out in the evening to see the fireflies glowing along the beach.

Things to Do

Puerto Princesa is so incredibly beautiful that it's perfectly easy to wile away the time simply meandering around, sunbathing, meeting the locals and doing a little diving. However, there is much more to see and do to make the most of your trip.

• Zipline through the mountains at Ugong Rock
  Bring a little high adrenaline to your holiday at Ugong Rock, which is set amongst the mountains and forests of the island and features trekking, zip lining and more, all with full instruction and expert guides on hand.

• Enjoy island-hopping at Honda Bay
  Head to the north of the city, catch a boat and enjoy a day of leisurely island hopping! You'll find dozens of white sandy beaches to enjoy, most of which have perfect dive sites for taking in the abundance of marine life.

• Experience an underground kingdom with scuba diving
  You will find dive sites all across the island, with many accessible by rented speedboats from the bay. Two of the best and closest sites are Red Cliff and White Beach which are both directly located inside the city bay. These are great training sites with easy slopes and sights of the colourful reef fish, rays and turtles that abound in the area. Don't forget to finish your trip with a meal of some of the freshest seafood imaginable.

Calendar of Events

Puerto Princesa has an exciting calendar of events that feature the best of the island's rich cultural diversity, blending religion, history, ancient culture, food and traditional entertainment.

• Bayalong Festival. Held in March, the island festival features tree planting, dancing, flower displays and wonderful local food all in celebration of Puerto Princesa's founding fathers. Visit the Tabuan parade for a fantastic marketplace and food festival.
• Love Affair with Nature. This annual event is an ecological fixture that sees the locals descend to replant mangroves in the coastal areas, all in celebration of mother nature and her bounty. Beach games, film showings, talks, games and food bring in the visitors and help to share the conservation message.
• Puerto Princesa City Fiesta. Held in December, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary is celebrated with food fairs, lights, nativities, processions and music in an incredible month-long feast and celebration.