Destination: Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
Introduction
Puerto Princesa is the capital of Palawan Province and the primary port of entry for yachts cruising Palawan's extraordinary coastline. Situated on Honda Bay on the northeast coast of Palawan Island, the city is the gateway to both the Bacuit Archipelago (El Nido) to the north and the southern Palawan wilderness. It is home to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature — an 8.2-kilometre navigable underground river that emerges at the sea. Puerto Princesa is well-serviced, relatively tidy by Philippine city standards, and an excellent base for completing customs formalities before heading to the more remote island groups.
GPS Coordinates
9° 44' 21.120"N 118° 44' 7.080"E
9 44 21.120N 118 44 7.080E
Protected Anchorages
Honda Bay anchorage is the main small-craft area, in 4–9 metres over mud and sand northeast of the city waterfront. The bay is generally well sheltered but can be uncomfortable in strong northeast winds. Baker's Island and Starfish Island in Honda Bay offer pleasant day anchorages in 3–6 metres over sand with snorkelling on surrounding reefs. Santa Lourdes Wharf near the city centre is the dinghy landing point for the city. Yachts waiting for clearance should anchor off the Coast Guard station and wait for boarding. Fuel and water are available at the commercial pier by arrangement with the Port Authority.
Customs Protocols for Visiting Yachts
Puerto Princesa is the designated port of entry for Palawan. All formalities — Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Immigration, Philippine Coast Guard, and Bureau of Quarantine — are conducted here. Contact the Philippine Coast Guard Station on VHF Ch 16 on arrival and await boarding. All crew must have valid passports; most nationalities are eligible for visa-on-arrival (30 days, extendable). Strict biosecurity rules apply — no livestock or fresh meat without certificates. Palawan is a protected island; the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) requires a Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) clearance for some activities. A Yacht Cruising Permit specifying intended ports is issued at clearance.
Renowned Attractions
- Puerto Princesa Subterranean River — UNESCO World Heritage Site and New Seven Wonder of Nature; 8.2 km navigable underground river in a cathedral-like cave system; book permits weeks in advance (limited daily entries)
- Honda Bay island hopping — Cowrie Island, Starfish Island, Pandan Island, and Luli Island (appears and disappears with the tide); clear water and good snorkelling
- Ugong Rock Adventures — karst limestone formation with caving, zip-lining, and spelunking; 45 km north of the city
- Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre (Crocodile Farm) — breeding programme for saltwater and freshwater crocodiles plus other Philippine wildlife; 2 km from the city
- Baker's Memorial Park and Mitra Ranch — city hilltop park with views over Honda Bay; ranch with farm animals popular with families
- Palawan Special Battalion War Museum — WWII history of the Palawan Massacre (1944); sobering but important memorial
- Road to El Nido — the 230 km coastal highway north through coconut groves, fishing villages, and jungle — one of the Philippines' great drives with multiple swimming and snorkelling detours
Currency and Exchange Rate
Currency: Philippine Peso
Exchange Rate to USD
Nearby Yachting Destinations
Summary
Puerto Princesa is Palawan's main port of entry — efficiently run by Philippine standards, with a UNESCO underground river on the doorstep, good Honda Bay anchorage, and the essential jumping-off point for the extraordinary cruising grounds of El Nido and the Calamian Islands.