It is your gateway to paradise and the adventure laden eco-tourism. It is also dubbed as the country’s cleanest and greenest among local government units and the first and only recipient of the United Nations Global 500 award fro its innovative abd sustainable environmental protection, conservation and development programs. Only hours away from the city proper are lush rainforest and beautiful islands which are guaranteed to take your breath away. Limestone cliffs and mangrove swamps provide a dramatic accent to the uneven shoreline surrounding the city. Numerous pristine beaches shall welcome you to iridescent turquoise waters teeming with marine life, exotic fishes and corals galore. Rugged in its terrain, Puerto Princesa is also a home to a variety of flora and fauna, brought to life by rivers, waterfalls which are in abundance.

Puerto Princesa lies in the heart of the island province of Palawan. Mountain ranges run through the middle of the city, dividing it between the east and west sides. The city proper is clean and has managed to retain itsfrontier ambience amidst the onset of modern technology and thriving commerce.

Life in the city is very laid back and relaxing, truly ideal for a vacation. People are friendly, warm and easy to talk to.

There are several theories as to where the source of the name “Puerto Princesa”. Legends attribute it to the appearance at a certain time of the year where a princess with a rare beauty who would roam around the bay at night. Others insist the name was derived from the geographic value of the place as a port, being naturally protected by inclement of weather all year round and sufficient in depth to allow ships of all sizes to anchor. It is truly a “Princes of Ports”, or in Spanish “Puerto Princesa”.

History however, signifies that the name was given in honor of Princess Eulalia of Spain who was born to the reigning monarch, Queen Isabella II and her consort, Dr. Francisco de Asis.

The city has become a home to waves of migrants from other provinces, and even other countries through the years.

Puerto Princesa’s total number of inhabitants is about 210, 508 (as of August 2007). Among its original inhabitants are the Cuyunons, along with the Tagbanuas, and the Bataks. Each indigenous group has its distinct culture. Predominant dialects are Cuyuno, Tagalog, and Visayan.

The people of Puerto Princesa are very warm and friendly, hospitable and full of pride at their natural heritage.

Puerto Princesa’s climate differs from east to west.

On the west coast, six months of dry season starts in October and ends in April, and the wet season is from May up to September. The month of September has the heaviest recorded rainfall and February being the driest month.

The east coast has a shorter dry season that begins in January and ends in April, and heavy rainfall months vary.

Puerto Princesa is very rich in both flora and fauna. Mangroves are found mostly in the outskirts of the city, and lush foliage can be seen in rainforests and mountains. Different species of fishes are abundant in the reefs surrounding the island. While a variety of bird species, both local and migratory, can be seen in some places.

Immediately after Mayor Edward Hagedorn assumes office as Chief Executive of the city, he launched the Bantay Puerto Program to spearhead the intensified campaign against environmental degradation.

To rehabilitate the city’s forest areas made pitiful by years of exploitation and wanton disregard, Mayor Edward Hagedorn has undertaken a massive reforestation campaign that has become a paradigm in itself. Dubbed as “Pista Y Ang Cagueban” or Feast of the Forest, he was able to mobilize thousands of people fro almost all sectors of the society and greatly succeed not only in terms of the number of trees actually planted but also in inculcating the proper attitude among the Puerto Princesans toward tree planting and conservation.

Being the cleanest and greenest city in the Philippines, it is observable that the Puerto Princesans have mastered the practice of throwing ones garbage in the proper place which is the garbage bin found almost everywhere throughout the city.

Explore the deep caverns of Mt. St. Paul as you cruise along the stretch of the 8.2 km long Underground River. A beautiful lagoon teeming with fish marks the outside of the river’s mouth and your entrance to a pitch dark world beneath the rugged limestone and marble cliffs. Each turn and bend is breathtaking and sure to hold you in amazement with the sights of stalagmites and stalactites illuminated by your boat’s carbide lamps.

The Underground River is part of the Puerto Princesa River National Park which has been declared a world heritage site. Aside from the exciting boat trip down the Underground River, you’ll also be treated to an amazing sampling of Puerto Princesa wildlife. Monkeys, large monitor lizards and squirrels may be found on the beach near the cave. Enjoy bird watching, mountain trekking, a mangrove tour and for the more adventurous, a deeper exploration of the forest.

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located in Sitio Sabang and may be reached after a two and a half hour land trip.

Island hopping at Honda Bay is guaranteed to give you a day of fun in the sun, sea and sand. Located at the eastern side of Puerto Princesa, it is 12 km away from the city proper to Sta.Lourdes wharf where a hired pumpboat will take you to the island/s of your choice.

A total of nine islands can be found at Honda Bay: Cowrie Island, Bat Island (a bat habitat), Lu-Li Island (an island visible only during low tide; its name was derived from the words “LUlubog-LIlitaw” meaning sinking and floating island.), Meara Marina (a quiet, cozy and private island to relax and enjoy nature’s wonder.), Starfish Sandbar Resort (an island with white fine sand and clear water that teems with starfishes.), Snake Island (an island with a long stretch of fine white sand and shaped like a snake.), Pandan Island (white sand beach with coral reef nearby.), Señorita Island (breeding site of Lapu-lapu fish.), Arraceffe Island (an island with Class A Resort and fine white sand.)