It’s a big year for Puerto Princesa, with the Philippine city’s first international airport opening in March, offering travellers far easier air access. Esme Fox gives us her tips to explore one of Asia’s greenest cities.
When you picture a city break in the Philippines, you’re probably thinking shopping malls and heavy traffic. However, the forested city of Puerto Princesa, on the island of Palawan, offers a Philippine city break with a difference. Known locally as The City in the Forest, because 70 percent of it is covered by vibrant green belts, Puerto Princesa, Asia’s first carbon-neutral city, offers a wallet-friendly foray from city living.
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Get the Heart Thumping
A 25-minute drive northeast of the city centre, Ugong Rock is a lush rocky pinnacle where travellers can undertake a myriad of adventures, from spelunking to rock climbing and zip-lining.
Taste the Wild Side
Tamilok, live mangrove or woodworms, are a local delicacy in Palawan. If you’re brave enough to try them, one of the best places to go is Kinabuch’s Grill & Bar, an alfresco restaurant and sports bar. Here, these strange slimy snacks are served raw, marinated in vinegar, and served with chilli and lime.
Bedding Down
One of the best hotels in Puerto Princesa, the chic Canvas Boutique Hotel has just 49 rooms. Picture polished concrete floors, elaborate sculptures in the lobby, and murals by local artists on the walls. There’s also a cosy library and outdoor sunken pool. The hotel’s restaurant – The Painted Table is also well worth a visit.
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A Feast for the Senses
By far the most popular restaurant in town, so popular in fact that it’s essential to book in advance, KaLui is housed in an atmospheric bamboo thatched building, where the waiters are dressed as native tribespeople Meals are sharing menus for two, featuring either meat or seafood. They also serve individual dishes such as shrimps in garlic butter and tuna steak.
Brew Time
Palawan’s first micro-brewery, Palaweño is an artisanal beer brewery set up by two local women, Aya and Malu. Opt for one of their four styles or sample all with a tasting tray. Head brewer Dave also offers tours, so you can see the operation first hand.
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A River Runs Through it
UNESCO-listed and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, Puerto Princesa’s Underground River can’t be missed. An 8.2km-long underground river running beneath the St Paul Mountain Range, it is the longest navigable subterranean waterway in the world and can be explored on a boat tour from the village of Sabang, around a 50-minute drive from the city.
Honda Bay
White sand beaches, island hopping, and colourful coral reefs, this is what the Philippines is all about, and you can find it just a 45-minute drive north of the city in Honda Bay. Many operators in the city offer day-trip tours including lunch and snorkelling.
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