“What a charming place!” said the Princess. And she was right. Puerto Princesa is sparkling in the sunshine while typhoons and floods batter the rest of the Philippines.
Puerto Princesa is a princess of towns in the Philippines. There are a variety of theories why it is called Puerto Princesa. Some historians claim the town was named after Princess Eulalia of Spain. Some believe it is simply a Princess of Harbours, a port secure in all weathers and used in 1870s as the centre of Spanish Naval Operations. It has been save heaven for shipping since. Its Spanish period in history mingles with more current Word War II history. The Japanese have used Plaza Cuartel, a fort built by the Spanish, as barracks for American POWs. This part of history is sad, as the POWs have been brutally killed.
Puerto Princesa boasts natural beauty surrounding it; pristine waters, tall mountains, rain forest and the Underground River declared the New Seven Wonder of Nature located in St. Paul’s Subterranean River National Park. Limestone rocks and caves surrounded by unspoiled forest are home to flora and fauna found only in this central part on Palawn Island. Puerto Princesa is a stepping point to explore the beauty on nature by paddleboats, trekking through the jungle, bird watching, dolphin and whale watching, snorkeling and diving.
Puerto Princesa has some great shopping to offer, from small shops with everything to quite sophisticated shops found in Manila. Tricycle travel is fun and very affordable. In fact, everything here is more than affordable. The cost of a local bottle of rum cannot even compare with duty free prices elsewhere.
Still, the most impressive is the nature surrounding Puerto Princesa and Palawan Island. A sunset presents a different picture every day. And what a picture it is!
Palawan Island has many surprises for a visitor and Puerto Princesa is a wonderful beginning of an adventure.
