28/08/2025
There’s a hot topic about Puerto Princesa's tourism dipping. I might be a little late but even with the weather, I heard the issue again on the radio, so here’s my take. 💭
Everyone comes to Palawan, chasing the same dream: snapping the perfect picture in El Nido, or deep diving in Coron's shipwreck, or discovering the newly revealed paradise of Balabac.
They fly into Puerto Princesa, snap a quick selfie at the airport, and rush off to their real destinations. Stakeholders said it became a transit point: the place you pass through on your way to somewhere else.
Here’s what I’m thinking,
El Nido is and always will be the Golden Child.
San Vicente is the rising star ambitious sibling that has a lot of potential.
THEN THERE’S PUERTO PRINCESA.
The middle child of Palawan’s tourism family.
Quietly holding the family together while the rest of the siblings are getting all the attention
Don’t get me wrong, El Nido and Coron and the rest of Palawan are a gem.
They deserve their global recognition.
It’s like when Mother Nature handpicked the best island in the Philippines, she chose Palawan.
Did you know there's no active fault line here?
Diff story, diff time.
Anyway, Puerto Princesa City is the hub, it’s the anchor. It's the heart of Palawan.
It is steady, adaptable, resilient and in a way, that’s its greatest strength.
But to reach its full potential, it needs direction, care, and vision.
Because here’s the thing, tourists don’t just travel for pretty views; they travel for the experience. And when they get here, the cracks show.
Tourism isn’t just about inviting people in. It’s about making sure that when they arrive, they see a city that takes care of its own people.
Because happy, empowered locals are the best ambassadors a city will ever have. 💚🦚
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Anyway if you’re planning a Palawan trip (not right now because it's raining lol), don’t treat Puerto Princesa like a stopover. Give it three days, not just one night.
Explore the beaches of Nagtabon, Tagkawayan and Talaudyong; or disconnect at Bianyas Eco Camp in Simpocan, chase hidden waterfalls in Sta. Lourdes, take the firefly tour, island-hop Honda Bay and visit Cowrie Island, Luli and Starfish Island.
Get a Backride Pinas, stroll through Balayong People's Park, or taste the Chaolong in Viet Ville Restaurant, watch sunset at the Baywalk, party till you drop at UG Tavernand linger a little longer. 💚
Because sometimes, the middle child is the one with the stories worth staying for. 💚
Stay dry. 🌧️