Silversea Luxury Cruises A PUERTO PRINCESA (Palawan)

Explore the historical landmarks and storied past of Puerto Princesa during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Plaza Cuartel

Depart the pier for the short drive to Plaza Cuartel. This National Historical Site is the restored ruin of an old garrison where, on the evening of Dec. 14, 1944, Japanese soldiers burned 150 American prisoners of war in the tunnel found beneath the structure's portals. Only 11 prisoners survived to tell the story and today, the site now stand as a grim reminder of World War II atrocities. The remains of those who died were buried at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri, USA in 1952.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Next, continue on-foot for a visit to the nearby Immaculate Conception Cathedral. During the Spanish occupation in 1872, a small church was built along Rizal Avenue in Barangay Liwanag. In 1961, the small church was renovated and turned into a cathedral. The original architectural design of the church has been impeccably preserved.

Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm and Local Souvenir Stop

Leaving the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, re-board your coach and head to the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, established by the Americans in 1904. This penal settlement, which was originally spanned 22 acres (about nine hectares), served as a depository for prisoners who could not be accommodated at Bilibid Prison in Manila. Following your visit, proceed to a local souvenir shop, where some free time is made available to browse the items available for sale. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short derive back to the pier.

Indulge your senses with the exquisite beauty of Honda Bay during this delightful, half-day excursion to the islands of Luli and Cowrie.

Honda Bay

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute transfer to the Sta. Lourdes Wharf on Honda Bay by van. The Honda Bay Islands are located off the mid-eastern coast of Puerto Princesa City, and renowned for their emerald-green waters, abundant reefs, and superb diving and snorkelling. Upon arrival at the Sta. Lourdes Wharf, embark a local boat for the approximately 30-minute boat-ride to Pandan Island.

Pandan Island

Named after the giant pandan plants all around the island, Pandan Island is among the most renowned dive sites on Honda Bay, and home to good reefs abounding with coral and tropical fish. During your visit, some free time is made available for relaxing, sunbathing and beachcombing, along with swimming, snorkelling and fish-feeding in the crystal-clear waters of Honda Bay. At the conclusion of your visit, embark the boat for the approximately 30-minute ride to the Sta. Lourdes Wharf, then re-board your van for the approximately 30-minute transfer back to the pier.

Explore the history and landmarks of Puerto Princesa in a fun-filled way during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion via van and tricycle.

Plaza Cuartel

Depart the pier for the short drive to Plaza Cuartel. This National Historical Site is the restored ruins of an old garrison where, on the evening of Dec. 14, 1944, Japanese soldiers burned 150 American prisoners of war in the tunnel found beneath the structure's portals. Only 11 prisoners survived to tell the story and today, the site now stand as a grim reminder of World War II atrocities. The remains of those who died were buried at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri, USA in 1952.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Next, continue on-foot for an exterior photo stop at the nearby Immaculate Conception Cathedral. During the Spanish occupation in 1872, a small church was built along Rizal Avenue in Barangay Liwanag. In 1961, the small church was renovated and turned into a cathedral. The original architectural design of the church has been impeccably preserved.

World War II Battalion Museum, Souvenir Shop and Local Market

Leaving the Cathedral,board your tricycle and proceed for a visit to the World War II Battalion Museum, which features a display of tools and equipment owned by World War II veterans. Leaving the museum, re-board your tricycle and head to a local souvenir shop. Upon arrival, some free time is made available to browse the shop for mementos of your visit. Afterward, continue on to a local market, where you can see freshly-caught seafood and other locally-sourced products. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your tricycle and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Experience some of the many highlights of Puerto Princesa during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral and Plaza Cuartel

Depart the pier for the short transfer to the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. The first mass was held here in March 1872, a few days after the Spanish expedition arrived in Puerto Princesa. Following your visit, cross the street for a visit to the Plaza Cuartel, a National Historic site where Japanese soldiers burned the garrison, killing 150 American prisoners in the tunnel below the portal in December 1944. Only 11 prisoners survived to tell the story of the atrocities that took place here during World War II.

Palawan Heritage Centre and World War II Battalion Museum

Next, re-board your coach and drive to the Palawan Heritage Centre. This educational, highly-informative and interactive museum, designed and operated by the provincial government, preserves and promotes the rich cultural heritage of the province. Afterward, proceed to the World War II Battalion Museum, which features a display of tools and equipment owned by World War II veterans. Leaving the museum, continue on to the Iwahig Penal Colony.

Iwahig Penal Colony and Crocodile Farm

The Iwahig Penal Colony is a unique prison without bars established by the Americans in 1904. The inmates tend vast tract of land rather than remaining imprisoned inside cells. The more enterprising inmates earn a living by making handicrafts, which you can browse at the Souvenir Shop during your visit. Your last stop is at the Crocodile Farm. Here, hundreds of baby crocodiles are bred in captivity, placed in batches inside a huge tub and fed twice a week. They are then transferred into a bigger pool when they grow up to a mature size, and most are eventually released into the wild. Following your visit, re-board your coach for the short transfer back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 547 yards (about 500 metres), at times on uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, 26 steps at the Iwahig Prison Colony, eight steps at the Palawan Heritage Centre, six steps at the Souvenir Shop and 10 steps at the Crocodile Farm. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. The tour sequence may vary.

Experience one of one of the world's longest underground rivers and Puerto Princesa's most renowned destinations during this unforgettable, full-day excursion to the St. Paul Underground River.

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately two-hour drive through the picturesque countryside en route to the Sabang Wharf by van. Upon arrival, a comfort stop is made before embarking a local outrigger boat for the picturesque, approximately 20-minute ride to Sabang Beach.

From Sabang Beach, walk to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. One of Puerto Princesa's most renowned destinations, this national park is a model of biodiversity, with more than 800 plant species, 300 tree species, 195 bird species, 30 mammals, 19 reptiles, and eight bat species. Once at the park, embark a smaller outrigger canoe for the journey along the underground section of the Subterranean River, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the Natural World.

The canoe travels approximately one mile (about 1.5 kilometres in 45 minutes) into the cave. Along the way, you are treated to a spectacular display of rock formations and cathedral-like chambers, which nature has sculpted over millions of years. Following your Subterranean River-cruise, walk back to Sabang Beach, then embark your outrigger boat for the approximately 30-minute ride back to the Sabang Wharf. Upon arrival, transfer to the Sheridan Beach Hotel, then proceed for a buffet lunch. After lunch, re-board your van and commence the approximately two-hour drive back to the pier.