Silversea Luxury Cruises A PUERTO PRINCESA (Palawan)

Indulge your senses with the exquisite beauty of Honda Bay during this delightful, half-day excursion to the island of Pandan

Honda Bay

Depart pier to Honda Bay, located in the North-eastern coast of Puerto Princesa. Jump off point is at Sta. Lourdes Wharf, 13 kms from downtown Puerto Princesa. The Bay is known to be one of the best snorkeling sites in the city because of the well preserved coral reef area and diverse marine life. However, it is not as spectacular compared to the other snorkeling sites in the Philippines. Upon arrival at Sta. Lourdes Wharf, embark a local boat for an 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 theconclusion 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. It is a former site of a Japanese garrison, a few yards from the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. One hundred forty three (143) American soldiers were burned inside a tunnel during WW II. A memorial park in honor of the heroes of Puerto Princesa City and the American soldiers was thereafter constructed.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Next, continue on-foot for a visit to the nearby Immaculate Conception Cathedral. In 1872, a Spanish expedition proclaimed the Immaculate Concepcion of Mary as the patroness of Puerto Princesa. That same year, the first mass was celebrated here. However, it took almost a century before the cathedral on Rizal Avenue, going to the pier, was built in 1961 under then Bishop Most Rev. Gregorio Espiga. The angular structure departs from most churches in other parts of the Philippines, providing visitors with an interesting glimpse of unconventional religious structure.

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 and 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 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.

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.

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.