If you traveled to Puerto Princesa, you have most likely availed one of their tour packages going around the city and to nearby towns. Then you wondered, 'are there any other beaches in the city?'
Yes, there are! Locals would proudly say, 'we have east and west-side beaches.' East beaches face the Sulu Sea, while westside beaches face the West Philippine Sea. Yup, Puerto Princesa is that wide.
Staying within town proper, east beaches are just a tricycle ride away, while west beaches require renting a motorbike or hiring a habal-habal.
Puerto Princesa East Side Beach
White Beach/ Pristine Beach
Location: Brgy. Bancao-bancao
In the '90s, this beach was as pristine as its name, but it was not maintained through the years. During the pandemic, there were efforts to clean the beach, and with months of no visitors, the beach is becoming okay.
White Beach is the most swimmable compared to other east-side beaches. The table below sums up what we are generally looking for a beach scenery:
Sand | White |
Beach Color | Blue green |
Cleanliness | 2 of 5 |
Sunrise or sunset | None. Beachfront is facing south |
Entrance Fee | Php 50 |
Food Stalls | there is one sari-sari store |
Island Hopping | none |
Activities | none |
Best time to visit | Morning. Less crowd |
There is a secluded beach on the right side -after the other resort. The water there is cleaner, and the shore is wider.
How to get to White/Pristine Beach
From town proper, hire a tricycle going to this beach. Fare is around Php100
Sandbar at Puerto Princesa
An off the beaten track
Location: Brgy. Bancao-bancao
There is a little surprise at the east-side beach. Go to Cockatoo Pool and Bar at Brgy. Bancao-Bancao. You may want to chill at their pool first while waiting for the low tide. Yes, if it's low tide, you will see a trail at their beachfront. Cool, isn't it?
I just discovered this after I followed some locals walking towards the sea. The distance is about 120m.; no kayak, just walk. Twenty meters of muddy sand from the beachfront, you'll notice the trail because there is no seagrass along the path. Fret not because you will be rewarded with a broad white sandbar. Water is scenic blue and indeed for the gram. Bring your phone so you can take shots -I didn't bring mine because I didn't expect the sandbar; I just followed the locals out of curiosity.
There are starfish around the sand bar area, and the aviation signal lights of the airport are visible from afar. Chill and enjoy the view, but not so long because you have to be back at the resort before the high tide.
This is definitely for thrill-seekers!
When I left Puerto, I booked a left window seat to get an aerial glimpse of this sandbar. I was grinning when I identified it and was able to get a shot from above. The trail is pretty visible too!
How to get to the Sandbar
From town proper, hire a tricycle going to Cockatoo Pool. Fare is around Php100. The entrance fee of the resort is Php90. You may leave your bag at the front desk if you are just visiting the sandbar.
Puerto Princesa West Side Beach
Nagtabon Beach
Location: Brgy. Bacungan
West side has Nagtabon and Talaudyong beach, but both have the same feels- freedom!
Since this is 32kms away from the city proper and no public transport is going directly here, there are fewer tourists. With the long stretch of coastline, brown sand, and unexploited beachfront, you will easily add this to your favorite beaches. The water is clean, swimmable but be careful of the rip curls. Ask the locals for safety. You can also catch waves for beginner surfers during the north swell.
There is no entrance fee for this open beach, but cottages are available for rent. There are rooms for overnight visitors. The small convenience store here also cooks some meals, so don't worry if you only bring yourself and money for the beer.
Sand | Brown to white |
Beach color | Blue-green to blue |
Cleanliness | 5 of 5 |
Sunrise or sunset | Sunset |
Entrance Fee | Open beach |
Food Stalls | Yes |
Island Hopping | None |
Activities | Free Diving |
Best time to visit | Anytime of the day |
How to get to Nagtabon Beach
From the city proper, hire a motorcycle or a tour package to get you there. Take the road going north until you reach Brgy. Bacungan. You'll be guided by the sign going to Nagtabon Beach.
After getting your tan, visit the viewing deck before heading home and be mesmerized by this view:
To get here from the beachfront, travel back to the same road, then turn left on the first intersection. From there, the viewing deck is just 100m on the left. The entrance fee is Php10 for this stunning view.
Baywalk Puerto Princesa
Location: Town Proper
Before you leave Puerto Princesa for your next trip, visit Baywalk for sunset watching. Here are some of my captures during my Puerto stay.
The Baywalk is an open space perfect for exercising, family bonding, and friends get together. You can rent a bicycle for kids and teenagers. There are also restaurants and food stalls that are open till night.
I hope you get to see the beauty of this city!
Please comment below if you have queries. I'll try to answer them to kick start your Puerto travel.
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