What is community-based sustainable tourism (CBST) in Puerto Princesa?

Community-Based Sustainable Tourism (CBST) is a model where local communities manage and benefit directly from tourism activities. In Puerto Princesa, there are over 30 CBST sites offering authentic experiences—from firefly watching in Iwahig to bamboo rafting on the Maoyon River—where 100% of fees support local families, artisans, and environmental conservation.

What is there to see and do in Puerto Princesa?

Puerto Princesa is home to the UNESCO Underground River, Honda Bay island hopping, Ugong Rock caves and ziplines, Sabang mangrove tours, and beaches like Nagtabon. You can visit Batak indigenous communities and explore bays and viewpoints around the city—sights that deserve more than a one-night stopover.

What makes Byaheng Puerto Princesa tours different from typical Palawan packages?

Unlike mass tourism packages focused on the Underground River, we curate experiences across 30+ CBST sites that directly support local livelihoods. Our tours are designed with "Kapwa" (shared humanity) philosophy—you're not just a tourist, but a welcomed guest experiencing authentic Palawan culture, crafts, and cuisine with the people who call it home.

How do your tours benefit local communities in Palawan?

Every booking directly supports Puerto Princesa communities. Tour fees go to local guides, artisan cooperatives, and conservation programs. We partner with Weaving Ecosystems and Iconik Palawan to ensure ethical, sustainable practices. By choosing CBST experiences, you help preserve indigenous culture and create livelihood opportunities beyond traditional tourism jobs.

What are the best alternative attractions to the Underground River in Puerto Princesa?

Beyond the Underground River (limited to 900 visitors/day), Puerto Princesa offers incredible alternatives: Ugong Rock Adventures for caving and ziplines, Sabang Mangrove Paddle Boat tours, Iwahig Firefly Watching, Honda Bay island hopping, Nagtabon Beach, and immersive visits to Batak indigenous villages. These CBST sites offer unique experiences without the crowds.

Puerto Princesa · Palawan

Discover Puerto Princesa with locals.

Community-rooted tours, artisan visits, and cultural walks—designed to feel personal, not packaged.

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A day with local artisans, craft spaces, and tastes you won't find in a standard itinerary.

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Community Hub

Rurungan Compound

South Side, Puerto Princesa

Rurungan Compound is a vibrant community hub in Puerto Princesa that brings together three distinct entities: the Rurungan Sa Tubod Foundation (RSTF) preserving traditional weaving, Kusina ni Tito Ernie serving authentic Palawan cuisine, and Weaving Ecosystems connecting communities through creative initiatives. This cultural compound serves as a living space where visitors can experience the interconnectedness of local arts, food, and community development. The compound hosts the Binhi sa Rurungan Market and various workshops that celebrate Palawan heritage while supporting sustainable livelihoods.

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Community-Rooted Experiences

Curated experiences co-created with local artists, makers, and social enterprises.

Local access and hidden spaces in Puerto Princesa you can't find online

Local Access You Can't Google

Intimate connections to homes, studios, and community spaces not found on standard tours.

Strengthening livelihoods and culture in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Strengthening Livelihoods & Culture

Built for residents first, supporting local livelihoods and the city's cultural and creative ecosystem.

Livable, inclusive tourism in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

A More Livable, Inclusive Tourism Model

Through our map, concierge, and tour, visitors participate in a tourism approach that respects local rhythms and avoids cultural erasure.

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Byaheng Puerto Princesa Joiner Tour

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What guests say

Short quotes from people who joined our Puerto Princesa tours.

We loved the tour!
“We loved the tour! Concept is great - very informative. JM was very accommodating. Always updating us where we are going, what's about to happen, etc.”

Lara — Palawan

The highlight of the tour for me was how it centered on people and everyday spaces, not ju…
“The highlight of the tour for me was how it centered on people and everyday spaces, not just places or beaches and experiencing the city in a way that reflects how locals actually live, not just how it's usually presented to visitors.”

Niña — Palawan

Great introduction to the city and you get to meet people who are creative, sustainability…
“Great introduction to the city and you get to meet people who are creative, sustainability minded”

Gerome — Palawan

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Frequently Asked Questions

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