San Rafael Travel Guide

San Rafael is a small coastal village to the northeast of Puerto Princesa in Central Palawan. It's a two-hour drive from the capital and a good place to start treks of the area.

Worth It?: Yes, as a side trip from Puerto Princesa.
What to Do: trek, visit the Batak tribe.
Best Time to Go: December through March for the nicest trekking weather.
How Long?: A day and night in San Rafael itself.
Trivia: Taraw Cave was home to Palawan governor rebel, Dr Higinio Mendoza, during the Japanese occupation of Indonesia in WWII.

The area is quiet and scenic and has thick rainforest inland. Treks from San Rafael to Cabayugan in the west of Palawan are popular. A popular stop-off is the Batak tribal village, about three hours on foot from San Rafael. There are rivers and streams along the way and the opportunity to have a cool-off dip.

From Cabayugan, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Park is well within reach and one of the main attractions of Palawan. Side trips from San Rafael include a look at gorgeous Honda Bay, just outside Puerto Princesa.

Other attractions worth checking out in San Rafael include the 8 Waves Waterpark and Resort and Taraw Cave. The cave lies in the east of town and provides nice views.

Travel to San Rafael - Getting There

Puerto Princesa Airport is the Palawan gateway and is two hours by road from San Rafael. Flight time from Manila Airport to Puerto Princesa Airport is 1 hour. You can also get here from Davao and Cebu City airports, as well as by ferry from Manila in the Philippines.

San Rafael Things to Do

San Rafael Attractions

San Rafael trekking

the main point for visitors is to trek to Cabayugan in the west, which is near to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Park.

Side trips from San Rafael

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Park: the main attraction in Central Palawan features an underground river and amazing scenery.
Sabang Beach: a gorgeous little beach on the west coast of Palawan, not far from Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Park and San Rafael.

Events

Balayong Festival: a fun festival in Puerto Princesa held in March to celebrate the city's founding with parades and dancing.