
Iwahig Penal Colony
Experience a unique penal colony where inmates work and live with families, focusing on rehabilitation through labor and community.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more authentic feel

Iwahig Penal Colony
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more authentic feel

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience a unique penal colony where inmates work and live with families, focusing on rehabilitation through labor and community.
"A truly unique and eye-opening experience, unlike any other prison visit.
"
Respect PDL Privacy
Be mindful and respectful of the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs). Avoid intrusive photography.
Support PDL Rehabilitation
Purchase souvenirs made by PDLs. Your support aids their livelihood and reintegration.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Open-Concept Prison
Various areas within the colony
Experience a unique penal farm where inmates work and live with fewer restrictions. See a different side of correctional facilities.

Inmate Crafts and Products
Souvenir shops
Purchase handmade crafts and local products made by the PDLs. Support their rehabilitation and take home a unique souvenir.

Historical Significance
Colony grounds
Learn about the history of Iwahig, established during the American colonial period. Understand its evolution as a correctional facility.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understanding the Unique Nature of Iwahig
Best Time to Visit for a Peaceful Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Respect PDL Privacy
Be mindful and respectful of the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs). Avoid intrusive photography.
Support PDL Rehabilitation
Purchase souvenirs made by PDLs. Your support aids their livelihood and reintegration.
Dress Appropriately
Opt for modest and comfortable clothing. Avoid revealing attire out of respect for the environment. :athletic_shoe:
Inquire Before Photographing
Always ask permission before taking photos of PDLs or their living quarters.
Tips
from all over the internet
Respect PDL Privacy
Be mindful and respectful of the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs). Avoid intrusive photography.
Support PDL Rehabilitation
Purchase souvenirs made by PDLs. Your support aids their livelihood and reintegration.
Dress Appropriately
Opt for modest and comfortable clothing. Avoid revealing attire out of respect for the environment. :athletic_shoe:
Inquire Before Photographing
Always ask permission before taking photos of PDLs or their living quarters.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often find Iwahig Penal Colony to be a unique and thought-provoking destination, offering a glimpse into a progressive correctional system. The opportunity to see PDLs engaged in productive work and purchase their crafts is a highlight for many. However, some visitors note the limited amenities and the need for clear guidelines on interaction and photography to ensure respect for the PDLs.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Iwahig Penal Colony is located about 15 kilometers east of Puerto Princesa City. You can hire a tricycle or a taxi to get there. Some visitors opt for a private car rental for more flexibility. The journey typically takes around 30-45 minutes.
While direct public transport might be limited, you can take a jeepney or bus heading towards the eastern part of Palawan from Puerto Princesa City and ask the driver to drop you off near the Iwahig entrance. From there, you might need to walk or take a short tricycle ride.
Exploring Iwahig is best done by hiring a local guide or a tricycle driver who is familiar with the area. They can take you to key points of interest and provide insights into the colony's operations.
While Iwahig is a penal colony, there are typically no entrance fees for visitors. However, donations are often welcomed to support the PDLs' welfare and rehabilitation programs.
Yes, you can visit Iwahig on your own. However, it's recommended to be aware of your surroundings and follow any instructions from the colony's personnel to ensure a safe and respectful visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, advance booking of tickets is not required for Iwahig Penal Colony as it does not operate on a ticket system like a typical tourist attraction. Visitors can usually enter during operating hours.
The operating hours can vary, but generally, Iwahig Penal Colony is open to visitors during daylight hours on weekdays. It's advisable to check for any specific schedule changes or holiday closures before your visit.
Iwahig Penal Colony is typically open on weekends, but it might be busier with local visitors. Some areas might have restricted access during specific times.
Generally, visitors are welcome. However, it's a correctional facility, so visitors are expected to behave respectfully and adhere to the rules set by the Bureau of Corrections.
Yes, families are welcome to visit Iwahig Penal Colony. In fact, some PDLs are allowed to have their families live with them within designated areas, showcasing a unique aspect of the colony.
📸 📸 Photography & Social Media
Photography is generally allowed in designated areas, but it's crucial to be respectful. Avoid taking close-up photos of PDLs or their living quarters without explicit permission.
The sprawling grounds, the unique architecture of the facilities, and the crafts made by PDLs offer great photo opportunities. Capture the essence of this unique correctional institution.
Yes, always be mindful of the PDLs' privacy. Ask for consent before photographing individuals. Avoid capturing sensitive areas or activities that might compromise security.
You can share your experiences on social media, but ensure your content is respectful and does not exploit or misrepresent the PDLs or the facility.
Popular hashtags include #Iwahig, #IwahigPenalFarm, #PuertoPrincesa, #Palawan, #PDL, and #Philippines.
🎫 🤝 Onsite Experience
You can explore the vast grounds, observe the PDLs engaged in various work activities like farming and crafts, and visit souvenir shops selling their creations. It offers a glimpse into a unique correctional system.
While not formal tours, local guides or tricycle drivers familiar with the colony can offer insights and show you around the accessible areas. They can provide context about the PDLs' daily lives and rehabilitation programs.
PDLs at Iwahig are involved in various livelihood projects, including farming, animal husbandry, and handicraft production. These activities are part of their rehabilitation and provide them with skills.
Direct interaction with PDLs is limited and supervised. However, you can interact with them when purchasing their crafts or in designated areas where they might be working.
Iwahig Penal Colony is generally considered safe for visitors, as it is a managed facility. However, it's important to remain aware of your surroundings and follow the guidance of colony personnel.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
There are souvenir shops within the colony where PDLs sell their handmade crafts, such as wood carvings, woven items, and other local products.
Dining options within Iwahig Penal Colony are limited. It's advisable to eat before or after your visit in Puerto Princesa. Some small canteens might be available for staff and visitors.
While inmates are involved in farming and food production for the colony, direct purchase of prepared food by visitors is not a common offering. Souvenirs are the primary items for sale.
Iwahig Penal Colony is primarily a correctional facility, not a commercial hub. You won't find typical restaurants or cafes. Visitors usually bring their own snacks or dine outside the colony.
The prices for souvenirs are generally affordable, reflecting the handmade nature of the products and supporting the PDLs' efforts. You can find items ranging from small trinkets to larger decorative pieces.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting with children, emphasize the importance of respectful behavior and maintaining a safe distance. Explain that the individuals they see are in a correctional facility and are working towards rehabilitation. Purchasing handmade crafts can be a fun way for kids to contribute and take home a meaningful souvenir. Ensure children understand not to take photos without permission.
🤔 Budget Travelers
To maximize your budget, consider packing your own snacks and water, as dining options within the colony are scarce and potentially pricier if available. Hiring a tricycle for a round trip might also be more cost-effective than multiple single rides. The experience itself is rich in cultural and social insight, offering significant value without a high price tag.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Philosophy of Iwahig
This open-concept approach allows PDLs to engage in various livelihood projects, including farming, animal husbandry, and handicraft production. These activities not only provide them with vocational skills but also contribute to the colony's self-sufficiency and generate income through the sale of their products. Visitors can witness this firsthand and even purchase these items, directly supporting the inmates' rehabilitation efforts.
The success of Iwahig lies in its emphasis on trust and self-governance. PDLs are given a degree of autonomy, encouraging them to take ownership of their actions and contribute positively to the community. This unique model challenges conventional notions of incarceration and offers a compelling case study in restorative justice.
Navigating Iwahig: Practicalities for Visitors
Getting around Iwahig can be done by hiring a tricycle or a local guide. These individuals are knowledgeable about the colony's layout and can provide valuable context about the PDLs' daily lives and the history of the institution. They can also help you navigate to the areas where PDLs sell their handicrafts, offering a chance to support their rehabilitation directly.
When it comes to dining, options within the colony are very limited. Most visitors choose to eat in Puerto Princesa before or after their visit. It's also advisable to dress modestly and comfortably, respecting the correctional environment. Remember, Iwahig is a place of rehabilitation, and your visit should reflect an appreciation for this unique correctional model.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit