Main entrance to Plaza Cuartel
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Plaza Cuartel Puerto Princesa Philippines

4.1
·920 reviews·Puerto Princesa City, Philippines

A solemn WWII memorial site commemorating American POWs, offering historical reflection and scenic harbor views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Afternoons

Enjoy the view without harsh sun.

CrowdMedium
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Main entrance to Plaza Cuartel

Plaza Cuartel Puerto Princesa Philippines

Best Time

Afternoons

Enjoy the view without harsh sun.

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A solemn WWII memorial site commemorating American POWs, offering historical reflection and scenic harbor views.

4.1
(920 reviews)

"A moving experience that brought history to life, honoring those who endured."

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TIP

Book a City Tour

Enhance your visit with a guided tour for deeper historical context.

Respectful Attire

Dress modestly as it's a historical memorial site.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

WWII Memorial Ruins

WWII Memorial Ruins

Plaza Cuartel

Explore the remnants of the former penal colony and honor the brave soldiers who perished here.

Scenic Harbor View

Scenic Harbor View

Waterfront

Enjoy a calming view of the harbor, a stark contrast to the site's tragic history.

Historical Markers

Historical Markers

Throughout the plaza

Read the informative signage and plaques detailing the events of WWII.

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Planning Your Visit

Understand the History

Plaza Cuartel is a poignant historical site commemorating American POWs burned alive by the Japanese in WWII. Reflect on this somber past before your visit.

City Tour Essential

This plaza is a key stop on Puerto Princesa city tours. Consider booking one to get a guided explanation of its significant WWII history.

Best Times

When
Afternoons
Why
Enjoy the view without harsh sun.
Crowd
Medium
When
Early Mornings
Why
Quiet reflection time.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Places you can visit if mag City Tour ka sa Puerto Princesa #palawan #puertoprincesa #travelph
@helloshayne_
1.9K likes • 86K views

Book a City Tour

Enhance your visit with a guided tour for deeper historical context. TikTok

Respectful Attire

Dress modestly as it's a historical memorial site. Reddit

Our last day itinerary. Puerto Princesa City Tour. Places to Visit before our flight. 🫶
@delrosariomaj
1.8K likes • 172.3K views

Capture the Moment

Take photos of the ruins and scenic views. TikTok

Check for Renovations

Ongoing work may affect views but honors the past. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Book a City Tour

Enhance your visit with a guided tour for deeper historical context. TikTok

Respectful Attire

Dress modestly as it's a historical memorial site. Reddit

Capture the Moment

Take photos of the ruins and scenic views. TikTok

Check for Renovations

Ongoing work may affect views but honors the past. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(920 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Plaza Cuartel as a significant historical site offering a poignant glimpse into WWII events. Many appreciate the efforts to preserve and mark the memorial, finding the harbor views calming. Some wish for more detailed guided tours to fully grasp the history.

"A really great historical place with historical facts on it. If you love history, this place is a must to visit."

Macky Darjuan

"This place has a nice view and gives you a bit of the history of what used to be a military base in WWII and what has become of it after it was burned down by the Japanese.

It would have been more interesting if there's a tour guide to properly explain butI guess since it has been burned down in 1944, it only serves to commemorate the brave soldiers who were burnt down with the place.

Whilst here, you can sit down and enjoy the view which gives you a xalming feeling. You will also see kids running around."

M Leah

"I was very happy to see renovations ongoing at this important historical site. There is signage, markers and plaques honoring the POWs who were imprisoned and perished here during WWII. A must see for those who care about history."

Kevin Strahm

What People Like

Moving historical experience
Calming harbor views
Informative markers

What People Dislike

Lack of guided tours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Plaza Cuartel is conveniently located across from the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Puerto Princesa. It's a common stop on most city tours, making it easy to access via tricycle or a pre-booked tour package. TikTok+1

Yes, tricycles are readily available in Puerto Princesa and can take you directly to Plaza Cuartel. It's a well-known landmark, so drivers will know the way. Reddit

Many visitors opt for a city tour which includes Plaza Cuartel, providing historical context. Alternatively, you can explore it independently at your own pace. TikTok

While not a dedicated parking lot, there's usually space for tricycles and some vehicles along the road near the plaza. Reddit

If you are visiting the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Plaza Cuartel is just across the street, making it very walkable. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Plaza Cuartel is generally a free-access historical site. You can wander through the grounds and view the memorials without any admission fee. Reddit

Plaza Cuartel is typically open throughout the day, allowing visitors to explore during daylight hours. It's best to visit during daylight for safety and better viewing. Reddit

There is no entrance fee to visit Plaza Cuartel. It's a public space dedicated to historical remembrance. Reddit

While the area is accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and limited visibility of the historical markers. Reddit

Visitors are expected to be respectful of the historical nature of the site. Avoid littering and damaging any of the memorial structures. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The ruins of the former penal colony offer dramatic backdrops. The waterfront also provides beautiful scenic shots, especially during sunrise or sunset. TikTokReddit

Yes, photography is generally allowed at Plaza Cuartel. It's a great place to capture historical elements and scenic views. TikTok

Capture the contrast between the historical ruins and the serene harbor view. The memorial markers also offer poignant photo opportunities. Reddit

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens for capturing the expanse of the ruins and the harbor. TikTok

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over the area. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ History & Significance

Plaza Cuartel was a penal colony where 150 American soldiers were tragically burned alive by Japanese forces during WWII. It now serves as a memorial to their sacrifice. Reddit

The site was originally a US military base and penal colony. It has since been developed into a memorial park. Reddit

During WWII, Japanese soldiers imprisoned American soldiers here and set fire to the barracks, resulting in a massacre. Reddit

A few survivors managed to escape the fire and swim to safety. One survivor was instrumental in establishing the memorial. Reddit

Visiting Plaza Cuartel offers a profound lesson about the horrors of war and the importance of remembering historical events to prevent future tragedies. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Plaza Cuartel offers a unique opportunity for families to discuss WWII history in a tangible way. While the subject matter is serious, the open space allows children to move around, and the historical markers can spark curiosity. Consider booking a city tour that includes this stop to ensure a guided explanation suitable for younger audiences. TikTokReddit

Focus on the resilience and the importance of peace. The scenic harbor views can also provide a lighter, more enjoyable aspect for children. Ensure children understand the solemnity of the site and encourage respectful behavior throughout the visit. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

For history enthusiasts, Plaza Cuartel is an unmissable destination. The site offers a direct connection to a significant WWII event, with remnants of the former penal colony and informative plaques. Reading the historical accounts and imagining the events that transpired here will be a profound experience. Reddit

Consider hiring a local guide or joining a city tour to gain deeper insights and context. This will enrich your understanding of the sacrifices made and the historical significance of this location. TikTokReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Tragic History of Plaza Cuartel

Plaza Cuartel stands as a solemn testament to one of the most brutal incidents of World War II in the Philippines. Originally a US military base and penal colony, it became the site of a horrific massacre in December 1944. Japanese forces set fire to the barracks where 150 American prisoners of war were held, burning them alive. Only a handful of survivors managed to escape the inferno, swimming across the harbor to safety. This event is a stark reminder of the atrocities committed during the war.

The site has since been transformed into a memorial park, with restored ruins, historical markers, and plaques dedicated to the fallen soldiers. Visitors can walk through the remnants of the past, reflecting on the courage and suffering of those imprisoned here. The ongoing renovations aim to preserve and enhance the historical integrity of the plaza, ensuring that the memory of these brave individuals is honored for generations to come. Reddit

While the history is somber, the plaza also offers a surprisingly serene atmosphere. The beautiful harbor views provide a moment of calm and contemplation, allowing visitors to process the weight of the history they are encountering. It’s a place that evokes a deep sense of respect and remembrance, making it a significant stop for anyone interested in WWII history. Reddit

Experiencing Plaza Cuartel Today

Visiting Plaza Cuartel today offers a blend of historical reflection and scenic beauty. The site features well-maintained ruins that hint at its former structure, accompanied by informative signage detailing the events of WWII. Many visitors find the experience deeply moving and educational, especially when accompanied by a knowledgeable tour guide who can bring the history to life. TikTokReddit

The plaza's location offers picturesque views of the Puerto Princesa harbor. This scenic backdrop provides a peaceful contrast to the site's tragic past, allowing for moments of quiet contemplation. It's common to see families and locals enjoying the open space, with children often seen playing, adding a sense of normalcy and resilience to the historical grounds. Reddit

While the construction of a nearby pier might slightly alter the unobstructed ocean view, the core historical significance and the calming ambiance of Plaza Cuartel remain. It's a place that encourages reflection on the past while offering a pleasant environment to appreciate the present. Reddit

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