Need help planning your trip? Here’s our latest PUERTO PRINCESA PALAWAN TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG, with all the tips and information that we know such as hotel and tour recommendations, things to do, budget and expenses. We also included a sample DIY PUERTO PRINCESA ITINERARY!
If you trace my history as a travel blogger, you’ll probably find the very roots of it in Puerto Princesa City.
It happened over 10 years ago. My grandfather had passed away and I needed to fly to Puerto Princesa to attend the wake and the funeral. In the middle of mourning, I was captivated by the city. I had never seen one as clean, green, and organized as the Palawan capital. Prior to this trip, I had never traveled far for leisure, not counting the Boy Scout jamborees I joined as a child. I was already keeping a blog then, not this travel blog but just an online personal journal for my random musings.
After that trip, I found myself writing about a place for the first time. I planned to return just to explore the city, something I wasn’t able to do that time, but it didn’t happen soon enough, for financial reasons. It would take more than two long years before I set foot in the city again; thanks to a company outing. That was the first of the many times I would find myself
Since then, Puerto Princesa has been my favorite city in the country. Even when I’m bound for another Palawan destination like El Nido or San Vicente, I would find time to stop and stay longer in the city, not just for personal, sentimental reasons. The city has a wealth of attractions, topped with good food, outstanding cleanliness, and friendly, disciplined people.
WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
Puerto Princesa: Essential Travel Information
Puerto Princesa City is the capital of and the only city in Palawan, Philippines. While it is considered a highly urbanized city, it still looks and feels more like a big town. And in the past few years, more like a boomtown. The city has been transforming, developing at a rate faster than I gain weight. Haha. A few new malls and several new big hotels now stand in what used to be a virtually flat city proper.
Yet, tourism here is highly organized and synchronized. Almost all sectors of the industry — from the tour guides to tricycle drivers to boatmen — have their own associations, working collaboratively with each other. This combination of infrastructure, organization, policy, and natural wonders make Puerto Princesa an ideal destination even for first-timers, seniors, and children.
By land area, Puerto Princesa is the second largest city in the Philippines. It is also the least densely populated. In 2012, it gained more international attention when the Puerto Princesa Underground River was declared one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, pushing the number of tourist arrivals to skyrocket and cementing the city’s place as a tourism powerhouse.
It is also a convenient gateway to other parts of the province. El Nido, San Vicente, and even Balabac can be easily accessed from here.
More info you need to know:
- Language: Tagalog is spoken by the majority. But English is widely understood and spoken. A significant fraction of the population also speaks Cuyonon and other Visayan languages.
- Currency: Philippine peso (PHP, ₱). PHP100 is around USD1.92, EUR 1.56, SGD2.52 (as of April 2018).
- Modes of payment: Cash! While some accept credit card transactions, most establishments prefer cash.
- Money Exchange: There are money changers and banks aplenty all around the city. The most popular is probably AS Money Changer along Rizal Avenue. If you’re uncomfy, there’s always the banks. For example, BDO Rizal Avenue Branch exchange major currencies to Philippine pesos. You can also withdraw from ATMs. Speaking of ATMs…
- ATM. The city is littered with banks and ATM machines, so it’s not a problem. Many accept visa/mastercard withdrawals.
- Electricity Info: 220V, 60Hz. Socket Type A, mostly.
Best Time to Visit Puerto Princesa
January to April. These dry months are the sunniest. However, this period is also the peak season, especially March and April, which are widely considered the “summer” months in the Philippines. For me, the most ideal time to visit Puerto Princesa is January-February. Weather’s still fine but the place isn’t that crowded.
Palawan is located in the western extreme of the country, isolated from most other main islands. It is not in the usual typhoon track (yay). But because it is sandwiched by two major seas, the West Philippine Sea to its north and Sulu Sea to the south, its weather system is a bit different. November sees the start of the dry season for the rest of the country, but it’s still pretty damp in Palawan. Short and passing rain showers are also expected in the afternoon even on some summer days. In fact, on our most recent trip a week ago — and I’m writing this in April, the middle of the supposedly dry season — rain was pouring. So yeah, you can’t really tell, most of the time.
How to Get to Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa (PPS) has an international airport that is now much bigger and more equipped. As a major tourist destination, the city is served by all major local airlines. But the cheapest flights are operated by AirAsia.
Below is a quick random scan of Manila-Puerto Princesa flights on Traveloka.
AirAsia flies to Puerto Princesa from Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao.
Puerto Princesa Airport to City Center
First of all, the Puerto Princesa International Airport is in the city center. It’s smack at the center of the poblacion, so yay! (I have even tried walking from here! It was a loooong walk, though.)
Second, most big hotels and resorts offer free airport transfers so you might want to check with them first. If not, then the cheapest option is the tricycle.
Here are the tricycle fares for journeys from the airport to various parts of the city.
- To any part of the area surrounding the airport (Bancao-Bancao): P50
- To Rizal Avenue: P50
- To the pier: P50
- To A&A Plaza Hotel: P50
- To Immaculate Conception Cathedral: P50
- To Brg. San Pedro: P70
- To San Jose Terminal: P120
- To Honda Bay (Sta. Lourdes): P350
The tricycles are stationed outside the airport vicinity, so you’ll have to walk a little bit to get to them.
Where to Stay in Puerto Princesa
The biggest concentration of accommodations in Puerto Princesa is in the city center. Unless you want to spend the night on an island, then I strongly recommend staying in the city proper so you could also experience the sedated urban vibe. This will expose you to the many restaurants, bars, and shops that the city can offer.
Top Budget Hotels Below P2000
These are the top-rated accommodations on Agoda as scored by their users.
- Greenspace Palawan Hotel. Check Rates & Availability.
- Floral Villarosa Hotel. Check Rates & Availability.
- Islands Stay Hotels. Check Rates & Availability.
- ZEN Rooms Baywalk Palawan. Check Rates & Availability.
Top Puerto Princesa Hostels, Inns, & BnBs Below P1000
- Villa Skanderbeg Guest House. Check Rates & Availability.
- Dalindas Homestay. Check Rates & Availability.
- Lemon Transient House Palawan. Check Rates & Availability.
- Tenzai Pension House. Check Rates & Availability.
- Cleon Villas Pension. Check Rates & Availability.
Search for more: Puerto Princesa Hotels
Puerto Princesa Tours: Places to Visit
Tourism operations in the city are highly organized. The guides are professionally trained, itineraries thoughtfully composed, and boatmen compliant to both environmental and security guidelines. While it is possible to pull a DIY in Puerto Princesa to lower the costs, most tourists just avail of packaged tours for a more convenient, hassle-free experience.
Below are the best attractions and activities in Puerto Princesa. I also added some links to Klook, where you can book tours easily. If you book with Klook, we’ll earn a little bit at no extra cost to you, so please book using the links below. *wink, wink*
Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour
The city’s very own world wonder and UNESCO World Heritage Site!
If you can only avail of one packaged tour, make it this one. The number of visitors allowed per day is limited, and guests must register in advance. I suggest arranging with a tour operator for this one if you don’t want to go through the hassle of doing the paperwork and securing a vehicle to Sabang Beach and back.
This tour will take you on a two-hour drive to Sabang Beach, which is the takeoff point to the Subterranean River National Park. Arranged tours cost P1750 to P2200 per person inclusive of a buffet lunch, audio guide, and round trip land and boat transfers.
Klook’s tour is only at P1750 per person, which is a good deal!
Honda Bay Tour
Travel agencies and hotels usually offer this tour for P1450 per person. Pull a do-it-yourself and you’ll end up saving a lot especially if you’re part of a big group. Take a trike to Lourdes Wharf and ask the driver to pick you up hours later. One-way journey costs from P350.
At the wharf, you can join a group tour or rent a private boat. The boatman will take you to at least 3 islands. Here are the rates:
- Group Tour: P250 per person
- Private Boat (good for 20 pax): P1500 per boat
Last boat leaves the wharf at around 2pm and must be back by 5pm.
You will also have to settle the environmental fees, entrance fees, and cottage rental costs on your own. Here are the rates:
- Environmental Fee: P150 per head
- Starfish Island Entrance Fee: P50 per head
- Cowrie Island Entrance Fee: P50 per head
- Luli Island Entrance Fee: P60 per head
- Pambato Reef: P50 per head
- Starfish Island Cottage Rental: P50 per cottage
- Cowrie Island Cottage Rental: P250 per cottage
- Snorkeling Gear Rental: P150 per set
- Aqua Shoes Rental: P150 per pair
Of course, you can also just join a packaged tour if you want to just relax and not deal with these transfers and fees on your own. Honda Bay Tour rates are usually between P1400 and P1500.
Klook’s Honda Bay Tour costs only P1400.
Puerto Princesa City Tour
A half-day tour that will show you around some attractions within the city. Tour operators’ price tag on this tour is at P600 per person but you can hire a tricycle instead for P600 per tricycle, which can accommodate up to 4 peeps.
The Puerto Princesa itinerary usually includes the following:
- Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center. Formerly known as Crocodile Farming Institute. There are two types of crocodiles here: the Saltwater Crocodile or Indo-Pacific Crocodile (Crocodylus Porosus) and the Philippine Freshwater Crocodile or Mindoro Crocodile (Crocodylus Mindorensis).
- Plaza Cuartel. Plaza Cuartel is the site of Palawan Massacre. The tunnels were where 150 American prisoners of war were kept during World War II. But on December 14, 1944, the Japanese decided to kill them all by burning them alive. Many perished but eleven prisoners were able to survive and escape the mass execution.
- Mitra’s Ranch. Owned by the family of the late Senator Ramon Mitra, this piece of land is perched on Sta Monica Heights, which offers a stunning view of the city.
- Bakers’ Hill. Pasalubong stop!
If you prefer exploring in a van than in a tricycle, you can book below.
Iwahig Firefly Watching Tour
A night of watching fireflies and the stars. A small boat will take you deeper into the mangrove forest in pitch darkness and the boatman will help you spot these incandescent creatures and identify the constellations above. Pre-arranged tours cost P1000-P1500 per person.
Kamia Bay Inflatable Island
The newest attraction in Puerto Princesa, Kamia Bay is home to the biggest inflatable water park in Asia! Nestled in Binusalian Bay, it can be reached after a 40-minute ride from the city proper. Aside from the giant wipe-out-ish set, you can also join their eco-tours or ride down their bike trails.
The waterpark (aqua park) can be enjoyed for 1 hour for only P300. But you can book a tour package too. Here are the rates:
- 1-hour Aqua Park pass: P300
- 1 hour Aqua Park pass, eco-tour, and buffet lunch: P788
- 1 hour Aqua Park pass, eco-tour, and buffet lunch + roundtrip transfers: P1188
- Unlimited Aqua Park pass, eco-tour, and buffet lunch + roundtrip transfers: P1788
To book, contact Amika Travels by emailing amikatravels@yahoo.com.
Nagtabon Beach
Lacing a hidden cove 45 minutes from the Puerto Princesa City Proper, it can be reached by taking the bus going north (Taytay/Roxas/El Nido). Alight in Bacungan (P50) then hail a tricycle to get you to Nagtabon Beach (P250, max 3 pax).
However, there’s not that many buses or tricycles passing by the area, so doing it this way can prove challenging. If you’re a group, you can rent a van for only P3500 or a motorbike for P700.
You can also have this included in your usual Puerto Princesa City Tour for an additional fee. Just talk to your driver.
Other Puerto Princesa Attractions
- Tibag Falls. This spectacular waterfall is tucked away in Bacungan, around 40 minutes from the city center. To get here, you may board a north-bound bus at San Jose Terminal and get off near Bacungan Bridge (P50). It’s going to be a 2-hour walk from there. You can also join a Klook tour, but it’s pricier. BOOK THIS TOUR
- Ugong Rock Adventures. Enjoy trekking, spelunking, and ziplining in this adventure park located in Brgy. Tagabinet, north of the city. Travel agencies usually charge P600 per person for a day tour here.
- Sabang X-Zipline. This facility is located near the Underground River and is usually packaged with it. If there is some significant waiting time prior to the underground river tour, this is a good way to kill some time. Rate: P550 per person.
Where to Eat in Puerto Princesa
If traveling on a shoestring, you can always count on the ever reliable carinderias (eateries) throughout the city. Your P100 has a lot of purchasing power and can get you more than a full meal with a drink.
If you’re willing to splurge a little bit, there’s no running out of options. Many big hotels in the city have their own flagship restaurant that highlights their take on a cuisine. For example, Hue Hotel houses Matiz Restaurant and Tapas Bar, which boasts a mostly Spanish menu. Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa has a dining complex featuring four restaurants including the Golden Elephant Seafood Village, which specializes in Thai food.
But of course, when in Palawan, stuff your face with Filipino dishes. If you’re looking for a modern twist on your Pinoy favorites, go to Best Western Plus the Ivywall Hotel, home to Balayong Restaurant, an open-air dining place with a bar and grill. My teammate Glenn recently had the pleasure of dining there and he’s been raving about it. “Balayong offers interesting new takes on classic Palaweño and Philippine dishes. Under the guide of celebrity chef Sau Del Rosario, some of the restaurant’s must-try offerings include: sinuglaw, the classic kilawin (ceviche) made from grilled pork belly, raw fish, vinegar, chilis, and cucumbers; ‘deconstructed’ pochero; and crispy pork bagnet.”
If you’re after Puerto Princesa classics, head over to Rizal Avenue, which is flanked with a number of must-try restaurants, including the following:
- Ka Lui. Arguably the most famous in the city, Ka Lui offers Pinoy seafood specialties. They also give a complimentary fruit salad served on a halved coconut. You need to have prior reservation to secure a seat. Book in advance. Suggested budget: P400 per pax.
- Kinabuch’s. This is where you should head for if you want beer to go with your dinner. And in case you miss sampling the notorious tamilok, a wood-dwelling mollusk best eaten raw, this is the place for that last chance to try it! Suggested budget: P300 per pax.
- Balinsasayaw Restaurant. An unassuming restaurant offering cheap to mid-range Pinoy dishes. The place has this island vibe, thanks to the nipa and bamboo huts! A value meal costs around P100. Suggested Budget: P150 per pax
You’ll find them all lined up along Rizal Avenue. You might also want to try those barbeque stalls along the road and have some isaw!
Sample Puerto Princesa Itinerary with Expenses Breakdown
Ready to fly to Puerto Princesa now? Not quite. It’s time to build an itinerary. If you’re gunning for only a weekend trip, you’re in luck. We have already done the dirty work for ya. Here’s a sample itinerary for a 3D/2N getaway, with breakdown of expenses.
Note that this Puerto Princesa itinerary assumes the following:
- You’re a party of 2, splitting some expenses.
- You’ll be spending P1200 per night on accommodations. Divided by 2 people, that’s only P600 per night.
- You’ll be booking most of the tours via Klook. Their tour rates are competitive.
Here goes!
Day 1: CITY TOUR, IWAHIG FIREFLIES
08:20 am – Arrival in Puerto Princesa
09:00 am – Tricycle to hotel, P25 (P50/2pax)
09:20 am – Hotel check-in
11:00 am – Early lunch
12:30 pm – City Tour (Tricycle), P300 (P600/2pax)
05:00 pm – Iwahig Fireflies Tour, P1050, BOOK IT HERE
09:30 pm – Back to hotel
10:30 pm – Lights out
Day 2: UNDERGROUND RIVER
06:00 am – Wake up
07:00 am – Underground River Tour, P1740, BOOK IT HERE
04:00 pm – REST, FREE TIME
07:00 pm – Dinner at Ka Lui or Kinabuch’s, P400
10:00 pm – Lights out
Day 3: HONDAY BAY
06:00 am – Wake up, early check out, leave bags
07:00 am – Honda Bay Tour, P1400, BOOK IT HERE
02:00 pm – Ask to be dropped off at the public market
02:10 pm – Pasalubong Shopping, FREE TIME
04:30 pm – Back to hotel, pick up bags, freshen up
06:00 pm – Tricycle to airport, P25 (P50/2pax)
06:30 pm – Airport Check-in, Terminal Fee: P200
07:40 pm – Fly back to Manila
This itinerary will set you back only around P6500 (USD125, EUR101, SGD164), excluding airfare and pasalubong.
You can bring the cost down by doing the Honda Bay Tour on your own, which can save you around P500 per person.
If you have more time and funds, I strongly recommend paying San Vicente or El Nido a visit, too.
Other Tips for the Poor Traveler
- Walk when you can. I find joy in walking around Puerto Princesa. Trees are everywhere, so it doesn’t get as hot as the other “highly urbanized” cities.
- Tricycle fare is only P8 for the first 2 km and P1.25 per succeeding km if you’re going around the city center except the airport. Airport tricycles are operated by a separate TODA and cost more than the usual city trikes.
- Bring insect repellent lotion, especially if you plan to go trekking or island hopping. Protect yourself from mosquitoes.
- Bring your own reusable water bottle, so you don’t need to buy bottled water over and over again. Just have the bottle refilled at your hotel or at your lunch/dinner stops. Not only will you save money, you also get to reduce waste.
- Puerto Princesa Airport collects a P200 terminal fee. Make sure you don’t spend every single peso you have before your flight out.
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It’s the first blog that hooked me in reading more.
I have read other blogs and they were just fine and at some point I get bored and stop reading them.
But this one, I love it!
Very interesting and informative.
This will totally help for my Puerto Princesa visit.
Thanks! Enjoy Puerto Princesa!
very helpful especially for the first time travelers! Thanks a lot!
Thanks for visiting! Enjoy Puerto Princesa!
Very helpful reference for us first time PPS traveler. Thanks!
Thanks for visiting, Luke!
Is November is not a good month to visit? I can only go around that month. Anyway, thank you so much for the blog. It is very informative.
Hi Yammie, if you’re left with November, i-go mo na lang din. Kahit naman rainy season, di naman ibig sabihin araw-araw umuulan so may chance pa rin na sunshiny yung trip. Tiwala lang, char. Haha :D
Hi Yoshke Dimen I’m planning to go to Puerto Princesa next year , maybe May or June. Puwede mo akong mabigyan nang advice kon paano makatipid, kasi mga 8 people kami lahat mga apo ko at mga pamangkin. I’m a senoir citizen na. gusto kong maka budget na makaabot sa kaya ko. Please give me some advice. Thanks…
Hi! Halos lahat po ng alam ko about Puerto Princesa travel, andito na po sa post na ito. Ang maidadagdag ko na lang, since 8 pax kayo, rent na lang kayo ng van to tour around. Pero wala po akong contact.
wow parang napadali sa akin ang pag hanap ng mapupuntahan sa PPS 3 kc kami my husband and I with oyr daughter, sa kababasa ko parang naikot ko agad ang puerto hehe parang madali na sa akin, ako nalang ang magiging tour guide ng asawa at anak ko…
tnx a lot sa share mo….
Thanks! Enjoy Palawan!
I booked a budget flight last Nov. 12 bound to Palawan on Oct. 8 2019 and because I am a first time traveller I researched about Puerto Princesa and then I found this blog. It’s so informative and now I’m not afraid of going there because I already have some ideas where to visit, what to visit and where to eat. Thank you very much and I look forward to reading more of your blogs.
Thanks, Naica! Always happy to help! Enjoy Palawan! :)
This is the best very informative write-up about Palawan!
Well written.
Thanks, Alicia!
I’m going to Palawan with my co-teachers this April and the sites you cited are the ones I’m eyeing on. I will definitely visit those with your blog as my guide. Thank you for sharing your Palawan experience!
Thanks, Caren! Enjoy Palawan!
Hi. newbie here planning to go to PPS this end of march. I was wondering coz my daughter ask me to double check the sample itinerary you post. ask klang kung sure iyung mga tours sa klooks, first time kaming mag byaheng mag asawa ng kami lang ussually they do the booking for us. I was following your blog 3 days in a row na. updated ba ang mga price na naka quote duon? is there a hot spring that you can recommend? salamat in advance.
Hi Grace,
Klook is a legitimate online travel agency and very popular too. A lot of people use it. Just make sure you read all their instructions and details upon and after booking.
Unfortunately, wala akong alam na hot spring near Puerto Princesa.
Thank you so much Yoshke, Now I feel comportable and determine to go and explore more ng dalawa lang kaming mag asawa sa ibat-ibang lugar. Sundan ko lang blogs mo and add a little in between and were okay. Thank you.
Enjoy Palawan po! :)
Hi! Do you happen to still have contacts especially from the city tour? We are considering having a DIY trip and it would be a lot of help to have contacts prior the trip. Hope you respond. Thanks!
hi Aeryka, no, most of the time when we’re in Puertp Princesa, we just make an agreement with a tricycle driver.
Wow, I red the whole article that you wrote and amazed me. The tips are entirely helpful, the tiny details which makes a big impact when doing an iterinary, most especially if it is ‘do-it-yourself’. Pretty thing that I stumbled on your blog site. Lots of important information that’s why this is the best site when travelling to the unknown dimension of the world. Keep up the good work! Thank you so much.
Thanks for dropping by, AJ.
Hello, thanks for the tips! :) at least mas madali na gumawa ng Itinerary,
Can you a recommend a hostel in Puerto? You’re El Nido kasi, you mentioned
a specific place where to stay. Thank you so much! :)
Hi, can i ask some questions regarding your DIY to Honda Bay tour? Is the boat that need to rent available anytime? Did they have life jackets available? Do we need to settle permits before we can have a tour? Thankyou in advance
Hi Izza, if we remember correctly, the last boat leaves at around 2pm. Not sure if that has changed. The boats are managed by the local govt, I think. But unlike the Underground River, no need for any permit here. Life jackets are provided.
Hi! Were planning to go to el nido for a day tour . just want to ask, can you recommend for a hotel that we will be pickup by klook ? Thanks.
Yung sample itinerary puwede pa rin for 2020?
Bakit ang sabi po Honday Bay tour is 250 for group. pero sa Day 3 ng itinerary is 1400?
Hi JB, yung 250 is kapag DIY, yan yung group tour (boat) from the wharf lang. Di pa kasama entrance fees and transfers.
Yung 1400 ng Klook ay tour package including transfers from the city center, food, etc.
I booked a flight in December for a whole week so I am thinking of touring to El Nido and other famous tourist spots aside from Puerto princesa. I am so excited but I don’t know what to do HAHAHA