Right here’s our most up-to-date PUERTO PRINCESA TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG that you should utilize to plan your journey. It features a pattern Puerto Princesa itinerary for 3 days 2 nights, and journey recommendations on the place to remain, how a lot price range to spend, and issues to do.
Ever heard of kambak-kambak syndrome?
Previous to our final Puerto Princesa journey, I’d by no means encountered this time period earlier than. You know the way you are inclined to return to a vacation spot again and again? It appears to occur quite a bit in Palawan, and so the locals gave it a reputation — kambak-kambak — a tongue-in-cheek spin to “come again, come again”. On condition that our crew have set foot in Puerto Princesa a number of instances over the previous decade, if it have been an actual situation, we most likely had caught it, too!
Whether or not it’s your first time otherwise you’re a kambak-kambak traveler, we’ve put collectively this Puerto Princesa journey information that can assist you plan a hassle-free journey!
Right here’s a listing of hyperlinks to a number of the beneficial lodges, excursions, and sights you can e book on-line.
Prime Puerto Princesa Lodges on Agoda
Prime Puerto Princesa Excursions on Klook
Prime Puerto Princesa Sights
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
The capital of the province of Palawan, Puerto Princesa is a first-class, extremely urbanized metropolis. However regardless of the speedy improvement over time, it retains its rustic and partly suburban vibe; due to the traces of bushes and the luxurious greenery that cowl the world. No surprise it’s usually dubbed “The Metropolis within the Forest” and has been acknowledged as one of many cleanest and greenest cities within the nation.
Strategically situated in the midst of Palawan, it serves as the first gateway to the principle island. Though it could actually take hours, you may entry as much as El Nido within the northernmost tip or Bataraza within the south, which serves because the soar off level to the legendary Balabac Islands. Town correct faces Sulu Sea to the southeast, however its territory reaches till the West Philippine Sea to the northwest. Puerto Princesa can be the second largest metropolis within the Philippines, subsequent solely to Davao.
Dubbed because the Eco-Tourism Middle of the Philippines, Puerto Princesa is thought for its organized and synchronized tourism trade. Varied sectors like tour guides, boat operators, and tricycle drivers work collectively. The excursions are regulated and monitored by the Tourism Workplace, therefore standardized excursions are supplied to vacationers. The preferred is a tour of the Puerto Princesa Underground River, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Website and voted as one of many New7Wonders of Nature in 2012.
Listed below are some important data that you just may discover helpful to know earlier than going to Puerto Princesa.
Puerto Princesa is open to all vacationers no matter their vaccination standing. We didn’t expertise any doc inspection upon arrival within the metropolis. However airline employees do ask to see the next upon checkin:
- Legitimate ID
- Vaccination card or VaxCertPH (for absolutely vaccinated vacationers)
Nevertheless, when you’re coming from a spot below Alert Degree 2 or larger, a unfavorable antigen take a look at consequence legitimate inside at some point previous to departure is required.
The Puerto Princesa Worldwide Airport (PPS) serves as the principle gateway to town and different municipalities in Palawan. Most home airways — Philippine Airways, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia — have flights to and from Puerto Princesa, so on the lookout for one wouldn’t be an issue.
Puerto Princesa Airport to Metropolis Middle
The Puerto Princesa Worldwide Airport is situated throughout the metropolis heart. From right here, going to areas throughout the metropolis correct would take solely jiffy.
Probably the most handy mode of transportation from the airport is the tricycle. Tricycles may be discovered parked exterior the airport, ready for passengers. You’ll need to stroll a bit to the gate and exit the airport to trip one.
Listed below are the fares from the airport to completely different elements of town. Tricycles can accommodate as much as 3 individuals.
- Inside the metropolis heart: P150
- To San Jose Terminal: P200
- To Honda Bay: P500
Should you’re booked with an upscale lodge or resort, double verify with the administration first and see if they provide free airport transfers.
Numerous lodging are located throughout the metropolis heart, not too removed from the airport. Beachfront lodges or resorts are normally situated a bit farther. Staying within the metropolis correct is good if you wish to see extra of town and have easy accessibility to its many eating places and retailers.
Prime Funds Lodges & Guesthouses in Puerto Princesa
Listed below are a number of the top-ranking however reasonably priced properties on Agoda with over 100 opinions:
Standard Puerto Princesa Resorts
In case you have an even bigger price range, listed below are a number of the most well-known properties within the metropolis.
Lots of the sights in Puerto Princesa may be visited as a part of a tour. Though it’s attainable to drag a DIY to save lots of on the prices, reserving a packaged tour will make it extra handy and hassle-free. If you avail of 1, you’ll even have a educated tour information who can provide you extra data and insights about every spot, permitting you to understand it extra.
On this part, we’ll share with you the very best sights and actions in Puerto Princesa, grouped in response to the excursions that they’re normally part of. We’ll embrace prices for each packaged and DIY excursions.
Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour
Town’s most well-known vacationer spot, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is a UNESCO World Heritage Website, a Ramsar Wetland Website, and one of many New 7 Wonders of Nature.
On a paddle boat, you’ll be led by a information on a journey into the cave that shelters the underground river. The tour covers solely the primary 1.5 kilometers, however the river measures 8.2 kilometers lengthy in full. Some elements are open solely to scientists and different permitted explorers.
Contained in the cave, you will note gorgeous stalactites, stalagmites and the varied formations that took form for over 1000’s of years. You’ll additionally be taught extra in regards to the cave system by means of the supplied audio information.
In case you have restricted time or price range and will solely avail of 1 packaged tour, this needs to be it. The PPUR administration solely permits a restricted variety of vacationers per day. Due to this, walk-ins should not allowed and superior reservation is required. Should you e book a tour with a journey company or tour operator, they are going to deal with the paperwork for you. You’ll additionally keep away from the difficulty of arranging transportation to Sabang Seashore which is the jump-off level, round one and a half hours away.
Packaged excursions normally embrace:
- roundtrip land switch to Sabang Seashore
- roundtrip boat switch to the underground river
- audio information
- lunch
You might also avail this tour by way of Klook for P1900. However when you’ve got extra time and greater price range, contemplate doing a 3-in-1 Sabang Tour. At P3550, it consists of the next:
- Underground River Tour
- Sabang X Zipline
- Mangrove Paddle Tour
Verify up to date charges or e book under:
✅ BOOK UNDERGROUND RIVER TOUR HERE!
✅ BOOK UNDERGROUND RIVER + SABANG ZIPLINE + MANGROVE PADDLE TOUR!
Honda Bay Tour
Honda Bay Tour is an island hopping exercise that may take you to no less than three islands not too distant from town. As of this writing, solely 3 islands are open for island hopping excursions: Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island.
Should you’re touring with a big group, pulling a DIY may also help you save. Should you’re touring solo, with a small group otherwise you merely need the comfort of availing a packaged tour, journey companies and lodges normally provide this tour for P1500 per individual.
Should you plan to journey independently, listed below are the charges for personal boats. You’ll see two costs as a result of you’ve gotten two boat choices: 3-cylinder and 4-cylinder boats.
- 3 Islands (Starfish, Luli & Cowrie): P1800 to P2100
- 2 Islands (Luli & Cowrie solely): P1500 to P1800
You might also choose to skip the island hopping when you’ve got a specific island you need to go to.
There’s additionally an environmental price that you must pay on the wharf. Listed below are the charges:
- Environmental price: P150
- Terminal price: P5
- Goggles & snorkel rental: P150
- Full face masks rental: P200
- Aqua sneakers rental: P150
- Fins rental: P150
Every island additionally has a separate entrance price and cottage rental charges as properly. Listed below are the doorway charges per island.
- Cowrie Island: P100
- Luli Island: P70
- Starfish Island: P50
If you wish to keep away from the effort of paying these charges by yourself, you possibly can simply e book a packaged tour. Honda Bay Excursions are inclusive of land and boat transfers, entrance and cottages charges, and lunch. You might also avail this tour by way of Klook!
Puerto Princesa Metropolis Tour
This half-day tour may be finished both within the morning or afternoon. Tour operators normally provide this tour for P600 per individual, however you may as well constitution a tricycle for P1000 per car, which may accommodate as much as 3 individuals.
Town tour normally consists of the next stops:
- Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Middle. First often called Crocodile Farming Institute, it retains and breeds two species of crocodiles: the Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) and the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). Rescued animals are additionally housed on this facility, particularly these which can be endemic to the province.
- Plaza Cuartel. A historic sq., Plaza Cuartel was an outdated garrison the place the Palawan Bloodbath happened in December 1944. 100 fifty American prisoners of conflict have been stored in a tunnel throughout World Warfare II till they have been killed by the Japanese by burning them alive. Eleven prisoners have been capable of escape and survive. Their names at the moment are displayed on a plaque contained in the plaza.
- Binuatan Creations. A present store the place you should purchase handloom woven merchandise constituted of Palawan’s native grasses and fibers. Apart from procuring, you may as well see how the merchandise are made of their workshop and even strive weaving your self!
- Mitra’s Ranch. This property sitting on high of a hill in Brgy. Sta. Monica is owned by the late Senator Ramon Mitra and his household. It’s open to the general public and serves as a viewpoint.
- Baker’s Hill. Standard for his or her hopia and different pastries, that is the standard pasalubong cease! It’s additionally a park with many picture-worthy corners and has an in-house restaurant if you wish to seize a chew.
If you wish to have a extra comfy tour in an air-conditioned van, you possibly can avail this tour on Klook.
Firefly Watching Tour
Spend a magical night time and watch fireflies and the celebs whereas on board a small boat. There are three places for firefly watching in Puerto Princesa:
- Iwahig. The primary firefly watching location in Puerto Princesa. As of writing, that is closed and firefly watching excursions listed below are unavailable.
- Sicsican River. The tour commences on the Baywalk, the place you’ll hop on a ship that may take you to Sicsican River. A dinner on the boat can be included on this tour.
- Nagsaguipi River. Take pleasure in a buffet dinner earlier than you feast your eyes with the glowing fireflies!
Tour operators provide this tour between P1300- P1600 per individual. Firefly watching tour in Nagsaguipi River can be accessible on Klook.
Nagtabon Seashore
Lower than an hour away from town correct, Nagtabon Seashore was a spot for individuals who need to keep away from the gang. Now, plenty of lodging institutions stand alongside the seashore, however the place stays simply as breathtaking. It is a good place to go to when you’re seeking to spend extra time on the seashore with out having to journey too distant from town.
Make your technique to San Jose terminal and hop on a bus going north. Any bus sure for Taytay, Roxas, or El Nido will do. Inform the driving force to drop you off in Bacungan (P80) then trip a tricycle going to Nagtabon Seashore (P300, max 3 pax).
Should you’re a bunch, you possibly can hire a van to take you straight to Nagtabon. Should you can drive two wheels, renting a motorcycle can be an choice if there are two of you otherwise you’re touring solo.
Nagtabon Seashore can be included in your Puerto Princesa Metropolis Tour itinerary for an extra price. Simply ask your driver if he’s OK with it.
Sabang X-Zipline
Thrill-seekers will love this attraction. This 800-meter lengthy zipline is claimed to be one of many longest ziplines within the Philippines. You possibly can take pleasure in this solo or by pair as you glide throughout Sabang Seashore. The trip would additionally deal with you to a incredible view of Sabang from above. It takes a brief 15-minute hike to succeed in the zipline’s start line.
That is normally packaged with Underground River since Sabang additionally serves because the jump-off level to it. You are able to do this previous to the underground river cease if there’s an extended ready time or after it simply earlier than you’ve gotten lunch. Sabang X-Zipline prices P550.
You might also avail this by way of Klook for a reduced value.
Different Puerto Princesa Sights
- Ugong Rock Adventures. An journey park situated in Barangay Tagabinet the place you possibly can go trekking, rappeling, and spelunking. A 71-meter zipline can be one of many options, making your journey extra unforgettable. Guide right here! ✅
- Palawan Waterpark by Astoria. That is the one waterpark in Palawan. Should you’re on the lookout for an exercise that children and youngsters at coronary heart alike would take pleasure in, add this to your itinerary. Every ticket is inclusive of a lunch buffet. Price: Adults, P1200; Youngsters (4ft and under), P950; Youngsters (2 years outdated and under), FREE
- Tibag Falls. About 40 minutes away from town heart, Tibag Falls is situated in Bacungan. To get right here, board a bus going north at San Jose Terminal. Ask the driving force to drop you off close to Bacungan Bridge. From there, it will take a 2-hour stroll to succeed in this wonderful falls.
To see extra locations to go to, take a look at: PUERTO PRINCESA TOURIST SPOTS!
Discovering a spot to eat in Puerto Princesa is not going to be an issue. Town heart is teeming with a various assortment of meals spots. If you wish to strive the Puerto Princesa classics, just a few of them are situated alongside Rizal Avenue.
Should you’re on a price range, you possibly can at all times depend on carinderias (small eateries) the place a P100-budget can get you a full meal.
Listed below are a number of the most well-known eating places in Puerto Princesa:
Ka Lui
Arguably the most well-liked eating spot in Puerto Princesa, this homey restaurant makes a speciality of Pinoy seafood dishes like seafood kare-kare, grilled fish, and shrimp or tuna sinigang. Their menu consists principally of seafood and greens dishes. Additionally they have a particular set meal that’s good for 2 for less than P795. Should you’re planning to dine right here, ensure that to name the restaurant and make a reservation.
Location: Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa Metropolis
Working Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM – Lunch, 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM – Dinner; Sunda, CLOSED
Contact quantity: (048) 726 6217
Kinabuch’s
Kinabuch’s is an open-air grill and bar the place you possibly can take pleasure in some drinks together with your meal. Their menu has all kinds of Pinoy dishes from appetizers to dessert. It’s additionally a go-to place for individuals who need to strive Puerto Princesa’s unique dish, tamilok. It’s normally served uncooked with a aspect of spiced vinegar.
Location: Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa Metropolis
Working Hours: Each day, 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Cacaoyan Forest Park
Cacaoyan Forest Park is a buffet restaurant set in a lush backyard bursting with IG-worthy spots. It serves as a lunch cease on many Underground River excursions supplied by journey companies. However if you wish to expertise this by itself, greatest to make advance reservations.
The lunch buffet is priced at P350/individual, however you will get a reduction when you e book with Klook.
Location: Sabang, Puerto Princesa
Working Hours: Each day, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
You may also order tamilok right here for P100 per plate.
Different Puerto Princesa Eating places
- Badjao Seafront Restaurant. If you wish to dine by the bay and feast on contemporary seafood, that is the place to be. It stands subsequent to mangroves and has a view of the sundown which provides to its attraction. Worth begins at P125 as much as P550. Their seafood platter prices P1,150.
– Location: Abueg St., Puerto Princesa Metropolis
– Working hours: Each day, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM - Balinsasayaw Restaurant. A budget-friendly restaurant serving low cost to mid-range Pinoy dishes. Their worth meals prices lower than P200. Should you’re with a bunch, in addition they have group meals you can avail.
– Deal with: Manalo St., Puerto Princesa Metropolis
– Working Hours: Each day, 10:00 AM to eight:00 PM - Ka Joel’s Restaurant. One other dependable identify within the metropolis’s meals scene, Ka Joel’s serves Filipino delicacies. Its bestsellers embrace rooster inasal and beef kare kare.
– Location: Purok Centro, Puerto Princesa Metropolis
– Working Hours: Each day, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM- Lunch, 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM- Dinner
For loaded vacationers, huge lodges have their in-house eating places that spotlight their tackle Filipino delicacies.
- Hue Lodge homes Matiz Restaurant and Tapas Bar, which boasts a principally Spanish menu.
- Princesa Backyard Island Resort and Spa has a eating advanced that includes 4 eating places together with the Golden Elephant Seafood Village, which makes a speciality of Thai meals.
Right here’s a pattern 3-day 2-night Puerto Princesa itinerary with breakdown of bills. Notice that this itinerary assumes the next:
- You’re a celebration of two, splitting a number of the prices.
- The lodging you’ll e book prices P1500 per night time. Should you break up it between 2 individuals, that may be P750 per night time per individual.
- You’ll e book a lot of the excursions by way of Klook.
However as at all times, be at liberty to make changes primarily based in your schedule and preferences.
- DAY 1: CITY TOUR
08:20 AM – Arrival in Puerto Princesa
09:00 AM – Tricycle to lodge, P75 (P150/2pax)
09:20 AM – Lodge check-in
11:00 AM – Early lunch
12:30 PM – Metropolis Tour (Tricycle), P500 (P1000/2pax)
– Crocodile Park: P70
– Butterfly Backyard: P60
– Mitra’s Ranch: P20
04:00 PM – Lodge, clean up
06:00 PM – Dinner at Ka Lui, P500
09:30 PM – Again to lodge - DAY 2: UNDERGROUND RIVER
06:00 AM – Get up name
07:00 AM – Underground River Tour, P1900, Guide right here! ✅
04:00 PM – Again to lodge, Relaxation
07:00 PM – Dinner at Kinabuch’s, P500
10:00 PM – Again to lodge - DAY 3: HONDA BAY TOUR
6:00 am – Get up, early check-out, depart baggage
7:00 am – Honday Bay Tour, P1640, Guide right here! ✅
2:00 pm – Again to lodge, decide up baggage
3:00 pm – Tricycle to airport, P75 (P150/2pax)
5:30 pm – Flight again to Manila
This itinerary would price you round PhP 5700 (USD 103, EUR 96, SGD 139), excluding airfare and lodge however together with a little bit of allowance for incidental bills.
Should you’re capable of e book a room for P1400/night time or P700/night time/individual, put together to shell out a complete of PhP 7,100 (USD 128, EUR 120, SGD 172) excluding airfare however together with some allowance.
You possibly can carry the price even decrease when you’re an even bigger group and by doing the Honda Bay Tour by yourself (DIY-style).
- Tricycle fare for brief distances is round P15-25. Fares to and for the airport normally price greater than the common fares.
- Stroll when you possibly can. The streets of Puerto Princesa are punctuated with bushes so it doesn’t get as scorching as different extremely urbanized cities.
- Convey your personal reusable water bottle, so that you don’t must preserve shopping for bottled water. Doing it will aid you get monetary savings and scale back plastic waste on the identical time. You possibly can simply refill your water bottle at your lodge or at your lunch/dinner stops.
- Convey insect repellent lotion. Shield your self from mosquitoes by making use of insect repellent lotion particularly once you go trekking or island hopping.
- Use coral-friendly sunscreen. Keep away from utilizing sunscreen that incorporates substances that might hurt the coral reef like oxybenzone and parabens.
When is the very best time to go to Puerto Princesa?
January to April, the driest interval. However take into account that these are additionally the busiest months, peaking in March and April, that are thought-about “summer season” months within the Philippines.
If you wish to keep away from the gang, schedule a visit round January to February when the climate isn’t too scorching and never that wet both. But, additionally it is necessary to notice that Palawan is in between two main seas, the West Philippine Sea and the Sulu Sea. Its location extremely impacts its climate system, which is completely different from the remainder of the nation. Even in the course of the dry season, it could possibly be fairly damp and rain is anticipated within the afternoons. In truth, our crew have visited in April as soon as and it nonetheless poured on a few days. And even in our different visits in different months, it will usually rain within the afternoon.
Puerto Princesa is a year-round vacation spot. Whereas town took a beating from Hurricane Odette just a few years in the past, this isn’t a standard incidence. Palawan is situated within the western excessive of the nation, remoted from most different predominant islands. It’s not alongside the standard hurricane route.
What’s the energy plug/socket utilized in Puerto Princesa?
Electrical energy Information: 220V, 60Hz. Socket Kind A, principally.
