Puerto Princesa

Understand

There is a tourist information office at the airport next to the arrival hall, but it's not that useful. They will try to sell you tours, but they do not have any maps (Feb 2018, Mar 2025) and they do not give any information about current events in the city. They do not book accommodation, either.

Getting there

By plane 1 Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS IATA), National Highway, San Miguel. The airport has undergone a makeover, which involves the construction of a new modern terminal, which can handle domestic and international flights. The new terminal opened in 2017, while the older terminal is closed indefinitely for renovation. Boarding and alighting is still done on the ground. The airlines with flights to Puerto Princesa are:

Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Air Asia all have daily flights from Manila, Cebu, and Clark to Puerto Princesa. Cebu Pacific also operate flights to and from Iloilo. Tiger Air Taiwan operate flights to and from Taipei. Air Juan flies to Busuanga, Cuyo, Sipalay, San Vicente. Eastar Jet operate flights to and from Seoul. The airport is not far from downtown, so you can ignore the overpriced tricycles waiting in front of the airport terminal and catch a tricycle on the highway for a fare of ₱50. Jeepneys also go along the highway in front of the airport to town or to the bus terminal for ₱10. A taxi to resorts can cost you as much as ₱350 (Mar 2025). 2GO Travel has two weekly ferries to Puerto Princesa from Manila. The ferry trip is about 22 hours long. Additionally, Milagrosa Shipping has a weekly ferry that sails between Puerto Princesa - Cuyo Islands - Iloilo City. It departs Iloilo at 7PM on Thursday, arrives at the Cuyo Islands at 8AM Friday, departs Cuyo Islands 3PM Friday and arrives in Puerto Princesa at 8AM on Saturday. Ferries docks at 2 Puerto Princesa port, at the far western end of Rizal Ave.

By bus or van 3 Puerto Princesa Grand Terminal (San Jose Terminal), Tagburos. A bustling large terminal complex serving buses, vans, and jeepneys coming from most points of Palawan. Buses depart from a large shelter near the San Jose public market, and vans (UV Express) depart from scattered terminals nearby. The surrounding area has small shops, a small supermarket, and a public market. (updated Feb 2020) Bus service to Puerto Princesa is provided by two major operators, Cherry and RORO Bus, but there are also operators which use smaller vehicles (often rebuilt from old trucks) and are cramped and not air-conditioned.

Bus companies Cherry Transport. Has trips every two hours between Puerto Princesa and El Nido from 4AM to 10PM. They operate a fully air-conditioned fleet, and a one-way trip costs ₱500. (updated Jan 2024) RORO Bus. Has four hourly trips from 5-8AM between Puerto Princesa and El Nido. They operate a mix of ordinary and air-conditioned buses with a yellow-green livery. One-way trip from El Nido

Getting around

Jeepneys, multicabs and tricycles are the most common means to get around Puerto Princesa. As in Manila, jeepneys usually have standard routes which they ply. Tricycles on the other hand are fairly limited to certain areas and would not be able to go very long distances. Standard jeepney and tricycle fare around the city is ₱10 per person. The bus terminal is a few kilometers outside the city centre. A jeepney from the bus terminal to downtown should cost ₱10. For touring, it could be a good idea to arrange special transport whether it be a jeepney or, for more comfort, air-conditioned vans or AUVs. This way, you will not be subject to the hassles of public transport availability. Although "clean and green" Puerto Princesa City has a bold plan for introducing electric vehicles, the city has no published or announced plan that addresses the urgent needs of pedestrians and bicycle riders. There are few pedestrian crossings in the city and most Puerto Princesa drivers do not yield to pedestrians, leaving them stranded dangerously in the middle of the street. If, in order to protect yourself from the vehicles and smoke, you can take an air-con van, but you only add to the overall traffic and pollution problem. Tourist vans and other vehicles are often parked along Rizal Avenue and other main streets blocking where pedestrians and bicycles could once safely move, but no longer can. If you wish to walk or bike in a clean, green, and safe environment in the downtown area, you should ask at the tourist office (at the airport) where such an area exists, and see what they say.

See

1 Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (Underground River). At over 8 km in length, it is claimed to be the longest underground river in the world. With its crystalline waters and spectacular cave formations, the Underground River is possibly Puerto Princesa's most popular attraction. The site was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. The winding path of the river is navigable via small pumpboats that depart from Sabang Beach. Travel time from the city proper to Sabang is about 1.5 hours (This can take closer to 3.5 if you choose to ride in a Jeepney, since you have to wait while they deliver goods along the journey.) A permit is now necessary to visit the underground river and only available in Puerto Princesa, though an online system is in construction. As of 2018, you can purchase the tickets in Sabang pier: if you do it yourself it will cost you around ₱600, if you do it through your accommodation they might overcharge you up to ₱1200. You can also ask if you can make the return trip trekking the park and the jungle: you will need to get a guide to do that but the experience is worth your time and money. 600PHP. (updated Jul 2018)

2 Honda Bay. Consisting of several islets with beautiful beaches, Honda Bay is the place to go to for swimming, snorkeling as well as beach and island hopping. Accessible via the Sta. Lourdes wharf which is 25 minutes away from the city. Pumpboats at the wharf can be hired to take visitors to the various islets on the bay. Arrive before 11AM to go island hopping if you require a small boat (1-5 people) and before 2:30PM if you require a larger boat. (updated Jul 2018) 3 Iwahig Penal Colony. A good example of a true correctional institute, the Iwahig Penal Colony is more of a farming community rather than a prison. Inmates often live with their families and are allowed to toil their farms to earn a living. Carving out handicrafts is also a common preoccupation and mahogany handcarvings are a good buy for tourists. The colony is about 35 minutes from the city center. (updated Jul 2018) 4 Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center. Formerly the Crocodile Farming Institute, and still referred to by locals as the "Crocodile Farm," is a tourist attraction and a national research institute devoted to crocodiles. About 30 to 40 minutes from the city center, the Croc Farm also has a mini-zoo, which features some of Palawan's endemic species of wildlife. The place is open from about 8:30AM to about 4:30PM. From Rizal Avenue you can take an 8-person covered pickup truck (labeled "Irawan") for ₱20 and th

Do

Buy native products at the Tourism Association of Souvenir Shops, they offer handicrafts made by the native tribes like manunggul or wooden jar, bulol or tisot, good harvest and carved animals. Others are tingkop (rice baskets), fish baskets, bags made from bark of a tree, native accessories, weave curtains and table mat, rattan floor mat and other assorted cashew nut delicacies. Puerto Princesa offers good diving and is a fairly good place to take a PADI course if you plan to dive at some of the larger sites in El Nido or Coron. Moana dive centre, run by Paolo, offers PADI Open Water for ₱17500. Good equipment, and pleasant instruction, with confined water dives taking place in the shallow parts of Puerto Princesa bay. Possible to see sea turtles, eels, lionfish, porcupine fish, batfish and snapper amongst others.

Plaza Cuartel, Taft St. near Cathedral. Historical place, a must see site. It is the restored ruins of an old garrison where Japanese soldiers burned 143 American prisoners of war inside a tunnel and stands as a grim reminder of World War II. Baker Hill, Mitra Rd, Bgy Sta Monica. Check out the plants and animal in its natural habitat. ₱600.

Buy

Malls & supermarkets Robinsons Mall, North Road. 10AM-9PM. It has a Robinsons supermarket. There is also a food court, bakeries, and assorted electronics stores. (updated Mar 2025) NCCC Mall, Lacao Street. 9AM-7:30PM. It has an NCCC supermarket. (updated Sep 2016) Unitop Mall. 9AM-8PM. It has a small supermarket. low prices. (updated Sep 2016) SM City Puerto Princesa., Malvar Street cor Lacao Street. 9AM-8PM. A mall with a Savemore supermarket. (updated Sep 2016)

Eat

A&A Seafood Palace, national highway cor wescom rd (4th floor of A&A Plaza Hotel), ☏ +63 48 434-2274. 8AM-2PM; 6PM-10PM. Seafood prepared by a Hong Kong chef. Authentic Chinese cuisine. ₱150-800. Ditchay's (French Bistro), Manalo Ext. before Island Divers, Bancao Bancao, ☏ +63 48 723 1530. W-Su 5PM-midnight. French cuisine and can be a very welcome alternative for those longing to eat something else than local food after a long trip. The little restaurant lets you dine in intimate ambiance while you may chat to both the cook and the owner. The menu includes a variety of French foods like coffee & tea, paté rillettes, confit, soupes, salades, tapenades, grillades, fruits de mer, porc, boeuf, poulet, canard, crépes, patisserie. ₱400-900. Divine Sweets, Valencia St. Great cakes (₱45-90), coffee, shakes, etc. They also serve food (untested). Wifi if you order 1 Ima's Vegetarian Restaurant, 46, Fernandez St, ☏ +63 939 916 1524. Very good vegetarian food. Highly recommended Main dishes around ₱100-120. (updated Jan 2018) 2 Kinabuchs Grill and Bar, ☏ +63 48 434 5194. A sports bar and grill and a magnet for tourists and other visitors. The food is really good and customers can play pool or watch live sports. (updated Jan 2018) 3 KaLui Restauran, 369, Rizal Ave, ☏ +63 48 433 2580. Opens at 6PM for dinner, closed some holidays. Amazing food and ambiance. Can get quite busy so a reservation can't hurt. Seafood is the specialty and the daily seafood special for two is ₱395. (updated Jan 2018) Artisan’s, ARL building, Rizal Ave, ☏ +63 905 928 2509. 11AM-9PM. Owned by a British expat and his Filipina-American stepdaughters. (updated Sep 2023)

Drink & nightlife

Cafe Nori, Circon Bldg. Valencia St. M-F 8AM-10PM, Sa-Su 10AM-10PM. Serves Japanese cuisine with fusion and variety of Filipino and American cuisine. Also available are fruit shakes, coffee & frappuccinos. Reggae Pulse Bar, 4th District Tiangge Centre, Rizal Ave (between Bpi Bank and LBC on the main street Rizal), ☏ +63 9478673322. 4PM-2AM. Cool reggae bar serving ice-cold beers, beer towers/buckets, cocktails and mixed drinks. Free WiFi, a stylish & relaxing VIP bamboo lounge.

Sleep

Puerto Princesa has a wide range of accommodations that suit most budgets - from quaint lodges to high-end hotels and resorts.

Budget 1 Duchess Pension, 107 E Valencia St, ☏ +63 48 433-2873. Check-out: noon. Not the newest pension anymore but offers clean beds and quiet rooms. Not all are the same, so have a look before checking in. Friendly and helpful staff. Try the sandwich with French baguette. Wifi for ₱50 (for the length of your stay) Fan with common toilet S/D ₱250/₱350, aircon with private toilet S/D ₱700. Dallas Inn and Cafe, 11 Carandang st (Follow Rizal ave towards the pier, once at Chowking turn right onto Lacao st and then take first left onto Carandang St,and walk 200 m from there to number 11.), ☏ +63 919 967 8558, [email protected]. Check-out: noon. Family run guesthouse. Free wifi, quiet location, central, 3 min drive from the airport with free pick up if booked in advanced. Dallas Inn has a variety of rooms to choose from according to budget. Fan Doubles ₱600, 4-bed dorm. dorm bed ₱300 per person. Kuhl-In Pension, Libis Road Ligaya St. San Pedro (10 min. from airport), ☏ +63 48 433 3420, [email protected]. Perhaps the best address for a monthly accommodation in the city. City location but is in a green area. Monthly rate for a 2-bedroom apartment is ₱15000. House of Rose, Abueg Rd (off Abueg, close to Badjao Seafront Restaurant), ☏ +63 9167211926. Check-in: 9AM, check-out: noon. Offers a comfortable and relaxing ambience in their bungalows or semi-native style cottages. Surrounded by trees and situated a couple of meters away from the road, you could almost forget you are in the city. They offer free wireless internet and claim to serve delectable foods at their restaurant. They also have a swimming pool and billiards table. 5-bed dorm ₱350 p.p.. Aniceto's Pension, 71 reynoso St, ☏ +63 9177894664. Fan single/double without a side bathroom from ₱300. Abelardos Pension, 63d Manga St, ☏ +63 48-4332049. Clean fan rooms without a side bathroom. From ₱400 a night. Sheebang Hostel, 118 Libis Road, ☏ +63 9153700647, +63 48 4330592. Bed in a dorm. ₱250/₱350. Princessa Inn, 169 malvar St, ☏ +63-48-433-4218. Fan single/double. ₱200/₱300. Tree House Inn, Malvar Street (ARL buliding 2nd floor.), ☏ +63 48-4340005. Dorm beds. ₱450 per person. (updated Oct 2016) O M G Backpackers, 219 Rizal Avenue. Free wifi. dorm bed ₱250 pp. (updated Oct 2016) Ezy Stay Pension House, Rizal Avenue Extension. Free wifi. dorm bed ₱350 pp. (updated Oct 2016) J L C Hostel, 26 Old Buncag Road. Free wifi. fan room from ₱500. (updated Oct 20

Go next

El Nido - popular yet still remote destinations on Palawan, known for snorkelling, diving and beautiful little islands. It is 6-7 hour drive from Puerto Princesa. Coron 2GO Travel ferry two times a week. Underground River - a UNESCO World Heritage site roughly 50 km north of Puerto Princesa.