By Lambe Lamis 
Right here’s our most up-to-date PUERTO PRINCESA TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG that you’ll be able to use to plot your travel. It features a pattern Puerto Princesa itinerary for three days 2 nights, and trip tips about the place to stick, how a lot funds to spend, and issues to do.
Ever heard of kambak-kambak syndrome?
Previous to our closing Puerto Princesa travel, I’d by no means encountered this time period earlier than. You know the way you have a tendency to go back to a vacation spot time and again? It kind of feels to occur so much in Palawan, and so the locals gave it a reputation — kambak-kambak — a tongue-in-cheek spin to “come again, come again”. For the reason that our crew have set foot in Puerto Princesa a couple of instances during the last decade, if it have been an actual situation, we most probably had stuck it, too!
Whether or not it’s your first time otherwise you’re a kambak-kambak traveler, we’ve put in combination this Puerto Princesa trip information that can assist you plan a hassle-free adventure!
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
The capital of the province of Palawan, Puerto Princesa is a firstclass, extremely urbanized town. However in spite of the speedy building through the years, it keeps its rustic and in part suburban vibe; due to the strains of timber and the luxurious greenery that duvet the world. No surprise it’s incessantly dubbed “The Town within the Wooded area” and has been identified as one of the vital cleanest and greenest towns within the nation.
Strategically positioned in the course of Palawan, it serves as the main gateway to the primary island. Even if it may possibly take hours, you’ll want to get right of entry to as much as El Nido within the northernmost tip or Bataraza within the south, which serves because the bounce off level to the mythical Balabac Islands. The town correct faces Sulu Sea to the southeast, however its territory reaches till the West Philippine Sea to the northwest. Puerto Princesa may be the second one greatest town within the Philippines, subsequent most effective to Davao.
Dubbed because the Eco-Tourism Middle of the Philippines, Puerto Princesa is understood for its arranged and synchronized tourism business. Quite a lot of sectors like excursion guides, boat operators, and tricycle drivers paintings in combination. The excursions are regulated and monitored by means of the Tourism Administrative center, therefore standardized excursions are presented to vacationers. The most well liked is a excursion of the Puerto Princesa Underground River, which is a UNESCO Global Heritage Website and voted as one of the vital New7Wonders of Nature in 2012.
Listed below are some very important knowledge that it’s possible you’ll to find helpful to understand earlier than going to Puerto Princesa.
Puerto Princesa is open to all vacationers irrespective of their vaccination standing. We didn’t revel in any report inspection upon arrival within the town. However airline personnel do ask to look the next upon checkin:
- Legitimate ID
- Vaccination card or VaxCertPH (for absolutely vaccinated vacationers)
Then again, should you’re coming from a spot underneath Alert Degree 2 or upper, a unfavourable antigen take a look at consequence legitimate inside of sooner or later previous to departure is needed.
The Puerto Princesa Global Airport (PPS) serves as the primary gateway to town and different municipalities in Palawan. Maximum home airways — Philippine Airways, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia — have flights to and from Puerto Princesa, so in search of one would no longer be an issue.
Puerto Princesa Airport to Town Middle
The Puerto Princesa Global Airport is positioned inside the town middle. From right here, going to spaces inside the town correct would take most effective couple of minutes.
Probably the most handy mode of transportation from the airport is the tricycle. Tricycles will also be discovered parked out of doors the airport, looking forward to passengers. You’ll have to stroll just a little to the gate and go out the airport to trip one.
Listed below are the fares from the airport to other portions of town. Tricycles can accommodate as much as 3 folks.
- Throughout the town middle: P150
- To San Jose Terminal: P200
- To Honda Bay: P500
If you happen to’re booked with an upscale lodge or hotel, double verify with the control first and notice if they provide unfastened airport transfers.
A large number of lodging are located inside the town middle, no longer too a long way from the airport. Beachfront resorts or accommodations are typically positioned just a little farther. Staying within the town correct is perfect if you wish to see extra of town and feature simple get right of entry to to its many eating places and stores.
Best Price range Lodges & Guesthouses in Puerto Princesa
Listed below are one of the top-ranking however reasonably priced homes on Agoda with over 100 opinions:
Widespread Puerto Princesa Hotels
You probably have a larger funds, listed below are one of the maximum well known homes within the town.
Most of the sights in Puerto Princesa will also be visited as a part of a excursion. Even if it’s conceivable to drag a DIY to avoid wasting at the prices, reserving a packaged excursion will make it extra handy and hassle-free. Whilst you avail of 1, you’ll actually have a educated excursion information who can provide you with additional info and insights about each and every spot, permitting you to realize it extra.
On this phase, we’ll proportion with you the most efficient sights and actions in Puerto Princesa, grouped in line with the excursions that they’re typically part of. We’ll come with prices for each packaged and DIY excursions.
Puerto Princesa Underground River Excursion
The town’s maximum well known vacationer spot, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is a UNESCO Global Heritage Website, a Ramsar Wetland Website, and one of the vital New 7 Wonders of Nature.
On a paddle boat, you’ll be led by means of a information on a adventure into the cave that shelters the underground river. The excursion covers most effective the primary 1.5 kilometers, however the river measures 8.2 kilometers lengthy in complete. Some portions are open most effective to scientists and different approved explorers.
Within the cave, you’re going to see surprising stalactites, stalagmites and the quite a lot of formations that took form for over hundreds of years. You’ll additionally be informed extra concerning the cave machine in the course of the equipped audio information.
You probably have restricted time or funds and may most effective avail of 1 packaged excursion, this will have to be it. The PPUR control most effective lets in a restricted collection of vacationers in keeping with day. As a result of this, walk-ins don’t seem to be allowed and complex reservation is needed. If you happen to e-book a excursion with a trip company or excursion operator, they’ll care for the bureaucracy for you. You’ll additionally steer clear of the difficulty of arranging transportation to Sabang Seashore which is the jump-off level, round one and a 1/2 hours away.
Packaged excursions typically come with:
- roundtrip land switch to Sabang Seashore
- roundtrip boat switch to the underground river
- audio information
- lunch
You might also avail this excursion by means of Klook for P1900. However when you have extra time and larger funds, imagine doing a 3-in-1 Sabang Excursion. At P3550, it contains the next:
- Underground River Excursion
- Sabang X Zipline
- Mangrove Paddle Excursion
Take a look at up to date charges or e-book underneath:
BOOK UNDERGROUND RIVER TOUR HERE!
BOOK UNDERGROUND RIVER + SABANG ZIPLINE + MANGROVE PADDLE TOUR!
Honda Bay Excursion
Honda Bay Excursion is an island hopping task that can take you to no less than 3 islands no longer too a long way clear of town. As of this writing, most effective 3 islands are open for island hopping excursions: Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island.
If you happen to’re touring with a big team, pulling a DIY mean you can save. If you happen to’re touring solo, with a small team otherwise you merely need the benefit of availing a packaged excursion, trip companies and resorts typically be offering this excursion for P1500 in keeping with individual.
If you happen to plan to trip independently, listed below are the charges for personal boats. You’ll see two costs as a result of you’ve got two boat choices: 3-cylinder and 4-cylinder boats.
- 3 Islands (Starfish, Luli & Cowrie): P1800 to P2100
- 2 Islands (Luli & Cowrie most effective): P1500 to P1800
You might also choose to skip the island hopping when you have a specific island you need to discuss with.
There’s additionally an environmental rate that it’s a must to pay on the wharf. Listed below are the charges:
- Environmental rate: P150
- Terminal rate: P5
- Goggles & snorkel apartment: P150
- Complete face masks apartment: P200
- Aqua footwear apartment: P150
- Fins apartment: P150
Every island additionally has a separate front rate and cottage apartment charges as neatly. Listed below are the doorway charges in keeping with island.
- Cowrie Island: P100
- Luli Island: P70
- Starfish Island: P50
If you wish to steer clear of the effort of paying those charges by yourself, you’ll be able to simply e-book a packaged excursion. Honda Bay Excursions are inclusive of land and boat transfers, front and cottages charges, and lunch. You might also avail this excursion by means of Klook!
Puerto Princesa Town Excursion
This half-day excursion will also be performed both within the morning or afternoon. Excursion operators typically be offering this excursion for P600 in keeping with individual, however you’ll be able to additionally constitution a tricycle for P1000 in keeping with automobile, which might accommodate as much as 3 folks.
The town excursion typically contains the next stops:
- Palawan Natural world Rescue and Conservation Middle. First referred to as Crocodile Farming Institute, it helps to keep and breeds two species of crocodiles: the Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) and the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). Rescued animals also are housed on this facility, particularly the ones which can be endemic to the province.
- Plaza Cuartel. A historical sq., Plaza Cuartel used to be an previous garrison the place the Palawan Bloodbath came about in December 1944. 100 fifty American prisoners of struggle have been stored in a tunnel right through Global Struggle II till they have been killed by means of the Jap by means of burning them alive. 11 prisoners have been in a position to flee and live on. Their names are actually displayed on a plaque within the plaza.
- Binuatan Creations. A present store the place you’ll be able to purchase handloom woven merchandise created from Palawan’s local grasses and fibers. Apart from buying groceries, you’ll be able to additionally see how the goods are made of their workshop or even take a look at weaving your self!
- Mitra’s Ranch. This belongings sitting on height of a hill in Brgy. Sta. Monica is owned by means of the past due Senator Ramon Mitra and his circle of relatives. It’s open to the general public and serves as a standpoint.
- Baker’s Hill. Widespread for his or her hopia and different pastries, that is the standard pasalubong forestall! It’s additionally a park with many picture-worthy corners and has an in-house eating place if you wish to take hold of a chew.
If you wish to have a extra comfy excursion in an air-conditioned van, you’ll be able to avail this excursion on Klook.
Firefly Looking at Excursion
Spend a mystical evening and watch fireflies and the celebrities whilst on board a small boat. There are 3 places for firefly looking at in Puerto Princesa:
- Iwahig. The primary firefly looking at location in Puerto Princesa. As of writing, that is closed and firefly looking at excursions listed below are unavailable.
- Sicsican River. The excursion commences at the Baywalk, the place you’re going to hop on a ship that can take you to Sicsican River. A dinner at the boat may be integrated in this excursion.
- Nagsaguipi River. Bask in a buffet dinner earlier than you dinner party your eyes with the sparkling fireflies!
Excursion operators be offering this excursion between P1300- P1600 in keeping with individual. Firefly looking at excursion in Nagsaguipi River may be to be had on Klook.
Nagtabon Seashore
Not up to an hour clear of town correct, Nagtabon Seashore was a place for individuals who wish to steer clear of the gang. Now, numerous lodging institutions stand alongside the seaside, however the position stays simply as breathtaking. It is a great position to discuss with should you’re having a look to spend extra time at the seaside with no need to trip too a long way clear of town.
Make your technique to San Jose terminal and hop on a bus going north. Any bus certain for Taytay, Roxas, or El Nido will do. Inform the motive force to drop you off in Bacungan (P80) then trip a tricycle going to Nagtabon Seashore (P300, max 3 pax).
If you happen to’re a gaggle, you’ll be able to hire a van to take you directly to Nagtabon. If you’ll be able to pressure two wheels, renting a bike may be an choice if there are two of you otherwise you’re touring solo.
Nagtabon Seashore will also be integrated for your Puerto Princesa Town Excursion itinerary for an extra rate. Simply ask your motive force if he’s OK with it.
Sabang X-Zipline
Thrill-seekers will love this enchantment. This 800-meter lengthy zipline is claimed to be one of the vital longest ziplines within the Philippines. You’ll be able to experience this solo or by means of pair as you waft throughout Sabang Seashore. The trip would additionally deal with you to an incredible view of Sabang from above. It takes a brief 15-minute hike to achieve the zipline’s place to begin.
That is typically packaged with Underground River since Sabang additionally serves because the jump-off level to it. You’ll be able to do that previous to the underground river forestall if there’s a protracted ready time or after it simply earlier than you’ve got lunch. Sabang X-Zipline prices P550.
You might also avail this by means of Klook for a reduced worth.
Different Puerto Princesa Points of interest
- Ugong Rock Adventures. An journey park positioned in Barangay Tagabinet the place you’ll be able to move trekking, rappeling, and spelunking. A 71-meter zipline may be one of the vital options, making your journey extra unforgettable. Ebook right here!
- Palawan Waterpark by means of Astoria. That is the one waterpark in Palawan. If you happen to’re in search of an task that youngsters and children at center alike would experience, upload this in your itinerary. Every price ticket is inclusive of a lunch buffet. Fee: Adults, P1200; Youngsters (4ft and underneath), P950; Youngsters (2 years previous and underneath), FREE
- Tibag Falls. About 40 mins clear of town middle, Tibag Falls is positioned in Bacungan. To get right here, board a bus going north at San Jose Terminal. Ask the motive force to drop you off close to Bacungan Bridge. From there, it could take a 2-hour stroll to achieve this excellent falls.
To peer extra puts to discuss with, take a look at: PUERTO PRINCESA TOURIST SPOTS!
Discovering a spot to consume in Puerto Princesa may not be an issue. The town middle is teeming with a various number of meals spots. If you need to take a look at the Puerto Princesa classics, a couple of of them are positioned alongside Rizal Road.
If you happen to’re on the cheap, you’ll be able to at all times depend on carinderias (small eateries) the place a P100-budget can get you a complete meal.
Listed below are one of the maximum well known eating places in Puerto Princesa:
Ka Lui
Arguably the most well liked eating spot in Puerto Princesa, this homey eating place makes a speciality of Pinoy seafood dishes like seafood kare-kare, grilled fish, and shrimp or tuna sinigang. Their menu consists most commonly of seafood and greens dishes. They actually have a particular set meal this is just right for 2 for most effective P795. If you happen to’re making plans to dine right here, you’ll want to name the eating place and make a reservation.
Location: Rizal Road, Puerto Princesa Town
Working Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11:00 AM to two:00 PM – Lunch, 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM – Dinner; Sunda, CLOSED
Touch quantity: (048) 726 6217
Kinabuch’s
Kinabuch’s is an open-air grill and bar the place you’ll be able to experience some beverages along with your meal. Their menu has all kinds of Pinoy dishes from appetizers to dessert. It’s additionally a go-to position for individuals who need to take a look at Puerto Princesa’s unique dish, tamilok. It’s typically served uncooked with an aspect of spiced vinegar.
Location: Rizal Road, Puerto Princesa Town
Working Hours: Day by day, 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Cacaoyan Wooded area Park
Cacaoyan Wooded area Park is a buffet eating place set in a lush lawn bursting with IG-worthy spots. It serves as a lunch forestall on many Underground River excursions presented by means of trip companies. However if you wish to revel in this by itself, perfect to make advance reservations.
The lunch buffet is priced at P350/individual, however you’ll be able to get a bargain should you e-book with Klook.
Location: Sabang, Puerto Princesa
Working Hours: Day by day, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
You’ll be able to additionally order tamilok right here for P100 in keeping with plate.
Different Puerto Princesa Eating places
- Badjao Seafront Eating place. If you wish to dine by means of the bay and dinner party on recent seafood, that is where to be. It stands subsequent to mangroves and has a view of the sundown which provides to its allure. Worth begins at P125 as much as P550. Their seafood platter prices P1,150.
– Location: Abueg St., Puerto Princesa Town
– Working hours: Day by day, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM - Balinsasayaw Eating place. The cheap-friendly eating place serving reasonable to mid-range Pinoy dishes. Their worth foods prices not up to P200. If you happen to’re with a gaggle, in addition they have team foods that you’ll be able to avail.
– Cope with: Manalo St., Puerto Princesa Town
– Working Hours: Day by day, 10:00 AM to eight:00 PM - Ka Joel’s Eating place. Some other dependable identify within the town’s meals scene, Ka Joel’s serves Filipino delicacies. Its bestsellers come with rooster inasal and red meat kare kare.
– Location: Purok Centro, Puerto Princesa Town
– Working Hours: Day by day, 11:00 AM to two:00 PM- Lunch, 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM- Dinner
For loaded vacationers, large resorts have their in-house eating places that spotlight their tackle Filipino delicacies.
- Hue Resort properties Matiz Eating place and Tapas Bar, which boasts a most commonly Spanish menu.
- Princesa Lawn Island Hotel and Spa has a eating complicated 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 one of the prices.
- The lodging you’ll e-book prices P1500 in keeping with evening. If you happen to cut up it between 2 folks, that may be P750 in keeping with evening in keeping with individual.
- You’ll e-book many of the excursions by means of Klook.
However as at all times, be happy to make changes in line with your time table and personal tastes.
- DAY 1: CITY TOUR
08:20 AM – Arrival in Puerto Princesa
09:00 AM – Tricycle to lodge, P75 (P150/2pax)
09:20 AM – Resort check-in
11:00 AM – Early lunch
12:30 PM – Town Excursion (Tricycle), P500 (P1000/2pax)
– Crocodile Park: P70
– Butterfly Lawn: P60
– Mitra’s Ranch: P20
04:00 PM – Resort, 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 Excursion, P1900, Ebook 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, go away luggage
7:00 am – Honday Bay Excursion, P1640, Ebook right here!
2:00 pm – Again to lodge, select up luggage
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), with the exception of airfare and lodge however together with just a little of allowance for incidental bills.
If you happen to’re in a position to e-book a room for P1400/evening or P700/evening/individual, get ready to shell out a complete of PhP 7,100 (USD 128, EUR 120, SGD 172) with the exception of airfare however together with some allowance.
You’ll be able to carry the fee even decrease should you’re a larger team and by means of doing the Honda Bay Excursion by yourself (DIY-style).
- Tricycle fare for brief distances is round P15-25. Fares to and for the airport typically price greater than the common fares.
- Stroll when you’ll be able to. The streets of Puerto Princesa are punctuated with timber so it doesn’t get as scorching as different extremely urbanized towns.
- Convey your personal reusable water bottle, so that you don’t want to stay purchasing bottled water. Doing this may permit you to lower your expenses and cut back plastic waste on the similar time. You’ll be able to simply replenish your water bottle at your lodge or at your lunch/dinner stops.
- Convey insect repellent lotion. Offer protection to your self from mosquitoes by means of making use of insect repellent lotion particularly whilst you move trekking or island hopping.
- Use coral-friendly sunscreen. Steer clear of the usage of sunscreen that incorporates components that might hurt the coral reef like oxybenzone and parabens.
When is the most efficient time to discuss with Puerto Princesa?
January to April, the driest duration. However remember that those also are the busiest months, peaking in March and April, which can be regarded as “summer season” months within the Philippines.
If you wish to steer clear of the gang, time table a travel round January to February when the elements isn’t too scorching and no longer that wet both. But, it is usually essential to notice that Palawan is in between two primary seas, the West Philippine Sea and the Sulu Sea. Its location extremely impacts its climate machine, which isn’t the same as the remainder of the rustic. Even right through the dry season, it may well be lovely damp and rain is predicted within the afternoons. In truth, our crew have visited in April as soon as and it nonetheless poured on a few days. Or even in our different visits in different months, it could incessantly rain within the afternoon.
Puerto Princesa is a year-round vacation spot. Whilst town took a beating from Storm Odette a couple of years in the past, this isn’t a regular incidence. Palawan is positioned within the western excessive of the rustic, remoted from maximum different primary islands. It isn’t alongside the standard storm path.
What’s the energy plug/socket utilized in Puerto Princesa?
Electrical energy Information: 220V, 60Hz. Socket Kind A, most commonly.
