Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa is Palawan's provincial capital and the main gateway to the island's legendary attractions, including the UNESCO-listed Subterranean River. The city has earned its reputation as the cleanest and greenest city in the Philippines while remaining far more relaxed than Manila. Nature lovers will find crocodile farms, butterfly gardens, island-hopping in Honda Bay, and some of the best diving in the Philippines at nearby El Nido and Coron.

Puerto Princesa serves as the administrative and transport hub of Palawan Province. A tourist information office exists at the airport next to the arrival hall, though visitors report it offers limited practical assistance—it primarily sells tours and lacks maps (Feb 2018, Mar 2025). The city is known for its environmental initiatives and wide tree-lined avenues, making it more pleasant than most Philippine cities for pedestrians.

Puerto Princesa International Airport (IATA: PPS) is located on National Highway in San Miguel, serving as the main entry point for air travelers. The city also has a port (Puerto Princesa port) for ferry connections. The Grand Terminal (San Jose Terminal) in Taguros handles buses, vans, and jeepneys arriving from across Palawan. Buses depart from a large shelter near San Jose public market, while UV Express vans operate from scattered terminals nearby.

Jeepneys, multicabs, and tricycles are the standard modes of transport in Puerto Princesa. Standard jeepney and tricycle fares are PHP 10 per person within the city. The bus terminal is a few kilometers outside the city center—a jeepney from the terminal to downtown costs PHP 10. For touring attractions, air-conditioned vans or AUVs offer more comfort than public jeepneys. The city has few pedestrian crossings, and drivers often do not yield to pedestrians, making walking potentially hazardous.

The best time to visit Puerto Princesa is during the dry season from November to May. The wet season (June-October) brings monsoonal rains that can disrupt boat trips to the Underground River and Honda Bay. March to May tends to be warmest. The Underground River requires permits which should be obtained in Puerto Princesa city.

Puerto Princesa offers accommodations for every budget, from basic pensions along Rizal Avenue to modern hotels near the airport. Budget travelers can find fan rooms from PHP 350 at Duchess Pension or dorm beds from PHP 250 at Dallas Inn and Cafe. Mid-range options like Seasons Guesthouse and Palo Alto Bed & Breakfast offer air-conditioned rooms with hot showers from PHP 1,200-2,500. Most budget accommodations are concentrated along Rizal Avenue and Malvar Street near the city center.

Puerto Princesa offers diverse dining options beyond standard Filipino fare. Ima's Vegetarian Restaurant (46 Fernandez St) serves excellent vegetarian dishes for around PHP 80-120. KaLui Restaurant (369 Rizal Ave) is acclaimed for its amazing food and ambiance, specializing in seafood with daily specials for two around PHP 1,200. French cuisine is available at Ditchay's (Manalo Ext., W-Su 5PM-midnight), a welcome alternative after extended local food trips. For nightlife, Reggae Pulse Bar (Rizal Ave) offers cold beers and cocktails from 4PM-2AM with free WiFi. Cafe Nori (Valencia St) serves Japanese fusion alongside coffee and fruit shakes.

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is the crown jewel—over 8 km long and declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. The permit costs PHP 600 and is available in Puerto Princesa (online system under construction). Access requires a pumpboat ride from Sabang Beach, about 1.5 hours from the city. Honda Bay offers island hopping with beautiful beaches accessible via Sta. Lourdes wharf, 25 minutes from the city—arrive before 11AM for small boats (1-5 people). Other attractions include the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (Croc Farm) with endemic species mini-zoo (PHP 50 entry, open 8:30AM-4:30PM), and the Butterfly Garden (PHP 80, daily 8:30AM-5PM).

Puerto Princesa is an excellent place to obtain PADI certification. Moana Dive Centre offers PADI Open Water courses for PHP 17,500 with quality equipment and pleasant instruction in the shallow waters of Puerto Princesa bay—you may spot sea turtles, eels, lionfish, batfish, and snapper. Historical sites include Plaza Cuartel (Taft St. near Cathedral), where Japanese soldiers burned 143 American POWs during WWII. Baker Hill (Mitra Rd, Bgy Sta Monica) offers nature exploration. Ugong Rock provides spelunking and zip line activities near the Underground River.

Puerto Princesa is generally considered safe for travelers, though standard precautions apply. The main safety concern is traffic—few pedestrian crossings exist and drivers rarely yield to pedestrians, creating hazardous conditions. Tourists vans are often parked on Rizal Avenue blocking former pedestrian paths. Use air-conditioned vans when possible for better protection from traffic and smoke. Beach swimming is best done at designated areas rather than isolated spots.

Mobile data coverage in Puerto Princesa is generally good for major carriers. WiFi is widely available in accommodations, restaurants, and cafes—most budget hostels advertise free WiFi. Reggae Pulse Bar offers free WiFi for patrons. For SIM cards and data packages, major telecommunications providers have offices along Rizal Avenue. Power outlets use standard Philippine two-pin Type A/B sockets (220V/60Hz).

Puerto Princesa is affordable for backpackers with daily budgets of PHP 1,500-2,500 possible. Basic dorm beds start at PHP 250, fan rooms from PHP 350. Street food and local karinderia meals cost PHP 50-100. Jeepney rides are PHP 10 within the city. The main attraction costs are the Underground River permit (PHP 600) and Honda Bay island hopping (PHP 1,000-1,500 for boat hire). PADI certification runs PHP 17,500.

The Underground River is accessible as a long day trip—roughly 50km north of Puerto Princesa, with travel time 1.5-3.5 hours depending on transport mode. El Nido, known for snorkeling, diving, and beautiful islands, is a 6-7 hour drive north. Coron can be reached via 2GO Travel ferry operating twice weekly. Baker Hill offers a half-day nature experience within city limits.

El Nido is the next major destination for most travelers—6-7 hours by bus from Puerto Princesa via Cherry Transport (departs every 2 hours 4AM-10PM) or RORO Bus (4 departures 5-8AM). The town offers world-class snorkeling, diving, and island hopping around the Bacuit Archipelago. Coron is reachable by ferry twice weekly via 2GO Travel. The Underground River remains accessible for those based in Puerto Princesa.