Overview
Roxas is a working-class agricultural town on Palawan's east coast road, primarily a transit stop between Puerto Princesa and El Nido. It has little aesthetic appeal and minimal tourist infrastructure, but the locals are genuinely friendly and curious about visitors.
Budget Travel · Nature · Transit Hub
Before you go
Connectivity
Roxas has 24-hour electricity and cheap internet shops—your best connectivity before El Nido and Taytay which have limited power. Take advantage of the reliable electricity to get online or charge devices.
Food
Budget meals at turo-turo street stalls cost PHP 50-100. Restaurants like Town Syte and Botega offer hearty Filipino meals. Stock up on cheap fresh produce at the Palengke market—significantly cheaper than El Nido.
Money
Two ATMs in Roxas do not accept foreign cards. Use money changers with rates lower than Puerto Princesa and El Nido—try not to arrive without local currency. Stock up on pesos here before heading to tourist-priced El Nido.
Packing
Bring local currency from Puerto Princesa as ATMs don't work for foreigners. Cashew nuts and Pasalubong (gifts) are good local purchases. The town is walkable, so pack light for your brief stop.
Transport
Main transport is tricycles (motorbike with sidecar) for local trips. Buses and shuttle vans connect to Puerto Princesa (3-4 hours by bus, 2 hours by van) and El Nido (2-4 hours). Jeepneys serve the route to Port Barton.