Right here’s our most up-to-date PUERTO PRINCESA TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG that you need to use 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 finances 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 likely to return to a vacation spot again and again? It appears to occur loads 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 group have set foot in Puerto Princesa a number of instances over the previous decade, if it had been an actual situation, we in all probability 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!
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 fast growth through the years, it retains its rustic and partly suburban vibe; due to the traces of bushes and the plush greenery that cowl the world. No surprise it’s typically dubbed “The Metropolis within the Forest” and has been acknowledged as one of many cleanest and greenest cities within the nation.
Strategically positioned in the midst of Palawan, it serves as the first gateway to the primary island. Though it will possibly take hours, you could possibly entry as much as El Nido within the northernmost tip or Bataraza within the south, which serves because the bounce 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 Heart of the Philippines, Puerto Princesa is understood for its organized and synchronized tourism trade. Numerous 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 Web site and voted as one of many New7Wonders of Nature in 2012.
Listed here are some important data that you just would possibly 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 workers do ask to see the next upon checkin:
- Legitimate ID
- Vaccination card or VaxCertPH (for totally vaccinated vacationers)
Nevertheless, should you’re coming from a spot below Alert Degree 2 or greater, a adverse antigen check outcome legitimate inside at some point previous to departure is required.
The Puerto Princesa Worldwide Airport (PPS) serves as the primary gateway to the town and different municipalities in Palawan. Most home airways — Philippine Airways, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia — have flights to and from Puerto Princesa, so in search of one wouldn’t be an issue.
Puerto Princesa Airport to Metropolis Heart
The Puerto Princesa Worldwide Airport is positioned throughout the metropolis middle. From right here, going to areas throughout the metropolis correct would take solely couple of minutes.
Probably the most handy mode of transportation from the airport is the tricycle. Tricycles could be discovered parked exterior the airport, ready for passengers. You’ll need to stroll a bit to the gate and exit the airport to experience one.
Listed here are the fares from the airport to totally different elements of the town. Tricycles can accommodate as much as 3 individuals.
- Inside the metropolis middle: P150
- To San Jose Terminal: P200
- To Honda Bay: P500
In the event you’re booked with an upscale resort or resort, double examine with the administration first and see if they provide free airport transfers.
Plenty of lodging are located throughout the metropolis middle, not too removed from the airport. Beachfront lodges or resorts are often positioned a bit farther. Staying within the metropolis correct is right if you wish to see extra of the town and have quick access to its many eating places and outlets.
Prime Funds Inns & Guesthouses in Puerto Princesa
Listed here are a number of the top-ranking however reasonably priced properties on Agoda with over 100 evaluations:
Widespread Puerto Princesa Resorts
If in case you have a much bigger finances, listed here are a number of the most well-known properties within the metropolis.
Lots of the sights in Puerto Princesa could be visited as a part of a tour. Though it’s attainable to tug a DIY to save lots of on the prices, reserving a packaged tour will make it extra handy and hassle-free. Once 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 most effective sights and actions in Puerto Princesa, grouped in response to the excursions that they’re often part of. We’ll embody 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 Web site, a Ramsar Wetland Web site, 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 assorted formations that took form for over hundreds of years. You’ll additionally study extra in regards to the cave system via the offered audio information.
If in case you have restricted time or finances and will solely avail of 1 packaged tour, this ought to be it. The PPUR administration solely permits a restricted variety of vacationers per day. Due to this, walk-ins are usually not allowed and superior reservation is required. In the event you e-book a tour with a journey company or tour operator, they’ll deal with the paperwork for you. You’ll additionally keep away from the difficulty of arranging transportation to Sabang Seaside which is the jump-off level, round one and a half hours away.
Packaged excursions often embody:
- roundtrip land switch to Sabang Seaside
- roundtrip boat switch to the underground river
- audio information
- lunch
You might also avail this tour through Klook for P1900. However in case you have extra time and larger finances, take into account 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 beneath:
✅ 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 can take you to a minimum of three islands not too far-off from the town. As of this writing, solely 3 islands are open for island hopping excursions: Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island.
In the event you’re touring with a big group, pulling a DIY can assist you save. In the event you’re touring solo, with a small group otherwise you merely need the comfort of availing a packaged tour, journey businesses and lodges often provide this tour for P1500 per individual.
In the event you plan to journey independently, listed here are the charges for personal boats. You’ll see two costs as a result of you will have 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 decide to skip the island hopping in case you have a specific island you need to go to.
There’s additionally an environmental payment that you need to pay on the wharf. Listed here are the charges:
- Environmental payment: P150
- Terminal payment: P5
- Goggles & snorkel rental: P150
- Full face masks rental: P200
- Aqua sneakers rental: P150
- Fins rental: P150
Every island additionally has a separate entrance payment and cottage rental charges as effectively. Listed here are the doorway charges per island.
- Cowrie Island: P100
- Luli Island: P70
- Starfish Island: P50
If you wish to keep away from the trouble of paying these charges by yourself, you may 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 through Klook!
Puerto Princesa Metropolis Tour
This half-day tour could be executed both within the morning or afternoon. Tour operators often provide this tour for P600 per individual, however it’s also possible to constitution a tricycle for P1000 per car, which may accommodate as much as 3 individuals.
Town tour often consists of the next stops:
- Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Heart. First referred to as 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 might be endemic to the province.
- Plaza Cuartel. A historic sq., Plaza Cuartel was an outdated garrison the place the Palawan Bloodbath came about in December 1944. 100 fifty American prisoners of battle had been stored in a tunnel throughout World Warfare II till they had been killed by the Japanese by burning them alive. Eleven prisoners had been in a position to escape and survive. Their names are actually displayed on a plaque contained in the plaza.
- Binuatan Creations. A present store the place you should purchase handloom woven merchandise constructed from Palawan’s native grasses and fibers. Other than procuring, it’s also possible to 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. Widespread for his or her hopia and different pastries, that is the same old 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 may 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 areas 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 here are unavailable.
- Sicsican River. The tour commences on the Baywalk, the place you’ll hop on a ship that can 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 Seaside
Lower than an hour away from the town correct, Nagtabon Seaside was a spot for many who need to keep away from the group. Now, plenty of lodging institutions stand alongside the seaside, however the place stays simply as breathtaking. It is a good place to go to should you’re seeking to spend extra time on the seaside with out having to journey too far-off from the town.
Make your option 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 experience a tricycle going to Nagtabon Seaside (P300, max 3 pax).
In the event you’re a gaggle, you may lease a van to take you straight to Nagtabon. In the event you can drive two wheels, renting a motorcycle can be an choice if there are two of you otherwise you’re touring solo.
Nagtabon Seaside will also be included in your Puerto Princesa Metropolis Tour itinerary for a further payment. 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’ll be able to take pleasure in this solo or by pair as you glide throughout Sabang Seaside. The experience would additionally deal with you to a implausible view of Sabang from above. It takes a brief 15-minute hike to succeed in the zipline’s start line.
That is often 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 will have lunch. Sabang X-Zipline prices P550.
You might also avail this through Klook for a reduced value.
Different Puerto Princesa Sights
- Ugong Rock Adventures. An journey park positioned in Barangay Tagabinet the place you may go trekking, rappeling, and spelunking. A 71-meter zipline can be one of many options, making your journey extra unforgettable. Book here! ✅
- Palawan Waterpark by Astoria. That is the one waterpark in Palawan. In the event you’re in search of an exercise that youngsters and youngsters at coronary heart alike would take pleasure in, add this to your itinerary. Every ticket is inclusive of a lunch buffet. Fee: Adults, P1200; Youngsters (4ft and beneath), P950; Youngsters (2 years outdated and beneath), FREE
- Tibag Falls. About 40 minutes away from the town middle, Tibag Falls is positioned 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 might take a 2-hour stroll to succeed in this superb falls.
To see extra locations to go to, try: PUERTO PRINCESA TOURIST SPOTS!
Discovering a spot to eat in Puerto Princesa is not going to be an issue. Town middle is teeming with a various assortment of meals spots. If you wish to strive the Puerto Princesa classics, a couple of of them are positioned alongside Rizal Avenue.
In the event you’re on a finances, you may all the time depend on carinderias (small eateries) the place a P100-budget can get you a full meal.
Listed here 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 focuses on 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 under P795. In the event 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 may 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 many who need to strive Puerto Princesa’s unique dish, tamilok. It’s often served uncooked with a facet of spiced vinegar.
Location: Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa Metropolis
Working Hours: Every 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 businesses. However if you wish to expertise this by itself, greatest to make advance reservations.
The lunch buffet is priced at P350/individual, however you may get a reduction should you e-book with Klook.
Location: Sabang, Puerto Princesa
Working Hours: Every day, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
It’s also possible to 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: Every 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. In the event you’re with a gaggle, additionally they have group meals that you would be able to avail.
– Handle: Manalo St., Puerto Princesa Metropolis
– Working Hours: Every 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 embody hen inasal and beef kare kare.
– Location: Purok Centro, Puerto Princesa Metropolis
– Working Hours: Every 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 complicated that includes 4 eating places together with the Golden Elephant Seafood Village, which focuses on 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. In the event 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 through Klook.
However as all the time, be at liberty to make changes based mostly in your schedule and preferences.
- DAY 1: CITY TOUR
08:20 AM – Arrival in Puerto Princesa
09:00 AM – Tricycle to resort, 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 resort - DAY 2: UNDERGROUND RIVER
06:00 AM – Get up name
07:00 AM – Underground River Tour, P1900, Book here! ✅
04:00 PM – Again to resort, Relaxation
07:00 PM – Dinner at Kinabuch’s, P500
10:00 PM – Again to resort - DAY 3: HONDA BAY TOUR
6:00 am – Get up, early check-out, depart luggage
7:00 am – Honday Bay Tour, P1640, Book here! ✅
2:00 pm – Again to resort, choose 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), excluding airfare and resort however together with a little bit of allowance for incidental bills.
In the event you’re in a position to 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’ll be able to deliver the associated fee even decrease should you’re a much 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 often price greater than the common fares.
- Stroll when you may. The streets of Puerto Princesa are punctuated with bushes so it doesn’t get as sizzling as different extremely urbanized cities.
- Carry your individual reusable water bottle, so that you don’t must maintain shopping for bottled water. Doing this can allow you to lower your expenses and scale back plastic waste on the similar time. You’ll be able to simply refill your water bottle at your resort or at your lunch/dinner stops.
- Carry insect repellent lotion. Defend your self from mosquitoes by making use of insect repellent lotion particularly whenever you go trekking or island hopping.
- Use coral-friendly sunscreen. Keep away from utilizing sunscreen that accommodates elements that might hurt the coral reef like oxybenzone and parabens.
When is the most effective time to go to Puerto Princesa?
January to April, the driest interval. However remember the fact that these are additionally the busiest months, peaking in March and April, that are thought of “summer time” months within the Philippines.
If you wish to keep away from the group, schedule a visit round January to February when the climate just isn’t too sizzling and never that wet both. But, it’s also 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 totally different from the remainder of the nation. Even throughout the dry season, it might be fairly damp and rain is predicted within the afternoons. Actually, our group 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 might typically rain within the afternoon.
Puerto Princesa is a year-round vacation spot. Whereas the town took a beating from Storm Odette a couple of years in the past, this isn’t a traditional incidence. Palawan is positioned within the western excessive of the nation, remoted from most different important islands. It isn’t alongside the same old storm route.
What’s the energy plug/socket utilized in Puerto Princesa?
Electrical energy Information: 220V, 60Hz. Socket Kind A, principally.
