PUERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN ISLANDS, PHILIPPINES
Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Introduction and Orientation
The Palawan Island considered as one of the top Travel Destination by Travel + Leisure since 2017 and continues to remain in the top 10. Puerto Princesa is the main coastal city in the Palawan Island and it has an International Airport. It has a population of over 255,000 which is 25% of the entire island of Palawan. Since it is the main city on the island, it is very dense and urbanized. Make sure to visit El Nido and/or Coron to really enjoy the beauty of this pristine island.
Our recommendation is to stay in Puerto Princesa for no longer than 4-5 days. Visit our Hotel Recommendations page to view a sample itinerary. We also recommend to start your trip in El Nido or Coron, and cap your trip with a short stay in Puerto Princesa before leaving the island.
If you’re going to El Nido, fly into Puerto Princesa and hire a private driver to drive the 6 hours to El Nido or fly directly to El Nido (and do the same on your return to Puerto Princesa). The drive to El Nido from Puerto Princesa is on a paved highway (no longer on an unpaved road).
Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
Getting There and Around
There is an International Airport in Puerto Princesa and you can arrive by plane from almost any destination (with appropriate flight connections).
You can arrange transportation through your hotel or by reserving a private transfer if your hotel does not provide one, which is highly unlikely.
We do not recommend taking public transportations (unless you are well-versed on the jeepneys and their routes) and we do not recommend driving on your own. The price for a private van or private taxi to take you from Point A to Point B is quite economical. Taking the tricycle for short distances is fine. Your hotel should be able to assist you in securing a private van for drop-off and pick-up to a particular location such as a restaurant or mall. You can also reserve a private van for full day excursion.
Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
Travel Tips + Practicalities
Visa Requirement
Find your country of origin here to learn whether a visa is required to enter the Philippines and any other passport requirements.
Private Transfers and Cars
We recommend hiring a private car for a full day if you want to be on your own time or agenda or if you are creating your own itinerary. Your hotel should be able to help you with airport transfers and help you secure a transfer to/from specific destinations, i.e. restaurants, shopping, etc. Tours you reserved should include a pick-up and drop-off at your hotel.
Public Transportation
We do not recommend for you to take the jeepneys unless you are well versed on the routes. Taking the tricycles is just like a taxi, so totally fine and encouraged to experience the culture.
Car Rental
We generally do not recommend renting a car on your own especially since hiring a private car in the Philippines is economical. Driving in the Philippines is a bit helter-skelter, so drive at your own risk, but Puerto Princesa is not as bad as Manila, but there isn’t a need to rent a car especially if you’re scheduling tours. However, should you want to rent a car, you’ may use your valid driver’s license from your country for 90 days and it has to be in English. If your license is not written in the English language, then you will need to go to your local embassy to have it translated in English.
Tipping
The Filipinos always appreciate gratuities given that they do not make that much money. Tipping your tour guide $5 or €5 that’s been with you all day is a nice gesture and it goes a long way.
Currency
Philippine Peso
Language
Tagalog, Local Dialect, English. Most Filipinos speak English.
Plug Converter
Type A or Type B. Type A has two prongs, while Type B has three prongs (one is a grounding pin).
Embassies and Consulates
List of Embassies or Consulate Offices in case you lose your passport or need help
We research and visit all our hotel recommendations. Learn more about how we select our hotel recommendations. If you book something through our affiliated links, the booking platform may share a portion of their commission with us.
Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
Hotel Recommendations
This the perfect hotel destination where luxury meets tranquility. The rooms are updated and thoughtfully designed to provide an inviting atmosphere. The breakfast offerings, included in your package, is plentiful and customary of a five-star hotel with many different food stations to choose from. The staff are friendly and helpful. The hotel is isolated from the hustle and bustle of the city and will require a private transfer or a tricycle if you want to go out for dinner. There is an on-site restaurant on the property. The hotel seamlessly harmonizes with nature as you walk along the foot bridge through the swath of native flora just before getting to the beach area. The hotel is also secured with security guards guarding the vehicle entrance.
Address: Caniguiran, Barangay Bancao-Bancao, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, 5300, Philippines
Complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off. Family-friendly. Connecting rooms available. Bar and Restaurant on the property. Room service available. Fitness Center. Pool, including rooms with pool access. Complimentary use of stand-up paddle boards and kayaks. Sandbar access. Daycare center. View booking site for a complete list of amenities.
The location of Hue Hotel offers the comfort of the city and the relaxation of an island, a perfect blend. The hotel has all the amenities you need and a walking distance to other shops and restaurants in Puerto Princesa. The rooms are all updated and well-appointed (truly beautiful), rooftop pool and sun deck, on-site restaurant, and a welcoming friendly staff. Once you enter the property, you are whisked away from the hustle and bustle of the city - the rooftop sundeck and spa awaits you. The on-site restaurant offers a fusion cuisine and traditional Filipino food.
Address: Km. 3 Puerto Princesa North Road, Brgy. San Manuel, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines 5300. Family-friendly with family rooms. Restaurant on-site. Spa. Rooftop pool. Fitness Center. Shuttle Service. View booking site for a complete list of amenities.
This hotel effortlessly combines the taste of a lush and carefree haven through its nature-inspired interiors, excellent service, and unwavering commitment to eco-friendly practices. All the rooms are updated, the common spaces are great for communal gatherings offering a relaxing ambiance, and the pool is expansive. There is also on-site restaurant and bar and a complimentary breakfast option with your booking.
Address: Aziza Paradise Hotel, Puerto Princesa, Palawan 5300, Philippines.
Complimentary Airport Shuttle. 2 Pools. Fitness Center. On-site restaurant. Room service. View booking site for a complete list of amenities.
This hotel offers comfort and enjoyment. There are rooms that open up to the pool and there are rooms with a private pool option. There are many lovely details to their decor giving it a luxurious and peaceful ambiance. The rooms are updated with spacious bathrooms. There is an on-site restaurant. The hotel also offers diving excursions because the company Shark Diving Palawan is located in the hotel.
Address: Libis road, Barangay San Pedro, 5300 Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
Swimming pool. On-site Restaurant. Shuttle service to/from airport for additional fee. Lockers. Laundry. Room service (not 24 hours). View booking site for a complete list of amenities.
Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Things To Do
Things to Do and See in Puerto Princesa, Palawan
We only recommend guided tour trips in Puerto Princesa or for day trips, hire a private driver to take you to places. We do not recommend taking public transportations. Make sure to view our sample itinerary on the side bar (or scroll to the bottom on mobile). We experienced and enjoyed all the tours recommended below (except for the Ugong Rock adventure) during our trip in Puerto Princesa in 2023.
UNDERGROUND RIVER NATIONAL PARK DAY TRIP
The Underground River National Park is a UNESCO Heritage site and one of the Wonders of Nature. It’s the top thing to do in Puerto Princesa. Enjoy the longest river in the world and learn what’s inside the cave. It takes about 2 hours to get there from Puerto Princesa. The Ugong Rock Adventure is a stop with this tour, but participation in the activities (ziplining or spelunking) is optional.
***The Sabang Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour Guide. Sometimes this is paired with your Underground River Trip. You must do this if you have time. Talk to your guide. Usually your tour guide will try to get the timed reservation for the Underground River Tour and the bangka (the boat) that will take you to the Underground River where you will then be poised to ride the rowing boat that will take you into the Underground River.
Take the Sabang Mangrove Tour to learn about the importance of the old growth mangrove forest to the ecosystem and hear about the flora and fauna that lives there which are protected through the promotions of eco-tourism. The tour is less than an hour and it’s a great way to pass the time while your tour guide secures a boat to the River Underground Tour. It’s a great tour.
***Pair your Underground River Trip with Ugong Rock Adventure for some ziplining and spelunking.
UNDERGROUND RIVER DAY TRIP *PRIVATE TOUR*
If you have a group of 8-10 or less, it might be more relaxing and enjoyable to do a private tour to ensure that you’re all together at all times. This includes lunch, your own guide, and a pick-up to/from your hotel. **See note above about the Sabang Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour Guide.
The Underground River National Park is a UNESCO Heritage site and one of the Wonders of Nature. It’s the top thing to do in Puerto Princesa. Enjoy the longest river in the world and learn what’s inside the cave.
ISLAND HOPPING
Enjoy a day on a boat and visit different islands and beaches. Snorkel, swim, and relax. Stops at Cowrie Island, Luli Island, Starfish Sandbar Resort, and Honda Bay. All these beaches are great for swimming, snorkeling, and for enjoying the sun. Includes pick-up/drop-off at your hotel within the Puerto Princesa proper.
CITY TOUR
Visit the highlights of Puerto Princesa. Tour guide is included so you will have a narrative experience of what you’re visiting. Stops include:
Immaculate Conception Church, a historic landmark in the Philippines.
Baker’s Hill and taste some famous moon cakes.
Plaza Cuartel. A military base during World War II.
Mitra’s Ranch. A scenic view of Honda Bay.
Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre, formerly known as the Crocodile Farm.
Baywalk Park.
FIREFLY WATCHING AT NIGHT (including dinner)
This is fantastic tour. A private van will pick you and others up from your respective hotels for a transfer to the Bay Walk Park where you and other guests will board a boat to take you to a mangrove coastal forest to witness thousands of twinkling fireflies lighting up the night. Dinner will be served on the boat. Note that you will transfer to a smaller motor boat when you get closer to the mangroves.
HIRE A PRIVATE DRIVER FOR THE DAY
Hiring a private driver is another great way to see the city on your own agenda and time. The driver is usually local and can also make recommendations. If you’re going outside of the city, make sure you communicate this to the Operator of the Tour or the driver, as it may incur extra charge.
Most of the links on this page are not affiliated links such as links for the museums and attractions. However, links that go to Viator, our affiliate partner, are, and therefore, we may earn a small commission if you book something from them.
Mangrove forest in the ocean. Kayaking on one of the Honda Bay Island Hopping Stops.
Underground River National Park. Long-tailed Macaque Monkeys.
City Tour stop.
5-DAY ITINERARY RECOMMENDATIONS
Day 1. Arrive in Puerto Princesa.
Day 2. Schedule a City Tour for the afternoon. Evening: Schedule a Firefly Watching at Night that includes dinner.
Day 3. Underground River Tour (choose which is best for you - private, not private or paired up with the Ugong Rock Adventure). Try to pair this with the Ugong Rock Adventure, but our favorite is the Sabang Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour.
Day 4. Island Hopping. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and different beaches on this tour. Stops at Cowrie Island, Luli Island, Starfish Sandbar Resort, and Honda Bay.
Day 5. Depart.