The best months to visit Puerto Princesa are Nov – May. Dry season, calmer seas.
Quick facts
When to go
Gateway to Palawan, where an underground river flows through a mountain, fireflies light up mangrove forests, and island hopping is a way of life.
Nov – May is the busiest window in Puerto Princesa, so accommodation and flights go first. Book ahead. The shoulder weeks either side are usually quieter for the same reason.
Getting Around in Puerto Princesa
- Tricycles are the primary local transport: shared rides (10–15 PHP) run set routes, special (private) rides cost 50–150 PHP depending on distance
- For the Underground River and Honda Bay, organised tours include transport. Independent visits require renting a scooter (500 PHP/day) or hiring a private tricycle
- Multicabs (jeepney-like vehicles) run fixed routes within the city for 8 PHP. Vans to El Nido and Port Barton depart from San Jose Terminal
For month-by-month detail, itineraries and costs, see the full Puerto Princesa travel guide.
Timezone: PHT (UTC+8) (Philippine Time)
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Puerto Princesa?
The best months to visit Puerto Princesa are Nov – May (Dry season, calmer seas), which makes for the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and getting around. For what a trip costs day to day, see the Puerto Princesa budget breakdown.
