Puerto Princesa is affordable by any standard — Palawan's natural wonders cost little to access, and the city's food and transport are among the cheapest in Southeast Asia.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: PHP (Peso) (1 USD ≈ 56 PHP)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 500–1,000 PHP | 1,500–3,000 PHP | 4,000+ PHP | Dorm to boutique hotel |
| Food | 300–500 PHP | 600–1,200 PHP | 1,500+ PHP | Carinderia to restaurant |
| Transport | 100–300 PHP | 300–800 PHP | 1,500+ PHP | Tricycle to private car |
| Activities | 0–500 PHP | 1,500–2,500 PHP | 3,000+ PHP | Beach to full-day tours |
| Daily Total | 900–2,300 PHP | 3,900–7,500 PHP | 10,000+ PHP | $16–41 / $70–134 / $179+ USD |
Money-saving tips
Tricycle Transport
Tricycles are Puerto Princesa's main transport — shared rides cost 10–15 PHP per person within the city. Hiring a tricycle for half-day tours (300–500 PHP) is cheaper than organised tours for some attractions.
Book Tours Direct
Walk into tour operators on Rizal Avenue and compare prices. Underground River tours range from 1,500–2,500 PHP depending on inclusions. Hotel-booked tours are usually 20–30% more expensive than booking direct.
Eat Local
Carinderias (local eateries) serve rice and viand plates for 60–100 PHP — a fraction of restaurant prices. The public market has a food court with excellent, cheap Filipino home cooking.
Combo Tour Deals
Multi-day tour packages (Underground River + Honda Bay + City Tour) booked together from a single operator typically save 15–20% compared to booking each separately.
Water Refills
Tap water is not drinkable. Buy 5-gallon refills (25 PHP) from purified water stations rather than single-use bottles (20 PHP each). Most accommodations provide drinking water for free.
Street Food Savings
Filipino street food is cheap and delicious — isaw (grilled intestines, 5 PHP), banana cue (15 PHP), fish balls with sauce (5 PHP). A full street food dinner costs under 100 PHP.
