Puerto Princesa
Gateway to Palawan — where an underground river flows through a mountain, fireflies light up mangrove forests, and island hopping is a way of life.
1 day in Puerto Princesa
Only got 24 hours? Here's how to experience the best of Puerto Princesa in a single action-packed day.
Puerto Princesa Highlights
Underground River
Join a tour to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The 8.2km underground river is the longest navigable subterranean river in the world, flowing through a massive limestone cave system into the South China Sea. Paddle boats carry visitors 1.5km into the cave past cathedral-sized chambers, stalactites and stalagmites, and colonies of swiftlets and bats. The scale of the cave system is breathtaking. Tours depart from Sabang Beach (1.5 hours from the city).
Sabang Beach & Mangrove Paddle
After the river tour, spend the afternoon at Sabang Beach — a quiet stretch of sand with jungle-covered karst cliffs as a backdrop. Rent a kayak (300 PHP/hour) and paddle along the mangrove-lined Sabang River where monitor lizards sun themselves on branches and kingfishers flash blue above the water. The mangrove ecosystem here is remarkably intact, with the towering limestone massif of the Underground River park rising behind the green canopy.
Rizal Avenue & Baywalk
Return to Puerto Princesa city and stroll along the Baywalk at sunset — the waterfront promenade overlooks Honda Bay and the surrounding islands. The sky turns vivid orange and purple as fishing boats return to the harbour. Walk to Rizal Avenue, the city's main street, for dinner at one of the local restaurants. Try crocodile sisig (sizzling chopped meat on a hot plate) at Kalui Restaurant — it's a Palawan specialty. Alternatively, the Vietnamese-influenced fresh spring rolls at Bai Chay are excellent.
3 days in Puerto Princesa
A carefully curated route mixing iconic landmarks, hidden gems, street food, culture, and adventure — designed for younger travelers.
Underground River & Sabang
Subterranean River Cave Tour
Depart early for the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River (1.5-hour drive to Sabang wharf, then 20-minute boat ride). The UNESCO-listed cave system is extraordinary — your paddle boat enters a gaping cavern mouth where the river disappears underground, and for the next 45 minutes you drift through chambers reaching 60 metres high. The guide points out stalactite formations resembling cathedrals, mushrooms, and a 60-metre-high cave ceiling dubbed the "Italian Chamber." Thousands of swiftlets and bats share the cave, their calls echoing in the darkness.
Sabang Beach & Zipline
After the cave tour, relax on Sabang Beach or try the Sabang X Zipline — an 800-metre dual cable that flies you over the forest canopy and Sabang Beach, 150 metres above the treetops (800 PHP). The views are spectacular: limestone karst peaks, dense jungle, and the turquoise Sulu Sea. For a calmer afternoon, kayak the mangrove river behind the beach (300 PHP/hour), spotting monitor lizards, mudskippers, and fruit bats hanging in the trees.
Return to Puerto Princesa
Drive back to Puerto Princesa city (1.5 hours). Have dinner at Ka Lui Restaurant — widely regarded as the best restaurant in the city, specialising in fresh seafood and Palawan dishes served in a charming native-style dining room where you sit on the floor. The set seafood platter (1,200 PHP for two) includes grilled prawns, kinilaw (Filipino ceviche), and baked scallops. Stroll the Baywalk boardwalk after dinner to see the harbour lights.
Honda Bay Island Hopping
Honda Bay — Starfish & Cowrie Islands
Join a Honda Bay island-hopping tour (1,500–2,000 PHP per person including boat, lunch, and snorkel gear) departing from Sta. Lourdes Wharf at 8am. The first stop is Starfish Island — a sandbar surrounded by shallow turquoise water where orange and blue starfish dot the sandy bottom. The second stop is Cowrie Island, with a white sand beach, beach volleyball, and snorkelling off the reef where parrotfish, clownfish, and sea urchins are easily spotted.
Luli Island & Snorkelling
Continue to Luli Island — a sandbar that appears and disappears with the tide ("lulubog-lilitaw" means sinking-floating in Filipino). At low tide, walk across the exposed sand with clear water on all sides. The snorkelling around Honda Bay's islands reveals colourful coral gardens, giant clams, sea cucumbers, and schools of yellow fusiliers. The water is warm (28–30°C) and visibility on calm days reaches 10–15 metres. Lunch is usually served on Cowrie or Luli Island — grilled fish, rice, and fruit.
Rizal Avenue Night Scene
Back in Puerto Princesa, walk Rizal Avenue — the city's main commercial strip lined with restaurants, shops, and bars. Try halo-halo (shaved ice with sweet beans, jellies, leche flan, and ube ice cream) at Jollibee or a local dessert shop for 80 PHP — the quintessential Filipino refreshment. For a sit-down dinner, Ima's Gulay (native vegetable dishes) offers healthy Filipino food, or Kinabuchs Grill and Bar has excellent barbecue and live acoustic music most evenings.
Mangroves, Crocodile Farm & Departure
Iwahig Firefly & Mangrove River
Visit the Iwahig River mangrove area on the outskirts of Puerto Princesa. During the day, paddle through the mangrove channels in a kayak or small boat — the ecosystem is rich with mudskippers, crabs, kingfishers, and brahminy kites. The Iwahig area is also famous for its firefly watching tours (evening only, 500 PHP per person) where thousands of fireflies light up the mangrove trees like Christmas decorations — one of Palawan's most magical experiences.
Palawan Wildlife Rescue Centre
Visit the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre (formerly the Crocodile Farm, 100 PHP entry). The centre breeds Philippine crocodiles — one of the most critically endangered crocodile species in the world — for release into the wild. See crocodiles from hatchlings to massive 4-metre adults, and learn about Palawan's unique biodiversity including the bearcat (binturong), porcupine, and Palawan peacock pheasant. The centre also has butterfly gardens and native animal exhibits.
Departure or Onward Travel
Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS) has direct flights to Manila (1.5 hours, from 2,500 PHP), Cebu (1.5 hours), and Clark. For El Nido — Palawan's other star destination — vans depart regularly from the San Jose Terminal (5–6 hours, 600–800 PHP) or you can fly from Puerto Princesa to El Nido with AirSwift (50 minutes, from 4,000 PHP). Coron is reachable by ferry (8 hours overnight) or flight via Manila.
7 days in Puerto Princesa
A full week to go deep — from famous landmarks to local neighbourhoods, day trips, hidden gems, and proper local immersion.
Arrival & City Orientation
Arrival in Puerto Princesa
Arrive at Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS) — Palawan's main gateway. The airport is just 3km from the city centre; a tricycle ride costs 100 PHP. Check into your accommodation — guesthouses on Rizal Avenue start at 800 PHP/night, air-con rooms from 1,500 PHP. Puerto Princesa is the capital of Palawan province — the gateway to both the Underground River and the islands of Honda Bay. The city is clean, safe, and surprisingly green for a Philippine city.
Baker Hill & Mitra's Ranch
Visit Baker Hill, a hilltop garden and bakery on the outskirts of the city, known for its hopia (filled pastries) and ube (purple yam) bread — Palawan snacks that locals buy by the box. The gardens have colourful sculptures and photo spots overlooking the city. Continue to Mitra's Ranch for panoramic views of Puerto Princesa's coastline and the surrounding mountains. Both are free to enter and popular with local families on weekends.
Baywalk Sunset & Dinner
Walk the Baywalk boardwalk along the harbour at sunset — fishing boats bob in the warm evening light and the Palawan mountains glow pink behind the city. For dinner, Ka Inato on Rizal Avenue serves traditional Palawan dishes cooked over charcoal — try the chicken inasal (marinated grilled chicken, 180 PHP) and pinakbet (mixed vegetable stew with shrimp paste). The flavours are distinctly Palaweno — different from Manila or Cebu cooking.
Underground River
Subterranean River Tour
Depart at 6am for Sabang (1.5 hours by van). Board a motorised outrigger at Sabang Wharf for the 20-minute ride to the cave entrance. The cave mouth is a grand arch in a limestone cliff rising from the beach, with a river flowing out into a jade-green lagoon. Inside, the cave opens into chambers up to 60 metres high — the "Cathedral" chamber with organ-pipe stalactites, the "Italian Chamber" stretching beyond the tour route. Paddle boats carry 8 passengers and a guide with a spotlight.
Sabang Beach & Forest Trail
After the cave, hike the Jungle Trail — a 3.5km boardwalk through primary forest from Sabang to the park's inland entrance. The forest is home to monitor lizards (up to 2 metres long), long-tailed macaques, Palawan bearded pigs, and over 200 bird species. The boardwalk passes through dramatic limestone karst landscape with buttress-rooted trees and dripping cave mouths along the way. Return to Sabang Beach for a swim and lunch — fresh seafood at one of the beachside restaurants.
Firefly Watching at Iwahig
Return to Puerto Princesa and head to the Iwahig River at dusk for a firefly boat tour (500 PHP per person). As darkness falls, thousands of synchronised fireflies light up the mangrove trees along the riverbank — entire trees pulse with green light like living Christmas decorations. The boat drifts silently through the mangrove channel as the guide explains the firefly lifecycle. The Iwahig colony is one of the largest in the Philippines and the experience is genuinely magical.
Honda Bay Island Hopping
Starfish Island & Cowrie Island
Join a Honda Bay island-hopping tour departing Sta. Lourdes Wharf at 8am (1,500–2,000 PHP all-inclusive). The bangka (outrigger boat) crosses the calm bay to Starfish Island — a sandbar in turquoise shallows where orange and blue starfish rest on the sandy bottom. Wade across the sandbar with water barely above your ankles. Next is Cowrie Island with better beach facilities, a volleyball court, and reef snorkelling off the southern point where butterflyfish and wrasse swim among staghorn coral.
Luli Island & Pandan Island
Visit Luli Island at low tide when the sandbar emerges from the water — wade across a submerged sand path surrounded by turquoise sea. Some tours include Pandan Island, the most developed Honda Bay island with a small resort, good snorkelling, and cleaner reef. Lunch is served on one of the islands — typically grilled fish, rice, mango, and watermelon. The afternoon boat ride back to the wharf passes through Honda Bay's island-studded seascape.
City Night Market
Browse the evening food scene along Rizal Avenue. Try isaw (grilled chicken intestines on sticks — crunchy and delicious, 5 PHP each), banana cue (deep-fried banana with caramelised sugar, 15 PHP), and buko juice (fresh coconut, 30 PHP). For a fuller dinner, Haim Chicken is a local chain with excellent fried chicken at Filipino prices. The city centre is safe for evening walks and the street food culture is welcoming.
Nagtabon & Hidden Beaches
Nagtabon Beach
Rent a scooter (500 PHP/day) or hire a tricycle (800 PHP round trip) to reach Nagtabon Beach — a stunning, near-empty beach about 45 minutes west of the city. The road passes through rural Palawan with coconut plantations and small barangays (villages). Nagtabon is a long crescent of fine sand backed by coconut palms with no development other than a few basic shelters. The water is crystal clear and the beach is often deserted on weekdays.
Beach Relaxation & Coconut Grove
Spend the afternoon on Nagtabon — swim, nap in the shade of the coconut grove, and enjoy having a beautiful Filipino beach almost entirely to yourself. The surf can be moderate here, making it fun for body-surfing. Local fishermen may bring in their catch on the beach — if you're lucky, you can buy fresh fish and have it grilled at one of the basic shelters. The beach faces west, so the sunset here is spectacular — Nagtabon is not on the tourist circuit.
Return & Local Dinner
Return to Puerto Princesa for dinner. Try Ima's Gulay Bar and Restaurant for a healthier take on Filipino food — native vegetable dishes, fresh seafood, and no MSG. The dalandan (local citrus) juice is refreshing, and the pinakbet is excellent. Alternatively, Kinabuchs Grill and Bar on Rizal Avenue has a festive atmosphere with live music, cold San Miguel beer, and excellent inihaw (barbecue) platters.
Mangroves & Wildlife
Iwahig Mangrove Paddle Board
Kayak or stand-up paddleboard through the Iwahig River mangroves in the morning when wildlife is most active. The mangrove channels are quiet and shaded, with roots arching over the water creating natural tunnels. Spot mudskippers, fiddler crabs, kingfishers, brahminy kites, and monitor lizards. The paddle takes 1.5–2 hours and several operators in Puerto Princesa offer guided tours (500–800 PHP) or board rental.
Palawan Wildlife Rescue Centre & Butterfly Garden
Visit the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre (100 PHP). See the critically endangered Philippine crocodile breeding programme — fewer than 200 survive in the wild and this centre is a key part of their recovery. Also see binturongs (bearcat), Palawan porcupines, and the spectacular Palawan peacock pheasant — a stunning blue-green bird found nowhere else on earth. The adjacent Palawan Butterfly Garden (50 PHP) has over 100 species of butterflies native to the island.
Rancho Sta. Monica & Dinner
Visit Rancho Sta. Monica, a scenic hilltop park outside the city with zip lines, ATVs, and a swimming pool (entry 200 PHP). Or simply relax in the city — Puerto Princesa's pace is slow and pleasant. For dinner, try Balinsasayaw Chicken Grill for the best inihaw na manok (charcoal grilled chicken) in the city, served with sawsawan (dipping sauce) and unlimited rice for 250 PHP.
Snorkelling & Beach Day
Port Barton Day Trip Option
For a different perspective on Palawan, consider a day trip to Port Barton — a sleepy beach village 3 hours north of Puerto Princesa on the west coast. The village has no ATMs, limited electricity, and some of the most beautiful island-hopping in Palawan. If a day trip feels too rushed, stay overnight in a basic beachfront cottage (500–1,000 PHP) and return the next morning. Alternatively, spend the day revisiting Honda Bay with a focus on snorkelling at Pandan Island's reef.
Beach or City Exploration
If staying in Puerto Princesa, explore the city's quieter attractions. The Palawan Heritage Centre in the city hall has exhibitions on Palawan's indigenous peoples and natural history. The Immaculate Conception Cathedral — a simple white church built in 1872 — sits on Rizal Avenue. Browse the souvenir shops for Palawan pearls (the South Sea variety found here are among the world's finest), cashew products, and woven baskets.
Farewell Dinner
For your final evening, treat yourself to Ka Lui Restaurant's seafood tasting menu (1,500 PHP for two) — multiple courses of the day's freshest catch prepared in traditional and creative Palaweno styles. The restaurant is an experience in itself: shoes off, sit on the floor, surrounded by local art. End the evening with a walk along the Baywalk as the fishing fleet lights twinkle on the bay.
Final Morning & Departure
Morning Market & Last Walk
Visit the Puerto Princesa public market early — the morning fish market is a fascinating window into local life. See the day's catch laid out on ice: tuna, lapu-lapu (grouper), squid, and prawns brought in from Honda Bay and the Sulu Sea. Buy tropical fruit for the road — Palawan mangoes (in season March–June) are the sweetest in the Philippines. Take a last walk through the city centre, soaking in Palawan's warm, unhurried atmosphere.
Departure
Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS) is 3km from the city centre — a 10-minute tricycle ride (100 PHP). Direct flights connect to Manila (1.5 hours, from 2,500 PHP), Cebu (1.5 hours), and Clark. For El Nido, vans depart from San Jose Terminal throughout the day (5–6 hours, 600–800 PHP), or fly AirSwift direct (50 minutes, from 4,000 PHP). For Coron, overnight ferries depart from the pier (8 hours).
Onward to Palawan Adventures
Puerto Princesa is just the beginning of Palawan. El Nido (5–6 hours north) has the most dramatic island-hopping in the Philippines — towering limestone lagoons, hidden beaches, and crystal-clear water. Coron (8 hours by ferry) offers world-class wreck diving and pristine lakes. San Vicente (3 hours north) has a 14km beach — the longest in the Philippines. Each destination deserves at least 2–3 days. Puerto Princesa is the practical base that connects them all.
Budget 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.
Budget breakdown
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.
| 🎒 Budget | ✨ Mid-Range | 💎 Splurge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation Dorm to boutique hotel | 500–1,000 PHP | 1,500–3,000 PHP | 4,000+ PHP |
| Food Carinderia to restaurant | 300–500 PHP | 600–1,200 PHP | 1,500+ PHP |
| Transport Tricycle to private car | 100–300 PHP | 300–800 PHP | 1,500+ PHP |
| Activities Beach to full-day tours | 0–500 PHP | 1,500–2,500 PHP | 3,000+ PHP |
| Daily Total $16–41 / $70–134 / $179+ USD | 900–2,300 PHP | 3,900–7,500 PHP | 10,000+ PHP |
Practical info
Entry & Visas
- Most nationalities receive 30-day visa-free entry to the Philippines — extendable to 59 days at immigration offices. Longer stays require a tourist visa
- Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS) has direct flights from Manila (1.5 hours), Cebu (1.5 hours), and Clark. Budget carriers Cebu Pacific and AirAsia fly this route
- An Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF) of 150 PHP is collected at the airport on arrival — keep the receipt as you may need it for tour bookings
Health & Safety
- Puerto Princesa has Ospital ng Palawan (government hospital) and several private clinics. Serious cases may require evacuation to Manila — travel insurance is essential
- Mosquitoes carry dengue — use DEET repellent, especially at dusk. Tap water is not drinkable; use purified water from refill stations or sealed bottles
- Puerto Princesa is one of the safest cities in the Philippines. Standard precautions apply: watch belongings in crowded areas, lock valuables in your room, be aware of tricycle pricing
Getting Around
- 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
Connectivity
- Globe and Smart SIM cards available at the airport and Rizal Avenue shops — 300 PHP for 10GB data. Coverage is good in the city but spotty on remote beaches
- Wi-Fi in hotels and cafes is generally reliable but slow by Western standards. Download maps and content before heading to the Underground River or Honda Bay
- There is no mobile signal inside the Underground River cave or on some Honda Bay islands — tell people your plans before heading out
Money
- ATMs (BDO, BPI, Metrobank, Landbank) are available on Rizal Avenue. Most accept international cards with 200–250 PHP withdrawal fee. Daily limit is usually 10,000–20,000 PHP
- Cash is essential — most tour operators, tricycle drivers, restaurants, and smaller shops are cash-only. Card acceptance is limited to hotels and a few upscale restaurants
- Change money at banks or licensed money changers on Rizal Avenue. Airport rates are slightly worse but convenient for initial cash
Packing Tips
- Pack lightweight, breathable clothing — Palawan is hot and humid year-round (28–34°C). A light rain jacket is useful during wet season (June–October)
- Reef shoes and a rash guard are essential for island hopping and snorkelling. Reef-safe sunscreen protects both you and the coral
- Bring a dry bag for boat trips — outrigger boats splash in choppy water and electronics need protection. A headlamp is useful for the firefly tour and cave visits
Cultural tips
Palawan's people are warm, proud, and deeply connected to their natural environment. A little cultural awareness makes the experience richer.
Filipino Warmth
Filipinos are famously friendly and hospitable — expect warm smiles, offers of help, and genuine interest in where you are from. Return the kindness. "Salamat po" (thank you, with respect) goes a long way.
Environmental Stewardship
Palawan was voted the world's most beautiful island multiple times and locals are proud of their natural heritage. Do not litter, do not take shells or coral, and use reef-safe sunscreen. Palawan's beauty depends on every visitor's respect.
Mano Po Greeting
The traditional Filipino greeting to elders is "mano po" — taking an elder's hand and pressing it to your forehead as a sign of respect. You may see this at family gatherings. A smile and "po" added to phrases shows respect.
Indigenous Communities
Palawan is home to several indigenous peoples including the Tagbanua and Batak. Their ancestral lands are protected by law. If you encounter indigenous communities, ask permission before photographing and respect their territories.
Karaoke Culture
Filipinos love karaoke — don't be surprised to hear singing from restaurants, homes, and even tricycles. If invited to sing, join in regardless of talent. Enthusiasm matters more than ability. It is a shared cultural joy.
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