2022 PUERTO PRINCESA TRAVEL GUIDE with Necessities, Pattern Itinerary & Price range

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 understand how you are inclined to return to a vacation spot time and again? It appears to occur lots in Palawan, and so the locals gave it a reputation — kambak-kambak — a tongue-in-cheek spin to “come again, come again”. Provided that our workforce have set foot in Puerto Princesa a number of occasions over the previous decade, if it have 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 will help you plan a hassle-free journey!

The capital of the province of Palawan, Puerto Princesa is a first-class, extremely urbanized metropolis. However regardless of the speedy growth over time, it retains its rustic and partly suburban vibe; because of the strains of timber and the luxurious greenery that cowl the realm. No marvel it’s usually 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 course of Palawan, it serves as the first gateway to the primary island. Though it might probably take hours, you may entry as much as El Nido within the northernmost tip or Bataraza within the south, which serves because the soar 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 Middle of the Philippines, Puerto Princesa is understood for its organized and synchronized tourism business. Varied 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 provided to vacationers. The most well-liked 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 below are some important data that you simply may 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)

Nonetheless, in the event you’re coming from a spot underneath Alert Stage 2 or greater, a destructive antigen check consequence 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 on the lookout for one wouldn’t be an issue.

Puerto Princesa Airport to Metropolis Middle

The Puerto Princesa Worldwide Airport is positioned inside the metropolis heart. From right here, going to areas inside the metropolis correct would take solely couple of minutes.

Probably the most handy mode of transportation from the airport is the tricycle. Tricycles will be discovered parked exterior the airport, ready for passengers. You’ll must stroll a bit to the gate and exit the airport to experience one.

Listed below are the fares from the airport to completely different components of the town. Tricycles can accommodate as much as 3 folks.

• Throughout the metropolis heart: P150
• To San Jose Terminal: P200
• To Honda Bay: P500

For those who’re booked with an upscale resort or resort, double examine with the administration first and see if they provide free airport transfers.

Numerous lodging are located inside the metropolis heart, not too removed from the airport. Beachfront accommodations or resorts are often positioned a bit farther. Staying within the metropolis correct is good if you wish to see extra of the town and have easy accessibility to its many eating places and outlets.

High Price range Inns & Guesthouses in Puerto Princesa

Listed below are a number of the top-ranking however inexpensive properties on Agoda with over 100 evaluations:

Common Puerto Princesa Resorts

If in case you have an even bigger finances, listed below are a number of the most well-known properties within the metropolis.

Most of the sights in Puerto Princesa will 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. If 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 one of the best sights and actions in Puerto Princesa, grouped in keeping with the excursions that they’re often part of. We’ll embrace 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 components are open solely to scientists and different permitted explorers.

Contained in the cave, you will notice gorgeous stalactites, stalagmites and the assorted formations that took form for over hundreds of years. You’ll additionally study extra concerning the cave system by means of the supplied audio information.

If in case you have restricted time or finances and will solely avail of 1 packaged tour, this must be it. The PPUR administration solely permits a restricted variety of vacationers per day. Due to this, walk-ins should not allowed and superior reservation is required. For those who guide a tour with a journey company or tour operator, they may deal with the paperwork for you. You’ll additionally keep away from the difficulty of arranging transportation to Sabang Seashore which is the jump-off level, round one and a half hours away.

Packaged excursions often embrace:

• roundtrip land switch to Sabang Seashore
• roundtrip boat switch to the underground river
• audio information
• lunch

You might also avail this tour through Klook for P1900. However when you’ve got extra time and greater finances, take into account doing a 3-in-1 Sabang Tour. At P3550, it contains the next:

• Underground River Tour
• Sabang X Zipline
• Mangrove Paddle Tour

Test up to date charges or guide under:

✅ 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 may take you to at the very least three islands not too distant from the town. As of this writing, solely 3 islands are open for island hopping excursions: Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island.

For those who’re touring with a big group, pulling a DIY can assist you save. For those who’re touring solo, with a small group otherwise you merely need the comfort of availing a packaged tour, journey companies and accommodations often provide this tour for P1500 per individual.

For those who plan to journey independently, listed below are the charges for personal boats. You’ll see two costs as a result of you might 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 when you’ve got a specific island you wish to go to.

There’s additionally an environmental charge that it’s important to pay on the wharf. Listed below are the charges:

• Environmental charge: P150
• Terminal charge: P5
• Goggles & snorkel rental: P150
• Full face masks rental: P200
• Aqua sneakers rental: P150
• Fins rental: P150

Every island additionally has a separate entrance charge and cottage rental charges as effectively. Listed below are the doorway charges per island.

• Cowrie Island: P100
• Luli Island: P70
• Starfish Island: P50

If you wish to keep away from the effort of paying these charges by yourself, you’ll be able to simply guide 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!

✅ RESERVE A SLOT HERE!

Puerto Princesa Metropolis Tour

This half-day tour will be finished both within the morning or afternoon. Tour operators often provide this tour for P600 per individual, however you too can constitution a tricycle for P1000 per car, which may accommodate as much as 3 folks.

Town tour often contains the next stops:

• Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Middle. First generally known 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 befell in December 1944. 100 fifty American prisoners of warfare have been saved in a tunnel throughout World Struggle II till they have been killed by the Japanese by burning them alive. Eleven prisoners have been capable of escape and survive. Their names are actually displayed on a plaque contained in the plaza.
• Binuatan Creations. A present store the place you should buy handloom woven merchandise comprised of Palawan’s native grasses and fibers. Apart from procuring, you too can see how the merchandise are made of their workshop and even attempt weaving your self!
• Mitra’s Ranch. This property sitting on prime 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. Common for his or her hopia and different pastries, that is the standard 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’ll be able to avail this tour on Klook.

✅ RESERVE A SLOT HERE!

Firefly Watching Tour

Spend a magical evening and watch fireflies and the celebs whereas on board a small boat. There are three places 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 below are unavailable.
• Sicsican River. The tour commences on the Baywalk, the place you’ll hop on a ship that may take you to Sicsican River. A dinner on the boat can be included on this tour.
• Nagsaguipi River. Bask 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 out there on Klook.

✅ JOIN FIREFLY WATCHING TOUR!

Nagtabon Seashore

Lower than an hour away from the town correct, Nagtabon Seashore was a spot for many who wish to keep away from the gang. Now, quite a lot of lodging institutions stand alongside the seaside, however the place stays simply as breathtaking. This can be a good place to go to in the event you’re seeking to spend extra time on the seaside with out having to journey too distant from the town.

Make your solution to San Jose terminal and hop on a bus going north. Any bus certain 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 Seashore (P300, max 3 pax).

For those who’re a gaggle, you’ll be able to hire a van to take you straight to Nagtabon. For those who can drive two wheels, renting a bike can be an choice if there are two of you otherwise you’re touring solo.

Nagtabon Seashore may also be included in your Puerto Princesa Metropolis Tour itinerary for an extra charge. 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 alleged to be one of many longest ziplines within the Philippines. You may take pleasure in this solo or by pair as you glide throughout Sabang Seashore. The experience would additionally deal with you to a improbable view of Sabang from above. It takes a brief 15-minute hike to succeed in the zipline’s place to begin.

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 a protracted ready time or after it simply earlier than you might have lunch. Sabang X-Zipline prices P550.

You might also avail this through Klook for a reduced worth.

✅ GET DISCOUNTED TICKET HERE!

Different Puerto Princesa Points of interest

Ugong Rock Adventures. An journey park positioned in Barangay Tagabinet the place you’ll be able to go trekking, rappeling, and spelunking. A 71-meter zipline can be one of many options, making your journey extra unforgettable. Guide right here! ✅

Palawan Waterpark by Astoria. That is the one waterpark in Palawan. For those who’re on the lookout for an exercise that children and youngsters at coronary heart alike would take pleasure in, add this to your itinerary. Every ticket is inclusive of a lunch buffet. Price: Adults, P1200; Youngsters (4ft and under), P950; Youngsters (2 years outdated and under), FREE

Tibag Falls. About 40 minutes away from the town heart, 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 could take a 2-hour stroll to succeed in this wonderful falls.

Discovering a spot to eat in Puerto Princesa won’t be an issue. Town heart is teeming with a various assortment of meals spots. If you wish to attempt the Puerto Princesa classics, just a few of them are positioned alongside Rizal Avenue.

For those who’re on a finances, you’ll be able to all the time depend on carinderias (small eateries) the place a P100-budget can get you a full meal.

Listed below 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 makes a speciality of Pinoy seafood dishes like seafood kare-kare, grilled fish, and shrimp or tuna sinigang. Their menu consists principally of seafood and greens dishes. In addition they have a particular set meal that’s good for 2 for under P795. For those who’re planning to dine right here, be certain 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’ll be able to take pleasure in some drinks along 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 wish to attempt Puerto Princesa’s unique dish, tamilok. It’s often served uncooked with a aspect of spiced vinegar.

Location: Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa Metropolis
Working Hours: Day by 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 provided by journey companies. However if you wish to expertise this by itself, finest to make advance reservations.

The lunch buffet is priced at P350/individual, however you will get a reduction in the event you guide with Klook.

✅ GET DISCOUNTS HERE!

Location: Sabang, Puerto Princesa
Working Hours: Day by day, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
You too can 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 recent 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: Day by 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. For those who’re with a gaggle, additionally they have group meals you can avail.
  – Deal with: Manalo St., Puerto Princesa Metropolis
  – Working Hours: Day by day, 10:00 AM to eight:00 PM
• Ka Joel’s Restaurant. One other dependable title within the metropolis’s meals scene, Ka Joel’s serves Filipino delicacies. Its bestsellers embrace rooster inasal and beef kare kare.
  – Location: Purok Centro, Puerto Princesa Metropolis
  – Working Hours: Day by day, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM- Lunch, 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM- Dinner

For loaded vacationers, large accommodations 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 makes a speciality of 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 guide prices P1500 per evening. For those who break up it between 2 folks, that might be P750 per evening per individual.
• You’ll guide many of the excursions through Klook.

However as all the time, be happy 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, Guide right 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, Guide right 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.

For those who’re capable of guide a room for P1400/evening or P700/evening/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 may carry the associated fee even decrease in the event you’re an even 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’ll be able to. The streets of Puerto Princesa are punctuated with timber so it doesn’t get as sizzling as different extremely urbanized cities.
• Carry your personal reusable water bottle, so that you don’t must hold shopping for bottled water. Doing this can assist you lower your expenses and scale back plastic waste on the identical time. You may simply refill your water bottle at your resort or at your lunch/dinner stops.
• Carry insect repellent lotion. Shield your self from mosquitoes by making use of insect repellent lotion particularly if you go trekking or island hopping.
• Use coral-friendly sunscreen. Keep away from utilizing sunscreen that comprises components that might hurt the coral reef like oxybenzone and parabens.

When is one of the best 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 gang, schedule a visit round January to February when the climate just isn’t too sizzling and never that wet both. But, additionally it is essential 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 completely different from the remainder of the nation. Even in the course of the dry season, it may very well be fairly damp and rain is anticipated within the afternoons. The truth is, our workforce 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 could usually rain within the afternoon.

Puerto Princesa is a year-round vacation spot. Whereas the town took a beating from Hurricane Odette just a few years in the past, this isn’t a standard incidence. Palawan is positioned within the western excessive of the nation, remoted from most different fundamental islands. It’s not alongside the standard hurricane route.

What’s the energy plug/socket utilized in Puerto Princesa?

Electrical energy Data: 220V, 60Hz. Socket Kind A, principally.