The Ultimate Puerto Princesa Travel Guide: Plan your trip
Puerto Princesa is a must-visit destination in Palawan, and planning your trip can be overwhelming. Our comprehensive guide provides useful information on when to go and where to stay, along with a variety of activities to make the most of your time in Puerto Princesa. Follow our tips and suggestions to plan a memorable and enjoyable trip to this beautiful city.
PUERTO PRINCESA
DESTINATIONS
Best of Puerto Princesa & El Nido | 6 Days
Explore Puerto Princesa | 4 Days
Underground River
Explore Puerto Princesa | 4 Days
Best of Puerto Princesa & El Nido | 6 Days
Underground River
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When to Visit Puerto Princesa
Discover the best time to visit Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and plan your trip accordingly. Learn about the high and low seasons, as well as weather patterns to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip.
Puerto Princesa, Palawan is a year-round destination, but the ideal time to visit depends on your preferences and travel plans. Here is a guide to help you decide when to visit:
High Season
The Amihan season, which runs from November to early May, is the peak travel season in Puerto Princesa. During this season, the weather is generally mild and dry, making it perfect for outdoor activities and island hopping. However, hotel rates tend to be higher, and accommodations may be harder to book during major holidays like Christmas, New Year, and Easter. It’s best to book your accommodations well in advance.
Low Season
The low season in Puerto Princesa is between June and October. During this time, the weather is hot and humid, with frequent heavy rainfall due to the Habagat season. Typhoons are rare in Puerto Princesa, but it’s best to keep an eye on the weather forecast if you’re planning to travel during this season. The wettest months are July and August.
Best Time to Visit Puerto Princesa
Overall, the best time to visit Puerto Princesa is during the Amihan season if you prefer mild and dry weather. But if you don’t mind some rain and humidity, you can save money and avoid crowds by traveling during the low season.
Attractions You Should Consider Visiting:
- Underground River
- Cowrie Island Honda Bay
- Immaculate Conception Cathedral and Plaza Cuartel
- Nagtabon Beach
- Napsan Beach
- Iwahig Prison
- Crocodile Farm and Butterfly Farm
Classic Puerto Princesa Tour Options:
This UNESCO World Heritage site and New 7 Wonders of Nature is a must-visit for any traveler. Marvel at the limestone karst formations and crystal-clear waters as you navigate the underground river.
Go on an island-hopping adventure and discover the beauty of Luli Island, Cowrie Island, and Starfish Island. Snorkel, swim, and sunbathe in these tropical havens.
Get to know the highlights of Puerto Princesa and immerse yourself in the local culture. Visit historical landmarks, sample local cuisine, and get a glimpse of daily life in the city.
Discovering Puerto Princesa in 4 days
Day 1: Arrival in Puerto Princesa – Explore the City
Upon arriving in Puerto Princesa, take some time to explore the city and immerse yourself in the local culture. Visit historical landmarks such as the Plaza Cuartel or the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, or stroll around the Puerto Princesa Baywalk to enjoy the scenic view of the sea.
Day 2: Discover the Underground River
Embark on an exciting adventure to the Puerto Princesa Underground River, one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Marvel at the stunning limestone formations, and witness the diverse ecosystem that thrives within the cave’s chambers.
Day 3: Island Hopping at Honda Bay
Indulge in a fun-filled day of island hopping at Honda Bay, located just a short distance away from the city center. Visit picturesque islands like Starfish Island and Cowrie Island, where you can swim, snorkel, or simply relax on the pristine white sand beaches.
Day 4: Departure from Puerto Princesa
After a memorable stay in Puerto Princesa, it’s time to say goodbye and head back home. Take with you unforgettable memories of the city’s rich history, natural wonders, and warm hospitality.
Where to stay:
Among several accommodation options in Puerto Princesa, the best hotels are those located in the city centre near the Rizal Avenue, short distance from restaurants, bars and shopping malls.
Conveniently located 10-minute drive from the Rizal Avenue, Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa boasts a large outdoor pool and rooms, suites and villas with free WiFi. There is a fitness centre, 3 restaurants and on-site water sport facilities for guests to enjoy. Each room, suite and villa has a flat-screen cable TV, safe, seating area and a private bathroom comes with a shower and free toiletries.
Best Western Plus The Ivywall Hotel is strategically located along Rizal Avenue, the most renowned and bustling street in Puerto Princesa. The hotel boasts a well-equipped fitness center and an indoor pool, while guests can unwind with a refreshing drink at the bar. All rooms are thoughtfully designed with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, and a private bathroom with a shower and complimentary toiletries, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for guests.
Hue Hotel Puerto Princesa is a modern and stylish hotel located near Robinson Malls. The hotel offers comfortable and well-appointed rooms, a rooftop infinity pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine. Its design combines modern elegance with traditional Filipino elements.
Canvas Boutique Hotel Puerto Princesa is a unique and artistic hotel located near Puerto Princesa airport and within walking distance from Rizal Avenue. The hotel features vibrant and colorful rooms and common areas adorned with various art pieces and murals. The hotel also offers an outdoor pool, a spa, a restaurant serving Filipino cuisine, and a bar. Its design creates a fun and whimsical atmosphere, perfect for a creative and memorable stay.
What to bring along
Are you planning a trip to Puerto Princesa? Don’t forget to pack these beach essentials to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable vacation.
- Swimsuit: Pack one or two depending on how often you plan to swim.
- Shorts and Cotton T-Shirts: A few lightweight, breathable shirts and shorts are perfect for casual daytime wear.
- Flip Flops: Essential for any beach vacation, flip flops are perfect for the sand.
- Beach Bag: essential for carrying all your beach gear.
- Beach Towel: Pack a lightweight, quick-drying beach towel to dry off after a swim or lounge on the sand.
- Beach Pareo: Pareos are versatile and lightweight cover-ups that can be used as a scarf and shawl.
- Sunhat and Sunglasses: Stay protected from the sun's harmful rays with a sunhat and sunglasses.
- Refillable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the day with a refillable water bottle.
- A good book/Kindle: Relax and unwind with a good book or Kindle on the beach.
- Insect Repellent: Keep mosquito away with a good DEET insect repellent, especially during the evening.
- Raincoat: Pack a lightweight raincoat just in case of an unexpected rain shower during your trip.
- Waterproof phone case : to take underwater pictures without damaging the phone.
Good to know
Payment Options:
Large establishments usually accept credit cards, while small ones only accept cash or GCash payments.
ATM machines can be found outside banks along Rizal Avenue and at shopping malls throughout the city. This makes it easy to withdraw cash for those places that don’t accept cards.
Internet Access:
Puerto Princesa has the fastest internet connection in Palawan. Most hotels, restaurants, and bars in the city offer Wi-Fi, making it easy to stay connected. Compared to El Nido, Coron, and Port Barton, internet speeds in Puerto Princesa are generally faster.
Buying a SIM Card:
In Puerto Princesa, you can purchase a SIM card from Smart or Globe. Both networks have coverage in the city, but Globe has better coverage than Smart.
Where to eat and what to eat:
Puerto Princesa boasts a plethora of dining options, primarily located along the bustling Rizal Avenue. Fast food giants such as Jollibee, McDonald’s, Chowking, and Inasal dominate the scene and are favored by budget-conscious locals and travelers alike.
For those seeking more diverse and flavorful fare, Rizal Avenue is also home to several renowned restaurants. Kinabuchs Grill and Bar serves up Filipino and international cuisine, while seafood lovers can indulge in KaLui Restaurant’s mouthwatering seafood dishes. Isla Fiesta offers an abundant buffet of local food.
If you’re looking to sample some of Puerto Princesa’s most delectable eats, be sure to try the succulent Chicken Inasal, savory Pork Belly Lechon Liempo, classic Chicken Adobo, and delectable Grilled Seafood. For a comforting bowl of soup, don’t miss the tangy Sinigang Soup and the Chaolong Vietnamese Soup. Finally, cap off your meal with the refreshing Halo-Halo dessert or the decadent Leche Flan.