Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa is the capital of Palawan province and the gateway to Palawan's many natural wonders. The city is known for the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage site), one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The city has a clean, well-organized environment and serves as the base for underground river tours, Honda Bay island-hopping, and Palawan's southern attractions.

By Plane

Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS IATA) receives direct flights from Manila (1.5 hr), Cebu, Clark, and Iloilo via Cebu Pacific, PAL, and AirAsia. Tricycle to city centre P50-100; taxi P150.

By Train

No passenger rail.

By Car / Road

Buses from El Nido (5-6 hr), Sabang (2 hr), and Brooke's Point (3 hr) serve the integrated bus terminal in San Jose.

Tricycles (P10-20 per km), multicabs, and jeepneys. Rent a motorbike (P500/day) to explore independently. Taxis are available but scarce.

• Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park -- Underground river tour in Sabang (2 hr north). P2,000-3,500 (including boat, guide, and fees).

• Honda Bay -- Island-hopping to Pandan, Starfish, and Luli islands.

• Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm -- Open prison where inmates work in the fields; souvenir shop.

• Plaza Cuartel -- Site of a WWII Japanese garrison where prisoners were burned.

• Immaculate Conception Cathedral -- Blue-and-white church in the city centre.

• Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre -- Crocodile farm.

• Baker's Hill -- Bakery and theme park with garden views.

• Underground River tour -- Book through a tour agency or go DIY to Sabang.

• Honda Bay island-hopping -- Half-day or full-day tours.

• Firefly watching on the Iwahig River.

• Puerto Princesa City Tour -- Visit the cathedral, plaza, and baywalk.

• KaLui Restaurant -- Famous for its garden setting and fresh seafood. Mid-range.
• Badjao Seafood Restaurant -- Seafood over water on the baywalk.
• Tiki Restobar -- Live music and Filipino food.
• Noki Nocs -- Local fast food; try the chicken.

• Tiki Restobar and KaLui -- cocktails and fresh fruit shakes.
• Cafe Bistro -- Local coffee shop.
• Buko juice from roadside stalls.

• Budget: Puerto Pension -- doubles from P600. ABC Hotel -- from P800.
• Mid-range: Hibiscus Garden Inn -- from P1,800. Sheridan Boutique Hotel -- from P2,000.
• Upscale: Hue Hotels and Resorts -- from P3,500. Astoria Palawan -- from P5,000.

• Puerto Princesa Baywalk -- Night market with souvenirs, shirts, and local crafts.
• Robinsons Place Palawan / SM City Puerto Princesa -- Modern malls.
• Baker's Hill -- Hopia, baked goods, and pasalubong.

• Sabang -- 2 hr; Underground River jump-off.
• El Nido -- 5-6 hr north; limestone karst and lagoons.
• Port Barton -- 3.5 hr north; quiet beach town.
• Honda Bay -- 30 min; island-hopping.
• Brooke's Point -- 3 hr south; Mount Mantalingajan.