Ever heard of kambak-kambak syndrome?
Prior to our final Puerto Princesa journey, I’d by no means encountered this time period earlier than. You know the way you are likely to return to a vacation spot over and over? It appears to occur quite a bit in Palawan, and so the locals gave it a reputation — kambak-kambak — a tongue-in-cheek spin to “come back, come back”. Given that our group have set foot in Puerto Princesa a number of occasions over the previous decade, if it had been an actual situation, we most likely had caught it, too!
Whether 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!
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
The capital of the province of Palawan, Puerto Princesa is a first-class, extremely urbanized metropolis. But regardless of the speedy improvement over time, it retains its rustic and partly suburban vibe; due to the traces of timber and the luxurious greenery that cowl the world. No marvel it’s usually dubbed “The City in 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. Although it could possibly take hours, you may entry as much as El Nido within the northernmost tip or Bataraza within the south, which serves because the leap off level to the legendary Balabac Islands. The metropolis correct faces Sulu Sea to the southeast, however its territory reaches till the West Philippine Sea to the northwest. Puerto Princesa can also be the second largest metropolis within the Philippines, subsequent solely to Davao.
Dubbed because the Eco-Tourism Center of the Philippines, Puerto Princesa is thought for its organized and synchronized tourism trade. Various sectors like tour guides, boat operators, and tricycle drivers work collectively. The excursions are regulated and monitored by the Tourism Office, therefore standardized excursions are provided to vacationers. The hottest is a tour of the Puerto Princesa Underground River, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and voted as one of many New7Wonders of Nature in 2012.
Here are some important info 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. But airline employees do ask to see the next upon checkin:
- Valid ID
- Vaccination card or VaxCertPH (for absolutely vaccinated vacationers)
However, for those who’re coming from a spot underneath Alert Level 2 or greater, a damaging antigen take a look at outcome legitimate inside at some point previous to departure is required.
The Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) serves as the primary gateway to the town and different municipalities in Palawan. Most home airways — Philippine Airlines, 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 City Center
The Puerto Princesa International Airport is positioned throughout the metropolis heart. From right here, going to areas throughout the metropolis correct would take solely jiffy.
The most handy mode of transportation from the airport is the tricycle. Tricycles will be discovered parked outdoors the airport, ready for passengers. You’ll should stroll a bit to the gate and exit the airport to trip one.
Here are the fares from the airport to totally different elements of the town. Tricycles can accommodate as much as 3 folks.
- Within the town heart: P150
- To San Jose Terminal: P200
- To Honda Bay: P500
If you’re booked with an upscale lodge or resort, double verify with the administration first and see if they provide free airport transfers.
A whole lot of lodging are located throughout the metropolis heart, not too removed from the airport. Beachfront lodges or resorts are normally 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 retailers.
Top Budget Hotels & Guesthouses in Puerto Princesa
Here are a number of the top-ranking however inexpensive properties on Agoda with over 100 evaluations:
Popular Puerto Princesa Resorts
If you have got a much bigger finances, listed here are a number of the most well-known properties within the metropolis.
Many of the points of interest in Puerto Princesa will be visited as a part of a tour. Although it’s doable to tug a DIY to avoid wasting on the prices, reserving a packaged tour will make it extra handy and hassle-free. When you avail of 1, you’ll even have a educated tour information who can provide you extra info and insights about every spot, permitting you to understand it extra.
In this part, we’ll share with you the very best points of interest and actions in Puerto Princesa, grouped based on the excursions that they’re normally part of. We’ll embody prices for each packaged and DIY excursions.
Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour
The metropolis’s most well-known vacationer spot, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Ramsar Wetland 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 elements are open solely to scientists and different permitted explorers.
Inside the cave, you will note beautiful stalactites, stalagmites and the varied formations that took form for over 1000’s of years. You’ll additionally study extra in regards to the cave system by way of the supplied audio information.
If you have got restricted time or finances and will solely avail of 1 packaged tour, this needs to be it. The PPUR administration solely permits a restricted variety of vacationers per day. Because of this, walk-ins usually are not allowed and superior reservation is required. If you ebook a tour with a journey company or tour operator, they’ll deal with the paperwork for you. You’ll additionally keep away from the difficulty of arranging transportation to Sabang Beach which is the jump-off level, round one and a half hours away.
Packaged excursions normally embody:
- roundtrip land switch to Sabang Beach
- roundtrip boat switch to the underground river
- audio information
- lunch
You may avail this tour through Klook for P1900. But if in case you have extra time and larger finances, think about doing a 3-in-1 Sabang Tour. At P3550, it consists of the next:
- Underground River Tour
- Sabang X Zipline
- Mangrove Paddle Tour
Check up to date charges or ebook 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 can take you to at the very least three islands not too far-off from the town. As of this writing, solely 3 islands are open for island hopping excursions: Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island.
If you’re touring with a big group, pulling a DIY might help you save. If you’re touring solo, with a small group otherwise you merely need the comfort of availing a packaged tour, journey businesses and lodges normally supply this tour for P1500 per individual.
If you intend to journey independently, listed here are the charges for personal boats. You’ll see two costs as a result of you have got 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 may decide to skip the island hopping if in case you have a selected island you need to go to.
There’s additionally an environmental payment that you need to pay on the wharf. Here are the charges:
- Environmental payment: P150
- Terminal payment: P5
- Goggles & snorkel rental: P150
- Full face masks rental: P200
- Aqua footwear rental: P150
- Fins rental: P150
Each island additionally has a separate entrance payment and cottage rental charges as properly. Here are the doorway charges per island.
- Cowrie Island: P100
- Luli Island: P70
- Starfish Island: P50
If you need to keep away from the trouble of paying these charges by yourself, you possibly can simply ebook a packaged tour. Honda Bay Tours are inclusive of land and boat transfers, entrance and cottages charges, and lunch. You may avail this tour through Klook!
Puerto Princesa City Tour
This half-day tour will be finished both within the morning or afternoon. Tour operators normally supply this tour for P600 per individual, however you can too constitution a tricycle for P1000 per car, which might accommodate as much as 3 folks.
The metropolis tour normally consists of the next stops:
- Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center. First often 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 Massacre occurred in December 1944. One hundred fifty American prisoners of battle had been stored in a tunnel throughout World War II till they had been killed by the Japanese by burning them alive. Eleven prisoners had 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 made out of Palawan’s native grasses and fibers. Aside from buying, you can too see how the merchandise are made of their workshop and even strive weaving your self!
- Mitra’s Ranch. This property sitting on high of a hill in Brgy. Sta. Monica is owned by the late Senator Ramon Mitra and his household. It is open to the general public and serves as a viewpoint.
- Baker’s Hill. Popular for his or her hopia and different pastries, that is the same old 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 need to have a extra snug tour in an air-conditioned van, you possibly can avail this tour on Klook.
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 first firefly watching location in Puerto Princesa. As of writing, that is closed and firefly watching excursions listed here are unavailable.
- Sicsican River. The tour commences on the Baywalk, the place you’ll hop on a ship that can take you to Sicsican River. A dinner on the boat can also be included on this tour.
- Nagsaguipi River. Indulge in a buffet dinner earlier than you feast your eyes with the glowing fireflies!
Tour operators supply this tour between P1300- P1600 per individual. Firefly watching tour in Nagsaguipi River can also be accessible on Klook.
Nagtabon Beach
Less than an hour away from the town correct, Nagtabon Beach was a spot for many who need to keep away from the gang. Now, a variety of lodging institutions stand alongside the seaside, however the place stays simply as breathtaking. This is a pleasant place to go to for those who’re seeking to spend extra time on the seaside with out having to journey too far-off from the town.
Make your method to San Jose terminal and hop on a bus going north. Any bus certain for Taytay, Roxas, or El Nido will do. Tell the motive force to drop you off in Bacungan (P80) then trip a tricycle going to Nagtabon Beach (P300, max 3 pax).
If you’re a gaggle, you possibly can hire a van to take you straight to Nagtabon. If you possibly can drive two wheels, renting a motorcycle can also be an possibility if there are two of you otherwise you’re touring solo.
Nagtabon Beach can be included in your Puerto Princesa City Tour itinerary for an extra payment. Just 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 can take pleasure in this solo or by pair as you glide throughout Sabang Beach. The trip 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 start line.
This is normally packaged with Underground River since Sabang additionally serves because the jump-off level to it. You can do that previous to the underground river cease if there’s an extended ready time or after it simply earlier than you have got lunch. Sabang X-Zipline prices P550.
You may avail this through Klook for a reduced worth.
Other Puerto Princesa Attractions
Ugong Rock Adventures. An journey park positioned in Barangay Tagabinet the place you possibly can go trekking, rappeling, and spelunking. A 71-meter zipline can also be one of many options, making your journey extra unforgettable. Book right here! ✅
Palawan Waterpark by Astoria. This is the one waterpark in Palawan. If you’re on the lookout for an exercise that youngsters and youngsters at coronary heart alike would take pleasure in, add this to your itinerary. Each ticket is inclusive of a lunch buffet. Rate: Adults, P1200; Kids (4ft and under), P950; Kids (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 motive force to drop you off close to Bacungan Bridge. From there, it could take a 2-hour stroll to succeed in this wonderful falls.
Finding a spot to eat in Puerto Princesa is not going to be an issue. The metropolis heart is teeming with a various assortment of meals spots. If you need to strive the Puerto Princesa classics, just a few of them are positioned alongside Rizal Avenue.
If you’re on a finances, you possibly can at all times depend on carinderias (small eateries) the place a P100-budget can get you a full meal.
Here are a number of the most well-known eating places in Puerto Princesa:
Ka Lui
Arguably the preferred eating spot in Puerto Princesa, this homey restaurant focuses on Pinoy seafood dishes like seafood kare-kare, grilled fish, and shrimp or tuna sinigang. Their menu consists principally of seafood and greens dishes. They even have a particular set meal that’s good for 2 for less than P795. If you’re planning to dine right here, make certain to name the restaurant and make a reservation.
Location: Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City
Operating 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 possibly can 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 need to strive Puerto Princesa’s unique dish, tamilok. It’s normally served uncooked with a facet of spiced vinegar.
Location: Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City
Operating Hours: Daily, 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 businesses. But if you wish to expertise this by itself, greatest to make advance reservations.
The lunch buffet is priced at P350/individual, however you will get a reduction for those who ebook with Klook.
Location: Sabang, Puerto Princesa
Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
You also can order tamilok right here for P100 per plate.
Other Puerto Princesa Restaurants
- Badjao Seafront Restaurant. If you need 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. Price begins at P125 as much as P550. Their seafood platter prices P1,150.
– Location: Abueg St., Puerto Princesa City
– Operating hours: Daily, 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. If you’re with a gaggle, in addition they have group meals which you can avail.
– Address: Manalo St., Puerto Princesa City
– Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM to eight:00 PM - Ka Joel’s Restaurant. Another dependable identify within the metropolis’s meals scene, Ka Joel’s serves Filipino delicacies. Its bestsellers embody hen inasal and beef kare kare.
– Location: Purok Centro, Puerto Princesa City
– Operating Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM- Lunch, 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM- Dinner
For loaded vacationers, large lodges have their in-house eating places that spotlight their tackle Filipino delicacies.
- Hue Hotel homes Matiz Restaurant and Tapas Bar, which boasts a principally Spanish menu.
- Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa has a eating advanced that includes 4 eating places together with the Golden Elephant Seafood Village, which focuses on Thai meals.
Here’s a pattern 3-day 2-night Puerto Princesa itinerary with breakdown of bills. Note that this itinerary assumes the next:
- You’re a celebration of two, splitting a number of the prices.
- The lodging you’ll ebook prices P1500 per evening. If you cut up it between 2 folks, that may be P750 per evening per individual.
- You’ll ebook a lot of the excursions through Klook.
But as at all times, 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 lodge, P75 (P150/2pax)
09:20 AM – Hotel check-in
11:00 AM – Early lunch
12:30 PM – City Tour (Tricycle), P500 (P1000/2pax)
– Crocodile Park: P70
– Butterfly Garden: P60
– Mitra’s Ranch: P20
04:00 PM – Hotel, clean up
06:00 PM – Dinner at Ka Lui, P500
09:30 PM – Back to lodge - DAY 2: UNDERGROUND RIVER
06:00 AM – Wake up name
07:00 AM – Underground River Tour, P1900, Book right here! ✅
04:00 PM – Back to lodge, Rest
07:00 PM – Dinner at Kinabuch’s, P500
10:00 PM – Back to lodge - DAY 3: HONDA BAY TOUR
6:00 am – Wake up, early check-out, depart luggage
7:00 am – Honday Bay Tour, P1640, Book right here! ✅
2:00 pm – Back to lodge, decide up luggage
3:00 pm – Tricycle to airport, P75 (P150/2pax)
5:30 pm – Flight again to Manila
This itinerary would value you round PhP 5700 (USD 103, EUR 96, SGD 139), excluding airfare and lodge however together with a little bit of allowance for incidental bills.
If you’re capable of ebook 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 can deliver the price even decrease for those who’re a much 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 normally value greater than the common fares.
- Walk when you possibly can. The streets of Puerto Princesa are punctuated with timber so it doesn’t get as sizzling as different extremely urbanized cities.
- Bring your personal reusable water bottle, so that you don’t must maintain shopping for bottled water. Doing this may enable you to lower your expenses and scale back plastic waste on the identical time. You can simply refill your water bottle at your lodge or at your lunch/dinner stops.
- Bring insect repellent lotion. Protect your self from mosquitoes by making use of insect repellent lotion particularly whenever you go trekking or island hopping.
- Use coral-friendly sunscreen. Avoid utilizing sunscreen that comprises components that would hurt the coral reef like oxybenzone and parabens.
When is the very best time to go to Puerto Princesa?
January to April, the driest interval. But take into account that these are additionally the busiest months, peaking in March and April, that are thought-about “summer” months within the Philippines.
If you need to keep away from the gang, schedule a visit round January to February when the climate will not be too sizzling and never that wet both. Yet, it’s also 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 totally different from the remainder of the nation. Even throughout the dry season, it might be fairly damp and rain is predicted within the afternoons. In reality, our group 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. While the town took a beating from Typhoon 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 will not be alongside the same old storm route.
What is the ability plug/socket utilized in Puerto Princesa?
Electricity Info: 220V, 60Hz. Socket Type A, principally.
