Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s capital, often serves as a starting point for many travelers. Yet, this city deserves more than a quick stop. Beyond its airport and gateway charm, Puerto Princesa offers culture, flavor, and adventure. From its bustling Baywalk to serene Honda Bay, it’s a destination that reveals its beauty slowly. This Puerto Princesa itinerary covers four days and three nights—an ideal duration to explore its best spots, local eats, and vibrant atmosphere.
Puerto Princesa Itinerary: Travel Tips
- Best travel months: November to May for sunny weather and calm seas.
- Bring eco-friendly sunscreen and reusable bottles to protect Palawan’s ecosystems.
- For island tours, start early to avoid crowds and strong afternoon sun.
- Many tours include lunch and transfers, but it’s wise to book through accredited agencies.
- Always keep small cash for entrance fees and tricycle rides.
How to Get to Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
By Air
The fastest and most convenient way to reach Puerto Princesa is by plane. Major airlines such as Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia operate daily flights from Manila, Cebu, and Clark to Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS). The flight from Manila takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, while flights from Cebu usually take around 1 hour. There are also less frequent flights from Clark International Airport to PPS.
Upon arrival, tricycles, multicabs, and vans are readily available outside the airport to take you to the city center or your hotel.
From Other Palawan Destinations
If you’re coming from El Nido, Port Barton, or San Vicente, several van and bus operators connect these destinations to Puerto Princesa City.
- El Nido to Puerto Princesa: around 5 to 6 hours by van, ₱600–₱700 per person.
- Port Barton to Puerto Princesa: around 3.5 to 4 hours, ₱500–₱600.
- San Vicente Airport also has flights to Manila and Clark, so travelers can combine land and air travel for flexible routes.
Getting Around Puerto Princesa
Within the city, tricycles are the most common and affordable mode of transportation, ideal for short distances. For tours outside the city—like the Underground River or Honda Bay—book vans or tour packages through your hotel or accredited travel operators. Motorbike rentals are also available for travelers who prefer exploring on their own.
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PUERTO PRINCESA ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrival
Flights from Manila to Puerto Princesa take about an hour. Upon arrival, travelers are welcomed by the city’s warm and easygoing vibe. Check in at your chosen accommodation, drop your bags, and take a short rest. Use the day to explore nearby streets and get familiar with your surroundings. Puerto Princesa’s central district is filled with cafés, small shops, and friendly locals. As the sun sets, the city reveals a more social side.
Head to Kinabuchs Grill and Bar along Rizal Avenue for drinks and Filipino comfort food. It’s where locals and travelers unwind. The lively setting and affordable menu make it the perfect introduction to Puerto Princesa’s hospitality.
Day 2 – Puerto Princesa City Tour
The Puerto Princesa City Tour introduces visitors to history, faith, crafts, and flavors. It’s the best way to know the city deeper. Start with a stroll along the Puerto Princesa Baywalk, the city’s own version of Roxas Boulevard. Colorful peacock sculptures line the walkway—symbols of the city’s pride. Then, visit the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral, a blue-and-white church that has watched the city grow for over a century.
Souvenir shopping comes next along the Puerto Princesa North Road. The stores feature trinkets, dried fish, and wooden crafts that reflect local artistry. Stop by Binuatan Creations in Barangay Sta. Monica to witness traditional buri weaving. You can even try using the loom yourself.
Proceed to Mitra’s Ranch, once owned by the late Senator Ramon Mitra, for a scenic view of Honda Bay. The day continues at Baker’s Hill, a whimsical stop known for hopia pastries and playful sculptures. End the tour at the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, home to both baby and giant crocodiles. It’s thrilling yet educational. Before leaving, sample their famous crocodile sisig—an adventurous way to cap the day.
The city tour perfectly blends history, nature, and local life, offering a complete introduction to Puerto Princesa.
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Day 3 – Underground River Tour
The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour begins early. After breakfast, join your group for a two-hour drive to Sabang. Along the way, guides share stories about local culture and the “Love Affair with Nature,” a Valentine’s Day tree-planting tradition. At Sabang Port, visitors board a pump boat to reach the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 15-minute ride offers glimpses of limestone cliffs and crystal waters.
Once inside the cave, the real magic begins. Guided by flashlight, you’ll see fascinating rock formations named after familiar shapes—the Last Supper, Holy Nativity, and even a “Sharon Stone.” Keep your mouth closed when looking up; the drops may not be water.
After the cave, enjoy a buffet lunch by the beach. Try tamilok, or woodworm, known for its briny, oyster-like taste. Spend time at Sabang Beach, where hammocks and coconut trees create the perfect post-tour rest spot.
Day 4 – Honda Bay Island Hopping
On your final full day, head east for the Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour, a favorite among visitors. Stop first at rental shops for snorkel sets and waterproof gear. Then board your boat at the pier for a full day of swimming and snorkeling.
The first stop, Pinambato Reef, isn’t an island but a floating snorkeling area with vibrant corals and playful fish. Next is Luli Island, short for lulubog, lilitaw—meaning it sinks and reappears with the tide. Enjoy lunch here under wooden huts before feeding fish by the shore.
The last stop, Pandan Island, offers showers, cottages, and small food stalls. Swim, kayak, or relax under the nipa huts. The sand is soft, and the atmosphere lively yet peaceful. By mid-afternoon, the tour wraps up, and the boat returns to the pier. You’ll carry home memories of clear water, local smiles, and Puerto Princesa’s charm that extends far beyond its cityscape.
Puerto Princesa Itinerary: Where to Eat
Puerto Princesa’s food scene is as colorful as its islands. From plant-based cafés to seaside dining, every restaurant tells a story. Ver De Palawan on Manalo Street offers vegan comfort food in a garden setting. Try the Happy Bowl and Teatox Smoothie for a nourishing meal. Grains Cafe Palawan on Roxas Street serves wholesome breakfast bowls and cold-pressed juices. Their tofu sisig bowl is flavorful and satisfying.
For coffee lovers, Gold Cup Specialty Coffee Roasters along Rizal Avenue is a must. Its handcrafted brews and minimalist interiors make it a digital nomad favorite. Inside Princesa Garden Island Resort, Yama Japanese Cave Bar combines sleek design with sea views. Enjoy sushi and skewers while watching the sunset. No trip is complete without visiting Bona’s Chaolong, known for its Vietnamese-style noodle soups near the airport. Affordable and nostalgic, it’s loved by both locals and travelers.
Classic spots like Ka Lui Restaurant, Badjao Seafront, and Kinabuchs Grill and Bar continue to define Puerto Princesa dining. For local cafés, Mang Itoy’s Coffee Haus, Isla Casoy de Palawan Coffee Bar, and Ka Inato deserve a stop. Each adds its own flavor to the city’s vibrant culinary map.
Puerto Princesa Itinerary: Where to Stay
I’ve stayed in several accommodations around Puerto Princesa City. For a peaceful escape, Microtel by Wyndham Puerto Princesa offers beachfront views away from the downtown noise. Though farther from the center, it’s perfect for travelers seeking quiet relaxation. For budget-friendly stays, Goofy Ants Hostel provides comfortable rooms, a social atmosphere, and easy access to main attractions.
Other top picks among travelers include Hue Hotels and Resorts, Princesa Garden Island Resort, and Aziza Paradise Hotel. Each caters to different travel styles, from family vacations to solo adventures.
Puerto Princesa isn’t just Palawan’s gateway—it’s a destination full of stories, flavors, and faces. Whether you’re cruising through the Underground River, savoring vegan bowls, or watching sunsets over Honda Bay, every experience connects you with the island’s rhythm.
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This Puerto Princesa itinerary proves that beauty in Palawan doesn’t start in El Nido or end in Coron—it begins right here, in the heart of its capital.
