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| UNDERGROUND RIVER |
City: Puerto Princesa
Country: Philippines
Coordinates: 9.7420° N, 118.7374° E
What to Eat/Drink: Crocodile Sisig, Tamilok (woodworm), Kinilaw, and fresh seafood.
What to Do: Underground River tour, island hopping in Honda Bay, city tours, and exploring local markets.
Where to Stay: Mabini Pensione (Budget Hotel), Hue Hotels and Resorts Puerto Princesa (Mid-range Hotel), Astoria Palawan (High-end Hotel)
Country: Philippines
Coordinates: 9.7420° N, 118.7374° E
What to Eat/Drink: Crocodile Sisig, Tamilok (woodworm), Kinilaw, and fresh seafood.
What to Do: Underground River tour, island hopping in Honda Bay, city tours, and exploring local markets.
Where to Stay: Mabini Pensione (Budget Hotel), Hue Hotels and Resorts Puerto Princesa (Mid-range Hotel), Astoria Palawan (High-end Hotel)
Ideal Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to May. January is especially lovely for the vibrant Palawan Festival.
Language: Filipino/English
Currency: Philippine Peso (approximately 55 PHP = 1 USD)
Language: Filipino/English
Currency: Philippine Peso (approximately 55 PHP = 1 USD)
HEADING TO PALAWAN SOON? GET DISCOUNTED HOTEL BOOKINGS WITH KLOOK!
PLANNING YOUR PUERTO PRINCESA ITINERARY
1. DETERMINE THE NUMBER OF DAYS YOU WILL BE STAYING
• 1 Day: Perfect for a quick exploration! Focus on the Underground River in the morning and local exploration like the Puerto Princesa Baywalk and Immaculate Conception Cathedral in the afternoon.
• 2 to 3 Days: Ideal for a deeper experience! You’ll have time to visit the Underground River, take an island-hopping tour in Honda Bay, and explore the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center.
• 4 Days or More: Great for a more relaxed pace. With additional time, you can explore beyond the city to discover beautiful beaches, engage in eco-tours, or immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine.
Tip: For most travelers, two to three days is perfect to soak in the beauty of Puerto Princesa, but if you have extra time, you'll find plenty of hidden gems to explore!
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| SABANG BEACH |
• City Center: Choose accommodations in the city center for easy access to transportation, restaurants, and attractions. Areas around Rizal Avenue are especially convenient. These spots are also ideal for join-in tours, as many offer hotel pick-up services. This way, you can maximize your time exploring without the hassle of commuting!
Tip: Choosing the right location can significantly enhance your experience, so consider your priorities—whether it's convenience, tours, or budget—when selecting your accommodation!
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| BOATS FOR THE RIVER TOUR |
3. DETERMINE YOUR IDEAL MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
Getting to Puerto Princesa, Palawan
• By Air: The most common way to reach Puerto Princesa is by flying. The city has its own airport with direct flights from major Philippine cities like Manila, Cebu, and Davao. Look for flights that suit your schedule and budget.
• By Land: If you’re traveling from nearby provinces, you can take a bus or van to Puerto Princesa. Buses from cities like El Nido or Coron offer a scenic route, though travel times can vary.
• Airport Transfers: Once you arrive, taxis and shuttle services are readily available at the airport to take you to your hotel. It’s a good idea to arrange an airport transfer with your accommodation in advance for a smoother arrival.
Getting Around Puerto Princesa, Palawan• Tricycles: A fun and local way to get around! Tricycles are widely available for short trips within the city and are a great option for solo travelers or couples.
Jeepneys: Perfect for a more immersive experience! Jeepneys are the traditional public transport in the Philippines and can take you to various parts of the city for a very low fare.
• Motorbike Rentals: Ideal for adventurous travelers! Renting a motorbike gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and visit off-the-beaten-path spots around Puerto Princesa.
Tip: For convenience and flexibility, a mix of tricycles and rented motorbikes works well, especially if you're planning to visit attractions outside the city center!
OUR PUERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN PUERTO PRINCESA
After arriving late in Puerto Princesa from El Nido, we checked into our hotel and grab dinner at a nearby restaurant to enjoy some local dishes.
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| PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER TOUR |
We started our second day with an early trip to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The boat ride through the underground river was an impressive experience, showcasing stunning limestone formations and diverse ecosystems.
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| CROCODILE AT THE PALAWAN WILDLIFE RESCUE & CONSERVATION CENTER |
On our third day, we explored the rich history and culture of Puerto Princesa with a Half Day City tour with Klook. We visited the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, where we learned about the important conservation efforts in the area. We also checked out the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and Plaza Cuartel. Of course, we also stopped by the local market for some souvenirs and delicious street food.
DAY 4: DEPARTURE
On our final day, we had breakfast, packed up, and headed to the airport.
OTHER DAY TRIPS FROM PUERTO PRINCESA
Puerto Princesa was a sidetrip for us from El Nido, and while we were short on time, there were a few day trips we definitely wished we could have explored:
This popular tour takes you to several beautiful islands, such as Cowrie Island, Starfish Island, and Luli Island. Each spot offers stunning beaches, great snorkeling, and opportunities to relax in a picturesque setting.
Known for its beautiful coastline and clear waters, Sabang Beach is a great place to unwind. It’s also the gateway to the underground river, but we hear the beach itself is worth a visit for some relaxation and beach activities.
Experience a magical evening tour in the mangroves, witnessing fireflies illuminate the night.
Even though we couldn’t fit these trips into our schedule, they are definitely worth considering for anyone planning a visit to Puerto Princesa!
HELPFUL TIPS
Book in Advance: Tours, especially for the Underground River, can fill up quickly, so it’s best to reserve spots ahead of time.
Cash is King: While some places accept credit cards, it's a good idea to have cash on hand for small purchases and local markets.
Stay Hydrated: The tropical climate can be quite humid, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout your adventures.
Book in Advance: Tours, especially for the Underground River, can fill up quickly, so it’s best to reserve spots ahead of time.
Cash is King: While some places accept credit cards, it's a good idea to have cash on hand for small purchases and local markets.
Stay Hydrated: The tropical climate can be quite humid, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout your adventures.
BUDGET GUIDE
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PUERTO PRINCESA ITINERARY |
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ACTIVITY |
TIME |
2 PAX IN A GROUP |
NOTES |
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EXPENSE IN PHP |
EXPENSE IN USD |
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GROUP |
PER PAX |
GROUP |
PER PAX |
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DAY 1 – ARRIVAL |
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Arrival |
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PPS Airport/Terminal to Accommodation |
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Included
in Hotel |
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Check-in at Accommodation (Hue
Hotel) (4D3N) |
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PHP
8700 |
PHP
4350 |
USD
150 |
USD
75 |
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|
Dinner |
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PHP
200 |
|
USD
3.50 |
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DAY 1 TOTAL |
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PHP
4550 |
|
USD
78.50 |
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DAY 2 – UNDERGROUND RIVER TOUR |
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|
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|
|
Breakfast |
|
|
|
|
|
Included
in Hotel |
|
Puerto Princesa Underground River
Tour |
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|
PHP
2200 |
|
USD
38 |
Via
Klook |
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Environmental Fee |
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|
PHP
150 |
|
USD
3 |
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Lunch at Sabang Wharf |
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|
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Dinner |
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PHP
200 |
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USD
3.50 |
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DAY 2 TOTAL |
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PHP
350 |
|
USD
6 |
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DAY 3 –
CITY TOUR |
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|
Breakfast |
|
|
|
|
|
Included
in Hotel |
|
Puerto Princesa City Tour |
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|
PHP
800 |
|
USD
14 |
Via
Klook |
|
Lunch |
|
|
PHP
200 |
|
USD
3.50 |
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|
Dinner |
|
|
PHP
200 |
|
USD
3.50 |
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DAY
3 TOTAL |
|
PHP1200 |
|
USD
21 |
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|
|
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DAY 4 –
DEPARTURE |
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|
|
|
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|
|
Breakfast |
|
|
|
|
|
Included
in Hotel |
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Accommodation
to PPS Airport |
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|
|
|
|
Included
in Hotel |
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DAY
4 TOTAL |
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PHP
0 |
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USD
0 |
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GRAND TOTAL |
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PHP
6100 |
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USD
105.50 |
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Here’s a rough budget estimate for your Puerto Princesa trip:
• Accommodation: $25-$70 per night (depending on your choice of hotel)
• Meals: $10-$30 per day (local eateries are budget-friendly)
• Transportation: $5-$15 per day (tricycles and jeepneys)
• Activities: $40-$80 per day (tours and entrance fees)
• Total Estimated Budget for 4 Days: $100-$600
• Accommodation: $25-$70 per night (depending on your choice of hotel)
• Meals: $10-$30 per day (local eateries are budget-friendly)
• Transportation: $5-$15 per day (tricycles and jeepneys)
• Activities: $40-$80 per day (tours and entrance fees)
• Total Estimated Budget for 4 Days: $100-$600
Puerto Princesa, Palawan, is filled with exciting adventures and stunning sights just waiting to be explored. Dive into your journey and soak up everything this beautiful destination has to offer!
HEADING TO PALAWAN SOON? GET DISCOUNTED ACTIVITIES WITH KLOOK!
Klook.com FOOTNOTES:
Photos by Rae Argallon | Samsung Note 9 | Puerto Princesa, Palawan | February 2020
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