Puerto Princesa may not be as flashy as El Nido or Boracay, but that’s part of its charm. It’s the perfect starting point for a Palawan getaway, that’s because, after you arrive, you can be snorkelling above a reef in Honda Bay within an hour.
This guide covers the best time to visit Puerto Princesa, how to get there from Manila, what to expect on the Underground River tour, top things to do, where to stay, and how to travel on to El Nido.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Puerto Princesa?
Puerto Princesa has a straightforward climate, with dry months from November to May and wetter months from June to October. The best time to visit is between January and April, when there’s little rain, calm seas, and the underground river tours almost always run as planned.
- December: Holiday crowds, festive lights along the Baywalk
- January to February: Dry stretch, quiet islands, less crowded than December
- March: Balayong Festival, the city's founding festival
- April: Still dry and sunny, ideal if you want to do island hopping
- September: Fewer tourists, softer hotel rates
- July to August: Rainiest months, pack a light jacket if travelling then
How Do You Get to Puerto Princesa From Manila?
Travelling from Manila to Puerto Princesa is easy. Direct flights take about an hour and twenty minutes, and airlines like Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Philippines AirAsia offer several flights each day.
If you book a few weeks in advance, you’ll usually find better prices, and morning flights are often more reliable. The airport is just a few kilometers from the city center, so a taxi or hotel transfer only takes about ten to twenty minutes.
Getting From Manila to Puerto Princesa: A Quick Look
Detail | Information |
Flight duration | Approx. 1 hr 20 min (direct) |
Airlines | Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia |
Frequency | Multiple daily flights |
Airport to city centre | 10 to 20 minutes by taxi |
Tribe Travel Tip: Book your Manila to Puerto Princesa flights for morning flights. Palawan's afternoon showers can occasionally cause delays later in the day, especially outside the dry season.
What Should You Know Before the Underground River Tour?
Many people visit Puerto Princesa just to see the Underground River. This UNESCO site, named one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, lets you paddle through caves in St. Paul’s mountain range, passing rock formations and seeing bats and swiftlets along the way.
Your Puerto Princesa Underground River tour will start with a two hour drive to Sabang, followed by a short boat ride to the park entrance and then a guided paddleboat ride into the cave itself. Most packages bundle permits, lunch, and transfers, which is worth it since slots are limited daily to protect the ecosystem.
Here's what your typical day for the tour will look like:
- Early hotel pickup, between 7 and 8 am
- Drive to Sabang, roughly two hours
- Boat transfer to the park's entrance beach
- Paddleboat tour through the cave
- Lunch included in most packages
- Return drive to Puerto Princesa City
Tribe Travel Tip: Permits for the underground river tour are limited and processed in advance, so book at least a few days before your preferred date, especially in peak season.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Puerto Princesa, Palawan?
There’s a lot to do besides visiting the cave. Honda Bay is a great choice for a half day of island hopping to places like Starfish Island, Cowrie Island, and Luli Island, where you can snorkel and relax on the beach. Near the city, Baker’s Hill has gardens, fresh hopia pastries, and views of Honda Bay.
You can also visit the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre to see rescued crocodiles. If you want a slower pace, try an evening firefly watching tour along the mangroves for a peaceful end to your day.
Top Things to See in Puerto Princesa
Attraction | Best for |
Honda Bay | Island hopping, snorkelling |
Baker's Hill | Views, pastries, easy walk |
Palawan Wildlife Rescue Center | Crocodiles, local wildlife |
Puerto Princesa Baywalk | Evening strolls, local food |
Firefly Watching Tour | Mangroves, sunset activity |
Where Should You Stay in Puerto Princesa?
You’ll find all kinds of hotels in Puerto Princesa, from beachfront resorts near Honda Bay’s wharf to city centre hotels close to the Baywalk and restaurants. If you plan to visit the underground river early, staying in the city centre saves time.
Families often like resorts near Sta. Lourdes because they’re close to Honda Bay. No matter where you stay, most hotels are just a short ride from the airport, so arriving late won’t be a problem.
How Do You Travel From Puerto Princesa to El Nido?
If you’re heading north to El Nido, you’ll need to plan ahead since there’s no direct ferry or train. Most people take shared vans, which cover the 230 kilometer tour in five to six hours with a stop along the way. Buses are cheaper but take six to nine hours. If you want more comfort and flexibility, you can book a private transfer.
Puerto Princesa to El Nido: Compare Your Options
Mode of travel | Travel time | What you need to know |
Shared van | 5 to 6 hours | Most popular, one stop |
Bus | 6 to 9 hours | Cheapest, slower |
Private transfer | 5 to 6 hours | Most comfortable, flexible |
Tribe Travel Tip: Roads between Puerto Princesa and El Nido can get bumpy, so pack snacks, water, and something to keep you comfortable for the ride.
Before You Plan Your Puerto Princesa Holiday
Puerto Princesa is best enjoyed over a few days, not just as a quick stop. With the underground river, Honda Bay’s islands, and the relaxed pace of the city, it’s easy to unwind here before exploring more of Palawan.
At Holiday Tribe, our advisors can help you plan your Philippines holiday, from flights and hotels in Puerto Princesa to Underground River permits and transfers to El Nido. Book your vacation today.
