Ever heard of kambak-kambak syndrome?
Previous 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 again and again? It appears to occur lots in Palawan, and so the locals gave it a reputation — kambak-kambak — a tongue-in-cheek spin to “come again, come again”. On condition that our staff have set foot in Puerto Princesa a number of occasions over the previous decade, if it have been an actual situation, we in all probability had caught it, too!
Whether or not it’s your first time otherwise you’re a kambak-kambak traveler, we’ve put collectively this Puerto Princesa journey information that can assist 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. However regardless of the fast improvement over time, it retains its rustic and partly suburban vibe; because of the strains of timber and the luxurious greenery that cowl the world. No marvel it’s typically dubbed “The Metropolis within the Forest” and has been acknowledged as one of many cleanest and greenest cities within the nation.
Strategically situated in the course of Palawan, it serves as the first gateway to the primary island. Though it could actually take hours, you would 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 town correct faces Sulu Sea to the southeast, however its territory reaches till the West Philippine Sea to the northwest. Puerto Princesa can be the second largest metropolis within the Philippines, subsequent solely to Davao.
Dubbed because the Eco-Tourism Heart of the Philippines, Puerto Princesa is thought for its organized and synchronized tourism business. Numerous sectors like tour guides, boat operators, and tricycle drivers work collectively. The excursions are regulated and monitored by the Tourism Workplace, therefore standardized excursions are provided to vacationers. The preferred is a tour of the Puerto Princesa Underground River, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and voted as one of many New7Wonders of Nature in 2012.
Listed here are some important data that you simply would possibly 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. However airline employees do ask to see the next upon checkin:
- Legitimate ID
- Vaccination card or VaxCertPH (for absolutely vaccinated vacationers)
Nonetheless, in case you’re coming from a spot below Alert Degree 2 or increased, a detrimental antigen take a look at end result legitimate inside sooner or later previous to departure is required.
The Puerto Princesa Worldwide Airport (PPS) serves as the primary gateway to the town and different municipalities in Palawan. Most home airways — Philippine Airways, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia — have flights to and from Puerto Princesa, so searching for one wouldn’t be an issue.
Puerto Princesa Airport to Metropolis Heart
The Puerto Princesa Worldwide Airport is situated inside the metropolis heart. From right here, going to areas inside the metropolis correct would take solely jiffy.
Essentially the most handy mode of transportation from the airport is the tricycle. Tricycles could be discovered parked exterior the airport, ready for passengers. You’ll should stroll a bit to the gate and exit the airport to experience one.
Listed here are the fares from the airport to completely different components of the town. Tricycles can accommodate as much as 3 individuals.
- Throughout the metropolis heart: P150
- To San Jose Terminal: P200
- To Honda Bay: P500
Should you’re booked with an upscale lodge or resort, double verify with the administration first and see if they provide free airport transfers.
Plenty of lodging are located inside the metropolis heart, not too removed from the airport. Beachfront motels or resorts are often situated a bit farther. Staying within the metropolis correct is good if you wish to see extra of the town and have quick access to its many eating places and retailers.
Prime Budget Motels & Guesthouses in Puerto Princesa
Listed here are a number of the top-ranking however reasonably priced properties on Agoda with over 100 evaluations:
Well-liked Puerto Princesa Resorts
When you have a much bigger funds, listed here are a number of the most well-known properties within the metropolis.
Most of the sights in Puerto Princesa could be visited as a part of a tour. Though it’s attainable to tug a DIY to save lots of on the prices, reserving a packaged tour will make it extra handy and hassle-free. Whenever you avail of 1, you’ll even have a skilled tour information who may give you extra data and insights about every spot, permitting you to understand it extra.
On this part, we’ll share with you the most effective sights and actions in Puerto Princesa, grouped based on the excursions that they’re often part of. We’ll embody prices for each packaged and DIY excursions.
Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour
The town’s most well-known vacationer spot, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, a Ramsar Wetland Web 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 components are open solely to scientists and different permitted explorers.
Contained in the cave, you will note beautiful stalactites, stalagmites and the varied formations that took form for over hundreds of years. You’ll additionally study extra in regards to the cave system by means of the supplied audio information.
When you have restricted time or funds and will solely avail of 1 packaged tour, this ought to be it. The PPUR administration solely permits a restricted variety of vacationers per day. Due to this, walk-ins aren’t allowed and superior reservation is required. Should you e book 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 Seaside which is the jump-off level, round one and a half hours away.
Packaged excursions often embody:
- roundtrip land switch to Sabang Seaside
- roundtrip boat switch to the underground river
- audio information
- lunch
You might also avail this tour by way of Klook for P1900. However when you have extra time and greater funds, 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
Verify up to date charges or e book 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 may take you to not less than three islands not too distant from the town. As of this writing, solely 3 islands are open for island hopping excursions: Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island.
Should you’re touring with a big group, pulling a DIY can assist you save. Should you’re touring solo, with a small group otherwise you merely need the comfort of availing a packaged tour, journey businesses and motels often provide this tour for P1500 per individual.
Should you plan to journey independently, listed here are the charges for personal boats. You’ll see two costs as a result of you’ve gotten 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 might also decide to skip the island hopping when you have a selected island you need to go to.
There’s additionally an environmental payment that it’s important to pay on the wharf. Listed here are the charges:
- Environmental payment: P150
- Terminal payment: P5
- Goggles & snorkel rental: P150
- Full face masks rental: P200
- Aqua sneakers rental: P150
- Fins rental: P150
Every island additionally has a separate entrance payment and cottage rental charges as effectively. Listed here are the doorway charges per island.
- Cowrie Island: P100
- Luli Island: P70
- Starfish Island: P50
If you wish to keep away from the effort of paying these charges by yourself, you’ll be able to simply e book a packaged tour. Honda Bay Excursions are inclusive of land and boat transfers, entrance and cottages charges, and lunch. You might also avail this tour by way of Klook!
Puerto Princesa Metropolis Tour
This half-day tour could be executed both within the morning or afternoon. Tour operators often provide this tour for P600 per individual, however you can even constitution a tricycle for P1000 per automobile, which might accommodate as much as 3 individuals.
The town tour often consists of the next stops:
- Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Heart. 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 can be endemic to the province.
- Plaza Cuartel. A historic sq., Plaza Cuartel was an previous garrison the place the Palawan Bloodbath passed off in December 1944. 100 fifty American prisoners of struggle have been stored in a tunnel throughout World Battle II till they have been killed by the Japanese by burning them alive. Eleven prisoners have 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 comprised of Palawan’s native grasses and fibers. Other than procuring, you can even 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’s open to the general public and serves as a viewpoint.
- Baker’s Hill. Well-liked 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 chunk.
If you wish to have a extra snug tour in an air-conditioned van, you’ll be able to 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 areas for firefly watching in Puerto Princesa:
- Iwahig. The primary 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 may take you to Sicsican River. A dinner on the boat can be included on this tour.
- Nagsaguipi River. Bask in a buffet dinner earlier than you feast your eyes with the glowing fireflies!
Tour operators provide this tour between P1300- P1600 per individual. Firefly watching tour in Nagsaguipi River can be obtainable on Klook.
Nagtabon Seaside
Lower than an hour away from the town correct, Nagtabon Seaside was once a spot for many who need to keep away from the group. Now, plenty of lodging institutions stand alongside the seaside, however the place stays simply as breathtaking. It is a good place to go to in case you’re trying to spend extra time on the seaside with out having to journey too distant from the town.
Make your solution to San Jose terminal and hop on a bus going north. Any bus sure for Taytay, Roxas, or El Nido will do. Inform the motive force to drop you off in Bacungan (P80) then experience a tricycle going to Nagtabon Seaside (P300, max 3 pax).
Should you’re a bunch, you’ll be able to hire a van to take you straight to Nagtabon. Should you can drive two wheels, renting a motorcycle can be an possibility if there are two of you otherwise you’re touring solo.
Nagtabon Seaside may also be included in your Puerto Princesa Metropolis Tour itinerary for an extra payment. Simply ask your driver if he’s OK with it.
Sabang X-Zipline
Thrill-seekers will love this attraction. This 800-meter lengthy zipline is claimed to be one of many longest ziplines within the Philippines. You may get pleasure from this solo or by pair as you glide throughout Sabang Seaside. The experience would additionally deal with you to a unbelievable view of Sabang from above. It takes a brief 15-minute hike to achieve the zipline’s start line.
That is often packaged with Underground River since Sabang additionally serves because the jump-off level to it. You are able to do this previous to the underground river cease if there’s a protracted ready time or after it simply earlier than you’ve gotten lunch. Sabang X-Zipline prices P550.
You might also avail this by way of Klook for a reduced value.
Different Puerto Princesa Sights
Ugong Rock Adventures. An journey park situated in Barangay Tagabinet the place you’ll be able to go trekking, rappeling, and spelunking. A 71-meter zipline can be one of many options, making your journey extra unforgettable. Book here! ✅
Palawan Waterpark by Astoria. That is the one waterpark in Palawan. Should you’re searching for an exercise that youngsters and youngsters at coronary heart alike would get pleasure from, add this to your itinerary. Every ticket is inclusive of a lunch buffet. Price: Adults, P1200; Children (4ft and under), P950; Children (2 years previous and under), FREE
Tibag Falls. About 40 minutes away from the town heart, Tibag Falls is situated 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 will take a 2-hour stroll to achieve this wonderful falls.
Discovering a spot to eat in Puerto Princesa won’t be an issue. The town heart is teeming with a various assortment of meals spots. If you wish to strive the Puerto Princesa classics, a couple of of them are situated alongside Rizal Avenue.
Should you’re on a funds, you’ll be able to at all times depend on carinderias (small eateries) the place a P100-budget can get you a full meal.
Listed 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 makes a speciality of Pinoy seafood dishes like seafood kare-kare, grilled fish, and shrimp or tuna sinigang. Their menu consists largely of seafood and greens dishes. Additionally they have a particular set meal that’s good for 2 for under P795. Should you’re planning to dine right here, make sure that to name the restaurant and make a reservation.
Location: Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa Metropolis
Working 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’ll be able to get pleasure from some drinks 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 often served uncooked with a aspect of spiced vinegar.
Location: Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa Metropolis
Working Hours: Each day, 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. However 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 in case you e book with Klook.
Location: Sabang, Puerto Princesa
Working Hours: Each day, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
You can even order tamilok right here for P100 per plate.
Different Puerto Princesa Eating places
- Badjao Seafront Restaurant. If you wish 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 allure. Value begins at P125 as much as P550. Their seafood platter prices P1,150.
– Location: Abueg St., Puerto Princesa Metropolis
– Working hours: Each day, 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. Should you’re with a bunch, additionally they have group meals that you could avail.
– Deal with: Manalo St., Puerto Princesa Metropolis
– Working Hours: Each day, 10:00 AM to eight:00 PM - Ka Joel’s Restaurant. One other dependable title within the metropolis’s meals scene, Ka Joel’s serves Filipino delicacies. Its bestsellers embody rooster inasal and beef kare kare.
– Location: Purok Centro, Puerto Princesa Metropolis
– Working Hours: Each day, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM- Lunch, 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM- Dinner
For loaded vacationers, huge motels have their in-house eating places that spotlight their tackle Filipino delicacies.
- Hue Lodge homes Matiz Restaurant and Tapas Bar, which boasts a largely Spanish menu.
- Princesa Backyard Island Resort and Spa has a eating complicated that includes 4 eating places together with the Golden Elephant Seafood Village, which makes a speciality of Thai meals.
Right here’s a pattern 3-day 2-night Puerto Princesa itinerary with breakdown of bills. Be aware that this itinerary assumes the next:
- You’re a celebration of two, splitting a number of the prices.
- The lodging you’ll e book prices P1500 per evening. Should you cut up it between 2 individuals, that will be P750 per evening per individual.
- You’ll e book a lot of the excursions by way of Klook.
However 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 – Lodge check-in
11:00 AM – Early lunch
12:30 PM – Metropolis Tour (Tricycle), P500 (P1000/2pax)
– Crocodile Park: P70
– Butterfly Backyard: P60
– Mitra’s Ranch: P20
04:00 PM – Lodge, clean up
06:00 PM – Dinner at Ka Lui, P500
09:30 PM – Again to lodge - DAY 2: UNDERGROUND RIVER
06:00 AM – Get up name
07:00 AM – Underground River Tour, P1900, Book here! ✅
04:00 PM – Again to lodge, Relaxation
07:00 PM – Dinner at Kinabuch’s, P500
10:00 PM – Again to lodge - DAY 3: HONDA BAY TOUR
6:00 am – Get up, early check-out, depart luggage
7:00 am – Honday Bay Tour, P1640, Book here! ✅
2:00 pm – Again 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.
Should you’re capable of e book 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 may carry the price even decrease in case you’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 often value greater than the common fares.
- Stroll when you’ll be able to. The streets of Puerto Princesa are punctuated with timber so it doesn’t get as scorching as different extremely urbanized cities.
- Deliver your personal reusable water bottle, so that you don’t have to hold shopping for bottled water. Doing this can make it easier to get monetary savings and cut back plastic waste on the similar time. You may simply refill your water bottle at your lodge or at your lunch/dinner stops.
- Deliver insect repellent lotion. Shield your self from mosquitoes by making use of insect repellent lotion particularly whenever you go trekking or island hopping.
- Use coral-friendly sunscreen. Keep away from utilizing sunscreen that accommodates elements that might hurt the coral reef like oxybenzone and parabens.
When is the most effective time to go to Puerto Princesa?
January to April, the driest interval. However take into account that these are additionally the busiest months, peaking in March and April, that are thought of “summer time” months within the Philippines.
If you wish to keep away from the group, schedule a visit round January to February when the climate isn’t too scorching and never that wet both. But, additionally it is necessary 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 completely different from the remainder of the nation. Even in the course of the dry season, it may very well be fairly damp and rain is anticipated within the afternoons. In truth, our staff 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 will typically rain within the afternoon.
Puerto Princesa is a year-round vacation spot. Whereas the town took a beating from Hurricane Odette a couple of years in the past, this isn’t a traditional incidence. Palawan is situated within the western excessive of the nation, remoted from most different principal islands. It isn’t alongside the same old hurricane route.
What’s the energy plug/socket utilized in Puerto Princesa?
Electrical energy Data: 220V, 60Hz. Socket Kind A, largely.
