Puerto Princesa is the gateway to Palawan and the starting point for most travellers beginning the classic Palawan circuit. While it lacks the dramatic scenery of El Nido or the wreck diving of Coron, it offers the UNESCO World Heritage Puerto Princesa Subterranean River — one of the most remarkable natural attractions in Southeast Asia — along with Honda Bay island hopping, excellent seafood, and the most convenient transport hub in Palawan. This guide covers everything you need for a 1-2 night Puerto Princesa stop before heading north to El Nido.
Table of Contents
- Puerto Princesa at a Glance
- Puerto Princesa Underground River
- Honda Bay Island Hopping
- Other Things to Do in Puerto Princesa
- Where to Stay in Puerto Princesa
- Getting to El Nido from Puerto Princesa
- Suggested 1-2 Night Puerto Princesa Itinerary
- Puerto Princesa vs Bypassing It
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Plan the Full Palawan Trip
- Puerto Princesa at a Glance
- Puerto Princesa Underground River
- Honda Bay Island Hopping
- Other Things to Do in Puerto Princesa
- Where to Stay in Puerto Princesa
- Getting to El Nido from Puerto Princesa
- Suggested 1-2 Night Puerto Princesa Itinerary
- Puerto Princesa vs Bypassing It
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Plan the Full Palawan Trip
Puerto Princesa at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Central Palawan, Philippines; capital of Palawan province |
| Nearest airport | Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) — 1 hr from Manila |
| UNESCO site | Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park |
| Best for | Underground River, Honda Bay, gateway to El Nido, Palawan wildlife |
| Recommended stay | 1-2 nights (gateway stop) or 2-3 nights (if doing Underground River) |
| To El Nido | Shared van 5-6 hrs (700 PHP) or bus 7-8 hrs (350 PHP) |
| Budget | 1,200-2,000 PHP/day (budget) / 3,000-6,000 PHP/day (mid-range) |
Puerto Princesa Underground River
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An 8.2 km navigable underground river flows directly into the South China Sea through a spectacular cave system inside the St. Paul Mountain Range. This is not a minor attraction — it is a genuinely world-class natural spectacle and the primary reason most travellers stop in Puerto Princesa.
What to Expect
- Guided paddle boat tour through 4.3 km of the navigable section (the full 8.2 km is not open to tourists)
- The cave chambers include the Italian Room, Cathedral, and the Celestial Chamber with massive stalactite and stalagmite formations
- Tour duration: approximately 45 minutes inside the cave; total day trip from Puerto Princesa is 4-5 hours including transfers
- Wildlife: the cave and surrounding national park harbour rare species including the Palawan bearcat, Palawan peacock-pheasant, and Philippine cockatoo
Practical Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance from PPS city | 80 km (approximately 1.5-2 hours by van) |
| Entrance fee | 400 PHP (foreign adults) / 200 PHP (Filipino adults) |
| Day tour (all-in) | 1,200-1,800 PHP including van transfer, permit, paddle boat, lunch |
| Permit requirement | MANDATORY – limited daily visitor quota (must book ahead in peak season) |
| Booking | Through hotels, travel agencies in PPS city, or the Underground River permit office |
| Best months | November-May (dry season); June-October (rough seas can delay entry) |
Important: The Underground River requires a pre-booked permit. Daily visitor numbers are capped. In December-April peak season, permits sell out days in advance. Book your permit before arriving in Puerto Princesa — your hotel or a city travel agent can arrange this.
Honda Bay Island Hopping
Honda Bay offers Puerto Princesa’s island-hopping experience — a cluster of small islands 12 km from the city with white sand beaches, snorkelling, and relaxed day-trip vibes. It is a scaled-down, less dramatic version of El Nido island hopping, but perfectly enjoyable as a half-day or full day activity while you are based in the city.
- Main islands: Luli Island (sandbar, famous for disappearing at high tide), Starfish Island (shallow snorkelling), Pandan Island (beach, snorkelling, picnic)
- Boat rental: 1,000-1,500 PHP for a half-day private boat from Sta. Lourdes Wharf (12 km from city)
- Environmental fee: 150-200 PHP per person
- Best for: Families, travellers with limited time, those who have already done El Nido island hopping and want something easy
Other Things to Do in Puerto Princesa
Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre
A rehabilitation centre for endangered Palawan wildlife. The centre houses Philippine crocodiles, bearcat (binturong), Palawan stink badger, and other rare endemic species. Located 2 km from the city centre; entrance fee 100 PHP. Best visited in the morning. A genuine wildlife experience rather than a standard zoo.
Iwahig River Firefly Tour
Evening boat tour (departs 5:30-6:00 PM) along the Iwahig River mangroves to watch synchronised firefly colonies. Similar to El Nido’s firefly tour but set against the backdrop of the Palawan mountains. Price: 600-800 PHP per person. Best in October-January when populations are most active.
Puerto Princesa Baywalk
The city’s seafront promenade stretching along Palawan Bay. Excellent for evening walks, sunsets, and some of the best and cheapest seafood in Palawan at the Baywalk restaurants. The tuna jaw (isda sa bato) and grilled squid at the outdoor stalls are local institutions. Budget 300-600 PHP per person for a full seafood dinner.
Where to Stay in Puerto Princesa
| Type | Price Range (2026) | Best Area | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget guesthouse | 600-1,200 PHP/night | Rizal Avenue area | Transit travellers |
| Mid-range hotel | 1,500-3,500 PHP/night | National Highway / Baywalk | Most travellers, 1-2 nights |
| Boutique hotel | 3,500-7,000 PHP/night | Baywalk area | Comfort seekers, short stay |
Most travellers stay near the city centre / National Highway area — easy access to the van terminal for El Nido, close to restaurants and convenience stores. There is no compelling reason to pay luxury rates in Puerto Princesa; the city is a gateway, not a destination. Mid-range is the sweet spot.
Getting to El Nido from Puerto Princesa
This is the most important logistical step for most Palawan travellers. Puerto Princesa to El Nido is 238 km by road through mountainous terrain.
| Option | Duration | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared minivan | 5-6 hours | 600-800 PHP | Most popular; departs 7-8 AM from San Jose terminal; book day before |
| Bus (Cherry Bus / Roro) | 7-8 hours | 350-450 PHP | Cheapest option; multiple daily departures; slower but comfortable |
| Private van | 5 hours | 5,000-7,000 PHP (whole van) | Door-to-door; best for groups of 4+ |
| AirSWIFT flight (PPS-El Nido) | 45 minutes | 3,000-8,000 PHP | Expensive but fast; only 1 daily flight; book early |
The shared van is the standard choice for most travellers. Book at your hotel or the San Jose Street van terminal the evening before. Vans fill up; arriving at the terminal without a booking in peak season risks being left behind or waiting hours for the next departure.
The road passes through the Palawan highlands and is genuinely scenic — limestone mountains, rice terraces near El Nido, and the final approach to Bacuit Bay is a memorable arrival. The journey is part of the experience.
Suggested 1-2 Night Puerto Princesa Itinerary
- Afternoon/evening Day 1 (arrival): Check in, walk to Baywalk for sunset and seafood dinner, book Underground River permit and van to El Nido for departure day
- Day 2 (full day): Underground River all-day tour (departs 7-8 AM, returns 3-4 PM). Evening: Iwahig firefly tour OR rest at hotel
- Morning Day 3 (departure): Board 7-8 AM van to El Nido (5-6 hours). Arrive early afternoon and check in to El Nido accommodation
If skipping the Underground River (tight schedule or permit unavailable): arrive Puerto Princesa, sleep, board the morning van to El Nido the following day. Minimum time in the city: one night.
Puerto Princesa vs Bypassing It
Some travellers fly directly to El Nido via AirSWIFT and skip Puerto Princesa entirely. This is valid if:
- Your time is very limited (7 days or fewer for the full Palawan trip)
- Budget is not a primary constraint (AirSWIFT direct is 3-4x more expensive than flying to PPS and taking the van)
- You have already visited the Underground River on a previous trip
For first-time Palawan visitors with 10+ days, stopping in Puerto Princesa for the Underground River is strongly recommended. It is genuinely one of the most remarkable natural attractions in the Philippines and worth the 1-2 day detour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to stop in Puerto Princesa to visit El Nido?
No — you can fly directly from Manila to El Nido via AirSWIFT without stopping in Puerto Princesa. However, the direct flight is significantly more expensive. Most budget and mid-range travellers fly Manila-Puerto Princesa (cheaper, more frequent flights) and take the van to El Nido (5-6 hours). The van journey through Palawan’s mountainous interior is scenic and a comfortable way to see the island.
Is the Puerto Princesa Underground River worth visiting?
Yes — the Underground River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature for good reason. The cave formations and navigable underground river system are genuinely spectacular and unlike anything else in Southeast Asia. Allow a full day for the tour (the site is 80 km from the city) and book your permit in advance.
How long is the van journey from Puerto Princesa to El Nido?
5-6 hours by shared minivan. The road is mostly two-lane highway through mountainous terrain with some winding sections. Vans stop once for a comfort break. The journey is not uncomfortable — modern vans have air conditioning — but 5+ hours is a commitment. Budget travellers often find the combination of cheap PPS flights + van ride significantly less expensive than AirSWIFT direct to El Nido.
Plan the Full Palawan Trip
Puerto Princesa is the start of the classic circuit: 10-day Palawan itinerary · El Nido to Coron ferry guide · Coron travel guide · El Nido budget guide
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