Puerto Princesa

There is a tourist information office at the airport next to the arrival hall, but it's not that useful. They will try to sell you tours, have no maps (Feb 2018) and give no information about current events in the city. They do not book accommodation, either.

By plane

• Puerto Princesa International Airport

  address: National Highway, San Miguel

The airport has undergone a makeover, which involves the construction of a new modern terminal, which can handle both domestic and international flights. The new terminal is opened 2017, while the older terminal is closed indefinitely for renovation. Boarding and alighting is still done on the ground as like in the older terminal.
The airlines with flights to Puerto Princesa are:

• Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Air Asia all have daily flights from Manila, Cebu, and Clark to Puerto Princesa.

• Cebu Pacific also operate flights to and from Iloilo.
• Tiger Air Taiwan operate flights to and from Taipei.
• Air Juan flies to Busuanga, Cuyo, Sipalay, San Vicente.
• Eastar Jet operate flights to and from Seoul.

The airport is not far from downtown, so you can ignore the overpriced tricycles waiting in front of the airport terminal and catch a tricycle on the highway for a fare of . Jeepneys also go along the highway in front of the airport to town or to the bus terminal for .

By ferry

2GO Travel has two weekly ferries to Puerto Princesa from Manila. The ferry trip is about 22 hours long. Additionally, Milagrosa Shipping has a weekly ferry that sails between Puerto Princesa - Cuyo Islands - Iloilo. It departs Iloilo at 7PM on Thursday, arrives at the Cuyo Islands at 8AM Friday, departs Cuyo Islands 3PM Friday and arrives in Puerto Princesa at 8AM on Saturday.
Ferries docks at , at the far western end of Rizal Ave.

Jeepneys, multicabs and tricycles are the most common means to get around Puerto Princesa. As in Manila, jeepneys usually have standard routes which they ply. Tricycles on the other hand are fairly limited to certain areas and would not be able to go very long distances. Standard jeepney and tricycle fare around the city is per person.
The bus terminal is located a few kilometers outside the city centre. A jeepney from the bus terminal to downtown should cost .
For touring, it would possibly be a good idea to arrange special transport whether it be a jeepney or, for more comfort, air-conditioned vans or AUVs. This way, you will not be subject to the hassles of public transport availability.
Although "clean and green" Puerto Princesa City has a bold plan for introducing electric vehicles, the city has no published or announced plan that addresses the urgent needs of pedestrians and bicycle riders. There are few pedestrian crossings in the city and most Puerto Princesa drivers do not yield to pedestrians, leaving them stranded dangerously in the middle of the street. If, in order to protect yourself from the vehicles and smoke, you can take an air-con van, but you only add to the overall traffic and pollution problem. Tourist vans and other vehicles are often parked along Rizal Avenue and other main streets blocking where pedestrians and bicycles could once safely move, but no longer can. If you wish to walk or bike in a clean, green, and safe environment in the downtown area, you should ask at the tourist office (at the airport) where such an area exists, and see what they say.

• Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National ParkAt over 8 kilometers in length, is reputably the longest underground river in the world. With its crystalline waters and spectacular cave formations, the Underground River is possibly Puerto Princesa's most popular attraction. The site was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. The winding path of the river is navigable via small pumpboats that depart from Sabang Beach. Travel time from the city proper to Sabang is about 1.5 hours (This can take closer to 3.5 if you choose to ride in a Jeepney, since you have to wait while they deliver goods along the journey.) A permit is now necessary to visit the underground river and only available in Puerto Princesa, though an online system is in construction. As of December 2018, you can purchase the tickets in Sabang pier: if you do it yourself it will cost you around 600 PHP, if you do it through your accommodation they might overcharge you up to 1200 PHP. You can also ask if you can make the return trip trekking the park and the jungle: you will need to get a guide to do that but the experience is worth your time and money.

• Honda BayConsisting of several islets with beautiful beaches, Honda Bay is the place to go to for swimming, snorkeling as well as beach and island hopping. Accessible via the Sta. Lourdes wharf which is 25 minutes away from the city. Pumpboats at the wharf can be hired to take visitors to the various islets on the bay. Arrive before 11AM to go island hopping if you require a small boat (1-5 people) and before 2:30PM if you require a larger boat.

• Iwahig Penal ColonyA good example of a true correctional institute, the Iwahig Penal Colony is more of a farming community rather than a prison. Inmates often live with their families and are allowed to toil their farms to earn a living. Carving out handicrafts is also a common preoccupation and mahogany handcarvings are a good buy for tourists. The colony is about 35 minutes from the city center.

• Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation CenterFormerly the Crocodile Farming Institute, and still referred to by locals as the "Crocodile Farm," is a tourist attraction and a national research institute devoted to crocodiles. About 30 to 40 minutes from the city center, the Croc Farm also has a mini-zoo, which features some of Palawan's endemic species of wildlife. The place is open from about 8:30AM to about 4:30PM. From Rizal Avenue you can take an 8-person covered pickup truck (labeled "Irawan") for and the Croc Farm is the last stop; a tricycle carrying only one or two people will cost . Croc Farm Tickets cost for adults and for kids. You start with an guided tour of the crocs which last about 15 minutes. After that you wonder around by yourself in the endemic species area, where you have to be careful not to fall through a few rotton and crumbling wooden bridges. Although this is not the best managed wildlife area, the endemic species are nonetheless worth seeing and deserve your support.

• Butterfly Garden

  phone: +63 917 597 5544
  With native Palawan butterflies is located about half-way to the Croc Farm (above) and along the same road. Open 7 days a week from 8AM to 5PM. Entry is .

• Our Lady of Immaculate ConceptionA very beautiful church that is decorated in blue and white.

• White Beach

  address: Abueg Road, Bancao Bancao
  The only beach in town. Not as clean as it used to be and no longer white or pristine. But if you want to meet some of the locals and have a few drinks (alcoholic) then it's a great place. Just walk down and buy a few beers from the take away store and walk around the huts and you will be invited to join a group at a table. Lots of fun for an international traveller - if you have a great time then throw in some money for the table () or buy a cheap bottle of whatever they are drinking.

• Ugong RockA 75-foot (22-m) limestone formation in the middle of farmlands and karst forests located near the Underground River. Main activities in the site include spelunking and zip line.

• Rizal AvenuePuerto Princesa's main commercial strip where one can find various shops, banks, restaurants, and budget inns.

• Langogan ReefNew Coral reef protected by city ordinance and three falls, the largest of which is around 50 m, located 5 km from the barangay.

Museums

• Palawan Heritage Center

  address: Fernandez Street

• Palawan Museum

  address: Valencia St
  This is an old museum that is not very well maintained or labeled but which has a number of interesting pieces. It is well worth a visit on a rainy day.

• Palawan Special Battalion World War II Memorial Museum

• South Sea Pearl Museum

  address: Irawan Watershed Flora and Fauna Reserve. Bgy. Irawan

• PSU Museum

  address: Palawan State University
  This is a one room museum located inside a university building. You should ask for specific directions at the front gate, because not everyone knows about the existence of the museum. The museum is located in one small room but is clean, organized, and well-maintained, with an enthusiastic and helpful staff member.

Buy native products at the
Tourism Association of Souvenir Shops, they offer handicrafts made by the native tribes like manunggul or wooden jar, bulol or tisot, good harvest and carved animals. Others are tingkop (rice baskets), fish baskets, bags made from bark of a tree, native accessories, weave curtains and table mat, rattan floor mat and other assorted cashew nut delicacies.
Puerto Princesa offers good diving and is a fairly good place to take a PADI course if you plan to dive at some of the larger sites in El Nido or Coron. Moana dive centre, run by Paolo, offers PADI Open Water for . Good equipment, and pleasant instruction, with confined water dives taking place in the shallow parts of Puerto Princesa bay. Possible to see sea turtles, eels, lionfish, porcupine fish, batfish and snapper amongst others.

• Plaza Cuartel

  address: Taft St. near Cathedral
  Historical place, a must see site. It is the restored ruins of an old garrison where Japanese soldiers burned 143 American prisoners of war inside a tunnel and stands as a grim reminder of World War II.

• Baker Hill

  address: Mitra Rd, Bgy Sta Monica
  check out the plants and animal in its natural habitat.

Malls & supermarkets

• Robinsons Mall

  address: North Road
  has a Robinsons supermarket

• NCCC Mall

  address: Lacao Street
  has an NCCC supermarket.

• Unitop Mallhas a small supermarket.

• SM City Puerto Princesa.

  address: Malvar Street cor Lacao Street
  65,073 m 2 mall with a Savemore supermarket.

• A&A Seafood Palace

  phone: +63 48 434-2274
  address: national highway cor wescom rd
  Seafood prepared by a Hong Kong chef. Authentic Chinese cuisine.

• Ditchay's

  phone: +63 48 723 1530
  address: Manalo Ext. before Island Divers, Bancao Bancao
  French cuisine and can be a very welcome alternative for those longing to eat something else than local food after a long trip. The little restaurant lets you dine in intimate ambiance while you may chat to both the cook and the owner. The menu includes a variety of French foods like coffee & tea, paté rillettes, confit, soupes, salades, tapenades, grillades, fruits de mer, porc, boeuf, poulet, canard, crépes, patisserie"

• Divine Sweets

  address: Valencia St
  Great cakes (), coffee, shakes, etc. They also serve food (untested). Wifi if you order

• Ima's Vegetarian Restaurant

  phone: +63 939 916 1524
  address: 46, Fernandez St
  Very good vegetarian food. Highly recommended

• Kinabuchs Grill and Bar

  phone: +63 48 434 5194
  A sports bar and grill and a magnet for tourists and other visitors. The food is really good and customers can play pool or watch live sports.

• KaLui Restauran

  phone: +63 48 433 2580
  address: 369, Rizal Ave
  Amazing food and ambiance. Can get quite busy so a reservation can't hurt. Seafood is the specialty and the daily seafood special for two is .

• Cafe Nori

  address: Circon Bldg. Valencia St
  Serves Japanese cuisine with fusion and variety of Filipino and American cuisine. Also available are fruit shakes, coffee & frappuccinos.

• Reggae Pulse Bar

  phone: +63 9478673322
  address: 4th District Tiangge Centre, Rizal Ave
  Cool reggae bar serving ice-cold beers, beer towers/buckets, cocktails and mixed drinks. Free WiFi, a stylish & relaxing VIP bamboo lounge.

Puerto Princesa has a wide range of accommodations that suit most budgets - from quaint lodges to high-end hotels and resorts.

Budget

• Duchess Pension

  phone: +63 48 433-2873
  address: 107 E Valencia St
  Not the newest pension anymore but offers clean beds and quiet rooms. Not all are the same, so have a look before checking in. Friendly and helpful staff. Try the sandwich with French baguette. Wifi for (for the length of your stay)

• Dallas Inn and Cafe

  phone: +63 919 967 8558
  address: 11 Carandang st
  Family run guesthouse. Free wifi, quiet location, central, 3 min drive from the airport with free pick up if booked in advanced. Dallas Inn has a variety of rooms to choose from according to budget. Fan Doubles , 4-bed dorm.

• Kuhl-In Pension

  phone: +63 48 433 3420
  address: Libis Road Ligaya St. San Pedro
  Perhaps the best address for a monthly accommodation in the city. City location but is in a green area. Monthly rate for a 2-bedroom apartment is .

• House of Rose

  phone: +63 9167211926
  address: Abueg Rd
  Offers a comfortable and relaxing ambience in their bungalows or semi-native style cottages. Surrounded by trees and situated a couple of meters away from the road, you could almost forget you are in the city. They offer free wireless internet and claim to serve delectable foods at their restaurant. They also have a swimming pool and billiards table.

• Aniceto's Pension

  phone: +63 9177894664
  address: 71 reynoso St
  Fan single/double without a side bathroom

• Abelardos Pension

  phone: +63 48-4332049
  address: 63d Manga St
  Clean fan rooms without a side bathroom.

• Sheebang Hostel

  phone: +63 9153700647,+63 48 4330592
  address: 118 Libis Road
  Bed in a dorm.

• Princessa Inn

  phone: +63-48-433-4218
  address: 169 malvar St
  Fan single/double.

• Tree House Inn

  phone: +63 48-4340005
  address: Malvar Street
  Dorm beds.

• O M G Backpackers

  address: 219 Rizal Avenue
  Free wifi.

• Ezy Stay Pension House

  address: Rizal Avenue Extenison
  Free wifi.

• J L C Hostel

  address: 26 Old Buncag Road
  Free wifi.

• Garellano Tourist Inn

  phone: +63 48 4332314
  address: 257 Rizal Avenue
  Fan double room with own bathroom.

• Mabini Pension

  phone: +63 2-523-3930
  address: 1337 A. Mabini St

• Mabini Mansion

  phone: +63 2 521-4776
  address: 1011 A. Mabini St
  This hotel offers rooms equipped with kitchen, refrigerator, remote control colored television, individual air-condition unit, telephone with IDD/NDD access and voice mail. Mabini Mansion also offers the following facility and services: restaurant, foreign currency exchange, airport transfer to and from the hotel, daily maid service, business service and room service.

Mid-range

• Grande Vista Hotel

  phone: +63 48-433-6537
  address: Malvar Street, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
  Standard Single, Double and Twin Room, all equipped with Air-conditioning, LED TV with cable channels and Hot and cold shower. Facilities and services are Restaurant, cafe, and bar.

• Sunlight Guest Hotel

  phone: +63 48-4342003
  address: Malvar Street, Brgy. Tagumpay
  Superior, Deluxe and Penthouse all equipped with air-conditioning, TV with cable channels and Internet connection. Facilities and services are Isabelle Grand Ballroom, conference and meeting rooms, business center.

• Edgardo's Place

  phone: +63 48 434 2365
  address: Rizal Ave
  All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen TV with cable channels, safe, private toilet and bath. It also provides room service, tour assistance, airport transfer, parking, a standby generator and free Wi-Fi.

• Casitas de az Pension

  phone: +63 48 434 1945
  address: Cayapas Building, Valencia Street corner Bonifacio (A. Abueg) Street, Brgy. Bagong Silang
  Standard Single, Standard Twin, and Family or Deluxe Rooms, all equipped with air-conditioning, TV with cable channels and shower with hot and cold water. Facilities and services are Wi-Fi Internet access in public areas and tour assistance.

• Seasons Guesthouse

  phone: +63 48 434 3388, +63 917 850 0928
  address: Roxas street, Barangay Kalipay
  All rooms are equipped with air-conditioner, hot and cold shower, cable TV, and complimentary wireless internet access. Also offers tour assistance, massage service, vehicle rental, and laundry services. (Prostitutes are not allowed inside the property).

• Palo Alto Bed & Breakfast

  phone: +63 48 434 2159
  address: Kawayanan Street, Libis Road, Barangay San Pedro
  homey rooms all equipped with air-conditioner, cable TV, Internet access, refrigerator, and safe. Facilities and services are restaurant and cafe, spa and massage service, car rental, laundry/dry cleaning, and Palawan tours.

• Villa Leonora Beach Resort

  phone: +63 999 413 3247
  address: KM60, National Highway, Sitio Dacutan, Barangay San Rafael

• Liberty Park Pension

  phone: +63 48 434 9782
  address: 34 Liberty Rd
  All rooms have A/C, cableTV, intercom, and private toilet and bath. Rooftop bar and restaurant, high-speed Internet, fitness room, and massage service.

• Hotel Centro

  phone: +63 48 434 1111
  address: San Pedro National Highway
  All rooms have A/C, cableTV, mini-bar, and coffee/tea maker. Business center with high-speed internet, swimming pool, airport and city transfers.

• La Charica Inn

  phone: +63 48 434 2088
  address: 126 Abad Santos
  All rooms have A/C, cable TV, and a private toilet with hot and cold shower. High-speed Internet, restaurant/café, and massage service.

• D' Lucky Garden Inn, Apartelle & Suites

  phone: +63 48 4336576, +63 48 433 2719
  address: PEO Rd

• Dos Palmas Arreceffi Island Resort

  phone: +63 48 434 3118
  address: Honda Bay
  High end beach resort.

• Asturias Hotel

  phone: +63 48 433 9744
  address: South National Highway, Tiniguiban

• The Legend Hotel Palawan

  phone: +63 48 434 4270, +63 48 433 9076
  address: Malvar St
  Perhaps the most modern hotel in Puerto Princesa. Excursion packages to the various attractions of Puerto Princesa.

• Puerto Pension

  phone: +63 48 443-4148
  address: 35 Malvar St
  Nice rooms, free continental breakfast in the rooftop Tribu Restaurant. Desk staff are helpful, nice views.

• Hibiscus Garden Inn

  phone: +63 48 434 1273
  address: Manalo Extension

• One Rover's Place

  phone: +63 48 434 1338
  address: 355 Rizal Ave
  5 min from the airport with 18 A/C rooms.

• Palawan Village Hotel

  phone: +63 48 434 4436
  A/C rooms all with cableTV, a hair dryer, private toilet, bath with hot & cold water, and a balcony/deck.

• Microtel Inn & Suites Puerto Princesa

  phone: +63 48 723 0977
  address: The Emerald Playa Beach and Nature Park, Brgy. San Jose

• Amerson Pension Place

  phone: +63 48-433-0538, +63 0947-2832365 (Smart), +63 0917-9880090 (Globe)
  address: Pablico Road 5, near North National Highway, Tiniguiban
  Single, Standard Double, all equipped with Air-conditioning, LED TV w/ cable channels and Hot & cold shower. Complimentary breakfast and airport transfer (upon request). With Wi-Fi Internet. Other services include tour assistance and massage service.

• Ospital ng Palawan. 220 Malvar Street. Phone 048-4346864. 048-4342148 (DOH Hospital).

• Bureau Of Immigration Puerto Princesa Office. 2nd Floor. Robinsons mall.

• El Nido - popular yet still remote destinations on Palawan, known for snorkelling, diving and beautiful little islands. It is 6-7 hour drive from Puerto Princesa.
• Coron 2GO Travel ferry two times a week.
• Underground River - a UNESCO World Heritage site located roughly 50 km north of Puerto Princesa.