Puerto Princesa Adventure Tours: Philippines Travel Diary
Our 3-day food tour around Manila and Visa extension processing gave us more time to wander around the stunning and spellbinding sites in this vibrant city. We could not get enough of the delicious street foods, mouth-watering Korean cuisines, and instagrammable fish-shaped Japanese ice cream. Manila has a bunch of accommodations, activities, and foods to offer to its guests, which makes it a must-explore destination.
For this 3-day (Day 21-23) trip, we were on an island-hopping adventure and some cave exploration, where we got to see different amazing wonders of nature. We were thrilled to discover what this magical coastal island has to offer.
Travel Diary for Day 21-23:
Palawan is the Philippines' largest province when it comes to total land area, as it runs from Mindoro in the northeast to Borneo in the southwest. Although many tourists visit El Nido and Coronin Palawan's northernmost part, Puerto Princesa is the island's main gateway– being the province's capital.
Palawan, has been frequently featured in news articles and magazines as one of the world's best islands. You will surely understand why, if you pay it a visit. Can you imagine yourself being surrounded with limestone rock formations, turquoise seas, and white-sand beaches with crystal-clear waters? As a bonus, you’ll get to meet friendly locals in a relaxing atmosphere. These are only a few of the many things that you can experience during your visit to this marvelous tourist destination in MiMaRoPa Region.
Day 21: How do we get from Manila to Puerto Princesa by Plane?
13 March:
We slept in longer than usual because it was already dawn when we came home. After checking out from the hotel, we went to Italiannis at the Robinsons Mall in Malate, Metro Manila to grab some lunch. The food was good, especially the bread served with olive oil. But, the pizza was not the best we had in the Philippines so far.
Next, we went to NAIA Airport (known as Manila Airport present) and took off to Puerto Princesa International Airport, Palawan MiMaRoPa Region. Our flight was delayed, but it did not stress us – not at all. Though it was a quite shaky and turbulent take off, it was a normal scenario for flights going to Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
As we touched down Palawan, we moved our way to Barracuda Inn, Puerto Princesa and decided to have lunch at the Kinabuch’s Grill and Bar in Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa,Palawan. Both the food and the customer service were worth-recommending.
If you are coming to the Philippines, here is what you need to know about the Manila International Airport (NAIA) travel guide, the main international gateway for travelers to the Philippines.
What are the Best Accommodations in Puerto Princesa?
Puerto Princesa is currently a booming travel destination for both local and foreign tourists. Because of the constantly escalating influx of visitors year by year, accommodations have also improved. Here are your options for the best accommodations in Puerto Princesa.
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What is the average cost of backpacker hostels in Puerto Princesa?
If you think that guesthouses and hostels are just known for affordable accommodations, think again. Aside from providing a cheap place to stay for tourists, this option is well-suited for travelers who want to meet like-minded people during their trip.
It has shared facilities, like a common kitchen or a game room. So, travelers from all over the world can exchange tips, techniques, and travel stories as they share these facilities with others.
Backpacker hostels in Puerto Princesa are usually priced at PHP 1000 or USD 20. There are hostels that include breakfast for two in their rates. So, it pays to check inclusions for rates quoted.
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What is the average cost of budget hotels in Puerto Princesa?
Looking for more affordable options in your accommodation? Choose to stay at budget hotels as you enjoy your vacation in Puerto Princesa City. Although budget hotel rooms are usually relatively small, the spaces are cozy and sleek.
The cost of rooms in budget hotels in Puerto Princesa starts at PHP 1,500 or USD 30 per night, which can already accommodate two to three persons. To top that off, these rates are already inclusive of breakfast. Remarkable, isn’t it?
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How to find the best luxurious hotels in Puerto Princesa?
Puerto Princesa in Palawan, MiMaRoPa Region, is known for its scenic vistas of islands, rivers, natural attractions, and recreational opportunities. At this point, you might be planning to upgrade your Puerto Princesa staycation experience and enjoy more secluded accommodation. In that case, a luxurious hotel room is the best way to go.
Luxury hotels are available in Puerto Princesa. They are often situated away from the hustle and bustle of the noisy city, making them the perfect getaway for travelers who look for a serene place to stay. These hotels are usually located near the heart of the city, and are also close to many tourist attractions. You deserve a perfect place to stay on the island, so give it a go.
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How to book accommodation in Airbnb Puerto Princesa?
Aside from privacy during travels, booking an Airbnb lets you have a peek at the locals' way of life. By simply staying in a local's home, you get to see small but interesting details of their culture, which may be unique from yours.
Prices for a single-bedroom apartment usually begin at PHP 600 or USD 12 per night, which can already cater up to three adult guests. If you find this type of accommodation worth considering, go ahead and check out different Airbnb listings in Puerto Princesa.
Day 22: How do we Explore the Tourist Spots of Puerto Princesa?
14 March:
We had wanted to go on an island-hopping trip in Honda Bay, as planned. But, we canceled it because the weather turned bad the night before. Upon waking up the following morning, the beautiful sunshine greeted us. So, we decided to rent motorbikes to take a quick tour and explore the spots in the City of Puerto Princesa.
Our first stop was the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, which was built by the Spanish in 1872. We then headed on to the Plaza Cuartel, a memorial park for fallen American soldiers during the war against the Japanese in 1945. Both of these sites can be found in Taft Street, Puerto Princesa Palawan (MiMaRoPa Region).
The Americans were allies of the Philippines for a long time. Get a quick overview of when the Americans colonized and freed the Philippines.
How do we Explore Nagtabon Beach by Motorcycle?
We took the motorcycle to Nagtabon Beach in the north of Puerto Princesa, which is around 28 kilometers away or less than an hour drive from the city proper. Driving a motorcycle is one of the common transportation options when getting around the Philippines. The beach is absolutely stunning, and not crowded by tourists. On our way there, the weather turned bad – dark clouds moved overhead and the wind picked up.
So, we stopped for a while to check the radar on our phones and discussed what to do. It didn’t look good, but we decided to keep moving. Luckily, our courage was rewarded by the sight of an amazing sunset and pleasant weather as we reached the beach.
Know about the weather and the best time to visit the Philippines to have an idea of what to expect when traveling to a tropical country.
How do we get from Nagtabon Beach back to Puerto Princesa?
Having been spoiled by the sight of the stunning beach, bad luck caught us up again. While we were on our way back, our bike’s chain broke. So, we had to stop by the road to fix it. Stranded in the middle of nowhere, we looked for some help, and found a house nearby. So, we came to approach its owners, but three big dogs came barking at us.
We were not sure if we should proceed, so decided to honk instead. Thankfully somebody heard us and came out from the house. It was a farmer family, who was very friendly. He offered us water and help. The young farmer boy gave us a ride back to Puerto Princesa for a very small fee. By the time we got back to our accommodation in Puerto Princesa, it was very late.
We tried to contact the motorbike rental place to ask for help, but they offered no solution. When looking for reliable motorbike rental in the Philippines, it should have a license and a business permit to operate. On top of that, it should also have emergency numbers so that you know who to contact in case of motorcycle emergencies and repair necessities during the trip.
Google My Maps Puerto Princesa Travel Adventures: Day 21-23
If planning a trip to Puerto Princesa, check out the Google My Maps below to experience activities and adventures, and get to know different routes and directions, accommodations to stay, attractions to visit, and restaurants to dine in. Visit the Puerto Princesa travel Google My Map to learn more about our Philippines Travel routes and adventures.
Day 23: How do we get to Puerto Princesa Subterranean Underground River Tour?
Day 23 :
For today (Day 23), the first thing we did was travel from Sabang to Puerto Princesa , Palawan MiMaRoPa Region. We booked a fully-arranged tour from a local tour agency to visit the underground river . Doing so saves you from the hassle of getting the right permit to enter the government-regulated cave.
When we Sabang from Puerto Princesa arrived in, we tested the Zip-line crossing the open ocean. It could be a little faster, but it was fun with a nice overlooking view of the shore.
From there, we went to the Subterranean River National Park that is within St. Paul Mountain Range, Puerto Princesa Palawan in the region of MiMaRoPa. As a UNESCO world heritage site , this is one of the best places to visit in Puerto Princesa.
Into the caves, Zak slipped and left his camera with a nasty scratch. After exploring the underground river, we decided to go straight to El Nido from Sabang . Next, we headed to the Lexus-Minivan and explained that we would like to go to Sabang, instead of taking on a journey back to Puerto Princesa City . But, it turned out to be a bad decision in the end.
Since we had already pre-booked the van as an inclusion of our underground river tour package, it took us many phone calls with the van company to make the Sabang trip somehow possible.
How do we get from Sabang to El Nido by Van?
In the end, we got confirmation that we could take the van from Sabang to El Nido for a small added fee. We wouldn't do it again, as it turned out to be so complicated and time-consuming. We went back to Puerto Princesa by taking a regular bus.
Traveling around Puerto Princesa by yourself or with a group of friends or family members is such a fun experience. There are many travel options to get around Puerto Princesa. But, the most flexible way is renting motorbikes or scooters from reputable rental companies. If you need any more information or assistance from experienced travelers around Palawan, you may contact us or visit our page . We will be glad to help you!
The simple trip turned into an adventure when the van suddenly stopped after 40 minutes of being on the road. A guy asked us if we had already paid for the trip, and we said yes. But, we were told to leave the van and wait for another one to get us to our destination.
We were already very anxious when we were told to wait 45 minutes for the next van to pick us up. Unfortunately, we waited longer than what we were told. So we just enjoyed each other’s company instead.
Before exploring the beautiful beaches and sights in the country, many tourists are interested to know some fun facts about the Philippines.
How do we get from Sabang to El Nido?
At around 11 p.m, we reached El Nido in the northernmost part of Palawan, MiMaRoPa Region. The entire trip felt like we’re inside a washing machine. The van took us to the El Nido Transport Terminal in Rizal Street, El Nido Palawan. From there, we took a tricycle to get to our accommodation.
Anyway, we were just happy to be there. We don’t recommend the transport company we hired. Rent a private van instead, because it is the fastest option to travel from Puerto Princesa to El Nido and vice versa.
A van rental can give you more space and privacy when traveling with a small group. It is a much better option than riding on public vans that have limited space. Minivans (HIACE, URVAN) leave when it is full with about 15 passengers. This is how most public transport options work in the Philippines. Sometimes you have to learn things the hard way.
If you aren’t sure which places to visit in the Philippines, start a tour by visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines. These sites are legally protected by international treaties.
Google My Maps Philippines Travel Diary: Day 1 to Day 51
Check out the Google Maps below, to have an overview of the entire 51 days of Philippines travel adventure including exciting attractions and activities we did, destinations we explored, and travel directions in the Philippines.
Philippines Tour Adventures from Day: 1 to Day: 51
Filipinos are one of the most pleasant people that you would love to meet. They are warm and accommodating, which makes the entire experience more remarkable when you visit the Philippines. Here is a complete overview of the Philippines Travel Diary experience for our 51 Days trip to the different destinations in the Philippines in 2017:
Day 1-2: Manila Adventure Tours
Day 3-4: Bantayan Island Adventure Tours
Day 5-6: Cebu City & South Cebu Adventure Tours
Day 7-8: Southern Visayas Island of Negros Adventure Tours
Day 9-11: Siquijor Island Adventure Tours
Day 12-14: Guimaras Island Adventure Tours
Day 15-17: Gigantes Island Adventure Tours
Day 18-20: Philippine Visa Extension & Food Tours in Metro Manila
Day 21-23: Puerto Princesa Adventure Tours
Day 24-25: El Nido Adventure Tours
Day 26-27: El Nido Motorbike Adventure & Puerto Princesa Island Hopping Tour
Day 28-29: Baguio City Adventure Tours
Day 30-31: Sagada Adventure Tours
Day 32-33: Buscalan, Kalinga Adventure Tours
Day 34: Banaue, Batad Rice Terraces Adventure Tours
Day 35-36: Pangasinan Adventure Tours
Day 37-38: Hundred Islands National Park Adventure Tours
Day 42-47: Metro Manila Adventure Tours
Day 40-41: Leyte Eastern Visayas Adventure Tours
Day 48- 50: The Bamboo Paraiso Beach Resort & Hundred Islands Adventures
Day 51: Best Tour in Pangasinan & Back to Manila
Why do we Create the Philippines Travel Guide?
Zak and Dani created the Philippines Travel Guide while on 51 days Philippines travel adventure in 2017. Focused on the idea to explore travel routes and documenting location information by using the Google Maps application in the Philippines.
We created a detailed Philippines travel diary each day about our Philippines eco-adventure traveling experiences, including the production of pictures and videos of our trip through the Philippine archipelago.
Philippines Travel Guide is passionate about helping other self-minded adventure travel lovers, to make the best out of the trip to the Philippines by providing real information that passionate travelers and enthusiasts need to know about the archipelago.
Philippines Travel Guide is an ongoing process to work out public shared and detailed Google MyMaps of the entire Philippines to provide easy navigation for travelers.
This website also contains a collection of interesting authentic insights and travel tips and tricks and destinations in the Philippines.
SUMMARY: Puerto Princesa Adventure Tours
By motorbike, we enjoyed getting lured with the crystal-clear beach. We also visited historical sites like the Spanish-built cathedral and memorial park. On top of that, getting to know helpful island people was such a notable experience.
We had the best time discovering Puerto Princesa, but it is time to move on to the next destination. We will still be in Palawan for the next three days (Day 24-25) to witness the white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and limestone rock formations in El Nido located in the Bacuit archipelago.
Still got more questions going around Palawan? Be it North or South, feel free to get in touch so that we can lend a hand. Aside from our knowledge about the island province of Palawan, we have traveled several connections in the area that could help you have a safe and comfortable trip.
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