Explore the Wonders of Puerto Princesa: Travel Guide
Puerto Princesa, the capital city of Palawan province, is a tropical paradise nestled in the heart of the Island, in the Southern Tagalog Region of Luzon. Verdant mountains, tourist attractions, and white sand beaches with crystal-clear blue waters surround the bustling industrial center of the capital city of Palawan.
If you are planning a trip to Palawan, you should not forget about Puerto Princesa. Apart from being the gateway to the Underground River, there are many things to do in Puerto Princesa. Here’s a comprehensive travel guide to help you plan your amazing trip to the tropical paradise of Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
A Brief History of Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa was named after Princess Asuncion, the daughter of Queen Isabella II and Francisco de Cadiz of Spain. After a tragic, untimely death, the Queen then named her Puerto de la Princesa. In the end, it got reduced to Puerto Princesa which we know of today.
The Port of Puerto Princesa was made the center of Spanish Naval Operations in May 1872. Puerto Princesa is a young settlement, only converted from a municipality to a city in 1970. Since then it has become Palawan’s primary hub for activities, and administration, with a rapidly increasing population and a bustling economy.
Measuring approx 2,380 square kilometers, it is the second-largest city geographically in the Philippines. Puerto Princesa has a population of more than 290,000. The original inhabitants of Puerto Princesa are called Cuyunons. Palawanos, Tagbanwas, Molbog, and Bataks are the other indigenous people of Palawan that live all over the Province.
When is the Best Time to Visit Puerto Princesa?
The best time to travel to Puerto Princesa would be during the dry season December to May. During this time, the humidity is high, the temperature is perfect, and the waves are calm. Puerto Princesa’s wet season is from the end of June to November.
Due to being the center and capital, Puerto Princesa is also the gateway to the adventures and natural treasures of Northern Palawan and the unexplored and equally stunning Southern Palawan. For more information on unforgettable Palawan adventures whether in Southern Palawan or Northern Palawan, get in touch with our team.
Palawan is known as the Philippines’ last frontier because of its location and the seemingly untouched forests in the province.
What are the Top Things To Do in Puerto Princesa?
There are many interesting places to see and activities to do within the city and its outskirts. Puerto Princesa is the gateway to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been included in the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
The Tubbataha Reef National Park is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and the No.1 dive spot in the Philippines. Some other famous things to do in Puerto Princesa are:
Island hopping, scuba diving, and snorkeling in Honda Bay.
Surfing and kitesurfing have also gained popularity, and tourists will surely love Puerto Princesa’s November to April winds for wind and wave sports. For more info and awesome recommendations on surfing and kitesurfing in Palawan, send us an email today!
Hiking and trekking should also be included in your itinerary. Some places and mountains to explore are Cleopatra’s Needle, Mount Bahile, Mount Beaufort, Mount Bloomfield, Mount Mantalingahan, Mount Victoria, Mount Bahile, the Jungle Trail, Monkey Trail, and Ugong Rock. Send us an email today!
How to Get to Puerto Princesa by Plane?
How to Get from Manila or Coron to Puerto Princesa by Ferry?
If you’re coming from Manila or Coron, the cheapest way to get to Puerto Princesa is by ferry. Choose this option if you have the time and not traveling during the monsoon season from June to November.
How to Get from the Northern Palawan to Puerto Princesa by Van?
If you are coming from the northern part of Palawan (El Nido, Port Barton, or San Vicente), you can rent a van to Puerto Princesa. From the Corong-Corong Terminal in El Nido, you can ride a shared air-conditioned van with the price range of PHP 500-600 or around USD 12, depending on the season.
The trip takes 5 to 6 hours. From Port Barton and San Vicente, the price starts at PHP 500 (USD 10), and the trip will take 3 to 5 hours.
You can also rent a private van for your group. The price starts at PHP 4,500 to PHP 6,500 (USD 90 to USD 130). So, you can feel more comfortable and be able to customize your trip and follow your own time.
How to Get from El Nido to Puerto Princesa by Bus?
By Bus - Two bus companies offer trips from El Nido to Puerto Princesa and vice versa: Cherry Bus and Roro Bus. A regular Roro Bus price ranges from PHP 560 or about USD 12 and an air-conditioned Cherry Bus for PHP 770 or around USD 15. The trip takes 7 to 8 hours.
Riding a bus or jeepney from Port Barton is also possible. The trip takes 4 to 5 hours, and the price range is PHP 250 or USD 5. Meanwhile, from San Vicente, the bus costs around PHP 200 or USD 4, and the journey takes 5 to 6 hours.
How to Get Around Puerto Princesa?
Traveling around Puerto Princesa by yourself or in a group is quite easy and straightforward. There are many modes of transport options available to suit your needs on getting from one place to the other. Here are the most common transport options in Puerto Princesa to choose from:
What are the Best Accommodations in Puerto Princesa?
Many hostels, resorts, and hotels are considered to be the best accommodations in Puerto Princesa. The majority of the hotels are within the islands, on the outskirts of the city. Those near the sea or have a beachfront are more expensive. They also offer more activities and better amenities.
What are the Best Restaurants in Puerto Princesa?
What are the Best Places to Visit in Puerto Princesa?
SUMMARY: Explore the Wonders of Puerto Princesa
Have you been to Puerto Princesa? Make sure to share your tips for other tourists to see!
Check out our El Nido and Coron travel guide for more amazing ways to explore Palawan - the Philippines’ last frontier.