Puerto Princesa is the capital of Palawan and the main gateway to the island. Wikipedia describes it as a highly urbanized city of about 316,000 people, governed independently of the province. Spanish colonists founded the settlement in 1872 as Puerto de la Princesa, and today it is the place where most visitors land, shop for supplies and sleep before heading north to El Nido or west to the Underground River.
The headline attraction is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, usually called the Underground River. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New7Wonders of Nature, and you visit it by outrigger boat from the village of Sabang, roughly a day trip from the city. Closer to town there is Honda Bay for island hopping, a crocodile and wildlife rescue centre, a farming penal colony, a few small museums, and a waterfront Baywalk that locals use in the evening.
The city itself is modest. Rizal Avenue is the commercial spine, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and Plaza Cuartel sit close together, and most of what you need is a short tricycle ride away. It is flatter and easier than El Nido, with the best hospitals on Palawan, which matters for older travellers. The weak spot is food for vegetarian and Jain diners: there are a few vegetarian and plant-based cafes, but we found no Jain or Indian restaurant we could confirm.
For an Indian family, two to three nights is a sensible stay: one day for the Underground River, one for Honda Bay or the city, and a spare day for weather. Most people then continue to El Nido, Coron or back to Manila or Cebu.
Before you plan
Puerto Princesa at a glance
- Best months
- Roughly January to April is the…Roughly January to April is the driest stretch, with the calmest seas from about March to early June; the wettest months are October to December, per PAGASA normals on Wikipedia
- Ideal trip length
- 2 to 3 nights: one day for the…2 to 3 nights: one day for the Underground River, one for Honda Bay or the city, one spare for weather
- Airport
- Puerto Princesa International AirportPuerto Princesa International Airport (PPS), within the city; Wikipedia lists Cebu Pacific and PAL Express flights to Manila, Cebu and other cities. No direct India flights found
- Railway station
- NoneNone. There are no passenger trains in Palawan; use flights, buses, vans, jeepneys and tricycles
- Getting around
- Tricycles and jeepneys in townTricycles and jeepneys in town; a hired van or car with driver for the Underground River and the north of the city
- Daily budget
- Roughly ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 per person…Roughly ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 per person per day excluding flights and hotel, for food, local transport and one tour; private vans and resorts cost more. Treat local prices as a guide
- Senior comfort
- Easier than most of Palawan: flat cityEasier than most of Palawan: flat city, several hospitals, but boat boarding at Sabang and Honda Bay, heat and uneven paths need care
- Language
- Tagalog is the main languageTagalog is the main language, with Cuyonon and other languages; English is widely used by hotels and tour operators
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Puerto Princesa: January, February, March. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Puerto Princesa itinerary
One good day
1 day in Puerto Princesa
Leave early by hired van for Sabang, about an hour and a half each way according to Wikivoyage. Take the boat into the park with your pre-arranged permit, eat lunch in Sabang and return by mid-afternoon. Keep the evening free for a short walk on the Baywalk.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Puerto Princesa
Go early to Sabang, book the cave boat ride and give the afternoon to rest on Sabang beach before the drive back.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Puerto Princesa
A full Sabang day with the cave boat and a slow lunch.
Day-by-day plan →
