Before you go
Puerto Princesa with elderly parents: what to know
- Hire a van with a driver for the Underground River day rather than using jeepneys; it avoids long waits and rough seating.
- Boarding the boats at Sabang and Honda Bay means stepping over the side into shallow water, so ask the crew for a hand and wear water shoes with grip.
- Choose a hotel with a lift or ground-floor room; pavements in the city are narrow and crossings can be hard for slower walkers.
- Carry prescriptions and a medical summary. Wikipedia lists seven hospitals in the city, including Ospital ng Palawan and Palawan Adventist Hospital, so this is the best place on Palawan to be in an emergency.
- Take one main outing a day, start early, and rest in the afternoon; heat and humidity stay high through the year.
- Buy travel insurance with medical cover, and keep a few days spare for weather if you need to connect to an international flight.
Easiest first
Places in Puerto Princesa sorted by walking effort
Easy on the legs (10)
- Ima's Vegetarian Restaurant (Food and restaurants · 1 to 1.5 hours) — Eat-in restaurant in town; confirm whether there are steps or a lift. Portions are described as small, so older diners may want to order extra.
- Immaculate Conception Cathedral (Places of worship · 20 to 30 minutes) — Flat, central and easy to reach by tricycle. Pews offer seating inside. The plaza outside is shaded in parts, and traffic on Rizal Avenue is the only inconvenience.
- Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (Culture and craft · About 1.5 to 2 hours) — Mostly seen by road and short walks on flat ground. Facilities are basic, so carry water and use the toilet in town first. Not recommended for travellers who tire easily in the heat.
- Namaskar Vegetarian Restaurant (Food and restaurants · 45 to 60 minutes) — Simple eatery with no air conditioning and fans only. Seating is basic. Go when it is cooler and carry bottled water.
- Palawan Butterfly Garden (Places to visit · 30 to 45 minutes) — Short, mostly flat paths with some shade. A relaxed visit for most people, though uneven ground may need care.
- Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre (Places to visit · 1.5 to 2 hours) — Mostly flat paths, but Wikivoyage mentions wooden bridges in poor repair and shade is patchy. Seating is limited. A slow walk is possible for most people; ask staff about current conditions.
- Plaza Cuartel (Culture and craft · 30 to 45 minutes) — Mostly flat ground with limited shade and few places to sit. A short, slow walk; take water and a hat. The subject matter is sombre.
- Puerto Princesa Baywalk (Places to visit · 45 to 60 minutes) — Flat and paved, with open sky and breeze. Shade is limited at midday, so go late in the day. Seating is available at stalls and benches along the front.
- Sabang Beach (Places to visit · 1 to 3 hours (a stay with the cave trip)) — The beach is flat but sandy and there is limited shade. Facilities are basic, and the nearest large hospitals are in the city, about an hour and a half away.
- Ver De (Food and restaurants · 1 hour) — Ground-floor cafe in town, so no stairs on entry as listed. Portions and seating are those of a small cafe; ask staff about space for slower diners.
Some walking — plan a break (3)
- Honda Bay island hopping (Places to visit · Half day to full day) — Boarding is by wading over the side of a small bangka, and many island stops have little shade. Choose a private boat with crew help if anyone has knee or balance problems, and wear grip shoes.
- Puerto Princesa Underground River (Places to visit · Full day, with the drive) — The drive is long and the road can be uncomfortable. Boarding is by wading to a bangka from the beach, and the cave is dim and damp. Seating on the boat is simple, so ask for a hand and wear grip shoes. Anyone with severe mobility problems should think twice.
- Rizal Avenue (Shopping · 1 to 2 hours) — Flat, but pavements are narrow and crossings are limited, as Wikivoyage warns that drivers often do not yield to pedestrians. Heat and traffic noise are the main discomforts.
Lots of walking or steps — choose carefully (1)
- Ugong Rock (Sports · 1 to 2 hours) — Steep, narrow climbs and caves with uneven footing. Not suitable for travellers with knee, balance or breathing problems. Zip-lines add risk.
Base yourself well
Where to stay in Puerto Princesa with parents
Rizal Avenue and the city centreBest for: First-time visitors who want shops, restaurants and the cathedral on foot
San Pedro and the south sideBest for: A quieter base with a garden resort feel
Small decisions
Practical tips for Puerto Princesa
- Underground River permits. A permit is required to enter. Wikivoyage reports buying it in Sabang or through accommodation at a higher price, but booking routes change, so confirm with the city tourism office or your hotel before the trip.
- Heat and sun. The average maximum is about 31 C all year and humidity is high. Carry a hat, light long sleeves, sunscreen and water, and plan outdoor visits for early morning.
- Money. Pesos in cash are useful for tricycles, entrance fees and small restaurants; Namaskar and Grains are cash-only per HappyCow. Withdraw at ATMs in the city before heading to Sabang or El Nido.
- Getting around town. Tricycles and jeepneys cover short hops. Agree the fare before you start, and avoid inflated rates at the airport front, as Wikivoyage advises.
- Dress and manners. Beachwear is fine on boats and beaches. Cover shoulders and knees in the cathedral and at memorials, and ask before photographing people.
- Wildlife and shells. Do not take shells, coral or turtle products, and do not buy crocodile leather goods. Keep your distance from monkeys in the national park.
- Medical access. Wikipedia lists seven hospitals in the city. Outside it, help is limited. Carry medicines for the whole trip and buy travel insurance with medical cover.
- Weather planning. Boats can be cancelled in rough weather and the wet months run from October to December. Keep a spare day if you have a fixed flight.
Plan the rest of your Puerto Princesa trip
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Have Puerto Princesa planned around your parents
We build the route at their pace, book the stays, and can add a companion on the ground.