Puerto Princesa is Palawan’s capital city and main entry point via Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS). It is best known for the UNESCO-listed Underground River, ethical whale shark tours (April–October), and Honda Bay island hopping. Two nights is the ideal stay — enough time for the whale shark tour, a second day activity, and Rizal Avenue dining.
Puerto Princesa at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Airport | Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) |
| Flights from | Manila (1h10m), Cebu (1h), Clark (1h20m) |
| City transport | Tricycles ₱10–50 · Grab available in city centre |
| Currency | Philippine Peso (PHP) — withdraw here before going north |
| Recommended stay | 2 nights minimum |
Top Tours from Puerto Princesa
1. Whale Shark & Dolphin Tour (April–October)
Tour Z’s 30ft speedboat departs at 7:00 AM from your city hotel (hotel pickup included). The wildlife zone is 20 minutes away. Drone-spot whale sharks from above, swim alongside wild animals that chose to surface near you. Wild spinner and bottlenose dolphin pods are frequently encountered in the channels.
₱3,500 per person · Max 12 guests · Returns 1:00 PM
Book the whale shark tour →
2. Puerto Princesa Underground River
A UNESCO World Heritage Site — one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. An 8.2km underground river flowing through a cave system with soaring limestone formations and bat colonies. Half-day trip. Book permits weeks ahead during peak season (December–April). Full packages ₱1,500–2,500.
3. Honda Bay Island Hopping
Visits Starfish Island, Cowrie Island, Luli Island, and Pandan Island — a 20-minute boat ride from the city pier. Half-day tour, ₱1,200–1,800 including lunch and fees. Good introduction to island hopping, though less impressive than Port Barton.
4. Firefly Watching — Iwahig River
Evening boat rides along mangrove channels where thousands of fireflies synchronise their flashing. Tours depart 6:00 PM, return by 9:00 PM. ₱500–800 per person.
Where to Eat in Puerto Princesa
| Restaurant | Known For | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Kinabuch’s (Rizal Ave) | Grilled tuna jaw, local seafood | ₱300–600/person |
| Ka Lui (Rizal Ave) | Set-menu Filipino feast in bamboo house | ₱500–800/person |
| Badjao Seafront | Bay views, grilled seafood at sunset | ₱300–500/person |
| Palengke (city market) | Early morning fresh produce and local food | ₱100–200/person |
Where to Stay
Best location: city centre near Rizal Avenue for restaurant access and easy tour pickups. Budget guesthouses: ₱700–1,200/night. Mid-range hotels: ₱2,500–4,500/night. Four-star options: ₱4,000–8,000/night.
Tour Z provides complimentary hotel pickup from Puerto Princesa city centre for whale shark tour guests — no transport logistics needed on tour day.
Getting Around
Tricycles (motorcycle with sidecar) are standard for short city trips — ₱10–50 per ride. Grab app available in city centre for metered fares. Tour Z provides complimentary hotel pickup for whale shark tour guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days should I spend in Puerto Princesa?
Two nights is ideal — Day 1 for the whale shark tour (returns 1:00 PM), Day 2 for the Underground River or Honda Bay, evenings for Rizal Avenue dining. Three nights allows a more relaxed pace.
Can I do the whale shark tour and Underground River on the same day?
No. The whale shark tour departs at 7:00 AM and returns around 1:00 PM. The Underground River requires a separate half-day or full day including the permit and boat transfer. Plan them on consecutive days.
Is Grab available in Puerto Princesa?
Yes, Grab operates in the city centre. Tricycles remain standard for short trips and are often faster for short distances.
When should I book the whale shark tour?
Book 2–4 weeks ahead during peak season (April–October). The 12-guest maximum means dates sell out quickly in June–August.
