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Back to Puerto Princesa

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Voykit pocket guide · Philippines

Puerto Princesa

Use Puerto Princesa as a one- or two-night gateway for the Underground River and Honda Bay before moving on to El Nido or Port Barton.

Puerto Princesa is the capital of Palawan. The city itself is a working town; the draw is the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and Honda Bay's islands, and it is the usual entry point by air to Palawan. Underground River visits run on a capped daily permit system through licensed operators.

Cebu CityDavao CityBaguioPuerto Princesa200 kmdots: other places in this guide
Sketch, not to navigate by: shapes follow this guide’s areas and places, not official boundaries. North is up.
Country
Philippines
Best months
Dec–May (dry season)
Avoid
Jun–Oct (wet, rougher seas)
Stay
1–2 nights

Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.

Essentials

Currency
PHP
Money
Philippine pesos (₱) in small notes for jeepneys, market stalls, tips and taxis; malls and hotels take cards.
SIM and data
Globe and Smart sell SIMs at airports; SIM registration with passport is required by law.
Emergency
National emergency 911 · Tourist police Check locally · Coast Guard Check locally
Plugs
Types A, B, C · 220 V · 60 Hz · US flat pins common; check your devices for 220 V.
Tipping
Restaurants: 10% if no service charge.; Grab / taxi: Round up.; Boat crew: ₱100–200 per tour.; Massage: ₱50–100.
Water
Not drinkable from the tap; refill stations cheap.
Toilets
Called 'CR' (comfort room); bring tissue; many lack toilet seats.

Get in

By air

PPS · Puerto Princesa International
Close to the city; tricycle or taxi.

Get around

Tricycles cover the city; vans and tour operators run to the Underground River and Honda Bay. Book the Underground River permit through a licensed operator in advance, since daily visitor numbers are capped.

See and do

Known for

  • Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
  • Honda Bay island hopping
  • Iwahig firefly watching
  • Palawan gateway
  • Seafood

Sleep

City centre
Restaurants and tour offices close by.
Along Rizal Avenue
Tour offices and budget-to-mid-range hotels.

Language

English is an official language and the language of business, schools and signs, so travel is easy. Filipino (Tagalog) is the national language; Cebuano (Bisaya) dominates the Visayas and Mindanao. Taglish mixes both.

  • 'Salamat' (thank you), 'po' for politeness, 'magkano?' (how much?).
  • Facebook Messenger is how businesses and boats are booked.

Etiquette, safety and scams

Etiquette

  • Greeting: Smile, handshake; 'po' to elders; avoid: Loud confrontation
  • Beckoning: Palm down, wave; avoid: Palm up (used for animals)
  • Invitations: Accept food offered or decline politely; avoid: Refusing bluntly
  • Time: Expect 'Filipino time' socially; avoid: Lateness for flights and boats
  • Churches: Covered clothes; avoid: Loud tours during Mass

Scams and watch-outs

  • Underground River permits are capped and often sell out; book several days ahead.
  • Boat trips to Honda Bay and beyond can be cancelled in rough weather; leave buffer time before onward travel.
  • Use only licensed tour operators and boats; check life jackets are provided.

One and two days

No timed day plan for Puerto Princesa yet. Suggested stay: 1–2 nights. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.

  • Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
  • Honda Bay island hopping
  • Iwahig firefly watching
  • Palawan gateway
  • Seafood

Sources

Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.

Pocket card

Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.

Puerto Princesa

My hotel (write the name and address in the local script)

Voykit · checked 2026-09

Printed from Voykit (/puerto-princesa). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.