Major city · 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.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Best months
- Dec–May (dry season)
- avoid Jun–Oct (wet, rougher seas)
- Airport
- PPS
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 5Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
- Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
- Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
- Philippines ↗Complete the free eTravel registration on the official government site within 72 hours before arrival; ignore lookalike sites that charge.
- Philippines ↗Typhoon season runs roughly June to November: flights and boats are cancelled at short notice; buy flexible tickets and keep a spare day.
- Philippines ↗Carry pesos in small notes; many stalls, jeepneys and taxis are cash-only.
What is in this basic guide5 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
- Forecast and monthly weather
- Where to sleep2 areas
- Getting around
- What to watch out for3 notes
- Airports1 airport
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Puerto Princesa, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Philippine pesos (₱) in small notes for jeepneys, market stalls, tips and taxis; malls and hotels take cards.Philippines-wide
- SIM or eSIMGlobe and Smart sell SIMs at airports; SIM registration with passport is required by law.Philippines-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; refill stations cheap.Philippines-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% if no service charge.Philippines-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B/C. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Philippines-wide
- RestroomsCalled 'CR' (comfort room); bring tissue; many lack toilet seats.Philippines-wide
Show all 11 answers
- Emergency numberscheck911 National emergency · Check locally tourist police · Check locally coast guardPhilippines-wide
- Sundays & holidaysHoly Week shuts much; malls open daily; banks closed weekends.Philippines-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportPPS Puerto Princesa International (Close to the city; tricycle or taxi.).
- Getting aroundTricycles cover the city; vans and tour operators run to the Underground River and Honda Bay.
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PPS Puerto Princesa International (Close to the city; tricycle or taxi.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
Feb
Best
Mar
Best
Apr
Best
May
Best
Jun
Avoid
Jul
Avoid
Aug
Avoid
Sep
Avoid
Oct
Avoid
Nov
not flagged
Dec
Best
Best: Dec–May. Avoid: Jun–Oct. Month by month →
Weather and climate
Puerto Princesa: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting 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.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
City centre
Restaurants and tour offices close by.
Along Rizal Avenue
Tour offices and budget-to-mid-range hotels.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Watch out
- 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.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Puerto Princesa. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–May (dry season) · avoid Jun–Oct (wet, rougher seas)
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast
- 3 things to watch out for
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
- officialPhilippines Department of Tourism
- secondaryWikivoyage — Puerto Princesa