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.
- 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.
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.
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
- 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.
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.)
Weather and climate
Puerto Princesa: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
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 & 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.
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 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