How many days do I need?
Two to four full days cover the highlights at a comfortable pace for most travellers.
🇵🇭 Philippines travel guide
Asia · South-Eastern Asia
Puerto Princesa / Palawan Travel Guide
Things to do in Puerto Princesa / Palawan — Underground river and emerald lagoons
Why visit Puerto Princesa / Palawan
Puerto Princesa is the gateway to Palawan's UNESCO underground river, Honda Bay islets and staging posts for El Nido's limestone lagoons — the Philippines at its wildest.
Puerto Princesa / Palawan is a stop in Philippines, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 2 days. If time is short, prioritise Puerto Princesa Underground River, Honda Bay island hopping, Firefly watching instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 30–90 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: December–May for dry season. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
December–May for dry season
Weather
Tropical — wet Jun–Nov; typhoon season possible
Airport
Puerto Princesa International (PPS)
Getting around
Tour vans to Sabang; tricycle in city; boats for Honda Bay
Experiences
Things to do in Puerto Princesa / Palawan
1
Puerto Princesa Underground River
2
Honda Bay island hopping
3
Firefly watching
4
Palawan Wildlife Rescue Center
5
Sabang beach
6
El Nido day-trip staging
7
Local seafood markets
8
City Baywalk
Budget travel
Free things to do in Puerto Princesa / Palawan
Sabang beach
Local seafood markets
City Baywalk
Nagtabon Beach
Palawan Special Battalion WW2 Memorial Museum
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Puerto Princesa / Palawan itinerary (2 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
- Visit Butterfly Garden
- Visit White Beach
- Eat at A&A Seafood Palace
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Plaza Cuartel
- Eat at Ditchay's
Prefer a full 11-day trip with costs and FAQs? Read the Puerto Princesa / Palawan itinerary guide.
Budget
Puerto Princesa / Palawan trip cost
Budget
USD 15–35
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 30–90
per person / day
Luxury
USD 105–170+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Puerto Princesa / Palawan, Philippines. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Puerto Princesa / Palawan
Estimated total (USD)
$1,760
≈ $880 per person · $251 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $55/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Puerto Princesa / Palawan mid-range ground costs (budget 15–35 · mid 30–90 · luxury 105–170+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $$
KaLui Restaurant
Filipino seafood · Barefoot dining institution
- $$
Badjao Seafront Restaurant
Seafood · Stilt-house waterfront favourite
- $$
Kinabuch's Grill and Bar
Filipino · Local expat favourite
- $
Baker's Hill
Bakery · Hopia and hopia garden stop
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort
Sabang · Near underground river
- $$$
Hue Hotels Puerto Princesa
City centre · Modern city-base hotel
- $$$
Blue Palawan Beach Club
City outskirts · Beach-club resort stay
Shopping
- Robinsons Place Palawan
- NCCC Mall
- Baker's Hill souvenirs
- Puerto Princesa public market
Nightlife
- Baywalk Park stalls
- Rizal Avenue bars
- Honda Bay sunset cruises
Museums & culture
- Palawan Heritage Center
- Palawan Special Battalion WW2 Memorial Museum
- Ethnographic Museum
Local foods to try
- Crocodile sisig
- Tamilok woodworm
- Fresh seafood
- Halo-halo
Hidden gems
- Firefly watching Iwahig
- Nagtabon Beach
- Sabang village
Travel tips
- Underground river permits sell out — book weeks ahead
- El Nido is 5–6 hours north by van
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen for island hops
In pictures
Puerto Princesa / Palawan gallery
Photos: Matikas 0805, Glennjarz, originally uploaded by en:User:RioHondo — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Puerto Princesa / Palawan travel FAQs
What are the best things to do in Puerto Princesa / Palawan?
Top picks in Puerto Princesa / Palawan include Puerto Princesa Underground River, Honda Bay island hopping, Firefly watching, Palawan Wildlife Rescue Center. See the full list and itinerary on this Puerto Princesa / Palawan travel guide.
When is the best time to visit Puerto Princesa / Palawan?
December–May for dry season.
How many days do I need in Puerto Princesa / Palawan?
Plan at least 2 days in Puerto Princesa / Palawan for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Puerto Princesa / Palawan?
Popular stays in Puerto Princesa / Palawan include Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort, Hue Hotels Puerto Princesa, Blue Palawan Beach Club. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Puerto Princesa / Palawan cost?
On the ground in Puerto Princesa / Palawan (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 15–35 per person per day, mid-range about 30–90, and luxury about 105–170+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Puerto Princesa / Palawan, Philippines. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
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