Ever heard of kambak-kambak syndrome?
Previous to our final Puerto Princesa journey, Iād by no means encountered this time period earlier than. You understand how you are inclined to return to a vacation spot over and over? It appears to occur lots in Palawan, and so the locals gave it a reputation ā kambak-kambak ā a tongue-in-cheek spin to ācome again, come againā. On condition that our crew have set foot in Puerto Princesa a number of occasions over the previous decade, if it have been an actual situation, we most likely had caught it, too!
Whether or not itās your first time otherwise youāre a kambak-kambak traveler, weāve put collectively this Puerto Princesa journey information that will help you plan a hassle-free journey!
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
The capital of the province of Palawan, Puerto Princesa is a first-class, extremely urbanized metropolis. However regardless of the fast improvement over time, it retains its rustic and partly suburban vibe; because of the traces of bushes and the plush greenery that cowl the realm. No surprise itās usually dubbed āThe Metropolis within the Forestā and has been acknowledged as one of many cleanest and greenest cities within the nation.
Strategically situated in the course of Palawan, it serves as the first gateway to the primary island. Though it could take hours, you possibly can entry as much as El Nido within the northernmost tip or Bataraza within the south, which serves because the soar off level to the legendary Balabac Islands. Town correct faces Sulu Sea to the southeast, however its territory reaches till the West Philippine Sea to the northwest. Puerto Princesa can also be the second largest metropolis within the Philippines, subsequent solely to Davao.
Dubbed because the Eco-Tourism Middle of the Philippines, Puerto Princesa is thought for its organized and synchronized tourism business. Varied sectors like tour guides, boat operators, and tricycle drivers work collectively. The excursions are regulated and monitored by the Tourism Workplace, therefore standardized excursions are provided to vacationers. The most well-liked is a tour of the Puerto Princesa Underground River, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and voted as one of many New7Wonders of Nature in 2012.
Listed below are some important data that you just would possibly discover helpful to know earlier than going to Puerto Princesa.
Puerto Princesa is open to all vacationers no matter their vaccination standing. We didnāt expertise any doc inspection upon arrival within the metropolis. However airline employees do ask to see the next upon checkin:
- Legitimate ID
- Vaccination card or VaxCertPH (for totally vaccinated vacationers)
Nevertheless, when youāre coming from a spot underneath Alert Stage 2 or greater, a destructive antigen take a look at outcome legitimate inside someday previous to departure is required.
The Puerto Princesa Worldwide Airport (PPS) serves as the primary gateway to town and different municipalities in Palawan. Most home airways ā Philippine Airways, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia ā have flights to and from Puerto Princesa, so on the lookout for one wouldn’t be an issue.
Puerto Princesa Airport to Metropolis Middle
The Puerto Princesa Worldwide Airport is situated inside the metropolis middle. From right here, going to areas inside the metropolis correct would take solely couple of minutes.
Probably the most handy mode of transportation from the airport is the tricycle. Tricycles might be discovered parked exterior the airport, ready for passengers. Youāll need to stroll a bit to the gate and exit the airport to journey one.
Listed below are the fares from the airport to completely different elements of town. Tricycles can accommodate as much as 3 folks.
- Inside the metropolis middle: P150
- To San Jose Terminal: P200
- To Honda Bay: P500
In the event youāre booked with an upscale resort or resort, double examine with the administration first and see if they provide free airport transfers.
Numerous lodging are located inside the metropolis middle, not too removed from the airport. Beachfront motels or resorts are often situated a bit farther. Staying within the metropolis correct is good if you wish to see extra of town and have quick access to its many eating places and retailers.
Prime Price range Motels & Guesthouses in Puerto Princesa
Listed below are a few of the top-ranking however inexpensive properties on Agoda with over 100 critiques:
Fashionable Puerto Princesa Resorts
You probably have a much bigger funds, listed here are a few of the most well-known properties within the metropolis.
Lots of the sights in Puerto Princesa might be visited as a part of a tour. Though it’s potential to drag a DIY to save lots of on the prices, reserving a packaged tour will make it extra handy and hassle-free. Whenever you avail of 1, youāll even have a skilled tour information who may give you extra data and insights about every spot, permitting you to understand it extra.
On this part, weāll share with you one of the best sights and actions in Puerto Princesa, grouped based on the excursions that theyāre often part of. Weāll embody prices for each packaged and DIY excursions.
Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour
Townās most well-known vacationer spot, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, a Ramsar Wetland Web site, and one of many New 7 Wonders of Nature.
On a paddle boat, youāll be led by a information on a journey into the cave that shelters the underground river. The tour covers solely the primary 1.5 kilometers, however the river measures 8.2 kilometers lengthy in full. Some elements are open solely to scientists and different permitted explorers.
Contained in the cave, you will notice gorgeous stalactites, stalagmites and the varied formations that took form for over 1000’s of years. Youāll additionally be taught extra in regards to the cave system by the supplied audio information.
You probably have restricted time or funds and will solely avail of 1 packaged tour, this needs to be it. The PPUR administration solely permits a restricted variety of vacationers per day. Due to this, walk-ins aren’t allowed and superior reservation is required. In the event you guide a tour with a journey company or tour operator, they’ll deal with the paperwork for you. Youāll additionally keep away from the difficulty of arranging transportation to Sabang Seaside which is the jump-off level, round one and a half hours away.
Packaged excursions often embody:
- roundtrip land switch to Sabang Seaside
- roundtrip boat switch to the underground river
- audio information
- lunch
You may additionally avail this tour through Klook for P1900. However if in case you have extra time and greater funds, take into account doing a 3-in-1 Sabang Tour. At P3550, it consists of the next:
- Underground River Tour
- Sabang X Zipline
- Mangrove Paddle Tour
Verify up to date charges or guide under:
ā BOOK UNDERGROUND RIVER TOUR HERE!
ā BOOK UNDERGROUND RIVER + SABANG ZIPLINE + MANGROVE PADDLE TOUR!
Honda Bay Tour
Honda Bay Tour is an island hopping exercise that can take you to a minimum of three islands not too far-off from town. As of this writing, solely 3 islands are open for island hopping excursions: Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island.
In the event youāre touring with a big group, pulling a DIY will help you save. In the event youāre touring solo, with a small group otherwise you merely need the comfort of availing a packaged tour, journey businesses and motels often supply this tour for P1500 per particular person.
In the event you plan to journey independently, listed here are the charges for personal boats. Youāll see two costs as a result of you may have two boat choices: 3-cylinder and 4-cylinder boats.
- 3 Islands (Starfish, Luli & Cowrie): P1800 to P2100
- 2 Islands (Luli & Cowrie solely): P1500 to P1800
You may additionally decide to skip the island hopping if in case you have a specific island you need to go to.
Thereās additionally an environmental price that it’s a must to pay on the wharf. Listed below are the charges:
- Environmental price: P150
- Terminal price: P5
- Goggles & snorkel rental: P150
- Full face masks rental: P200
- Aqua footwear rental: P150
- Fins rental: P150
Every island additionally has a separate entrance price and cottage rental charges as nicely. Listed below are the doorway charges per island.
- Cowrie Island: P100
- Luli Island: P70
- Starfish Island: P50
If you wish to keep away from the effort of paying these charges by yourself, you possibly can simply guide a packaged tour. Honda Bay Excursions are inclusive of land and boat transfers, entrance and cottages charges, and lunch. You may additionally avail this tour through Klook!
Puerto Princesa Metropolis Tour
This half-day tour might be completed both within the morning or afternoon. Tour operators often supply this tour for P600 per particular person, however you may as well constitution a tricycle for P1000 per car, which may accommodate as much as 3 folks.
Town tour often consists of the next stops:
- Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Middle. First referred to as Crocodile Farming Institute, it retains and breeds two species of crocodiles: the Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) and the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). Rescued animals are additionally housed on this facility, particularly these which can be endemic to the province.
- Plaza Cuartel. A historic sq., Plaza Cuartel was an outdated garrison the place the Palawan Bloodbath occurred in December 1944. 100 fifty American prisoners of warfare have been saved in a tunnel throughout World Struggle II till they have been killed by the Japanese by burning them alive. Eleven prisoners have been capable of escape and survive. Their names are actually displayed on a plaque contained in the plaza.
- Binuatan Creations. A present store the place you should buy handloom woven merchandise produced from Palawanās native grasses and fibers. Except for purchasing, you may as well see how the merchandise are made of their workshop and even strive weaving your self!
- Mitraās Ranch. This property sitting on high of a hill in Brgy. Sta. Monica is owned by the late Senator Ramon Mitra and his household. It’s open to the general public and serves as a viewpoint.
- Bakerās Hill. Fashionable for his or her hopia and different pastries, that is the same old pasalubong cease! Itās additionally a park with many picture-worthy corners and has an in-house restaurant if you wish to seize a chew.
If you wish to have a extra comfy tour in an air-conditioned van, you possibly can avail this tour on Klook.
Firefly Watching Tour
Spend a magical night time and watch fireflies and the celebs whereas on board a small boat. There are three areas for firefly watching in Puerto Princesa:
- Iwahig. The primary firefly watching location in Puerto Princesa. As of writing, that is closed and firefly watching excursions listed here are unavailable.
- Sicsican River. The tour commences on the Baywalk, the place you’ll hop on a ship that can take you to Sicsican River. A dinner on the boat can also be included on this tour.
- Nagsaguipi River. Take pleasure in a buffet dinner earlier than you feast your eyes with the glowing fireflies!
Tour operators supply this tour between P1300- P1600 per particular person. Firefly watching tour in Nagsaguipi River can also be accessible on Klook.
ā JOIN FIREFLY WATCHING TOUR!
Nagtabon Seaside
Lower than an hour away from town correct, Nagtabon Seaside was once a spot for many who need to keep away from the gang. Now, numerous lodging institutions stand alongside the seaside, however the place stays simply as breathtaking. It is a good place to go to when youāre trying to spend extra time on the seaside with out having to journey too far-off from town.
Make your technique to San Jose terminal and hop on a bus going north. Any bus certain for Taytay, Roxas, or El Nido will do. Inform the motive force to drop you off in Bacungan (P80) then journey a tricycle going to Nagtabon Seaside (P300, max 3 pax).
In the event youāre a bunch, you possibly can lease a van to take you straight to Nagtabon. In the event you can drive two wheels, renting a motorcycle can also be an possibility if there are two of you otherwise youāre touring solo.
Nagtabon Seaside can be included in your Puerto Princesa Metropolis Tour itinerary for a further price. Simply ask your driver if heās OK with it.
Sabang X-Zipline
Thrill-seekers will love this attraction. This 800-meter lengthy zipline is alleged to be one of many longest ziplines within the Philippines. You possibly can get pleasure from this solo or by pair as you glide throughout Sabang Seaside. The journey would additionally deal with you to a unbelievable view of Sabang from above. It takes a brief 15-minute hike to achieve the ziplineās start line.
That is often packaged with Underground River since Sabang additionally serves because the jump-off level to it. You are able to do this previous to the underground river cease if thereās an extended ready time or after it simply earlier than you may have lunch. Sabang X-Zipline prices P550.
You may additionally avail this through Klook for a reduced value.
ā GET DISCOUNTED TICKET HERE!
Different Puerto Princesa Sights
Ugong Rock Adventures. An journey park situated in Barangay Tagabinet the place you possibly can go trekking, rappeling, and spelunking. A 71-meter zipline can also be one of many options, making your journey extra unforgettable. E book right here! ā
Palawan Waterpark by Astoria. That is the one waterpark in Palawan. In the event youāre on the lookout for an exercise that children and youngsters at coronary heart alike would get pleasure from, add this to your itinerary. Every ticket is inclusive of a lunch buffet. Price: Adults, P1200; Children (4ft and under), P950; Children (2 years outdated and under), FREE
Tibag Falls. About 40 minutes away from town middle, Tibag Falls is situated in Bacungan. To get right here, board a bus going north at San Jose Terminal. Ask the motive force to drop you off close to Bacungan Bridge. From there, it will take a 2-hour stroll to achieve this wonderful falls.
Discovering a spot to eat in Puerto Princesa won’t be an issue. Town middle is teeming with a various assortment of meals spots. If you wish to strive the Puerto Princesa classics, just a few of them are situated alongside Rizal Avenue.
In the event youāre on a funds, you possibly can all the time depend on carinderias (small eateries) the place a P100-budget can get you a full meal.
Listed below are a few of the most well-known eating places in Puerto Princesa:
Ka Lui
Arguably the most well-liked eating spot in Puerto Princesa, this homey restaurant makes a speciality of Pinoy seafood dishes like seafood kare-kare, grilled fish, and shrimp or tuna sinigang. Their menu consists largely of seafood and greens dishes. Additionally they have a particular set meal that’s good for 2 for under P795. In the event youāre planning to dine right here, be certain to name the restaurant and make a reservation.
Location: Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa Metropolis
Working Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM ā Lunch, 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM ā Dinner; Sunda, CLOSED
Contact quantity: (048) 726 6217
Kinabuchās
Kinabuchās is an open-air grill and bar the place you possibly can get pleasure from some drinks along with your meal. Their menu has all kinds of Pinoy dishes from appetizers to dessert. Itās additionally a go-to place for many who need to strive Puerto Princesaās unique dish, tamilok. Itās often served uncooked with a aspect of spiced vinegar.
Location: Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa Metropolis
Working Hours: Each day, 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Cacaoyan Forest Park
Cacaoyan Forest Park is a buffet restaurant set in a lush backyard bursting with IG-worthy spots. It serves as a lunch cease on many Underground River excursions provided by journey businesses. However if you wish to expertise this by itself, greatest to make advance reservations.
The lunch buffet is priced at P350/particular person, however you may get a reduction when you guide with Klook.
Location: Sabang, Puerto Princesa
Working Hours: Each day, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
You too can order tamilok right here for P100 per plate.
Different Puerto Princesa Eating places
- Badjao Seafront Restaurant. If you wish to dine by the bay and feast on recent seafood, that is the place to be. It stands subsequent to mangroves and has a view of the sundown which provides to its appeal. Value begins at P125 as much as P550. Their seafood platter prices P1,150.
ā Location: Abueg St., Puerto Princesa Metropolis
ā Working hours: Each day, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM - Balinsasayaw Restaurant. A budget-friendly restaurant serving low-cost to mid-range Pinoy dishes. Their worth meals prices lower than P200. In the event youāre with a bunch, additionally they have group meals you could avail.
ā Deal with: Manalo St., Puerto Princesa Metropolis
ā Working Hours: Each day, 10:00 AM to eight:00 PM - Ka Joelās Restaurant. One other dependable title within the metropolisās meals scene, Ka Joelās serves Filipino delicacies. Its bestsellers embody rooster inasal and beef kare kare.
ā Location: Purok Centro, Puerto Princesa Metropolis
ā Working Hours: Each day, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM- Lunch, 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM- Dinner
For loaded vacationers, massive motels have their in-house eating places that spotlight their tackle Filipino delicacies.
- Hue Resort homes Matiz Restaurant and Tapas Bar, which boasts a largely Spanish menu.
- Princesa Backyard Island Resort and Spa has a eating complicated that includes 4 eating places together with the Golden Elephant Seafood Village, which makes a speciality of Thai meals.
Right hereās a pattern 3-day 2-night Puerto Princesa itinerary with breakdown of bills. Notice that this itinerary assumes the next:
- Youāre a celebration of two, splitting a few of the prices.
- The lodging youāll guide prices P1500 per night time. In the event you cut up it between 2 folks, that may be P750 per night time per particular person.
- Youāll guide a lot of the excursions through Klook.
However as all the time, be happy to make changes primarily based in your schedule and preferences.
- DAY 1: CITY TOUR
08:20 AM ā Arrival in Puerto Princesa
09:00 AM ā Tricycle to resort, P75 (P150/2pax)
09:20 AM ā Resort check-in
11:00 AM ā Early lunch
12:30 PM ā Metropolis Tour (Tricycle), P500 (P1000/2pax)
ā Crocodile Park: P70
ā Butterfly Backyard: P60
ā Mitraās Ranch: P20
04:00 PM ā Resort, clean up
06:00 PM ā Dinner at Ka Lui, P500
09:30 PM ā Again to resort - DAY 2: UNDERGROUND RIVER
06:00 AM ā Get up name
07:00 AM ā Underground River Tour, P1900, E book right here! ā
04:00 PM ā Again to resort, Relaxation
07:00 PM ā Dinner at Kinabuchās, P500
10:00 PM ā Again to resort - DAY 3: HONDA BAY TOUR
6:00 am ā Get up, early check-out, go away baggage
7:00 am ā Honday Bay Tour, P1640, E book right here! ā
2:00 pm ā Again to resort, decide up baggage
3:00 pm ā Tricycle to airport, P75 (P150/2pax)
5:30 pm ā Flight again to Manila
This itinerary would price you round PhP 5700 (USD 103, EUR 96, SGD 139), excluding airfare and resort however together with a little bit of allowance for incidental bills.
In the event youāre capable of guide a room for P1400/night time or P700/night time/particular person, put together to shell out a complete of PhP 7,100 (USD 128, EUR 120, SGD 172) excluding airfare however together with some allowance.
You possibly can carry the associated fee even decrease when youāre a much bigger group and by doing the Honda Bay Tour by yourself (DIY-style).
- Tricycle fare for brief distances is round P15-25. Fares to and for the airport often price greater than the common fares.
- Stroll when you possibly can. The streets of Puerto Princesa are punctuated with bushes so it doesnāt get as sizzling as different extremely urbanized cities.
- Convey your individual reusable water bottle, so that you donāt must hold shopping for bottled water. Doing this may assist you lower your expenses and cut back plastic waste on the similar time. You possibly can simply refill your water bottle at your resort or at your lunch/dinner stops.
- Convey insect repellent lotion. Defend your self from mosquitoes by making use of insect repellent lotion particularly whenever you go trekking or island hopping.
- Use coral-friendly sunscreen. Keep away from utilizing sunscreen that comprises components that would hurt the coral reef like oxybenzone and parabens.
When is one of the best time to go to Puerto Princesa?
January to April, the driest interval. However understand that these are additionally the busiest months, peaking in March and April, that are thought-about āsummer seasonā months within the Philippines.
If you wish to keep away from the gang, schedule a visit round January to February when the climate isn’t too sizzling and never that wet both. But, additionally it is vital to notice that Palawan is in between two main seas, the West Philippine Sea and the Sulu Sea. Its location extremely impacts its climate system, which is completely different from the remainder of the nation. Even in the course of the dry season, it could possibly be fairly damp and rain is anticipated within the afternoons. Actually, our crew have visited in April as soon as and it nonetheless poured on a few days. And even in our different visits in different months, it will usually rain within the afternoon.
Puerto Princesa is a year-round vacation spot. Whereas town took a beating from Storm Odette just a few years in the past, this isnāt a standard incidence. Palawan is situated within the western excessive of the nation, remoted from most different foremost islands. It isn’t alongside the same old hurricane route.
What’s the energy plug/socket utilized in Puerto Princesa?
Electrical energy Data: 220V, 60Hz. Socket Kind A, largely.
