Where to stay in Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa is the capital of Palawan, the long, wild island province in the west of the Philippines. Its airport is the main gateway to the island, and the city is the base for two of Palawan's best-known trips: the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and island hopping in Honda Bay.

The city itself is relaxed and spread out, with a seafront Baywalk, markets and a lively restaurant scene. Many travellers spend a night or two here before heading north by road to Port Barton or El Nido.

Airport
Puerto Princesa International (PPS), on the edge of the city centre
Getting around
Tricycles in town; vans and tours for longer trips
Day trips
Underground River at Sabang and island hopping in Honda Bay
Wettest months
Usually around June to October

Places to stay in Puerto Princesa

16 hotels

"Our order" puts hotels we have fully written up first. Commission doesn't affect the order.

Puerto Princesa, area by area

Most places to stay are in the compact centre near the airport; a few sit towards Honda Bay to the north.

City centre and the airport

Best for short stays and early flights

The centre runs along Rizal Avenue from the airport towards the bay, with hotels, restaurants, cafés and shops close together. It's the easiest base for a short stay: tricycles are everywhere, the Baywalk is good for an evening stroll, and tours to the Underground River and Honda Bay collect guests from their hotels.

Towards Honda Bay

Best for island hopping

North of the city, the coast towards Santa Lourdes wharf is the jumping-off point for Honda Bay's small islands, sandbars and snorkelling spots. Places here feel greener and quieter, with the city a short drive away.

Getting to and around Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa International Airport has flights from Manila, Cebu and other Philippine cities, and it's only a few minutes by tricycle from most central hotels. From the city, vans run north to Sabang for the Underground River, to Port Barton and to El Nido, a journey of roughly five to six hours.

Around town, tricycles are cheap and easy to flag down. For the Underground River and Honda Bay, most people book a day tour that includes transfers; Underground River visits need a permit, which tour operators usually arrange.

Things to do

Beyond the two big day trips, the city has a seafront Baywalk with food stalls in the evening, the Plaza Cuartel park and cathedral by the bay, and firefly-watching boat trips on the Iwahig River after dark. Mangrove paddle tours and the town's well-regarded seafood restaurants round out a short stay.

Questions about staying in Puerto Princesa

How long should I stay in Puerto Princesa?

Two or three nights is enough for most visitors: one day for the Underground River and one for Honda Bay, before heading on to Port Barton or El Nido.

How do I visit the Underground River?

It's at Sabang, around two hours north by road. Most visitors take a day tour from the city that includes transport, the boat trip into the cave and the required permit.

How far is the airport from the city centre?

Very close: usually five to fifteen minutes by tricycle or taxi, depending on where you're staying.

When is the best time to visit?

The drier months are usually from around November to May. From about June to October there's more rain, and Underground River trips can be suspended in rough weather.

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