Honda Bay
Explore Honda Bay in Puerto Princesa with our travel guide. Discover stunning islands, white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and island hopping.
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Discover Puerto Princesa
Located in the heart of Palawan, Puerto Princesa is one of the Philippines' top travel destinations, celebrated for its natural beauty and commitment to eco-tourism. As one of the country's cleanest, most sustainable cities, it blends a compact urban core overlooking Puerto Princesa Bay with vast untouched rainforests, mountains, and pristine beaches beyond. Whether you're drawn to local culture, fresh Palawan cuisine, or adventures like island hopping, snorkeling, and hiking, this eco-friendly paradise has something for every traveler.
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TRANSPORT & MOBILITY
How to Get There
By Air
Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS) is accessible via direct flights from both Manila and Cebu.
Airlines such as Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia offer multiple daily flights.
By Sea
Ferry travel is a slower alternative to flying, with 2GO Travel running weekly service from Manila's Pier 4 to Puerto Princesa, taking approximately 26-28 hours depending on sea conditions.
By Land
As Palawan’s capital, Puerto Princesa is well-connected by land to major destinations — El Nido (5-6 hours), Port Barton (3-4 hours), and Sabang/Underground River (about 2 hours) — making it a convenient hub for starting or ending your Palawan trip. Prefer your own vehicle? See our private transfers.
Top Attractions in Puerto Princesa
Honda Bay
Just 20 minutes from Puerto Princesa City, Honda Bay boasts crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. With stunning beaches and rich biodiversity, Honda Bay is a must-visit for nature and beach lovers.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River
Just two hours from Puerto Princesa City, the Underground River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. This 8.2 km underground river flows through a stunning limestone cave system.
Nagtabon Beach
Located just 25 km from Puerto Princesa, Nagtabon Beach is a peaceful 800-meter stretch, perfect for relaxation and picnics. With stunning views and, on some days, great surfing conditions, it’s an ideal spot for those seeking a quiet retreat.
Best Time to Visit Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa offers a unique charm year-round, with warm temperatures averaging 26-31°C (79-88°F) throughout the year and skies largely sheltered from typhoons. Whether you're exploring the Underground River, island-hopping in Honda Bay, or discovering hidden waterfalls, the best time to visit depends on your priorities: sunny weather and vibrant tourism favor November-May, while budget-friendly deals and quieter crowds favor June-October.
Dry Season (Dec - May)
December to early May, known as Amihan season, brings sunny days and ideal conditions for island hopping and sightseeing. As peak tourist season, expect higher rates and bigger crowds around Christmas, New Year, and Easter.
Wet Season (June - Nov)
June to November or Habagat season, brings hot, humid weather with heavy rain and occasional strong winds, especially in July and August. Typhoons rarely hit directly, but it's worth checking PAGASA for updates. This quieter season offers lower prices and fewer crowds, ideal for flexible, budget-conscious travelers.
Top Activities
This UNESCO World Heritage site and New 7 Wonders of Nature is a must-visit for any traveler. Marvel at the limestone karst formations and crystal-clear waters as you navigate the underground river.
Go on an island-hopping adventure and discover the beauty of Luli Island, Cowrie Island, and Starfish Island. Snorkel, swim, and sunbathe in these tropical havens.
Get to know the highlights of Puerto Princesa and immerse yourself in the local culture. Visit historical landmarks, sample local cuisine, and get a glimpse of daily life in the city.
Cruise a calm mangrove river by night and watch thousands of fireflies twinkle in the trees. A magical evening activity, easy to combine with a day tour.
4-Day Puerto Princesa Itinerary
We recommend spending at least 4 days in Puerto Princesa. With arrival and departure days, this gives you two full days for the Underground River and Honda Bay without rushing.
Have less time or want to add El Nido or Port Barton? Request a tailor-made itinerary and we will adapt it for you.
Day 1: Arrival in Puerto Princesa – Explore the City
Upon arriving in Puerto Princesa, take some time to explore the city and immerse yourself in the local culture. Visit historical landmarks such as the Plaza Cuartel or the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, or stroll around the Puerto Princesa Baywalk to enjoy the scenic view of the sea.
Day 2: Discover the Underground River
Embark on an exciting adventure to the Puerto Princesa Underground River, one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Marvel at the stunning limestone formations, and witness the diverse ecosystem that thrives within the cave’s chambers.
Day 3: Island Hopping at Honda Bay
Indulge in a fun-filled day of island hopping at Honda Bay, located just a short distance away from the city center. Visit picturesque islands like Starfish Island and Cowrie Island, where you can swim, snorkel, or simply relax on the pristine white sand beaches.
Day 4: Departure from Puerto Princesa
After a memorable stay in Puerto Princesa, it’s time to say goodbye and head back home. Take with you unforgettable memories of the city’s rich history, natural wonders, and warm hospitality.
PUERTO PRINCESA Tour Packages
Plan Your Trip With Us
Private Tours in the Philippines
Best of Puerto Princesa & El Nido | 6 Days
Discover Palawan’s natural wonders in just 6 days. Explore the world-famous Puerto Princesa Underground River and the stunning...
Private Tours in the Philippines
Underground River & Sabang Beach | 4 Days
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Puerto Princesa with our 4-day Underground River and Sabang Beach tour package. This...
Private Tours in the Philippines, Puerto Princesa Day Trips
Explore Puerto Princesa | 4 Days
Discover the enchanting beauty of Puerto Princesa with our 4-day tour package, designed for those seeking a perfect...
Puerto Princesa Transfers
Private transfers with experienced local drivers.
Book in advance and travel across Palawan with no stress.
Puerto Princesa Tours
Shared or private tours to the Underground River, Honda Bay and beyond.
Pick the style that suits you.
Puerto Princesa Hotels
Hotels and resorts handpicked by our team, from comfortable stays to luxury retreats.
Browse HotelsWhere to Stay
Among several accommodation options in Puerto Princesa, the best hotels are those located in the city centre near the Rizal Avenue, short distance from restaurants, bars and shopping malls.
4-star: Princesa Garden Island Resort & Spa
Conveniently located 10-minute drive from the Rizal Avenue, Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa boasts a large outdoor pool and rooms, suites and villas with free WiFi. There is a fitness centre, 3 restaurants and on-site water sport facilities for guests to enjoy. Each room, suite and villa has a flat-screen cable TV, safe, seating area and a private bathroom comes with a shower and free toiletries.
4-star: Amorita Resort
Set along a peaceful mangrove shoreline just a short drive from Puerto Princesa Airport and the city centre, Amorita Resort & Spa Palawan is a luxury resort offering 52 designer suites, 14 private pool villas and 2 grand pool villas with views of the Sulu Sea. Guests can enjoy two swimming pools, a full-service spa, a fitness centre and free WiFi, all surrounded by tropical gardens.
4-star: Best Western Plus The Ivywall Hotel
Best Western Plus The Ivywall Hotel is strategically located along Rizal Avenue, the most renowned and bustling street in Puerto Princesa. The hotel boasts a well-equipped fitness center and an indoor pool, while guests can unwind with a refreshing drink at the bar. All rooms are thoughtfully designed with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, and a private bathroom with a shower and complimentary toiletries, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for guests.
4-star: The Funny Lion
The Funny Lion Puerto Princesa is a stylish boutique resort offering a relaxed tropical atmosphere with modern rooms, a rooftop bar and a swimming pool. Located near the city and within easy reach of Honda Bay, it is a convenient choice for travellers looking for comfort, a lively setting and a touch of playful character.
3-star: Canvas Boutique Hotel
Canvas Boutique Hotel Puerto Princesa is a unique and artistic hotel located near Puerto Princesa airport and within walking distance from Rizal Avenue. The hotel features vibrant and colorful rooms and common areas adorned with various art pieces and murals. The hotel also offers an outdoor pool, a spa, a restaurant serving Filipino cuisine, and a bar. Its design creates a fun and whimsical atmosphere, perfect for a creative and memorable stay.
4-star: Astoria Palawan
Located on the coast in San Rafael, about 90 minutes' drive north of Puerto Princesa Airport, Astoria Palawan is a family-friendly beachfront resort with three outdoor pools, a water park, a spa and a fitness centre. Guests can enjoy alfresco dining with sea views at The Reserve restaurant, and free WiFi throughout the property.
4-star: Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort
Located right on Sabang Beach, steps from the Sabang boat terminal and a short drive from the Underground River, Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort is about 2 hours by road from Puerto Princesa Airport. This beachfront resort features two outdoor pools with a swim-up bar, a beach bar, a restaurant, a spa and air-conditioned rooms with balconies.
4-star: Four Points by Sheraton Palawan
Set on the beach at Sabang, close to the Underground River National Park and a short walk from the Sabang Mangrove Forest, Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa is about 2 hours by road from Puerto Princesa Airport. The resort offers 168 air-conditioned rooms with private balconies or patios, an outdoor pool, a spa, a sauna, a fitness centre, beachfront dining and free WiFi.
Restaurant & Dining
Puerto Princesa is a food lover’s paradise, with Rizal Avenue as the city’s liveliest stretch for dining and entertainment, ranging from budget fast-food chains to acclaimed local eateries.
Must-try dishes include Chicken Inasal, Pork Belly Lechon Liempo, Chicken Adobo, and grilled seafood, along with comforting Sinigang or Chaolong soup and desserts like Halo-Halo or Leche Flan.
KaLui Restaurant
Puerto Princesa's top native-style eatery, known for fresh, affordable seafood — sashimi, tempura, shellfish soup, sinigang, baked mussels — served in a vibrant, authentic setting.
Tiya Ising's Filipino Restaurant
Cozy spot serving traditional Filipino comfort food in a charming retro-antique interior filled with old Palawan photographs and memorabilia.
Ka Inato Restaurant
Native-style eatery with an extensive Filipino menu — poultry, beef, pork, seafood — with the affordable grilled chicken leg and rice a standout favorite.
Kinabuchs Grill and Bar
Beloved local favorite offering local, international, and exotic dishes, plus a lively atmosphere and friendly service that keep guests coming back.
Badjao Seafront Restaurant
Perched on stilts over clear water amid mangroves, serving fresh seafood and Filipino dishes with mesmerizing sea and mountain views.
Souvenirs & Pasalubong
Bringing a gift home from your trip is a beloved Filipino tradition, known as pasalubong. Puerto Princesa is a great place to pick up locally made treasures, from Palawan pearls and Batak handicrafts to cashew treats and woven crafts.
Palawan Pearls
Beautiful locally produced pearls, available as jewellery, pendants and elegant gifts
Batak Handicrafts
Traditional handmade baskets, woven items and crafts made by the indigenous Batak people.
Cashew Products
Palawan is famous for cashews, available roasted, flavoured or made into sweets.
Woven Crafts
Handwoven bags, mats and accessories made from natural local fibres.
Puerto Princesa Useful Information
Payment Options:
Hotels usually accept credit cards, while pensions and gueshouses ones only accept cash or GCash payments. ATM machines can be found outside banks along Rizal Avenue and at shopping malls throughout the city. This makes it easy to withdraw cash for those places that don't accept cards.
Accessing Internet:
Puerto Princesa has the fastest internet connection in Palawan. Most hotels, restaurants, and bars in the city offer free Wi-Fi, making it easy to stay connected. Compared to El Nido, Coron, and Port Barton, internet speeds in Puerto Princesa are generally faster.
Swimming & Safety Tips:
Puerto Princesa is generally safe for tourists, and the local people are known for being friendly and welcoming. When swimming, however, take extra care as many beaches (Nagtabon, Sabang etc..) can be affected by strong currents and undertows. Always check local conditions, follow safety advice, and avoid swimming alone. Honda Bay is generally a better choice for swimming, especially during organised island-hopping trips where guides can advise on safe areas.
Diving:
Puerto Princesa offers good diving opportunities, particularly around Honda Bay, where clear waters, coral reefs, colourful fish and occasional sea turtles can be found. Several dive centres in the city offer guided trips for both beginners and certified divers. For more advanced diving and larger marine life, nearby areas of Palawan can also be explored.
Keep Exploring Puerto Princesa
More guides to help you plan your Puerto Princesa trip.
Best Attractions in Puerto Princesa
Discover Puerto Princesa’s top attractions—from the Underground River and Honda Bay to cultural sites and nature parks. Plan your Palawan adventure now!
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Underground River
Plan your visit to the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get tips on tours, how to get there, best time to go, and what to expect.
View DetailsWhere to Go Next
Puerto Princesa is the perfect starting point for exploring the rest of Palawan.
Port Barton
Port Barton (3-4 hours): a laid-back village with quiet beaches and calm island hopping. Read our Port Barton travel guide or book a shared or private transfer from Puerto Princesa.
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El Nido
El Nido (5-6 hours): Palawan's most famous destination, with lagoons, limestone cliffs and island hopping. Read our El Nido travel guide or book a shared or private transfer.
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Balabac
Balabac (south of Palawan): a remote island group with white sandbars, turquoise water and very few crowds. Ideal if you want to go off the beaten path.
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