The Philippines offer several destinations like Davao City or Manila, for those who prefer some urban sightseeing. But for an ultimate family getaway, there is no better place in the PH than Puerto Princesa. As the capital city of the beautiful island of Palawan – dubbed as “the Philippines’ last frontier” – Puerto Princesa boasts of lots of tourist spots and activities perfect for those looking for a hassle-free and fun vacation. It also serves as the perfect preamble for your whole Palawan experience. Suppose you haven’t been to Palawan before. In that case, I suggest you start with Puerto Princesa before visiting other tourist destinations like Coron and El Nido. Trust me, you would want to gradually ease yourself into the beauty of this island. Thanks to the fully-developed tourism industry in Puerto Princesa, you can easily book a cheap travel package to the city and enjoy its sights and sounds without a hitch.
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When we went to Puerto Princesa, 33 of us (yes, a huge group) – roughly a quarter of our ginormous family. But even though it might sound like a logistics nightmare to whoever’s organising the trip, this was actually the best family trip we’ve ever had (so far). We planned this trip for a year – booking flights batch by batch, researching the best places to eat, listing down other tourist spots that are not included in our official itinerary – and I must say, the careful planning made all the difference.
How to get to Puerto Princesa
The easiest route is, of course, by plane. There are direct flights from Manila to Puerto Princesa and vice versa from every local airline, with the flight duration lasting for a little over an hour. I booked roundtrip flights via AirAsia manually over a year, so I could score cheap fares for each of my family members, ranging from P1,817 to P3,071. Not bad for 30+ people, huh?
One tip every budget/mid-range traveller knows by now: Just lunge at every seat sale you can grab ahold of.
A (probably) less-known tip: AirAsia usually updates its flight fares every Monday. It is not uncommon to see discounts at the start of every week, so be on the lookout if this is your airline of choice.
If your budget is tight and time is not of the essence, you can go to Puerto Princesa by ferry. I have a friend who’s a Palawan native who visits her hometown via this route.
Must-visit places at Puerto Princesa
Underground River
Formally known as the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, the Underground River is on top of every Puerto Princesa traveller/tourist list. In fact, if you only have time to visit one place (heaven forbid), then make this that place. It is hailed as one of the new seven wonders of nature, so it is well-known worldwide. If you are getting packaged tours, the Underground River is usually a part of it.
Honda Bay
Visiting a Philippine island is never complete without island hopping, and Honda Bay is Puerto Princesa’s default island-hopping destination. Granted, the beaches are not as pretty as what you’ll see in Coron and El Nido (that’s why you should go to Puerto Princesa first so as not to be disappointed!). However, there are still picture-perfect spots, like Luli Island and Cowrie Island.
Baker’s Hill
For yummy pastries that you can bring back home as pasalubong, go to Baker’s Hill. Not only will you find delicious pastries here, but it also doubles as an Instagram-worthy spot for your selfies.
Crocodile Farm
There are plenty of crocodile farms in the country, but Palawan’s one of the most popular. Again, this is a usual stop in the city tour, so you’ll surely visit this place if you avail of a tour package.
KaLui
Everyone who steps into Puerto Princesa should attempt to dine at KaLui. I say attempt because not everyone gets the chance to reserve a table – it is that popular. The food may be a bit pricey to some, but it is worth every peso for your palate and tummy. The ambience is just an added bonus.
Sample itinerary (4D/3N)
Day 1
0935-1100
Flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa
1130
Arrival at One Rover’s Place
1200-1330
Lunch at Ugong Rock Grill and Seafood Bar
1330-1900
Free time
1900-2030
Dinner at Baywalk
Day 2
0600-0700
Prepare for the day and eat breakfast
0700-0900
Travel to Sabang Port (jump-off point to the Underground River)
0900-1000
Arrival at Sabang Port; wait for a turn to ride a boat going to the River
1000-1020
Travel via pump boat to the Underground River
1020-1100
Arrival at Underground River Park; orientation and wait for the turn (photo op opportunities!)
1100-1145
Actual Underground River tour via paddleboat
1200-1220
Travel via pump boat back to Sabang Port
1220-1400
Buffet lunch at Gusto Grill in Sabang Port
1400-1600
Travel back to One Rover’s Place
1600-1900
Free time
1900-2030
Dinner at Kinabuch’s Bar and Grill
Day 3
0600-0700
Prepare for the day and eat breakfast
0700-0730
Travel to Honda Bay Port
0730-1400
Honda Bay island hopping tour (Pambato Reef, Luli Island, Cowrie Island, and lunch buffet)
1430-1500
Travel back from Honda Bay Port to One Rover’s Place
1500-1900
Free time
1900-2030
Dinner at KaLui’s Restaurant
Day 4
0600-0700
Prepare for the day and eat breakfast
0700-1200
City tour (Pasalubong Center, Crocodile Park, Mitra’s Ranch, Baker’s Hill, and Binatuan Creations)
1200-1300
Lunch back at the hotel
1300-1945
Free time; prepare to go home
1945-2105
Flight from Puerto Princesa to Manila
Budget breakdown per person (4D/3N)
Roundtrip airfare (via AirAsia)
P2,658 (average)
Tour package (including accommodation, three tours with entrance fees, three breakfasts, and two buffet lunches)
P4,060
Pocket money (for food and pasalubong)
P3,000
Total
P9,718 per pax
Tips for your Puerto Princesa trip
- Avail of a packaged tour. Most of the time, DIY tours are cheaper than getting a tour package. But if there is one place where it is economical and wise to avail of a packaged tour, that’s here in Puerto Princesa. Packaged tours in Puerto Princesa are cheap (P4,000+ for four days, you guys!), plus they include almost all the tourist spots you would want to visit. You don’t have to worry about securing a permit for the Underground River (yes, you need a permit), transportation, food – it’s all in the package.
- Go in big groups. Based on experience, I can say that Puerto Princesa is one of those places that is best visited with your friends and/or family members. There are so many places, so there’s surely something that will tickle each person’s fancy. It’s also quite easy to organise, even if you DIY.
- Always eat out. You’ll find the usual fast food restos in the city, but why go there when you can sample the best of Palawan’s dishes at affordable prices? We were fortunate enough to stay just a few steps away from both Kinabuch and KaLui, so hooray for always-sumptuous dinners!
- Use a mosquito repellant. Palawan is a malaria-endemic area, so better be safe than sorry. Bring an Off lotion or wear an anti-mosquito patch.
