Travel 101: Puerto Princesa, Palawan Philippines

View from the Sabang zipline

Welcome to Puerto Princesa, Palawan! Home of the breathtaking landscapes, picturesque beaches, friendly locals and  the world-known Underground River. Puerto Princesa has a lot to offer - so save up (just a little) and bring yourself to a paradise!

1) How to get to Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Several domestic flights are available from Manila to Puerto Princesa via Cebu Pacific & AirAsia Zest. They offer very low fares when flights are booked in advance and during promo fares. We only paid B$ 98 or Php 3,234 return for 2 pax via AirAsia. Some can get even cheaper than that so keep an eye on promo fares.

2) Where to Stay

There are a lot of inns, hotels and pension houses in Puerto Princesa. We chose and recommend Labelle Pension House  - they were very accommodating, always looked after our needs and in my opinion have the most affordable tour packages. We availed their 3 days and 2 nights tour package which included 2 nights accomodation in a deluxe room, underground river tour, honda bay island tour and a half day city tour. That's not all, we had free breakfasts and lunches for 2 days and a free airport transfer all for Php 4,100 per person. Pretty great deal eh. Dave and I only paid Php 8,200 for 3 days and 2 nights of  paradise fun.

3) Where to Eat

This island boasts fresh seafood in their local cuisine. We dined at Kalui Restaurant as we were intrigued by the high ratings at Tripadvisor (teehee). We were not disappointed with our choice. Ask the hotel receptionist to reserve seats for you as this restaurant is always full. 
We also ate at the carenderia nearby Labelle as we missed the carenderia food. 

Kalui Restaurant menu

4) Things to Do

You will not run out of things to do at Puerto Princesa. Below are the following activities we had during our trip:

Half Day City Tour (1st day)
Running tour within the City proper

• Plaza Cuartel
• Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral
• City Baywalk
• Souvenir Shops
• Crocodile Farm
• Mitra’s Ranch
• Baker’s Hill 

Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour (2nd day)
Visit the following islands and go snorkeling, swimming or just relax and get yourself tanned. Tips: Prepare extra cash as you will need to rent some booties and/or snorkeling gears (if you want). Booties/Snorkels rental: Php 150.00/each

• Cowrie Island
• Luli island  
• Starfish Island                        

Underground River Adventure Tour (3rd day)
 While waiting at the wharf for your boat, you can try the above-the-ocean Sabang zipline with the other tourists. Zipline fee is Php 550.00

Or just stare at this gem

Upon reaching the underground river, there will be a waiting time for your turn to go inside. You can stroll around and soak in the beauty of nature. Boat cruise inside the world known underground river. Laugh along with your funny guide. They are all funny I guess. Take photos. And be amazed.

And fall in love again

 
In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.

The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. - Psalm 95: 4-5