The province of Palawan has long been a dream destination for scores of vacationers, both foreign and local. Its lush rainforests, majestic mountains, and pristine white beaches make Palawan a haven for adventure-seekers, nature-lovers, and other travelers who’d like a temporary escape from humdrum urban life. It’s no surprise that Palawan is considered one of the pillars of the Philippines’ thriving tourism industry, attracting over a million visitors to its shores each year.
Palawan’s capital, Puerto Princesa, is a first-class municipality that’s well-known as the gateway to some of the most scenic tourist spots in the western Philippines, among them Coron, El Nido, and the Balabac Islands. Aside from being such an important waypoint, Puerto Princesa is also worth visiting in its own right. From its lively urban life to its scenic natural attractions, you won’t want to miss the best of what this gem of a city has to offer.
The best part of visiting Puerto Princesa is that it’s entirely possible to experience the place to the fullest without spending an exorbitant amount. Read on for an in-depth guide on how to enjoy this beautiful city on a reasonable budget:
Transportation
As Puerto Princesa is one of the country’s foremost tourist destinations, all large airlines in the Philippines offer flights to the city from Manila. Depending on when you book, fare for a one-way trip may cost anywhere between PHP 1,100 and PHP 3,500. You can also catch a flight to Puerto Princesa from certain key cities around the country, such as Cebu City, Iloilo, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro. Try booking a month in advance or watching out for seat sales to make bigger savings on your plane tickets.
It’s also possible to travel to Puerto Princesa by ferry from Manila, as well as from other select locations. Ferry tickets usually range from around a little over PHP 1,000 to PHP 6,500, depending on the type of onboard accommodation you book. These prices are typically inclusive of meals and bed linens.
Lodging
No matter your personal preferences, itinerary, and budget range, you’re sure to find a wide selection of comfortable hotels in Puerto Princesa to choose from for your next visit. If you can do without luxe accommodations, many budget hotels in the city provide comfortable lodgings for under PHP 1,500 a night. You’ll particularly want to look for hotels located in the heart of the city, as you’ll have easy access to cheap eats, shopping, and tour pickup points from these locations.
If you’re an extroverted sort of traveler or don’t mind sharing accommodations in the interest of more savings, you can also try booking a bed at one of Puerto Princesa’s many hostels. Bedspace in these establishments will usually cost you around PHP 350 to PHP 500 a night per head. If you intend to travel in a big group, meanwhile, it may be cost-effective to check booking sites for vacation homes or apartments that your group can rent.
Food
Many must-try restaurants and eateries in Puerto Princesa are located along Rizal Avenue in the city center. These places offer an array of different cuisines, from Filipino favorites to all sorts of foreign delicacies. Travelers with adventurous palates won’t want to miss especially exotic dishes like tamilok, a type of shell-less saltwater clam nicknamed “woodworm” by sailors, or crocodile sisig. You’ll be surprised by how inexpensive meals are at Puerto Princesa, so don’t hesitate to order to your heart’s content.
Attractions and Tours
While many travel agencies and hotels based in Puerto Princesa will offer prearranged tours to tourists, many of the best attractions around the city are easy to visit on your own. Setting up your own DIY sightseeing experience will not only save you a lot of money, but it will also allow you to use your time as you see fit. The following are a few must-do activities in and around Puerto Princesa that you can do either on your own or by booking through a tour operator:
Take a Tour of the Underground River
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is one of the city’s most famous natural wonders. Tours of the river usually cost around PHP 1,300 to PHP 1,600 per person, inclusive of lunch and roundtrip land and boat transportation. You can arrange your own visit to the river by purchasing tickets for the underground river tour at either the City Coliseum or directly at Sabang Beach, the tour’s takeoff point. Afterwards, simply rent a van to take you to and from Sabang, then rent a boat for the tour upon your arrival at the beach.
Go Island Hopping
If you’d like to go island hopping around the famed Honda Bay, you can usually book a preorganized tour at a rate of about PHP 1,100 per person. Those who are looking to save, though, will want to just take a trike to Lourdes Wharf and rent a boat there. This will set you back around PHP 1,100 to PHP 1,500 all in all, depending on the size of your group and the type of boat you choose.
Take a City Tour
City tours of Puerto Princesa tend to cover premier attractions like the Butterfly Garden, the Crocodile Farm, and Plaza Cuartel, among others. While most tour operators will charge you PHP 600 per person for this tour, you can instead spend the same amount of money on a tricycle that can accommodate up to 4 passengers.
Don’t skip over Puerto Princesa on your next adventure to the verdant, unspoiled province of Palawan. Plan your trip carefully and you’ll surely have a one-of-a-kind experience without breaking the bank.
