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The Philippines is officially open for tourism again after being closed due to COVID-19 (shudder...). Like many other countries, the pandemic put travel on hold for quite some time, but since reopening in April 2022, the country has been welcoming tourists back with open arms. After waiting out the closures and making other travel plans, my sister and I finally arranged our much-anticipated trip back home. We decided to spend the holidays reconnecting with extended family we hadn’t seen in a while, and naturally, the Philippines made it to the top of our travel list. Our first stop? Puerto Princesa, Palawan, one of the most stunning outdoor destinations in the country!
Getting to Puerto Princesa from Manila
Even though Puerto Princesa is on an island, you’ve got two main ways to get there from Manila:
Car and Ferry Combo – This route takes around 28 hours (according to Tikigo), combining driving and ferry transfers. It’s an option if you’re up for a long, scenic journey and want to save on costs.
Plane Ride – The quicker and more convenient option is a 1.5-hour flight from Manila. You might pay more, but if time is of the essence, this is the best choice.
We went with the flight option because, well, who wants to spend 28 hours in transit when adventure is waiting on the other side? And if you’re a senior citizen like my mom, the perks in the Philippines are real! Seniors get to skip lines and score discounts—Mom even snagged a discount on her prepaid flight.
ooking for a quick and easy flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa? Check out the best flight deals?
Airports are always a jungle but here we are finally arriving at Puerto Princesa airport all content and ready for adventure!
Where to stay in Puerto Princesa
For our stay, we chose the Hue Hotel, which is conveniently located near the city center. The hotel offered an airport transfer for PHP 2,000 (around $40 USD), which we booked in advance to avoid dealing with public transport. While public transportation is available in Puerto Princesa, it can be unpredictable, and booking in advance saves you time and energy.
After arriving, we had a bit of a wait before our room was ready, so we explored the area and grabbed lunch. Once we finally checked in, we were impressed by the modern rooms and amenities, including a pool and gym (perfect for a quick post-adventure workout!).
The hotel amenities were complete with pool and gym (not pictured)
Book your stay at the Hue Hotel or browse other accommodation options [here]!
Where We Ate: Must-Try Restaurants in Puerto Princesa
There were other restaurants that we ate at but here are the ones that are worth mentioning:
This restaurant is highly recommended by locals and tourists alike, and it’s easy to see why. With a scenic seaside location, it offers amazing views while you dine.
Although it’s known for seafood, the experience was just okay for me—my seafood was overcooked, which seems to be a trend in a lot of places in the Philippines. Still, it’s worth visiting for the views and to check it off your bucket list if you’re in the area.
Kevin was happy that he got reunited with his long-awaited lapu-lapu though.
Kalui Restaurant
Kalui was a much more memorable experience. From the quirky “no shoes allowed” policy to the cozy ambiance, it was a unique spot. You literally have to remove your shoes at the door (I was a little nervous about the cleanliness, but it all worked out!). The food here, especially the seafood, was much better, and the whole experience made it worth the quirky rules.
Things to do in Puerto Princesa:
If you’re an outdoor lover or an adventure traveler, Puerto Princesa has plenty to offer. Here’s a list of some of our favorite activities:
Palawan Special Battalion WWII Memorial Museum
Firefly Watching
Underground River Tour
Puerto Princesa City Tour
Mt. Magarwak sunrise hiking
Palawan Special Battalion WWII Memorial Museum
A must-visit for any history buffs. This museum is packed with relics from World War II and offers a deep dive into Palawan’s role in the war.
Firefly Watching:
We booked our firefly watching tour through Klook, but it didn’t go as smoothly as we hoped. The tour was delayed, and the dinner provided wasn’t great. That said, the boat ride itself was magical. Watching fireflies illuminate the night sky and the glowing plankton in the water made up for the rough start. Just make sure to bring your own poncho—mine was still warm from the last person who wore it (yikes).
It was pitch dark and you could not see anything but the fireflies and the planktons in the water that would illuminate as soon as the paddle hits the water. Unfortunately, I could not get a decent picture. The picture on the left is my expectation and on the right is what the reality of my picture. (Credit for good picture: Guide to the Philippines)
Underground River Tour
The Underground River is one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, and it was the main reason we came to Puerto Princesa. Sadly, the weather didn’t cooperate, and the tour was canceled due to high winds. Pro tip: Check the weather and book a backup activity just in case.
Puerto Princesa City Tour
Puerto Princesa City TourWhen our Underground River tour got canceled, we decided to go on a city tour instead. Here's a quick list of the stops we made:
Puerto Princesa Baywalk
Plaza Cuartel
Immaculate Conception Cathedral
Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (Crocodile Farm)
South Sea Pearl Souvenir Shop
Mitra’s Ranch
Baker’s Hill
Binuatan Creations
The tour gave us a great mix of history, culture, and some local shopping spots, making it a nice way to spend the day while exploring Puerto Princesa!
Mt. Magarwak Sunrise Hike
This hike was a bit off the beaten path, but worth the early morning wake-up call. We started our hike at 5:30 a.m. (though we were told to be ready by 3 a.m.—Filipino time, anyone?), and despite the initial skepticism, it was breathtaking. The trail was challenging, with some rappelling involved, but the views at the top were worth every step. Plus, we had hot coffee waiting for us at the summit!
Want to book an adventure in Puerto Princesa? Check out these top tours and activities
Final Thoughts on Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa may have thrown a few surprises our way, but that’s what makes travel exciting, right? From the scenic hike up Mt. Magarwak to discovering the island’s rich WWII history, this place offers an incredible mix of tourist attractions and hidden gems. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a solo adventure, or a laid-back trip with friends, Puerto Princesa has something for everyone.
What about you—have you been to Puerto Princesa before? If so, what was your favorite part? Or, if it’s still on your bucket list, what are you most excited to experience?
Our journey didn’t stop here—next up is El Nido for the second leg of our Palawan adventure! Have you been to El Nido, or is there something specific you’d like to know about it before we go? I’d love to hear your tips or questions in the comments below!
Thanks for joining me on this travel down memory lane, and I hope this guide inspires your own adventure to Palawan. Drop a comment if you’re planning a trip, have questions, or just want to chat about your travel plans—I’d love to hear your thoughts! Safe travels, and see you in the next adventure! ✈️🌴
TTYL
Hilarious, love the adventure