Impressions of Puerto-Princesa

Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan, is known for its coastal baywalk, vibrant night markets, and the world-famous Underground River.

Yes — Puerto Princesa is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you want a balance of city comforts and natural beauty.

Unlike some smaller island destinations in Palawan, Puerto Princesa is a real city with modern conveniences, restaurants, hotels, and a major airport. Many travelers pass through here anyway, as it's a common gateway when flying back to Manila or heading to other destinations in the Philippines.

But instead of treating it as just a transit point, spending some time here can be a great way to experience a different side of Palawan — one with local food, waterfront views, and easy access to some of the country’s most famous natural attractions.

🌏 The Famous Underground River

One of the biggest reasons travelers visit Puerto Princesa is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

This incredible underground river flows through a vast limestone cave system before emptying directly into the sea. Visitors travel by boat through the cave while surrounded by dramatic rock formations and unique ecosystems.

Although I unfortunately wasn’t able to visit during my trip because I wasn’t feeling well, it remains one of the top attractions in the Philippines and is widely considered a must-see if you're visiting Palawan.

There are several ways to experience the Underground River:

Underground River Full-Day Trip

Underground River, Zipline, Paddleboat Tour

🌙 Puerto Princesa Baywalk & Night Market

One of the best ways to spend an evening in Puerto Princesa is visiting Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park.

This waterfront area comes alive at night with street food stalls, restaurants, and ocean views, making it a great place for a relaxed stroll and dinner by the water.

The night market is especially popular for trying local Filipino dishes and seafood while enjoying the coastal atmosphere.

📍 Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park Night Market

🏨 Where I Stayed

During my visit, I stayed at Palawan Uno Hotel, a comfortable hotel conveniently located near the airport and just a short drive from the city center.

The property features spacious grounds, a large swimming pool, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a great base for exploring Puerto Princesa before continuing your travels through Palawan.

For travelers heading to El Nido, Coron, or catching a flight back to Manila, the location makes it especially convenient.

🚐 El Nido to Puerto Princesa: Bus vs Van

If you're traveling between El Nido and Puerto Princesa, you'll typically see two options:

• Shared vans 🚫
• Public buses ✅

While vans are often marketed as the faster option, the bus is usually the better choice.

The journey takes about 4–5 hours, and the road between the two destinations is extremely windy and mountainous. Many travelers warned me that the vans can feel cramped — you're often packed tightly into small seats with little room to move, which can quickly lead to motion sickness.

The bus ride is much more comfortable, offering proper seats, more space, and a smoother ride. Surprisingly, it usually arrives in almost the same amount of time as the vans.

For anyone prone to motion sickness or who prefers a more comfortable journey, the bus is the clear winner.

🚌 Getting Around & Traveling to Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa is a major transportation hub in Palawan with a full airport, making it a common starting or ending point for travelers visiting destinations like El Nido or Coron. Most visitors either fly into the city or travel by road from El Nido.

🚌 Book Bus Tickets Here:
‍ ‍Book the Bus

🛺 Local Transportation in Puerto Princesa

Getting around Puerto Princesa is simple and affordable. The most common way to travel short distances is by motorized tricycle, which functions similarly to a taxi for short city rides.

The primary tricycle-hailing app in Puerto Princesa is Backride Pinas (formerly Backride Palawan). Using the app makes it easy to request rides, avoid negotiating fares, and move around the city more conveniently.

Tricycles are ideal for quick trips to places like:

• Puerto Princesa Baywalk Park
• Local restaurants and markets
• Hotels and nearby attractions

🌴 More Experiences in Puerto Princesa

While the Underground River is the most famous attraction in the area, Puerto Princesa also offers several other great experiences that allow visitors to explore the natural beauty of Palawan.

🏝️ Honda Bay Island Hopping

One of the most popular day trips from Puerto Princesa is visiting the islands of Honda Bay, where you can spend the day snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on white sand beaches. Several small islands are part of the tour, each offering clear water and tropical scenery.

🐋 Whale Shark Boat Excursions

For travelers looking for a unique wildlife experience, boat excursions are available that allow visitors to swim alongside whale sharks in their natural environment.

🪰 Firefly Watching Cruise

A peaceful evening activity near Puerto Princesa is a firefly watching cruise, where visitors travel along mangrove rivers after sunset and watch thousands of glowing fireflies illuminate the trees. Many tours include dinner and provide a relaxing way to experience Palawan’s natural ecosystem.

These experiences are a great way to add adventure and variety to your visit while exploring more of what makes Palawan such a remarkable destination.

Honda Bay Island Hopping & Optional Massage

🌅 Final Thoughts

Puerto Princesa is often seen as a gateway to other destinations in Palawan, but the city itself offers more than many travelers expect. With its coastal views, lively night markets, local restaurants, and access to one of the most famous natural wonders in the Philippines, it’s a destination that deserves more than just a quick stopover.

Whether you're visiting the UNESCO-listed Underground River, exploring nearby islands, or simply enjoying a stroll along the baywalk, Puerto Princesa provides a relaxed introduction to the beauty and culture of Palawan.

For travelers heading to El Nido, Coron, or other parts of the Philippines, spending a little time here is well worth it.