How to get to Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa, located in the centre of the picturesque island of Palawan, is rightfully considered the ecological jewel of the Philippines. This unique resort is often called the "City in a Forest" due to the amazing harmony between urban infrastructure and the dense tropical greenery that literally embraces the streets and neighbourhoods.

The city serves as the main gateway to the world-famous Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Puerto Princesa is a recognised centre for eco-tourism, where travellers can expect not only breathtaking cave excursions and mangrove tours but also impeccable cleanliness, rich biodiversity, and the sincere hospitality of the local people.

The main aerial gateway to the resort is the Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS), which receives numerous daily flights from Manila, Cebu, and other key cities of the archipelago. The terminal is distinguished by its unique location right within the city limits, so the journey to most hotels takes only a few minutes, which is particularly appreciated by travellers after a flight.

When planning a complex itinerary around Palawan Island, some tourists choose flights to neighbouring San Vicente or the popular El Nido. However, it is worth considering that these are located at a significant distance; therefore, for visiting the provincial capital itself, a direct flight to the local airport remains the fastest and most comfortable solution.

It is not possible to reach Puerto Princesa by train, as there is a complete absence of railway services on Palawan Island. There are no train stations in the city, and the operating railway network of the Philippines is concentrated primarily on the island of Luzon, making this mode of transport irrelevant for this region.

Neighbouring tourist locations, including San Vicente and the popular El Nido, also do not have access to railway tracks. for overland travel between the province's cities, tourists usually use comfortable minivans or scheduled buses, which serve as the main and sole alternative to trains.

Bus services on Palawan Island offer an affordable and authentic way to get to the provincial capital, allowing you to enjoy views of the tropical jungles along the way. The most popular route connects the city with the tourist hub of El Nido: comfortable minivans and scheduled buses cover the distance of about 230 kilometres in an average of 5–6 hours. The road here is quite winding, but the high-quality surface makes the journey quite pleasant.

Regular transport links are also established with the developing resort of San Vicente, located on the west coast. The 130-kilometre trip usually takes 3 to 4 hours, passing through picturesque settlements and green hills. Travellers should note that air conditioning in local transport often works at full power, so having a light jacket in the cabin would be useful.

Travelling by car around Palawan Island allows you to independently plan your schedule and enjoy tropical landscapes on the way to the provincial capital. A trip from the popular El Nido will take about 5 hours, during which you will cover a distance of approximately 270 km. The road here is scenic but quite winding in places, so drivers should be attentive, especially after dark.

If you are departing from the developing resort of San Vicente, the journey will be shorter — about 176 km, which takes slightly over 3–3.5 hours of driving. The route from the village of Port Barton is also convenient: the road from there to the city takes about 3 hours. This is an excellent opportunity to see the non-tourist side of island life, driving past small villages, coconut groves, and green hills.

For long journeys, tourists often book a private taxi or an individual minivan with a driver. The cost of such a service varies, but for a comfortable transfer over long distances (for example, from El Nido), the price is usually between 5,000 to 8,000 pesos. This guarantees convenience, saving coolness from the air conditioning in the tropical heat, and the ability to make stops for photos in the most beautiful spots along the route.

Preparing for a trip to Puerto Princesa requires attention to detail so that your holiday proceeds as comfortably and carelessly as possible. This city in the Philippines is distinguished by its special ecological status and hot tropical climate, which dictates certain rules for tourists.

1. Clothing and Equipment. Prefer light clothing made from natural fabrics (cotton, linen), as the humidity here is high year-round. Be sure to bring comfortable closed shoes with non-slip soles for excursions into caves and jungles. If your trip falls during the rainy season (June to November), a light raincoat or umbrella will become your best friend.
2. Transport Nuances. The most popular way to move around the city is by tricycle (motorcycles with a sidecar). This is a colourful and inexpensive mode of transport, but it is better to negotiate the price with the driver before boarding. For longer trips, it is more convenient to rent a minivan with a driver or use a jeepney — the local analogue of a shared minibus.
3. Financial Matters. The national currency is the Philippine Peso. Although cards are accepted in major hotels and shopping malls, only cash is used in small shops, markets, and transport. Exchange money at official exchange offices in the city or withdraw from ATMs, but be prepared for withdrawal fees on foreign cards.
4. Health and Safety. Puerto Princesa is one of the safest cities in the country, but basic precautions are useful. The main rule of the tropics: drink only bottled water and avoid ice in beverages at street cafes. Also, be sure to use repellents against mosquitoes, especially during evening walks and nature excursions.
5. Communication. The language barrier is practically non-existent here. Filipinos speak excellent English, which is the second official language. The locals are very friendly and always ready to help, so do not hesitate to ask passers-by for directions or advice.
6. Local Etiquette. Filipinos are a very smiling and calm people. It is not customary here to raise your voice or show aggression in public — this is considered a "loss of face". Respond to a smile with a smile, and you will encounter the warmest attitude. When entering private homes or certain establishments, it is customary to remove your shoes.
7. Strict Ecological Rules. Puerto Princesa prides itself on the title of the cleanest city in the country. Strict anti-littering laws are enforced here: dropping a wrapper or cigarette butt on the street can result in a substantial fine. Smoking is also strictly prohibited in public places, except in specially designated zones.
8. Important Advice on Excursions. If you plan to visit the famous Underground River, book your tour in advance (preferably several weeks ahead). The number of visitors per day is strictly limited to preserve the ecosystem, and arriving without a booking risks missing the island's main attraction.

Following these simple recommendations will help you avoid minor inconveniences and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the "City in a Forest". Respect for local laws and nature guarantees you a warm welcome and a wealth of positive impressions from your trip.