Most travelers skip these Puerto Princesa secrets but if you’re ready for adventure, culture, and untouched nature, my blog shows the spots locals love most.

Disclaimer: All views expressed on this blog are my own based on my own experiences and do not represent of any entity with which I have been, are now or will be affiliated

September 05, 2025
Batangas, Philippines

Date of Trip: August 18-21

Palawan, often hailed as the Philippines’ last ecological frontier, is also celebrated as one of the world’s finest island destinations and it’s not hard to see why. Located in the western part of Luzon, this breathtaking province boasts postcard-perfect white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, lush rainforests, and coral reefs brimming with marine life.

This journey was a collection of adventure-filled chapters. Back in 2023, I explored Coron, part of the stunning province of Palawan, and its beauty absolutely took my breath away! I promised myself I’d return to uncover more of this island paradise’s wonders. This time, my trip began in Puerto Princesa, home to a true national treasure the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. I couldn’t wait to see what awaited us. So, join me as I explore Puerto Princesa alongside my college best friend, our first big adventure together in this incredible destination.

How to go to Puerto Princesa from Manila?

Since I’m based in Manila, flying is the most convenient way to reach Puerto Princesa. I took a Cebu Pacific flight on the way there and flew back with AirAsia, spending a total of PHP 4,050.00 for both tickets without checked luggage but with the standard 7kg hand-carry allowance included.

Capital – Puerto Princesa City

Currency/ATMs – PHP. There are majority of ATMs across Puerto Princesa proper.

Internet Connection – Most internet and mobile data providers in the Philippines, such as Globe and Smart, offer decent coverage. However, there’s no signal at the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

Weather – Puerto Princesa enjoys a tropical climate with two main seasons: the dry season from January to June and the wet season from July to December. August usually falls within the Philippines’ typhoon season (June to October), but since Palawan is less prone to direct hits, we were lucky to enjoy clear skies and pleasant weather during our visit to PPS.

Language – Tagalog and English can be understood by some residents.

Transportation – I was thrilled to find a transportation app in Puerto Princesa similar to Grab or Uber, called Backride Pinas, which made getting around so much easier. You can even use it to order food! What’s great is the variety of ride options available you can book a tricycle like the locals, a car for more comfort, or even a motorcycle, which is a budget-friendly choice if you’re traveling solo. You can check out more about this in my Tiktok videos here.

Puerto Princesa International Airport

The airport was impressively clean and far more comfortable than many other domestic airports I’ve visited, where there’s often little to do while waiting. You can tell it’s relatively new—well-organized, efficient, and far from chaotic. It’s not very large, but it has all the essentials you need, including ATMs, money changers, and cafés.

A quick tip: the cafés and money changers operate only during regular business hours, roughly 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time, so plan accordingly if you need to exchange money at Puerto Princesa Airport.

Accommodation – We stayed in two hotels during our trip—one in Sabang, about a two-hour drive from the city proper, called Four Points by Sheraton, and another in the city proper, The Dome Hotel and Resort.

Four Points by Sheraton

I booked our stay through the Marriott Bonvoy app and signed up as a member to enjoy dining discounts. I reserved a Superior Guest Room with two double beds, a garden view, a balcony, and breakfast included for PHP 9,363 per night. However, due to a transportation hiccup at the airport (more on that later), we were upgraded to a Pool View room worth PHP 10,533 per night at no extra cost.

Things to Note Before Staying at Four Points by Sheraton, Sabang

Transportation – The hotel is about a two-hour drive from Puerto Princesa city proper, so it’s best to arrange a private transfer directly through the hotel. This costs PHP 1,000 per person, one way, with designated pick-up times. Make sure to coordinate with the hotel in advance. In our case, due to a transportation hiccup, they waived the additional cost for our return trip.
ATM Access – There’s an ATM at the hotel, but it’s BPI-only. It’s wise to bring extra cash just in case. The hotel accepts credit cards and cashless payments as well.
Nearby Attractions – The Subterranean River Information Center is just a 5-minute walk from the hotel. If you want to save on costs, you can book directly there instead of going through the hotel.
Tour Bookings – The hotel offers tours, but prices are generally higher. For example, we booked our Underground River tour through them at PHP 2,700 per person.
Dining Options – Since the hotel is secluded, don’t expect nearby restaurants outside the premises. All dining will be within the resort.
Deposit – A PHP 3,000 refundable deposit per night is required upon check-in.
Check-in/Check-out Times – Check-in starts at 3:00 PM, while check-out is at 12:00 PM.

My Experience

I loved our stay here! The private beach was pristine, and the swimming pool was massive perfect for lounging all day. Whether I was relaxing by the shore, unwinding in the pool, sipping a drink at the pool bar, or soaking in the jacuzzi, the vibe was pure bliss. The property is huge, the staff were outstanding, and the food was excellent. If you’re looking for peace, privacy, and a break from the crowds, this place is a must when visiting Puerto Princesa.

One thing that stood out was how the hotel handled our initial inconvenience. We were supposed to be picked up at 10:00 AM, but the driver left with other guests who hadn’t booked in advance, so we ended up waiting an hour. The hotel completely made up for it by upgrading us to a pool view room and waiving the PHP 2,000 return transfer fee. Everything worked out wonderfully in the end.

I highly recommend Four Points by Sheraton and will definitely bring my family here next time. It truly made my Puerto Princesa trip unforgettable!

The Dome Hotel and Resort
The Dome Hotel and Resort is just 10 minutes from the city proper, yet secluded and overlooking a serene beach. We stayed in a Dome Villa with its own bathroom, two double beds, and complimentary breakfast for PHP 5,715 per night. We chose this hotel for its convenient location close enough to explore the city, and near the starting point of our next tour.

Things to Note:

Hair Dryer – Not provided in the room, so request one at the reception if needed.
Cash – There’s no ATM on-site, so make sure to bring extra cash.
Tours – The resort offers various tours in and around the area.
Transport Tip – They were the ones who introduced me to the Backride Pinas ride-hailing app, which was a huge help for getting around.
Deposit – A PHP 1,000 per night refundable deposit is required.
Pool Hours – The pool is open until 10:00 PM.

My Experience:

I really enjoyed our stay here, especially the dome-shaped villas they were spacious, cozy, and unique. The room came with a mini fridge, the beds were very comfortable, and the bathroom was clean and well-kept. The pool, which sits above the trees, offered a nice view, but because of its location, leaves and small insects sometimes ended up in the water. It would be great if the staff could maintain the pool area more frequently.

As for the complimentary breakfast, it was a bit underwhelming. I ordered tocino, but it wasn’t to my taste, although the other menu items were fine. Overall, I loved my stay here and would happily come back it’s a charming spot for those looking for a quiet, cozy escape just minutes away from the city.

Tours We Tried in Puerto Princesa

1. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and voted as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is truly a national treasure. A permit is required to visit in order to protect its unique mountain-to-sea ecosystem.

The experience was truly magical—gliding quietly through the cool, dark cave as our boatman’s flashlight unveiled mesmerizing rock formations resembling cathedrals, Jesus Christ, Mama Mary, vegetables, animals, and mythical figures. Stalactites and stalagmites rose in intricate, almost surreal shapes, igniting the imagination with every turn. The gentle drip of water echoed in the stillness, occasionally broken by the flutter of bats overhead. It felt like stepping into a secret world, untouched and perfectly preserved beneath the island.

It was both enlightening and awe-inspiring, and I genuinely enjoyed learning about this New 7 Wonder of Nature. This has been on my Palawan bucket list for years and I’m beyond happy I finally got to experience it!

I booked this tour directly through our hotel for PHP 2,700 per person to avoid the hassle of securing a permit in the city. But if you’re looking to save on costs, you can definitely DIY your trip. Here’s how:

DIY Permit Application:

1. Head to the PPSRNP Protected Area Management Office located at the New Mendoza Park Building, Rizal Avenue corner H. Mendoza Street.
2. The park accommodates only 1,200 guests per day, so it’s best to secure your Visitor Entry Permit early.
3. Bring a valid ID and appear in person (personal appearance is required).
4. The office is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
5. For more info you can reach out to their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ppundergroundriver/

Fees:
Adults (Local) Entrance: PHP 500 Audio Device: PHP 85 Environmental Fee: PHP 150 Total: PHP 735
Minors (13–20 years old, Local) Entrance: PHP 100 Audio Device: PHP 76.50 Environmental Fee: PHP 150 Total: PHP 326.50
Adults (International) Entrance: PHP 150 Audio Device: PHP 76.50 Environmental Fee: PHP 150 Total: PHP 376.50
Children (3–12 years old) Local: PHP 195 International: PHP 300
Senior Citizens (Local) PHP 596.50

Things to Note:

– The park is almost a 2-hour drive from Puerto Princesa city proper, but from our hotel, the information center for the Underground River was only a 5-minute walk.

-There are buses going to Sabang; if you’re not on a private tour, you can ask around for the location of the terminal.

-There are no ATMs within the park, so bring enough cash.

-Mobile signal is unavailable in the park.

-An audio device will be provided during your tour for guided commentary.

-Exploring the park won’t take hours, so if you’d like to add more adventure, you can try the zipline for PHP 600 per person.

-Designated photographers are available in the park to take your photos for PHP 270 (cash only).

Iwahig Firefly Watching

One of the most enchanting experiences in Puerto Princesa begins after sunset—Iwahig Firefly Watching. Set along the tranquil Iwahig River, this tour treats you to the sight of hundreds of fireflies illuminating the mangrove trees like twinkling Christmas lights in the night.

The adventure begins with a peaceful boat ride under a sky full of stars. Along the way, your guide will point out mangrove flowers where fireflies feed and share fascinating insights about the river’s fragile ecosystem. Then comes the highlight—hundreds of tiny golden lights flickering in unison, dancing gracefully in the darkness. It’s a mesmerizing scene, a natural wonder no camera could ever truly capture. The guide mentioned that fireflies are more abundant in December or during colder months

I booked this experience through Iwahig Firefly Watching for PHP 1,800 per person, which included roundtrip transfers, unlimited dinner, and the tour itself.

Things to Note:

1. The Iwahig River is about 45–50 minutes from Puerto Princesa city proper.

2. Bring insect repellent—mosquitoes are common, though you can also buy repellents from nearby stores at the park.

3. Flash photography is prohibited, as it can disturb the fireflies.

4. Restrooms are available on-site.

5. A 50% down payment is required to confirm your booking.

6. Tours run in the evening (around 6:30 PM onwards), making it a great post-day-tour activity.

7. For more information, visit their official Facebook page here.

Restaurants Tried

Catalina’s Bakeshop and Cafe
402 Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Price Range: PHP300-1000

Since we arrived early for our 10 AM hotel pick-up, we decided to have breakfast at Catalina’s, located just 10 minutes from Puerto Princesa International Airport. It was my first time trying fried lapu-lapu (grouper), and it was absolutely delicious. I also enjoyed their kasuy cheesecake, it was baked to perfection. We had a wonderful time at this café, and the best part is they have a generator, which came in handy during a brief 5-minute power outage. More of the restaurant here.

Baker’s Hill & Baker’s Kitchen
Price Range: PHP 300–1,000
Hopia Price per Box: PHP 175–250

Located along Mitra Road just outside Puerto Princesa City, Baker’s Hill began as a modest bakery famous for its hopia (flaky pastry) and has since evolved into a delightful garden park. The area features colorful sculptures, lush gardens, and sweeping views of Honda Bay making it both a foodie and photographer’s haven.

With no entrance fee, it’s a fun and budget-friendly stop for families, couples, and travelers. We dropped by before our flight to grab pasalubong, and I absolutely loved their hopia—freshly baked, rich in flavor, and a definite must-try when in Palawan. Since it’s about 25 minutes from the city proper, be sure to plan your visit according to your flight schedule.

Within the same complex, Baker’s Kitchen offers tasty meals, free Wi-Fi, and an al fresco dining setup (note: it’s not air-conditioned). I ordered the salted egg shrimp, and it was bursting with flavor—proof that Palawan’s seafood is truly top-notch. Overall, it’s a great spot to enjoy good food and relax after exploring Baker’s Hill.

Itinerary
Day 0 – August 17, 2025 (Sunday)
Pasay

We booked a hotel near Mall of Asia for our early morning flight the next day. This was also the perfect chance for a mini reunion with Mia, my college best friend visiting from Taiwan while waiting for her PR status in Canada. Since we’re not from Manila and live 2–3 hours away, staying near the airport was a must.

While waiting for Mia’s arrival, I dropped by Seventeen’s Mini Teen House Party to buy some merch—super fun! You can watch the video here. I also watched Fantastic Four and was pleasantly surprised by how much better it was compared to the earlier installments.

We stayed at Hotel 101, booking a room with 2 double beds for PHP 2,596.48. Check-in was at 2:00 PM and check-out at 12:00 PM. The room was spacious, came with its own CR and toiletries, and was within walking distance of Mall of Asia, very convenient.

When Mia arrived, we headed straight to Kiwami, a multi-kitchen Japanese dining spot featuring six standout brands: Yabu, Ippudo, Hachibei, Hannosuke, Hokkaido, and Koyo. I love the concept you can order from any of the restaurants and have the food served to your table. Prices range from PHP 300–1,000, and it’s definitely a must-visit for Japanese food lovers. We enjoyed every bite and had a great time catching up.

Day 1 – August 18, 2025 (Monday)
NAIA Terminal 3

We headed to NAIA Terminal 3 around 5 AM and were greeted by a long queue, but the process was smooth and efficient. I appreciate that Cebu Pacific has self-service kiosks where you can easily print your boarding pass—or even check in online beforehand. Since Mia forgot to screenshot her booking details, we had to fall in line, but it all went smoothly in the end.

Our flight to PPS was on a mid size aircraft, boarding was well-organized, and everything ran on time with no delays.

We landed right on schedule, and I immediately opened the Backride App I had downloaded earlier. I noticed that the iOS version was much better configured than the Android one—I actually had to use Mia’s phone to subscribe because some options weren’t visible on mine. Maybe it was just me not navigating it properly, but either way, I got it to work.

I booked a car to Catalina’s for breakfast before heading back to the airport for our scheduled 10:00 AM pickup. However, we didn’t see any Sheraton signages at the airport, and to our surprise, the driver who was supposed to pick us up had already left with other passengers even though we were the only ones booked for that time slot. What was meant to be a 10:00 AM pickup ended up happening at 11:00 AM. I emailed the hotel about the situation, and to their credit, they handled it graciously upgrading our room and waiving the return transportation fee for our departure.

When we arrived at the hotel, we were greeted with welcome drinks and fresh towels, and the staff’s warm hospitality made us feel instantly at home. We were even able to check in early.

Our room was spacious and had a beautiful view of the pool, complete with all the amenities we needed. My favorite parts of the stay? Definitely the beachfront, the massive swimming pool, the relaxing jacuzzi, and the restaurant—I honestly loved everything about this hotel experience.

I’ll be sharing more about my Puerto Princesa adventures soon on my YouTube channel, but for now, I have to say blogging feels so much easier than creating videos!

I spent the day lounging by the pool and relaxing on the beach, snapping plenty of photos along the way. What I truly loved about this place was how time seemed to slow down as if the world paused for a moment. I managed to do so much, yet it felt wonderfully unhurried, and I appreciated every second of it. You can find my video here.

We also dined at the hotel’s Evolution Restaurant and while seafood dishes are usually their forte, this time we opted for the Frutti di Mare pizza, loaded with fresh shrimp, squid, and mussels. It was absolutely delicious. Prices at Evolution range from ₱300 to ₱1,000 per order.

Day 2 – August 19, 2025 (Tuesday)

Itinerary
Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Four Points By Sheraton


We enjoyed our complimentary buffet breakfast, served from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM at the Evolution Restaurant. Just a note you can only dine once during the breakfast hours, so no leaving and coming back for a second round later.

The spread offered a wide variety of choices, and I especially loved the selection of fresh fruits kept chilled in a freezer—so refreshing! They also served classic Filipino breakfast favorites, which I truly enjoyed.

Our guide picked us up for the Subterranean River National Park tour, and it was amazing. From the Information Center—just a 5-minute walk from our hotel—it was only a 15-minute boat ride to the site. The experience was not only breathtaking but also very educational, and I can’t wait to share more about it in my upcoming vlog.

After the tour, we took some time to rest before heading out for another meal, then spent the afternoon lounging by the pool and relaxing on the beach—it truly felt like we were savoring every moment in this resort.

It honestly felt like we had the entire place to ourselves, with only a handful of other guests around—likely because of how secluded it is and the fact that we visited during the off-season.

Later, we explored the property and treated ourselves to drinks, starting with their smooth craft beer, followed by a shot of lambanog, a strong Filipino coconut-based liquor often compared to whisky. Everything was fantastic, and we ended the night simply enjoying the poolside, minding our own business, and loving life.

Day 3 – August 20, 2025 (Wednesday)

Itinerary
The Dome Hotel and Resort
Firefly Watching

This was our last day at the resort before moving to our next hotel. We started the morning with a sumptuous breakfast at the restaurant, then spent some time lounging on the beach. We had planned to catch the sunrise, but the weather was gloomy, so it didn’t make an appearance. Still, the beach was stunning, the atmosphere was perfect, and I couldn’t help but dedicate every Beatles song in my head to Palawan—haha!

We checked out and were picked up by our transfer at 1:00 PM to head toward the city proper. By then, we were starving, so we grabbed a quick snack at a nearby Jollibee before booking a car to check in at The Dome Hotel and Resort.

Check-in was seamless, and we were thrilled with our dome villa. Shortly after, we were picked up for our Firefly Watching tour, which turned out to be just as educational as it was magical.

We returned around 10:00 PM, and I even managed to squeeze in a night swim in the pool. I had to cut it short when an insect—probably from the trees above—dropped into the water, but it didn’t dampen the experience. I still enjoyed every moment of my late-night dip.

Day 4 – August 21, 2025 (Thursday)

Itinerary
Baker’s Hill

It was our last day in Puerto Princesa, but I honestly didn’t want to leave. The only reason I had to head back to Manila was because I needed to catch a show I didn’t want to miss. We had actually planned to go to El Nido, but life had other plans so that adventure will have to wait for now.

We started the morning with breakfast: tocino paired with strong, bold coffee before I took one last dip in the pool to relax. Soon after, our transfer picked us up for a stop at Baker’s Hill.

We left the hotel right on time at 12:00 PM and spent the afternoon enjoying everything Baker’s Hill had to offer, the colorful park, the views, and of course, the delicious pasalubong. I couldn’t leave without picking up treats for my dogs and my brother. Mia had to leave earlier for her 3:00 PM flight, while mine wasn’t until 6:00 PM, so I lingered a bit longer, enjoying lunch on the hill before heading to the airport.

I arrived just in time for my flight, but there was a small hiccup my pasalubong made my carry-on exceed the 7 kg limit (it was now 10kg). I ended up paying ₱1,019 for the extra weight, and learned my lesson: next time, I’ll purchase additional baggage online in advance. On the AirAsia app, it’s only ₱495, compared to paying more at the counter. Also, a tip—check in online for a seamless process; just show your valid ID and boarding pass at the gate and you’re set.

We landed at NAIA Terminal 2 around 8:00 PM, and surprisingly, the airport wasn’t too crowded—it was Ninoy Aquino Day, a public holiday in the Philippines. I rushed to the Buendia bus terminal only to find there were no more buses going to my town. This was unexpected since the last trip is usually at 11:00 PM. With no choice, I hopped on a bus taking a longer route, turning what’s normally a 1.5-hour trip into a 2.5-hour one. Still, I was just relieved to finally get home to my dogs.

Looking back, this trip was extra special because I got to spend it with my best friend. We’ve shared so many memories over the years, and I’m glad we traveled in comfort this time, it really elevated the whole Puerto Princesa experience. If it were just me, I’d probably have chosen more budget-friendly stays, but the comfort was worth it.

And the best part? I’m not done with Palawan yet I’ll be back next week for part two of this adventure. See you then!

You can find more photos on my Instagram page here

Love,
Maria,sometimes, Niskie