Most travelers treat Puerto Princesa as a layover city — land, sleep, van to El Nido. That is a mistake. Puerto Princesa has legitimate world-class attractions, the best restaurants in Palawan, and the only reliable ATMs on the island. Here is how to make the most of 1 or 2 nights before your transfer north.
Quick Answer
Puerto Princesa is worth 1 to 2 nights before your El Nido van transfer. Must-do activities include the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River (book permits 2 to 3 days ahead), Honda Bay island hopping, and the Iwahig firefly river cruise. Withdraw all your cash here — El Nido has one unreliable ATM and Port Barton has none.
Top Things to Do in Puerto Princesa
1. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River — Full Day
The UNESCO World Heritage underground river 81 km north of the city in Sabang is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in Southeast Asia. A paddle boat takes you 4.3 km through a cathedral cave system with enormous stalactites and bats overhead. Book permits online at least 2 to 3 days ahead — daily visitor numbers are capped and permits sell out during peak season.
Full day tour cost: ₱1,200 to ₱1,500 per person including transport, permit, and beach time at Sabang before and after the cave.
2. Honda Bay Island Hopping — Half Day
Honda Bay sits 12 km north of Puerto Princesa city and offers accessible island hopping with calmer, shallower water than El Nido — making it excellent for non-swimmers and families. Key islands include Starfish Island (shallow water covered in starfish), Luli Island (a sandbar that appears and disappears with the tide), and Pandan Island with a beach resort and good snorkeling. Half day tour cost: ₱800 to ₱1,200 per person.
3. Iwahig Firefly River Cruise — Evening
One of Palawan’s most underrated experiences. At dusk, a wooden boat takes you along the Iwahig River where thousands of fireflies light the mangrove trees along both banks. The effect is extraordinary — the trees pulse with blue-green light as if decorated. Tours run nightly from approximately 5:30 PM. Cost: ₱500 to ₱800 per person including transport from the city.
4. Crocodile Farm — 2 Hours
The Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre — commonly called the crocodile farm — houses hundreds of Philippine and saltwater crocodiles plus other endemic Palawan wildlife. Educational and genuinely interesting for an hour or two. 7 km from the city center, entrance fee ₱70.
5. Palawan Museum — 1 Hour
A small but well-curated museum covering Palawan’s pre-colonial history, indigenous Batak and Tagbanua cultures, and natural heritage. Free entry, located in the city center near Plaza Cuartel. A good 45-minute cultural context before exploring the island.
6. Rizal Avenue Evening Street Food
Puerto Princesa’s main street transforms into a street food corridor from 5 PM onwards with grilled seafood, isaw, banana cue, and local snacks at extremely low prices. The best way to spend an evening in the city if you are on a budget. Eating well here costs under ₱200 per person.
Best Restaurants in Puerto Princesa
- Kinabuch’s Bar and Grill — the most famous restaurant in Puerto Princesa. Fresh seafood grilled to order, tamilok (woodworm) for the adventurous, and a lively atmosphere. Expect to queue during peak season evenings.
- Ka Lui Restaurant — Filipino set meals served in a beautiful open-air nipa hut. The set lunch (₱350 to ₱450) includes multiple courses of local dishes. Reservation recommended.
- Badjao Seafront Restaurant — the best sea view in the city with a long menu of fresh fish, crab, and shellfish. Popular with both locals and tourists, prices are fair.
- Balayong Restaurant — inside the Princesa Garden Island Resort, this is the upmarket option with consistent quality and a good wine selection for those who want a more comfortable dinner.
The Most Important Thing to Do in Puerto Princesa
Withdraw all your cash. Seriously — this deserves its own section.
El Nido has one ATM. It frequently runs out of cash, particularly during peak season weekends. Port Barton has no ATM at all. If you run out of money north of Puerto Princesa your options are expensive money transfer services or borrowing from other travelers.
ATMs in Puerto Princesa: BDO, BPI, Metrobank, and PNB all have branches and ATMs in the city. The SM City Puerto Princesa mall has multiple ATMs with reliable cash supply. Withdraw ₱5,000 per day per person as a baseline budget — more if you plan to do multiple island hopping tours or private boat hire.
Recommended Puerto Princesa Itinerary
1 Night in Puerto Princesa
- Arrive afternoon → check in → Rizal Avenue street food dinner
- Morning → van transfer to El Nido (7:00 AM or 8:00 AM departure)
2 Nights in Puerto Princesa (Recommended)
- Day 1: Arrive → Honda Bay island hopping (afternoon) → Kinabuch’s dinner → Iwahig firefly cruise (evening)
- Day 2: Underground River full day tour → return city → Rizal Avenue dinner
- Day 3: 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM van transfer to El Nido → arrive afternoon
Ready to continue north? Book your Puerto Princesa to El Nido van transfer here — from ₱750 per person, airport pickup, daily departures.
