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Puerto Princesa

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[edit] Understand

Puerto Princesa is the capital of the island province of Palawan. The city has been acclaimed several times as the cleanest and greenest city in the Philippines. It is said it's thanks to mayor Edward S. Hagedorn - politician that locals seem to love and admire (and mention in every occasion). With a wide range of attractions ranging from beaches to wildlife reserves, Puerto Princesa is a nature lover's paradise.

There is a useful tourist information office at the airport next to the arrival hall which hands out maps and gives information about current events in the city. They do not book accommodation though.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Puerto Princesa is slightly more than an hour away by plane from Manila. Philippine Airlines [1], Cebu Pacific [2] and Air Philippines [3], Zest Air [4] all have daily flights from Manila to Puerto Princesa. Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific also operates flights to and from Puerto Princesa to other major cities such as Davao and Cebu City. SEAIR [5] offers flights from Busuanga Tu/F/Su and El Nido on Tu/F.

The airport is practically in the city centre so you can ignore the overpriced tricycles waiting in front of the arrival and catch a tricycle on the main road for a fare of 7-8 pesos per passenger.

The airport is small and can be closed at certain points in the day (e.g. between 2pm and 3pm) and there are only 2 cafes outside the airport, therefore don't plan to kill any time here.

[edit] By ferry

SuperFerry [6] and Negros Navigation [7] both have a weekly ferry to Puerto Princesa from Manila. The ferry trip is about 22 hours long.

Milagrosa Shipping has a weekly ferry that sails between Puerto Princesa - Cuyo Islands - Iloilo. It departs Iloilo at 7pm on Thursday, arrives at the Cuyo Islands at 8am Friday, departs Cuyo Islands 3pm Friday and arrives in Puerto Princesa at 8am on Saturday.

[edit] Get around

MultiCab and tricycles are the most common means to get around Puerto Princesa. As in Manila, jeepneys usually have standard routes which they ply. Tricycles on the other hand are fairly limited to certain areas and would not be able to go very long distances. Standard tricycle fare around the city is 7-8 pesos per person.

The bus terminal is located a few Km outside the city centre. A tricycle from the station to the town centre should cost around 50P

For touring, it would possibly be a good idea to arrange special transport whether it be a jeepney or, for more comfort, air-conditioned vans or AUVs. This way, you will not be subject to the hassles of public transport availability.

Although "clean and green" Puerto Princesa City has a bold plan for introducing electric vehicles, the city has no published or announced plan that addresses the urgent needs of pedestrians and bicycle riders. There are few pedestrian "zebra" crossings in the city and most PPC drivers do not yield to pedestrians, leaving them stranded dangerously in the middle of the street. If, in order to protect yourself from the vehicles and smoke, you take a air-con van, you only add to the overall traffic and pollution problem. Tourist vans and other vehicles are often parked along Rizal Avenue and other main streets blocking where pedestrians and bicycles could once safely move, but no longer can. If you wish to walk or bike in a clean, green, and safe environment in the downtown area, you should ask at the tourist office (at the airport) where such an area exists, and see what they say.

[edit][add listing] See

  • Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park - more commonly known as the Underground River. At over 8 kilometers in length, is reputably the longest underground river in the world. With its crystalline waters and spectacular cave formations, the Underground River is possibly Puerto Princesa's most popular attraction. The site was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. The winding path of the river is navigable via small pumpboats that depart from Sabang Beach. Travel time from the city proper to Sabang is about 1.5 hours (This can take closer to 3.5 if you choose to ride in a Jeepney, since you have to wait while they deliver goods along the journey).
  • Honda Bay - consisting of several islets with beautiful beaches, Honda Bay is the place to go to for swimming, snorkeling as well as beach and island hopping. Accessible via the Sta. Lourdes wharf which is 25 minutes away from the city. Pumpboats at the wharf can be hired to take visitors to the various islets on the bay. Arrive before 11am to go island hopping if you require a small boat (1-5 people) and before 2.30pm if you require a larger boat.
  • Iwahig Penal Colony - a good example of a true correctional institute, the Iwahig Penal Colony is more of a farming community rather than a prison. Inmates often live with their families and are allowed to toil their farms to earn a living. Carving out handicrafts is also a common preoccupation and mahogany handcarvings are a good buy for tourists. The colony is about 35 minutes from the city center.
  • Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center formerly the Crocodile Farming Institute, and still referred to by locals as the "Crocodile Farm," is both a tourist attraction and a national research institute devoted to crocodiles. About 30 to 40 minutes from the city center, the Croc Farm also has a mini-zoo, which features some of Palawan's endemic species of wildlife. The place is open from about 8:30 AM to about 4:30 PM. From Rizal Avenue you can take an 8-person covered pickup truck (labeled "Irawan")for 20 pesos and the Croc Farm is the last stop; a tricycle carrying only one or two people will cost 100 to 150 pesos. Croc Farm Tickets cost 40p for adults and 20 for kids. You start with an guided tour of the crocs which last about 15 minutes. After that you wonder around by yourself in the endemic species area, where you have to be careful not to fall through a few rotton and crumbling wooden bridges. Although this is not the best managed wildlife area, the endemic species are nonetheless worth seeing and deserve your support.
  • Butterfly Garden with native Palawan butterflies is located about half way to the Croc Farm (above) and along the same road. Open 7 days a week from 8 to 5. Entry is 50 pesos.
  • Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. A very beautiful church that is decorated in blue and white.  edit
  • Palawan Museum, Mendosa Park (south side) (Mendosa Park (south side)). 9AM-noon, 1:30PM-5PM. This is an old museum that is not very well maintained or labeled but which has a number of interesting pieces. It is well worth a visit on a rainy day. 20 P.  edit
  • PSU Museum, Palawan State University. Housed in only one room. Clean. Well-organized. Staff helpful.  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

Buy native products at the Tourism Association of Souvenir Shops, they offer handicrafts made by the native tribes like manunggul or wooden jar, bulol or tisot, good harvest and carved animals. Others are tingkop (rice baskets), fish baskets, bags made from bark of a tree, native accessories, weave curtains and table mat, rattan floor mat and other assorted cashew nut delicacies.

Puerto Princesa offers good diving and is a fairly good place to take a PADI course if you plan to dive at some of the larger sites in El Nido or Coron. Moana dive centre, run by Paolo, offers PADI Open Water for 17500p. Good equipment, and pleasant instruction, with confined water dives taking place in the shallow parts of Puerto Princesa bay. Possible to see sea turtles, eels, lionfish, porcupine fish, batfish and snapper amongst others.

  • Plaza Cuartel, Taft St. near Cathedral. Historical Place, a must see site.  edit
  • Baker Hill, mitra rd, bgy sta monica. check out the plants and animal in its natural habitat. 600.  edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

  • Kalui 369 Rizal Avenue, Tel. 933 2580. Opens at 6pm for dinner, closed some holidays. Amazing food and ambiance. Can get quite busy so a reservation can't hurt. Seafood is the specialty and the daily seafood special for two is P395++.
  • Ditchay's (French Bistro), Manalo Ext. before Island Divers, Bancao Bancao, ☎ 723 1530, [8]. W-Su 5PM-midnight. French cuisine and can be a very welcome alternative for those longing to eat something else than local food after a long trip. The little restaurant lets you dine in intimate ambiance while you may chat to both the cook and the owner. The menu includes a variety of french foods like coffee & tea, paté rillettes, confit, soupes, salades, tapenades, grillades, fruits de mer, porc, boeuf, poulet, canard, crépes, patisserie" PPH 400-900.  edit
  • Kinabuch is a sports bar and grill and a magnet for tourists and other visitors. The food is really good and customers can play pool or watch live sports.
  • A&A Seafood Palace, national highway cor wescom rd (4th floor of A&A Plaza Hotel), ☎ +6348 434-2274, [9]. 8a-2p; 6p-10p. newest Chinese restaurant in town. freshest seafood catch and a great Hong Kong chef. try out authentic Chinese cuisine. 150-800.  edit
  • Divine Sweets, Valencia St. Great cakes (45-90p), coffee, shakes etc. They also serve food (untested). Wifi if you order  edit
  • PSU Museum, Palawan State University (About a 10 minute walk from the front gate of PSU, if you know where you are going.). Closed from 12 to 1 for lunch. This is a one room museum located inside a university building. You should ask for specific directions at the front gate, because not everyone knows about the existence of the museum. The museum is located in one small room but is clean, organized, and well-maintained, with an enthusiastic and helpful staff member. free.  edit
  • Ima's vegetarian, Fernandez St. Very good vegetarian food. Highly recommended Main dishes around 100-120.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

  • MJ Cafe & Bar, national highway cor wescom rd (lobby of A&A Plaza Hotel), ☎ +(6348)434-2274, [10]. 24H. A cool place to unwind. great tasting fraps / drinks. 50-250.  edit
  • Cafe Nori, Circon Bldg. Valencia St.. Mon.-Fri. 8:00AM-10:00PM; Sat.-Sun. 10:00AM-10:00PM. Serves Japanese cuisine with fusion and variety of Filipino and American cuisine. Also available are fruit shakes, coffee & frappuccinos.  edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Puerto Princesa has a wide range of accommodations that suit most budgets - from quaint lodges to high-end hotels and resorts.

  • Seasons Guesthouse, Roxas street, Barangay Kalipay (Near Pilot Elementary School, in front of Skylight Convention Center), ☎ +6348 434 3388/+63917 850 0928 (), [11]. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioner, hot and cold shower, cable TV, and complimentary wireless internet access. Also offers tour assistance, massage service, vehicle rental, and laundry services. Location is walking distance to Plaza Cuartel, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Baywalk, Public Market, and Palawan Museum. Short ride to banks, bars and restaurants, and airport. (Prostitutes are not allowed inside the property). Rates from PHP1,200.00. (9*44'17.00''N,18*43'57.00''E) edit
  • Palo Alto Bed & Breakfast, Kawayanan Street, Libis Road, Barangay San Pedro, ☎ +6348 434 2159, [12]. homey rooms all equipped with air-conditioner, cable TV, Internet access, refrigerator, and safe. Facilities and services are restaurant and cafe, spa and massage service, car rental, laundry/dry cleaning, and Palawan tours. From PHP 13,00.  edit
  • Villa Leonora Beach Resort, KM60, National Highway, Sitio Dacutan, Barangay San Rafael, ☎ +63 999 413 3247, [13].  edit
  • Liberty Park Pension, 34 Liberty Road, ☎ +63 48 434 9782, [14]. All rooms have A/C, cableTV, intercom, and private toilet and bath. Rooftop bar and restaurant, high-speed Internet, fitness room, and massage service. From 950 pesos.  edit
  • Hotel Centro, San Pedro National Highway, ☎ +63 48 434 1111, [15]. All rooms have A/C, cableTV, mini-bar, and coffee/tea maker. Business centre with high-speed internet, swimming pool, airport and city transfers. From.  edit
  • La Charica Inn, 126 Abad Santos, ☎ +63 48 434 2088, [16]. All rooms have A/C, cable TV, and a private toilet with hot and cold shower. High-speed Internet, restaurant/café, and massage service. From 1,300 pesos.  edit
  • Dos Palmas Arreceffi Island Resort, Honda Bay, ☎ +63 48 434 3118 (fax: +63 48 434 3119), [18]. High end beach resort.  edit
  • Asturias Hotel, South National Highway, Tiniguiban, ☎ +63 48 433 9744 (fax: +63 48 434 3750), [19]. From US$50.  edit
  • The Legend Hotel Palawan, Malvar Street, ☎ + 63 48 434 4270, + 63 48 433 9076 (fax: + 63 48 433 9077), [20]. Perhaps the most modern hotel in Puerto Princesa. Excursion packages to the various attractions of Puerto Princesa.  edit
  • Puerto Pension, 35 Malvar St, ☎ +63 48 433 2969, +63 48 433 4149 (fax: +63 48 433 4148), [21]. Nice rooms, free continental breakfast in the rooftop Tribu Restaurant. Desk staff are helpful, nice views.  edit
  • Hibiscus Garden Inn, Manalo Extension, ☎ + 63 48 434 1273, [22].  edit
  • One Rover's Place, 355 Rizal Avenue, ☎ +63 48 434 1338, [23]. 5 min from the airport with 18 A/C rooms. From 950 pesos++.  edit
  • Palawan Village Hotel, ☎ +63 48 434 4436, [24]. A/C rooms all with cableTV, a hair dryer, private toilet, bath with hot & cold water, and a balcony/deck. From 1,150 pesos.  edit
  • Microtel Inn & Suites Puerto Princesa, The Emerald Playa Beach and Nature Park, Brgy. San Jose (From the airport, take a right on Rizal Ave, then left at the National Highway, After the 5 km mark, turn right at Brgy. San Manuel Road then follow the signs.), ☎ +63 48 723 0977, [25]. checkin: 2PM; checkout: 12 noon. 3,800 pesos. (9.790766,118.772266) edit
  • Duchess Pension, 107 E Valencia Street, ☎ (048) 433-2873, [26]. checkout: 12am. Not the newest pension anymore but offers clean beds and quiet rooms. Not all are the same, so have a look before checking in. Friendly and helpfull staff. Try the sandwich with french baguette. Wifi for 50p (for the length of your stay) Fan with common toilet S/D 200/300, aircon with private toilet S/D 700. (9.7374171,118.7361691) edit
  • Dallas inn and cafe, 11 Carandang st (from the airport, follow Rizal ave towards the pier, once at Chowking turn right onto Lacao st and then take first left onto Carandang St,and walk 200 m from there to number 11.), ☎ +63 919 967 8558, [27]. checkout: 12pm. Family run guesthouse. Free wifi, quiet location, central, 3 min drive from the airport with a variety of rooms to choose from according to budget. Breakfast and dinner available on request with authentic Filipino dishes, Thai curries and American breakfast. 300-500 pesos.  edit
  • Tarabanan Resort, Sitio Tarabanan, Bgy. Concepcion (From the airport, take a tricycle to Puerto Princesa City transport terminal where public jeepneys or airconditioned vans regularly travel to Sitio Tarabanan), ☎ +63 92 7975 3192, [28]. checkin: 10AM; checkout: anytime without charges. A family-run resort with 8 cottages in front of Honda Bay, you can have the beach exclusively to yourself. The cottages are designed for air to pass through and provide natural ventilation. Seafood is the specialty of the resturant. 1 hr drive from the city centre. 900-1.200 pesos (US$20-30).  edit
  • A&A Plaza Hotel, national highway cor wescom rd, ☎ + 63 48 434 2274, [29]. checkin: 2PM; checkout: 12 noon. New hotel with 86 A/C, DOT accredited rooms. Function room, ballroom, 24 hr room service, solar power water heater. Smart ☎ +63 920 960 4722 / Globe ☎ +63 917 517 2274 / email frontdesk@aaplazahotel.com 599- 8,800 pesos.  edit
  • Kuhl-In Pension, Libis Road Ligaya St. San Pedro (10 min. from airport), ☎ +63 48 433 3420 (). Perhaps the best address for a monthly accomodation in the city. City location but is in a green area. Monthly rate for a 2 bedroom apartment is 15,000 pesos.  edit

[edit] Get out

  • El Nido - popular yet still remote destinations on Palawan, known for snorkelling, diving and beatiful little islands. It is 7-8 hour drive from Puerto Princesa.
  • Underground River - a UNESCO World Heritage site located roughly 50km north of Puerto Princesa.
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