Hotels in Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa Introduction

Known as the "the city in a forest," the beauties of nature are never very far away in Puerto Princesa. This young city's commitment to protecting the environment in the midst of urban growth is one of the main reasons for its reputation as one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines. The energetic, tree-lined city core is surrounded by ecologically-rich swamplands and stunning mountain ranges. Close by are gorgeous white-sand beaches, a diverse marine life, and what's said to be the longest underground river in the world.

Hotels in Puerto Princesa

Free WiFi, cable TV and parking are pretty much standard in most establishments in Puerto Princesa. Pricier beach resorts and luxury hotels will normally greet you with a complimentary drink, large, lavishly decorated suites with free toiletries in the private bathroom, and unfettered access to an outdoor pool. For cozier, more intimate lodgings, you might opt for a bed-and-breakfast. where you can wake up to a free breakfast and spend some downtime in peaceful gardens. If you're watching your budget, you can choose from among the many inns, hostels and cheap hotels in Puerto Princesa, some of which offer airport shuttle services and help with tour packages.

Where to stay

Watching the breathtaking sunset while munching on tasty street food is a favorite pastime at the Puerto Princesa Baywalk Park in the southwest area of the city, where you can find quite a number of hotels. Nearby are attractions such as the Palawan Museum and the historic Immaculate Conception Cathedral. The Bancao Bancao area to the southwest is home to the venerable World War II Memorial Museum, and is conveniently situated mere kilometers away from island-hopping adventures in famous Honda Bay. Accommodations are also plentiful near the roads going towards the city's northern district, where shopping malls, bars and restaurants, and public markets abound.

Things to see

The Puerto Princesa Underground River is arguably the crowning glory of the area's natural attractions. Located in the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in the Saint Paul Mountain Range, it's a World Heritage Site and is counted among the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Marvel at the curious patterns on the walls and natural rock formations of the cave as your kayak glides past them. The silence is broken only by the sound of your guide's paddles and droplets of water falling from the magnificent stalactites into the cool waters of the river. Nighttime can be a magical experience on the unpolluted Iwahig River, another one of Puerto Princesa's premier ecotourism destinations. Ride a small paddle boat and witness millions of fireflies flickering silently in the trees along the riverbank. It's a scene right out of a fairy tale.

How to get to Puerto Princesa

The Puerto Princesa International Airport services travelers flying in and out of the city. It's conveniently situated near the city center, within easy reach of many Puerto Princesa hotels, restaurants, and other commercial establishments. You can also reach Puerto Princesa by sea, on ferries plying maritime routes from Manila and provinces such as Cebu and Iloilo. The abundance of public transportation within the city and to outlying villages makes travel in Puerto Princesa a straightforward affair. The ever-present jeepneys and tricycles traverse the city's streets 24/7. Many hotels are also happy to arrange a car rental service for you if you prefer private transportation.