Irawan - Buses and pedestrians on a long, wide bridge.
1 / 10

Irawan

Puerto Princesa City, Philippines

Discover Puerto Princesa, Palawan's capital, famed for its UNESCO-listed Underground River and stunning island hopping adventures.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

November to May

Dry season, best weather

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Irawan - Buses and pedestrians on a long, wide bridge.

Irawan

Best Time

November to May

Dry season, best weather

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Puerto Princesa, Palawan's capital, famed for its UNESCO-listed Underground River and stunning island hopping adventures.

"A must-visit for nature lovers, offering unforgettable underground and island adventures!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Underground River Tours Early

Secure your permits and tours for the Underground River in advance, especially during peak season. :admission_tickets:

Pack Light for Island Hopping

Bring only essentials for island hopping. Waterproof bags are a must for your gadgets. :iphone:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Sabang

Marvel at the world's longest navigable underground river, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kayak through its mystical caverns.

Honda Bay Island Hopping

Honda Bay Island Hopping

Honda Bay

Explore pristine islands like Starfish Island and Luli Island. Enjoy snorkeling and swimming in crystal-clear waters.

Ugong Rock Adventures

Ugong Rock Adventures

Near Sabang

Hike and spelunk through limestone caves, culminating in a thrilling zipline descent with stunning views.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Getting to Puerto Princesa

Most visitors fly into Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS). From there, taxis and tricycles are readily available for transport to your accommodation. Booking flights in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure better prices and availability.

Best Time to Explore

The dry season, from November to May, offers the most pleasant weather for exploring Puerto Princesa and its surrounding attractions. Avoid the typhoon season (June to October) for a smoother travel experience. Planning your visit during weekdays can help you avoid larger crowds.

Best Times

When
November to May
Why
Dry season, best weather
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, better experience
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

How Dare You! #fyp #philippines #palawan #puertoprincesa #comedy #philippinestiktok
@nomnomadventure
108.6K likes โ€ข 1.2M views

Book Underground River Tours Early

Secure your permits and tours for the Underground River in advance, especially during peak season. :admission_tickets:

Pack Light for Island Hopping

Bring only essentials for island hopping. Waterproof bags are a must for your gadgets. :iphone:

๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ฅ๐ ๐˜๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐‹๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐‘๐ž๐ฌ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ ๐จ๐ง ๐๐š๐ฅ๐š๐ฐ๐š๐งโ€™๐ฌ ๐…๐ข๐ง๐ž๐ฌ๐ญ ๐’๐ก๐จ๐ซ๐ž! ๐ŸŒด ๐Ÿ“Zoned for Commercial & Residential just an hour & half from Puerto Princesa Airport! ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฉ๐ž๐ซ๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ƒ๐ž๐ญ๐š๐ข๐ฅ๐ฌ: Beach front! Size: 59,355 sqm (โ‚ฑ2500 per sqm) A breathtaking beachfront property perfect for high-end developments. With pristine white sand, crystal-clear waters, and a prime location, this lot is ideal for a luxury resort, eco-friendly vil...
@modernproperties.ph
59K likes โ€ข 844.1K views
reddit.com

Commute from SM City or Robinsons Palawan to Irawan Bus Terminal

Hi! I'll arrive at Puerto Prinsesa next Thursday at around 6 PM, and I'm planning to have a quick dinner at either SM City Puerto Prinsesa or Robinsons Palawan before going to Irawan Bus Terminal at around 8 PM since the bus I'm taking to El Nido will leave around 9:30 PM. Theโ€ฆ

Stay Hydrated and Sun Protected

The tropical sun is strong. Carry water and wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. :sunwithface:

Tricycle is King

For short distances within the city, tricycles are the most common and affordable mode of transport. ๐Ÿ๏ธ

reddit.com

Puerto Princesa Trip on November

Hi, so Iโ€™ll be arriving at the airport around 9-9:30am and I was wondering ano po yung mga cheaper ways to travel from the airport to Hill Myna Beach Cottage na hindi private kasi itโ€™s way too expensive.

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Underground River Tours Early

Secure your permits and tours for the Underground River in advance, especially during peak season. :admission_tickets:

Pack Light for Island Hopping

Bring only essentials for island hopping. Waterproof bags are a must for your gadgets. :iphone:

Stay Hydrated and Sun Protected

The tropical sun is strong. Carry water and wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. :sunwithface:

Tricycle is King

For short distances within the city, tricycles are the most common and affordable mode of transport. ๐Ÿ๏ธ

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Puerto Princesa for its breathtaking natural attractions, particularly the Underground River and Honda Bay's pristine islands. The friendly locals and delicious seafood also receive high marks. However, some find the transportation within the city a bit chaotic, and tour booking can sometimes be overwhelming.

What People Like

Stunning natural beauty
Underground River experience
Delicious seafood

What People Dislike

Tour booking complexity
City traffic

Frequently Asked Questions

๐Ÿš‡ ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Getting There

The most common way is by plane to Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS). Several airlines offer daily flights from Manila. Alternatively, you can take a ferry, but this is a much longer journey.

Tricycles are the primary mode of transport for short distances within the city. For longer trips to attractions like the Underground River or Honda Bay, you can hire private vans or join organized tours. Some accommodations also offer shuttle services.

Yes, you can inquire at the Astoria office in Mercado De San Miguel for their coaster service to Puerto Princesa City. Alternatively, vans are available for hire.

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located in Sabang, which is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Puerto Princesa City. TikTok

Yes, motorbike rentals are available in Puerto Princesa, offering flexibility for exploring the city and nearby areas at your own pace. However, be cautious of road conditions outside the city center.

๐ŸŽซ ๐ŸŽซ Tickets & Entry

It's highly recommended to book your Underground River tour and permits in advance, especially during peak season. You can book through your hotel, local tour operators, or online. Reddit

Tours for the Underground River typically run from early morning until mid-afternoon. The exact schedule can vary, so it's best to confirm with your tour provider.

Yes, there are usually environmental fees and boat rental fees for island hopping in Honda Bay. These costs are typically bundled into tour packages.

While not always mandatory, booking your Honda Bay island hopping tour in advance can save you time and ensure availability, especially if you have specific preferences for islands or activities. Instagram

The cost of the Underground River tour can vary depending on the tour operator and inclusions. It typically includes boat transfers, environmental fees, and a guided tour. Expect prices to be around PHP 2,500-3,500 per person.

๐ŸŽซ ๐Ÿงญ Onsite Experience

Wear comfortable, quick-drying clothes and water shoes or sandals. You'll be provided with a life vest and helmet. Avoid bringing unnecessary valuables as they might get wet.

Honda Bay offers fantastic opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying fresh seafood lunches on the islands. Some popular spots include Luli Island and Starfish Island. TikTok

The tour involves a short boat ride and then a paddle boat inside the cave. While generally safe, it might not be ideal for individuals with severe claustrophobia or mobility issues due to the confined spaces.

Inside the cave, you might spot bats, swiftlets, and other cave-dwelling creatures. The surrounding forest is home to various bird species and monkeys.

Yes, there are basic facilities available at the jump-off point for the Underground River tour, including restrooms and small shops.

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Food & Dining

Don't miss out on fresh seafood, especially grilled fish and kinilaw (Filipino ceviche). Also, try Tamilok (woodworm) if you're adventurous! TikTok

Kinabuch's Bar and Grill is a popular spot for local cuisine. For seafood lovers, Kalui Restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its art-filled ambiance. Many beachfront resorts also have excellent dining options.

While seafood is abundant, many restaurants can accommodate vegetarian requests. Look for vegetable stir-fries, fresh salads, and rice dishes. It's always best to inform your server about your dietary needs.

Dining prices vary. Local eateries and carinderias offer budget-friendly meals (PHP 150-300). Mid-range restaurants might cost PHP 400-800 per person, while high-end resorts can be more expensive.

Street food is available, especially in local markets. Exercise caution and choose vendors that appear clean and popular. Grilled corn and local snacks are common options.

๐Ÿ“ธ ๐Ÿ“ธ Photography

The Underground River's dramatic rock formations, the vibrant coral reefs during snorkeling in Honda Bay, and the panoramic views from Ugong Rock are all incredibly photogenic. TikTok

A waterproof camera or a good smartphone with a waterproof case is essential for island hopping and water activities. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing landscapes. Instagram

Photography inside the cave is generally allowed, but flash photography might be discouraged to protect the cave's ecosystem and the wildlife within. Always follow your guide's instructions.

Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden hour lighting for landscapes and beaches. Midday can be harsh, but it's perfect for underwater photography in Honda Bay.

Consider drone photography if permitted, or find elevated viewpoints on the islands. Capturing the turquoise waters and white sand beaches from a boat is also a classic shot.

You may also like

1 of 2
Irawan (2026) โ€“ Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide