Palawan is located in Southern Tagalog Region in Luzon also known as Region IV-B in terms of location from regional administration; however, it is also one of the major islands in the Western Visayas Region. The provincial island ranks 5th as the largest island in the Philippines.
This year, a renowned American-based travel magazine announced Palawan as the number 1 island in the world, followed by the island of Boracay, which got the same spot last year.
It is composed of different islands including Coron, El Nido, and Puerto Princesa.
The city of Puerto Princesa can be found in the western part of Palawan. Often times, the place is likely described as the city in a forest due to its bio-diverse flora and fauna and well preserved complex ecosystem.
Going to Puerto Princesa from Manila takes roughly 1 and a half hours.
Courtesy of Innovata Map
The city has become known until The Underground River was declared as the world's new wonders of nature few months ago. And because of this enormous recognition, the flights has undeniably increased, and available in both local and international airlines such as Cebu Pacific Air, PAL, Tigerair, and AirAsia on a regular basis.
TOTAL EXPENSES per PERSON: P5336.03 ($127.04)
(4 days & 3 nights getaway in Puerto Princesa)
Savings: P9213.97
Two-way Promo Airfare: P1164.03 (regular two-way fare is roughly P9,000)
Promo Accommodation Rate: P1347 (regular Purple Fountain Inn and Jilian Inn total rate is P8300 and P2075 per night)
Food (lunch, dinner, snacks): P500
Transportation (tricycle, FX, bus, and taxi from Manila to Puerto Princesa vise versa): P150
Activities (Underground River Tour and Day Tour): P1650 (Total regular tour rate is P2100)
Souvenirs (food, other items): P700
Tax (terminal fee): P25
Note: Exchange Rate: $1 = P42
Find out more how we saved from this do-it-yourself (DIY) tour in PPS!
FlightWe purchased the tickets from a seat sale in Cebu Pacific in September last year. After 5 months of waiting, we finally took the flight on February 24 this year.
courtesy of instaweatherpro
It was exactly 11:25 in the morning when the plane touched down Puerto Princesa Internatinal Airport.
Regular Fare: P4,500 to 6,500 (inclusive of taxes, other fees, and 15kg check-in baggage fee)
Savings: P4,000 - P6,000
A representative from Purple Fountain Inn was waiting outside the arrival area to bring us to our accommodation that only took 3 to 5 minutes.
Itinerary
Feb 24 (Sun)
NAIA Terminal 3 ETD (estimated time of departure) 10:05am
Checked-in at Purple Fountain Courtyard Inn
Lunch at Haim Chicken Inato
Feb 25 (Mon)
Underground River Tour
Lunch at Sabang Wharf
Dinner at Kalui Restaurant
Feb 26 (Tue)
Puerto Princesa Day Tour
Lunch at Bona's Chaolong (Vietnamese Eatery)
Checked-in at Jilian Tourist Inn
Feb 27 (Wed)
Flight back to Manila ETD 10:00am
Accommodation
1. Purple Fountain Courtyard Inn
Contact Information:
Purple Fountain Courtyard Inn
Location:
296 Manalo Extension
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan 5300
Philippines
Telephone #: +6348-434-2430
Cellphone#: Globe (+63917-537-2772) Smart (+63999-882-5800)
E-mail: purplefountaininn@gmail.com
Facebook: Purple Fountain Courtyard Inn
Website: www.purplefountaininn.weebly.com
Review:
One thing I was so excited about this tour was the to see this elegant 10-room inn up close and personal. I actually saw the photos from the website before. To stay and use their amenities, however, was such an unforgettable experience. Perhaps, If I will have my own house, I would definitely have their designs both from the exterior and interior.
I love the interior- the perfect combination of hues, the lines and curves make the rooms more comfy and relaxing. Furnishings and other canvas with various sizes create a well-balanced arrangement or embellishment in and out of the room. Symmetry and harmony were the important aspects of this remarkable work of art shown in this quaint yet elegant haven for tourists like us. In addition, amenities never made us disappointed. They were all new and clean. Purple Fountain Inn put its guests into another level of experience from this one-of-a-kind accommodation.
People were so accommodating. The staffs in the receiving area helped us find and reserve our dinner in Kalui, which you cannot do from other hotels.
Standard Rooms with Porch or Veranda
Price: P1500 per night for 2 persons with set breakfast
- P400 per pax for additional person
- maximum of 4 persons
- air-conditioned room with 1 ceiling fan, LCD TV, hot and cold shower
- free wi-fi access and complimentary 2-way van transfer
We got this room from a promo in metrodeal good for 4 persons with set breakfast per person (for 3 days and 2 nights) for only P2888 instead of P5800.
Savings: P2912.
Set breakfast is often served as early as 6:00 in the morning.
This inn offers 2 kinds of meals: American style and Filipino breakfast (both options can have either a cup of hot coffee (3-in-1 or instant) or hot chocolate
American breakfast: 2 toasts of bread, scrambled or sunny side-up egg, some bacon
Filipino breakfast:
a. 1 serving of plain (steamed) rice, scrambled or sunny side-up egg, tocino (sweetened fried pork)
b. 1 serving of plain rice, scrambled or sunny side-up egg, longganisa
To rev up our second day in PPS, these were our breakfast from Purple Fountain
Contact Information
Location:
National Highway San Pedro
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Philippines
Telephone #: (048) 434-2627 / 723-3582
Telephone #: (048) 434-2627 / 723-3582
Telefax #: +63048-434-2627
Cellphone #: Globe (+63927-826-2627) Smart (+63939-902-2188)
E-mail: jiliantouristinn@gmail.com
Website: www.jiliantouristinn.com
Cellphone #: Globe (+63927-826-2627) Smart (+63939-902-2188)
E-mail: jiliantouristinn@gmail.com
Website: www.jiliantouristinn.com
Price: P2,500 per night for 4 persons
- inclusive of set breakfast for 4
- free wi-fi access and complimentary 2-way airport van transfer
Note: They require a 50% deposit based on the estimated cost to avail the reservation
Review:
Welcoming you by the staffs was quite special and your name is shown on the lcd monitor found at the receiving area.
The size of the beds are wide and the space of this family room can even accommodate up to 6 people. The linens and the towels are free of stain while the pillows and the mattress are firm and comfy. Also, they have more space on the counter top where you can put your valuables, but the table was small for 4 persons.
Personally, one thing they should improve is their toilet. There was a stinky smell coming out probably form the toilet seat or the sink pipe. We were able to call the attention of the utility and did something for this problem, but after a while, the smell came out again. During the entire stay, we just had to bear the annoying smell and left this hotel and this problem unresolved.
our set breakfast that day such as tocino, scrambled egg,
1 serving of steamed rice, and a cup of hot coffee (instant or 3-in-1)
Attractions
A. Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour
Contact Information
Harbour Bay Travel & Tours
Location:
Unit 3, Masangcay Building 18 Fernandez St.,
Puerto Prrincesa, Palawan,
Philippines 5300
Telephone #: +6348-434-1620
Cellphone #: Globe (+63917-519-7722) Smart (+63908-892-5477)
E-mail: harbourbaytravel@gmail.com
Website: www.harbourbaytravel.com
Underground River Tour
Price: P1500 per head
- 1 day tour (from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm)
- inclusive of van and boat transfers, permits, and entrance fees
- buffet lunch at Sabang Wharf
Note: This should be booked 1 month before to obtain permit for the Underground River tour
- rates and tour package are standardized by the provincial government.
- children rates:
5 y/o and up - full price
3 - 4 y/o - half price
2 y/o and below - free of charge
(children must sit on guardian's lap
- Underground river permit fees are non-refundable in case of cancellation due to bad weather condition
Tip: You must reserve this tour few months before your arrival in Puerto Princesa because there's only certain number of permits for Underground River given to the tourists in a day.
We excitedly jumped in a 14-seater van that our travel agent from Harbour Bay Travel and Tours brought that day. I thought the entire tour would be exclusive for us, but we were with a family composed of a couple and their son. Somehow, we were still lucky because it still had some spaces for us to lie down.
Generally, underground river tour includes other side trips to places like Clarianes Souvenir Shops, Karst Mountain, Buenavista Viewdeck in the morning, and Ugong Rock Formation and city's huge souvenir center in the afternoon.
1. Clarianes Souvenir Shop
This is the first stop of Underground River tour. Clarianes Souvenir Shop has a few items being sold, so if I were you buy your pasalubong in some souvenir shops located at the city center.
Admission fee: Free of charge
2. Karst Moutain
When I heard our tour guide that the next stop was Karst Mountain I wondered what a karst was. Then after I searched it on google, it simply means a landscape made up of limestone creating different rock formations and this site is a perfect example of that.
As much as we wanted to cross the field to see what's inside the cave, we couldn't because it would take so much of our time. Since we were with other tourists, we just took some photos and headed for our next destination.
Before we went to Buenavista viewdeck, we managed to drop by another Karst formation over-looking the site for a few minutes.
Admission fee: Free of charge
3. Buenavista Viewdeck
Buenavista Viewdeck is the best place for a panoramic view of Ulugan Bay, over-looking some majestic islands of Puerto Princesa.
The area has a small souvenir shop selling a number of local products.
4. Underground River
It is also known as Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, one of the world's newest wonders of nature acclaimed by the UNESCO this year. This national treasure features a vast limestone formation or karst landscape in St. Paul Mountain Range, and the underground river (Cabayugan River) with approximately 8.2 km in length, flowing directly to St. Paul's Bay. The area is highly protected by the government unit due to its highly bio diverse flora and fauna in and out of the underground river. There are snakes, bats, and prawns in the cavern and Palawan Pheasant Peacock, monitor lizard, monkeys, and marine turtles roaming freely around the forest. Moreover, it is considered as one of the most important forests in the Asian region.
On the other hand, the river is navigable up tp 4.5 km giving the tourists a magnificent view of limestone's different formation such as shafts, pinnacles, dolines, and more.
To monitor the influx of tourists in this world renown heritage, the government limit it up to a maximum of 600 tourists in a day.
Tip: Processing the entry permit in the area should take 1 month before your visit.
For more info about this tour you can visit Underground River Tourism
Admission Fee:
Local International
Adult P175 P250
Minor P100 P150
Commercial Video Fee: P3000
A. Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour
Contact Information
Harbour Bay Travel & Tours
Location:
Unit 3, Masangcay Building 18 Fernandez St.,
Puerto Prrincesa, Palawan,
Philippines 5300
Telephone #: +6348-434-1620
Cellphone #: Globe (+63917-519-7722) Smart (+63908-892-5477)
E-mail: harbourbaytravel@gmail.com
Website: www.harbourbaytravel.com
Underground River Tour
Price: P1500 per head
- 1 day tour (from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm)
- inclusive of van and boat transfers, permits, and entrance fees
- buffet lunch at Sabang Wharf
Note: This should be booked 1 month before to obtain permit for the Underground River tour
- rates and tour package are standardized by the provincial government.
- children rates:
5 y/o and up - full price
3 - 4 y/o - half price
2 y/o and below - free of charge
(children must sit on guardian's lap
- Underground river permit fees are non-refundable in case of cancellation due to bad weather condition
Tip: You must reserve this tour few months before your arrival in Puerto Princesa because there's only certain number of permits for Underground River given to the tourists in a day.
Other tours offered:
Honday Bay Island-Hopping
Price: P1,300 per head
- 1 day tour (from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm)
- inclusive of van and boat transfers, entrance fees,
- free picnic lunch
Islands: Pandan, Snake, & Starfish
City Tour
Price: P600 per head
- half-day tour (from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm)
- inclusive of van transfers and entrance fees
Destinations: Crocodile farm, Butterfly Garden, Mitra Ranch, Bakers Hill, Pineapple Weaving, and Ihawig Penal Farm
Generally, underground river tour includes other side trips to places like Clarianes Souvenir Shops, Karst Mountain, Buenavista Viewdeck in the morning, and Ugong Rock Formation and city's huge souvenir center in the afternoon.
1. Clarianes Souvenir Shop
This is the first stop of Underground River tour. Clarianes Souvenir Shop has a few items being sold, so if I were you buy your pasalubong in some souvenir shops located at the city center.
2. Karst Moutain
When I heard our tour guide that the next stop was Karst Mountain I wondered what a karst was. Then after I searched it on google, it simply means a landscape made up of limestone creating different rock formations and this site is a perfect example of that.
As much as we wanted to cross the field to see what's inside the cave, we couldn't because it would take so much of our time. Since we were with other tourists, we just took some photos and headed for our next destination.
Before we went to Buenavista viewdeck, we managed to drop by another Karst formation over-looking the site for a few minutes.
3. Buenavista Viewdeck
Buenavista Viewdeck is the best place for a panoramic view of Ulugan Bay, over-looking some majestic islands of Puerto Princesa.
The area has a small souvenir shop selling a number of local products.
Admission fee: Free of charge or you can donate
4. Underground River
It is also known as Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, one of the world's newest wonders of nature acclaimed by the UNESCO this year. This national treasure features a vast limestone formation or karst landscape in St. Paul Mountain Range, and the underground river (Cabayugan River) with approximately 8.2 km in length, flowing directly to St. Paul's Bay. The area is highly protected by the government unit due to its highly bio diverse flora and fauna in and out of the underground river. There are snakes, bats, and prawns in the cavern and Palawan Pheasant Peacock, monitor lizard, monkeys, and marine turtles roaming freely around the forest. Moreover, it is considered as one of the most important forests in the Asian region.
To monitor the influx of tourists in this world renown heritage, the government limit it up to a maximum of 600 tourists in a day.
Tip: Processing the entry permit in the area should take 1 month before your visit.
For more info about this tour you can visit Underground River Tourism
Admission Fee:
Local International
Adult P175 P250
Minor P100 P150
Commercial Video Fee: P3000
Contact Information
Underground River Booking Office
Add: 350 Rizal Ave., Puerto Princesa City 5300, Philippines
Telephone#: +6348-723-2563
Telefax#: +6348-434-2509
E-mail: undergroundriver_ppsmp@mozcom.com
5. Ugong Rock Adventure
Caving fee: P200 per person including safety gears and a tour guide
Contact Information
Tagabinet Ugong Rock
Tourism Service Cooperative
Add: Purok Pagkakaisa, Barangay Tagabinet, Puerto Princesa City 5300
6. Souvenir Shop (city center)
Contact Information:
Pearls & Accessories Store
Add: National Highway, Barangay San Miguel , Puerto Princesa City 5300
B. Puerto Princesa Day Tour
Regular Rate: P600 per head
Expenses: P600
Savings: P1,800
Note: Crocodile Farm is the only destination that has admission fee, and the rest is free of charge.
This list of interests is advised by the tricycle driver who has been doing this for many years now. It's up to you to follow this itinerary in order.
1. Palawan Wildilfe and Conservation Center (Crocodile Farm)
This attraction has a conservation center for the Philippine crocodiles (Crocodylus Mindorensis) and a small zoo preserving some Palawan's endemic animals.
Upon entering the site, one of the tour guides will gather the tourists at the lobby for a brief orientation of this tour. The center allows the visitors to see some pod or congregation of hatchlings (baby crocodiles) and other crocodiles with varying ages. Then, you'll see these critically-endangered species of adult crocodiles on bird's eye view while you're on a fenced railings right above them. On the final stop, visitors are free to roam around the mini zoo without any additional charges.
Entrance fee: approximately P40
2. Mitra's Ranch
Mitra's Ranch also know as Rancho Santa Monica, is owned by the former Philippine Sentaor, Ramon Mitra. The place is breath-taking, over-looking the horizon of Puerto Princesa and its famous Honda Bay. On the left side, you can see the wide fenced-ranch with some grazing cattles.
People can enjoy hiking, zipline, and horse back-riding, a few meters away from this log cabin nestled on the top of the hill.
Mitra's Ranch also know as Rancho Santa Monica, is owned by the former Philippine Sentaor, Ramon Mitra. The place is breath-taking, over-looking the horizon of Puerto Princesa and its famous Honda Bay. On the left side, you can see the wide fenced-ranch with some grazing cattles.
People can enjoy hiking, zipline, and horse back-riding, a few meters away from this log cabin nestled on the top of the hill.
3. Baker's Hill
Baker's Hill not an ordinary bakery or pasalubong (present) store that like some people might think of. The compound comprises of various shops, restaurants, and a mini park that everyone can surely enjoy. The small shop welcomes you with the store's famous specialty, the freshly-baked 'hopia' (famous Chinese pastry) with its delectable flavors like ube, baboy (pork), munggo (bean). They also have crinkles in choco and ube flavors, and more.
Baker's Hill not an ordinary bakery or pasalubong (present) store that like some people might think of. The compound comprises of various shops, restaurants, and a mini park that everyone can surely enjoy. The small shop welcomes you with the store's famous specialty, the freshly-baked 'hopia' (famous Chinese pastry) with its delectable flavors like ube, baboy (pork), munggo (bean). They also have crinkles in choco and ube flavors, and more.
The place has a pizza store, a seafood restaurant, a kiosk for tropical fruit beverages, and refreshments store.
We could not wait to taste their hopia, so we tried one box with cold beverage like gulaman, and ate them in their mini park.
I love the place because it's relaxing and quiet. You can just take some time to rest on their wooden swing and feel the calmness of the area.
Baker's Hill is also perfect for taking pictures with their gigantic sculptures like a serpent, a lion, Jack Sparrow of the movie 'The Pirates of the Carribean," and more.
Admission fee: Free of charge
4. Binuatan Creations
It was such an experience to see these nimble Binuatan handweavers up close and personal. Tourists are allowed to enter this area and have a hands-on experience on this very intricate artistry. At a glance, it seems that their job is pretty easy, but after I tried it, it was had to com up a design like what they have on display at the store.
It was such an experience to see these nimble Binuatan handweavers up close and personal. Tourists are allowed to enter this area and have a hands-on experience on this very intricate artistry. At a glance, it seems that their job is pretty easy, but after I tried it, it was had to com up a design like what they have on display at the store.
After spending time with these artistic weavers, we checked their creations on its store.
The salesperson said that majority of their products are being exported to many countries in America and some parts in Europe.
Although the price is a bit pricy compared to other souvenir items sold in the city center, Binuatan products possess high quality and equal the value of your money.
Admission fee: Free of charge
5. Tesda Transformer
6. Bona's Chaolong (Vietnamese Restaurant)
Restaurant
1. Haim Chicken Inato
Contact Information
Address: 369 Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa Palawan
Telephone 3: (048) 433-2580
Cellphone #: Smart (+63928-753-9621)
E-mail: online@kaluirestaurant.com
Supermarket
1. NCCC
2. Puregold
Our trip has finally over.
We were able to board at around 9am and had a safe trip back to Manila via NAIA Terminal 3.
Promo fare: P582 per passenger via Cebu Pac
Regular Fare: P4,500 to 6,500 (inclusive of taxes, other fees, and 15kg check-in baggage fee)
Savings: P4,000 - P6,000
5. Tesda Transformer
This attraction is not generally seen in most of the itineraries in Puerto Princesa day tour, but I was astounded when I got to see this cool structure from the famous movie, 'Transformers.' I am not familiar with this character but I surely am it was hard to make such one especially it is created by the students of TESDA.
You can see this right in front of the entrance gate of the school.
Admission fee: Free of charge
6. Bona's Chaolong (Vietnamese Restaurant)
Some people from Vietnam came to Puerto Princesa in 1979 seeking for freedom and a new place to live in. The city has accepted them since then and were given a fraction of land to start a new life. These people brought not only their culture but the flavor of Vietnamese cuisine.
Bona's Chaolang is one of those ventures that they have put up, and it became a must-see attraction among tourists who visit the city.
The price of the Vietnamese noodles ranges from P50 to P60 depending on the flavor you wll order.
Compared to baguette I tried in this eatery, the one I tried in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) City was tastier and full of authentic Vietnamese ingredients with variety of meat.
Take a tricycle along Manalo Extension and tell the driver to bring you to Bona's Chaolong.
Restaurant
1. Haim Chicken Inato
Location: 294 Manalo Extension, Puerto Princesa
2. Kalui Restaurant
A lot of bloggers recommend Kalui Restaurant as one of the must-try restaurants in Puerto Princesa. This is not like any other restaurants where you just sit and order your meal, but it gives tourists a one-of-a-kind service and a homy ambiance of the Philippines traditional house. The restaurant is mostly made of wood with furnishings originally made in the Philippines.
I like this restaurant because it promotes one of the country's customs where visitors are barefooted when entering the house. In Kalui, all customers must leave their shoes at the entrance and are given a certain locker to keep their footwear.
They have an array of menu from fresh fish to nutritious vegetables.
You'll get even more delighted because after having your heavy meal, you will be given mixed tropical fruits such as watermelon, melon, and banana served on a coconut husk for free. This dessert is good for 2 persons.
A lot of bloggers recommend Kalui Restaurant as one of the must-try restaurants in Puerto Princesa. This is not like any other restaurants where you just sit and order your meal, but it gives tourists a one-of-a-kind service and a homy ambiance of the Philippines traditional house. The restaurant is mostly made of wood with furnishings originally made in the Philippines.
I like this restaurant because it promotes one of the country's customs where visitors are barefooted when entering the house. In Kalui, all customers must leave their shoes at the entrance and are given a certain locker to keep their footwear.
They have an array of menu from fresh fish to nutritious vegetables.
You'll get even more delighted because after having your heavy meal, you will be given mixed tropical fruits such as watermelon, melon, and banana served on a coconut husk for free. This dessert is good for 2 persons.
Contact Information
Address: 369 Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa Palawan
Telephone 3: (048) 433-2580
Cellphone #: Smart (+63928-753-9621)
E-mail: online@kaluirestaurant.com
3. Sabang Wharf Buffet Lunch
4. Bona's Chaolong (Vietnamese Restaurant)
5. Chowking
Price List:
Fish Tausi Bowl without drink- P88
- breaded fish fillet and some tofu mixed with spicy tausi sauce.
Braised Beef Meal with drink- P109
- this meal has braised beef and some chopped carrots mixed with thick sauce on top of the steamed rice
Shanghai Lauriat Meal without drink- P131
- Combination of pancit (noodle) canton,1 plain rice, 2 pcs beef shomai, 3 small pieces Lumpiang Shanghai (spring roll), and 8 pieces chicharap (fish cracker) or 1 piece buchi
Regular halo-halo with 1 scoop of ice cream- P72
- this dessert is very famous among Filipinos as an afternoon refreshments during summer season, but Chowking makes it available anytime of the day. It has various sweetened ingredients mainly composed of some tropical fruits and local root crops on top of grated ice and served with milk and a scoop of ice cream in 2 different flavors, cheese and ube.
Fish Tausi Bowl without drink- P88
- breaded fish fillet and some tofu mixed with spicy tausi sauce.
Braised Beef Meal with drink- P109
- this meal has braised beef and some chopped carrots mixed with thick sauce on top of the steamed rice
Shanghai Lauriat Meal without drink- P131
- Combination of pancit (noodle) canton,1 plain rice, 2 pcs beef shomai, 3 small pieces Lumpiang Shanghai (spring roll), and 8 pieces chicharap (fish cracker) or 1 piece buchi
Regular halo-halo with 1 scoop of ice cream- P72
- this dessert is very famous among Filipinos as an afternoon refreshments during summer season, but Chowking makes it available anytime of the day. It has various sweetened ingredients mainly composed of some tropical fruits and local root crops on top of grated ice and served with milk and a scoop of ice cream in 2 different flavors, cheese and ube.
6. Birger King
It is located at the ground floor of NAIA, near the arrival area.
It is located at the ground floor of NAIA, near the arrival area.
1. NCCC
2. Puregold
Souvenirs and Pasalubong
1. Pasalubong Store (city center)
2. Baker's Hill Specialties
Our trip has finally over.
We were able to board at around 9am and had a safe trip back to Manila via NAIA Terminal 3.
Departure area of Puerto Princesa International Airport
Regular Fare: P4,500 to 6,500 (inclusive of taxes, other fees, and 15kg check-in baggage fee)
Savings: P4,000 - P6,000
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Blogger's Note
Please be informed that details are subject to change at any time, particularly the price, location, and contact numbers. I, therefore advise that you visit their website or email ahead for confirmation when making your itinerary. The blogger cannot be held responsible for the experiences of the readers while travelling.
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