Puerto Princesa sits at the heart of Palawan, the island consistently crowned the world’s most beautiful, and yet most cruise visitors arrive thinking they already know the story: see the cave, tick the box, sail on. What actually unfolds is something far richer — a destination that layers UNESCO-listed wilderness, genuine Filipino warmth, and surprisingly sophisticated street food into one of Southeast Asia’s most rewarding port days.
Arriving by Ship
Cruise ships dock at the Puerto Princesa Port, a compact and straightforward facility located just a few kilometres from the city centre. Tuk-tuks (locally called trisikads) and tricycles swarm the pier exit, ready to whisk you into town for next to nothing, and the port staff are generally helpful and accustomed to cruise arrivals. There’s no overwhelming hustle here — one of the first signs that Puerto Princesa operates at its own unhurried pace. Taxis are also available, and many visitors pre-arrange transfers, particularly if heading to the Underground River, which lies about 80 kilometres north and requires a full morning commitment.
Things to Do
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is, without question, the headline act. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, the underground river cuts through cathedral-like limestone caverns for over eight kilometres, its stalactites and stalagmites lit only by the guides’ lanterns. Booking a day tour in advance is strongly recommended, as daily visitor numbers are capped. 🎟 Book: Puerto Princesa: UNESCO Underground River Day Tour
Back in the city, a half-day tour reveals a thoughtful, well-organised destination that takes its “cleanest and greenest city in the Philippines” reputation seriously. The Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre (formerly the Crocodile Farm) surprises visitors with its genuine conservation mission, housing over a thousand Philippine and saltwater crocodiles alongside rare local wildlife. The Immaculate Conception Cathedral, the Batak village visits, and the Honda Bay island-hopping circuit all reward those who look beyond the river. 🎟 Book: Half-day Puerto Princesa City Tour For island-hopping specifically — drifting between Luli Island, Cowrie Island, and Starfish Island on gin-clear water — a dedicated shore excursion makes the logistics effortless. 🎟 Book: Shore excursion: Puerto Princesa Island Hopping Tour
Local Food
Puerto Princesa’s food scene punches well above its size. The night market along Rizal Avenue is unmissable — long rows of grills loaded with tamilok (woodworm extracted from mangrove trees, eaten raw with vinegar), fresh tuna barbecue, and grilled seafood sold by weight at prices that seem almost fictional to Western visitors. Order the crocodile sisig — minced crocodile meat cooked with onions, chilli, and calamansi — at any number of local restaurants. It tastes surprisingly mild, somewhere between chicken and pork, and it’s an experience you absolutely cannot replicate at home. Ka Lui Restaurant is a local institution, serving beautifully presented Filipino dishes in a bamboo house where you sit cross-legged and eat with your hands. Arrive early, as tables fill quickly.
Shopping
The Palawan Public Market is the most authentic shopping experience in the city — chaotic, colourful, and wonderfully local. Dried mango, cashew nuts (Palawan cashews are nationally famous), and local honey make excellent lightweight souvenirs. For more curated crafts, the Binuatan Creations weaving centre employs local Pala’wan tribe women and sells bags, wallets, and textiles woven from pandan leaves. The work is genuinely beautiful and directly supports indigenous communities. Pasalubong centres along Rizal Avenue stock the usual Filipino gift-box staples — the cashew-based treats here are noticeably fresher than versions sold elsewhere in the country.
Practical Tips
Puerto Princesa runs on Philippine pesos; carry cash, as not all local vendors accept cards. The heat is serious — bring sun protection, stay hydrated, and factor in humidity when planning your itinerary. A light rain jacket is sensible year-round, as afternoon showers can appear quickly. If your ship departs in the early evening, you have a genuinely full day available, but the Underground River trip demands an early start — arrange it first and build city activities around it. For port-to-city transfers, both shared and private options are available at reasonable rates. 🎟 Book: Shared Puerto Princesa Airport Transfers
Cruises That Visit Puerto Princesa Philippines
Puerto Princesa is a growing inclusion on Asia-Pacific cruise itineraries, with several major lines recognising Palawan’s magnetic appeal. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Costa Cruises have all featured Puerto Princesa on select Southeast Asia voyages, typically as part of longer Philippines or broader Asia circuits. Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America Line have also included the port on regional itineraries that weave through multiple Philippine islands, often pairing Puerto Princesa with Coron, Manila, or Boracay.
These sailings most commonly depart from Singapore, Hong Kong, or Manila — the three dominant home ports for Southeast Asia cruising. Some itineraries originate further afield from Sydney or Tokyo, positioning the Philippines as a mid-voyage highlight during longer transpacific or Asia Grand Voyages.
Voyage lengths typically range from 10 to 21 nights, with the shorter end covering a focused Philippines circuit and longer itineraries spanning multiple Southeast Asian nations. Puerto Princesa usually appears mid-itinerary on these sailings.
The best time to visit is during the dry season, running from November through May. January to March offers the most reliably calm conditions for both cave access and island hopping. Typhoon season peaks between June and October, when some itineraries avoid the port entirely.
🎟️ Things to Book in Advance
These highly-rated experiences fill up fast — book before you arrive to avoid missing out.
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📍 Getting to Puerto Princesa Philippines
Use the interactive map below to explore the port area and plan your route from the terminal.
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