How to Get to Puerto Princesa
Dreaming of pristine beaches, underground rivers, and the vibrant city of Puerto Princesa? Before you start exploring, the first step is figuring out how to get to Puerto Princesa. This bustling city on Palawan Island in the Philippines is your gateway to incredible adventures. Let’s dive into the best ways to reach this exciting destination.
Your Puerto Princesa Transport Toolkit
Here’s a deeper look at your main choices for reaching Puerto Princesa:
- Shared Vans: The Popular Pick: Shared vans offer a winning combination of comfort, convenience, and affordability. Expect air-conditioning, a reasonable journey time (usually around 5 hours from El Nido), and multiple departures throughout the day. Top tip: Book in advance, especially during peak season to ensure you get a spot on your desired departure.
- Private Vans: Comfort & Control: Traveling with a group or family? Private vans provide door-to-door service, customizable schedules, and the perk of choosing your travel companions. They’re also ideal if you have lots of luggage and want a more comfortable journey.
- The Budget Option: Public Buses: For budget-minded travelers and those seeking a truly local travel experience, public buses offer the cheapest way to travel between El Nido and Puerto Princesa. The trade-off is a slightly longer journey time and potentially less on-board comfort.
- Scenic Sea Route: Ferries: While less common for the El Nido to Puerto Princesa route, ferries are a fantastic option if you’re coming from Coron or other islands. Combine your journey with stunning sea views and the chance to island-hop your way to Puerto Princesa!
Choosing Your Ride
The “best” way of how to get to Puerto Princesa depends on your individual priorities. Consider these factors:
- Budget: Public buses win on price, followed by shared vans. Private vans are the most expensive but can be cost-effective for larger groups.
- Comfort: Shared vans offer decent legroom, but private vans are roomiest. Public buses can be cramped, especially on longer journeys.
- Flexibility: Private vans give you full control over departure times and stops. Shared vans have set schedules, while public buses are least flexible.
- Bathroom Breaks: Only private vans allow for stops on demand – a key consideration when deciding how to get to Puerto Princesa.
- Experience: Shared vans are geared toward tourists. Public buses offer a true local experience, which can be both fascinating and less predictable.
Expanding Your Arrival Options
While many travelers reach Puerto Princesa from El Nido, let’s explore other routes:
- Take to the Skies: Puerto Princesa has an international airport. Flying is the fastest way to get to Puerto Princesa from Manila, Cebu, and other major cities, although often the priciest.
- Island Hopping Adventure: If time is on your side, consider ferries from Coron or other Palawan islands. This turns your journey into a mini-adventure with beautiful scenery.
- Booking Convenience: We also offer shared vans, private transfers, and even flight options in one place, simplifying the process of figuring out how to get to Puerto Princesa.
- Package Deals: Some tour operators and hotels offer packages that include transport to Puerto Princesa. This can be a hassle-free option if you want everything organized for you.
Island Hopping? Check Out Green Gecko!
Want to make your journey an unforgettable Palawan experience? Green Gecko Expeditions offers amazing 3-day boat trips between Coron and El Nido, focused on island hopping. Their tours may include a stop in Puerto Princesa, letting you arrive in true island-hopping style! Look for keywords like ‘Coron to El Nido boat tour’, ‘Philippines island hopping’, or ‘El Nido to Coron expedition’ to discover the perfect itinerary.
The Gateway to Palawan
Whether you crave bustling markets, untouched beaches, or the world-famous Underground River, your Palawan adventure starts with the journey to Puerto Princesa. Choose a transport method that suits your style, pack your sense of adventure, and soon you’ll be stepping into the heart of Palawan, ready to explore!
