Travel advisory · PhilippinesSome governments advise against travel to parts of Philippines.The warnings cover only these areas: Basilan, Central and western Mindanao, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Misamis Occidental, North Cotabato, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Southern Sulu Sea, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Sulu archipelago, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX), Zamboanga Sibugay, Agusan del Sur, Bukidnon, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur (excluding Davao City), Misamis Oriental, Northern Celebes Sea, Remainder of Mindanao, Surigao del Sur.Advice depends on your passport. Read your own government's advice before you book.Official advice
- Basilan · avoid all travel · Canada, Spain, France, Italy
- Central and western Mindanao · avoid all travel · New Zealand, UK
- Lanao del Norte · avoid all travel · Canada, Germany, Spain, France, Italy
- Lanao del Sur · avoid all travel · Canada, Spain, France, Italy
- Maguindanao · avoid all travel · Canada, Spain, France, Italy
- Misamis Occidental · avoid all travel · Canada, Germany, France, Italy
- North Cotabato · avoid all travel · Canada, Spain, France, Italy
- Sarangani · avoid all travel · Canada, Spain, France
- South Cotabato · avoid all travel · Canada, Spain, France, Italy
- Southern Sulu Sea · avoid all travel · France, New Zealand
- Sultan Kudarat · avoid all travel · Canada, Spain, France, Italy
- Sulu · avoid all travel · Canada, Spain, Italy
- Sulu archipelago · avoid all travel · Germany, France, New Zealand, UK
- Tawi-Tawi · avoid all travel · Canada, Spain, France, Italy
- Zamboanga del Norte · avoid all travel · Canada, Spain, France, Italy
- Zamboanga del Sur · avoid all travel · Canada, Spain, France, Italy
- Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX) · avoid all travel · Germany, New Zealand
- Zamboanga Sibugay · avoid all travel · Canada, Spain, France, Italy
- Agusan del Sur · avoid non-essential travel · Canada, France
- Bukidnon · avoid non-essential travel · Canada, France
- Davao de Oro · avoid non-essential travel · Canada, France
- Davao del Norte · avoid non-essential travel · Canada, France
- Davao del Sur (excluding Davao City) · avoid non-essential travel · Canada, France
- Misamis Oriental · avoid non-essential travel · Canada, France
- Northern Celebes Sea · avoid non-essential travel · Spain, France
- Remainder of Mindanao · avoid non-essential travel · Germany, New Zealand, UK
- Surigao del Sur · avoid non-essential travel · Canada, France
Also named by one government: Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) (Germany), Cotabato City (Spain), Samal Island (France), Soccsksargen (Region XII) (Germany), Southern half of Palawan maritime zone (France), Agusan del Norte (Canada), Davao Occidental (Canada), Davao Oriental (Canada), Mindanao (whole region) (Italy), South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) (France), Sulu Sea (Spain), Surigao del Norte (excluding Siargao Island) (Canada), Zamboanga City (Italy)
| Government | Advice | Updated | Read the advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (FCDO) | No advice against the whole country; parts of Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago excluded (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
| United States (State Dept) | Exercise increased caution | Sep 1, 2026 | Read the advice |
| Canada (Global Affairs) | Exercise a high degree of caution (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
| Germany (Auswärtiges Amt) | Keine Reisewarnung für das übrige Land (regional advisories) | Oct 13, 2026 | Read the advice |
| New Zealand (SafeTravel) | Exercise increased caution (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
| France (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs) | vigilance renforcée sur la majeure partie du territoire (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
Checked daily from the governments' published advice; last checked Nov 2, 2026. RoamLedger summarises official advice; it is not advice from any government.
Puerto Princesa
A traveler comes to Puerto Princesa for the underground river, the limestone cliffs of Palawan, and the island-dotted coast around Honda Bay.
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Puerto Princesa is the capital city of Palawan, a long island province in the western Philippines that faces the Sulu Sea. It is the main base for the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, where a river runs through a limestone mountain and out to the sea. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is the main reason most travelers come here. Many visitors fly in from Manila, then continue by road to the park.
The city suits travelers who want nature, boat trips and a slower pace more than nightlife. Day trips commonly cover the underground river, a boat ride to the islands of Honda Bay, and wildlife sites near the city. The dry season, from December to May, is the usual time for boat trips, because the rainy months from June to November bring heavier rain and rougher seas. Plan two to three nights to see the main trips without rushing.
Puerto Princesa in five
- Book the Underground River permit earlyThe cave trip has a daily visitor limit and needs a booking, so reserve before you travel. Check the current booking route with the Puerto Princesa tourism office.Tours and tickets
- Carry pesos for boats and tricyclesMany island boats, tricycles and small shops take cash only. Carry pesos in small notes, since change is hard to get on the bays.
- Get an eSIM before the bay tripsPhone signal drops on the road to Sabang and on the boats. Set up an eSIM or local SIM in the city, and save offline maps.Phones and eSIM
- Agree the airport fare before you rideThe airport is a short taxi ride from the city. Agree the fare before you get in, or book a hotel transfer.
- Insure the boat and cave tripsBoat rides, wet rocks in the cave and sun exposure carry real risk of injury. Check that your policy covers water-based activities.Travel insurance
Things to do in Puerto Princesa
See all attractions in Puerto Princesa
Need to know
- Currency
- Philippine peso (PHP)
- Entry
- Visa-free short stays for many passports; check the list before booking Read more
- Emergency
- 911 for police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Not expected in most places; tip boat crews and guides in cash
- Time
- UTC+8, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuaryDry, cool
- FebruaryDry, cool
- MarchDry, hot
- AprilHot, dry
- MayHot, rains start
- JuneRainy season
- JulyRainy season
- AugustRainy season
- SeptemberRain, storms
- OctoberRain, storms
- NovemberRains easing
- DecemberDry, busy
Right now in Puerto Princesa
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
23
- Feels like
- 27°
- Humidity
- 90%
- Wind
- 4 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 100%
Puerto Princesa
06:39 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today30°24°100%Tuesday: Thunderstorms. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Wed30°24°92%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 92%.
- Thu30°25°100%Thursday: Thunderstorms. High 30°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Fri30°24°92%Friday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 92%.
- Sat30°24°88%Saturday: Thunderstorms. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 88%.
- Sun32°24°87%Sunday: Drizzle. High 32°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 87%.
- Mon30°24°88%Monday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 88%.
Updated 05:54 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 63.7 PHP
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Underground Riverabout 1 to 1.5 hours by road to SabangA boat ride into a river cave in the national park, booked ahead with a guide.
- Honda Bayabout 30 to 45 min by road to the boat baseIsland boat trips from the bay, a good half day for snorkeling and beaches.
- El Nidoabout 5 hours by roadA long day on the road north, better as an overnight stay for the islands.
Before you go to Puerto Princesa
Rules for Puerto Princesa, checked
- Many passports need no visa for short stays, but the allowed length varies. Check the Bureau of Immigration before you book.Source
- Declare cash above the legal limit on arrival and departure. Check the current limit with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas before you travel.
- Puerto Princesa restricts single-use plastic bags. Check the city ordinance before you shop, and carry a reusable bag.
- Keep to the marked path and follow your guide inside the Underground River, and stay with the group.
Plan around Puerto Princesa
Island routes, transport and rules beyond the city
Read the guideAll of the PhilippinesEntry, money and transport for the whole trip
Read the guideGetting aroundAirport transfers, tricycles and boats from the city
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, cards and typical prices in pesos
Read the guideVisas and entryWho needs a visa and what to check before flying
Read the guideWhere to stayBases in the city, Sabang and the bays
Read the guidePuerto Princesa FAQ
How many days do you need in Puerto Princesa?
Two to three days cover the Underground River, one bay boat trip and the city. Start the cave trip early and keep the afternoon for the city.
Is the Underground River worth it?
Yes. It is a boat ride into a river cave inside a national park, with a guide and a set route. Book ahead, since visitor numbers are limited each day.
How do you get to the Underground River from Puerto Princesa?
The drive to Sabang takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, then a boat takes you into the cave. Most visitors book a van and a guide through a tour operator or the official booking.
When is the best time to visit Puerto Princesa?
December to May is the drier season. June to October brings more rain and occasional storms, so check forecasts before you book boat trips.
Is Puerto Princesa safe for tourists?
Most visitors stay in the city center, Sabang and the bays without trouble. Use licensed boats and tours, keep valuables out of sight and take a taxi or pre-booked transfer at night.
Do you need a car in Puerto Princesa?
Not for the city, where tricycles and taxis cover short trips. A van or tour is easier for Sabang, the cave and Honda Bay.