VERDANT by Vista Manors Deluxe Rooms with Balcony, Gym and Swimming Pool
9.2 out of 10 from 67 reviewsPuerto Princesa City
Full kitchen · 33–100 m² · Sleeps 5
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Aparthotels & serviced apartments in Puerto Princesa City
2 stays · 2 aparthotels and 0 serviced apartments
Aparthotels and serviced apartments suit Puerto Princesa City because it works as a base rather than a single sight. Wikipedia calls it the eco-tourism centre of the Philippines, and visitors typically use it for several days of excursions, from the Underground River to Honda Bay. A kitchen and a separate living area help when you are sharing with family or friends, or staying longer than a long weekend. To compare formats, read aparthotel vs hotel.
Where to stay in Puerto Princesa City
Baywalk and Mandaragat
- first-time visitors
- sea views
- evening strolls
Wikipedia shows the Baywalk among the city's landmarks, and Mandaragat is one of the urban barangays it names. This is the waterfront side of town, on Puerto Princesa Bay, and a sensible pick if you want to be near the seafront promenade and the central streets. Wikivoyage describes Rizal Avenue as the main commercial area, with restaurants and shops.
Bancao-Bancao
- airport access
- short stays
- business travel
Bancao-Bancao is another of the urban barangays named on Wikipedia, and it lies on the airport side of the city. Wikivoyage describes the airport as close to downtown, so staying here keeps arrival and departure days simple. It suits early flights and one-night stopovers before an island tour.
Sicsican
- long stays
- families
- quieter surroundings
Sicsican is one of the larger urban barangays Wikipedia lists, with 15,861 residents at the census date it quotes. It lies north of the centre. A base here suits longer stays where you will use a rented vehicle, tricycles or jeepneys for daily trips rather than walk everywhere.
Irawan
- bus travel
- onward trips
Irawan is where Wikivoyage points travellers to the bus terminal, after noting that the San Jose terminal has reportedly closed. If you plan to continue to El Nido by bus, staying near the terminal can save a morning. Wikivoyage names Cherry and RORO Bus among the operators serving Puerto Princesa.
Getting around Puerto Princesa City
Wikivoyage describes Puerto Princesa International Airport as close to downtown. Wikipedia lists Cebu Pacific and PAL Express among current carriers, with services to Manila, Cebu, Clark, Davao and Iloilo on Cebu Pacific and to Cebu and Manila on PAL Express. Wikivoyage says you can catch a tricycle on the highway or use jeepneys into town, and it advises against overpriced tricycles waiting at the terminal.
Within the city, Wikipedia names tricycles, jeepneys and vans for hire as the main modes, with taxi service available since April 2015. Wikivoyage adds multicabs, and says private vans are an option for more comfort. For the Underground River, Wikipedia says the park is about 80 kilometres north of the city and that visitors reach it via the seaside village of Sabang, where boats take them to the park. Wikivoyage says a permit is required, so check the park's official site and contact details before the day you travel. Wikivoyage also says ferries from Manila take about 22 hours.
Living in Puerto Princesa City for longer
For everyday shopping, Wikivoyage lists Robinsons Mall, NCCC Mall, SM City and Unitop Mall, plus the San Jose public market near the former bus terminal. With a kitchen in your apartment, markets and mall supermarkets cover groceries, and the bus services and jeepneys make a base away from the waterfront workable.
Choose by what you will do most. If your days are split between the town and day trips, the waterfront and Rizal Avenue area keeps restaurants and services close. If you are using the airport often, Bancao-Bancao is the practical choice. Our guide to serviced apartments for relocation covers what to ask about for stays of a month or more.
When to visit Puerto Princesa City
Wikipedia describes a tropical wet and dry pattern: it is usually wet from May to December, with very little rain from January to April. That makes the early months of the year the more settled period for boat trips and the Underground River, while the wetter months suit visitors who are flexible about weather.
The Underground River tour schedule on the park's official site runs from 8:30 to 3:30 pm, daily except during extreme weather. Check the official site for current arrangements before you plan a day trip.
The city sits on Palawan island in the Mimaropa region. Wikipedia gives a 2024 census population of 316,384, so it is large enough to have malls, markets and an airport, yet it is a gateway to the island's wilder places. For the wider picture, see the Philippines.
Other cities in Philippines
Travelling further? See aparthotels in Manila, Cebu City, Davao City, Tagaytay, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Makati and Iloilo City.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in Puerto Princesa City?
For the waterfront, the Baywalk and Rizal Avenue area suits first-time visitors. For flights, Bancao-Bancao is on the airport side of the city. For longer stays, Sicsican offers a quieter base.
How do I get from the airport to the city centre?
Wikivoyage describes the airport as close to downtown and says you can catch a tricycle on the highway or use jeepneys. It warns about overpriced tricycles at the terminal.
Do I need a permit for the Underground River?
Wikivoyage says a permit is required. The park's official site gives the tour schedule as 8:30 to 3:30 pm daily except in extreme weather, so check it for current arrangements.
When is the dry season in Puerto Princesa?
According to Wikipedia, there is very little rain from January to April, and it is usually wet from May to December.
Can I get to El Nido by bus from Puerto Princesa?
Wikivoyage says Cherry and RORO Bus operate from Puerto Princesa and that you should use the Irawan terminal. Check the current timetable with the operator.
How many aparthotels are there in Puerto Princesa City?
We currently list 2 aparthotel and serviced apartment properties in Puerto Princesa City.
Do aparthotels in Puerto Princesa City have kitchens?
2 of the 2 properties we list have a kitchen or kitchenette in at least one apartment type.
Which aparthotels in Puerto Princesa City have a washing machine?
2 properties list an in-apartment washing machine. Use the facts box on each property page to check.
Sources
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