Puerto Princesa City Ferries

The port of Puerto Princesa City plays a key role in the ferry network of Philippines, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 1 ferry routes operated by - ferry companies, Puerto Princesa City serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Puerto Princesa City, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Manila - Puerto Princesa City connecting Puerto Princesa City with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as - run regular services from Puerto Princesa City, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Puerto Princesa City offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Puerto Princesa is accessible via its international airport, with direct flights from Manila taking approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. From the airport, the ferry terminal is about 15-20 minutes away by taxi or tricycle. Travelers coming from other parts of Palawan can reach the city via well-maintained national highways, with El Nido about 5-6 hours north by van or bus. The ferry terminal offers regular connections to various islands and coastal destinations. For those arriving by private vehicle, several paid parking facilities are available near the port area, though it's advisable to book in advance during peak season.

Nestled on the island of Palawan in the Philippines, Puerto Princesa combines urban comfort with extraordinary natural beauty. This coastal city serves as a vital ferry hub for exploring the stunning landscapes and pristine waters of the region. With its lush rainforests, limestone cliffs, and vibrant marine ecosystems, Puerto Princesa offers travelers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in a tropical paradise setting.

Puerto Princesa enjoys a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: dry (November to May) and wet (June to October). The ideal time to visit is during the dry season, particularly January to April, when waters are calmest for ferry travel and outdoor activities. February hosts the Balayong Festival, celebrating the city's founding with colorful parades and cultural performances. Ferry services operate year-round but run more frequently during the dry months when sea conditions are most favorable. November and May offer excellent value as shoulder months, with fewer tourists but still pleasant weather for island exploration.

Puerto Princesa serves as an excellent jumping-off point for several magnificent destinations in the Palawan archipelago. Honda Bay, just a 30-minute ferry ride away, offers spectacular island-hopping opportunities to Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island with their pristine beaches and snorkeling spots. The Calamian Islands, including Coron, can be reached by a scenic 4-hour ferry journey, rewarding travelers with world-class diving sites and hidden lagoons. El Nido, though also accessible by land, can be reached via a 3-4 hour ferry ride along Palawan's dramatic coastline. The lesser-known Balabac Islands to the south provide a more off-the-beaten-path experience for intrepid travelers seeking untouched beaches and rich marine life.

No visit to Puerto Princesa is complete without exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Underground River, one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature featuring an 8.2km navigable subterranean river. Sabang Beach near the Underground River offers tranquil shores perfect for relaxation after your cave exploration. For food enthusiasts, the Baywalk area comes alive at night with food stalls serving fresh seafood, particularly the must-try chao long (Vietnamese noodle soup) that reflects the city's cultural diversity. Nature lovers should visit Baker's Hill for its garden landscapes and local delicacies, while the Iwahig Firefly Watching tour provides a magical evening experience observing these luminescent creatures along the mangrove-lined river. The city's downtown area, particularly Rizal Avenue, offers vibrant markets where you can purchase pearls and other local handicrafts.

Puerto Princesa holds the distinction of being the Philippines' second-largest city in terms of land area, spanning nearly 2,400 square kilometers of both mainland and island territories. The city earned the nickname 'City in a Forest' due to its remarkable 65% forest cover, making it one of the greenest cities in the Philippines. Puerto Princesa's name translates to 'Princess Port,' reportedly named after a Spanish princess who died at sea and was buried in the harbor. Despite its urban development, the city maintains strict environmental regulations and was one of the first in the Philippines to ban single-use plastics, reflecting its commitment to preserving the natural beauty that draws visitors to its shores.