Explore on your own rating

Town is a short tricycle ride, but the famous Underground River needs a permit and a long tour.

Where ships dock

  • Puerto Princesa port, about 3 km from the city centre (some calls tender when the port is busy)

Getting to town

Tricycles and vans wait outside the port gate. Rizal Avenue, the Baywalk and the market are about 10 to 15 minutes away; agree the tricycle fare before you get in.

The Puerto Princesa Underground River (UNESCO) is near Sabang, about 1.5 to 2 hours each way by van, then a boat of about 20 minutes. A permit is mandatory and numbers are limited ("no permit, no entry"), so book a ship tour or a licensed operator that holds permits. Honda Bay island hopping is a shorter half-day trip.

Fares are as reported by the sources below and change often. Treat them as estimates.

Money & entry

Currency: Philippine peso (PHP). Carry cash for tricycles and small shops; cards work in larger hotels and restaurants.

Entry: U.S. citizens can enter visa-free for up to 30 days with a passport valid at least six months beyond the stay and an onward ticket. All arrivals must register (free) on the official eTravel system, etravel.gov.ph, within 72 hours before arrival; it has a cruise option, and your line may handle it. Beware look-alike sites that charge. (Philippine Bureau of Immigration / eTravel, checked Oct 2026.)

Top sights nearby

  • Puerto Princesa Underground River (UNESCO, permit needed)
  • Honda Bay island hopping
  • Plaza Cuartel and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral
  • Baker's Hill
  • Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (Crocodile Farm)

Beaches

  • Honda Bay islands (boat trip)
  • Nagtabon Beach (long taxi ride)

Safety & tips

  • Don't try the Underground River on your own without a confirmed permit and transport.
  • Agree tricycle fares up front and carry small peso notes.
  • Bring sun protection and insect repellent.

Check U.S. State Department travel advisories before you sail.

⏰ Back to the ship on time

The Underground River trip takes most of a day. If you go independently, plan to be back at the port at least 90 minutes before all-aboard.

Ship time can differ from local time. Your ship won't wait for independent travelers.

Shore excursions that get you back on time

Prefer a guided option in Puerto Princesa (Palawan)? Browse shore excursions with reviews, and pick one that returns well before all-aboard.

Find Puerto Princesa (Palawan) shore excursions on Viator ↗

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Quick answers

Can you explore Puerto Princesa (Palawan) on your own?

Yes, with some planning (rated Moderate). Town is a short tricycle ride, but the famous Underground River needs a permit and a long tour.

How far is it from the cruise dock to town in Puerto Princesa (Palawan)?

Tricycles and vans wait outside the port gate. Rizal Avenue, the Baywalk and the market are about 10 to 15 minutes away; agree the tricycle fare before you get in.

Do I need a passport for Puerto Princesa (Palawan)?

U.S. citizens can enter visa-free for up to 30 days with a passport valid at least six months beyond the stay and an onward ticket. All arrivals must register (free) on the official eTravel system, etravel.gov.ph, within 72 hours before arrival; it has a cruise option, and your line may handle it. Beware look-alike sites that charge. (Philippine Bureau of Immigration / eTravel, checked Oct 2026.)

When should I head back to the ship in Puerto Princesa (Palawan)?

The Underground River trip takes most of a day. If you go independently, plan to be back at the port at least 90 minutes before all-aboard.

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📚 Sources