El Nido to Puerto Princesa tickets

About the ride from El Nido to Puerto Princesa

After basking in the natural beauty of El Nido, head to Puerto Princesa to see what else the paradise island of Palawan has to offer.

Puerto Princesa is the island's capital and is easily reachable when heading south from El Nido.

Just 269 kilometers (167 miles) away by road, travelers can choose between a bus or a minivan to start yet another tropical island adventure.

Is Puerto Princesa worth visiting?

Without a doubt, yes is the answer! 

People exploring Palawan should check out Puerto Princesa, especially with its world-famous underground river.

Palawan's limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and vast cave formations make the beauty here a national treasure.

Visiting Puerto Princesa is ideal for island-hopping lovers and sunseekers. Enjoy water adventures, sample delicious Filipino food, and slow your mind, body, and soul to adapt to the relaxed pace of life.

Six incredible activities to do in Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa has a small yet mighty list of must-do attractions and activities, so don't forget to:

1. Visit Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is centered around an underground river that emerges directly into the sea, containing a full mountain-to-sea ecosystem and vast forests. It's world-famous for its epic underground cave system and river, which will imprint your memory forever!

2. Explore the city. Stop at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and the hilltop Mitra's Ranch for the views. Then, spend half a day meandering through Puerto Princesa to learn its varied culture. Check out the butterfly garden and wildlife rescue center while you're there.

3. Sunbathe on Honda Bay. Amid glorious white sands and clear waters, travelers can spend days basking in the natural beauty of this spectacular part of the world. Pack extra sunscreen, though, because the sun is unforgiving here!

4. Go island-hopping. Like all areas of the Philippines, Puerto Princesa has plenty of smaller islands to discover. Book an afternoon tour, which usually includes a beach BBQ and plenty of opportunities to snorkel. Pick from islands like Arrecife Island, Fraser Island, Makesi Island, and Meara Island. 

5. Visit the village of Sabang. Home to a secluded white-sand beach, rarely visited by tourists, this gem allows you to meet friendly locals, learn about the culture, and unwind while sunbathing until the sun sets over the shoreline. 

6. Book a firefly-watching cruise. Sail into the mangroves after sunset to watch a spectacular natural light show performed by thousands of fireflies.

How do I get from El Nido to Puerto Princesa?

Travelers can choose between taking a bus or minivan from El Nido to Puerto Princesa.

By bus

The journey takes between 5.5 and 7.5 hours to complete by bus.

Sometimes, these transfers arrive in the wee early hours. Book an early check-in for your next hotel or hostel to avoid sitting on the side of the road until they open.

Bus transportation is affordable in the Philippines because bus terminals are usually in central, easily accessible locations, and it's a prevalent mode of transportation for everyone. Tickets start at $10 per person.

Buses leave the El Nido Bus Terminal and arrive at the Irawan Bus Terminal or the Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS). 

Amenities may include:

10-15 kg (22-33 lbs) of luggage per passenger

Air conditioning 

Some buses have W/Cs, but they will stop along the way

Toilet and rest stops

TVs

By minivan

Taking a minivan between El Nido and Puerto Princesa is also a comfortable and affordable option. Prices start at $11, and the ride takes five to six hours.

You'll depart from the city center, at El Nido Bus Terminal, or from the provider's office and arrive in the center for drop-off at the San Jose Terminal or Puerto Princesa Airport.

Some services include pick up and drop off at your hotel.

Pro tip: Sometimes minivans get a bit cramped if loaded with passengers and their bags. If this is an issue, a bus might be a better option. 

Minivan amenities generally include:

Air conditioning

One large bag and one piece of hand luggage (the weights vary by operator)

If you have a lot of luggage, be prepared to pay a fee to the driver 

Rest stops

The best things about the journey from El Nido to Puerto Princesa

On the journey between El Nido and Puerto Princesa, dusty roads stretch along the beautiful coastline, teasing views of Palawan's beaches and ocean. You'll pass quiet towns en route and get a glimpse into local life.

Sample tasty food at rest stops along the way, and sit back and take in the views as Puerto Princesa's skyline edges ever closer. 

When is the best time to visit Puerto Princesa?

The region of Palawan has a tropical climate with humidity throughout the year. 

The dry summer season stretches from December to May before the monsoon season arrives in June and lasts until December.

Visit between March and May for the best weather and fewer crowds.

The monsoon season sounds dramatic, but most rainy days only have a few quick showers, so you can still enjoy the island during this period. Avoid visiting between June and July when the monsoons become most severe. 

How many days should I spend in Puerto Princesa?

You'll need to spend at least two to three days in Puerto Princesa to have enough time to explore the city, find the hidden gem of Sabang, and take a boating excursion.

But if you want to spend more time island-hopping, sunbathing, and delving into the local culture, book at least four days of accommodation here because you won't want to leave too quickly.

Where should I go after Puerto Princesa?

After digging into Puerto Princesa's delights, head to the Barong-Barong area to hike Mount Mantalingajan for an unforgettable adventure.

Or check out the nearby island of Balabac, one of the most southern points of the Philippines. Few tourists visit this island because of its remote location.