Cheap Flights to Puerto Princesa (Palawan) Airport

Discover Puerto Princesa (Palawan)

When one is eager to check out the natural beauty of the Philippines, one of the places to be is Palawan. Its capital, Puerto Princesa, features a number of excellent destinations. It can be reached through Puerto Princesa International Airport, the main port of entry in the island. It is located on the map between 9.7421198 (latitude) and 118.7590027 and about 40 kilometres away from the city. A variety of destination lies within reach in the area, which makes it delightful for those new to Palawan.

Puerto Princesa Airport, however, is planned to be expanded and renovated, as of the time of writing. There will be a new passenger terminal building, a cargo terminal building, apron, connecting taxiways, an air navigation system, and other support facilities. If successful, this airport would be one of the primary gateways to the Philippines to make various natural landmarks accessible for tourists coming from international locations by 2017. As of now, tourists who wish to venture here can connect mainly from Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Taipei, or Singapore.

What to see & do

Although the city itself is underwhelming, with its traffic jams and concrete buildings, there are a number of worthwhile day trips that can be spent in the splendid countryside. Island hopping to visiting remote beaches can also be some of the attractions to check out here. The major attraction here, though, is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River (or Underground River). It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site and is said to be one of one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

This 8.2-kilometre river is arguably the longest navigable underground river in the world, as it winds underneath a mountain range through the St Paul Underground Cave and goes out into the South China Sea. The area around the underground river is the natural park, known for biodiversity. There are more than 800 plant species here, including mammals, reptiles, bats, and birds. Secluded beaches can also be seen here in Nagtabon, Napsan, and Marufinas, where one can also enjoy the sight of beautiful sunsets. Arena Island also serves as a turtle sanctuary and Rasa Island for being a bird sanctuary. Each island offers a wide range of opportunities for nature sightseeing.

Honda Bay Islands, located just a few minutes from the city proper, can be reached by boat. A wide range of white-sand beaches can be seen here, with dive sites studded with patches of coral and sand. Submerged reefs may be found close to the surface, about 24 metres down. Among the well-known dive sites here are Pandan Island, Arreceffi Island, and Panglima Reef. The Snake Island, with its sandbar that seems to slither on the surface of the sea, is best for snorkelling and swimming. Bat Island, on the other hand, located about 20 minutes away from Sta Lourdes wharf, literally teems with bats that make their way out at sundown to look for food.

How to get around within Puerto Principesa

Getting around Puerto Princesa can be possible with multi-cabs or mini-jeepneys and tricycles (motorcycles attached to sidecars). Motorcycles can also be hired here, which can be suitable for those with valid licences and the knowledge on how to operate them.

How to get there

A few airlines serve flights connecting Puerto Princesa to a number of places around the country and some international locations. These airlines venturing to Puerto Princesa International Airport are AirAsia Philippines, AirAsia Zest, Air Juan, Cebgo, Cebu Pacific, and Philippine Airlines.