Travel Budget for Puerto Princesa Visit Puerto Princesa on a Budget or Travel in Style

Puerto Princesa, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines
Asia / Philippines /
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Puerto Princesa is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Puerto Princesa?

You should plan to spend around $83 (₱4,920) per day on your vacation in Puerto Princesa. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $32 (₱1,913) on meals
  • $49 (₱2,894) on local transportation
  • $47 (₱2,752) on hotels

A one week trip to Puerto Princesa for two people costs, on average, $1,167 (₱68,880). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $83
    ₱4,920
  • One Week Per person
    $584
    ₱34,440
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,167
    ₱68,880
  • One Month Per person
    $2,501
    ₱147,600
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,167
    ₱68,880
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $2,335
    ₱137,760
  • One Month For a couple
    $5,003
    ₱295,200
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Puerto Princesa cost?

A one week trip to Puerto Princesa usually costs around $584 (₱34,440) for one person and $1,167 (₱68,880) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Puerto Princesa on average costs around $1,167 (₱68,880) for one person and $2,335 (₱137,760) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Puerto Princesa will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Puerto Princesa on average costs around $2,501 (₱147,600) for one person and $5,003 (₱295,200) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Puerto Princesa expensive to visit?

Puerto Princesa is a smaller destination that attracts travelers with diverse styles, spending habits, and budgetary preferences. Budget-conscious travelers will find suitable hotel options, but there are also high-end hotels for those seeking luxury, plus mid-range accommodations for families or couples.

You can find Puerto Princesa to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like looking for discounts and coupons can help you save money.

On average, budget travelers spend $34 (₱1,982) per day, mid-range travelers spend $84 (₱4,920) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $202 (₱11,888) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Puerto Princesa.

Within Asia, Puerto Princesa is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Matsue or Koh Phi Phi.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Puerto Princesa Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Puerto Princesa?

The average Puerto Princesa trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Puerto Princesa travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Puerto Princesa cost?

Puerto Princesa on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$9
(₱550) 		$23
(₱1,376) 		$57
(₱3,382)
Local Transportation 1 $19
(₱1,133) 		$49
(₱2,894) 		$127
(₱7,476)
Food 2 $13
(₱789) 		$32
(₱1,913) 		$74
(₱4,353)
Entertainment 1 $3
(₱169) 		$7
(₱386) 		$12
(₱737)
Alcohol 2 $3-8
(₱162-485) 		$7-20
(₱393-1,180) 		$15-46
(₱903-2,709)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget in Puerto Princesa. While many think they can cut costs for many things, the reality is that most people won't enjoy such a low-budget experience. Consider your preferences and travel style. Do you like resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are activities and dining out a big part of your travel plans? Your answers will shape your budget and itinerary.

The Truth on Budget Travel

While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $34 per day that backpackers often spend.

Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.

Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?

If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. Many who visit Puerto Princesa will seek to enjoy the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $84 per person, per day.

Puerto Princesa offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. One Manalo Place is an excellent option for kids, and Dolce Vita Hotel Puerto Princesa City is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for Puerto Princesa here.

Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?

For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $202. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the destination, be prepared for premium pricing. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Underground River Tour - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Puerto Princesa

Hotel rates in Puerto Princesa vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season () brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $31 to $58. Expect prices to range from $17 for budget hotels to $136 for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Puerto Princesa for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $47 (₱2,752). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $23 (₱1,376) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $23
    ₱1,376
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $47
    ₱2,752

Hotels in Puerto Princesa

Looking for a hotel in Puerto Princesa? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Puerto Princesa

The average hotel room price in Puerto Princesa based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $31 in the low season and $58 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Puerto Princesa include:

  • Atremaru Jungle Retreat starting at $59
  • Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort starting at $103
  • Astoria Palawan starting at $66
  • Hibiscus Garden Inn starting at $59
  • Citystate Asturias Hotel Palawan starting at $33
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Puerto Princesa

If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and skip ), you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa lacks an efficient public transit system.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $49 (₱2,894) per person, per day, on local transportation in Puerto Princesa. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Puerto Princesa is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $49
    ₱2,894

A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:

  • Private Transfers Puerto Princesa To Elnido for $260 details
  • Arrival Airport transfers from Puerto Princesa Airport to Hotels for $8 details
  • Arrival airport transfer-Private airport to hotel in central area for $20 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Puerto Princesa
How much does it cost to go to Puerto Princesa? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Puerto Princesa
The price of renting a car in Puerto Princesa will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Puerto Princesa

Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Puerto Princesa can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Puerto Princesa is $32 (₱1,913) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $32
    ₱1,913

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Puerto Princesa is around $32 (₱1913) per person, with previous travelers spending from $13 to $74. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Puerto Princesa are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $3 to $10
  • Lunch: $5 to $13
  • Dinner: $10 to $23
  • Coffee: $3
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $5

Within the city, there are numerous restaurants between the airport and the main street, Rizal Street. Head to the 4th District Tiangge for a cluster of stalls which sell inexpensive meals and beer including Vietnamese noodles.

KaLui serves fresh seafood on daily fixed fixed menus and lovely ambiance and is frequented by tourists and locals alike. Be sure to make a reservation, especially for dinner.

For a more local experience, head down to White Beach around the huts, where locals often buy and bring their own beers and cook fresh seafood right at the tables. Don't forget to pitch in for drinks.

If you're feeling saucy or just have an adventurous palate, you may want to try Tamilok, a local delicacy that is also a woodworm found in wood that is submerged seawater, such as Mangroves. Tamilok is prepared much like ceviche, marinated in lime or vinegar, onions and chopped chili peppers.

For a shop that caters to all palates, head to the famed Baker's Hill and try the local favorite, Hopia Ube, a pastry filled with purple yam, reminiscent of Chinese mooncakes, originally introduced by Fujianese immigrants.

Food & Dining Tips

Many hotels provide breakfast at no additional cost, while others charge extra. The quality and price can vary widely from hotel to hotel. Knowing this ahead of time can help you decide if you should budget more. You might find the hotel's buffet is a worthwhile investment, or perhaps a nearby bakery or cafe could be a cheaper alternative.

Keep a water bottle with you to cut down on drink purchases. It's also better for the environment.

Thinking about a tour? Check which meals are included beforehand. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which can add to your expenses.

Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Puerto Princesa. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Jungle Firefly Watching Boat Tour & Dinner for $32 details
  • Firefly Watching Bay Cruise with Dinner for $33 details
  • Firefly Watching Paddle Boat Tour & Dinner for $27 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Puerto Princesa

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Puerto Princesa typically cost an average of $6.54 (₱386) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $6.54
    ₱386

Most travelers don't visit Puerto Princesa for the city itself, as there's not much to do here. While Puerto Princesa does have White Beach (the only beach in town) to explore and a few good diving spots, it's more often used as a transit hub to get to other towns in Palawan. Still, if you have the time, Puerto Princesa may have enough to keep you busy for a day or two before you go on to other trips around Palawan.

Within the city, you can check out the main street, Rizal, which is the most bustling in the area. Most points of interest are local, including Robinson's Mall, and Immaculate Conception Cathedral, which was built in Romanesque style with twin towers. The Palawan Museum will give you a glimpse into the history and culture of the island through old tools and fossils. Next door is Plaza Cuartel, which is dedicated to the 143 soldiers burnt alive during by the Japanese Army in 1944.

Irawan Eco-Park offers forest canopy tours, the world's longest canopy zipline, and butterfly farm, not to mention the opportunity to check out many species of Palawan's endangered birds.



This region has it all: beautiful beaches, crystal clear lagoons, kayaking, jungles, wild animals, island hopping, and more.

One of the most popular activities is to visit the nearby Underground River, which is essentially a cave that has met the sea. Enough room is available for boats and kayaks to enter the cave to see the interesting rock formations, clear waters, and beautiful scenery. While many tours are available, and some can be expensive, it's quite possible to do this independently. Check out this great guide to how to do a DIY tour of the Puerto Princesa Underground River.

Of course, plenty of people come to this area to go scuba diving and snorkeling. And one of the best ways to do this is on a Liveaboard in the Philippines where you can eat and sleep on the boat for a few days while you dive. Other diving options can be found right off the shore. Naturally, this is also where you can easily go snorkeling, too.

A nice way to explore destinations in Puerto Princesa is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • 3D2N El Nido Experience for $250 details
  • Puerto Princesa island tour: Shore excursion for $45 details
  • Puerto Princesa Palawan Historical Tour for $138 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Puerto Princesa

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $13 (₱787) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Puerto Princesa per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $13
    ₱787
Nightlife Tips

Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.



Travel cost data last updated: Nov 29, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Puerto Princesa

  • Prices tend to be higher and crowds larger during peak season in . For a more budget-friendly experience, aim for the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • By opting for a more leisurely travel pace, you can save money while enjoying the area's beauty. If you try to squeeze too many activities into your schedule, expenses can climb quickly. On the other hand, slowing down often allows for a more enjoyable and cost-effective experience.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Puerto Princesa doesn't offer many public transportation choices. It might be a good idea to arrange for transportation ahead of time, like booking a tour or a private driver. Just keep in mind that this could affect your budget in other areas.
  • Puerto Princesa isn't exactly a hotspot for hostels, so if you're expecting to stay in a cheap dorm to save money, you might want to adjust your plans. Instead, find a cheap hotel or apartment rental.
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The island of Palawan is known the Philippines' last frontier and its capital, Puerto Princesa, is considered the greenest city in the Philippines. With plenty of land that has yet to be explored and inundated with tourists, Puerto Princesa, also known as "The City of the Living God," is a nature buff's dream. Whether you want to swim with starfish, walk among the mangrove treetops, or visit the world's largest saltwater crocodile at the Palawan Nature Conservation Center, Puerto Princesa and its surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities to get into the great wide open.

Though green and clean, Puerto Princesa has fewer amenities and conveniences compared to larger cities. Be prepared ahead of time or withdraw enough cash to last you during your visit to Palawan in Puerto Princesa, as there aren't many ATMs or banks outside of large resorts throughout the island and even those available may charge you a pricey commission.



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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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