What to expect when visiting Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa is the capital of Palawan in the Philippines. A popular gateway to gorgeous destinations on the archipelago (like El Nido and Port Barton), travellers often skip a visit to Puerto Princesa.
If you’re just passing through, we recommend that you at least check out the interesting cuisine and cosy cafes in Puerto Princesa. But if you have extra time, why not also explore the iconic Underground River? It’s the longest subterranean river in the world! You can also visit Puerto Princesa’s white-sand beaches during the day and watch fireflies across the Nagsaguipi River at night.
2 ways to get from Cebu to Puerto Princesa
There are 2 ways to travel the distance of 569 kilometers (354 miles) from Cebu to Puerto Princesa by flight (1 hour 20 minutes) and Ferry* (2 days). The journey duration ranges between 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 days and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from 1,200 PHP (€19.20) for the flight.Where to stay in Puerto Princesa?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Puerto Princesa at the bottom of this page.
Cebu to Puerto Princesa by Flight
If you’re in a rush to travel from Cebu to Puerto Princesa, then we suggest you book a flight. This option is the only direct way to travel this route.
Airlines flying between Cebu to Puerto Princesa
For this route, you can book tickets with Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines.
Cebu Pacific offers one direct flight from Cebu to Puerto Princesa daily. Flight fares start from 1,200 PHP (€19.20). The plane departs at 16:00 with the flight taking 1 hour 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, Philippine Airlines has one direct flight for this route every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday. Flights depart at 11:00 and take 1 hour 20 minutes. Ticket fares also start from 1,200 PHP (€19.20).
Cebu Airport
When flying from Cebu to Puerto Princesa, your journey starts at Cebu Airport. This airport is located in Mactan Island and it has two terminals. Terminal 1 is exclusive for domestic departures and arrivals.
When booking, make sure to check that the flight is a direct flight from Cebu to Puerto Princesa, as both airlines also offer flights for this route with stops in Manila.
Puerto Princesa Airport
Flights from Cebu to Puerto Princesa land at Puerto Princesa Airport, located in the southern part of Palawan. Outside the airport, you can take a tricycle or an airport shuttle to the town.
For more info about travelling to and from the airport, read our article on Puerto Princesa Airport.
PRO TIP: Cebu Pacific and AirAsia offer many promotions annually. Keep an eye out for these promos so you can book cheap flights for this route!
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Cebu to Puerto Princesa by Ferry*
Travelling by ferry from Cebu to Puerto Princesa was time-consuming. However, it also gave you the opportunity to relax on the ship while en route to Puerto Princesa. This route also allowed you to check out 2 other destinations: the urban city of Iloilo and the quiet island of Cuyo in Palawan.
No direct ferries are travelling from Cebu to Puerto Princesa, so you need to take three ferries for this route. The first ferry was from Cebu to Iloilo. From Iloilo, you needed to take another ferry bound for Puerto Princesa with a stop in Cuyo Island. Overall, the travel time is 2 days.
Step 1: Cebu to Iloilo by Ferry
It takes at least 12h 30m to travel this route by ferry. Note that they are not available daily. See below their schedules.
You can reserve tickets online through their websites or in person at their ticketing offices. If you prefer to buy the tickets early, you can also do so via BookAway.
A note, it’s good to check the pier number from which the vessels depart so you don’t waste time wandering the piers.
Step 2: Iloilo to Puerto Princesa by Ferry
Once in Iloilo, you’ll need to board another ferry bound for Puerto Princesa. But since these ferries don’t depart until the evening, you’ll have a full day to explore Iloilo, a more organised and cleaner version of Metro Manila.
Milagrosa Shipping Lines has trips departing at 19:00 every Monday and Thursday. Montenegro Shipping Lines also offers one trip weekly, which departs at 21:00 on Mondays. You’ll need to contact them directly to buy your ferry tickets, or you can also just buy them at the port.
These ferries make a stop at the beautiful island of Cuyo. Also for this stop, you’ll have a day to lounge on its beautiful beaches, before travelling further to Puerto Princesa.
Best places to stay in Puerto Princesa
Most people use Puerto Princesa as a jumping off point to other spots in the Philippines, meaning they’re only looking for a place for 1-2 nights. We’ve made sure our favourite stays tick that box, but are also great options if you want to stay a little longer.
All of our favourite stays are located in Puerto Princesa City. Here, you’ll be close to the airport, have easy access to the city’s attractions and have local markets to explore.
Panja Resort Palawan - Treating Yourself
Area: San Jose town — approx. 30-minute drive to Puerto Princesa city Baywalk Park and restaurants
An infinity pool overlooking the sea and jungle, a rooftop bar and an on-site spa. Can you ask for much more than that? Well, they’ll give you more! For every three nights that you book here, you get a free massage.
At Panja Resort, you’ll be able to escape the hustle and bustle of Puerto Princesa, but if you do need to get to the city, the hotel offers a free shuttle. This is the kind of place where you literally have to think about nothing!
- Infinity pool
- Incredible views
- Complimentary massage after a three nights’ stay
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms start from $50 per night
Summer Days - Mid Range
Area: Next to BM beach — approx. 10-minute drive to city centre
This place is an absolute steal! Summer Days feels like a high-end boutique hotel, just without the high price tag. Lucky for you! The hotel boasts an open and minimalist design, where every corner looks perfect.
The perfection continues with the owner and staff. They are fantastic and there to help with everything! Even better, you’re not far from the beach either.
- Beautiful design
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Great location
- Exceptional breakfast included
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Cleon Villas Pension - Budget Friendly
Area: Puerto Princesa city centre — approx. 5-minute drive to Puerto Princesa International Airport
Staying here feels like you’ve got your own tiny home! The bungalows look like little houses from the outside, but feel spacious inside. You even have your own front porch to sit on and relax.
Whether you’re looking for help getting to El Nido, scooter rentals or a hidden beach recommendation, the owners will lend you a helping hand. They make this place truly special.
- Cute bungalow-style accommodation
- Clean and modern
- Amazing owners
- BBQ facilities
Double rooms cost $15-$30 per night
Frequently Asked Questions about Cebu to Puerto Princesa
What is the distance from Cebu to Puerto Princesa?
The distance from Cebu to Puerto Princesa is 569 kilometers (354 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Cebu to Puerto Princesa?
The fastest way to get from Cebu to Puerto Princesa is by flight and takes 1 hour 20 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Cebu to Puerto Princesa?
The cheapest way to get from Cebu to Puerto Princesa is by flight with ticket costs starting from 1,200 PHP (€19.20).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Cebu to Puerto Princesa. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
Hello,
I want to travel from Cebu to Palawan.
And I want to take my own scooter with me.
Which ferry I need to take?
Thanks for anwer!!!
Hi Gecko Routes,
Do you have any experiences regarding safety of the ferry between Iloilo and Puerto Princessa? Currently there is a travel waring for sulu sea. I am wondering if this route is safe?
Thank you for your answer!
Hi there! From what I know, it’s the southern part of the Sulu Sea that is the dangerous area as this is in Mindanao. I never heard problems about the route from Iloilo to Puerto Prinsesa though. This is another part of the ocean and still far away from the South of Mindanao. Just watch the weather conditions before you go:).