Siargao to Puerto Princesa
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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 Siargao to Puerto Princesa
There are two ways to travel the distance of 806 km (501 miles) from Siargao to Puerto Princesa: by flight (4hr 15m) and ferry* (45h 30m - 47h 30m). The journey takes between 4h 15m - 47h 30m and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from 3,360 PHP ($60) for the ferry*.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.
Siargao to Puerto Princesa by Ferry*
*IMPORTANT UPDATE: The last time we checked (June 2022), there are no ferries operating between Iloilo and Puerto Princesa, so the ferry option to travel from Siargao to Puerto Princesa is not possible. For now, we suggest taking the flight option for this route.
If you wanted to experience being at sea for at least 2 days, then this was your chance! Aside from the sea adventure, you would have enjoyed the stopovers along the way. This option allowed you to get to know the Philippines and its locals better.
Note that not all ferry routes are available daily. Make sure to align all your ferry rides from Siargao to Puerto Princesa so you don’t get inconvenienced.
Step 1: Siargao to Surigao by Ferry
Ferries bound for Surigao City depart Siargao Island from Dapa Port. From the tourist district of General Luna, you can take a 30-min tricycle ride, which normally costs 250 PHP ($4.40) to reach the port.
At Dapa Port, you can choose from 2 ferry operators. With JP Shipping Lines, a ride takes 2hrs 15mins and fares start at 280 PHP ($5) for an open-air seat. Evaristo & Sons offers 4 fast craft and 1 roro trip daily. We recommend taking their fast craft for a fast 1.5-hr journey, and you can get a ticket for 300 PHP ($5.30).
See their schedules below:
Step 2: Surigao to Cebu by Ferry
Book a ferry ride with Cokaliong Shipping. Their ships depart Surigao at 19:00 daily. The journey takes about 8 hours so you can expect to arrive in Cebu at 3:00 in the morning. You can get an economy bed for 830 PHP ($14.80). For more details, read how to go from Siargao to Manila.
If you prefer to book your tickets online beforehand, you can do so via BookAway, although rates may be a bit more expensive.
Step 3: Cebu to Iloilo by Ferry
Step 4: Iloilo to Puerto Princesa by Ferry
The last leg of the journey takes at least one day. You have 2 ferry options: Milagrosa Lines departs at 19:00 on Mondays and Thursdays; Montenegro Shipping departs at 21:00 on Mondays.
Included in this 24-hr journey is a few hours of stopover on the beautiful island of Cuyo, before finally heading to Puerto Princesa. Fares start at 1,500 PHP ($27).
Check out our article on how to go from Cebu to Puerto Princesa for more details.
Siargao to Puerto Princesa by Flight
Travelling from Siargao to Puerto Princesa by flight is the fastest option. Unfortunately, there is no direct flight for this route.
You can book a flight with Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific. Both airlines offer flights from Siargao to Puerto Princesa with a stop at Manila Airport or in Cebu Airport.
Layovers
Flights from Siargao to Puerto Princesa can take at least 4hr 15m, depending on the duration of the layover. Make sure that the flight you are booking gives you enough time to check in for the connecting flight.
Almost all of the layovers are in Manila. There also used to be well-connected flights from Siargao to Puerto Princesa, but the last time we checked (June 2022), the minimum layover in Cebu is +17 hours.
The flight time via Cebu 1 hour shorter, though. You could try to book the tickets separately, but in that case, you will also be completely responsible for being on time for your connecting flight. It will also take a lot of extra time to pick up your luggage and then check it in for the next flight.
Booking an indirect flight as one booking will be much easier.
Flight fares
To avail cheaper flights for the Siargao to Puerto Princesa route, you need to book your flight months in advance.
For more info on how to get to Puerto Princesa town from the airport, check out our article on Puerto Princesa Airport.
Pro-Tip: Cebu Pacific offers many ‘piso fare’ promotions annually. Keep an eye out for these promos if you want to book cheaper flights!
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Our favourite 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 Siargao to Puerto Princesa
What is the distance from Siargao to Puerto Princesa?
The distance from Siargao to Puerto Princesa is 806 km (501 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Siargao to Puerto Princesa?
The fastest way to get from Siargao to Puerto Princesa is by flight and takes 4hr 15m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Siargao to Puerto Princesa?
The cheapest way to get from Siargao to Puerto Princesa is by ferry* with ticket costs starting from 3,360 PHP ($60).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Siargao 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!
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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.
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