Puerto Princesa 4-Day Budget Adventure: Underground River, Honda Bay Island Hopping & City Highlights
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with basic mobility—short walks, boat transfers and some uneven surfaces inside the cave
Overview
A compact, wallet-friendly four-day loop through Puerto Princesa that pairs a city primer with the UNESCO Underground River and Honda Bay island hopping. Ideal for travelers who want big nature moments without the fuss.
Puerto Princesa 4-Day Budget Adventure: Underground River, Honda Bay Island Hopping & City Highlights
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The morning air in Puerto Princesa tastes of salt and diesel as a minivan eases away from the airport and into town. Palms lean over narrow streets; vendors arrange trays of halo-halo and grilled fish. On this economy four-day loop—three nights at a basic guesthouse, a city tour, the UNESCO Underground River and Honda Bay island hopping—the island’s contrasts arrive fast: limestone cave mouths, broad sandy shallows and a city that still feels like a waystation to bigger wilderness.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Carry valid ID and small bills
Bring passport or government ID for check-in and park permits; small bills are useful for terminal fees, tips and market snacks.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Protect coral and your skin—apply reef-safe sunscreen before boarding and reapply after swimming.
Pack a dry bag for electronics
Boat transfers and beach stops move fast—keep phones and cameras dry in a small waterproof pouch.
Plan for weather-related delays
Boat schedules and the cave visit can be rescheduled in rough seas or heavy rain—build flexibility into travel plans.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Sea turtles
- Philippine cockatoo (endangered, seen in protected areas)
History
Puerto Princesa’s Plaza Cuartel marks a WWII site where Allied prisoners were executed; the Underground River area also preserves generations of indigenous and maritime history.
Conservation
The Subterranean River and Honda Bay operate under strict visitor caps and marine-protection rules—use reef-safe products and avoid touching corals to minimize impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Puerto Princesa
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and avoids damaging coral during snorkeling stops.
summer specific
Water shoes
Useful for rocky beach entries and wet boat decks.
Lightweight rain jacket
Quick protection from passing tropical showers, especially in monsoon months.
fall specific
Dry bag (5–10L)
Keeps electronics, documents and spare clothes dry on boats and sandy beaches.