Can you do this cruise port on your own?
Puerto Princesa
DIY Score
Keep it simple
Pre-book the Underground River permit, or do easy Honda Bay instead.
Tender or Docked?
Varies by ship; usually docked, sometimes tendered. The terminal is about 3 km from the city, with tricycles and vans just outside the gate.
How to Get Into Town
Tricycle into the city: 10-15 min, PHP 150-300. For the Underground River, a pre-booked tour with a permit is the only reliable way.
Main Attractions
The UNESCO Underground River, Honda Bay islands, or the friendly city. The cave needs a permit and a long day; Honda Bay and town are easy.
How Much Time You Need
The Underground River is a full-day, 7-8 hour trip. Honda Bay or the city fit a normal call far more easily.
Keep in Mind
The Underground River has a daily permit cap, often taken by ship tours. Arrange a permit in advance or you likely will not get in.
Safety & Comfort
Friendly and English-speaking, generally safe. Normal caution with valuables and traffic is enough.
Tips from Cruisers
"Growing port, lots of first-timers underestimating the cave trip. It is basically your whole day and needs a permit. If you haven'…" — by Ken B.
Growing port, lots of first-timers underestimating the cave trip. It is basically your whole day and needs a permit. If you haven't organised it in advance, don't stress, the city and Honda Bay are easy and rewarding.
Booked a private van and permit through an operator a month ahead. Left the pier at 7, two hours up to Sabang, the little boat into the cave was genuinely jaw-dropping, back at the ship by 4 with an hour to spare. Long day but no regrets.
Turned up thinking we would just book the Underground River when we docked. Nope. Permits were gone, all snapped up by the ship tours. Ended up doing Honda Bay instead which was actually brilliant, but if the cave is your dream, sort the permit before you sail.
Took the kids to Honda Bay, hired a boat and hopped between the little islands. Snorkelling off the sandbar was the highlight, though our youngest wasn't keen on climbing in and out of the boat. Slap on the sunscreen, that sun is fierce.
just grabbed a tricycle into town, saw the cathedral, ate at the market, bought a fridge magnet. hot as anything but the people are so friendly. didnt need the big cave trip to enjoy it