Palawan is one of the places on my bucket list. Growing up in a mountainous province of Cavite, my family love to spend a vacation in a powdery white sand beaches for a change. We often go to our nearby province "Batangas", if we want to spend a day at the beach. Seven years ago, our family spent a 3 days / 2 nights vacation at Boracay and it was a memorable one. I was a student back then. This year, we went to Puerto Princesa, Palawan and it was my first vacation treat to them. 😊
» When To Go? «
Summer season (March - May) is the peak season for Palawan because of many holidays such as holy week and so on.
On our case, we opted to travel at the month of November. It was a sunny day when we went there. We didn't experience heavy rains or high waves.
» How To Get There? «
There are few airlines offering a direct flights from Manila to Puerto Princesa, Palawan such as Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines as well as AirAsia.
We chose Cebu Pacific and we didn't encounter any problems at all.
» How Long To Stay? «
We stayed for three days and it was a bit short for me because we failed to go to Underground River. I guess you must stay for at least four days so you can go and enjoy every attractions.
» Where To Stay? «
It took time for me to choose the best hotel for our family trip. On our case, we checked-in at Holiday Suites and Resorts Palawan. I have posted a hotel review on my blog -> http://www.iamulyssaelaine.com/2016/11/holiday-suites-hotel-and-resort-palawan.html.
Disclaimer: I only purchased a family room for 4 pax (3 days / 2 nights) for only Php 5,033.14 / $100 via Agoda. How cheap, right? But never under-estimate this because the daily buffet breakfast was included on the package + FREE roundtrip airport shuttle van. We saved a lot because of this package.
» Things to Do «
Here are the activities we did on our 3 days / 2 nights trip:
- This small island is considered as a snorkeling location because of its crystal clear water that tames the starfish.
- It is one of the famous tourist attraction because it's the only island that sinks and rises with tide.
Note: High tide is in the afternoon.
- The most populous island in Honda Bay. It's like a mini Boracay because there are many activities to choose from. We didn't try all of them because we were a bit tired.
However, there are more activities that you can do and experience. Here are those:
- Honda Bay (Pandan Island, Snake Island, Dos Palmas, and so on)
- Puerto Princesa Subterranean River
- Ugong Rock
- Sabang Mangrove Forest
- Iwahig Firefly Watching
» Where To Eat? «
Because we already have a daily buffet breakfast, we saved a few money for our travel. On our first day, we just ate at nearby fastfood chain across the hotel. On our second day, we chose to eat at Balinsasayaw Restaurant to give it a try. We already tried the restaurant before because they have branches in Cavite (Silang and Tagaytay).
Balinsasayaw Restaurant is originated in Palawan.
Note: Sorry the photos were a bit dark. I'm not good in taking photos at night time.
» Overall Expenses «
Airfare - Php 8,264.80 / Php 2,066.20 per person
Hotel - Php 5,000
Activities (Honda Bay):
- Tricycle Hire: Php 500
- Terminal Fee: Php 20.00 / Php 5.00 per person
- Boat Hire: Php 1,300
- Environmental Fee: Php 160.00 / Php 40.00 per person
- Starfish Island Entrance Fee: Php 200.00 / Php 50.00 per person
- Luli Island Entrance Fee: Php 240.00 / Php 60.00 per person
- Cowrie Island Entrance Fee: Php 400.00 / Php 100.00 per person
- Cowrie Island Lunch Meal: Php 800.00 / Php 200.00 per person
Food - Php 2,000+
= Php 18,884.80 / Php 4,721.20 per person
I can't believe that we just spent less than Php 20,000. If we didn't do a DIY, probably our expenses will take about more than Php 20,000 for 4 persons.
Note: There are no affiliate links on this post.
How about you? Have you been to Palawan? Share your experience.
