The vibrant capital of the Philippines, Manila is a city that blends Spanish colonial architecture with a modern skyline. The old quarter has fortifications, museums and churches that make the city a fantastic place for history buffs, but its modern quarter is perfect for cosmopolitan travelers looking to shop. As you can see, Manila has a lot to offer and it is a city with lots to do. But if you’re tired of city life and looking for a quiet getaway, Puerto Princesa might be a good place to be. This coastal city on the island of Palawan is much less populated than Manila, and although it is a city, there are wonderful beaches within walking distance. The area also offers fantastic scenery, including the Puerto Princesa Underground River, as well as good seafood restaurants worth trying.
Travel options from Manila to Puerto Princesa
It’s quite a long way from Manila to Puerto Princesa. If we walked in a straight line from one city to another, we would cover 600 kilometers and we would have to cross several straits because Puerto Princesa is located on an island. Fortunately, it is possible to fly from Manila to Puerto Princesa, and several airlines operate this route. But flying is not the only option. If you want to relax, you can also travel by ferry from Manila to Puerto Princesa. It takes longer than a flight, but can be a fun experience if time is not an issue.
Flights from Manila to Puerto Princesa
Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Cebu Pacific on the runway © Rainier Martin Ampongan / Shutterstock.com
Let’s start with the quickest and easiest way to get from Manila to Puerto Princesa by plane. There are around ten flights daily from three different airlines: Cebu Pacific, Philippines AirAsia and Philippine Airlines, so it won’t be hard to find an option that fits your plans. Flights from Manila to Puerto Princesa depart at 4:15 AM and there are regular departures throughout the day, with the last scheduled at 6:00 PM. There isn’t much that sets these companies apart. Their ticket prices are similar and the scheduled duration is virtually the same, from 1 hour to 15 minutes and from 1 hour to 30 minutes.
You can search for flights from these three airlines on the travel website 12Go.asia. Here you can easily compare prices and schedules, as well as read the opinions of other passengers. The site also offers instant booking and confirmation, so you won’t have to go to airline websites to complete the whole process.
To find the best price, try to book your flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa as far in advance as possible, as ticket prices can increase as the departure date approaches. Please note that during holiday periods in the Philippines there will be less availability and tickets may be more expensive.
In Manila, you depart from Ninoy Aquino International Airport, commonly known as Manila International Airport, while in Puerto Princesa, you arrive at Puerto Princesa International Airport, which is located a few kilometers south of the city.
From Manila to Puerto Princesa by ferry
Super Economy Ferry in the Philippines © Happy Auer / Shutterstock.com
If you’re tired of flying everywhere and taking your time, you might want to consider taking a ferry from Manila to Puerto Princesa instead. The ferry can satisfy your adventure, but the truth is that the water route from Manila to Puerto Princesa has some disadvantages, especially the duration and cost.
The ferry takes about 24 hours. And if we add the extra time before departure and after arrival, the trip is likely to be closer to 30 hours. While ferries can be a cheap means of transport in some Asian countries, a Manila to Puerto Princesa ferry will not necessarily save you money compared to flying. In fact, you may pay more. The route from Manila to Puerto Princesa is also known to be quite hectic and sometimes treacherous. So if you’re prone to seasickness, spending 24 hours on a boat like this might not be the best idea.
That said, if you don’t like flying or want to experience something different, a ferry trip can be a fun experience. There are many different ticket options. You can opt for the Super Value class, which should save you some money compared to flying. Economy class can also be cheaper than flying, but be sure to factor in the cost of getting to and from the arrival port to your accommodation. These costs should also be considered if you decide to travel by air.
For a higher price and a bit more comfort and privacy, you can book a cabin for 6 or 4 people, which is ideal for families or groups of friends. If money is not an issue, you can opt for a state room for complete privacy. While some of these options are more expensive than air tickets, keep in mind that the ferry will save you an overnight stay. From this point of view, the total cost of an air transfer is probably more expensive.
There are several ferry companies available, but we recommend 2GO travels. They have a very good reputation for reliability, and their ferries are in good condition and well-equipped with attractions and dining areas on board.
Given these two possible travel options from Manila to Puerto Princesa, which one should you choose? Traveling by ferry can be a great experience and saves on accommodation costs. However, if you don’t have much time to travel around the Philippines, there’s no point in spending the whole day on a boat with the option of flying from Manila to Puerto Princesa in just over an hour.