Puerto Princesa Layover Guide (PPS)

What are you looking for in PPS?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS) is a domestic airport located in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. It’s situated about 2 km (1.2 miles) from the city center. The airport officially opened in 2017 after a major upgrade. Puerto Princesa is known as the gateway to stunning natural attractions, including the UNESCO-listed Underground River. The city is celebrated for its pristine beaches, eco-tourism, and vibrant culture, making it a top destination in the Philippines.

Can you leave Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You may leave Puerto Princesa Airport during a layover provided you meet Philippine entry requirements. Most nationalities enjoy visa-free entry up to 21 days, while others must obtain a 9A visa in advance. Transit passengers generally qualify. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Puerto Princesa Underground River Explore the UNESCO-listed subterranean river winding through dramatic limestone karsts, with guided boat rides illuminating impressive stalactites and stalagmites, experiencing unique biodiversity and geological wonders in a protected natural setting. (Time required: 6 hours. / Airport to here: By van tour shuttle (book in advance), includes pick-up from airport.)
• Honda Bay Island Hopping Visit scenic islands like Starfish, Luli, and Cowrie, snorkeling amid vibrant coral reefs, relaxing on powdery white sands, and observing marine life under the warm Palawan sun clear blue waters. (Time required: 4 hours. / Airport to here: By shared van to Puerto Princesa Bay Wharf and boat transfers arranged by tour operator.)
• Puerto Princesa City Tour Discover local heritage at Plaza Cuartel memorial, colored street art at Baywalk, traditional handicrafts at Mitra’s Ranch, and savor street food flavors in bustling city streets with warm friendly Palawenos. (Time required: 3 hours. / Airport to here: By tricycle or taxi (≈10-minute ride).)
• Baker’s Hill Stroll through charming lush landscaped gardens featuring colorful sculptures, taste freshly baked hopia and local pastries, explore souvenir shops, and enjoy panoramic views overlooking Puerto Princesa’s urban and coastal landscapes. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: By taxi or app-based car (≈15-minute ride).)
• Mitra’s Ranch Experience horseback riding across gentle hills on well-maintained trails, wander through open gardens, take in stunning views of Puerto Princesa Bay, and capture memorable photos against picturesque panoramic Palawan backdrops. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: By taxi or tricycle (≈20-minute ride).)
• Palawan Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Center Observe rescued crocodiles of various sizes, learn about local wildlife rehabilitation efforts, stroll through engaging educational botanical displays, and support conservation by purchasing ethical souvenirs from the on-site gift shop. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: By taxi or Grab car (≈10-minute ride).)
• Iwahig Firefly Watching Drift silently along mangrove-lined waterways at dusk, marvel at thousands of captivating glowing fireflies illuminating picturesque riverside trees, enjoy serene ambiance, and learn about sustainable eco-tourism initiatives supporting local communities. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: By shuttle van to Iwahig River (≈45-minute ride).)
• Baywalk Sunset Viewing Witness stunning sunset hues over Puerto Princesa Bay from the seaside promenade, enjoy local snacks from street vendors, admire public art installations, and mingle with fellow travelers in relaxed atmosphere. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: By tricycle or taxi (≈15-minute ride).)

Things to Do in Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
PPS offers two lounges: the PAGSS Lounge landside on the second floor after security, and the Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Lounge airside. Both provide air-conditioned seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, flight monitors, and free Wi-Fi. Lounges are compact but comfortable, with charging outlets and up to three-hour stays per visit. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There are no on-site airport hotels at PPS. The city center, a 10-minute drive away, features budget inns to mid-range hotels like Microtel and Astoria. For a quick sleep, consider booking rooms offering day-use rates or early-check-in. Most accommodations provide airport transfers and luggage drop services. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Puerto Princesa’s terminal lacks a designated rest zone or sleeping pods. Travelers must rely on standard seating benches and rows of chairs. Quiet corners by less busy gates may offer brief respite, but noise and bright lighting persist. Bring a travel pillow and eye mask for improved comfort during layovers.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the new terminal since 2019. To connect, select the “PPS_Free_WiFi” network, provide an email address, and accept terms. Sessions typically last one hour, renewable once. Speeds suffice for messaging and light browsing but may be slower during peak traffic periods.

SIM/eSIM Card: SIM and eSIM cards are sold at telecom kiosks landside, featuring providers like Smart, Globe, and Sun. Starter packs (around PHP 100) include data and call bundles. Present your passport for registration. eSIM profiles can be purchased online in advance for immediate cellular access upon landing. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: An official taxi stand operates outside arrivals. All vehicles are metered with a fixed terminal fee of about PHP 50 plus metered fares to the city center (~PHP 150–200). Taxis run 24/7; flag-down and booking services are also available via Grab. Negotiate flat rates cautiously if meter use is declined.

Train: There is no train service connecting PPS airport. Travelers rely on road transport options only. more info

Bus: No scheduled city-bus lines serve PPS airport directly. Instead, shared vans and airport shuttles operate between the airport and major city points for a flat fee. For conventional bus services, travelers must go to the San Jose Terminal in town. more info

Shuttle: Many hotels provide complimentary or paid shuttle services; arrange pick-ups in advance. Outside the terminal, shared shuttle vans (drop-off at key hotel zones) run on demand for about PHP 100 per person. Official airport shuttles are limited, so pre-booking is highly recommended.

Car rentals: Major international and local agencies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and Palawan Rental Cars) have counters landside. Pre-booking online ensures availability and better rates. Drivers must be at least 21, hold a valid license, and present a passport. Fuel options include full-to-full, and local insurance is advisable. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: The open-air lot outside the terminal accommodates roughly 200 vehicles. Short-term rates start at PHP 50 for the first hour, with incremental charges thereafter. Long-term parking is available at discounted daily rates. The lot is monitored, but valuables should be locked away.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

PPS has no official left-luggage or locker facilities. For secure storage, check with nearby hotels offering day-use luggage holding services. Alternatively, porters at the terminal may offer informal bag-holding for a tip, but this carries no official liability or insurance. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks