Puerto Princesa, Philippines 🇵🇭
#591
9.739856, 118.743818
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Puerto Princesa is the capital city of Palawan, known for its stunning natural beauty and eco-tourism. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 300,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 20-30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Philippine Peso (PHP). 1 USD ≈ 57 PHP. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Globe and Smart are the main providers offering good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like BPI, BDO, and security of international services like PayPal and Wise. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from budget hostels to resorts, often available through Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many places accept major credit cards, especially in tourist areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular; also check local listings for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Various hostels starting from around 500 PHP per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | CoWork Palawan, offering fast internet and a collaborative environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Kalui Restaurant, with good WiFi and a relaxing atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups at local cafes organized via Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Puerto Princesa Facebook Group for community connections. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is available for convenient local transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops rent scooters for around 500 PHP per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Honda Bay, known for its beautiful islands, is around 30 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Cebu Pacific is popular for inter-island travel. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Philippine Airlines and AirAsia provide international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Puerto Princesa North Road connects to other parts of Palawan. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Puerto Princesa does not have a train system; local buses and jeepneys are primary transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is pay-as-you-go; jeepneys are a common and inexpensive option. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services available to El Nido and Sabang. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Adventist Medical Center Palawan provides comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Palawan Wellness and Spa offers yoga classes and wellness services. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Zone offers basic gym facilities and fitness classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Many local laundromats offer wash and fold services starting from 100 PHP. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda and GrabFood are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local seafood specialties and Chao long (Vietnamese noodle soup). |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Eagle's Nest offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bona’s Chao long for delicious traditional pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Puerto Princesa Public Market offer fresh produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Many local grocery stores offer delivery services starting from 50 PHP. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Rural Bar is a lively place to enjoy nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Puerto Princesa is home to local craft beers available in various bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Tiki Resto Bar offers a selection of international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try local street food near Rizal Avenue, like fish balls and BBQ. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Various restaurants offer Italian, Korean, and Japanese cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Palawan Heritage Center showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Plaza Cuartel, a historical site with rich significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Immaculate Conception Cathedral, one of the notable churches. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Puerto Princesa City Festival is celebrated every March with various activities and events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Rizal Avenue is the cultural hub with shops, restaurants, and galleries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local community theaters often host cultural performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Puerto Princesa Public Market for fresh local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars occasionally host live music events featuring local artists. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found throughout the city, reflecting local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary Palawan offers local cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Palawan Art Gallery features works from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Municipal Hall of Puerto Princesa is an architectural landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Palawan's indigenous roots can be explored through various cultural sites. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | El Nido and Coron offer stunning natural landscapes accessible via ferry. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a must-visit. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic trails available near the waterfront and tourist spots. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the Baker's Hill for great views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Iwahig River is known for rich biodiversity and birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some beaches allow bonfires, but check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Xend and LBC offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops around Rizal Avenue can assist with device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | PEnglish offers English language classes for locals and expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Palawan State University library is open to the public. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers around the islands often hold various activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | No prominent gaming lounges exist, mostly home-based gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos in Puerto Princesa; the focus is on local gambling hubs. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱50,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₱2,000,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱40,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₱1,600,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱45,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₱2,700,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱35,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₱2,100,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱42,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₱3,360,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱30,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₱2,400,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% for resident citizens; 15% for non-residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial taxation system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% for high earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% standard Value Added Tax. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% transfer tax on property purchases. |