Puerto Princesa, Philippines 🇵🇭
#591
,
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Puerto Princesa is the capital city of Palawan, known for its stunning natural beauty and eco-tourism. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 255,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 25 Mbps, with some areas reaching up to 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 PHP ≈ 0.018 USD; ATMs widely available, major banks include BDO, BPI. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Globe Telecom and Smart Communications are the primary providers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accept widely; services like PayMaya and GCash enhance cashless payments. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, hostels, and Airbnb; average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom is around 15,000 PHP. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, increasingly cashless friendly, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com; average nightly price is around 1,500 PHP. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like 'Grand Vista' and 'The Plaza Pension' starting from 500 PHP per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Puerto Princesa Baywalk area offers proximity to attractions and scenic views. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Rizal Avenue area provides good connectivity and amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | CoLab Puerto Princesa, which offers flexible plans and a vibrant community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Kaffee Klatch has good Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups for expat meetups and community events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular gatherings at local bars and restaurants; expat groups found on social media. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the preferred app for ride-hailing services in Puerto Princesa. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Numerous local shops offer scooter rentals; average cost is around 300 PHP per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Baker’s Hill, only 20 mins away, offers a beautiful seaside experience. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Philippine Airlines provides frequent flights from Manila. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | AirAsia and Cebu Pacific operate international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Puerto Princesa North Road connects the city to major points in Palawan. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Public jeepneys and tricycles serve as the main local transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Not commonly used; pay per ride for jeepneys and tricycles. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared vans available for travel to El Nido and Sabang. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Adventist Hospital serves as a reliable primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Gentle and Grace Yoga offers classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Gym near city center offers daily and monthly memberships. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Many laundromats available; service prices may start from 50 PHP. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda is popular for local food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Tamilok' (woodworm) and 'Croaker fish' as local specialties. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Painted Table offers an array of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Jamba Juice and Baker’s Hill for sweet treats and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Puerto Princesa Public Market for fresh produce and local delicacies. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | SM Marketplace offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Rizal Avenue has several bars and nightlife spots popular among locals and tourists. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Palaweno Brewery produces locally brewed beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Okay Billiards and Restaurant offer good selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Indulge in street food at the Puerto Princesa night market. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Café de Paris serves international dishes alongside local favorites. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Puerto Princesa Underground River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Palawan Heritage Center showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Plaza Cuartel offers a glimpse into Puerto Princesa's wartime history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Immaculate Conception Cathedral is a significant landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Puerto Princesa City Fiesta occurs every October, showcasing local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Rizal Avenue has cultural shops and artisanal markets. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local community theaters host various performance arts. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Puerto Princesa Night Market is vibrant with local vendors. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is often featured in bars along the Waterfront. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals decorate the city's walls near popular spots. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Join classes at the Subaraw Eco-Trail for a hands-on culinary experience. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Studio 88 showcases works by local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Municipal Hall is a former colonial building turned museum. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The local dialect, Cuyonon, is a symbol of unique regional identity. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Honda Bay offers breathtaking island-hopping tours. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park features stunning limestone formations. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Bike trails available in Mabuhay Beach area. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Viewdeck at Mt. Pulgar provides stunning panoramic views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Iwahig River is famous for birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Baker's Hill has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | LBC and JRS Express provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Authorized shops for mobile repair are available in Robinsons Place. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local sports clubs offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools providing English and Filipino classes are available. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The City Library provides quiet study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Puerto Princesa City Sports Complex offers various community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Internet cafes scattered throughout the city provide gaming facilities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are limited options; check local listings for community gaming events. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 30,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 1,200,000 PHP) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 20,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 800,000 PHP) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 25,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 1,500,000 PHP) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 18,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 1,080,000 PHP) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 22,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 1,760,000 PHP) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 15,000 PHP per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 1,200,000 PHP) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable to income from foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | 1% of property value annually. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Special tax incentives are available for certain investments and businesses. |