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Puerto Princesa International Airport
PPS • RPVP
2 km • 2 km drive
The main airport for Puerto Princesa City and the practical gateway for Palawan and Tubbataha liveaboard departures. Most connections route through Manila or Cebu.
Logistics · Destination Guide
A seasonal liveaboard to UNESCO reef walls, with Palawan nature on shore
Updated Feb 13, 2026 • 12 sources
Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.
Most travelers fly into Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) on Palawan, then overnight in the city before any offshore departure. For Tubbataha, almost all visitors travel by liveaboard that departs from the Puerto Princesa area and crosses the Sulu Sea overnight.
If you are combining Puerto Princesa with other Palawan regions (El Nido, Port Barton, Balabac), plan those land legs around the liveaboard dates because road conditions and weather can add delays.
Puerto Princesa International Airport
PPS • RPVP
2 km • 2 km drive
The main airport for Puerto Princesa City and the practical gateway for Palawan and Tubbataha liveaboard departures. Most connections route through Manila or Cebu.
Transport: Hotel pickup, Taxi or app taxi (where available), Tricycle (short trips, negotiate fare), Pre-booked van
Inside Puerto Princesa City, tricycles and vans are common for short hops. For day trips (Underground River, beaches, mangroves), most visitors book a tour van or hire a private driver.
If you rent a scooter or car, drive defensively and avoid night driving outside the city due to limited lighting and occasional animals on the road.
Philippines entry rules depend on nationality, but common requirements include:
Always confirm current requirements with official government sources and your airline before travel.
Philippine Peso (PHP)
Cash is widely used for tricycles, small eateries, and local markets. Cards are more common at hotels and larger restaurants in Puerto Princesa.
ATMs are available in Puerto Princesa City. Withdraw before leaving the city for Sabang or before boarding a liveaboard.
220V • 60Hz • A, B, C
Most chargers are dual-voltage, but bring an adapter if your plugs differ. Liveaboards may have limited outlets, so pack a small power strip if allowed.
Communications
Mobile coverage is good in Puerto Princesa City with local SIMs. Coverage drops on remote road trips and is generally limited offshore in Tubbataha, where boats may rely on satellite communications. Download maps and confirmations for offline access before departing the city.
Language
Filipino (Tagalog) is the national language and English is widely used in tourism. In Palawan you may also hear local languages, but visitors can usually manage with English in hotels, dive operations, and tours.
Insurance
For Tubbataha, treat insurance as essential: include dive accident coverage, evacuation, and chamber treatment. Carry your policy details offline and share them with your liveaboard operator before departure.
Packing list
Bring gear for both an offshore boat environment and humid tropical land days:
Expedition Planning
External Booking PartnerThis destination is usually planned around a liveaboard itinerary rather than a local day-boat base. Compare departures and routes with our external booking partner.
DiveJourney may earn referral revenue. Booking is handled by the partner and operator under their terms.