The Ultimate Guide to Car Rental in Puerto Princesa, Palawan 🌴🚗
Explore Palawan with the freedom, comfort, and convenience of a rental car.
Palawan Puerto Princesa

- Nature and Biodiversity: Puerto Princesa is famous for its rich biodiversity and ecological conservation efforts. The city is home to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New7Wonders of Nature. The park features the stunning Puerto Princesa Underground River, a navigable river that flows through a series of caves adorned with limestone formations and unique wildlife.
- Pristine Beaches: Puerto Princesa boasts beautiful beaches with clear turquoise waters and white sand. Popular beach destinations include Honda Bay, where you can go island hopping and snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs, and Nagtabon Beach, known for its scenic coastal views and surfable waves.
- City Attractions: Puerto Princesa offers several attractions within the city itself. The Plaza Cuartel is a historic site that served as a World War II garrison, now transformed into a memorial park. The Immaculate Conception Cathedral is a beautiful Spanish-era church, and the Palawan Museum showcases the rich history and culture of the province.
- Eco-Tourism and Wildlife Conservation: Puerto Princesa is committed to eco-tourism and sustainability. The city promotes responsible tourism practices and offers activities like mangrove tours, firefly watching, and visits to the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (formerly known as the Crocodile Farm) to observe and learn about the region's unique flora and fauna.
- Culinary Delights: Puerto Princesa is known for its gastronomic offerings. Visitors can indulge in local delicacies such as Tamilok (woodworms), crocodile sisig, and seafood dishes. The city also has a vibrant food scene with a variety of restaurants and eateries serving international and Filipino cuisine.
- Vibrant Nightlife: Puerto Princesa has a lively nightlife scene with bars and entertainment venues where visitors can enjoy live music, karaoke, and socialize with locals and fellow travelers.
- Access to El Nido and Underground River: Puerto Princesa serves as a convenient base for exploring other popular destinations in Palawan. It is the gateway to the iconic Puerto Princesa Underground River, and it offers transportation options to El Nido, a world-renowned beach destination known for its stunning limestone cliffs, lagoons, and pristine beaches.
Affordable Car Rental Palawan - Discover the Cheapest Options - A Blog Overview
Why Rent a Car in Puerto Princesa?
1. Freedom to Explore
Public transportation is limited. Renting a car allows you to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations like:
- Honda Bay – Perfect for island hopping adventures.
- Nagtabon Beach – A serene coastal escape.
- Iwahig Firefly Watching – A magical evening experience.
- Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center – Get up close with wildlife.
2. Convenience and Comfort
Travel at your own pace and enjoy air-conditioned comfort in Palawan’s tropical climate.
3. Access to Remote Locations
Reach hidden gems outside the city like Narra, Port Barton, and El Nido with ease.
Choosing the Right Car Rental Service
1. Reputation and Reviews
Choose companies known for reliability and excellent customer service. CoolExtreme Rent-A-Car is highly recommended.
2. Vehicle Selection
Select a vehicle based on your travel needs:
- Sedans – Ideal for solo travelers or couples.
- SUVs – Perfect for families or groups.
- Vans – Great for larger groups or those with extra luggage.
3. Pricing and Inclusions
Compare rental rates and check for perks like free delivery, unlimited mileage, and insurance.
4. Customer Support
Choose a company with responsive support to assist you throughout your rental period.
Top Car Rental Companies in Puerto Princesa
1. CoolExtreme Rent-A-Car
Fleet: Economy cars to luxury SUVs
Services: Free delivery, 24/7 support
Highlights: Modern vehicles, transparent pricing
2. Roadtrip Palawan Rent-A-Car
Fleet: Sedans, SUVs, Vans
Services: Self-drive & chauffeur
Highlights: Great for group trips
3. Drive In Ride Car Rentals
Fleet: Economy & premium vehicles
Services: Flexible rental options
Highlights: Affordable rates
Popular Road Trips from Puerto Princesa
1. Puerto Princesa to El Nido
Distance:
230 km (~5-6 hours)
Highlights:
Stunning coastal views, limestone cliffs, island-hopping.
2. Puerto Princesa to Port Barton
Distance:
160 km (~3-4 hours)
Highlights:
Quiet beaches and snorkeling spots.
Essential Tips for Renting a Car
- Book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
- Check rental terms and conditions carefully.
- Inspect the vehicle before driving off.
- Drive safely and observe local traffic rules.
- Keep emergency contacts handy.