The best hotels in Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa has 8,000+ places to stay and a surprising number of them overpromise on 'beachfront' when they're really just near a muddy inlet off Bancao-Bancao. We reviewed the standouts. these 10 made the cut.
Our Top Picks in Puerto Princesa
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Duchess Pension House
Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa
Free cancellation & Pay later
Kalui Restaurant and Guesthouse
Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa
Free cancellation & Pay later
Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa
Sheridan Beach, Puerto Princesa
Free cancellation & Pay later
Puerto Pension
Malvar Street, Puerto Princesa
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hue Hotels and Resorts Puerto Princesa
Lacao Street, Puerto Princesa
Free cancellation & Pay later
Astoria Palawan
San Miguel, Puerto Princesa
Free cancellation & Pay later
Legend Hotel Puerto Princesa
Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa
Free cancellation & Pay later
Badjao Seafront Resort
Bancao-Bancao, Puerto Princesa
Free cancellation & Pay later
Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa
Arreceffi Island, Honda Bay
Free cancellation & Pay later
Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa
Malvar Street, Puerto Princesa
Free cancellation & Pay later
All Hotels Compared
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right hotel. Prices reflect shoulder season averages.
| # | Hotel | City & Area | Price/Night | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Duchess Pension House | Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa | $45–70/night | 7.6/10 | Budget Pick |
| 2 | Kalui Restaurant and Guesthouse | Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa | $65–90/night | 8.1/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 3 | Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa | Sheridan Beach, Puerto Princesa | $110–175/night | 8.3/10 | Best Location |
| 4 | Puerto Pension | Malvar Street, Puerto Princesa | $120–160/night | 8.5/10 | Most Popular |
| 5 | Hue Hotels and Resorts Puerto Princesa | Lacao Street, Puerto Princesa | $135–190/night | 8.8/10 | Top Rated |
| 6 | Astoria Palawan | San Miguel, Puerto Princesa | $150–210/night | 8.4/10 | Family Friendly |
| 7 | Legend Hotel Puerto Princesa | Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa | $160–220/night | 8.2/10 | Business Pick |
| 8 | Badjao Seafront Resort | Bancao-Bancao, Puerto Princesa | $185–240/night | 8.6/10 | Romantic Stay |
| 9 | Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa | Arreceffi Island, Honda Bay | $280–420/night | 9.1/10 | Luxury Pick |
| 10 | Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa | Malvar Street, Puerto Princesa | $260–380/night | 9/10 | Top Rated |
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Every hotel earned its spot. Here's exactly why we picked each one.
Duchess Pension House
This small pension house sits right on Rizal Avenue, the main commercial strip in Puerto Princesa city proper. Rooms are basic but clean, with air conditioning and private bathrooms that work reliably. The staff are genuinely helpful with arranging tricycle tours and Underground River bookings. It is a no-frills option that saves you money for the island activities. Good choice if you plan to spend most of your time out exploring.
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Kalui Restaurant and Guesthouse
Attached to one of Puerto Princesa's most beloved local restaurants, this guesthouse on Rizal Avenue gives you home-cooked Filipino meals steps from your room. The rooms are modest but comfortable, with a warm family-run atmosphere that big hotels cannot replicate. The restaurant downstairs is the real selling point, serving fresh seafood on a set menu that most visitors rave about. Location is central and walkable to several cafes and shops. A solid pick for travelers who care more about food and character than amenities.
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Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa
Sheridan Beach Resort sits directly on its own beachfront about 15 minutes north of the city center by car. The rooms face the bay and the sunsets from the shore here are genuinely impressive. Facilities include a pool, spa, and outdoor dining area that feels relaxed rather than resort-formal. Water sports rentals are available on site and the staff can arrange island-hopping day trips. A practical choice for anyone wanting beach access without venturing far from Puerto Princesa proper.
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Puerto Pension
Puerto Pension on Malvar Street is one of the most consistently recommended mid-range stays in the city. The rooms are larger than average for this price point, with solid air conditioning and comfortable beds. The outdoor common area and small pool make it a pleasant place to return to after long day trips. It is a short walk from the city market and several good local restaurants. Staff are organized and familiar with the main tourist routes, which saves time when planning excursions.
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Hue Hotels and Resorts Puerto Princesa
Hue Hotels sits on Lacao Street in a quieter part of the city and delivers a polished experience that stands out from most options in Puerto Princesa. The rooms are modern, well-designed, and kept in excellent condition. The outdoor pool area is one of the nicer ones in the city and the breakfast spread is substantial. Service is attentive without being intrusive. Proximity to the city center is good and getting a tricycle from the front gate is easy at any hour.
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Astoria Palawan
Astoria Palawan is a resort-style hotel in the San Miguel area, set on a wide property with tropical gardens and a large swimming pool. The rooms are spacious and well-suited for families traveling with children. The on-site restaurant serves a mix of Filipino and international dishes at reasonable prices. It is about 10 minutes from the airport, making it a convenient first or last night option. The grounds are well-maintained and the overall environment is calm and comfortable.
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Legend Hotel Puerto Princesa
Legend Hotel occupies a central spot on Rizal Avenue and is one of the few properties in Puerto Princesa with proper conference and business facilities. Rooms are clean and professionally maintained with reliable WiFi and good climate control. The hotel restaurant is convenient for early departures or late arrivals when other places are closed. It lacks beach access but is within easy reach of the city's main dining and shopping areas. A dependable option for business travelers or those in transit.
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Badjao Seafront Resort
Badjao Seafront Resort is located in the Bancao-Bancao fishing community area, which gives it a distinct local character compared to the more polished resorts elsewhere. Rooms are built over or close to the water, and the setting at sunset is hard to beat. The seafood restaurant on the premises sources fish directly from local fishermen and the quality shows. It is a bit removed from the city center but the tranquility is the point. Couples in particular tend to return to this one.
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Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa
Dos Palmas occupies its own private island in Honda Bay, reached by a 30-minute boat transfer from Puerto Princesa pier. The overwater cottages and beachfront villas are genuinely luxurious by Philippine standards, with attentive service and stunning sea views in every direction. Snorkeling directly off the resort reveals healthy coral and diverse marine life without needing to take a tour. All meals and most activities are included in the rate, which makes the price feel more reasonable. A proper island escape that delivers on its reputation.
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Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa
Princesa Garden is one of the premier full-service hotels in Puerto Princesa, located on Malvar Street close to the city center. The property has beautifully landscaped gardens, multiple pools, a full spa, and dining options that are among the best in the city. Rooms are elegantly appointed and the service level is noticeably higher than most competitors in the area. It works well for both leisure travelers seeking comfort after island tours and for special occasion stays. The breakfast buffet alone draws positive comments from most guests.
Check AvailabilityWhere to Stay in Puerto Princesa
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
Rizal Avenue: the city's hotel spine
Rizal Avenue is where most visitors land first, and for good reason. It's the main artery connecting the airport area to the city proper, lined with restaurants, tour operators, and the best mix of budget and mid-range hotels in Puerto Princesa.
Duchess Pension House and Kalui Restaurant and Guesthouse both sit on this strip, within a short walk of each other. Kalui's rooftop garden alone is worth choosing this area as your base, and the restaurant downstairs is one of the best meals you'll have in Palawan. Don't skip it.
Honda Bay: when you want the real island experience
Honda Bay sits about 12 km north of the city center, and the resorts out here operate on a different level. Dos Palmas on Arreceffi Island is 100% boat-access only, roughly a 30-minute speedboat ride from the Honda Bay pier on Santa Lourdes Road.
The rates look steep at $280-420/night, but the transfers, meals, and activities are largely bundled in. If you're splitting this between two people, it's more reasonable than it first appears. This is the kind of place that justifies the flight to Palawan.
Malvar Street: the most underrated hotel corridor
Malvar Street runs parallel to Rizal Avenue, about 5 minutes walk inland, and it punches above its weight. Puerto Pension is here, consistently rated the most popular hotel in the city, and Princesa Garden Island Resort is just down the road with its private lagoon.
You're also walking distance from the Underground River permit office and several reputable tour operators. It's quieter than Rizal Avenue at night, which some people appreciate and others don't. Know which type you are before booking.
Sheridan Beach: closest proper beach to the city
Sheridan Beach is 6 km north of downtown along the North National Highway. It's not a pristine white-sand beach, but it's real, swimmable, and 25 minutes from the airport by tricycle. Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa is the anchor property here, with a spa and direct beach access at $110-175/night.
The stretch around Sheridan is quieter than the city but not isolated. A few small eateries and a convenience store are within 10 minutes walk. It's a decent middle ground if you want beach proximity without paying Honda Bay prices.
What to avoid when booking in Puerto Princesa
Skip anything advertising 'beachfront' on the Bancao-Bancao area near the port unless you've seen recent photos. That waterfront is industrial, not scenic. Several resorts in that zone charge $80-120/night for a view of fishing boats and a working pier.
Also be cautious with properties listed vaguely near the 'Underground River' without a specific address. Many are using the name for SEO and are actually 80 km from the entrance at Sabang. Check the map before you book.
Getting around Puerto Princesa without a tour group
Tricycles are your main tool inside the city. A ride from Rizal Avenue to the Crocodile Farm on the National Highway costs about $3-4. From the Honda Bay pier to the city, budget $5-7 by tricycle or $8-10 via Grab. Multicabs are cheaper for short hops along fixed routes.
Renting a motorcycle is possible from several shops near the public market for around $15-20/day. It gives you the freedom to reach spots like Mitra's Ranch or Ugong Rock without depending on tour schedules. Just know that roads outside the city center can be rough during rainy season.
Puerto Princesa's best neighborhoods
Start with Rizal Avenue if you want to be close to restaurants, tricycles, and the city buzz. Honda Bay and Sheridan Beach are worth the extra distance if you're here for the water.
Rizal Avenue & City Center 3 vetted hotels The practical choice. Food, tours, and transport all within walking distance.
The practical choice. Food, tours, and transport all within walking distance.
This is the spine of Puerto Princesa for a reason. Rizal Avenue connects the airport zone to the downtown market, and the best local restaurants, tour booking offices, and tricycle stops are all clustered here. You won't need to plan transport for every meal.
Duchess Pension House, Kalui Restaurant and Guesthouse, and Legend Hotel all sit along or just off this corridor. Prices range from $45 to $220/night depending on what you need. The budget end is genuinely good value; the upper end gives you business-class amenities without the resort isolation.
The area slows down after 10 pm, but there's enough street food and late-night spots near the public market to keep night owls occupied. It's not a party zone, which most visitors here are fine with.
Malvar Street & Baywalk Area 2 vetted hotels Quieter than Rizal Avenue, smarter for planning your Underground River trip.
Quieter than Rizal Avenue, smarter for planning your Underground River trip.
Malvar Street runs one block from the bay and about 5 minutes walk from Rizal Avenue. It's noticeably less chaotic, with Puerto Pension and Princesa Garden Island Resort both anchored here. The Underground River permit office is also on this street, which is genuinely useful.
Princesa Garden Island Resort is built around a small lagoon, which sounds gimmicky but actually works. At $260-380/night, it's one of the better resort-in-the-city experiences you'll find in Palawan. Puerto Pension at $120-160/night is the consistent crowd favorite for mid-range travelers.
The Baywalk promenade is a 10-minute walk from most hotels on this street. It's popular with locals in the evening, especially on weekends, and a few decent restaurants and snack stalls line the route.
Sheridan Beach & North National Highway 1 vetted hotel Real beach access, 25 minutes from the airport, without Honda Bay prices.
Real beach access, 25 minutes from the airport, without Honda Bay prices.
Sheridan Beach sits along the North National Highway about 6 km from downtown. The beach itself is calm and swimmable most of the year, with a few local beach clubs and resorts scattered along the strip. Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa is the main property here.
At $110-175/night, it's the most affordable beachfront option in our list. The spa is legitimately good. You're about 25 minutes by tricycle from Rizal Avenue if you want city food or nightlife, which keeps you slightly more dependent on the resort's own restaurant.
The surrounding area has a few small local eateries within 10 minutes walk. It's not remote, but it's not urban either. Good for travelers who want a beach base without the full island-resort commitment.
Bancao-Bancao & Badjao Seafront 1 vetted hotel Seafront romance with a working harbor backdrop.
Seafront romance with a working harbor backdrop.
Bancao-Bancao is a coastal barangay about 4 km from the city center, home to the Badjao Seafront Resort. It's a waterfront area but more harbor than beach. The resort makes the most of the setting, with overwater elements and sunset views that actually deliver.
At $185-240/night, it's positioned as a romantic retreat. And it works as exactly that. The surrounding neighborhood is mostly residential and fishing community, which adds local character but means limited dining options outside the resort itself.
A tricycle to Rizal Avenue runs about $3-4 and takes 15 minutes. It's not the most convenient location for exploring, but couples who want to stay in and unwind won't mind the slight isolation.
Honda Bay & Arreceffi Island 2 vetted hotels The best of Puerto Princesa's island resorts. Genuinely world-class.
The best of Puerto Princesa's island resorts. Genuinely world-class.
Honda Bay is 12 km north of the city, reached via the Santa Lourdes Road pier. From there, it's a 30-minute speedboat to Arreceffi Island and Dos Palmas, or shorter rides to smaller island resorts. This is where Puerto Princesa earns its Palawan reputation.
Dos Palmas at $280-420/night and Princesa Garden's island component at $260-380/night aren't cheap. But both are all-inclusive enough that you're not hemorrhaging cash on extras. The snorkeling around Honda Bay's Starfish Island and Cowrie Island alone is worth the trip out here.
Don't try to day-trip to Honda Bay and stay in the city to save money. By the time you pay for boat tours, entrance fees, and transport both ways, you're spending almost as much without the experience. Book a night or two here and do it properly.
Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of Puerto Princesa.
Romantic
Bancao-Bancao's Badjao Seafront Resort delivers the best sunset-over-water setting in Puerto Princesa proper. For something more secluded, Dos Palmas on Arreceffi Island in Honda Bay is private, gorgeous, and worth every peso of the $280-420/night rate.
Culture & History
Stay on Rizal Avenue and walk to the Palawan Special Battalion WW2 Memorial Museum in 15 minutes. The city's heritage zone around the cathedral and Plaza Cuartel is most accessible from Legend Hotel, which puts you right in the middle of it.
Family
Astoria Palawan in San Miguel is the strongest family pick in the city, with a proper pool and 15 minutes from Baker's Hill, which kids love. The property has enough space and amenities to keep everyone occupied without leaving the resort.
Budget
Duchess Pension House on Rizal Avenue is the honest budget choice at $45-70/night. You're a 5-minute walk from Kalui Restaurant and within easy tricycle range of every major tour pickup point in the city.
Beach
Sheridan Beach is your best city-adjacent beach option, with Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa sitting right on the sand 6 km north of downtown. Honda Bay's island resorts are the step up if you want world-class snorkeling on top of the beach.
Foodie
Rizal Avenue is the food corridor. Kalui Restaurant is a must, but the stretch between Hue Hotels on Lacao Street and the public market has the best concentration of local eateries in the city. Budget $8-15 per meal at the good spots.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
When to Visit Puerto Princesa
When to visit Puerto Princesa and what to pay.
Peak Season (Dec-Feb)
This is Puerto Princesa at its driest and most beautiful. Temperatures sit at 25-28°C with virtually no rain, and the Underground River tours are fully operational. Christmas week and New Year are the most congested, with Honda Bay resorts selling out 6-8 weeks ahead and city hotels like Puerto Pension on Malvar Street hitting $150-160/night at their peak.
Sweet Spot (Mar-May)
March through May brings hotter temperatures, 27-34°C, but crowds thin out noticeably after mid-February. Rates at Rizal Avenue hotels drop 15-20% from peak, and Honda Bay resorts like Dos Palmas start offering better availability at $280-350/night. April is a sweet window: hot, dry, and quieter than Christmas. Holy Week in April brings a domestic tourism surge for 4-5 days, so avoid those specific dates unless you book well ahead.
Low Season (Jun-Sep)
June through September is monsoon season, with regular afternoon downpours and occasional stronger weather systems. The Underground River at Sabang sometimes closes due to rough seas. But if you're staying in the city around Rizal Avenue and focusing on food and inland attractions, rates drop sharply: Duchess Pension House runs $45-55/night and even Hue Hotels on Lacao Street dips closer to $135/night. It's genuinely good value if you're flexible on itinerary.
Shoulder Season (Oct-Nov)
October starts the transition back to dry season. Rain tapers off significantly by November, and temperatures settle at 26-30°C. Tour operators along Rizal Avenue start getting busy again from late October, and Honda Bay resorts begin filling up for December. November is arguably the best low-key window: weather is reliable, crowds haven't peaked, and rates at places like Puerto Pension sit at $120-140/night before the December surge.
Booking Tips for Puerto Princesa
Insider tips for booking hotels in Puerto Princesa.
Book your Underground River permit before you book your hotel
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park permit sells out fast during peak season. The City Environment and Natural Resources Office on Malvar Street handles permits, and tour slots fill up weeks ahead from December through February. Lock that down first, then plan your accommodation around your confirmed tour date.
Honda Bay all-inclusive rates aren't as expensive as they look
Dos Palmas on Arreceffi Island lists at $280-420/night, which stops many people cold. But that rate includes round-trip speedboat transfers from the Honda Bay pier, most meals, and use of water sports equipment. Break it down per person for a couple and add what you'd spend on two days of island hopping tours ($40-60/person), boat transfers, and meals separately. The gap shrinks fast.
Tricycles are negotiable for longer trips
Standard tricycle rates around Rizal Avenue are fixed at $1-2 for short city hops. But for longer routes like Sheridan Beach, Iwahig River, or the Crocodile Farm on the National Highway, rates are negotiable. Agree on the price before you get in. A reasonable rate to Sheridan Beach is $4-5 each way; anything over $7 is tourist pricing.
Don't book 'beachfront' hotels without checking recent photos
Several properties near Bancao-Bancao and the port area market themselves as seafront or beachfront. Some are on working harbor water, not swimming beaches. Check Google Maps satellite view and look for guest photos from the past 6 months. A real beach or clean waterfront will be obvious. A murky harbor view will also be obvious, if you look.
Lacao Street has Puerto Princesa's best restaurant access from a hotel
Hue Hotels on Lacao Street sits within 10 minutes walk of the densest stretch of local restaurants in the city, including several spots the tour guides eat at off-duty. At $135-190/night with an 8.8 rating, it's the strongest overall value in the mid-to-upper range. The area around Lacao and the nearby streets off Rizal Avenue is where you want to be for food access.
Holy Week (Semana Santa) drives up prices across all hotel tiers
Holy Week in April is when domestic Philippine tourism surges. Budget guesthouses on Rizal Avenue that normally run $45-60/night can jump to $75-90/night. Honda Bay resorts hit peak pricing again for those 4-5 days. If your dates overlap with Semana Santa, book at least 5 weeks ahead or shift your trip by one week in either direction.
Hotels in Puerto Princesa — FAQ
Everything you need to know before booking hotels in Puerto Princesa.
What's the best area to stay in Puerto Princesa?
Rizal Avenue is your most practical base. You're within 10 minutes walk of the best local restaurants, tricycle hubs, and the main market. If beaches matter more than convenience, Sheridan Beach is 25 minutes north of the city center by tricycle, roughly $3-5 for the ride.
How much do hotels in Puerto Princesa cost?
Budget guesthouses on Rizal Avenue run $45-70/night. Mid-range hotels like Puerto Pension on Malvar Street sit at $120-160/night. Full resort experiences at Honda Bay or Arreceffi Island push $260-420/night, and yes, they're worth it.
When is the best time to visit Puerto Princesa?
November through May is your window. December to February is peak season with temperatures around 25-28°C and almost no rain. Book at least 6 weeks out for Honda Bay resorts during Christmas week. they sell out completely.
How do I get from Puerto Princesa Airport to my hotel?
The airport sits right at the edge of the city, about 2 km from Rizal Avenue. A metered taxi runs $2-4 to most city hotels. Tricycles are cheaper at $1-2 but won't take large luggage. Grab is available and usually the most reliable option.
Do I need to book hotels far in advance?
For Rizal Avenue and Malvar Street hotels, 2 weeks notice is usually fine outside peak season. Honda Bay resorts like Dos Palmas on Arreceffi Island are a different story. book 4-8 weeks ahead during November through March. Chinese New Year week fills up fast across all price points.
Is Puerto Princesa safe for tourists?
It's one of the safest cities in the Philippines. The city proper around Rizal Avenue and the National Highway is well-lit and active until 10 pm. Standard precautions apply near the bus terminal on San Jose Road after dark.
What's the difference between staying in the city versus a beach resort?
City hotels on Rizal Avenue and Malvar Street give you easy access to food, tours, and the Underground River permit offices. Beach resorts at Sheridan Beach or Honda Bay give you water and quiet, but you'll pay $10-15 per tricycle ride every time you want to eat out. Factor that in.
Are there good family-friendly hotels in Puerto Princesa?
Astoria Palawan in San Miguel is the strongest family pick, with a proper pool and kids' facilities about 15 minutes from the city center. Princesa Garden Island Resort on Malvar Street also works well for families, with lagoon access and interconnecting rooms starting at $260/night.
Which hotels are closest to the Underground River tours?
Most Underground River tours depart from the Sabang Wharf, around 80 km from Puerto Princesa city. Your hotel's location in the city doesn't change your departure point much. What matters is booking the permit early through the City Environment and Natural Resources Office on Malvar Street. it sells out weeks ahead in peak season.
What's the best budget hotel in Puerto Princesa?
Duchess Pension House on Rizal Avenue is our budget pick at $45-70/night. It's basic, clean, and puts you within 5 minutes walk of Kalui Restaurant, which alone is worth staying in the area for. Don't expect resort amenities, but the location-to-price ratio is hard to beat.
Are resort fees common in Puerto Princesa hotels?
City hotels rarely charge resort fees. Beach resorts and island properties are a different story. Dos Palmas on Arreceffi Island in Honda Bay bundles boat transfers and meals into the rate, which looks expensive at $280-420/night until you realize it includes round-trip speedboat transfers from the Honda Bay pier. Read what's included before comparing rates.
What local transport options are available between hotels and attractions?
Tricycles cover most city routes for $1-3. Multicabs run fixed routes along Rizal Avenue and the National Highway for around $0.30. For Sheridan Beach or the Crocodile Farm on National Highway, expect $4-6 by tricycle. Grab is available in the city and generally more reliable for longer trips.