Welcome to AUV Transient, a budget-friendly home-away-from-home located in the heart of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. This cozy accommodation is perfect for backpackers, solo adventurers, and pet owners looking for a quiet, local experience while remaining close to the city’s top attractions.
“Highly Recommended” (5/5): “The staff is incredibly helpful and treated us like family. They helped us book our Underground River tour and even arranged our van to El Nido. Very quiet area, perfect for a good night’s sleep.” – Sarah M.
“Great Value for Money” (4.5/5): “Clean rooms and a very functional kitchen. It’s a bit away from the main road, which means no noise from tricycles. Excellent Wi-Fi for remote work.” – Rafal K.
“Pet Friendly” (5/5): “Hard to find places in Palawan that allow dogs. AUV was very welcoming to our furry friend. The mountain view in the morning is a plus!” – Mika T.
3-Day Puerto Princesa Itinerary
Day 1: City Heritage and Coastal Views
Morning: Arrive and check in at AUV Transient. Take a short tricycle ride to Plaza Cuartel and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral.
Afternoon: Visit Baker’s Hill for pastries and the Mitra’s Ranch for a panoramic view of Honda Bay.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxing dinner at the Puerto Princesa Baywalk Park and watch the sunset.
Day 2: The Wonders of Nature
Full Day: Embark on the Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Most tours include lunch in Sabang.
Late Afternoon: Return to the city and visit the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (Crocodile Farm).
Evening: Experience the magical Iwahig Firefly Watching paddleboat tour.
Day 3: Island Hopping in Honda Bay
Morning/Afternoon: Head to Sta. Lourdes Wharf for a Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour. Visit Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island for snorkeling and sunbathing.
Evening: Souvenir shopping at LRC 908 Market Mall before your flight.
What to Eat: Palawan Specialties
Tamilok (Woodworm): A local delicacy found in mangroves. It has an oyster-like texture and is usually eaten raw with vinegar.
Chao Long: A localized Vietnamese beef noodle soup served with French bread, a staple comfort food in Puerto Princesa.
Crocodile Sisig: A lean, high-protein twist on the classic Filipino sisig, available at Kinabuchs or Baker’s Hill.
Fresh Seafood: Head to Badjao Seafront Restaurant for grilled squid and buttered shrimp with a view of the mangroves.
Recommended Places to Visit
Underground River: The world’s longest navigable subterranean river.
Nagtabon Beach: A serene, less crowded beach perfect for surfing or watching the sunset.
Pristine Beach: The closest beach to the city center and AUV Transient for a quick dip.
Binuatan Creations: A traditional weaving center where you can try making your own handwoven products.
Ezrah Coastal Boutique Hotel offers a relaxed seaside stay with easy access to El Nido’s famous lagoons, beaches, and island-hopping tours. The hotel’s boutique ambiance and coastal views make it ideal for travelers who want comfort while staying close to nature and the town’s vibrant dining scene. It is a perfect base for exploring crystal-clear waters by day and enjoying sunset strolls along the shore in the evening.
A suggested first day begins with arrival and check-in, followed by a short walk or tricycle ride to El Nido Town to arrange island-hopping tours. Spend the afternoon visiting Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon, where you can kayak through turquoise waters surrounded by limestone cliffs. Continue to Shimizu Island for snorkeling among coral reefs and tropical fish. Return to the hotel before sunset and relax by the coast while enjoying the cool sea breeze.
Food in El Nido highlights fresh seafood and Filipino comfort dishes. Travelers should try grilled fish, buttered shrimp, and squid adobo served with rice and local sauces. Popular Filipino meals such as chicken adobo, sinigang, and kare-kare are widely available in nearby restaurants. For lighter options, tropical fruit shakes made from mango, banana, and pineapple are refreshing, while desserts like halo-halo and coconut-based sweets complete the dining experience.
On the second day, start with breakfast at the hotel and then head to Nacpan Beach for a peaceful morning by the long stretch of golden sand and calm waters, ideal for swimming and relaxing. In the afternoon, return to town and hike up to Taraw Cliff for panoramic views of El Nido Bay and its islands. Spend the rest of the day browsing local shops for souvenirs and enjoying coffee or fresh juice by the beachfront.
For a comfortable stay, it is best to book island-hopping tours early in the morning, wear light clothing and reef-safe sunscreen, and bring water shoes for lagoon visits. Staying at Ezrah Coastal Boutique Hotel allows travelers to enjoy both adventure and relaxation, combining El Nido’s world-famous natural beauty with cozy accommodation and easy access to great food and local experiences.
Waking up to the soft rustle of palm trees, a warm tropical breeze sweeps across the private balcony as a perfect day begins. Step outside to a sunlit balcony overlooking a glistening swimming pool, realizing that paradise sits just minutes from the airport runway. This modern studio getaway at Camella Manors Verdant bridges the gap between urban convenience and the serene, untouched beauty of Puerto Princesa, welcoming travelers to the gateway of Palawan.
Holiday Getaways
This property serves as an ideal basecamp for digital nomads, couples on romantic escapes, and transit travelers looking for premium comfort during their island Holiday Getaways. It perfectly satisfies those needing a seamless launchpad for iconic excursions like the Underground River or Honda Bay island hopping, without sacrificing the luxuries of rapid airport transits and reliable fiber internet.
Pros
Excellent location less than ten minutes from Puerto Princesa International Airport
Free access to a clean outdoor swimming pool and modern fitness gym
Fully functional kitchenette with microwave, fridge, and induction cooker
Secure gated community setup with twenty four seven security guards
Cons
The immediate street area requires a tricycle or rental vehicle to reach main dining districts
Corridors and elevators can sometimes feel warm and humid during peak summer seasons
The studio footprint of thirty four square meters can feel intimate for larger groups
In-Depth Spotlights
Providing an analytical look through our In Depth Spotlights, this studio condo offers exceptional value compared to standard hotel rooms in the area. Priced gently at thirty five to sixty five US dollars per night depending on seasonal demand, it matches the cost of basic budget inns while providing resort tier amenities. Mid range business hotels along Rizal Avenue charge similar rates but rarely offer private balconies, full cooking setups, or unrestricted pool and gym access in a peaceful residential pocket.
Reviews
Service Nine point five out of ten
Facilities Nine point zero out of ten
Value for money Ten out of ten
Cleanliness Nine point five out of ten
Location Eight point five out of ten
Overall Rating Nine point three out of ten
Solving the Travelers Problem
Many visitors landing in Palawan face the dilemma of choosing between expensive, isolated beach resorts or loud, outdated city center hotels. This studio apartment elegantly solves the problem by providing a peaceful, high security sanctuary near the airport. It allows you to skip stressful traffic delays before early flights while offering full self catering autonomy to save on dining costs.
Safety Scams Packing Guides
Puerto Princesa is generally safe, but travelers should always agree on tricycle fares before boarding to avoid inflated tourist rates. Avoid tap water and stick to sealed bottles. Pack lightweight breathable clothing, a reliable reef safe sunscreen, insect repellent with high DEET content, dry bags for island boat tours, and universal adaptors for your tech devices.
Transportation Tips
Tricycles wait right outside the complex gates to transport you anywhere in the city center for a few dollars. For absolute freedom, rent a scooter for around eight to ten dollars daily. Most major tour operators offer direct pickup and dropoff services right from the condominium lobby entrance.
Itinerary
Day One Arrive at the airport, check in, and spend a relaxing afternoon lounging by the property pool before enjoying a seafood dinner at the City Baywalk.
Day Two Embark on an early morning excursion to the Puerto Princesa Underground River, returning by late afternoon for coffee on your private balcony.
Day Three Go island hopping around the pristine waters of Honda Bay, swimming at Cowrie Island and Starfish Island, followed by local live music downtown.
Local Attractions
Immerse yourself in nature by exploring the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage site located a scenic drive away. Spend an afternoon island hopping around Honda Bay, or stroll down the Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park at sunset. For cultural insight, check out the Palawan Heritage Center and the Palawan Special Battalion World War Two Memorial Museum.
Events Festivals
Plan your trip around March to experience the Balayong Festival, celebrating the founding of the city with vibrant street dancing and local floral displays. If visiting in June, you can participate in the Baragatan Festival, a massive week long celebration showcasing the unique culture, songs, and products of all municipalities across Palawan.
Things to Know and Trivia
Puerto Princesa is recognized as the eco tourism capital of the Philippines and enforces strict anti littering laws throughout the city. Local trivia reveals that the city was named after a Spanish princess, though historical accounts suggest the name also stems from the strategic, princess like geographical features of its deep seaport.
Frequently Ask Questions
Is there a strict curfew for entering the condo gates at night
No, twenty four seven security presence ensures you can access the complex at any hour.
Can I host a small gathering or birthday dinner inside the studio
No, building management enforces strict rules prohibiting parties or large gatherings to maintain quiet hours.
Does the kitchen come stocked with basic cooking ingredients like oil and salt
Hosts typically provide a basic welcome kit, but guests should buy their own cooking ingredients from nearby markets.
Is the swimming pool open for night swimming after nine PM
The pool generally operates with set daytime hours, closing by late evening for maintenance and quiet periods.
How reliable is the cellular signal inside the building for remote work
The cellular signal can fluctuate inside the concrete building, but the property features dedicated high speed Wi-Fi.
Are pets allowed inside this rental unit
Pets are allowed only upon explicit request and prior host approval, subject to building regulations.
Can I walk to the nearest beach directly from the property
Pristine Beach is roughly an eighteen minute walk away, though a quick tricycle ride is highly recommended.
Is there a washing machine inside the unit for laundry
Most individual studio setups do not include a private washing machine, but local laundry shops offer affordable drop off services nearby.
Where is the closest grocery store to restock the kitchenette
SM City Puerto Princesa and local minimarkets are located just a short tricycle ride away from the property.
What happens if my flight lands before the standard two PM check in time
You must coordinate with your host in advance, early check in depends entirely on previous guest departure schedules.
