Here are the top 10 beaches within a 90-minute drive from Puerto Princesa, each with an in-depth description, pros and cons, and a Google Maps link for easy navigation.
Pros: Beautiful sunset views, great for swimming and surfing (when waves are up), relatively unspoiled compared to city beaches, quiet on weekdays.
Cons: Can get crowded on weekends, amenities are basic (limited food, restrooms), road access can be bumpy during rainy season.
Talaudyong Beach lies just north of Nagtabon and is known for its tranquil, secluded atmosphere. The white sand here is fine and ideal for lounging. The beachfront is home to private resorts where you can rent nipa huts and access BBQ facilities.
Pros: Secluded, peaceful, ideal for a lazy day, gentle waves for swimming, fantastic jungle backdrop.
Cons: Far fewer facilities (bring your own food/drinks), less accessible by public transportation, some sections may be for resort guests only.
Cowrie Island is one of the best-known islands in Honda Bay, about 45 minutes from city center by van plus a short boat ride. It’s favored for its golden sand, shallow waters, and complete visitor facilities, including water activities, restaurants, and showers.
Pros: All-around amenities (food, toilets, rentals), water sports (banana boat, paddle boards), safe for families.
Cons: Can feel busy with day tours, not as intimate as more remote beaches, island access ends in late afternoon.
Luli Island is famous for its gleaming sandbar that appears and disappears with the tide. It offers swimming, snorkeling, and jump platforms, along with basic food stalls.
Pros: Unique Instagrammable sandbar, great for snorkeling, fun jumping deck.
Cons: Small size, gets crowded at midday, facilities can be very basic.
Starfish Island lives up to its name: shallow clear waters here are home to many starfish. The sand is golden and the water perfect for snorkeling.
Pros: Abundant starfish viewing, calm shallow waters, good spot for beginner snorkelers.
Cons: Rocky/shelly sections (water shoes recommended), some areas get pebbly, can be busy on Honda Bay tour days.
White Beach, sometimes called Nasin-aw or Silica Beach, is the closest true beach to the city, about 10 minutes away. Its sands are soft and waters are turquoise, but urbanization and pollution have affected the area in recent years.
Pros: Closest option to city center, low entrance fee, beautiful sunrise views, local atmosphere.
Cons: Can be polluted, urban noise, fewer scenic vistas than other options, not recommended after heavy rains.
BM Beach and the adjacent Emerald Beach (beside the resorts Emerald Playa and Microtel) are also only 10–15 minutes from city center. The sand is coarse with shallow waters. Emerald Beach has hammock areas and sunrise spots; Microtel offers day-use amenities.
Pros: Easy access, safe for children due to shallow water, options for food/drinks at nearby resorts, relaxed atmosphere.
Cons: Muddy areas and seagrass at low tide, less appealing for strong swimmers, not as pristine as northern beaches.
Sabang Beach is about 1.5 hours from Puerto Princesa and serves as the gateway to the world-famous Underground River. It’s a picture-perfect bay set against forested mountains, ideal for a combination of swimming, kayaking, and riverside dining.
Pros: Scenic backdrop, range of eco-resorts, Underground River tours, ideal for relaxation and photography.
Cons: Longest drive on this list, gets busy during Underground River tour times, some areas can have strong undertow (careful with kids).
Napsan Beach lies nearly at the western tip of Puerto Princesa, about 80–90 minutes by car. It’s a local weekend favorite with a rustic stretch of soft sand, great for walks and picnics.
Pros: Peaceful, uncrowded, very local vibe, perfect for nature lovers and beach camping.
Cons: Harder to access (rough roads), minimal facilities (bring supplies), best for independent travelers.
These beaches provide a diverse mix of easy city escapes, classic island swimming spots, and untamed natural hideaways—all within a 90-minute drive. Local weather and tides can affect conditions, so always check ahead for the latest updates, especially in wet season. Every Google Maps link above opens the exact location for convenient trip planning from anywhere in Puerto Princesa.