Before you book a room at any Puerto Princesa hotel and resort, check out this guide first that can help you plan an affordable, hassle-free vacation in Palawan's capital city.

Avoid the peak season if you're not diving.

Peak season for tourists in Palawan is generally from March to May, coinciding with the summer school break. It is also the only time that divers sail to the nearby Tubbataha Reef, as the waters are calm and clear during that period. However, for the average tourist, Puerto Princesa City is a good destination throughout the year as storms don't affect the island a lot.

And when avoiding the peak season, choose October and November.

Arguably one of the best times to visit during the off-peak season is October and November, as the monsoon season draws to a close and dry weather begins. While the weather is better, not everyone is on school break, so there will be fewer people on holiday. And other than fewer tourists on the island, you can also get the chance to snag a good Puerto Princesa hotel promo during these months.

Arrange the Underground River Tour through your Puerto Princesa accommodation.

While arranging your own trip may be cheaper, it is certainly a lot of work, with all the permits that you have to arrange with the local government. And they're pretty strict about the permits and fees — just miss out on one, and they won't allow you on the tour. So it's best to just sign up for the tour at your hotel, since they will take care of all the preparations.

Don't need a tour? Go rent a vehicle instead.

If you're in the area for business, it's easy just to rent a vehicle. Motorcycles can be rented at the airport exit gate, while most tour agencies in Puerto Princesa offer van rentals that can accommodate 10 people or more. For smaller or more frugal groups, you can rent a tricycle (good for 2 to 5 people) or a multicab (fits 5 to 10 passengers).

Know where to buy souvenirs and how to check their quality.

There are several places around the city where you can buy goodies to take home. However, it is said that the cheapest stores are found in the city's old market or at the souvenir shop next to the airport, so make sure to compare. And like most Philippine destinations, souvenirs are either foodstuff, like cashew or dried seafood, or handicrafts, like woven baskets. When bringing baskets home, make sure to check that they are woven tightly, so they'd last longer.

With these 5 tips, your trip will surely be made more convenient and affordable, even before you reach your Puerto Princesa hotel and resort.