Infrastructure Realities

What internet, power and water actually look like on the ground — for travellers, remote workers and anyone thinking of building here.

Fig. — A metal water tank against a blue sky

01Power

Scheduled and unscheduled power interruptions are part of life in much of the province, especially outside Puerto Princesa. Many businesses run generators or solar with batteries. If you work remotely, ask what backs up the Wi-Fi router — not just whether there is Wi-Fi.

02Internet

Mobile data from the two main networks is decent in towns and patchy between them. Satellite internet has changed the game for resorts and businesses. For real reliability you want two independent connections.

03Water

Many properties rely on wells, rain catchment or trucked water. Drink bottled or filtered. If you’re building, design the water system before anything else — it shapes everything.

04If you’re building

Assume no grid. Anything else is a bonus.
Design for salt, heat, humidity — and ants.
Budget for surge protection and keep spares on site.
Plan heavy logistics for the dry season.

Field Notes

Guide updates arrive with the weekly dispatch.