Highlights
- Snorkel the rich coral reefs of Ulugan Bay
- Ride the 5-mile Puerto Princesa Subterranean River
- Kayak and skin dive amid El Nido's limestone rock formations
- Hug a crocodile at Palawan's Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Puerto Princesa, Transfer to Ulugan Bay | Ulugan Bay |
Day 2 | Transfer to Sabang, Explore Puerto Princesa Underground River | Ulugan Bay |
Day 3 | Transfer to El Nido | El Nido |
Day 4 | Kayak El Nido | El Nido |
Day 5 | Skin dive, Explore the islands of Bacuit Bay | El Nido |
Day 6 | Visit Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, Depart Palawan |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Puerto Princesa - Transfer to Ulugan Bay
Welcome to Palawan. Meet your guide at the Puerto Princesa airport and drive an hour and a half north to Ulugan Bay. A 30-minute boat ride then takes you to an island surrounded by vibrant coral reefs that teem with marine life. Spend the day snorkeling and enjoying the white-sand beach.
Stay the evening in a rainforest cottage surrounded by trees and enjoy the panoramic view of Ulugan Bay.
Day 2: Transfer to Sabang - Explore Puerto Princesa Underground River
Today is a full day of exploration, starting with a drive up the coast to Sabang. From there, you will take an outrigger boat to the entrance of the popular Puerto Princesa Underground River, before switching to another boat to paddle further into the river's tunnel. Enjoy discovering the many unique karst rock formations of one of the world's largest cave rooms.
Later, you will hike a trail through the jungle and try to spot local wildlife before switching gears in the afternoon to paddle through a mangrove to learn about this rich ecosystem. After having your fill of seeing monkeys, tree snakes, and various birds, you'll return to your accommodation in Ulugan Bay and enjoy the rest of the day as you like.
Day 3: Transfer to El Nido
This morning you will drive the five hours north of Palawan to El Nido—a perfect opportunity to appreciate the scenery of Palawan's interior. Upon arrival to El Nido, stretch your legs and enjoy a hike up one of its many rocky mountains for an encompassing view of Bacuit Bay and its islands.
Day 4: Kayak El Nido
This morning you will be introduced to the sea kayaking basics, before taking the day to explore El Nido from the vantage of a kayak. Paddle amid rock cliffs and sandy beaches, every now and again coming ashore to experience the island. If there's interest, you will have the chance to do some skin diving (also known as free diving).
Day 5: Skin dive and explore the islands of Bacuit Bay
Today you will load your skin diving gear onto an outrigger boat and set off to explore the wonders of the various Bacuit Bay islands. After a day of discovering spectacular beaches, rock formations, and lagoons return to El Nido town to enjoy your last evening in El Nido.
Day 6: Visit Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center - Depart Palawan
Bid farewell to El Nido and drive back to Puerto Princesa for your departure flight home. Along the way (and if there's time) you may wish to stop at the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (also known as the Crocodile Farm) to learn about Palawan's wildlife as well as to meet some crocs - from hatchlings to full-grown behemoths.