Palawan's exotic geography and diverse vegetation are exceptional in a country that already has its fair share of awe-inspiring sights. This six-day adventure will have you snorkeling, seeking out wildlife, riding an underground river, and kayaking the El Nido islands. Discover why Palawan is in a league of its own when it comes to tropical destinations.

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

Palawan, Philippines
Getting ready to set off

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

Puerto Princesa Underground River entrance
Puerto Princesa Underground River entrance

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

El Nido, the Philippines
Limestone cliffs of 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

Kayak between the rock faces in El Nido
Kayak to explore 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

The jewel islands of El Nido
The jewel islands of El Nido

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

Morning in the harbor of a fishing village, El Nido
Morning in the harbor of an El Nido fishing village

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.

Map

Map of Palawan: Adventure in Paradise - 6 Days
Map of Palawan: Adventure in Paradise - 6 Days