Compare Philippines Palawan Island Getaway by Intrepid Travel vs Philippines Palawan Islands Discovery 11 Days by Do You Travel

Day 1 Manila

Welcome to Manila, Philippines. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. You can arrive at any time during the day as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. If you do happen to have free time to explore before the meeting, Manila is an intriguing, bustling and overwhelmingly chaotic city. With surprises around every corner, Manila is packed full of things to see, do, taste and experience. After your briefing, perhaps head out with the group in the evening to sample foods like lechon (whole roasted pig) and longganisa (Philippine sausage).

Day 2 Puerto Princesa

In the morning, take the short flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa (approximately 1.5 hours). On arrival, you'll instantly see the slower pace of this island compared to the busy capital. Puerto, as the locals call it, is the capital of Palawan and has been internationally recognised as the cleanest and greenest of all cities in the Philippines. You’ll likely arrive after lunch, and if your group has time, head to the Palawan Heritage Museum, the Palaweno Brewery for a drink and the Baywalk for a stroll. Later on, travel for around 45 minutes out of Puerto Princesa to the Iwahig River, where you'll see fireflies glowing among the mangroves by the river. It's a truly magical experience and the perfect way to spend an evening.

Day 3 San Rafael Beach

Head out this morning in a private minivan and drive to Sabang, which should take around 2 hours. Sabang is most famous for its Subterranean River that's eight kilometres in length and passes through a magnificent limestone cave that opens onto the ocean. Jump into a boat with a local guide and explore this great cave complex and remember to bring a camera. After lunch you may want to embark on an optional mangrove boat trip which gets you into the heart of the thick mangrove forests. You will travel in small traditional boats down the river with plenty of opportunity of wildlife spotting. After a 40-minute drive you’ll arrive at your private beach for the next two nights. San Rafael Beach has basic beach cottages with private ensuite facilities.

Day 4 San Rafael Beach

This morning you meet up with your local guide, along with a couple of members of the tribe, who'll be walking with the group to meet the Batak Tribe – one of about 70 indigenous communities of the Philippines. The trek will take around two to three hours in total, and you’ll leave early in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat. The trek is generally quite flat with only small rises along the way, but the path is quite rocky so shoes with a good grip is recommended. There are quite a few river crossings today, so packing some sandals with a back strap and decent grip would be ideal if you don't want to get your shoes wet. If you're lucky enough to be there in the right season, you may be able to eat the fruit directly from the cashew trees. After finishing the hike, drive back to the beach chalets in San Rafael Beach. There's plenty of free time for a swim or to read a good book and relax into the evening.

Day 5 El Nido

Say farewell to San Rafael Beach today and travel to El Nido in a private minivan (approximately 5 hours). With a backdrop of marble cliffs to its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, El Nido town is the base for many island adventures. There are over 50 beaches to discover that are all accessible by the boats docked. It's quite easy to pick an isolated beach, book a local boat, pack some food and drinks, and head out on your own adventure. The afternoon is free for you to wander around town, have a drink at one of the many beachside restaurants, do a spot of shopping or count how many different coloured tricycles you can spot on the streets.

Day 6 El Nido

This morning head off on a full day snorkelling trip, island hopping off El Nido. Pass by jagged limestone islands, rocky coves, virgin rainforest and white sandy beaches. The snorkelling is just as spectacular, with beautiful coral and many different species of colourful fish. After an included lunch, venture out on various trips to lagoons throughout the afternoon. Your evening is then free to do as you wish.

Day 7 El Nido

You'll have plenty of free time today in El Nido for beach-loving activities. If you feel like some more adventure, then hire a kayak from El Nido town or jump on a boat out to one of the lagoons. You'll kayak on turquoise, crystal-clear waters, lagoons with dramatic cliffs or past pristine, untouched beaches – and see a plethora of tropical fish. If you want to see a picture-perfect beach, take an optional trip to Nacpan Beach. White sand and lined with palm trees, this is another beach in paradise and worth the drive out of town. Your leader can help you organise transport here if you are interested. Otherwise, hire a bike and get pedalling around El Nido town.

Day 8 El Nido

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave the accommodation at any time. This doesn’t mean your Philippines adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to spend more time in El Nido, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Day 1: Manila - Your adventure begins!

Mabuhay and welcome to the Philippines! Arrive in Manila and be transferred to your hostel. The rest of the night is free to enjoy as you wish. You may wish to enjoy a drink on the sun deck overlooking the city or head out to red light district Makati for a night you will never forget!

Day 2: Manila - Sunset Bike Tour and Cultural Show

Enjoy the day in Manila at leisure before heading off in the evening on a 2-hour historical sunset bamboo bike tour. Enjoy a view of the sunset, a buffet of Spanish Filipino food in a heritage restaurant, and a live Filipino cultural show with this Sunset experience! You will be leisurely toured around the historic walled city of Intramuros Manila using bamboo bikes (Bambikes). Our local tour guide will share with you stories of Intramuros and the Philippines while you enjoy the sightseeing. Just before the sun sets, we will lead you to the skydeck of The Bayleaf Hotel where they will serve you a complimentary drink as you watch the sunset over Manila Bay. When you’ve finished your refreshing drink, it’s almost time for dinner. We will make our way to Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant where an eat-all-you-can buffet of Filipino food is waiting. A live Philippine cultural show will play as you dine.

Day 3: Palawan

Accommodation: Hotel in the centre of Puerto Princesa City

After breakfast, check out and be transferred back to Manila airport for flight to Palawan. The flight time is approximately an hour and a half. When you arrive in Palawan you will be picked up and taken to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to do as you wish.

Day 4: Puerto Princesa Underground River

This morning you will be picked up from your hotel to head over to the Puerto Princesa Underground River – one of the seven natural wonders of the world! Have an absolutely incredible experience being guided through the national park, exploring the underground cave systems aboard a bamboo raft. This is an absolute must-do while in the Philippines. In the afternoon you will be transported by van to your beachfront home in Port Barton.

Day 5: Port Barton

Spend your day sipping fresh coconuts on white sand while listening to some island reggae in the background. Tucked away on a secluded beach. Snorkel with turtles, explore the island or lay in a hammock and read a good book. This is your time to truly experience idyllic island life.

Day 6: El Nido

In the morning you will be transported to El Nido! When you arrive, you will see why Palawan was named the most beautiful island group in the world. Surrounded by islands and cliffs, El Nido is a secret paradise we are lucky enough to share. Once you arrive, check in to the hostel, settle in, and head out to check out the restaurants and bars along the beach.

Day 7: El Nido - Island Hopping

Today is all about experiencing what El Nido is famous for- and that is the island hopping. Set sail to enjoy the emerald waters, snorkel incredible reefs and try and spot some unique wildlife on a shared El Nido Island Hopping Tour. Discover the clear waters of Miniloc Island, where you will find three breathtaking lagoons -Soak up the sun and relax on the white sand beaches of Shimizu island -Relish a delicious grilled lunch on the beach -Snorkel in the pristine waters of Seven Commando beach, and get a chance to see a few sea turtles!

Day 8: El Nido - Free Time

Today is your chance to explore this beautiful island however you wish. You may choose to take another Island hopping tour, flag down a tricycle driver to drive you to one of the many waterfalls or explore the town and have lunch on the beach.

Day 9: Coron

This morning you hop on the ferry from El Nido town and cruise across the sea to the small fishing village of Coron. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the town.

Day 10: Coron - Island Hopping

Today you’ll set off on an island-hopping adventure to visit the stunning lagoons and lakes in the area. Cool off in the clear blue sea and take in the rays. Get a picture-perfect view of Kayangan Lake, the cleanest lake in the Philippines Discover the Barracuda Lake, a natural wonder that’s famous for its layers of cold, warm, and hot water Explore Siete Pecados Marine Park where you can observe vibrant tropical fish and admire coral gardens Experience this tour with a delicious lunch at Beach 91 which you will indulge in along with the views of the ocean

Day 11: Coron - Checkout

Sadly all good things must come to an end. This is the final day of the tour. There are no more activities or inclusions today.