Pearl of Palawan 2-week discovery trip

Manila

Tag 1: Welcome to the Philippines!

Welcome – or Mabuhay! – to the Philippines.

When you arrive at Manila airport, your driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Settle in, freshen up and get ready for your adventure.

If your flight's arrival allows time, spend the afternoon on a 'bambike' (bamboo bicycle) tour, a unique way to visit Intramuros and discover the ancient city built by the Spaniards. A more traditional walking tour is also available: either way, this is an unforgettable introduction to the Philippines.

Manila - Puerto Princesa

Tag 2: Discover the capital of Palawan

After breakfast, your driver will meet you at hotel and take you to the airport for an internal flight to Puerto Princesa. Then, when you've touched down, you'll travel onwards to the hotel.

Settle into the stunning surroundings, relax by the pool or head out and enjoy a stroll along the baywalk. Take a trip to the Palawan heritage centre or visit to the shopping mall to stock up early on souvenirs.

Later on, experience the magic of the fireflies that light up the trees at night and, for dinner, don’t miss the chance to try one of the best restaurants in the country, Kalui.

Puerto Princesa

Tag 3: Subterranean river adventure

Journey into the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park after breakfast.  Here, you'll discover the renowned subterranean river, now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The park features spectacular limestone karst formations, against a backdrop of stunning ancient forests and distinctive wildlife, including monkeys and monitor lizards.

The underground river is 8.2km long and flows through an impressive cave network directly into the sea; it is subject to tides, making it a significant natural global phenomenon. The cavern is full of remarkable, eye-catching rock formations and is part of a mountain-to-sea ecosystem with significant biodiversity. Conservation here is active and part of government work to protect Philippino culture and heritage. The trip includes a visit to the famous Elephant cave, and lunch in Sabang.

The rest of your day is at leisure.

Puerto Princesa - Port Barton

Tag 4: Head to the coast

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast today: you'll be leaving Puerto Princesa late in the morning to journey to Port Barton, a small bay located off the beaten track and an idyllic destination for the next couple of days.

Its laid-back vibe, islands and inviting tropical waters make Port Barton a fabulous location. It's a great place to relax but there is also plenty to do here as well, with a whole host of outdoor activities available. Join one of the tours through the mangroves or go kayaking to waterfall treks. Well worth considering is a visit to Starfish Island or take the boat across to the Double Island Sand Bar for a real taste of paradise.

Once you've settled into your home for the next two nights, head out to explore all that's on offer at your own pace.

Port Barton

Tag 5: Island hopping

Today has an almost dream-like quality as you drift from one perfect place to the next. Once you've indulgeed in a lazy breakfast, settle aboard a banca, the traditional Filippino fishermen’s boat with bamboo floats on each side, and spend the day moving between islands, enjoying lunch along the way and drinking in the vivid scenery as you relax in this picture-perfect location.

Port Barton - Cacnipa

Tag 6: Desert island experience

A true desert island experience awaits you after today's breakfast. Check out of your hotel, then head to the island of Cacnipa. Departing in the morning by banca, you'll arrive at the Coconut Garden Island resort ready to relax and enjoy the calm on this small island.

Accommodation here is simple but comfortable, in individual cottages equipped with a fan and private bathroom (NB: electricity is not 24 hr): a true escape.

To make the most of the time here, hire a kayak or walk the short distance to take in the view from above the resort. Or simply lie back and relax in this little slice of heaven.

Cacnipa - El Nido

Tag 7: Back to the mainland

After breakfasting in paradise, return to the mainland by banca in the morning, ready to make a journey of around three hours north to El Nido.

El Nido is known for its white sand beaches and coral reefs, and it is the gateway to the Bacuit Archipelago, a group of islands with steep karst cliffs. The tallest is the island of Cadlao, reaching 640m above sea level, while the island of Miniloc is known for its crystal clear waters and breathtaking lagoons. Meanwhile Shimizu Island hosts an abundance of marine life. The area offers many dive sites, including the long Dilumacad Island tunnel that leads to an underwater cave.

Settle in to your accommodation before getting to know El Nido in the afternoon. Then, enjoy a serene evening in this stunning location.

El Nido

Tag 8: Island hop through paradise

After breakfast today, embark on a banca, ready to spend the entire day at sea for another idyllic day of island hopping. Moving from beach to lagoon, marvel at the scenery and delight at the striking underwater fauna, with plenty of opportunities for a refreshing dip. Your tour afloat will take you to Helicopter Island, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Star Beach and the Hidden Beach, stopping for lunch along the way.

Returning in the afternoon, there's still plenty of time for a stroll around El Nido before returning to your hotel for some well-earned rest.

El Nido - Duli

Tag 9: Relaxation & a trip north

Spend this morning relaxing; enjoy an indulgent breakfast, stroll around El Nido or discover the beaches of CoronCorong and Las Cabanas.

If you've still got the island hopping bug, you could take an optional tour to discover the beaches and lagoons of Bacuit Bay. Stops include the Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu island and 7 Commando Beach.

In the afternoon, it's time to move to the next destination, heading a little further north to glorious Duli beach. Once you arrive, there's ample time to settle in to your new hotel, head out to explore or just relax some more. 

Duli

Tag 10: Day of leisure

Spend the day relaxing at the hotel, indulging in its facilities and enjoying the beach in fabulous surroundings.

Got itchy feet? Grab a motorbike or a tricycle and visit the beaches of Nacpan and Sibultan for some turtle spotting.

Whatever you choose to do today, you'll enjoy a blissful night's sleep in tranquility here.

El Nido - Coron

Tag 11: Head into town by trike & boat

After breakfast this morning, a tricycle transfer awaits to begin the onward boat journey to the Calamian Islands.

Once you've arrived in Coron, the capital city of Busuanga Island, settle in to your new hotel. A tour of the town in the afternoon is the perfect introduction to this beautiful spot. Take a swim in the Maquinit natural hot springs and enjoy the spectacular views over this bayside town from the top of Mt Tapyas, especially worth seeing at sunset.

Round off the day with dinner at the hotel or head out for an authentic Filippino meal at one of the local restaurants: a shuttle is available upon request. 

Coron

Tag 12: Ultimate island hopping

Jump aboard a banca after breakfast for this ultimate island hopping adventure around Coron.

With its majestic limestone formations, hidden lakes and enchanting lagoons, experience first hand what makes this one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Snorkel through vibrant coral gardens, witness the aged sunken ship and swim among the varied and colourful marine life. The trip takes in Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoons, Beach 91, Balinsasayaw Reef, Twin Peaks, Coral Garden and CYC Beach, and you'll have lunch along the way, too.

After a wonderful day at sea, head back to the hotel for a refreshing dip in the pool, then rest and relax.

Coron

Tag 13: Idyllic free day

Today is a free day to relax in this idyllic setting. If you still have the urge for activity, there are two optional tours.

Divers and snorkellers alike can expect to see dazzling marine life on the Reefs & Wrecks trips, plus excellent corals, multitudes of fish and even turtles in the crystal-clear waters here. But the most astonishing sight is the sunken ships from World War II: battles between the Americans and Japanese in this region left their mark, with many of the wrecks around Coron sitting just 10 feet beneath the surface. This fascinating tour includes the Lusong Gunboat, Lusong Coral Gardens and Pass Island. 

You could also opt for an Island Escapade to nearby Malcapuya, Ditaytayan and Bulog Dos islands. For everyone who has ever dreamed of getting away from it all, this is a chance to find yourself in a tropical hideaway far removed from all the fuss of modern life. Pure bliss.

Coron - Manila

Tag 14: Farewell, Palawan

After breakfast this morning, your driver will collect you from your hotel, to transfer to the airport bound for Manila, where you will meet your onward flight.