Palawan, Pearl of the Philippines 14-day discovery journey
Discover an amazing part of the Philippines that has been voted the world's most beautiful island destination for three consecutive years. Palawan is a long island bathed in the Sulu Sea and the South China Sea; it is less populated than most of its neighbours and one of the greenest and most beautiful. For two weeks, follow a breathtaking route across Palawan to neighbouring Coron. From the first moment in the capital Puerto Princesa, this trip will suprise and delight. Visit the underground river in Sabang before heading to the north coast where incredible beach locations await, with water-based activities from snorkelling and diving to kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and surfing. Explore hidden lagoons and inland lakes on island-hopping adventures. Finally, cross to Coron for incredible reef and wreck-diving, and a stunning conclusion to this trip around the glorious Calamian Islands.
Services
Included:
- 13 nights' accommodation
- 13 x breakfast; 4 x lunch
- 4 x travel tickets
- One-way ferry tickets
- Private transfers in air-conditioned car with private, English-speaking driver
- Airport transfers
- English-speaking guide on excursions
- All entrance fees & environmental fees
- Welcome kit, SIM card with local texts, calls & mobile data
- Processing of E-travel or Arrival card
Excluded:
- Environmental tourism fee in Coron (PHP200 per person)
Optional:
- Upgrade 1: US$3100 per person at following comfort hotels: 1 x night Bayleaf hotel (Manila); 2 x nights Hibiscus hotel (Puerto Princesa); 3 x nights My Secret House (Port Barton); 2 x nights Last Frontier resort (El Nido); 2 x nights Duli Beach resort (El Nido); 3 x nights The Funny Lion hotel (El Nido)
- Upgrade 2: US$5,199 per person with all private day tours and following luxury hotels: Upgrade 2: US$5,199 per person with all private day tours and following luxury hotels: 1 x night The Manila Hotel (Manila); 2 x nights Daluyon Beach and Mountain resort (Puerto Princesa); 3 x nights Club Agutaya in San Vicente or Flower Island (Taytay); 2 x nights Last Frontier resort (El Nido); 2 x nights Lihim or Miniloc resorts (El Nido); 3 x nights Club Paradise resort (Coron)
- German-speaking guide (US$100 per day)
Itinerary at a Glance
Manila - Intramuros
Transfer from Manila to Intramuros
Puerto Princesa City
Puerta Princesa
Sabang Underground River
Sabang underground river
Port Barton - San Vicente - Ausan Resort
Beautiful beaches of Port Barton
Port Barton
Beach resort relaxation
Port Barton - Coconut Garden
Cacnipa desert island
Coconut Garden - Cacnipa - El Nido
Discover paradise in El Nido
El Nido
Spectacular beaches and lagoons
El Nido - Duli
El Nido to Duli
Duli
Duli rest day
Duli - El Nido - Coron
Boat transfer El Nido to Coron
Coron
Ultimate island hopping around Coron
Coron
Reefs and Wrecks of Coron
Coron - Manila
Coron to Manila
Detailed Itinerary
Manila - Intramuros
Day 1: Transfer from Manila to Intramuros
On arrival in Manila airport (NAIA), your driver will be waiting for you outside the terminal to take you to your hotel.
After you've checked in and depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy a unique tour of Intramuros, the walled city built by the Spanish, choose to discover the ancient city by 'bambike', a bamboo bicycle, or a more traditional tour on foot: either way, you will have an unforgettable experience.
The evening is free for you to discover Manila at your own pace or relax at your hotel.
Puerto Princesa City
Day 2: Puerta Princesa
After breakfast, your driver will take you to the airport for your flight bound for Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for check in.
Palawan's capital is recognised as the cleanest and greenest city in the Philippines. ONce you've settled into your accommodation, head out to explore the city, where the Heritage Centre is worth a visit to discover the cuture and heritage of the island: look out for exhibits of local artists' work. Stroll along the Boardwalk, and pay a visit to the Environment enforcement museum, dedicated to efforts to protect the habitat, resources and wildlife of the region.
THe evening is free for you to find a spot for dinner and a drink.
Sabang Underground River
Day 3: Sabang underground river
Depart in the morning after breakfast to discover this marvel of the world, as well as the Elephant Cave.
The underground river is a UNESCO-listed site and, in 2012, it was officially recognised as one of the seven new natural wonders of the world. Just over 4km are open to explore and the river park offers a completely unique experience. Join a guided tour and look out for classic stalagmites and stalactites, and a surprising variety of wildlife as you journey through the caves. Lunch will be served in Sabang.
Afterwards, we'll head back to Puerto Princesa for another evening of exploration or relaxation.
Port Barton - San Vicente - Ausan Resort
Day 4: Beautiful beaches of Port Barton
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast today: we'll be leaving Puerto Princesa late morning to transfer to Port Barton, a small bay off the beaten track and your home for the next couple of days, with ample time for some island hopping. Unlike Palawan's most popular destinations, Port Barton has only a few resorts and restaurants. But its laid-back vibe, clear waters and nearby islands make it a fabulous destination for beach lovers. Revel in the tropical surroundings, the perfect backdrop for swimming, snorkelling, diving, boat trips and much more.
Once you've checked into your new accommodation, the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure.
Port Barton
Day 5: Beach resort relaxation
Enjoy a second day of sun, sand and sea.
For today's excursion, join a banca, the traditional fishermen’s boat with bamboo outriggers. Hop from one island to another and enjoy the amazing scenery and relaxing environment. Look out for turtles, go snorkelling and marvel at the incredible marine life and stunning tropical islands.
Head back to your resort for another serene evening beneath the stars.
Port Barton - Coconut Garden
Day 6: Cacnipa desert island
After breakfast, the day brings a Robinson Crusoe adventure: a trip to the desert island of Cacnipa. A banca will collect you from the beach to take you to the Coconut Garden Island resort, far from civilisation.
Relax and enjoy the calm on this small island; take a kayak out on the water or simply lie back and soak up the warmth of the sun.
Coconut Garden - Cacnipa - El Nido
Day 7: Discover paradise in El Nido
After breakfast this morning, we'll depart Cacnipa and Port Barton in the morning, taking the road north to El Nido. Arriving after approximately three hours, settle in at your resort.
Truly one of the most stunning locations on earth, El Nido offers secret lagoons of turquoise waters and pale sands, lush tropical forests and incredible limestone cliffs.
Spend the rest of the day and evening exploring and enjoying the many activities on offer or simply rest and relax on the beach.
El Nido
Day 8: Spectacular beaches and lagoons
After breakfast, climb aboard a banca for a fabulous island-hopping tour that will take you from beach to lagoon.
Spend the entire day at sea, with the opportunity to swim at each stop and enjoy the scenery above water and the spectacular fauna beneath the surface.
The route includes stops at Helicopter Island, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Star Beach and Hidden Beach, recently voted one of the 50 best beaches in the world.
After this amazing tour, spend the afternoon back at your resort, unwind and relax until dinner time, or take a gentle stroll around the streets of El Nido Town.
El Nido - Duli
Day 9: El Nido to Duli
Enjoy a lazy breakfast and relax until late morning, strolling around El Nido or discovering the beaches of Coron-Corong and Las Cabanas, further down the coast.
Discover different beaches and lagoons of Bacuit Bay on an optional island-hopping tour, visiting five fabulous locations: Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island and Seven Commando beach.
Later in the day, you'll journey to Duli in the far north of the main island for the next two nights. The crystal clear surf, incredible unspoilt beach and jungle provide a movie-worthy backdrop. Once you've settled into your hotel, relax and drink in the surroundings.
Duli
Day 10: Duli rest day
Feel the sand beneath your toes and the warmth of the sun in this true getaway. Swing gently in a hammock beneath the trees, soak away your cares in the tropical waters, and rest and relax on the beautiful beach.
For a little more action, you could join a surf group to really feel the vibe, while SUPs and Kayaks are a great way to explore the coastline at your leisure. Go snorkelling or scuba diving to see turtles, tropical fish and stunning coral. Or you could simply lounge on the beach and soak up the sun.
Duli - El Nido - Coron
Day 11: Boat transfer El Nido to Coron
After breakfast this morning, a tricycle will transport you from your resort to the the port or airport of El Nido (depending on availability), ready to take you to the Calamian Islands. The boat trip to Coron, the capital of Busuanga Island, takes four to five hours. Your driver will meet you and take you to your hotel for the next three nights.
Once you're settled in, take an afternoon tour around the town, swim in a natural hot spring (Maquinit) and enjoy the view over the town and its bay from the top of Mt Tapyas. Seek out the best spot to appreciate the spectacular sunset.
After the tour, choose your spot for dinner; take it easy in the hotel or sample local cuisine at a restaurant in town (shuttle available upon request).
Coron
Day 12: Ultimate island hopping around Coron
After breakfast, step onboard a Banca for an incredible island-hopping experience, journeying through the magnificent karst landscapes that characterise Palawan and make it one of the most beautiful spots in the world.
Take a refreshing dip in the spectacular Kayangan freshwater lake and seek out some of the other hidden lagoons of the island. Stop off at the twin lagoons, and Siete Pescados, to appreciate more of the incredible scenery.
After this wonderful day at sea, return to the hotel to rest and refresh until dinner time.
Coron
Day 13: Reefs and Wrecks of Coron
Diving in Coron is an absolute must. Coron was the scene of major battles during World War II between the Americans and the Japanese. These sea battles left a mark, as many ships were torpedoed and sunk; several of them are still easily visible today.
Choose a sea trip heading out to the incredible WWII wreck sites and reefs, abundant with tropical fish, sharks, rays and turtles. The area is very accessible for snorkelling too, as the area is known for shallower waters.
Alternatively, choose a more traditional and easy-going boat trip, island hopping between beautiful beaches such as Malcapuya, Banana island and Bulog Dos island.
Head back to your hotel afterwards, for another relaxed evening.
Coron - Manila
Day 14: Coron to Manila
Today is departure day, so enjoy your final breakfast here. Depending on your flight schedule, a driver will collect you from your hotel for the transfer to the airport. Arrive in plenty of time to join your flight bound to Manila and your onward journey home.
