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Exploring Philippines

Highlights of Palawan

Some say Palawan is the most beautiful island in the world. Get a taste of it on this 9-day route that takes you to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River before heading north to bask in the beauty of El Nido’s aquamarine waters and limestone cliffs. You’ll have ample time to enjoy the beaches and islands of Palawan and take in a bit of the land’s wild interior.

Your Itinerary

Day 1 - Mabuhay!

This afternoon your overnight flight arrives in Manila, an energetic city with a historic heart. Your private driver will greet you at Manila Nino Aquino International Airport and transport you to your comfortable accommodation. We’ve not planned anything for this afternoon to allow you to recover from your flight, so relax or head out for a wander!

Accommodation
sabang-beach-palawan

Day 2 - Travel to Puerto Princesa

After breakfast at your hotel, your driver will collect you and take you to the domestic terminal for your flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa. On arrival in Palawan, you’ll be met and driven to Sabang where you’ll check in to your seaside hotel. Enjoy the afternoon walking on the beach or relaxing at the resort.

Accommodation
underground-river-entrance

Day 3 - The Underground River

Spend the first part of your day seeing the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At a length of 8.2 kilometers, it’s one of the longest navigable underground rivers in the world. You’ll see the first 1.5 kilometers of the cave during your guided canoe journey. The cave is filled with stalagmites and stalactites formed over thousands of years and is inhabited by swifts and bats. Fear not, you’ll have protective headgear! Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Days 4-5 - North to El Nido

After a leisurely breakfast, your private driver will take you north to El Nido. Along the way, enjoy views of Palawan’s lush jungle interior. Once you’ve settled into your El Nido accommodation, the remainder of this day and all of the following is yours to explore the beaches or town.

Accommodation
island-hopping-el-nido

Day 6 - Island Hopping

Join an island-hopping tour to visit some of El Nido’s most breathtaking beaches and lagoons. Visit Helicopter Island, Hidden and Secret Beaches, and Matinloc Shrine. Hop in the clear water to snorkel and tuck into a freshly cooked lunch during one of your island visits.

hammock-el-nido

Day 7 - Venture across Palawan

Take the morning to rest and enjoy the beaches of Palawan’s west coast near your hotel. In the afternoon, your driver and guide will take you across to the east, stopping to see Nagkalit-kalit waterfalls on your way to Nacpan Beach. Spend a few hours relaxing on this secluded stretch of sand before your driver returns you to your hotel.

bangka-sunset

Day 8 - Day at leisure

Enjoy your final day in El Nido as you wish and perhaps begin plotting your next trip to this beautiful country!

Day 9 - Fly to Manila and home

Your driver will collect you this morning and deliver you to the El Nido airport where you’ll fly to Manila and connect to your flight home. Safe travels!

DETAILS -

This itinerary costs from £1450 per person B&B and is based on two people sharing during the high season (Nov-May) excluding the Christmas and New Year, Chinese New Year, and Easter periods. The price includes all private transfers and domestic travel but not international flights.

International flights tend to cost between £400 and £700 per person return – do ask us for advice. Alternatively we can book the flights for you but a booking fee may apply.

What's included?

INCLUDED:
  • Prices start from £1450 per person
  • Accommodation on B&B basis
  • Private transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Local taxes
  • Entrance fees
  • All excursions and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Internal flight
  • All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered
 Make a booking
Manila
The bustling capital city is home to historic Intramuros and Rizal Park. Let us arrange a bicycle tour of the walled city so you can explore the narrow streets and learn about the nation's colonial past. More
Banaue
Ancient rice terraces in Batad, coffins mounted on a cliff in Sagada, the Cordillera is home to some of the most unique and fascinating bits of the Philippines. More
Vigan
Some of the best preserved Spanish colonial architecture in the world can be found in Vigan. Wander the cobbled streets, sample the Spanish-influenced cuisine, and relax in one of the city's historic boutique hotels. More
Boracay
Sink your toes into the white sands of Boracay. Grab a cocktail, take it easy, and watch the clear blue water lap against the shore. When night falls, join the parties of District Two or slip away to romantic Diniwid beach. More
Bohol
Chocolate hills, tiny tarsiers, Boholano art, beautiful beaches, and some lovely snorkeling and diving make Bohol one of our favorite parts of the Philippines. The gorgeous boutique resorts don't hurt, either! More
Negros Oriental
The island of Negros is home to world-class diving off the coast of Dauin and on neighboring Apo Island. Waterfalls and adventure are just a day trip away from the university town of Dumaguete. On neighboring Siquijor settle in to the tranquility of an island known for sorcery and healing powers. More
Negros Occidental
On the west coast of Negros you'll find Bacolod, the city of smiles. Sugar plantations in the area host historic mansions and in October, the streets come alive with the annual MassKara festival. More
Puerto Princesa
The gateway to Palawan, Puerto Princesa sits near one of the longest subterranean rivers in the world. Let us arrange a stay for you at a beachside hotel with mountain views just a short boat ride away. More
El Nido
When people refer to Palawan as the most beautiful island in the world, images of El Nido come to mind. Limestone cliffs jut from aquamarine water, lush jungle fills the interior, and the coasts are lined with dazzling beaches. Some of the finest resorts in the country dot the islands around this northern bit of Palawan. More
Coron
For divers, the WWII shipwrecks of Coron are one of the highlights of the Philippines. Natural hot springs, clear blue lakes, isolated beaches, and a rather surprising game reserve and wildlife sanctuary make Coron a fun destination for divers and landlubbers alike. More
Puerto Galera
Fast drift dives and schools of big fish await experienced divers in Puerto Galera while shallow macro dives make for excellent underwater photography, relaxing night dives, and the perfect place to learn or improve your dive skills. More
Tubbataha Reefs
The greatest variety of marine life in the Philippines is within Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park; only accessible for diving mid-March to mid-June

Your adventure starts here!

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