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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Enjoy your final day in El Nido as you wish and perhaps begin plotting your next trip to this beautiful country!
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!
This itinerary costs from £1600 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 one domestic flight 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.
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