Philippines6 days
Palawan Birding: Rasa Island, Underground River & Island Roosting — 6 Days
Six days tracking Philippine endemics from Rasa Island cockatoos to the Palawan peacock-pheasant and mangrove kingfishers across two national parks
This six-day birding itinerary in Palawan focuses on the province's endemic and critically endangered species across three distinct habitats: Rasa Island, where over 68 bird species include the Blue-headed Racquet-tail and the Philippine cockatoo; Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, where a 8.2-kilometre underground river cuts through limestone forest home to the Palawan peacock-pheasant, Palawan hornbill, and blue-naped parrot; and the island ecosystems of Honda Bay. The route combines dawn boat departures to observe birds at roosting and feeding times, jungle trails through primary forest, and guided mangrove navigation. Accommodation moves between mainland resorts in Narra and Sabang, and island-based facilities at Dos Palmas, with all transfers by private vehicle and boat included.
Highlights
- Rasa Island at dawn to observe Philippine cockatoos leaving roost across malungay-tree forest planted by island villagers
- Birding along the Iwahig River for Philippine Cuckoo-Dove, Yellow-throated Leafbird, and Blue Haven Flycatcher
- Monkey Trail through Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, tracking Palawan peacock-pheasant, Palawan hornbill, and Oriental Dwarf-Kingfisher
- Guided mangrove boat tour observing roosting sites and nocturnal endemic species from forest edges
- Pandan Island evening birding to record roosting behaviour of Tabon Scrubfowl, White-collared Kingfisher, and Eastern Reef-Egret
Day by day
1Manila to Narra via Puerto Princesa; Rasa Island BirdingManila · Rasa Island · Natures Park in Malatgao · Katala Foundation Office · resort · Puerto Princesa to Narra · Narra accommodation · Rasa Island viewing deck · Rasa Island western side · Rasa Island southern shoreline
A morning flight from Manila arrives in Puerto Princesa. The two-hour drive south to Narra passes through agricultural land before reaching the accommodation for check-in. In the afternoon, a short drive leads to Natures Park in Malatgao, where an hour of birding covers river and forest habitat. The group then registers at Katala Foundation Office before boat transfer to Rasa Island, a 68-species stronghold that includes the Blue-headed Racquet-tail, Black-naped Oriole, and White-vented Shama. An afternoon viewing deck session observes birds in mangrove margins, followed by a walk along the island's western side. As light fades, a boat navigates the southern shoreline to track cockatoos returning to roost across the island. Return to resort for dinner.
2Rasa Island Dawn Departure; Iwahig River; Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National ParkRasa Island · Iwahig River · Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park near Sabang
Before dawn, the group departs for Rasa Island to observe cockatoos leaving roost and dispersing through malungay trees planted decades ago by villagers as part of conservation efforts. A short period of urban birding in the settlement precedes breakfast back at the resort. The drive to Iwahig, known as a prison without bars, follows the main road north; the Iwahig River itself supports Philippine Cuckoo-Dove, Yellow-throated Leafbird, and Blue Haven Flycatcher. Late lunch occurs in Puerto Princesa before the final drive to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park near Sabang. En route, stops at Buenavista and Cabayugan allow additional bird observation. Before dark, the group walks uphill to a forest clearing to locate nocturnal endemic species and prepare for the following day's underground river exploration.
3Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park; Underground River & Monkey TrailPuerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park · underground river · Monkey Trail · Forest Ranger Station · mangrove margins · Sabang
Before dawn, boat departure carries the group into Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a site built around an 8.2-kilometre underground river confined within karst limestone. The verdant forest canopy above hosts giant lizards and wild monkeys. Following breakfast, the group spends the morning exploring the underground river environment, then ascends to the Monkey Trail leading to the Forest Ranger Station. This jungle track passes through primary forest habitat where Tabon Scrubfowl, Green Imperial Pigeon, White-vented Shama, Palawan hornbill, Oriental Dwarf-Kingfisher, Dollarbird, Ruddy Kingfisher, Common Flameback, Hooded Pitta, and Blue-naped Parrot appear at various canopy layers. Lunch is served at the Forest Ranger Station. The afternoon moves by boat into mangrove margins, where local boatmen with ornithological knowledge guide the group through roosting and feeding zones. The group returns to Sabang late afternoon for dinner and overnight accommodation.
4Sabang to Dos Palmas Island Resort; Island BirdingSabang · Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa
Following breakfast, the group transfers by boat and vehicle to Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa in Honda Bay. Lunch takes place at the resort. The afternoon includes birding sessions within the island's mixed scrub and beach habitat before dinner and overnight accommodation on the island.
5Pandan Island Birding and Evening RoostingPandan Island · Dos Palmas
After breakfast, the group departs Dos Palmas by boat for Pandan Island within Honda Bay. Common species recorded here include Spotted Dove, Tabon Scrubfowl, White-collared Kingfisher, Zebra Dove, Olive-backed Sunbird, Common Sandpiper, and Eastern Reef-Egret. The group remains on the island into the late afternoon, timing observations to coincide with the evening roosting movement of ground and canopy species. Dinner and overnight return to Dos Palmas.
6Departure to ManilaPuerto Princesa
Following breakfast, the group boards a boat for the return journey to Puerto Princesa, then transfers by vehicle to the airport for a late-morning departure to Manila.