Palawan Circuit — 15 Days: Coron, El Nido & Puerto Princesa
An island-to-island route across Palawan's three primary zones, combining limestone karst landscapes, World War II wreck sites, and subterranean river exploration.
This 15-day circuit traces a logical arc through Palawan's northern and central regions. The itinerary begins in Manila, moves to Coron in the north—where limestone peaks frame a harbor dotted with Japanese shipwrecks and limestone lagoons—then proceeds overland five hours by ferry to El Nido, a gateway to the Bacuit Archipelago and its enclosed lagoons. The final segment shifts south to Puerto Princesa and the town of Sabang, where the Saint Paul Subterranean River winds through an underground cavern system. Between structured tours, there are two dedicated free days, allowing time for rest or optional excursions chosen on arrival. The route moves systematically through distinct geographies rather than backtracking, ending with a return to Manila for departure.
Highlights
- Kayangan Lake in Coron — a landlocked saltwater lagoon enclosed by 300-meter limestone cliffs
- Skeleton Wreck dive site — a Japanese transport ship from World War II, partially intact in shallow water
- Twin Lagoon and Coral Garden, Coron — two protected marine reserves accessible by small boat
- Island Hopping Tour in El Nido — visits to Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and seven named beach stops in the Bacuit Archipelago
- Saint Paul Subterranean River near Puerto Princesa — a navigable underground river with paddle-canoe access and wildlife viewing
- Intramuros, Manila — the walled historic district containing Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, and Casa Manila
Day by day
1Arrival in ManilaManila · a hotel in the city
International flights arrive in Manila. Ground transfer delivers the traveller to a hotel in the city for check-in. The remainder of the day is unscheduled.
2Manila: Historic Walled City TourFort Santiago · Casa Manila · San Agustin Church · Distilleria Limtuaco
The morning tour visits Intramuros, Manila's Spanish-era walled enclosure, with stops at Fort Santiago, Casa Manila (a restored merchant house), the San Agustin Church, and Distilleria Limtuaco. The return to the hotel follows lunch. Inclusions: guided tour, entrance fees.
3Manila to CoronCoron · Manila to Busuanga, Palawan
A domestic flight departs from Manila to Busuanga, Palawan. Upon landing, a ground transfer moves to Coron, a town on the island's eastern coast. Check-in occurs at the resort.
4Coron Town: Market, Church & Sunset ViewpointSan Agustin Church · municipal market · Mt. Tapyas · local hot spring
The morning is unscheduled. In the afternoon, a town tour includes San Agustin Church, Lualhati Park, the municipal market, and Municipal Plaza. The itinerary concludes with an ascent of Mt. Tapyas for sunset viewing, followed by a visit to a local hot spring before returning to the resort. Inclusions: guided tour, entrance fees. Dinner at leisure.
5Coron: Lakes, Wreck & Reefs Boat TourKayangan Lake · Skeleton Wreck · Twin Lagoon · Coral Garden · Banol and CYC beaches
A full-day boat tour departs in the morning and visits Kayangan Lake, the Skeleton Wreck, Twin Lagoon, and Coral Garden, with swimming stops at Banol and CYC beaches. Lunch is included on board. Return to the resort by late afternoon. Inclusions: boat charter, lunch, snorkeling equipment, guide. Dinner at leisure.
6Coron: Free Day
The full day is unscheduled. Optional activities may be arranged through the resort, or time may be spent at the resort or in independent exploration of the town and surrounding area. Additional tours available at supplementary cost.
7Coron to El Nido by FerryCoron to El Nido · resort
A ferry departs for El Nido in the morning. The journey covers approximately 5 hours along the western coast of Palawan. Upon arrival, check-in occurs at the resort for the overnight stay. Inclusions: ferry ticket, ground transfers. Note: ferry schedules are subject to weather and sea conditions.
8El Nido: Island Hopping Tour Route AIsland Hopping Tour A · Big Lagoon · Secret Lagoon
A boat tour covers Island Hopping Tour A, visiting Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, Payong-Payong Beach, and 7 Commando Beach. The itinerary includes swimming, snorkeling, and beach time at multiple stops. Lunch is served on board. Return to the resort by late afternoon. Inclusions: boat charter, lunch, snorkeling equipment, guide. Dinner at leisure.
9El Nido: Free Day
The full day is unscheduled. Optional activities and alternative island-hopping routes may be arranged through the resort, or time may be spent at the resort or exploring the town independently. Additional tours available at supplementary cost.
10El Nido to Sabang by RoadEl Nido to Sabang · resort
After breakfast, depart mid-morning by vehicle for Sabang, located south of El Nido on the western coast of Palawan. The journey follows a coastal road by vehicle. Check-in occurs at the resort. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
11Sabang: Saint Paul Subterranean RiverSabang Wharf · St. Paul Subterranean Park · Underground River · local restaurant in Sabang · St. Paul Subterranean Park cave entrance
The tour begins with a vehicle transfer to Sabang Wharf. A briefing and visitor registration occur before boarding a motorized boat to St. Paul Subterranean Park. A walking path leads through the forest to a holding area where you may encounter free-roaming monkeys. At the cave entrance, the group transfers to paddle canoes for a guided exploration of the underground river system. Audio guides narrate the passage through the Underground River. Return to Sabang Wharf by motorized boat. Lunch occurs at a local restaurant in Sabang. The afternoon is at leisure. Inclusions: boat charter, canoe rental, entrance fees, lunch, guide, audio guide. Return to resort by late afternoon.
12Sabang to Puerto Princesa via Tribal CommunitySabang to Puerto Princesa · settlement of the Batac tribe · a local restaurant · a hotel in Puerto Princesa city
A vehicle departs mid-morning for Puerto Princesa through Palawan's interior terrain. A stop is made at a settlement of the Batac tribe, an indigenous group of the region, where a guided tour provides context on traditional customs and livelihood. Lunch is taken at a local restaurant. The drive to Puerto Princesa city continues, with arrival in the late afternoon. Check-in occurs at a hotel in Puerto Princesa city. Dinner at leisure.
13Puerto Princesa: City TourCrocodile Farm · Plaza Quartel · Immaculate Conception Cathedral · Binuatan Weaving · local restaurant
A city tour visits the Crocodile Farm, a souvenir shop, Plaza Quartel, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, and Binuatan Weaving. Lunch is taken at a local restaurant. The afternoon is at leisure. Inclusions: guided tour, entrance fees, lunch. Dinner at leisure.
14Puerto Princesa to ManilaManila · Puerto Princesa airport
The morning and early afternoon are free. A ground transfer to the airport occurs for a domestic flight to Manila. Upon arrival in Manila, ground transfer delivers the traveller to a hotel for the overnight stay. Dinner at leisure.
15Departure from Manilainternational airport · hotel
The morning is free. A final ground transfer to the international airport occurs in time for international departure. Check-out from hotel occurs prior to transfer.
Included
- Tours, transfers, hotel accommodations, and meals
- are included as indicated in the tour outline
Not included
- Arrangements not specified