Philippines7 days

Palawan: Puerto Princesa, Underground River & El Nido — 7 Days

Northern Philippines island journey across limestone formations, subterranean waterways, and Bacuit Bay from Puerto Princesa to El Nido

This seven-day itinerary traces the length of Palawan's most visited corridor, beginning in Puerto Princesa with its river ecosystems and moving northwest toward El Nido. The route connects three distinct geographic anchors: Puerto Princesa's urban center and Iwahig River system, the Sabang area's cave formations and primary mangrove forest, and El Nido's limestone archipelago in Bacuit Bay. Travel between points involves overland transfer and motorized boat navigation. Accommodation is provided throughout, with guided activities ranging from river-based sightseeing to full-day boat tours of island formations and lagoons. The itinerary assumes familiarity with warm-climate travel and boat-based exploration; swimming and climbing are optional on several days.

Highlights

Motorized boat passage through Puerto Princesa Subterranean River with canoe ride inside the cave
Mangrove forest paddle boat ride in Sabang
Walk to the Lion's Head cave from Sabang for photo opportunities
Full-day Bacuit Bay boat tour from El Nido visiting limestone islands with marble cliffs, small caves and crevices, and hidden lagoons
Optional climb to one of El Nido's peaks
Iwahig River Penal Colony tour and river cruise in Puerto Princesa

Day by day

1Puerto Princesa: Crocodile Farm and Iwahig RiverPuerto Princesa · Crocodile Farm · Iwahig River · river penal colony · local restaurant

Late morning arrival in Puerto Princesa and transfer to hotel. The afternoon tour covers the Crocodile Farm, a motorized cruise along Iwahig River, and the river penal colony. Dinner at a local restaurant.

2Sabang and the Puerto Princesa Underground RiverSabang · Puerto Princesa Underground River

Drive north to Sabang and settle into overnight accommodation. In the afternoon, board a motorized boat to the cave entrance, then transfer to canoe for a journey into the Underground River, passing limestone formations deep within the cavern system.

3Sabang: Lion's Head Cave and Mangrove ForestLion's Head Cave · primary mangrove forest

Walk to Lion's Head Cave for photos, or paddle through primary mangrove forest by boat.

4Sabang to El Nido: Coastal Road and Town ArrivalSabang to El Nido · El Nido · town center

A seven-hour drive carries you northwest through Palawan's limestone terrain to El Nido, a coastal town anchoring Bacuit Bay. After check-in, visit the town center on foot.

5El Nido: Full-Day Bacuit Bay Boat TourBacuit Bay · limestone islands with towering marble cliff faces · hidden lagoons in Bacuit Bay

A motorized boat departs El Nido for a full-day circumnavigation and exploration of Bacuit Bay. The bay's defining geographic features are several limestone islands with towering marble cliff faces, small caves, and rocky crevices. These formations serve as nesting grounds for swiftlets, whose nests are harvested for bird's nest soup, a traditional regional product. The tour includes visits to hidden lagoons accessible through narrow sea channels, observation of small subterranean river openings, and stops at multiple island viewpoints. A picnic lunch is provided during the excursion. The boat returns to El Nido in late afternoon.

6El Nido: Town Exploration and Optional Peak ClimbEl Nido town · a nearby peak

Visit El Nido town at your own pace. An optional guided climb to a nearby peak offers elevated views across the bay and surrounding islands.

7El Nido to Manila: DepartureEl Nido airport · Makati · Manila International Airport

Morning transfer to El Nido airport for your flight to Manila. After arrival, visit Makati's shops and cafes before transferring to Manila International Airport for your onward flight.

Included

Accommodations 6 nights / 7 days. Meal as indicated / Private transportation during transfers in Palawan/boat rides / A separate * multi-lingual guide is provided for minimum of 4 full paying persons.
English or German or French or Spanish or Italian.
( B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner

Not included

Domestic air ticket is not included.