7 Days Philippines Group Tour - From El Nido Vacation to Coron Adventure

Kumusta! Welcome to El Nido. Upon arrival, meet your driver and head to your hotel for check-in. You can explore El Nido Town on your own freely.

As one of the most popular tropical paradises on Palawan Island, El Nido is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and adventure of the Philippines. This coastal town is home to an abundance of stunning white sandy beaches and incredible lagoons waiting for you to explore. Besides, El Nido is renowned for its stunning sunsets, which are considered by many to be among the best in the world.

Arrival Ideas:
Welcome to Palawan,The Philippines' Best Island. There are two main airports you can fly into to get to Palawan by direct flight: El Nido Airport (ENI) & Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS). El Nido Airport (ENI) is a smaller airport located closer to El Nido, a popular tourist destination in Palawan known for its stunning beaches and islands. You can get to El Nido from Puerto Princesa by car (270km) or by ferry. Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) is the busiest airport in Palawan. Most airlines offer direct flights to Puerto Princesa from major cities in the Philippines, such as Manila (MNL), Cebu (CEB), Iloilo City (ILO), Clark (CRK), Caticlan (MPH, Boracay). In some cases, there might be seasonal or occasional direct flights to Puerto Princesa from Taipei (TPE) in Taiwan. It's best to check with airlines directly for the latest availability. If you need help with Philippines flight ticket booking, feel free to contact us.

El Nido got its name from the Spanish phrase for “the nest” because of the edible bird nests made by swiftlets that can be found in the crevices of its limestone cliffs. This destination is renowned as the “Heaven on Earth”, and it comprises 45 islands and islets (Bacuit Archipelago), many of which are uninhabited. Enjoy your days in El Nido is with the crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, stunning lagoons, amazing limestone cliffs, magical marine life, rocky islets, and perfect weather!

For the first El Nido Island Hopping tour in the Bacuit Bay (Tour A), you will have fun in the tropical dreamland by hoping to Miniloc Island for lagoons**, Shimizu island for snorkeling, and Seven Commando Beach for relaxation.

You may start the world-class island hopping tour in El Nido by a boat ride to Miniloc Island, where you can visit its breathtaking lagoons, including the Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon. The Big Lagoon is a must-visit destination of El Nido in Bacuit Bay. You can access it by outrigger boat, and during low tide, you can walk or kayak through the channel. Once inside the lagoon, you will be awestruck by the stunning natural swimming hole with emerald green waters, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. Depending on the tide, you may need to scramble or swim through a small crevice on the rock's surface to reach the Secret Lagoon. Although the Secret Lagoon may not be a secret anymore, it remains one of the most photographed attractions in El Nido, offering a hidden world waiting to be explored. After that, you may have a lunch stop at Payong-Payong Beach, one of the picturesque white sand beaches on Miniloc Island. Here, you can either experience the thrill of swimming amidst the strong waves or savor the chill vibe of splashing around in gentle waves.

Your next stop on Tour A would be Shimizu Island, which is renowned as one of the top snorkeling spots in El Nido. Here, you'll have the opportunity to encounter a diverse range of beautiful corals and other marine life. Thanks to its stunning limestone cliffs covered with vegetation, Shimizu Island is considered a representative of the geological beauty of El Nido. Legend has it that the island was named after a diver whose last name was Shimizu. However, it can get a bit crowded during midday as it is also an alternative stopover spot for lunch. Typically, you will enjoy a delicious grilled lunch on the beach, featuring grilled meat and seafood, vegetables, rice, and fresh fruits for dessert.

Finally, you may move to Seven Commando Beach, which has a fascinating story to tell. According to one account, seven soldiers got stranded here during World War II. The beach features a long stretch of white sand lined with coconut trees, providing the perfect spot to have a sunbath and relax. You can also enjoy refreshing drinks while taking in the beautiful ocean scenery. While snorkeling, you may be lucky enough to encounter a few sea turtles, so keep your eyes peeled. After your El Nido Tour A, head back to overnight in El Nido Town.

Are you keen to explore the most beautiful beaches in El Nido? If so, you'll absolutely love Island Hopping Tour C, which takes you to the world-famous beaches of El Nido in Bacuit Bay, Palawan. Today's tour is even more popular than Tour A and has captivated the attention of Hollywood blockbuster filmmakers. Exciting stops at Helicopter Island, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Tapiutan Island, and Hidden Beach cover beautiful islands, beaches, snorkeling spots, and the uncanny Matinloc Shrine.

Departing from El Nido Pier, you'll first arrive at Helicopter Island (Dilumacad Island), named for its rock formations that resemble a helicopter from a distance. Although some visitors may find it challenging to see the similarity, the island's towering limestone cliffs covered in lush vegetation and pristine beaches are a sight to behold. The island boasts excellent snorkeling spots and underwater tunnels that advanced divers will appreciate. Viewing the colorful corals and small fish in the clear waters is a super enjoyable experience. The island is also one of the nesting grounds for sea turtles living near the province, so if you visit during the right season, you might get the chance to see the release of baby turtles into the waters. With 300 meters of white sand beach, it's an excellent place to swim, relax, and enjoy the beautiful beachscape.

The next stop would be Matinloc Island, home to the unique Matinloc Shrine since 1982. Known as the Shine of Our Lady of Matinloc, this spiritual oasis provides a stunning panoramic view of Tapiutan Island, which lies opposite Matinloc Island. These two neighboring islands form the narrow Tapiutan Strait, home to some of the best snorkeling spots in the area, such as Talisay Beach and Star Beach (with starfish), which are fantastic spots to see the beauty of the coral reefs. After admiring the clear sea and the limestone landscapes and learning the stories behind the Matinloc Shrine, you may enjoy a delicious barbecued lunch before heading off to Secret Beach. Accessing Secret Beach can be a bit of a challenge as you need to swim through a cave to enter, but your guide help you enter this little paradise. Once inside, you can relax on the small beach or snorkel and see some pretty fish at the entrance. It is said that Alex Garland, author of the novel-turned-film "The Beach," lived and wrote his bestseller in El Nido, likely inspired by the Secret Beach's beauty.

Meanwhile, Hidden Beach is a popular stop perfect for swimming and resting. This small paradisiac cove concealed by limestone rock and impossible to see from the open sea. Its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters make it a must-visit spot in El Nido. In fact, Hidden Beach was so beautiful that Survivor Sweden finished their three-month filming at this beach. The Hidden Beach is also a great spot for snorkeling, where you can easily see various species of corals and fish.

After exploring the hidden beaches and shrines on El Nido Tour C, it is time to go back to El Nido town for overnight.

After breakfast, you will say goodbye to El Nido and take a ferry to Coron. The typical travel time for the ferry from El Nido to Coron is around 4-5 hours (127km), but it can take more depending on the weather and sea conditions. When arrive at Coron, your guide and driver will transfer you to your hotel in the Coron Town area for check-in. You can enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Coron, known as the "Utopia on the Sea," is a top destination famous for its white sand beaches, World War II wreck diving sites, beautiful rock formations, and unbelievably clear lakes and waters. The town attracts numerous holidaymakers, divers, snorkelers, and adventure seekers to the Palawan province of the Philippines.

If time permit, you will enjoy a short trek to the summit of Mt. Tapyas, the second tallest mountain and the most iconic landmark in Coron on Busuanga Island. Follow the 724-step stairs to the viewing deck and once at the top, you are treated with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the charming town of Coron. You can take many beautiful photographs here.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you and your group up at the hotel in Coron Town and take you to enjoy Coron Island Hopping Tour A to Kayangan Lake. You will make your way to the port to board your boat for the day. Indulge your senses as you take a boat to your first stop, the world-renowned Kayangan Lake. Nestled in the heart of Coron, this crystal-clear freshwater oasis beckons with its stunning underwater rock formations, intricate caves, and picturesque islets. It's no wonder that photographers flock to this natural wonder, as it boasts unparalleled beauty and is widely regarded as the cleanest lake in the entire Philippines. As you approach the lake, you'll be awestruck by the towering limestone cliffs that encircle the water, providing an awe-inspiring backdrop for your photos. Beneath the surface, an array of vibrant aquatic life thrives, making it a popular destination for adventurous snorkelers and divers.

Next stop is the breathtaking Green Lagoon. It is some of the cleanest and clearest green water you'll find. A great place to snorkel and kayak. Here, you'll find yourself in shallow and calm water surrounded by some truly majestic limestone structures.

Later, take a boat to Quin Reef, also known as the Malwawey Coral Garden, which is a stunning underwater paradise located in front of Sunset Beach in Coron. It offers a breathtaking display of vibrant coral formations and marine life.

Onwards, transfer to Atwayan Beach, a hidden gem awaiting discovery by avid travelers seeking an untouched paradise. With its pristine white sands, turquoise waters, and small bamboo huts, you can fully relax here.

After, transfer to CYC Beach named after the Coron Youth Club, offering quiet and relaxing beach getaway. The beach has white sand and clear waters, dotted with mangrove trees and rock formations that make for a beautiful beachscape. It is an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

Finally, enjoy the Coron snorkeling spot known as Las Islas de Coral. This underwater wonderland boasts a dazzling display of colorful marine life amidst a vibrant coral reef. Keep an eye out for sea urchins scattered on the sandy seabed - fins will help you navigate safely. While you're there, soak up the relaxing atmosphere and enjoy lounging or unwinding on this popular rest stop.

After the tour, you will be escorted to your hotel in Coron Town.

After breakfast, you and your group will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to take the activity for “Coron-Reef and Wrecks”.

First, take a 2-hour boat ride to Pass Island, a small beautiful island off of Busuanga in Palawan. With its pristine white sand beaches, swaying coconut trees, and cozy bungalows, Pass Island is a paradise waiting to be discovered. The main beach boasts a long stretch of soft white sand, while secluded coves offer a more intimate and private setting. Indulge in ultimate relaxation as you soak up the sun and unwind on the beach.

Later, continue your exploration at Lusong Coral Garden (also called Sangat Coral Garden). It is considered the largest and best coral garden in Coron, featuring a large scale, a variety of coral species, and rich colors of coral. Explore Lusong Gunboat, a sought-after snorkeling and diving site in Coron Bay. This shallow area boasts a sunken shipwreck at a depth of ten meters, making it ideal for beginners and experts alike. The gunboat, which is approximately 25 meters in length, lies on its side at an angle and its stern can be seen during low tide, offering a fascinating glimpse into history and marine life.

Next, explore Shipwreck, a series of impressive wreck sites for diving and snorkeling in Palawan. There are 12 sunken wartime ships at the bottom of the ocean, the result of an attack on the Imperial Japanese Navy by US Navy aircraft during the Second World War in September 1944. You will have a chance to dive at East Tangat Wreck, which sunk on September 24, 1944 and is believed to have been either a tugboat or an anti-submarine craft. This shipwreck is 40 meters or 130 feet long and 500 gross tons, and it lies listing to starboard down a sandy slope with the stern at 22 meters or 72 feet.

After the tour, you will be escorted to your hotel in Coron Town.

Time to say goodbye to Coron, the Blue Lagoon. It is time to end your 7-day  Palawan Group Tour. Your driver will transfer you to the airport and you will continue on your next destination.

Extension Ideas:
1.If you prefer to travel longer in Philippines, you can extend your trip to other highlighted parts of Philippines, such as Manila, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Bohol, Cebu, Boracay, Dumaguete, Banaue, Baguio, Mount Pinatubo, Sagada, Siquijor, and more.
2.If you plan to continue exploring neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, the Himalaya countries, or Asia, such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Nepal, Bhutan, India, or China, don't hesitate to let us know. We can customize your itinerary and assist with travel arrangements.

Thank you for choosing Philippines Discovery (a sub-brand of AOT) for your Philippines Tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to Asia. Safe journey!