9 Days In-depth Palawan Group Tour: Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, El Nido

Kumusta! Welcome to Puerto Princesa, Philippines! Upon your arrival at the airport in Puerto Princesa, the driver will meet you at the exit, and then escort you to the hotel. You can have a good rest for the jet leg in your hotel or visit around to explore for more on your own.

Palawan is the Best Island in the World. Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan, is an excellent base for your Palawan adventure. It is a nature lover's paradise that boasts a fascinating underground river, stunning beaches, and rich biodiversity. Puerto Princesa is where you'll find the world-famous Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (Underground River), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Puerto Princesa also offers exciting experiences such as Island Hopping adventures at Honda Bay & Port Barton.

Arrival Ideas:

Puerto Princesa is an excellent gateway for your Phillippines Palawan Group Tour. There are two main airports you can fly into to get to Palawan by direct flight: Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) and El Nido Airport (ENI). 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). 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 Puerto Princesa from El Nido by car (270km) or by ferry. 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.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up and transfer you to Santa Lourdes Pier (Sta. Lourdes Wharf) to board a boat and explore the blue waters of Puerto Princesa's Honda Bay. Palawan is known for its white sand beaches and pristine islands, and Honda Bay has three of the best: Starfish Island, Cowrie Island, and Luli Island. Today, you will enjoy a full-day Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour, which includes visits to these three amazing islands. Additionally, these islands are known as some of the best diving sites in the Palawan province.

Your first stop could be Starfish Island. The moment you reach there, you will soon figure out how this particular island got its name, as there are so many starfish littering the shallow waters of this tiny island! This oval-shaped island is a great place for snorkeling near Puerto Princesa. You can have fun discovering the starfish, clown fish (Nemo) and other marine life in the waters, walking on the soft white sand, relaxing under the shady palm trees, and listening to the sound of the waves breaking on the beach. The island also has a few cottages that are available for lunch picnicking.

Cowrie Island could be your second stop, which is the biggest island on the Honda Bay Island Hopping tour. Named after the brightly-shelled mollusks (local sea snail), Cowrie Island is very popular as there are a lot of things to do, such as swimming, snorkeling, banana boat rides, jet skiing, kayaking, getting a drink at a bar or restaurant, having a relaxing massage, visiting small shops, playing beach volleyball, and enjoying the picturesque view under soaring coconut trees. Known for its crystal-clear blue waters and white sandy beaches, Cowrie Island is a perfect place to spend most of your time, which will include your lunch break.

After Cowrie Island, you will transfer to the Luli Island (Lulubog Lilitaw Island) which is one of the most popular islands on the Honda Bay Island Hopping tour. This tiny island disappears during high tide and reappears during low tide, which is why the island got its name from the Filipino words "lulubog" and "lilitaw", which mean to submerge and emerge (Lu-li is shortened from Lulubog-Lilitaw). During low tide, the sandbars are visible, and during high tide, only the houses can be seen. One of the highlights here is jumping off the diving board for a refreshing splash. You can also go cliff jumping, swimming or snorkeling in its clear emerald waters, sunbathe on its cream-colored and powder-like sand, stroll around its three beautiful long sandbars, and feed the colorful fish to see them up close. After your island-hopping tour, you will be dropped off at your hotel or resort in Puerto Princesa for a good rest.

This morning, you will depart from Puerto Princesa City and head to Sabang which is about 75km (2 hours drive). From the Sabang Wharf, you will take a short boat ride to Sabang Beach before transferring to a park-operated paddleboat to start your Underground River Tour. After visiting the famous Underground River National Park (Subterranean River National Park), you will head to El Nido in the afternoon.

The Puerto Princesa Underground River is one of the most amazing attractions on Palawan Island, listed as a World Heritage site and one of the "New Seven Natural Wonders of the World". It is the longest navigable underground river in the world (8.2km), which flows directly to the South China Sea via the St. Paul Underground River cave. The Underground River Tour takes about 45 minutes. Sitting in the boat, which is equipped with a searchlight, you will pass through the cave with brilliant limestone karst landscapes, colorful stalactites and stalagmites, and thousands of swallows and bats. Listen to your audio commentary or get more information from your boatman guide to imagine and discover the resembling animals, religious images, and vegetables in the spectacular cave.

Besides, you can explore the surrounding area near the cave, including bird watching, mountain trekking, a mangrove paddle boat tour, and exploring the deeper part of the forest. As a national park and a model of biodiversity, it is a heaven for exploring the endemic Philippines wildlife, and it's possible to see long-tailed macaque monkeys, monitor lizards, and tree snakes.

After the tour, drive back to your hotel in Puerto Princesa for a good rest.

This morning, you'll either get an up-close experience with whale sharks (April to September) or explore the cultural highlights of Puerto Princesa (October - March) depending on the season. After your morning adventure, you'll embark on a scenic 3-hour drive to Port Barton, a serene beach town perfect for relaxation.

Morning : Whaleshark Half Day Tour (Seasonal: April - September)

Your guide will pick you up at the hotel in Puerto Princesa and then bring you to Baywalk Park, where you will board your boat.

The boat departs for the whale shark spotting area. During the trip, your guide will brief you on the safety protocols and guidelines for interacting with whale sharks.  The briefing will cover important rules such as maintaining a respectful distance, not touching or feeding the whale sharks, and following the guide's instructions at all times.

Arrive at the whale shark spotting area. Spend the next few hours snorkeling and swimming with whale sharks. The clear, azure waters provide excellent visibility to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The guide will assist those who are new to snorkeling and ensure everyone follows the guidelines to protect both the whale sharks and the participants.

After an unforgettable experience with the whale sharks, the boat will return to Baywalk Park. During the return trip, relax and enjoy the scenic views of the coastline.

Morning: Puerto Princesa City Half Day Tour ( Seasonal: October - March)

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at the hotel in Puerto Princesa and start the half-day Puerto Princesa city tour.

Firstly, we will head to Baker's Hill (a theme park), famous for its baked goodies and treats! Explore the garden, take photos with various statues and themed structures, and don’t forget to try some of the famous pastries, especially the hopia, a Filipino-Chinese pastry.

Next, visit the Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village. This is a tropical garden that showcases a variety of butterflies and offers insight into the culture of Palawan's indigenous people. Walk through the butterfly enclosure to see different species of butterflies and learn about their lifecycle. Then, visit the Tribal Village where you can learn about the traditions and lifestyle of the indigenous tribes, watch cultural shows, and see traditional dwellings.

Head to the Crocodile Farm, formally named as Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC), located about 12km away from Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS). The PWRCC is a breeding place for two endemic crocodile species - the Philippine crocodile and the Saltwater crocodile. Here, you can pet and cuddle baby crocodiles while exploring other endangered or local animals such as Palawan bearcat, eagles, bearded pigs, and myna birds. You can also try a famous exotic dish there called Crocodile Sisig, which features carefully cooked crocodile meat with other ingredients and spices.

Afternoon: Drive to Port Barton

In the afternoon, drive to Port Barton. Port Barton is just 3 hours away from Puerto Princesa City and is one of its up and coming beach destinations.

Arrive in Port Barton and check into your hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring this peaceful beach town. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and beautiful beaches at your leisure.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at the hotel in Port Barton and take you to enjoy Port Barton Island Hopping Tour A. Through this island-hopping tour, stay away from the crowd and immerse yourself in the undisturbed natural beauty of Port Barton.

You will board the tour boat at the Port Barton pier. The boat is equipped with all necessary safety gear, including life vests.

Your first stop is Twin Reef. Twin Reef is known for its two closely situated coral reef systems, creating a unique "twin" landscape. The area boasts a well-preserved underwater ecosystem with a high coral cover, making it an ideal spot for underwater exploration. Dive into clear, azure waters and discover a vibrant and diverse marine ecosystem. Twin Reef is teeming with colorful coral formations and a kaleidoscope of marine life, including exotic fish and other fascinating underwater creatures. Your guide will provide snorkeling gear and assist those who are new to the activity.

After enjoying Twin Reef, head towards Exotic Island. On Exotic Island, take a leisurely walk along the beach, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or simply relax under the sun. This island offers a serene and picturesque setting, perfect for relaxation and photography.

Next, head to the Turtle Spot/Sanctuary. Port Barton is rich in marine life, including sea turtles. Here, you can swim and snorkel with sea turtles in their natural environment, offering an up-close look at these magnificent creatures. Tips: Maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing them.

Head to Paradise Island for a delightful picnic lunch. The tour includes a packed lunch with a variety of local dishes, fruits, and water. Enjoy your meal on the beach, taking in the beautiful surroundings. After lunch, you have some free time to explore Paradise Island. Swim, snorkel, or relax on the beach. This island is less crowded, providing a peaceful retreat.

Your journey continues to Fantastic Reef, another excellent snorkeling spot known for its diverse marine life and colorful corals. Snorkel among schools of colorful fish, explore intricate coral formations, and witness the beauty of this underwater world up close.

The final stop is the picturesque Sand Bar (Starfish Island). A picturesque sandbar emerges in the middle of the sea, creating a breathtaking sight. Walk along its pristine shores, take in the panoramic views, and feel like you're walking on water. Discover a magical underwater world filled with colorful starfish. Wade into the shallow, crystal-clear waters and witness these stunning creatures up close, making it a perfect spot for memorable photos.

After tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. The tour concludes with wonderful memories of a day spent exploring the beautiful islands and reefs of Port Barton.

Island Hopping Tips:

Depending on the weather conditions, the itinerary may be adjusted for safety reasons. If Tour A is not feasible due to sea conditions, we will switch to Tour B or Tour C. Tour B includes: Aquarium Reef, Wide Reef, Lagoon Reef, Turtle Sanctuary, Maxima Island, Reef #5. Tour C includes: Bigaho Waterfalls, Giligan's Island, Nao-Nao Island, Lagoon Reef, Snorkeling Spot.

Today, you will depart from Port Barton and drive to El Nido (180km, 3-4 hours). Arrive in Port Barton and check into your hotel. You can explore El Nido Town on your own freely and ask your guide for more information and useful travel advice.

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.

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.

It is time to say goodbye to El Nido and end your 9-days  Philippines 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, Coron,  Bohol, Cebu, Boracay, Dumaguete, Banaue, Baguio, Mount Pinatubo, Sagada, Siquijor, and more.
2.If you plan to continue exploring neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, 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 (PT) for your Philippines tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to  Philippines. Safe journey!