9 Days Philippines Palawan Tour from Manila to Puerto Princesa & El Nido

Kumusta! Welcome to Manila, the capital of the Philippines! Upon your arrival at the airport in Manila, the tour guide and 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.

Known as the “Pearl of the Orient”, Manila is often the jump-off point to the country's incredible beaches, stunning islands, and unique natural wonders. Manila is an excellent hub for experiencing Philippine culture, history, shopping, and nightlife. Take your time to explore its lively streets, buildings, and people, who are full of energy.

Arrival Ideas:
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), originally known as Manila International Airport (MIA), is the largest airport in the Philippines. Currently, there are over 30 direct flights to Manila from various parts of the world, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Taipei, Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Dubai, Doha, Sydney, Melbourne, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Abu Dhabi, Denpasar, Riyadh, Guam, Los Angeles, Hanoi, and more. You can fly direct to Manila from almost every major city in Asia. Otherwise, you may need a layover in Hong Kong, Singapore, or Dubai, with most major airlines in the region offering regular flights to Manila. Philippine Airlines is the only carrier that offers nonstop flights to Manila from the United States. Other airlines that fly to Manila include Delta, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Korean Air, ANA, KLM, EVA Air, and Qantas. If you need help with Philippines flight tickets booking, feel free to contact us.

This morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel and drive to explore the Old & New Manila City via a visit to Rizal Park, San Agustin Church (World Heritage), Casa Manila, Walled City Intramuros, Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago (World Heritage), or Memorare Manila Monument (if time permit).

In Manila, the Queen City of the Pacific, you will first arrive at the historical Rizal Park (Luneta Park), considered one of the largest urban parks in Asia. Here, you can see the statue of the Philippines' national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. after whom the park is named. After a brief photo stop, you will proceed to the Spanish colonial-era walled city of Intramuros, where you will learn about the history of Manila over the last 400 years, tracing its history from Malay to Spanish, Japanese, and Filipino.

In Intramuros, you won't miss the top attractions, such as San Agustin Church, Casa Manila, Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila Cathedral, and Fort Santiago. Completed in 1607, San Augustin Church is the oldest church in the country, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a National Historical Landmark.It is a Roman Catholic church under the auspices of the Order of St. Augustine, and you can view its wide collection of ecclesiastical icons, vestments, and other religious articles. Crossing the street, you'll reach Casa Manila, a museum that depicts the colonial lifestyle during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. It is a copy of an 1850s San Nicolas House that was once located in Calle Jaboneros and is equipped with oriental and European décor, as well as Philippine antique furniture. If time permits, you can also visit the American Cemetery and Memorial, a beautifully maintained cemetery that pays tribute to the veterans of World War II, with 17,206 graves. Alternatively, you can stop at Manila Cathedral, which is the first cathedral of the Philippines dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, the principal patroness of the country. It also serves as the episcopal see of the Archbishop of Manila.

Finally, you will continue to Fort Santiago, an old Spanish fortress located at the mouth of the Pasig River and one of Manila's most important historical sites. Built by the Spanish in late 1593, it is also the site of a notorious prison where Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal wrote his famous poem ‘My Last Farewell’ and was executed by the Spanish in 1896. Overnight in Manila.

After breakfast, head to the Manila Airport via private transfer to catch your flight to Puerto Princesa (about 1.5 hours), the capital of Palawan. Upon arrival, meet your guide and start the half-day Puerto Princesa city tour. Depending on your interests and the time available, you can visit highlights such as the Crocodile Farm, Mitra's Ranch, Baker’s Hill, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Plaza Cuartel, and City Baywalk Park.

Our sightseeing tour starts at Crocodile Farm, formly 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. Afterward, if time permit, we will head to Mitra's Ranch (Mitra Farm, 7km away) to get a panoramic view of Puerto Princesa City and the Sulu sea. It also offers different activities, including a zipline, paint-ball and a restaurant. Animal lovers will be happy to approach the horses and foals roaming freely in the ranch. Nearby, you can also visit Baker's Hill (a theme park), famous for its baked goodies and treats!

After that, drive 10km to visit the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish (Puerto Princesa Cathedral). It is a Roman Catholic Cathedral located across the historic Plaza Cuartel in Barangay Liwanag of Puerto Princesa, which is also a historical landmark of Palawan. The first mass in Puerto Princesa was celebrated in the same place where the cathedral now stands on March 10, 1872 — six days after the Spaniards arrived in the city. Fr. Ezequiel Moreno of the Augustinian Recollect order held the very first mass here using a box of supplies. The church was subsequently constructed and completed after almost a century. Now, this Spanish-era church is a solemn destination where one can meditate and find solace. Then, visit the Plaza Cuartel near the Puerto Princesa Cathedral, which appears to be an ordinary city park with concrete pavements, lush trees, and benches. However, it has a tragic history. It was first built by the Spaniards in the 1880s as a garrison to protect the country from invasion. During World War II, 150 American prisoners of war were kept in its tunnels and burned to death by Japanese soldiers. Only 11 were able to survive and escape from the Palawan Massacre.

You can also enjoy a relaxing walk along the City Baywalk Park to view the seaside scenery while waiting for the sunset of Puerto Princesa. The Baywalk, which spans about 800m, used to be a slum area. Now, it has been transformed into a park where residents sell seafood and drinks along the Baywalk. Overnight in Puerto Princesa, the City of the Living God.

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.

If time permits, 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, you will drive to El Nido (270km, 5-6 hours) after having Filipino lunch at Sabang Beach (the jump-off point for the Underground River Tour). 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 (El Nido 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 will 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 will 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 will 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.

After breakfast, it is time to begin your El Nido Island Hopping Tour (El Nido Tour B) to witness some of Palawan’s best islands and caves. This tour would covers the highlights of Snake Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, Entalula Island, and Papaya Beach (if time permit). It is an amazing journey that combines sandbars, caves, and uniquely-shaped islands. Furthermore, your El Nido Island Hopping today (tour B) is often less crowded than tour A.

Your first stop on El Nido Island Hopping Tour B will be Snake Island (Vigan Island). Known for its winding sandbar visible only at low tide, Snake Island is one of the most unique spots in El Nido to experience the feeling of walking in the middle of the sea. The island gets its name from its S-shaped sandbar, which connects it to the mainland (Bacuit Archipelago). At low tide, you can walk on the sand stripe between the two islands and admire the crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches. At high tide, the sandbar is two feet underwater, creating a beautiful sight. Snake Island also offers a quick hike up to a stunning viewing point at the top where you can take in a bird's eye view of the sandbar. Enjoy the views of the white sand stretching out like a long snake, winding its way along the island.

Next, you'll hop to Pinagbuyutan Island (Ellis Island), where you'll marvel at the dramatic towering limestone cliffs that shoot straight up from the sea, topped off with lush jungle vegetation. This gumdrop-shaped island is a favorite destination in El Nido. Pinagbuyutan Island is also known as Survivor Island due to its appearance on the popular reality TV show, Survivor, and it is said to be the inspiration for the movie “The Beach”, along with other beautiful attractions in El Nido like the Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon. Pinagbuyutan Island is perfect for swimming and snorkeling, as there are some excellent reefs to explore just offshore. Take in the colorful underwater life beneath the emerald-colored water. It's also the perfect place for a lunch break, where you can relax on the long beach and enjoy the breeze under the coconut trees.

After lunch, you'll head to Cudugnon Cave which offers a unique perspective of El Nido's islands through an enormous cavern hidden behind an inconspicuous hole in the limestone wall. During World War II, locals used the cave as a hiding place from invaders. It is also believed to be a Neolithic burial site for ancient Palawenos and settlers from Borneo. Experts have discovered artifacts such as jewelry, pottery, and human bones dating back to the Chinese Song Dynasty (960-1279 A.D.). To enter Cudugnon Cave, you'll need to squeeze through a small rocky hole before reaching the well-lit cave with a high ceiling. Take your time exploring the beautiful limestone and marble walls inside the cave, and don't forget to search the crevices of the cave's roof where swallows (swiftlets) and bats reside. You know that El Nido got its name from the Spanish phrase "the nest", and the swiftlets are the owners of these nests. After the cave exploration tour, you can relax on the secluded white sand beach near the cave's entrance.

If time permits, you can make a photo stop at the Cathedral Cave on Pinasil Island. As your boat approaches the cave, you'll be amazed by the huge cavern with an opening even higher than the Puerto Princesa Underground River. This stunning shallow cave features towering walls shaped like cathedral spires. It's also an important nesting site for swiftlets, whose nests made of dried saliva are the main ingredient in the exotic bird’s nest soup.

You'll also have the opportunity to visit picturesque Entalula Island, which boasts a pristine beach and perfect snorkeling and swimming opportunities. Take in the beauty of the crystal-clear waters and the amazing rock formations, including the free-standing diamond-shaped rock. Enjoy the serene and peaceful atmosphere of this beautiful island before concluding your El Nido Tour B today.

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 will 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.

Time to say goodbye to El Nido, the Philippines' last frontier. It is time to end your 9-day Palawan Tour from Manila to Puerto Princesa & EL Nido. Your guide will say goodbye to you and you will continue on your next destination.

Extension Ideas: You can extend your trip to Coron, Boracay, Bohol, Cebu, Dumaguete, Banaue, and other destinations. Please share your ideas with us!

Departure Ideas: Travelers can take a ferry to Coron from EI Nido, or head back to Puerto Princesa for the flight to Manila, Boracay, Bohol, Cebu, and more. Let us know your preferences and we will help you arrange your transportation.

Note: Please be advised that certain sites on the itinerary may be subject to change due to seasonal changes, weather conditions, national holidays, and special events. We reserve the right to modify the itinerary in order to enhance your tour experience in Philippines. Any changes made to the itinerary will be done with your best interests in mind.