9 DAYS
Puerto Princesa • El Nido
Essential Palawan
The Underground River near Puerto Princesa, a road trip north through Palawan's countryside, then El Nido's lagoons by boat. Palawan's best in nine days.
Palawan is the island most people picture when they think of the Philippines, and this is the simplest way to see it well. You fly into Puerto Princesa, spend a day on the Underground River, a UNESCO site where you paddle into a cave system by boat, then drive north to El Nido through farmland, fishing villages and coconut groves.
El Nido gets three full days: two on the water among the lagoons and limestone islands of Bacuit Bay, and one for Nacpan beach or simply doing nothing. You fly back to Manila from El Nido, so there is no long drive at the end. If you have a few more days, add Coron or Port Barton; we will reshape the route.
What's included
- 8 nights' accommodation in your chosen tier, breakfast daily
- Domestic flights: Manila–Puerto Princesa, El Nido–Manila
- Airport, port and road transfers (shared in Essential, private from Boutique up)
- Underground River day trip from Puerto Princesa and two El Nido boat days
- Pre-departure planning call and digital travel guide
- Tours with a Spanish- or English-speaking local guide, private or shared depending on the trip
- Lunch on boat and tour days
- Entrance fees for the visits in the itinerary
- Premium and Signature: dinner at a top-rated restaurant in every destination, plus a local food experience with a guide (market visit and tasting)
- Free rebooking by our team if weather or other events cancel a boat or flight
- International travel insurance, with cancellation cover up to €2,000
- 24/7 local support by WhatsApp throughout your trip
Not included
- International flights
- Other meals not listed as included
- Environmental and terminal fees
- Drinks
- Tips for guides, drivers and boat crews
- Extra costs caused by weather or other events outside our control (new tickets, extra hotel nights). We handle the rebooking for you
The route
Flights, ferries and transfers
- FlightManila → Puerto Princesa · 1h 20m flight
- RoadPuerto Princesa → Sabang (Underground River) · around 2h by road
- RoadPuerto Princesa → El Nido · 5–6h by road
- FlightEl Nido → Manila · 1h 20m flight
Day by day
Choose your trip length
Route: Puerto Princesa • El Nido
The day-by-day plan and prices update for the length you choose. Every plan can still be adjusted with our team.
Day 1
Arrive in Manila
Airport pick-up and a night in Manila to recover from the flight.
OvernightManila
Day 2
Fly to Puerto Princesa
Morning flight to Palawan. A relaxed afternoon and dinner by the bay.
OvernightPuerto Princesa
Day 3
The Underground River
Drive to Sabang and take a paddle boat into the cave river, with a walk through the mangroves after.
OvernightPuerto Princesa
Day 4
North to El Nido
Around five to six hours by road, with stops along the way. Arrive in time for the sunset.
OvernightEl Nido
Day 5–7
El Nido: two boat days and a free day
Island-hopping to the lagoons, beaches and snorkelling spots of Bacuit Bay on two days, and a free day for Nacpan beach or a kayak.
OvernightEl Nido
Day 8
Fly to Manila
Flight from El Nido back to Manila. A last evening in the city.
OvernightManila
Day 9
Fly out
Transfer to the international terminal.
Where you'll stay
We choose hotels for you from our shortlist in each destination, matched to your travel style. Examples will appear here as our hotel collection is published.
Experiences
- Puerto Princesa Underground River
- El Nido island-hopping
- Nacpan beach
- Mangrove paddle in Sabang
Possible upgrades
- Private boat for the El Nido days
- Add Port Barton for two quiet nights on the way north
- Add Coron for three nights by fast ferry (drier months)
Travel styles
Four ways to travel. All of them done properly.
I
Essential
The right places, smartly connected.
Well-located, characterful hotels, the experiences that matter and efficient routing. Never a compromise on where you are.
- Well-located 3★ hotels with character, double room with breakfast
- Shared airport and port transfers
- Group tours and shared boat days with a local guide
- Domestic flights and ferries with checked baggage
- Lunch on tour days, entrance fees and travel insurance
- 24/7 support by WhatsApp
II
Boutique
Small hotels with a point of view.
Design-led boutique hotels, upgraded rooms, private transfers where they make a difference and experiences curated for you.
- Everything in Essential, plus:
- Boutique 4★ hotels, superior rooms or better
- Private transfers by car throughout
- Private guided tours, and a private boat on one day per island
- Best available flight times
- Personal welcome at the airport on arrival
III
Premium
The best resorts, a slower pace.
High-end resorts and villas, private transfers throughout, exceptional experiences and service that anticipates.
- Everything in Boutique, plus:
- 5★ resorts and villas, sea-view rooms or better
- Private boats and private guides on every tour day
- Dinner at a top-rated restaurant in every destination
- A local food experience with a guide
- Meet-and-assist service at Manila airport
IV
Signature
The Philippines, privately.
Private-island resorts, villas and boats, charter flights where they save a day, and concierge-level care from arrival to departure.
- Everything in Premium, plus:
- Private-island resorts and villas with private pools
- Your own boat and crew on every island
- Charter flights or seaplanes where they save time
- Private dinners on the beach or a sandbar
- A dedicated concierge on WhatsApp before and during your trip
Price indication
Per person, based on two people sharing, excluding international flights. Final price depends on dates, hotels and room availability.
Best months
November to May; the calmest seas are from February to May
Choose your trip length
Route: Puerto Princesa • El Nido
The day-by-day plan and prices update for the length you choose. Every plan can still be adjusted with our team.
- Essential
- From €1,400
- per person
- Boutique
- From €2,100
- per person
- Premium
- From €3,500
- per person
- Signature
- From €6,000
- per person
Questions travellers ask
1. Is the drive to El Nido long?
It is five to six hours, with stops. We break it up with lunch on the way. If you prefer, you can fly Manila–El Nido and visit Puerto Princesa on the way back.
2. Do I need a permit for the Underground River?
Yes, and the number of visitors per day is limited. We book it for you as soon as your dates are confirmed.
Ready to see the Philippines from the inside?
Tell us when you're coming. We'll help design the rest.