8 Days - Quintessential Palawan

Welcome to the Philippines! Upon your arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, a friendly representative will be waiting to greet you and assist with your transfer to your hotel in the city.

Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines, is a dynamic blend of modern skyscrapers and remnants of its Spanish colonial past. While today is reserved for your arrival and settling in, you'll begin to get a sense of the city's rhythm. Expect colourful jeepneys (the iconic bus style public transport) and lively street vendors, to the vibrant nightlife and ever-present hum of activity.

After check-in, the remainder of your day is at leisure to recover from your journey or explore the local surroundings on your own. Whether you choose to unwind with a drink at the hotel or take a gentle walk through the nearby streets, this evening marks the beginning of your adventure through one of South East Asia’s most captivating island destinations.

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will meet you at reception to begin a guided exploration of Manila's most historically significant sites. The day begins with a visit to Intramuros, the old walled city and former seat of colonial Spanish power. As you walk its cobbled streets, you’ll pass imposing stone walls, baroque churches, and leafy plazas that speak to a bygone era. Your guide will share stories about the Spanish colonisation and the role Intramuros played as the centre of political, religious, and commercial life in the Philippines for over three centuries.

Following this, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant where you’ll sample classic Filipino dishes. In the afternoon, the tour continues to Binondo - considered to be the oldest Chinatown in the world - where Chinese-Filipino heritage is alive in the form of traditional medicine shops, family-run bakeries, and temples. A stop at the Chinese Cemetery reveals a different dimension of Manila’s multicultural layers, with opulent tombs and mausoleums more akin to mansions than burial places. The cemetery is both a historical archive and a living testament to the traditions and affluence of the Filipino-Chinese community.

Beyond its historical core, Manila is a city of striking contrasts - with high-rise developments and mega malls existing alongside colonial ruins and old-world cafes. Its chaotic energy is part of its charm, a place where past and present collide in surprising ways. Today’s journey through Manila provides important context for understanding the Philippines’ cultural complexity and resilience, laying the foundation for your journey onward to the country’s celebrated natural wonders.

Today, your journey to Palawan begins. After an early breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Manila’s domestic terminal for your flight to Puerto Princesa. Upon arrival, a local guide will welcome you to this pristine island province, often called the Philippines’ “last ecological frontier.” You’ll then be transferred to your accommodation in either Puerto Princesa or the coastal village of Sabang, a peaceful area close to the UNESCO-listed Underground River.

Depending on your arrival time, you might have a few hours to relax and soak in your surroundings. Puerto Princesa is a gateway to some of Palawan’s most celebrated natural wonders, offering a glimpse into the island’s rich biodiversity and warm hospitality. As the provincial capital, it is more laid-back than Manila, with tree-lined streets, friendly locals, and a strong emphasis on eco-tourism and conservation.

Palawan has consistently earned global praise for its unspoiled beauty. Its designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve recognises both its ecological richness and the efforts of local communities to manage tourism in a sustainable way. From mangrove forests and karst cliffs to coastal ecosystems and coral reefs, today marks your first real taste of this island’s exceptional natural diversity.

After breakfast, embark on an unforgettable excursion to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. This protected area boasts a spectacular limestone karst mountain landscape, complete with an 8.2-kilometre navigable underground river - the longest of its kind in the world. Board a paddle boat and glide into the cave’s darkened mouth, where your guide will illuminate bizarre stalactites and stalagmites shaped like chandeliers, mushrooms, and cathedral spires.

The experience is atmospheric and unique, with the silence inside the cavern broken only by the paddling of oars and the fluttering of bats. Above ground, the surrounding forest is home to monitor lizards, monkeys, and a wide variety of birds, making it a prime location for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The park also contains a limestone mountain range, intact old-growth forests, and various cave systems that add to its ecological importance.

What makes the Underground River especially remarkable is how it flows directly into the sea, creating a rare coastal karst environment. The entire site is a showcase of Palawan’s geological and biological value, preserved thanks to strong community involvement in its protection. After your tour and lunch, return to your hotel where the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure - perfect for a quiet beach walk or swim before sunset.

This morning, check out of your hotel for the overland transfer to El Nido, a scenic journey that takes approximately five to six hours by private vehicle. The drive itself is an immersion into rural Palawan, winding through forested mountains, rice paddies, and coastal villages that offer glimpses of everyday life on the island. Along the way, you'll see stretches of untouched jungle, occasional waterfalls, and views of the South China Sea.

Upon arrival in El Nido, check in to your resort, where the mood shifts toward relaxation and beachside charm. El Nido is famed for its striking seascapes - crystal-clear lagoons, jagged limestone karsts, and powdery white sand beaches that regularly appear on lists of the world’s most beautiful places. Depending on your program and accommodation preferences, guests may enjoy full board dining and other resort amenities, including spa services, water sports, and nature trails.

El Nido is located within Bacuit Bay, a protected marine area known for its rich biodiversity and dramatic geography. The bay contains around 45 islands and islets, many of which are uninhabited and can only be reached by boat. This unique coastal setting, combined with a commitment to eco-friendly tourism, makes El Nido not just visually stunning but also environmentally significant.

Today is dedicated to exploring the crown jewels of El Nido’s Bacuit Bay on a guided island-hopping tour. After breakfast, set off by private boat to some of the region’s most iconic and photogenic locations. Navigate into the Big Lagoon, known for its emerald waters framed by soaring limestone cliffs, and continue on to the Secret Lagoon - accessible only through a small opening between rocks, revealing a hidden pool within a karst chamber.

At Shimizu Island, dive into the water for snorkelling among coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, and if you’re lucky, you may spot sea turtles gliding nearby. A picnic lunch is served on the beach at Entalula Island, a picturesque spot ideal for relaxing and swimming. The day concludes at 7 Commandos Beach, where you can sip a fresh coconut or cocktail while lounging in the sand. Each stop brings its own character and charm - some peaceful and tucked away from the crowds, others ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

Bacuit Bay is more than just a beautiful backdrop - it’s also a living marine environment protected under Philippine law. Conservation efforts here aim to preserve coral reefs, regulate visitor numbers, and support local communities who depend on fishing and eco-tourism. This immersive day at sea not only reveals nature’s artistry, but also deepens appreciation for the work done to keep it thriving.

After a few days of active touring, today is reserved entirely for rest, personal exploration, or optional activities at your leisure. Wake up to the sound of waves and take your morning coffee with a view of the bay. You may choose to unwind at the resort pool or book a massage at the spa. For the more adventurous, additional water-based excursions are available, such as kayaking through mangroves to paddleboarding or diving in deeper coral-rich waters.

On land, there are trails to scenic viewpoints and caves, or you can simply enjoy the calm of the beach with a book or drink in hand. The town of El Nido itself has grown in popularity but retains a laid-back, small-town atmosphere with its beachfront cafes, boho boutiques, and local seafood grills. It’s a good day to explore at your own pace and enjoy the destination beyond the structured tours.

El Nido offers a unique mix of luxury and nature. Many resorts operate sustainably and work closely with the surrounding communities to minimise environmental impact. This sense of balance between comfort, culture, and conservation, makes El Nido an unforgettable part of your trip and a model of responsible island tourism in South East Asia.

Enjoy a final breakfast at your resort before checking out. Your driver will transfer you to the local airport for your domestic flight back to Manila. On arrival in Manila, another representative will assist you with your transfer to the international terminal for your onward journey.

As your adventure through Palawan comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the places you’ve experienced. From the cultural depth of Manila to the geological wonders of the Underground River and the island-dotted waters of El Nido, the memories of Palawan’s natural beauty and warm hospitality will stay with you long after your departure.