Palawan: Adventure in Paradise

When Filipinos, people who live in a country of 7,107 islands and countless beaches, consider a place to be the epitome of tropical paradise, you know it must be something special. Palawan is exotic, even for Filipinos. Its geography and richness of flora and fauna are exceptional in a country that already has its fair share of amazing natural beauty. Nowhere else in the country can you float down a river flowing through an eight kilometer tunnel of karst or kayak amidst towering islands of sheer limestone walls that rise directly out of the sea. And yes, Palawan's beaches will make you wonder why you ever bothered with anything less perfect.

Highlights and activities

• Take a boat deep into the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River.
• Snorkel the rich coral reefs of Ulugan Bay
• See breathtaking limestone karst landscapes and forest ecosystems.
• Kayak and snorkel amidst El Nido's limestone formations.
• Explore El Nido's many islands, each with its own distinct features.

• hiking / trekking
• kayaking / rafting
• snorkeling

1. 

   Day 1: Ulugan Bay

   The group assembles at the Puerto Princesa airport and drives an hour and a half to Ulugan Bay. A 30-minute boat ride then takes us to an island with white sandy beaches and surrounded by vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. We spend the day snorkeling and enjoying the beach (the island's resident eagle might even join us!). At night we stay in rainforest cottages that are surrounded by trees and have sweeping views of Ulugan Bay. 

2. 

   Day 2: Sabang and the Puerto Princesa Underground River

   We drive to Sabang then take an outrigger boat to the entrance of the Underground River. There we take a paddle boat deep into the river's tunnel, marveling at the unique environment and its many interesting formations. Then we hike through a jungle trail and try to spot monitor lizards. In the afternoon we take a paddle boat through a mangrove to learn about this rich ecosystem. After having our fill of seeing monkeys, tree snakes and various birds we drive back to our rainforest cottages overlooking Ulugan Bay. 

3. 

   Day 3: El Nido Via Ferrata Canopy Walk

   We spend the morning traveling to El Nido. This gives us plenty of time to appreciate the scenery of inland Palawan. At El Nido we take a walk up one of its rock mountains and get a spectacular view of Bacuit Bay and its islands.

4. 

   Day 4: The Wonders of Miniloc Island*

   Today we take an outrigger boat to Miniloc Island and visit some of its iconic sites. Stops include Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong Payong Beach and Big Lagoon which we will access via kayaking inside.  On the way back to El Nido we make a last stop at Seven Commandos Beach.

5. 

   Day 5: El Nido's Best Beaches*

   We load our snorkeling gear onto an outrigger boat and set off to experience the wonders of the various Bacuit Bay islands. We visit some of El Nido's most stunning beaches. Our stops include Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Hidden Beach, Helicopter Island and Star Beach.After a day of spectacular beaches, rock formations and lagoons, we reluctantly go back to El Nido town for our last night in paradise.

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   Day 6: Last Day in Paradise

   We bid farewell to El Nido and drive back to Puerto Princesa where we visit the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (also known as the Crocodile Farm). Our trip ends at the Puerto Princesa airport in the afternoon. 

   You also have the option of flying out of El Nido aiport instead of driving back to Puerto Princesa. 

Day 4 or 5 backup: The Secrets of Mainland Palawan – In case the weather does not cooperate and we are unable to go out to sea on Day 4 or Day 5, we have an excellent backup plan: we hike to discover the little-known gems of the mainland such as rainforests, waterfalls and hot springs.

There are currently no set schedules for this tour. Tell us your preferred date and we'll open that date as a trip departure in which others can join.

Departures are guaranteed once two (2) persons sign up for the trip. If you are the only person to sign up for a scheduled departure, you have the option of getting a full refund, rescheduling to a guaranteed departure, or doing a private tour for an additional USD 590.00.

If you'd like to go on this adventure but there are no dates which suit your schedule, please contact us, and we will set up a group departure date for you. You can also do this trip as a private tour.

Includes

• All land and sea transportation for the duration of the trip.
• Five (5) nights accommodations with breakfast
• All fees associated with the specified activities
• Guiding service.
• Equipment for kayaking and snorkeling.
• Four (4) lunches

Excludes

• Airfare to Puerto Princesa.
• Food and beverage other than two packed lunches. We will dine at inns and restaurants that your trip leader has pre-selected for their quality, and he will suggest local specialties. To give you the most flexibility however, we will let you order and pay for what you wish to eat. Allocate around PHP4,500 (about USD100 – don't forget to change your money beforehand!) for food and drinks for the entire trip.
• Travel insurance.
• Tipping. Tips to restaurant waiters, local guides, etc. are not expected but appreciated. Your trip leader can suggest an appropriate amount. Also, if you are happy with the service of your Trip Leader, a tip at the end of your adventure will be greatly appreciated.

Price is per person for a minimum group of two (2) persons.

Kindly contact us for information for smaller or larger groups.

• This adventure involves some hiking and a lot of time in the water. You need not be in great physical shape, but you should be able to hike for two (2) hours on moderate terrain. We can teach you the basics of kayaking and skin diving (also known as snorkeling) but you should be comfortable in the water for you to enjoy this trip fully.
• You will need a large bag (preferably a backpack) that can hold all of your things for the duration of the trip. You will also need a good pair of hiking shoes, boots or sandals and another smaller pack (backpack, shoulder pack or lumber pack). Details on gear requirements and packing recommendations will be sent to you after you have booked your tour.
• Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to the Philippines if you are coming from a yellow-fever infected country; if you are not, this vaccination is unnecessary. The following vaccinations are recommended:
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Typhoid
  • Japanese encephalitis
  • Measles, mumps and rubella