Tour overview

This 8-day trip explores Palawan, one of the Philippines' most beautiful islands, with a local leader and a group of up to twelve. You stay seven nights in hotels, with breakfast daily and a few other meals.

After Manila you fly to Puerto Princesa for a firefly boat tour on the Iwahig River and a farm visit, then take a boat into the UNESCO-listed Underground River at Sabang and hike to a Batak and Tagbanua village.

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Laid-back Port Barton is the base for a full day of island hopping and a traditional fishing demonstration. The trip finishes in El Nido, with a boat trip among limestone lagoons and snorkelling over reefs.

The physical rating is medium. This trip suits beach lovers who also want culture and nature.

Trip highlights

  • Fireflies on the Iwahig River (Day 2)
  • The Underground River (Day 3)
  • A Batak and Tagbanua village (Day 3)
  • Island hopping from Port Barton (Day 5)
  • El Nido's lagoons and reefs (Day 7)

Your route

5 stops from Manila to El Nido

8-day route: Manila – Puerto Princesa – Sabang – Port Barton – El Nido
  1. Manila Day 1
  2. Puerto Princesa Days 2–3
  3. Sabang Day 3
  4. Port Barton Days 4–5
  5. El Nido Days 6–8

Why choose this tour

Palawan's highlights in one week. Domestic flight and boat trips included.

Best suited to

  • Beach and island lovers
  • Snorkellers
  • Solo travellers
  • First-time visitors to the Philippines
Exploring a limestone cave by boat in Palawan

Day-by-day itinerary

8 days from Manila, Philippines to El Nido, Philippines

  1. Day 1 · Manila Manila

    Welcome to the Philippines.

    Hotel
    Hotel
  2. Day 2 · Puerto Princesa, Iwahig River Puerto Princesa

    Fly to Palawan.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
  3. Day 3 · Sabang, Puerto Princesa Underground River Puerto Princesa

    The Underground River.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  4. Day 4 · Port Barton Port Barton

    To Port Barton.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  5. Day 5 · Port Barton islands Port Barton

    Island hopping.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
  6. Day 6 · El Nido El Nido

    To El Nido.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  7. Day 7 · Bacuit Bay El Nido

    Lagoons and reefs.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
  8. Day 8 · El Nido El Nido

    The trip ends.

    Meals
    Breakfast
Limestone islands off El Nido

Where you stay

  • Manila (1 night) Hotel
  • Puerto Princesa (2 nights) Hotel
  • Port Barton (2 nights) Hotel
  • El Nido (2 nights) Hotel

Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation 7 nights in hotels
  • Meals 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner
  • Domestic flight Manila to Puerto Princesa
  • Minibus, jeepney and boat transport
  • Underground River and firefly tours
  • Island hopping and snorkelling trips
  • Local leader throughout

Not included

  • International flights
  • Meals not included 4 lunches and 6 dinners
  • Kayak and bike hire
  • Travel insurance and personal spending
Nagtabon Beach on Palawan from the air

This trip might not be for you if…

Honest disclaimer — please read

  • You want resort hotels
  • You get seasick easily
  • You want most meals included
  • You want international flights included — they are not

Good to know

Meals by day Breakfast: Days 2–8 · Lunch: Days 5 and 7 · Dinner: Day 2
FCDO advice UK FCDO travel advice for Philippines
A tropical beach with palms and boats in Palawan

In pictures

Departures & prices

From £1,377 per person, twin share, tour only. 67 upcoming departures.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book this tour?

Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.

What financial protection do I get?

Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.

Do I need a visa for the Philippines?

No, UK citizens can visit the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days.

Do I need to be able to swim?

Swimming helps for the snorkelling, but life jackets are available on boat days.

Which meals are included?

7 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner.

Can I have my own room?

A single supplement may be available; otherwise solo travellers share with someone of the same gender.

How many people travel together?

No more than twelve travellers, with a leader.

Can you tailor the trip?

Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.

What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.

ATOL protected 100% financially protected in a Trust bank account PTS 6035 4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option

Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.

If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.

Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary

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