Best of Palawan & Manila
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PRIVATE TOUR: Experience a stunning eight-day journey through the Philippines, starting in Manila and ending in El Nido. Begin with time to relax in the capital before flying to Puerto Princesa to explore its vibrant city, wildlife sanctuary, and the remarkable “prison without walls.” Cruise Honda Bay’s tropical islands, then venture into the awe-inspiring Underground River at Saint Paul Subterranean Park. Continue north to El Nido, where turquoise lagoons, hidden beaches, and coral reefs await on an unforgettable island-hopping adventure. With a perfect mix of culture, nature, and relaxation, this trip showcases the very best of Palawan and beyond.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
8 daysHotel Rating
4 star hotelsStarts
ManilaEnds
ManilaMinimum age
8 years oldMaximum age
No max ageArrival Transfer
NoDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Services of local guides for included sightseeing and activitiesCountry
PhilippinesMeals included
Breakfast: 7, Lunch: 3Passengers
$1,985.00
$596.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A relaxed pace, with extended stays in one location and a mix of guided sightseeing and free time to explore at leisure.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Services of local guides for included sightseeing and activitiesGroup Size
Min 2 / Max Private TourTranportation
N/ALanguage
EnglishLanguage
EnglishRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A relaxed pace, with extended stays in one location and a mix of guided sightseeing and free time to explore at leisure.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursTour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Manila
Upon arrival, make your own way from the airport to your hotel. You have the rest of the day at leisure to rest or to explore.
Day 2 - Fly to Puerto Princesa & City Tour
Manila - Puerto Princesa. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and later board the short flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa. Transfer to the hotel for accommodation.
In the afternoon, tour the sights of the city, including the Palawan Heritage Museum, Palawan Wildlife Rescue Center, the market, handicraft making, and the Iwahig Penal Colony — known as the “prison without walls” where prisoners on good behavior live with their families and work on farms. Also visit Bakers Hill, Mitra’s Ranch, Plaza Cuartel, and the Cathedral.
Day 3 - Honda Bay Island-Hopping Adventure
After breakfast, transfer to the pier to take motorized boats for a full day of island-hopping at Honda Bay. Visit Snake Island (so named because of its shape), as well as Cowrie, Starfish, and Luli Islands. Enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing, and a picnic lunch on one of the islands before returning to the resort.
Day 4 - Underground River Exploration
Savor a delicious breakfast and depart for Saint Paul Subterranean Park, where you’ll experience an 8-km paddle boat ride in an underground river that takes you through a bat-filled cavern of fluted columns and pipe walls.
The paddle boats are guided by professional English-speaking guides who will describe this natural wonder and provide electric torches to illuminate the stunning rock formations. Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant before returning to your hotel.
Day 5 - Scenic Drive to El Nido
Puerto Princesa - El Nido. After breakfast, journey farther north toward El Nido, a town surrounded by spectacular landscapes and seascapes.
After approximately 5 hours of land travel, arrive in El Nido. Check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure — you may relax at your hotel and enjoy its amenities.
Day 6 - El Nido Island-Hopping Experience
After breakfast, transfer to El Nido wharf for a day of island hopping. Visit and enjoy several islands and lagoons, including Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, Payong-Payong, and Seven Commandos. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and a barbecue lunch.
Day 7 - Relax & Explore El Nido at Leisure
Breakfast at the resort. Enjoy the day at leisure — walk around the town, explore its culture, or sample delicious local food and drinks.
Day 8 - Farewell Philippines
El Nido - Manila. After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to Manila. Upon arrival, connect to your onward flight home.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Prices & Dates
'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.
Can't find a date that works for you?
Dates for 2027 haven't been released yet.
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