YOUTH TOUR (FOR AGES 18 - 45): Join this 10-day tour of the Philippines, where you’ll explore the stunning beauty of Palawan. Begin by discovering the UNESCO Underground River, then relax in the tranquil surroundings of Port Barton with island hopping, snorkelling, and a visit to local schools. Experience the unique island lifestyle with a private beach camp and more snorkelling adventures. Continue your journey to El Nido, known for its breathtaking landscapes, where you'll dive into Filipino culture through exciting activities, including cooking, traditional games, and coconut tree climbing. End with a memorable island-hopping excursion and a canopy walk offering panoramic views of El Nido.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Arrival in Manila
Upon your arrival in Manila, you’ll be met at the airport and transported through the bustling streets to our boutique hostel in the heart of the city. Once you’ve settled into your accommodation, we will join the group in the evening on our rooftop terrace for a welcoming dinner. Here, we can enjoy a selection of local dishes and a few drinks while soaking in the stunning views of the Manila skyline and vibrant city atmosphere.
Overnight: Manila | Dinner
Off to Palawan
Manila - Puerto Princesa. After a leisurely breakfast, we’re off to Palawan! We’ll catch a short flight to Puerto Princesa, the charming gateway to this island paradise. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to relax - take a refreshing swim in the pool, indulge in a soothing massage, or simply unwind in the serene surroundings. In the evening, we’ll gather for dinner (not included) at a local restaurant, where you can savour regional specialties while soaking in the relaxed coastal ambiance of this delightful city.
Overnight: Puerto Princesa | Breakfast
Underground River & Port Barton
Puerto Princesa - Port Barton. We begin our day with an early visit to the UNESCO-designated Underground River, where we’ll explore a section of this natural wonder by boat. After our adventure, we’ll pause for a lunch before setting out on a picturesque drive to the serene and secluded Port Barton.
Upon arrival, you can choose to relax on golden sands with a fresh coconut in hand, soaking in the laid-back island vibe and reggae tunes drifting through the air or alternatively you can opt to have a massage in the evening, we’ll settle into traditional Filipino-style beach bungalows, where the soothing sounds of the ocean will lull us to sleep.
Overnight: Port Barton | Breakfast, Lunch
Island Exploration
We’ll immerse ourselves in the local island lifestyle for the next two days with our Islander Experience. After breakfast, we’ll join our local guides on a boat to explore the stunning islands around Port Barton.
Our first stop is a visit to one of four local schools, where we’ll connect with students and see the impact of our support. Guests are encouraged to bring school supplies, which can be pre-purchased or bought the day before in Puerto Princesa. Monetary donations are also welcome and go toward projects like building kitchens, and canteens, or providing sports equipment. If the school is on break or it’s a weekend, we’ll visit the local daycare center instead.
In the evening, we’ll gather around a fire at our private beach camp. Our guides will prepare a feast of grilled fish, pork, rice, vegetables, and fruit. At night, we’ll sleep in tents on the beach, enjoying the serenity of paradise.
Please note: The school visit may take place on day 4 or 5.
Overnight: Beach Camp | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Island Hopping & Waterfall Adventures
Today marks the second day of our island-hopping adventure. We’ll continue snorkelling around vibrant coral reefs and swimming alongside sea turtles, discovering the underwater wonders of this tropical paradise.
In addition to exploring the reefs, we’ll shower in jungle waterfalls, visit secluded islands, and take time to simply soak in the magic of the surroundings.
Please note: Activities on day 4 and 5 may alternate depending on each departure.
Overnight: Port Barton | Breakfast, Lunch
Journey to El Nido
Port Barton - El Nido. After breakfast, you can take a moment to soak in the beauty of our surroundings before jumping into a van for the journey to El Nido. Upon arrival, it’s easy to see why Palawan is celebrated as the most beautiful island in the world. Surrounded by islands and dramatic cliffs, El Nido is a hidden paradise waiting to be explored.
Once we’ve taken in the breathtaking views, we’ll check into the trendiest hostel in Palawan, a place that feels more like a boutique hotel than a typical backpacker spot. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a massage or help the local community with a beach clean-up. After, we’ll gather at our favourite beachside restaurant for an evening filled with delicious food, great company, and the relaxed charm of this coastal haven.
Overnight: El Nido | Breakfast
Filipino Cultural Day
Today, prepare to dive into the rich and diverse Filipino culture! We’ll begin with a brief hike through the jungle to explore the lush rainforest, home to a wide variety of plants and animals. Our destination is a secluded jungle hut, where a day full of exciting activities awaits.
You’ll have the opportunity to cook authentic Filipino dishes, climb coconut trees, try traditional Filipino stick fighting, shave coconuts, learn Filipino dances and children's games, weave with coconut leaves, and more. Afterward, you can choose to experience an exhilarating zipline adventure, soaring between two islands above the ocean, before unwinding at the stunning Las Cabanas Beach. It’s an unforgettable combination of adventure and relaxation!
Overnight: El Nido | Breakfast, Lunch
El Nido Island Hopping
This morning, we’ll board our boat to explore the stunning, tiny islands scattered throughout the bay. We’ll visit some of the most beautiful islands and experience the clearest, bluest waters imaginable.
Along the way, you’ll have the chance to snorkel and enjoy freshly prepared food on board. You can opt to join a zipline experience at an additional fee. It’s truly an experience of a lifetime, where adventure and natural beauty come together.
Overnight: El Nido | Breakfast, Lunch
Canopy Walk & Beach Relaxation
Today, we’ll take a brief canopy walk up to the renowned cliffs that offer stunning views of El Nido, the breathtaking bay, and Cadlao Island. After this invigorating activity, it’s time to relax.
We’ve arranged a traditional Filipino massage by the beach to soothe your muscles. Take the rest of the day at your own pace to unwind and appreciate the beauty of your surroundings. You can choose to add an additional island-hopping day, go scuba diving, try a boxing class, or take a surfing lesson to make the most of your time in this tropical paradise.
Overnight: El Nido | Breakfast, Dinner
Departure from El Nido or Puerto Princesa
El Nido - Puerto Princesa. Today after breakfast, you'll have a private van transfer back to Puerto Princesa. The van will depart from the hostel at 7 AM.
Please ensure your flight from Puerto Princesa is booked for after 3 PM to allow enough time for the transfer. Alternatively, you can book a flight from El Nido’s small airport on the Air Swift website. While slightly more expensive, this option lets you skip the return trip to Puerto Princesa.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 6 travellers. 'Dorm' prices are per person and include all accommodation in a mix of twin, triple and multi-share dorm rooms, shared with other travellers. 'Twin/Double' prices apply when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of their own room.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Z Hostel, Manila
Located in the vibrant Poblacion district, this lively hostel is surrounded by shops and bars, situated 4 km from the science-themed exhibits at The Mind Museum, 45 km from Masungi Georeserve, and 9 km from Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The streamlined dormitories, available in 4-, 6-, and 8-bed mixed or female-only options, feature bunk beds, Wi-Fi, lockers, and shared bathrooms. Amenities include a rooftop bar, a 24/7 café hosting regular live music, and a relaxed lobby lounge with shared computers.
Canvas Boutique Hotel, Puerto Princesa
Set on a leafy street in a bustling commercial area, this artistic hotel is located 1 km from the Palawan Heritage Centre, 2 km from Kalayaan Beach, and 3 km from the nearest ferry terminal. The bright, mural-adorned rooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, minifridges, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Amenities include a trendy restaurant with a custom-painted dining table, an outdoor pool, guest-use iMacs, and meeting spaces.
Elsa's Cottage & Restaurant, Port Barton
Located 200 metres from Port Barton Beach and 2.1 km from Pamuayan Beach in the Port Barton district of San Vicente, Elsa's Beach House Cottages and Restaurant is a 2-star hotel offering air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms. Each room features a desk and a terrace with sea views. Guests can enjoy a freshly prepared à la carte breakfast during their stay.
Spin Designer Hostel, El Nido
Set amidst tropical gardens on the outskirts of town, this laid-back hostel is 5 km from El Nido Airport and a 4-minute walk from the town's beach, dive centre, and restaurants. Straightforward mixed and female-only dormitories feature bunk beds, shared bathrooms, lockers, and include linens, towels, and Wi-Fi access. Amenities include a shared kitchen, garden, communal lounge areas, and a rooftop deck that hosts regular BBQs and live music. A guest laundry facility is also available.