Perfect Palawan

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.

Please note: This tour stays in a mixture of hotels and hostels and is designed for younger travellers looking for a backpacker-style experience and to meet like-minded people. The average age on this tour is around 21 - 35, and we are unfortunately unable to take any travellers over the age of 45. We have lots of group tours across our destinations that are suitable for travellers of all ages, browse our website or get in touch to find the perfect trip!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.