Philippines Palawan Island Getaway
Tour Description
Day 1: Manila
Be mesmerised by the nature and people of the Philippines on this eight-day adventure from Manila to Palawan. Explore one of the greenest cities in the country, trek to the Batak tribe to meet some locals, stroll white-sand beaches and island hop around El Nido. Snorkel in the sapphire waters, discover the limestone caves of Sabang and see fireflies dancing at dusk at the Iwahig River. With plenty of free time to travel your own way, this is a beach getaway abounding with natural beauty, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.
Itinerary
Day 1: Manila
Maligayang pagdating! Welcome to Manila, Philippines. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. If you arrive early, Manila is an intriguing city with surprises around every corner. Packed full of things to see, do, taste and experience, you might like to head out and take a self-guided walking tour. After your meeting, perhaps head out with the group in the evening to sample foods like lechon (whole roasted pig) and longganisa (Philippine sausage).
Day 2: Puerto Princesa
In the morning, take the short flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa. When you arrive, you’ll instantly see the slower pace of this island compared to the busy capital. Puerto, as the locals call it, is the capital of Palawan and has been internationally recognised as the cleanest and greenest of all cities in the Philippines. Head onto a local community eco farm where you’ll get to learn how local snacks are prepared with herbs and spices, and enjoy a delicious farm-to-table lunch. Later, travel out of Puerto Princesa to the Iwahig River, where you’ll see fireflies glowing among the mangroves by the river. It’s a truly magical experience and the perfect way to spend an evening.
Day 3: San Rafael Beach
Head out this morning in a private minivan and drive to Sabang. Sabang is most famous for its Subterranean River that’s 8 km in length and passes through a limestone cave that opens onto the ocean. Jump into a boat with a local guide and explore this great cave complex. After lunch, you may want to embark on an optional mangrove boat trip which gets you into the heart of the thick mangrove forests. You’ll travel in small traditional boats down the river with plenty of opportunity for wildlife spotting. Tonight, drive to your private beach for the next two nights.
Day 4: San Rafael Beach
This morning you meet up with your local guide who’ll be walking with the group to meet the Batak Tribe – one of about 70 indigenous communities of the Philippines. If you’re lucky enough to be there in the right season, you may be able to eat the fruit directly from the cashew trees. After finishing the hike, drive back to the beach chalets in San Rafael Beach. There’s plenty of free time for a swim or to read a good book and relax into the evening.
Day 5: El Nido
Say farewell to San Rafael Beach today and travel to El Nido in a private minivan. With a backdrop of marble cliffs and white sandy beaches, El Nido is the base for many island adventures. There are over 50 beaches to discover that are all accessible by the boats docked. It’s easy to pick an isolated beach, book a local boat, pack some food and drinks and head out on your own adventure. The afternoon is free for you to wander around town, have a drink at one of the many beachside restaurants, do a spot of shopping or count how many different coloured tricycles you can spot on the streets.
Day 6: El Nido
This morning, head off on a full-day snorkelling trip, island hopping off El Nido. Pass by jagged limestone islands, rocky coves, virgin rainforest and white sandy beaches. The snorkelling is just as spectacular, with beautiful coral and many different species of colourful fish. After an included lunch, venture out on various trips to lagoons throughout the afternoon. Your evening is then free to do as you wish.
Day 7: El Nido
You’ll have plenty of free time today in El Nido for beach activities. If you feel like some more adventure, maybe hire a kayak from El Nido town or jump on a boat out to one of the lagoons. You’ll kayak on turquoise waters and lagoons with dramatic cliffs, surrounded by a plethora of tropical fish. If you want to see a picture-perfect beach, take an optional trip to Nacpan Beach. White sand and lined with palm trees, this is another beach in paradise and worth the drive out of town. Your leader can help you organise transport here if you are interested. Otherwise, hire a bike and get pedalling around El Nido town.
Day 8: El Nido
With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave the accommodation at any time. This doesn’t mean your Philippines adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to spend more time in El Nido, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Departure Dates
| Start Date | End Date | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 23, 2025 | Nov 30, 2025 | $3,990.00 | |
| Nov 27, 2025 | Dec 4, 2025 | $3,895.00 | |
| Nov 30, 2025 | Dec 7, 2025 | $2,924.00 | |
| Dec 4, 2025 | Dec 11, 2025 | $3,520.00 | |
| Dec 7, 2025 | Dec 14, 2025 | $3,500.00 | |
| Dec 11, 2025 | Dec 18, 2025 | $3,995.00 | |
| Dec 14, 2025 | Dec 21, 2025 | $3,595.00 | |
| Dec 18, 2025 | Dec 25, 2025 | $3,725.00 | |
| Dec 21, 2025 | Dec 28, 2025 | $4,060.00 | |
| Dec 28, 2025 | Jan 4, 2026 | $4,590.00 | |
| Jan 1, 2026 | Jan 8, 2026 | $4,630.00 | |
| Jan 4, 2026 | Jan 11, 2026 | $4,630.00 | |
| Jan 8, 2026 | Jan 15, 2026 | $3,695.00 | |
| Jan 15, 2026 | Jan 22, 2026 | $4,295.00 | |
| Jan 18, 2026 | Jan 25, 2026 | $3,695.00 | |
| Jan 22, 2026 | Jan 29, 2026 | $3,695.00 | |
| Jan 29, 2026 | Feb 5, 2026 | $3,790.00 | |
| Feb 5, 2026 | Feb 12, 2026 | $3,695.00 | |
| Feb 8, 2026 | Feb 15, 2026 | $3,780.00 | |
| Feb 12, 2026 | Feb 19, 2026 | $3,780.00 | |
| Feb 19, 2026 | Feb 26, 2026 | $3,955.00 | |
| Feb 26, 2026 | Mar 5, 2026 | $3,780.00 | |
| Mar 5, 2026 | Mar 12, 2026 | $3,595.00 | |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Mar 19, 2026 | $3,755.00 | |
| Mar 19, 2026 | Mar 26, 2026 | $3,595.00 | |
| Mar 26, 2026 | Apr 2, 2026 | $3,595.00 | |
| Apr 2, 2026 | Apr 9, 2026 | $3,840.00 | |
| Apr 9, 2026 | Apr 16, 2026 | $3,495.00 | |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Apr 23, 2026 | $3,495.00 | |
| Apr 23, 2026 | Apr 30, 2026 | $3,495.00 | |
| Apr 30, 2026 | May 7, 2026 | $3,495.00 | |
| May 7, 2026 | May 14, 2026 | $3,495.00 | |
| Nov 22, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | $3,495.00 | |
| Nov 26, 2026 | Dec 3, 2026 | $3,495.00 | |
| Nov 29, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | $3,495.00 | |
| Dec 3, 2026 | Dec 10, 2026 | $3,495.00 | |
| Dec 6, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | $3,495.00 | |
| Dec 10, 2026 | Dec 17, 2026 | $3,495.00 | |
| Dec 17, 2026 | Dec 24, 2026 | $3,865.00 | |
| Dec 20, 2026 | Dec 27, 2026 | $3,955.00 | |
| Dec 24, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | $3,955.00 | |
| Dec 27, 2026 | Jan 3, 2027 | $3,955.00 | |
| Dec 31, 2026 | Jan 7, 2027 | $3,955.00 | |
| Jan 3, 2027 | Jan 10, 2027 | $4,150.00 | |
| Jan 7, 2027 | Jan 14, 2027 | $3,890.00 | |
| Jan 14, 2027 | Jan 21, 2027 | $3,890.00 | |
| Jan 21, 2027 | Jan 28, 2027 | $3,890.00 | |
| Jan 28, 2027 | Feb 4, 2027 | $3,890.00 | |
| Feb 4, 2027 | Feb 11, 2027 | $3,890.00 | |
| Feb 7, 2027 | Feb 14, 2027 | $3,890.00 | |
| Feb 11, 2027 | Feb 18, 2027 | $3,890.00 | |
| Feb 18, 2027 | Feb 25, 2027 | $4,150.00 | |
| Feb 25, 2027 | Mar 4, 2027 | $3,890.00 | |
| Mar 4, 2027 | Mar 11, 2027 | $3,780.00 | |
| Mar 11, 2027 | Mar 18, 2027 | $3,780.00 | |
| Mar 18, 2027 | Mar 25, 2027 | $3,780.00 | |
| Mar 25, 2027 | Apr 1, 2027 | $3,780.00 | |
| Apr 1, 2027 | Apr 8, 2027 | $4,030.00 | |
| Apr 8, 2027 | Apr 15, 2027 | $3,780.00 | |
| Apr 15, 2027 | Apr 22, 2027 | $3,670.00 | |
| Apr 22, 2027 | Apr 29, 2027 | $3,670.00 | |
| Apr 29, 2027 | May 6, 2027 | $3,670.00 | |
| May 6, 2027 | May 13, 2027 | $3,670.00 | |
| Nov 25, 2027 | Dec 2, 2027 | $3,670.00 | |
| Nov 28, 2027 | Dec 5, 2027 | $3,670.00 | |
| Dec 2, 2027 | Dec 9, 2027 | $3,670.00 | |
| Dec 9, 2027 | Dec 16, 2027 | $3,670.00 | |
| Dec 16, 2027 | Dec 23, 2027 | $4,030.00 | |
| Dec 19, 2027 | Dec 26, 2027 | $4,150.00 | |
| Dec 23, 2027 | Dec 30, 2027 | $4,150.00 | |
| Dec 26, 2027 | Jan 2, 2028 | $4,150.00 | |
| Dec 30, 2027 | Jan 6, 2028 | $4,150.00 |