Pristine Palawan

Travelers begin this luxurious trip in the Philippines capital, with a tour of historic Intramuros, Fort Santiago, Rizal Park and Makati City. From 16th-century architectural relics to the modern business hub of Makati, Manila is a city with myriad faces and we have the entire day to explore a few of them. As part of the day’s activities, we enjoy an authentic Filipino meal in a local restaurant before retreating for the night to a five-star hotel.

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Puerto Princesa.

Upon arrival, enjoy an introduction to the city with visits to key cultural and historical sites. Begin at the Palawan Museum in Mendoza Park, followed by Plaza Cuartel and the nearby Immaculate Conception Cathedral. Continue to the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, known for its open, community-based approach, before concluding with a visit to a local brewery to sample craft beers.

As evening approaches, head to Puerto Princesa Baywalk to take in views of the waterfront at dusk. Board a motorized boat for a cruise across the bay, then continue into a quiet mangrove-lined estuary by smaller boat. Here, observe fireflies illuminating the trees in a magical natural display while your guide shares insight into the local ecosystem.

After the excursion, transfer to your resort for check-in.

Today is all about adventure. You’ll start by embarking on a river cruise through Palawan’s famous subterranean caves. This unforgettable tour showcases one of the Philippines’ most amazing national treasures. After that, it’s a hike up 150-meter high Ugong Rock with knowledgeable guides. This 23-million-year-old limestone karst formation is riddled with natural caves, and once you reach the summit, you can zipline down to your starting point. At night, recuperate at Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort.

Today it’s off to the tropical paradise of El Nido. This small, protected coastal municipality boasts teeming corals and crystal clear waters. The town proper features a long crescent beach with tall karst formations and a small village center. Offshore, a protected marine zone harbors a vast array of tropical fish species and corals, with diving a main attraction of the area. Check into your overwater bungalow at El Nido Resort.

To experience some of the world’s best snorkeling, we head out to Imorigue Island in Shark Fin Bay. Snorkel amongst the coral reefs there and watch hundreds of different fish species in their natural habitat. After that, paddle through some of Palawan’s largest mangrove network on kayak and see snakes, birdlife and monkeys. 

There is more to explore in the waters around Taytay, and today you will set out on a half-day private boat excursion to nearby reefs. After a leisurely gourmet breakfast in the resort gardens, cruise across clear turquoise waters to Nabat Island for snorkeling, followed by Lopez Reef, where you may spot marine life such as whales and seals.

After returning to the resort, the remainder of the day is at leisure. This evening, enjoy your final night in this serene coastal setting.

Pack your bags for Bacuit Bay, where the house reef sets the scene for the day’s snorkeling adventures. The luxurious El Nido resort hideaway is your home for two nights. Located on Pangulasian Island - the “Island of the Sun” - its spacious villas offer breathtaking forest and beach views. Pangulasian Island Resort offers various romantic settings for dinner, plus a wide range of imported wines.

Today, set out on a half-day private boat excursion to explore the highlights of Bacuit Bay. Cruise to the iconic Big Lagoon, where you can paddle across calm, shallow waters and snorkel over vibrant coral gardens. Continue to the serene Small Lagoon, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, for a refreshing swim in its striking turquoise waters.

During the excursion, enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch on a secluded island before returning to Pangulasian Island Resort. The remainder of the day is at leisure, followed by an intimate evening with dinner on the beach or near the lagoons.

The itinerary today involves more island-hopping around the still, clear waters of El Nido. Visit Pinisil Island and explore the shallow reefs, full of a diverse array of fish and corals. After that, you’ll be transported to the other end of the island to a semi-collapsed cave you can enter by kayak. On nearby Lagen Island you can take a hike through forested limestone mountains before breaking for lunch. After lunch, snorkel around Lagen Island’s corals and caves, alongside soaring limestone cliffs before returning to Pangulasian Island Resort for the final nights of your Palawan adventure.

The waters surrounding Pangulasian Island are home to more than 20 different dive sites teeming with marine life, and as an option, you can spend the final few days of your stay here joining dive expeditions from the five-star PADI diving center at the resort.

Onshore, enjoy a guided hiking experience through the island’s forests and cave systems, offering insight into its natural landscape and biodiversity. To unwind before returning to Manila, the resort’s spa also offers traditional Filipino hilot massage, providing a relaxing conclusion to your stay.

Take a final dip before your speedboat and plane ride back to Manila.