5D4N Puerto Princesa & El Nido Experience

Experience the Best of Palawan in 5 Days

This 5D4N Puerto Princesa & El Nido Experience offers a fantastic way to see some of Palawan’s most iconic sights without the hassle of planning each leg of your journey. For $299 per person, you’ll explore UNESCO-listed underground rivers, visit secluded lagoons, relax on white-sand beaches, and enjoy two well-organized island-hopping tours. The trip covers Puerto Princesa and El Nido, two of the most celebrated destinations in the Philippines, with everything from transfers to most meals included.

What we love most about this tour is the small group size, which means more personalized attention from your guide and fewer crowds. Plus, the carefully curated itinerary balances natural wonders with relaxed beach time, giving you a well-rounded taste of Palawan’s beauty. On the flip side, a potential drawback is the long transfer day—about 6 hours from El Nido back to Puerto Princesa—which might not suit travelers looking for a more leisurely pace.

This experience works best for adventurous travelers who appreciate authentic scenery and want a rundown in a manageable format. If you’re seeking a tour that combines guided sightseeing with ample time to simply enjoy nature’s splendor, this could be your ideal match.

Key Points

• Includes hotel pickup, transfers, most meals, and entrance fees for a hassle-free experience.
• Two island-hopping tours provide access to lagoons, beaches, and hidden spots.
• Small group size ensures more interaction and personalized guidance.
• Long travel days may be tiring but allow for extensive exploration.
• Authentic and scenic stops like the Underground River and Hidden Beach.
• Crowd management varies depending on the day and location.

A Deep Dive into the 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Puerto Princesa

Your journey begins with a pickup at Puerto Princesa Airport, where a friendly representative from Corazon Travel and Tours will meet you and whisk you to your hotel. The first night is about settling in and getting ready for the adventures ahead, with no active sightseeing on the first day, so you can relax after your travels.

Day 2: From Puerto Princesa to El Nido, with a highlight at the Underground River

This day is packed with highlights. Your first stop is the Buenavista View Deck, offering a quick glance at Ulugan Bay—a perfect spot for snapping a few photos of the sprawling natural beauty. Next, the tour’s focal point: the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most impressive caves. Expect a 45-minute kayak trip into the cavern, with an audio guide enriching the experience by sharing insights about the cave’s formation and significance.

According to reviews, this part of the tour is a highlight for many. One traveler called it “the highlight of this day,” emphasizing how memorable the underground river is. The tour guides, like a friendly guide named Corazon, keep things engaging and informative, making the complex geological marvel accessible.

After the underground river, your guide will transfer you to El Nido. The journey takes about 6 hours, passing from urban Puerto Princesa into the rural, lush landscapes of Palawan. While the drive is long, it offers a great opportunity to see the changing scenery and prepare for the island adventures ahead.

Day 3: Island-hopping day in Bacuit Bay

This day is all about exploring some of El Nido’s most picturesque spots. You’ll start with the Big Lagoon, famous for its limestone cliffs and emerald waters. It’s a perfect setting for kayaking or just soaking in the view.

Next, the Secret Lagoon offers a more secluded experience—you’ll enter through a small cave, adding an element of adventure. Many travelers find this hidden gem worth the effort, as it feels like discovering a private paradise.

The afternoon includes visits to Simizu Island and Seven Commando Beach. The latter features a long stretch of sand and coconut trees, ideal for relaxing after a morning of boat rides. One reviewer fondly mentioned the beach’s story about WWII soldiers, which adds a touch of local lore to the experience.

Finally, Payong-Payong Beach on Miniloc Island provides a more casual environment for swimming and unwinding. Its calm, gentle waves are perfect for those wanting a laid-back afternoon.

Day 4: More island adventures with secluded beaches and iconic sights

The focus today shifts to more remote and spectacular locations. The Hidden Beach is a favorite among those seeking solitude, with its white sands and clear waters framed by rugged limestone cliffs. The raw, unspoiled appeal makes it a memorable stop.

Next, you’ll visit Matinloc Shrine, an abandoned religious site perched at the foot of towering cliffs. Its slightly eerie but fascinating atmosphere makes for great photos and a bit of quiet reflection. The views from here are exceptional, as one reviewer pointed out.

The Secret Lagoon returns as a second visit, offering a different perspective on its concealed beauty. The island’s limestone walls seem to guard this tiny paradise.

The day ends at Helicopter Island (Dilumacad Island), known for its distinctive shape. Its soft sand and inviting waters make it an excellent spot to relax and soak up the view.

Day 5: Return to Puerto Princesa

Your last day involves the long transfer back to Puerto Princesa. Expect about 6 hours on the road, so plan your departure accordingly. The tour concludes with a drop-off at the airport, leaving you with a treasure trove of memories from your Palawan adventure.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Insights

From the reviews, it’s clear that many travelers find the guides knowledgeable and the scenery stunning. One reviewer shared, “We loved the way the guides explained things, making the experience more meaningful,” highlighting the value of a good guide.

However, not all feedback is glowing. Some travelers experienced organization issues—late pickups and unclear instructions—emphasizing that logistics can sometimes be a hit or miss. One critic lamented, “The travel guide was not good, and we were left waiting without explanation,” which is a reminder that small hiccups can happen.

The value for money seems strong, especially considering the included entrance fees, meals, and transfers. Many appreciated the comprehensive itinerary and the chance to see diverse sights in just five days.

Transportation and Group Size

Most of the transport involves van transfers and boat trips, with small groups (max 20 people), which helps keep things intimate and manageable. The long road trips are unavoidable but are balanced with the reward of reaching some of the most beautiful spots in Palawan.

Meals and Accommodation

Most meals are included—breakfasts and lunches—saving you the hassle of finding food on the fly. Accommodation is arranged during your stay, with review comments suggesting a basic but comfortable setup, aligned with the tour’s budget-friendly price point.

Price and Value

At $299 per person, this tour offers good value, considering the included activities, entrance fees, meals, and transfers. It’s a straightforward way to experience Palawan without the stress of booking each component separately. While some reviews mention organizational flaws, many still felt it was a worthwhile investment for the scenery and guided expertise.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits adventurers eager to see Palawan’s top sights without the hassle of detailed planning. It’s also well-suited for families or small groups who want a guided, all-in-one package. However, those sensitive to long travel days or who prefer more luxury might want to consider other options.

Final Thoughts

The 5D4N Puerto Princesa & El Nido Experience delivers a practical, well-rounded glimpse into Palawan’s natural wonders. From the impressive underground river to the secluded lagoons and pristine beaches, it’s designed to showcase the island’s most memorable sights in a manageable timeframe.

While logistical hiccups are possible, the value, scenic beauty, and guided explanations make this tour a solid choice for travelers who want an authentic, inclusive adventure. If you love stunning landscapes and don’t mind a bit of travel time, this is a route to consider.

This tour offers a balance of adventure and relaxation, perfect for those who want to see Palawan’s highlights without the stress of organizing each detail themselves. Expect incredible views, knowledgeable guides, and a chance to make some unforgettable memories.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, simplifying your logistics and making sure you start your adventure smoothly.

Are most meals covered?
Most breakfasts and three lunches are included, which helps keep costs predictable and saves time figuring out where to eat.

How long is the transfer from El Nido to Puerto Princesa?
It takes about 6 hours by van, so be prepared for a long but scenic journey back to the city.

What kind of group size should I expect?
The tour caps at 20 travelers, providing a more intimate experience and better interaction with guides.

What are the main highlights?
Expect visits to the Puerto Princesa Underground River, lagoons, beaches, hidden island sites, and famous spots like Helicopter Island.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, it can be suitable for families who enjoy guided tours and island adventures, but consider the long travel days and physical activity involved.

What’s the main downside according to reviews?
Some travelers experienced organizational issues such as late pickups or lack of explanations, so patience and flexibility are advisable.

To sum it up, this Puerto Princesa & El Nido tour provides a well-structured, scenic, and accessible way to experience Palawan’s best features. It’s a good pick for those seeking a guided, all-inclusive adventure that balances natural beauty with manageable logistics.