Puerto Princesa stands out as a top destination for travelers looking to combine natural beauty with easy access to memorable island adventures and vibrant city life. Its proximity to some of the Philippines’ most stunning islands makes it especially appealing for short trips. Whether you’re eager to explore El Nido’s dramatic limestone formations or prefer a budget-friendly city escape, Puerto Princesa offers a variety of 3-day tour options. Among our favorites is the 3D2N El Nido Experience, which provides a full taste of island-hopping and scenic views that are hard to beat. This tour combines comfort with adventure, making it ideal for those seeking a quick but comprehensive getaway.
Another standout is the Puerto Princesa in 3 days: Tours with optional hotel rooms, which offers a well-rounded city and nature experience at a more affordable rate. For travelers wanting stress-free logistics, the 3d2n ELNIDO Package tour includes transport and guided island hopping, making your trip smooth from start to finish. Lastly, for those on a tighter budget looking to explore Puerto Princesa itself, the Puerto Princesa: 3D2N Backpacking in the City provides a flexible, budget-friendly way to see the sights, with optional activities to customize your stay.
1. 3D2N El Nido Experience
At number one, the 3D2N El Nido Experience offers a well-balanced mix of travel and adventure. Priced at $250 per person, it includes a comfortable transfer from Puerto Princesa and a full day exploring El Nido’s iconic limestone formations. The trip’s highlight is the island-hopping at Bacuit Bay, with stops like Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon, renowned for their towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters. This tour is perfect if you want to maximize your time and see El Nido’s top sights without hassle.
One thing that sets this tour apart is the organized transfer, which takes about six hours but includes stops for meals and rest. The next day features a guided island-hopping trip that’s both scenic and social — you’ll be sharing the boat with others and making new friends. The reviews are very positive, with a 5.0/5 rating, and travelers praise the friendly staff and smooth logistics. It’s a great choice for travelers who want a hassle-free, immersive experience in El Nido.
Bottom Line: If El Nido’s dramatic islands are on your must-see list and you prefer a guided tour that covers the essentials, this is a top pick. The price reflects the comfort and convenience, making it a worthwhile splurge.
2. Puerto Princesa in 3 days: Tours with optional hotel rooms
Next, the Puerto Princesa in 3 days offers a more budget-friendly option at just $103 per person. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a worry-free itinerary that includes the Underground River and Honda Bay excursions. It’s a well-structured plan that covers the city’s main attractions in half a day, with the remaining days dedicated to island hopping and exploring.
The tour includes two full-day activities with lunch provided — a big plus for those who prefer not to worry about meal planning. Its flexible schedule and optional hotel accommodation make it easy to tailor the experience to your interests and comfort level. The tour is rated 5/5 based on two reviews, with travelers appreciating the organized nature and good value for money. If your goal is to enjoy Puerto Princesa’s highlights without overspending, this is an excellent choice.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers on a budget wanting a comprehensive, flexible itinerary that hits the major sights and includes some free time for personal exploration.
3. 3d2n ELNIDO Package tour
Number three on our list is the 3d2n ELNIDO Package tour, offering a stress-free way to experience El Nido from Puerto Princesa. For $280 per person, this tour includes van transportation from Puerto Princesa to El Nido, two nights’ accommodation, and guided island hopping. It’s designed for travelers who want to avoid the hassle of planning each part of their trip.
The itinerary features visits to Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong Payong Island, and secret lagoons, allowing you to see the most renowned spots in El Nido’s archipelago. The boat trips are the highlight, offering incredible scenery and great photo opportunities. The convenience of having both transportation and guided tours bundled makes this option especially appealing. Guests describe the experience as “convenient” and “smooth,” with the included accommodation adding comfort after long days on the water.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a seamless, all-in-one package that focuses on the island-hopping experience without the logistics headache.
$280.00 per person
4. Puerto Princesa: 3D2N Backpacking in the City
Finally, for budget travelers or those who prefer flexibility, the Puerto Princesa: 3D2N Backpacking in the City offers an affordable, self-guided way to explore. Priced at only $41 per person, it provides centrally-located, clean rooms with the option to add activities or tours as your schedule allows.
This tour is perfect if you want to explore Puerto Princesa at your own pace, visiting local markets, parks, and cultural sites. It’s designed to give you freedom, with suggested activities that you can add on any day, including visits to the famous Underground River or city tours. Reviews mention the “spacious rooms” and “good value,” making this an attractive option for independent travelers who don’t mind planning their days.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those on a budget who value independence and want to customize their trip without committing to a fixed schedule.
$41 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect 3-Day Tour in Puerto Princesa
When selecting your tour, consider your budget, preferred pace, and interests. If you want a comprehensive island experience without worries, the 3D2N El Nido Experience offers excellent value with guided island-hopping. For a balanced mix of city and island sightseeing on a tighter budget, the Puerto Princesa in 3 days is hard to beat.
If seamless planning and transport are your priority, the 3d2n ELNIDO Package tour provides an all-in-one solution, especially suited to travelers who prefer not to handle logistics. Budget-conscious backpackers will find the Puerto Princesa: 3D2N Backpacking in the City perfect for customizing their stay while saving money.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons from December to April, to secure your preferred dates and avoid last-minute price hikes.
Final Thoughts
Puerto Princesa offers a diverse range of options for a 3-day escape. For those seeking an adventurous island trip, the 3D2N El Nido Experience shines with its direct access to El Nido’s stunning lagoons. Budget travelers will appreciate the flexible and affordable Puerto Princesa Backpacking Tour, while those wanting a hassle-free, guided experience should consider the El Nido Package.
No matter which you choose, Puerto Princesa’s mix of natural wonders and city life means your short trip will be packed with memorable moments. Be sure to book early, and most importantly, enjoy your time exploring this beautiful corner of the Philippines.