Palawan: 5-Day Puerto Princesa & El Nido Package Tour

Palawan: 5-Day Puerto Princesa & El Nido Package Tour
Location: Palawan, Philippines
Country: Philippines
Rating: 2.9/5 (17 reviews)
Price: $183 per person
Supplier: Corazon Travel & Tours

A quick overview of what this tour offers
This five-day, four-night package takes you through some of Palawan’s most famous sights: Puerto Princesa’s UNESCO-listed Underground River and the stunning islands of El Nido. For just under $200, you get a mix of guided tours, island hopping, and visits to hidden lagoons, beaches, and caves — all with some pre-arranged transportation and entry fees included.

Two things we like: First, the expert guides and well-planned itinerary promise to show you the highlights efficiently, saving you some planning time. Second, the stunning natural scenery, from limestone cliffs and lagoons in El Nido to the underground river, makes this a visually memorable experience.

A potential consideration is the quality of organization and communication, which several reviews suggest can be inconsistent. Some travelers found logistics and responsiveness lacking, which could impact your comfort and experience.

This tour is best suited for travelers who are okay with shared transport and are eager to see the highlights with a sense of adventure — but maybe not for those expecting a seamless, luxury experience.

Key Points

• Value for Money: At around $183, this package offers a broad overview of Palawan’s top sights, though some reviews express concerns about the organization.
• Highlights: Includes Puerto Princesa’s UNESCO Underground River and two popular El Nido island hopping tours showcasing lagoons, beaches, and secret coves.
• Logistics: All transportation, entrance fees, and some equipment rentals (snorkels, kayak) are included, making it easier to focus on the fun.
• Experience Level: Suitable for those willing to share transport and tolerate some unpredictability, with a focus on natural beauty over luxury.
• Tour Quality: Guides are described as knowledgeable, but overall organization and responsiveness vary, affecting some travelers’ comfort.
• Best For: Adventurous travelers eager to see Palawan’s highlights without fuss, but who are prepared for the challenges of group tours and variable logistics.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Day 1: Arrival in Puerto Princesa

Your journey begins in the vibrant capital of Palawan, where a smooth airport transfer sets the tone. You’ll settle into your accommodation, which can be booked as part of the package. Puerto Princesa itself is worth a quick stroll — the Baywalk offers a relaxed introduction to island life, and the local night market is a great place to sample Filipino delicacies.

What you’ll love:
– The ease of getting from airport to hotel, cutting down on stress.
– The chance to see a bit of local life early on, setting the mood for the trip.

One thing to consider:
– Your day here is mostly free, so if you’re arriving late, plan to rest up for the days ahead.

Day 2: Puerto Princesa Underground River

The highlight of the trip for many is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Puerto Princesa Underground River. You’ll venture deep into a limestone cave system, marveling at stalactites and stalagmites, with chances to spot wildlife in the surrounding lush jungle.

Authentic tip: Bring all your bags with you, as after the tour, your guide takes you to Salvacion Junction for transfer to El Nido. Expect a long transfer with a brief stop for snacks or dinner.

What travelers appreciate:
– The awe-inspiring natural wonder of the underground river.
– The opportunity to learn from knowledgeable guides who explain the geological features.

A drawback some mention:
– The logistics of the transfer can feel rushed or disorganized, with some travelers noting a lack of communication. One reviewer described being dehydrated and salty after a boat and van ride with little time to freshen up.

Day 3: El Nido Island Hopping Tour A – Lagoons & Beaches

Waking up in El Nido, you’ll be greeted by towering limestone cliffs framing the sky. The Tour A is the most popular, taking you to the Big Lagoon, where the water’s impossibly clear, and limestone formations rise from the water like sculptures. You’ll spend time on Seven Commandos Beach, perfect for relaxing or snorkeling.

What’s special:
– The scenery feels otherworldly, with massive cliffs and tranquil waters.
– Snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.

Authentic insight: Many travelers find the guides to be knowledgeable and friendly, enhancing the experience. “The island hopping in El Nido was great with good guides,” one reviewer said.

Be aware:
– The day is quite full, and the boat rides can be bumpy or crowded — so pack accordingly.

More Great Tours Nearby

Day 4: El Nido Island Hopping Tour C – Hidden Beaches & Coves

This day takes you to less-accessible spots, including Secret Beach — a tiny cove only reachable through a small cliff opening. Hidden Beach offers a secluded shore framed by limestone cliffs, making it perfect for solitude. Helicopter Island, known for its panoramic views and relaxed vibe, caps off the day.

Why you’ll love it:
– The chance to see some of Palawan’s most secluded and photogenic sites.
– The thrill of accessing secret spots that feel like a private paradise.

Caution:
– Several reviews mention chaotic organization, with some guests feeling left to find their own way after tours or dropped at distant bus terminals.

Day 5: Return to Puerto Princesa and Departure

The last day involves heading back to Puerto Princesa, giving you a final chance to enjoy the scenic views and reflect on your trip. The transfer is organized, but some reviews highlight delays and logistical hiccups toward the end.

On your mind:
– Use this time to rest or explore any missed sights in Puerto Princesa before heading home.

What You’ll Actually Experience

Transportation & Logistics
The tour includes airport transfers, hotel pickups, and transfers between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, all of which are shared. Vehicle rides can be lengthy — the transfer from Puerto Princesa to El Nido takes around six hours, often with multiple stops. The van rides are described as cramped and sometimes bumpy, so bring snacks, water, and patience.

Guides & Equipment
Guides are generally knowledgeable, with some reviewers praising their friendliness and expertise. Equipment like snorkel sets and kayaks are included, which adds value for those eager to explore underwater or paddle around calm lagoons. The audio tour device helps follow the tour, but reliability and clarity aren’t detailed.

Entrances & Fees
All major fees — parks, lagoons, environmental, and entry fees — are covered, simplifying budgeting. This is especially helpful given how many sites are involved.

Meals & Accommodation
Breakfast is included only if you book accommodation, but lunch is generally provided during tours. Dinners are not included, so plan accordingly. Accommodation options are private rooms, but availability depends on your group size, with maximum three people sharing.

Reviews & Authentic Experiences
While some travelers rave about the spectacular scenery and friendly guides, many express frustration with poor organization. “All it was, was a middle-managed tour that rushed my whole experience,” one calls out, highlighting the risk of feeling hurried or lost in the logistics. Others mention delays, poor communication, or feeling left to manage themselves after tours.

Cost & Value
At $183, this package offers access to key sites, which might seem reasonable for the breadth of sights. However, some reviews suggest it’s overpriced considering the organizational issues and variable quality. The included activities and entry fees do add up, but the overall experience can depend heavily on the guides and local staff handling logistics.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This package suits travelers who are adventurous, flexible, and eager to see Palawan’s top sights without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. If you’re okay with shared transport, some irregularities in schedule, and want a guide to introduce you to the main highlights, this could be a good choice. However, if you value seamless organization and detailed communication, you might prefer to book individual tours or higher-rated providers.

It’s also better suited for those prepared for possible delays or disorganization, as indicated by multiple reviews. If you’re traveling with family or on a tight schedule, the unpredictability might be a challenge.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a solid entry point into Palawan’s most famous sights, especially if you’re on a budget. The stunning scenery at lagoons, beaches, and caves is undeniably worth experiencing, and the guides’ local knowledge can enrich your visit. The inclusion of park fees and activities helps streamline your experience, making it easier to focus on the views rather than the logistics.

However, the mixed reviews about organization, responsiveness, and logistics mean you should enter with realistic expectations. It’s best for travelers who enjoy a bit of adventure and are willing to handle some chaos in exchange for access to Palawan’s most iconic sites.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for a low-cost, group-oriented tour that covers the main highlights and don’t mind some unpredictability, this could be a worthwhile choice. For those craving a more polished experience or personalized service, exploring local guides directly or considering higher-rated options might be better — but prepare for a higher price tag.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?
Infants (0-2 years) are free if they share beds with parents, but accommodations depend on availability. Children (3-6 years) pay 50%, sharing with parents, and infants sit on laps during tours.

Can I book this tour without accommodation?
Yes, you can opt for just the tours and transportation, but breakfast and hotel amenities would not be included. The tour operates on a shared basis, so expect some variability.

What should I bring for the tours?
Bring comfortable shoes, change of clothes, towels, sunscreen, waterproof bags, personal medications, cash, and clothes that can get dirty. Be prepared for boat rides and outdoor activities.

Are the tours canceled often due to weather?
Yes, some reviews mention cancellations, especially for the Underground River, which may occur monthly. It’s worth knowing that refunds are only possible for canceled activities.

Is this tour a good value for the price?
For the included sites, activities, and fees, it’s fairly priced, but some travelers feel the organization issues detract from the overall value. Carefully consider your patience with logistics.

How flexible is the schedule?
The schedule is pre-planned and shared, with some waiting times and delays possible. If you prefer a highly flexible or private experience, this might not be ideal.

In summary, this 5-day Palawan tour delivers access to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Philippines. It’s a good choice if you’re on a budget, open to group travel, and eager to maximize your sightseeing with guides who know the area. Just go in with the understanding that logistics and organization might not be flawless, and be ready to adapt — and you’ll likely come away with some incredible memories of Palawan’s natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: