Palawan Highlights 4 Days Ultimate Getaway

Experience the Best of Palawan in Four Days

Imagine spending four days in some of the most breathtaking scenery the Philippines has to offer—limestone formations, crystal-clear waters, and lush jungles. This Palawan Highlights 4 Days Ultimate Getaway costs about $160 per person, making it an accessible and impressive way to see the highlights of Palawan from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. Designed for travelers eager to combine adventure and relaxation, this tour offers visits to iconic sites like the Puerto Princesa Underground River and several stunning island destinations in El Nido.

What we love most about this experience: first, the full immersion into Palawan’s natural beauty through carefully curated stops, and second, the smooth logistics that make traveling between these remote spots manageable and stress-free. The tour even includes lunch on multiple days, which adds convenience and value.

A potential consideration is that the tour involves quite a bit of travel—about five hours each way between Puerto Princesa and El Nido—so it’s best suited for those who enjoy long bus or van rides over scenic routes. If you’re after a more relaxed pace or are sensitive to long travel times, this might feel a little rushed. Nonetheless, for those looking for a comprehensive snapshot of Palawan’s best, this schedule packs a lot into four days.

This trip is perfect for adventurous travelers who want to see iconic landmarks without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. It suits those who appreciate diverse landscapes—from underground rivers to island lagoons—and aren’t afraid of spending some time on the road.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary: Combines nature wonders, island hopping, and scenic drives.
• Great value: At $160, the tour includes plenty of activities, some meals, and transportation.
• Well-organized logistics: Pickup, transfers, and guided tours are arranged to minimize stress.
• Authentic experiences: You get close-up views of UNESCO sites, lagoons, and beaches.
• Group size: Limited to 25 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.
• Travel considerations: Long transfers between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, so pack patience.

Exploring the Palawan Highlights 4 Days Ultimate Getaway

This tour hits the highlights—literally—so you can squeeze in the most iconic sights of Palawan in a manageable timeframe. We’ll walk through each day’s activities, giving you a vivid picture of what to expect and why these spots are worth the journey.

Day 1: The Marvel of the Puerto Princesa Underground River

Your adventure kicks off with a visit to the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a natural marvel. Known for its 8.2-kilometer navigable caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites, it’s a highlight that captures the imagination. The journey involves about 1.5 hours by van from Puerto Princesa Airport, followed by a 20-30 minute boat ride to the cave entrance.

From the moment you step onto the boat, you’re whisked into a world of natural artistry—breathtaking rock formations, shimmering water, and the sense of exploring an underground masterpiece. The tour ensures you see the most impressive sections, with admission included.

A review from Ricky_S, who initially hesitated about the logistics, emphasizes how smoothly the experience flows thanks to the tour’s arrangements: “A van picked me up directly from my hotel and took me to the Underground River.” This hassle-free transfer makes a big difference, especially if you’re unfamiliar with local transport options. The day wraps up around 3-4 pm, leaving you with an afternoon to relax or explore Puerto Princesa.

Day 2: The Long Road to El Nido

The second day is dedicated to the five-hour scenic drive from Puerto Princesa to El Nido via shared air-conditioned van. Travelers can choose their departure time between 6 am and 6 pm, offering flexibility depending on your preferences and previous day’s activities. The journey involves two stops, giving a chance to stretch legs and enjoy the landscape.

This long transfer might seem daunting, but the scenery along the way—lush greenery, mountains, and small villages—makes it a memorable part of the experience. It’s a chance to see how rural Palawan lives and relax before the island hopping adventures ahead.

Days 3 & 4: Island Hopping in El Nido

For the next two days, you’re immersed in El Nido’s stunning islands and lagoons. Each day’s tour involves about 7 hours of activity, with pick-up around 8:30-9 am and ending around 4 pm. Although no drop-off service to your accommodation is included after the tours, tricycles are readily available for a quick transfer back to your hotel.

On Day 3, Tour A features five beautiful spots:
– Big Lagoon (great for kayaking and marveling at towering limestone cliffs)
– Shimizu Island (ideal for swimming and snorkeling)
– Secret Lagoon (a hidden gem with calm waters)
– 7 Commando Beach (perfect for relaxing, beach games, and volleyball)
– Payong Payong Island (another peaceful swimming spot)

One guest, Ricky_S, highlights the appeal: “The tour made everything easier… and the views are stunning.” The day is packed with opportunities to swim, snorkel, and enjoy the scenery—expect crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral gardens, and impressive limestone formations.

Day 4 continues the island-hopping adventure with another set of five different islands:
– Helicopter Island (famous for its unique shape and pristine sands)
– Secret Beach and Hidden Beach (both offer secluded spots for swimming and relaxing)
– Tapiutan Strait (great for scenic views)
– Matinloc Island (known for its dramatic cliffs and historical sites)

Expect more snorkeling and swimming, with plenty of photo-worthy vistas. The tours don’t include snorkeling gear or kayak rentals, so if you want to explore underwater more extensively, you might need to rent locally.

The Practicalities and Hidden Details

All transportation—air-conditioned vans and shared boat rides—are included, which reduces the typical stress of connecting different sites. The lunch included on each day ensures you stay fueled for the activities, and the overall cost offers very good value considering the number of sites visited and the transportation involved.

However, be aware that additional fees like the PPS Environmental Fee, El Nido ETDF, and Lagoon Fee are not included. These are common in tours of this nature and should be prepared for in your budget.

The group size capped at 25 travelers helps keep the experience intimate, and most travelers report smooth logistics, as one reviewer noted: “SIA Travel made everything so much easier.”

Authentic Experiences and Unique Highlights

The Underground River is truly one of the world’s most extraordinary natural sites, and viewing it up close in a boat is unforgettable. The island hopping tours showcase Palawan’s signature limestone formations, turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life—perfect for snorkeling and swimming. The scenery in El Nido is often described as jaw-dropping, with towering cliffs and crystal-clear lagoons, often making visitors feel like they’re inside a postcard.

While some travelers may find the long transfers challenging, most appreciate the effort for the chance to see so much in a short time. The tour’s organization is praised for its efficiency, and the included meals add convenience, particularly if you’re on a tight schedule.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This itinerary suits adventurous travelers eager to see Palawan’s signature sights without having to piece together transportation and guides themselves. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a mix of nature, culture, and adventure. If you’re comfortable spending some time on the road and want a comprehensive snapshot of Puerto Princesa and El Nido, this tour keeps things manageable and packed with highlights.

The Sum Up

The Palawan Highlights 4 Days Ultimate Getaway offers a compelling way to experience the best of Palawan’s natural beauty at a fair price. With well-organized logistics, diverse activities, and the chance to see world-famous sights like the Underground River and pristine island lagoons, this tour delivers value and memorable moments.

While the long travel days between Puerto Princesa and El Nido might not suit everyone, the overall experience balances adventure with convenience. It’s a great choice for travelers seeking an authentic, scenic, and hassle-reduced way to explore Palawan’s stunning landscapes.

If you’re looking for an active, scenic adventure that touches on Palawan’s most iconic sites, this tour is worth considering. Just be prepared for some travel time—and bring your camera and sense of wonder.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation via air-conditioned vehicle and shared boat rides are included, making it easier to move between sites without stress.

What is the duration of each island hopping day?
Each island hopping day lasts about 7 hours, from around 8:30-9 am to 4 pm, giving ample time to explore, swim, and snorkel.

Are meals provided?
Yes, three lunches are included across the days, which helps keep you energized for the excursions.

Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?
Yes, there are extra fees for the PPS Environmental Fee, El Nido ETDF, and Lagoon Fee, which are not included in the tour price.

Can I get dropped off at my hotel after the island tours?
No, after the island hopping tours, there’s no specific drop-off included, but tricycles are available to return to your accommodation.

What kind of group size can I expect?
The tour is limited to 25 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience with less crowding.

By choosing this tour, you’re getting a well-rounded taste of Palawan’s most stunning spots, all organized for you so you can focus on soaking in the views and making memories. It’s a smart pick for travelers who want a carefully curated, budget-friendly adventure in this remarkable part of the Philippines.