Puerto Princesa in 4 days: Tours package with optional hotel

Exploring Puerto Princesa in 4 Days: A Well-Rounded Tour Package with Options for Every Traveller

If you’re dreaming of a tropical escape to the Philippines, Puerto Princesa in Palawan offers a perfect blend of natural wonders, local charm, and adventure. For around $131 per person, this 4-day tour package—offered by Corazon Travel & Tours—brings together carefully curated guided excursions and an option to include comfortable hotel stays. Whether you opt for the tour-only package or the all-inclusive deal with accommodations, this trip promises a well-organized way to experience some of Palawan’s most iconic sights.

What we love about this package is its balanced itinerary—covering the underground river, island hopping, and city highlights—plus the opportunity to meet fellow travelers during shared tours. The convenience of included transportation, permits, and guided commentary means you can focus on enjoying rather than planning every detail. One potential consideration is that the tours are shared, so if you prefer complete privacy or a more flexible schedule, you might want to explore private options.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free introduction to Puerto Princesa’s highlights, especially those who appreciate local guides, tasty food, and authentic encounters. If your aim is to maximize your time and see the best in a short visit, this package could be a great choice.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary covering natural wonders and city sights
• Shared tours encourage meeting other travelers and socializing
• Flexible options for tour-only or all-inclusive stays
• Includes transportation, permits, and entry fees, simplifying logistics
• Delicious meals provided, highlighting local flavors
• Suitable for most travelers except those with mobility issues

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the 4-Day Itinerary

This tour is designed to give you a broad overview of what Puerto Princesa has to offer, with each day packed with highlights that make the most of your time. We’ll break down what to expect at each stage and why these experiences matter.

Day 1: Arrival & Firefly Watching

Once you arrive in Puerto Princesa, you’ll be greeted by your driver, who will wait for you outside the airport holding a sign with your name. This personal touch immediately eases the stress of navigating unfamiliar transport. If you’re staying within 5 miles of the airport, transfers are covered for the tours, otherwise, arrangements can be made.

Your first activity is a Firefly Watching Tour, usually at dusk. This activity is a quintessential Palawan experience—gliding quietly through mangrove-lined waterways while millions of fireflies light up the trees. It’s a surreal sight, often described as magical. The calm boat ride offers a peaceful start, and many reviewers mention how the guides enhance the experience with interesting commentary. Clara simply called it “Good,” but others, like Nadya, exclaimed, “Incredible!!! You guys MUST book this 4 days tour! All of the highlights of Puerto Princesa is here!!!”

Day 2: Underground River Adventure

The highlight of many Puerto Princesa trips is the Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour includes boat transfers to the river mouth, where you’ll board a small boat to explore the legendary underground river system. This natural wonder is famous for its stunning limestone formations and the fact that it’s navigable by boat—an experience that will leave you with plenty of “wow” moments.

The entry permits and fees are included, simplifying the process. We loved the way the tour guides provided detailed commentary as you glide through the cavern, revealing fascinating geological features. From reviews, it’s clear the guides are well-trained, friendly, and knowledgeable—making the experience informative without overwhelming.

Day 3: Honda Bay Island Hopping

No trip to Palawan is complete without a day on the water. The Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour takes you to several idyllic islands, where you can snorkel, swim, and soak up the sun. Equipment like snorkel gear and aqua shoes are rented, giving you access to vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish.

Travelers mention how the beauty of the islands exceeds expectations, with Nadya calling it “incredible,” and Malaika appreciating the constant communication from the tour operators, which added to her comfort. You’ll probably enjoy the chance to take stunning photos and relax on powdery beaches—an ideal way to break up the busy days.

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Day 4: City Highlights & Departure

Your final day includes a quick city tour, highlighting the main sights and offering a glimpse of local life in Puerto Princesa. Afterwards, you’ll be transferred back to the airport, ready for your departure.

If you’ve chosen the all-inclusive package, breakfast, Wi-Fi at the hotel, and an ensuite bathroom are included—adding comfort and convenience to your stay. The hotel options range from budget to resort, so you can tailor your experience to your budget.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

According to reviews, the knowledgeable guides are a big hit. Malaika appreciated how guides maintained communication and answered questions, making the experience more engaging. Nadya’s enthusiasm about the delicious local food and camaraderie among travelers echoes the value of shared tours—especially when traveling solo or in small groups.

The cost of $131 for this 4-day package is quite reasonable considering the included transportation, permits, entry fees, and meals. While you’ll need to pay extra for personal expenses, this package offers strong value—especially for first-time visitors wanting a guided overview of Puerto Princesa’s top sights.

One point to keep in mind is that rooms will have up to 3 people per group if you choose the all-inclusive option, which might not suit travelers seeking complete privacy. Also, the tours are shared, so if you prefer a more private experience, you might want to look into private arrangements.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip

• Book early to secure your preferred start date and hotel options.
• Arrive early on Day 1 to maximize your time and take advantage of the morning flights.
• Bring sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and your passport or ID—these are essentials for tropical adventures.
• Consider choosing flights that arrive in the morning and depart in the late afternoon to make full use of your days.
• If you’re considering the all-inclusive option, check the hotel amenities—Wi-Fi and ensuite bathrooms can make your stay much more comfortable.
• Be aware that tours are weather-dependent; rain or storms might cause schedule changes, so stay flexible.
• For those with mobility issues, note that the tours may not be suitable.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This 4-day Puerto Princesa package offers a well-organized, value-packed way to explore the highlights of Palawan without the stress of planning every detail. It’s perfect for first-time visitors or travelers who want a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural insight. The shared tours foster camaraderie, and the guided approach means you won’t miss the key sights or get lost in logistics.

Those who appreciate local guides with good communication, enjoy delicious food, and prefer to have most expenses included upfront will find this package especially appealing. It’s also a great choice if you want a structured itinerary that covers the underground river, island hopping, and city sights—three of Puerto Princesa’s must-see experiences.

However, if you desire complete privacy or plan to customize your schedule extensively, you might want to tailor your trip or consider other options. But for value-conscious travelers seeking a comprehensive introduction to Palawan on a budget, this tour offers a fantastic starting point.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

What is included in the tour price?
The $131 per person covers all guided tours, transportation within 5 miles of the airport, permits, entry fees, some meals, and equipment rentals like snorkel gear and aqua shoes, depending on the package.

Can I book just the tour without accommodations?
Yes, the tour-only option is available, allowing you to join the guided excursions without hotel arrangements.

Are airport transfers included?
Transfers during tours are included if you stay within 5 miles of the airport. Otherwise, arrangements can be made for pickups at designated points.

How many people will be in my group?
Rooms are typically shared among up to 3 people each. The tours are shared, so expect other travelers to be part of your excursions.

What meals are included?
Your package includes two lunches and one dinner, with additional breakfasts if you select the all-inclusive option.

Is the tour suitable for families or travelers with mobility issues?
This tour isn’t recommended for people with mobility impairments, as some activities involve walking or boat transfers.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, comfortable clothes, a hat, a camera, passport or ID, and any personal medications.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since the tours are shared and scheduled, customization isn’t typically available. But you can choose the all-inclusive option with hotel stays for more flexibility.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Schedules might be adjusted or canceled due to weather conditions, so staying flexible and checking with your guides is wise.

To sum it up, this Puerto Princesa 4-day tour package offers an affordable, organized way to explore Palawan’s highlights, from natural wonders to vibrant city life. It’s ideal for travelers who want a straightforward, guided experience with the comfort of included meals and transportation. Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a couple, or a small family, this trip combines authentic experiences with practical convenience—making your Palawan visit smooth, fun, and memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here: