Palawan itinerary 6 days — Exploring the coastal town El Nido & the port city Puerto Princesa in 6 days

When coming to Big Lagoon, you can choose to hire the kayak. If those who are confident with “health over type B” can swim into the place, it is so cool. However, the water here is very clear and turquoise, so anyone who shoots well will get a picture like a climbing kayak in the air.

Before getting on the boat, please ask the guide to rent more water-proof shoes as you have to walk through coral reefs when visiting. Walking on barefoot will be easy to hurt, you do not regret the money for this section.

Dinner: Along the beach and marina, there are many local restaurants. You remember to go before 17:30 PM to enjoy your dinner during the sunset. In the town, there is an attractive roasted chicken and pork restaurant, very close to the morning bakery, you remember to try because the taste of barbecue is very delicious.

Day 3: El Nido – Tour C (island) – turn back to Puerto Princesa.

After a day for tour A, we decided to try tour C. Like tour A, you should prepare more food. Tour C will guide you to Helicopter Island, Secret Beach, Matinloc Temple, Star Beach.

On the way to the hotel, you must eat dinner with grilled chicken which is super delicious in the town. The car is stopped along the way for the driver to eat but the barbecue is still better than that, so just wait to eat this dish. El Nido has only this chicken shop so you just ask local people the direction.

The driver will pick up at your hotel to Puerto Princesa, get to the city at midnight, check in and have a rest.

Day 4: Puerto Princesa – Honda Bay Tour & Cowrie Island.

After a night of rest, we continued our journey in Puerto Princesa. Some small fun facts for those who first heard of this name, Puerto Princesa, the capital of Pawan. This place was called “city in the forest” because the mountains, the sea surrounded the city makes a charming view. In general, it will be like in El Nido cause as you know, the Philippines is formed from countless small islands so mostly activities here is to visit the islands and lie on the white sand beaches with the blue sea.

To Puerto Princesa, you definitely have to try diving in Honda bay once time. The bay is covered by large coral reefs with smooth white sand. The water here is very clear so you also see the small fish swimming under the sea. Honda bay has many islands but only a few are open to visitors such as Luli, Starfish, Cowrie.

Cowrie is an island of countless kinds of sea snails. It seems to be a large island but Cowrie Island is only an area like an oasis. However, this oasis is quite cute with some pretty tents. Surrounding is the sea and people can rest and take pictures after diving.

Starfish is home to a large, red starfish that looks very eye-catching.

Luli Island is also quite special, you will only see the island when the tide is down.

Like other islands, the sea is very green and clear, people here are very conscious of protecting the environment. Thus, if you come here to visit, you should also have the awareness of preservation.

Dinner: Badjao Seafront Restaurant
Address: Aabueg road, Puerto Princesa, 5300 Palawan, Philippines
Opening: 10:00 – 23:00
Phone: +63 48 433 9912

After a day of sailing, we recharge with a luxury seafood dinner. Highly recommend this restaurant because the seafood is very delicious, left some Chinese cooked food. The decoration is also quite cozy and beautiful.

If you go in groups, you should book in advance because quite crowded. The restaurant is slightly hidden but famous. Let’s call in advance for being convenient and quick.

Day 5: Puerto Princesa – Underground River Tour (UNESCO Sites)

The Underground River is one of the pride of Puerto Princesa. It is recognized by UNESCO as a cultural heritage, one of the seven new wonders of the world. With a length of 8.2 km, this underground river is the longest underground river in the world. Underground River flows through the mountains, caves and finally into the East Sea. This river belongs to the National Park. There are over 800 plants and animals, including about 300 plant species, 195 species of precious birds, 30 species of mammals, 19 species of reptiles and 8 species of rare bats.

When visiting the Underground River, we were given an audio guide to listen to the demo. A great note is that Absolutely NO TAKING PHOTO, TALKING, OR MAKING NOISE while visiting cause inside the cave is home to thousands of bats. If any noise is caused, it will be dangerous for both visitors and living organisms in the cave.

If you want to try strong feelings, you can Ziplines, swinging from side to side across the total length of 800m. However, this part will not include the Underground River tour and it will have additional fees.

Dinner: Kinabuch Grills and Bar
Address: 369, Rizal Ave, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
Opening: 17:00 – 01:00AM
Phone: +63 48 434 5194

People call it as a bar but it seems to be like a restaurant. This one is probably the biggest restaurant in town so it’s extremely crowded. The seats should be booked in advance. You may wait for food in a long time because of many guests but it is worth to wait, every dish is very fresh. Especially you remember to try Palawan specialties, that is Green Mango Shake.

Day 6: Puerto Princesa – Manila – come back Sai Gon.

We spend the last morning on wandering in supermarkets and markets, resting before returning to Manila. Since moving and swimming several days before, we spend more time resting. Puerto Princesa is a bit quiet city, still quite primitive and slightly rural.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to El Nido you can refer to

• El Nido Tour A Lagoons & Islands
• El Nido Tour C Hidden Beaches & Shrine
• El Nido Tour B Caves & Islands
• El Nido Tour A + C
• El Nido Tour D Lagoons & Beaches
• Tour A El Nido, Palawan
• Tour El Nido Land
• One-Way Fast Ferry Ticket Between Coron and El Nido
• El Nido Nacpan and Duli Beach
• Puerto Princesa to El Nido Van Transfer (Shared or Private)
• El Nido Tours in a Luxury Speedboat
• Shared Van Transfer between El Nido and Port Barton
• Tour El Nido C + A
• El Nido Tour D Lagoons & Beaches
• El Nido Tour A,B,C,D w/ Envi&Lagoon Fees (No Hidden Charges)
• Tour A of El Nido, Palawan

Are you looking for more other paradise islands in Philippines? Let’s discover Bohol travel blog — The fullest Bohol travel guide to explore Bohol Island for the first-timers and Bohol travel blog — The fullest Bohol travel guide to explore Bohol Island for the first-timers and Iloilo travel blog (Iloilo blog) — The fullest guide for a great trip to Iloilo, Philippines.