Palawan Philippines: Adventure in Paradise

Duration: 6 Days | 5 Nights

When Filipinos, people who live in a country of 7,107 islands and countless beaches, consider a place to be the epitome of tropical paradise, you know it must be something special. Palawan is exotic, even for Filipinos. Its geography and richness of flora and fauna are exceptional in a country that already has its fair share of amazing natural beauty. Nowhere else in the country can you float down a river flowing through an eight-kilometer tunnel of karst or kayak amidst towering islands of sheer limestone walls that rise directly out of the sea. And yes, Palawan's beaches will make you wonder why you ever bothered with anything less perfect.

Highlights and activities
• Take a boat deep into the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River.
• Snorkel the rich coral reefs of Ulugan Bay
• See breathtaking limestone karst landscapes and forest ecosystems.
• Kayak and snorkel amidst El Nido's limestone formations.
• Explore El Nido's many islands, each with its own distinct features.

DAY 1: Ulugan Bay
The group assembles at the Puerto Princesa airport and drives an hour and a half to Ulugan Bay. A 30-minute boat ride then takes us to an island with white sandy beaches and surrounded by vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. We spend the day snorkeling and enjoying the beach (the island's resident eagle might even join us!). At night we stay in rainforest cottages that are surrounded by trees and have sweeping views of Ulugan Bay.

DAY 2: Sabang and the Puerto Princesa Underground River
We drive to Sabang then take an outrigger boat to the entrance of the Underground River. There we take a paddle boat deep into the river's tunnel, marveling at the unique environment and its many interesting formations. Then we hike through a jungle trail and try to spot monitor lizards. In the afternoon we take a paddle boat through a mangrove to learn about this rich ecosystem. After having our fill of seeing monkeys, tree snakes and various birds we drive back to our rainforest cottages overlooking Ulugan Bay.

DAY 3: El Nido Via Ferrata Canopy Walk
We spend the morning traveling to El Nido. This gives us plenty of time to appreciate the scenery of inland Palawan. At El Nido we take a walk up one of its rock mountains and get a spectacular view of Bacuit Bay and its islands.

DAY 4: Kayaking El Nido
After taking some time in the morning to learn how to handle a sea kayak, we spend the whole day paddling amidst rock cliffs and sandy beaches. Every now and then we go ashore to better appreciate island features and to do some snorkeling.

DAY 5: The best of the El Nido Islands
We load our snorkeling gear onto an outrigger boat and set off to experience the wonders of the various Bacuit Bay islands. After a day of spectacular beaches, rock formations and lagoons, we reluctantly go back to El Nido town for our last night in paradise.

DAY 6: Last Day in Paradise
We bid farewell to El Nido and drive back to Puerto Princesa where we visit the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (also known as the Crocodile Farm). Our trip ends at the Puerto Princesa airport in the afternoon.

You also have the option of flying out of El Nido aiport instead of driving back to Puerto Princesa.

*Day 4 or 5 backup: The Secrets of Mainland Palawan – In case the weather does not cooperate and we are unable to go out to sea on Day 4 or Day 5, we have an excellent backup plan: we hike to discover the little-known gems of the mainland such as rainforests, waterfalls and hot springs.

Tour Price
• Price shown is for a person based on twin share accommodation.
• All prices displayed are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice.
• Prices are guaranteed once booking is confirmed by us and paid in full by the due date.
• Depending on your needs and group size (individual, couple, family, group, etc.) we will provide the final pricing for your tour.

Inclusions:
• All land and sea transportation for the duration of the trip.
• Five (5) nights accommodation, minimum group of two (2) persons with breakfast
• All fees associated with the specified activities
• Guiding service.
• Equipment for kayaking and snorkeling.
• Two (2) picnic lunches

Exclusions:
• International airfare or airfare to Puerto Princesa airport
• Travel Insurance (required)
• Airport taxes and charges
• Any Private Expenses
• Meals not mentioned - Other than two packed lunches mentioned in the inclusions. We will dine at inns and restaurants that your trip leader has pre-selected for their quality, and he will suggest local specialties. To give you the most flexibility however, we will let you order and pay for what you wish to eat. Allocate around AU$160/NZ$180 for food and drinks for the entire trip
• Personal Incidentals such as Telephone calls, Room Service, Laundry
• Tip to Guide/Driver, Porterage Fee and others which are personal in nature (Tips to restaurant waiters, local guides, etc. are not expected but appreciated. Your trip leader can suggest an appropriate amount. Also, if you are happy with the service of your Trip Leader, a tip at the end of your adventure will be greatly appreciated)
• Other services not mentioned in the itinerary