Palawan: Puerto + El Nido + Coron – 6 Days 5 Nights

Travelers dreaming of crystal-clear waters, limestone cliffs, and lush islands might find this 6-day Palawan tour tempting. It promises visits to Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron—three of the most famous regions in the Philippines’ crown jewel island. From underground rivers to stunning lagoons, the itinerary covers key sights that make Palawan a bucket-list destination.

What we appreciate most about this experience are the variety of activities—swimming, snorkeling, exploring caves—and the chance to see iconic landmarks like the UNESCO-listed Underground River. The inclusion of comfortable transportation, some meals, and a mix of guided tours make it appealing for those seeking a structured yet immersive experience. However, the price is quite high, and the tour’s schedule is packed, which might be tiring for some travelers.

This tour is best suited for adventure lovers who want a comprehensive, all-in-one Palawan experience. If you’re comfortable with long land and sea rides and looking to tick off multiple highlights in a limited timeframe, this package could be a good fit. Keep in mind that the experience is quite full-on, so it might not suit those seeking a more relaxed, slow-paced holiday.

Key Points

Variety of Destinations: Covers Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron, offering a broad glimpse of Palawan’s top spots.
Inclusive Activities: Combines sightseeing, cave exploration, island hopping, and hot springs, ensuring a dynamic trip.
Guided Tours: Knowledgeable guides help navigate sites and provide insights, adding value to the experience.
Transportation Logistics: Includes land transfer, boat trips, and ferries, which are essential for covering the distances between regions.
Cost & Value: At $887 per person, the tour offers a lot of sights but comes with a hefty price tag; consider the value of included activities.
Pace & Duration: The itinerary is packed and fast-paced, which might feel rushed but maximizes sightseeing in limited days.

The Detailed Breakdown: What to Expect Each Day

Day 1: Exploring Puerto Princesa’s Cultural and Wildlife Heritage

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel, setting the stage for a mix of historical and natural sights. You’ll visit the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, a beautiful example of local architecture, and Plaza Cuartel, a WWII site with a tragic past. The Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center is a highlight—famous as the crocodile farm, it hosts endangered Philippine crocodiles, which are quite fascinating to observe.

Many travelers appreciated the guide’s effort and noted that the stops at Bakers Hill for sweet treats and the scenic Mitra Farm with views of Honda Bay were pleasant additions. This half-day tour, roughly 4 hours, ends with drop-off at your hotel, giving you some time to relax before the upcoming adventures.

Day 2: The Magnificent Puerto Princesa Underground River

This is the star attraction—an UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of nature. The guided boat tour through the underground river caves is the core experience, offering awe-inspiring rock formations and a sense of ancient mystery. A buffet lunch is included, allowing you to recharge before heading back.

The transfer from Puerto Princesa to El Nido involves a 6-hour van ride, which can test patience but is part of the adventure of exploring this sprawling region. Many reviews emphasized the guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge, making the long journey more bearable. Ensure you’re ready for a full day of travel, but the reward of witnessing the Underground River makes it worthwhile.

Day 3: El Nido Lagoon-Hopping Extravaganza

El Nido’s famed lagoons and beaches are the highlight here. Expect visits to Secret Lagoon, hidden behind limestone cliffs, and Shimizu Island, where guides prepare a delicious meal while you snorkel amidst vibrant coral reefs. The Small Lagoon’s tranquil waters are perfect for kayaking or swimming through a tiny hole in the rocks for a peek inside.

The reviews mention how the guides’ local knowledge enhances the experience, pointing out fascinating geological features and bird sightings, especially around Shimizu Island where swiftlet nests are collected. The scenery is truly spectacular, with towering limestone formations and emerald waters dominating the landscape.

Day 4 & 5: Coron’s Lakes, Lagoons, and Culture

The Coron portion begins with a town tour—an easy way to get acquainted with local life, landmarks, and culture. Highlights include climbing Mt Tapyas for sweeping views of Coron town and bay, relaxing in the Maquinit Hot Springs, and exploring the Public Market and other town spots.

On the following day, you’ll visit Kayangan Lake, often called the cleanest lake in the Philippines, along with the Green Lagoon and other island sights like Quin Reef and Cyc Beach. These spots are praised for their stunning beauty and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Many travelers appreciated the guides’ insights, especially at Kayangan Lake, where the clarity and tranquility make it stand out. The hot springs are a relaxing end to your day, offering a chance to unwind after the island-hopping.

Day 6: Departure and Reflection

The last part of your journey involves a straightforward transfer to the Coron airport. The quick 30-minute ride is a simple reminder that this wonderful adventure is drawing to a close.

Transportation & Logistics: What You Need to Know

The tour involves a mix of land, boat, and ferry rides. The land transfer from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is long, approximately 6 hours, so prepare for a bit of sitting. On the plus side, the van rides are usually comfortable, and guides tend to keep spirits high with informative commentary.

Boat trips to caves, lagoons, and lakes are included, with the boats accommodating small groups, which helps keep the experience intimate. The ferry to Coron is part of the package, ensuring you reach island sites directly without extra hassle.

Traveling with a group of up to 1,000 people, as noted in the reviews, can mean some busy moments, especially at popular spots. Guides are generally praised for their friendliness and knowledge, which helps make the long days more engaging.

Cost & Value Analysis

At $887 per person, this tour is on the pricier side, especially considering meals are only included on some days. The value largely depends on how much you prioritize seeing multiple sites with a guided experience. The guided tours, entrance fees, and ferry tickets are included, reducing hidden costs.

Some travelers felt the itinerary was rushed, but others appreciated the convenience of having everything organized. The inclusion of transportation, several meals, and key attractions makes it a good deal for those who prefer a hassle-free package. Yet, for independent travelers or those on a tighter budget, piecing together similar highlights separately could be more economical but more time-consuming.

Authentic Traveler Insights

One reviewer highlighted that the tour’s guides are very knowledgeable, which enhanced their experience. They appreciated not only the scenic sights but also the stories and context provided, making the tour more meaningful.

Conversely, another review pointed out a mismatch in expectations—the advertisement suggests it suits a wide age range, but the reality was quite different, with some participants feeling the physical activity was too strenuous, especially given the land transfers and boat rides. The tour’s pace is fast, and it’s important to be prepared for long travel days and physical activity.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

This 6-day Palawan tour offers an efficient way to see some of the Philippines’ most famous highlights, blending natural wonders with cultural insights. It’s ideal for travelers who want a structured experience and are comfortable with the pace, long rides, and a busy schedule. The guides’ knowledge and the stunning scenery make it worthwhile, especially if you’re eager to tick off key sights like the Underground River and Kayangan Lake.

However, if you prefer slower travel, more free time, or are sensitive to long land transfers, this might feel overwhelming. The high price reflects the inclusion of transport, entrance fees, and guided activities, which can be a good value if you want to avoid the hassle of organizing each leg independently.

This adventure is suitable for those craving a comprehensive, guided exploration of Palawan’s top destinations—especially adventure seekers and first-timers eager to see the highlights without the logistical headache.

FAQ

What’s included in the tour?
The tour covers accommodations, tour fees, boat and ferry tickets to Coron, and some meals (five breakfasts and three lunches).

How long are the travel days?
Expect about 4 hours for the Puerto Princesa city tour, a 6-hour van ride from Puerto Princesa to El Nido, and additional boat trips for island hopping. The Coron transfers are about 30 minutes.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews highlight guides’ enthusiasm and expertise, enriching the experience with insights about the sites and local culture.

Is the tour suitable for kids?
Most travelers can participate, but the tour notes that it’s not recommended for those with health issues or very young children, given the physical demands and long days.

How much free time is there?
Most days involve guided activities with little free time. The schedule is busy, so expect to be on the go for most of each day.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The tour is pre-designed, and while some options might be available, the package is largely fixed with a set itinerary.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, waterproof camera, and comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities and sun exposure.

Is it worth the price?
If you value guided organization, multiple highlights, and the convenience of included transport, many find it worth the cost. Budget travelers might prefer DIY trips but should be prepared for more planning.

This detailed review aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect on this Palawan adventure, helping you decide if it fits your style and travel goals.