Palawan: Puerto + El Nido + Coron – 7 Days 6 Nights

Traveling through Palawan offers an enchanting mix of rugged landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and charming local towns. This 7-day, 6-night tour from Rio Travel and Tour promises an immersive experience, balancing iconic sights with authentic moments. We’ll explore the detailed itinerary, what makes each stop special, and how this trip could be your next unforgettable adventure.

What we love about this tour? First, the inclusion of Palawan’s most famed sites, such as the Underground River and stunning lagoons. Second, the careful balance between adventure and cultural insights, with opportunities to see historic sites and local markets. Lastly, the value for money, considering it covers accommodations, multiple tours, ferry rides, and meals, making it a comprehensive package.

Of course, a key consideration is the fast-paced schedule, which might feel rushed for some. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy hitting highlights and don’t mind a busy pace. If you’re after a more relaxed, leisurely trip, you might prefer fewer destinations or a longer timeframe.

This tour is perfect for those eager to see the best of Palawan within a week, especially if you’re looking for a well-organized, all-included experience that takes care of transport, sightseeing, and some local flavor. It’s suitable for travelers who want to maximize their time and want a good mix of adventure, nature, and culture.

Key Points

• All-in-one package that includes accommodations, tours, ferry tickets, and meals, offering good value for a 7-day adventure.
• Diverse experiences, from exploring underground rivers and lagoons to island hopping and cultural sites.
• Efficient itinerary that covers Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron, ideal for travelers with limited time.
• Authentic insights into local life with visits to markets, parks, and historic sites.
• Spectacular scenery with pristine beaches, towering limestone formations, and dazzling lagoons.
• Well-organized logistics with pickup, ferry transfers, and guided tours, minimizing stress.

An In-Depth Look at the Palawan 7-Day Tour

Starting in Puerto Princesa: A Mix of History and Nature

Your journey begins with a pick-up at your hotel in Puerto Princesa, setting the tone for a hassle-free start. The first day’s focus is on iconic sites like the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and Plaza Cuartel, where you can absorb some local history and architecture. These stops are free but offer insights into Palawan’s past, giving travelers a gentle introduction before the adventure ramps up.

The real highlight of Day 2 is the Puerto Princesa Underground River, which is more than just a sightseeing spot; it’s one of the seven wonders of nature. Expect to spend about 7 hours exploring the caves with a knowledgeable guide. The experience involves a boat trip through a labyrinth of caves and stalactites, revealing the raw beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Reviewers often mention how well-organized the tour is, with “comfortable boat rides and helpful guides.” The price includes the entrance fee, making it a seamless experience.

Transition to El Nido: The Gateway to Island Paradise

After the underground river, you’ll travel to El Nido, a journey that typically takes a few hours—offering scenic views along the way. Once in El Nido, the focus shifts to world-famous island hopping tours, with Tour A being the most celebrated. The day involves visiting Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, and other pristine beaches. During the boat trips, expect snorkeling opportunities where you can marvel at vibrant coral reefs and marine life.

Tour A is praised for its stunning scenery—clear waters, towering limestone cliffs, and secluded beaches. Reviewers often mention that guides are friendly and share interesting insights about the islands’ formation and ecology. The tour lasts around 5 hours, so packing light and sun protection is a must.

The Highlight of El Nido: Tour C and Matinloc Shrine

On Day 4, Tour C takes center stage, being one of the most popular in El Nido. It features visits to hidden beaches, snorkeling spots, and the famous Matinloc Shrine, an abandoned structure with panoramic views. Spectacular vistas and fewer crowds make this a favorite among travelers. The 7-hour day includes lunch and plenty of opportunities to swim and relax, with reviewers emphasizing the unparalleled beauty of the islands.

Transitioning to Coron: A Different Perspective of Palawan

Day 5 involves a ferry ride to Coron, a journey that takes a few hours. Upon arrival, a town tour begins with visits to the local market, plaza, and cathedral. This provides a glimpse into Coron’s vibrant community and local life. The itinerary includes a harbor visit, Cashew harvest, and Tapyas Viewpoint, giving a well-rounded view of the town’s culture.

Coron: The Limestone Marvels and Lakes

The next two days focus on Coron Island’s spectacular limestone formations, lakes, and lagoons. Day 6’s highlight is exploring Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake, which are renowned for their crystal-clear waters and scenic cliffs. The tour’s 7-hour duration allows plenty of time for swimming, relaxing, and soaking in the views.

The Coron Island Tour A includes visits to enchanting lakes and lagoons with stunning limestone cliffs. Reviewers have shared that the scenery is simply breathtaking, with some describing it as “unlike anything else they’ve seen.” Guides are often praised for their friendliness and knowledge, enriching the experience.

Final Day: Departure from Busuanga Airport

Day 7 is a straightforward transfer to Busuanga Airport, concluding your adventure. The tour’s structure ensures you arrive with plenty of time for your flight, making logistics smooth and hassle-free.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

Considering the price of $992.31 per person, this package offers a comprehensive experience that includes most major sights, ferry rides, meals, and accommodations. The inclusion of four meals and tour fees reduces the stress of planning each day independently, especially for first-time visitors unfamiliar with local logistics.

The guided nature of the tour means you’ll have expert insights, making complex sights easier to understand and appreciate. Plus, the pickup and transfers take away the worry of navigating unfamiliar transport options in a foreign country.

Authenticity and Convenience

While the tour is well-structured, it doesn’t sacrifice authentic experiences. Visiting local markets and historic sites like Plaza Cuartel and St. Augustine Cathedral grounds you in Palawan’s local culture. The famous lagoons and caves are undeniably the main draw, and the tours are designed to maximize your time on the water, taking in the best views and snorkeling spots.

Considerations for Travelers

The packed schedule is perfect for those eager to see the highlights, but it may not suit travelers seeking a more relaxed pace. Also, the tour is weather-dependent, and poor weather might result in cancellations or substitutions, but the provider offers full refunds or alternative dates in such cases.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip

• Bring sun protection, waterproof gear, and snorkeling equipment if you have your own.
• Prepare for long days with early starts, especially on the island hopping days.
• Pack light but versatile clothing—layers aren’t necessary, but quick-drying clothes are helpful.
• Capture the views early in the day when lighting is best for photos.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This adventure is ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers eager to cover a lot of ground in a limited time. It suits those who want a comprehensive introduction to Palawan’s major attractions without the hassle of organizing each component independently.

It’s particularly good for first-time visitors to Palawan wanting all logistics sorted out in advance, or travelers who prefer guided tours to maximize sightseeing and learning. If you’re comfortable with a busy schedule and love discovering natural wonders, this tour will give you plenty of memorable moments.

FAQ

Is airport pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered, making your arrival smooth and stress-free.

What sights are covered during the Puerto Princesa City tour?
You’ll visit the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Plaza Cuartel, and other historic sites in Puerto Princesa.

Does the tour include the entrance fee for the Underground River?
Yes, the admission ticket to the Puerto Princesa Underground River is included.

How long do the island hopping tours last?
Generally, each island tour lasts around 5 to 7 hours, giving ample time for snorkeling, swimming, and sightseeing.

Are meals provided?
Yes, four lunches and breakfast are included, simplifying your day-to-day planning.

What is the ferry transfer like?
Ferry tickets to Coron are included, with smooth transfers scheduled to match the itinerary.

Can children participate?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This 7-day Palawan tour from Rio Travel and Tour offers a well-rounded, engaging experience that captures the essence of this stunning island province. From the awe-inspiring Underground River to the picture-perfect lagoons of El Nido and Coron, it’s a trip designed for travelers eager to see the highlights without the hassle of DIY planning.

While the schedule is ambitious, the inclusion of guided tours, ferry transfers, and accommodations makes it a solid value, especially for those looking to maximize their limited time. The scenery is undoubtedly the star here, with some of the most spectacular views Palawan has to offer.

This experience is best suited for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and first-time visitors who want a comprehensive, organized introduction to Palawan’s natural beauty and cultural sites. If you’re someone who loves a good adventure packed into a week, this tour may just be the perfect fit.

Ready to explore Palawan? This tour promises an authentic, scenic, and well-organized adventure—designed to leave you with memories that last long after your trip ends.