Palawan: 5-Day Puerto Princesa & El Nido Package Tour

Planning a trip to Palawan? This 5-day, 4-night package promises a whirlwind of island hopping, natural wonders, and unforgettable scenery. While the experience is marketed as seamless and adventure-packed, our review digs into what you can genuinely expect—both the highlights and the hurdles. Whether you’re craving picture-perfect lagoons or the thrill of exploring the underground river, this tour aims to cover Palawan’s top sights in a single trip.

What we love about this experience? First, the expert guides and well-structured itineraries help you see the best of Palawan without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. Second, the stunning views of lagoons, limestone cliffs, and secluded beaches offer plenty of Instagram-worthy moments. Third, the value for money—at just $183 per person—sounds appealing given the inclusion of tours, transfers, and some gear rentals. But beware, it’s not without potential downsides, notably inconsistent organization and mixed reviews about the level of service.

This tour setup works best for travelers who prefer a curated experience and don’t mind shared group activities. If you’re flexible, open-minded, and interested in the main attractions—such as the UNESCO Underground River and El Nido’s iconic limestone formations—you’ll find this package a decent way to tick off major highlights. However, those expecting luxury or a highly personalized service may want to consider other options.

Key Points

• All-inclusive convenience: Pre-planned activities, transfers, and guided tours make for a smooth trip.
• Stunning natural sights: Expect to see lagoons, beaches, caves, and limestone cliffs that truly capture Palawan’s beauty.
• Mixed reviews on organization: While guides are knowledgeable, some travelers report issues with coordination and punctuality.
• Value for money: At $183, the package offers access to multiple major sights, but the quality varies.
• Group-based tours: All activities are shared, which can be a pro or con depending on your preferences.
• Not ideal for all travelers: Not suitable for children under 2, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues due to shared transport and physical activity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What makes this tour worth considering?

First off, the itinerary covers some of Palawan’s most iconic sites. You’ll visit the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. This underground marvel features limestone formations and a complex river system—truly a sight to behold. According to reviews, guides often do a good job of explaining the significance of these natural features, making the experience educational as well as photogenic.

Next, the El Nido island hopping tours are the highlight for many. Tour A takes you to the Big Lagoon, Seven Commandos Beach, and snorkel spots brimming with marine life. These locations are among the most Instagrammable spots in Palawan, with clear waters and towering limestone formations. Reviewers appreciated the good guides and well-organized excursions, noting that the views of the lagoons and beaches are “picture-perfect” and worth the trip.

Tour C, another popular route, emphasizes hidden beaches and secluded coves, including the famous Secret Beach. Access is through small cliff crevices or narrow openings, adding an element of adventure. The day ends at Helicopter Island, which offers panoramic views and a chance to relax. Some reviewers say these tours are the real “highlight,” with descriptions of “natures most secluded wonders” and “amazing rock formations.”

The itinerary in detail

Day 1: Arrival in Puerto Princesa

Your journey begins with landing in Puerto Princesa. The tour includes airport transfers, so you won’t have to worry about navigating the busy city streets. Once checked in, there’s leisure time to explore the scenic Baywalk or enjoy local cuisine at the night market. This relaxed start sets the tone for your adventure, with some reviewers mentioning a laid-back atmosphere and friendly guides.

Day 2: Puerto Princesa Underground River

The key highlight here is the underground river cruise, a UNESCO site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The tour involves a boat ride through limestone caves, with guides explaining the geological formations and local flora and fauna. This is a popular stop for many travelers, and reviews note that the guides do a good job of making the experience informative.

However, some reviews mention that this day can be hectic—especially if you’re traveling with tight schedules or limited stamina. Following the tour, your driver takes you from Puerto Princesa to El Nido, making a brief stop for snacks or dinner along the way. The transfer is long (about 6 hours), which some travelers found tiring, especially if they’re dehydrated or hungry after a day of touring.

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Day 3: El Nido Island Hopping Tour A

This day is designed to showcase El Nido’s most famous lagoons and beaches. Expect to visit the Big Lagoon, where the water is so clear you’ll want to spend hours snorkeling. Seven Commandos Beach provides a more relaxed vibe, perfect for sunbathing or picnicking. Guided snorkeling trips reveal vibrant marine life, and many reviewers highlight how well-trained the guides are at spotting interesting fish and coral.

Day 4: El Nido Tour C — Hidden Beaches & Coves

Tour C is the more adventurous of the two El Nido options. It takes you to Secret Beach, accessible only through a small cliff opening—an experience that many find exciting. Hidden Beach, with its towering limestone backdrop, is a favorite among those who love secluded spots. The day concludes at Helicopter Island, where panoramic views make for great photos.

Multiple reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, though some travelers mention the tour organization could be better—such as timing and transportation logistics. One reviewer states, “The island hopping in El Nido was great with good guides,” but also notes that “the underwater river was canceled,” which was disappointing.

Day 5: Return to Puerto Princesa

After days filled with sights and activities, it’s time to head back to Puerto Princesa and catch your flight home. The scenic drive offers a final glimpse of Palawan’s lush landscapes, leaving you with plenty of memories. Some reviews mention the journey can be a bit rushed or disorganized, but most agree it’s a fitting end to your trip.

Transport, logistics, and overall value

The tour provides shared transportation during the tours and transfers. While this helps keep costs down, it also means schedules and punctuality can vary. Several travelers mention delays, late pickups, or crowded vans, which can be frustrating—especially if you’re a stickler for timing.

At $183 per person, this package offers a fairly competitive price point, particularly considering the inclusion of several major attractions, some gear rentals (snorkels, kayaks), and entry fees. However, reviews about the overall quality and organization suggest that you might get what you pay for—the experience can feel rushed or inconsistent, and some travelers report feeling overcharged or disappointed with the logistics.

The guides themselves are often praised for their knowledge, especially at natural sites like the Underground River and lagoons. Yet, other reviews highlight poor communication and disorganized pickups, which can detract from the overall experience.

Who should consider this tour?

This package suits travelers who prioritize convenience and want a broad overview of Palawan’s top sights without the hassle of booking individual tours. It’s ideal for first-timers or those who don’t mind sharing activities with others. If you’re happy with a group experience and have realistic expectations about organization, you’ll likely enjoy the natural beauty and guided insights.

However, if you’re seeking a highly personalized or luxury experience, or you’re traveling with children or people with mobility issues, this might not be the best fit. The shared transport, variable organization, and some reviews about delays suggest that it’s better suited for flexible, adventure-loving travelers comfortable with minor logistical hiccups.

Final thoughts

This 5-day Palawan tour offers a chance to witness some of the most stunning landscapes in the Philippines. From the underground river to limestone lagoons, it packs the highlights into just a few days. The guides’ local knowledge adds value, helping you understand what you’re seeing and making the experience more meaningful.

On the downside, the organization and punctuality seem inconsistent, and some travelers have expressed frustration with logistics, communication, and overall service. If you’re prepared for a bit of unpredictability and are excited to explore major sights without the stress of planning every detail, this tour can be a worthwhile way to discover Palawan’s natural treasures.

It’s best for adventure seekers, those on a budget, and travelers who don’t require high-end amenities but want a rundown of the region’s most iconic spots. Keep your expectations realistic, bring your patience, and you’ll leave with plenty of photos and stories to tell.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is not suitable for children under 2 years old, and children aged 3-6 are charged at 50% of the adult price if sharing rooms with parents. It involves shared transportation and some physical activities, so consider your child’s comfort level.

Are accommodations included?
Accommodations are included only if you select the package with hotel options. If you book the tour-only option, you’ll need to arrange your own lodging.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, toiletries, cash, clothes that can get dirty, personal medication, waterproof bag, and your passport or ID. Motion sickness prevention is recommended for long van rides.

What activities are included?
The main activities are tours of the Puerto Princesa Underground River, island hopping in El Nido (Tours A and C), and visits to lagoons, beaches, and coves. Gear rentals like snorkels and kayaks are also provided.

Are meals provided?
Breakfast is included only if you select the accommodation option. Lunch is provided during tours, but dinners are not included.

What if weather cancels part of the tour?
If a tour or activity is canceled due to poor weather, only that specific part will be refunded. There are no refunds for accommodations.

How organized is the tour?
Reviews indicate mixed experiences—some say guides are knowledgeable but organization and punctuality can be inconsistent. Expect shared activities with some logistical delays.

Can I customize this tour?
Since it’s a pre-planned package, customization options are limited. You can, however, choose to book activities separately if you prefer more control over your schedule.

In summary, this Palawan 5-day package offers a solid introduction to the region’s most dazzling sights. While it’s not perfect, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, guided way to tick off key attractions with fellow travelers, it provides a practical and scenic experience—just keep your expectations aligned with the shared logistics and occasional organizational hiccups.

You can check availability for your dates here: