5D4N Puerto Princesa & El Nido Experience

Travelers seeking an efficient way to see the highlights of Palawan often turn to structured tours like the 5D4N Puerto Princesa & El Nido Experience. Offered by Corazon Travel and Tours, this package promises a blend of iconic landmarks, scenic island-hopping, and comfortable accommodations—all wrapped into a well-organized itinerary.

What makes this tour especially appealing is its small group size—capped at 20 travelers—which ensures that you get more personalized attention from guides and less crowding during those popular stops. Plus, with most meals included and transfers arranged, it’s a hassle-free way to explore the area’s natural beauty without the stress of planning every detail yourself.

However, it’s worth noting that the long transfer times—especially from El Nido back to Puerto Princesa—may be tiring, and the experience hinges heavily on weather conditions, as cancellations for poor weather are possible. This tour appeals most to travelers looking for value, convenience, and a taste of Palawan’s top sights within a manageable schedule.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary: Covers major highlights of Puerto Princesa and El Nido, including UNESCO sites and stunning lagoons.
• All-in-one package: Hotel, transfers, most meals, and park fees are included, simplifying your trip planning.
• Small group sizes: Usually up to 20 travelers, offering more personalized guides and better overall experience.
• Variety of activities: Island-hopping, cave tours, beach visits, and cultural stops make for varied days.
• Long travel days: Expect around 6 hours of travel from El Nido to Puerto Princesa on the last day.
• Mixed reviews: While many praise the scenery and organization, some mention inconsistent guide explanations and hotel quality issues.

Day 1: Arrival and Check-in in Puerto Princesa

Your adventure begins with a pick-up from Puerto Princesa Airport, where a representative from Corazon Travel and Tours will meet you. After a quick transfer to your hotel, you get to settle in for the night. This initial step is straightforward, setting a comfortable tone for what’s to come.

Tip: The hotel provided on Day 1 is primarily a resting point before the early start the next day. While reviews don’t specify the hotel brand, the focus is on convenience rather than luxury.

Day 2: From Cityscape to Underground Wonder

The day kicks off with a stop at the Buenavista View Deck, offering a quick glimpse of Ulugan Bay. This spot is perfect for snapping photos and getting your first taste of Palawan’s scenic landscapes.

Next, the tour hits the highlight: the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Boarding kayaks with fellow travelers, you’ll glide into the cave system, listening to an audio guide that shares fascinating stories about the cave’s formation and local ecology. Reviewers note that this part of the tour is well-organized and provides a memorable experience, with one highlighting that the guide’s commentary greatly enhanced the visit.

After the cave tour, your group departs for El Nido, a journey that takes about 6 hours. The drive showcases Palawan’s diverse scenery, gradually shifting from urban to tropical rural landscapes. Some travelers mention that the transfer is long, but the changing views help pass the time, and the guide offers commentary along the way.

Note: This travel day is quite substantial, so packing snacks and patience is advised.

Day 3: Island-Hopping in Bacuit Bay

This day is dedicated to El Nido’s famous lagoons and beaches. The tour hits several iconic spots:

• Big Lagoon: Marvel at the massive limestone cliffs surrounding shimmering emerald waters. It’s a perfect place for photos and calm kayak paddling.
• Secret Lagoon: Accessible only through a small cave, this hidden gem offers a quiet escape for swimming and exploring.
• Simizu Island: A small island famous for its beaches, though reviewers warn it can get crowded during peak hours.
• Seven Commando Beach: Known for its long stretch of fine sand and coconut palms, this beach is ideal for relaxing after a busy morning.
• Payong-Payong Beach: Often used as an alternative lunch spot if Simizu Island is crowded, this beach provides gentle waves and a laid-back atmosphere.

Reviewers note that guides are knowledgeable, sharing insights into each location’s history and geography, which helps deepen the experience. The scenery is consistently praised, with travelers describing the lagoons and beaches as breathtaking.

Extra tip: Expect some crowds at Simizu Island and Seven Commando Beach, so arriving early or mid-afternoon can help you enjoy the sites more peacefully.

Day 4: Exploring with a Focus on Seclusion and Cultural Sites

The second island-hopping day emphasizes more secluded and culturally interesting spots:

• Hidden Beach: Accessible through a rugged trail or narrow cave, this beach’s raw beauty and white sands make it worth the trek. Reviewers describe it as well worth the effort for those craving privacy and stunning natural surroundings.
• Matinloc Shrine: An abandoned religious site built in 1982, perched at the foot of towering cliffs. Visitors find the site atmospheric, if slightly neglected, but the views from the cliffs make it a worthwhile stop.
• Secret Lagoon: This second visit to the Hidden Lagoon offers a different perspective; its concealment behind towering limestone cliffs makes it feel like a secret treasure.
• Helicopter Island: Named for its shape, it offers a relaxing beach atmosphere with soft sand and crystal-clear water—perfect for unwinding.
• Tapiutan Beach: A quieter spot where you can snorkel or simply chill with the sound of surf.

Reviewers highlight that guides continue to impress, providing helpful commentary, and that the scenery remains stunning. Some mention that the rugged terrain of Hidden Beach can be tiring but rewarding.

Day 5: Return Journey and Departure

On the final day, it’s time to head back to Puerto Princesa. The transfer takes roughly 6 hours, so travelers are advised to plan flights accordingly. The day begins with a hotel pickup from El Nido, and the itinerary wraps up with a comfortable transfer to the airport.

While the long journey is a bit of a downside, the convenience of pre-arranged transportation ensures you don’t have to worry about logistics, allowing you to relax after your island adventure.

This $299 per person package includes most essentials: hotel pickup and drop-off, transfers, park fees, most meals, and guided tours. This all-in-one approach can be a real time-saver, especially for those unfamiliar with Palawan or who prefer a structured itinerary.

The inclusion of most meals—breakfasts, and several lunches—adds to the value, allowing you to focus on the sightseeing rather than meal planning. The tour also covers important attractions like the UNESCO-listed Underground River and diverse island-hopping excursions, which are often paid separately if done solo.

However, some reviews suggest that the hotel quality may vary, and it’s worth managing expectations if comfort is a priority. The experience seems best suited for travelers who want an organized, hassle-free adventure with a balance of scenic exploration and cultural interest.

One traveler shared, “Corazon Travel and Tours made it so easy! They were constantly in communication with me,” highlighting the smooth organization. Another pointed out that guides are knowledgeable and eager to share, making the experience more enriching.

Conversely, a few reviews mention inconsistent guide explanations or dissatisfaction with hotel standards, emphasizing that expectations should be managed, especially regarding accommodation quality and the long transfer times.

Most travelers agree that the scenery is the true star—from the underground river to the lagoons and beaches, Palawan is picture-perfect. The guides’ local knowledge adds depth, turning good sightseeing into memorable experiences.

If you’re after a comprehensive, well-organized introduction to Palawan, this 5-day tour offers excellent value. It’s particularly suited for travelers who prefer not to worry about logistics and want a mix of iconic sights and relaxing beach days. The small group setting enhances the experience, and the inclusion of key attractions ensures you won’t miss out on the best of El Nido and Puerto Princesa.

On the flip side, if you prioritize luxurious accommodations or want a completely bespoke experience, this tour may fall short of your expectations. The long drives and some variable hotel standards may also be a concern for those with limited patience for travel fatigue.

This trip is a solid choice for adventure seekers, first-timers, or anyone wanting a balanced taste of Palawan’s natural beauty with the convenience of a guided package.

What does the tour include?
The package covers hotel pickup and drop-off, transfers from Puerto Princesa to El Nido and back, most meals (breakfasts and some lunches), park fees, and guided island-hopping trips.

Are accommodations comfortable?
The tour provides accommodation for one night in Puerto Princesa and other nights in El Nido. While reviews don’t specify luxury standards, some travelers found hotel quality variable, with at least one mentioning no hot water and mosquitoes.

How long is the transfer from El Nido to Puerto Princesa?
The return trip takes approximately 6 hours, so plan your flight times accordingly.

What kind of groups does this tour attract?
It’s limited to 20 travelers, making it suitable for those who prefer smaller groups and more attention from guides.

Are meals included?
Most breakfasts and three lunches are included, but not all meals. Additional snacks or dinners are not covered.

What are the main highlights?
Expect visits to the UNESCO Underground River, lagoons, beaches, and islands like Helicopter Island and Hidden Beach.

Is it suitable for families or older travelers?
The tour is designed for travelers with moderate physical fitness, so it’s manageable for most but involves some walking and boat rides.

Can I customize the experience?
Since it’s a set package, customization options are limited; it’s best suited for those happy with a pre-planned itinerary.

What if there’s bad weather?
Tours canceled due to weather will be refunded only for that portion, but keep in mind that outdoor activities are weather-dependent.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, travelers book about 42 days ahead, suggesting that popular dates fill quickly, especially during peak season.

This carefully curated 5-day package offers a chance to see Palawan’s highlights without the stress of planning every detail. If you’re ready for scenic beauty, island adventures, and convenient organization, it could be a fantastic way to experience this tropical paradise.