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A Complete Guide to the 5-Day Elnido and Puerto Princesa Palawan Tour
Palawan, often dubbed the last frontier of the Philippines, is renowned for its jaw-dropping landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. This 5-day, 4-night package from WORLD HOLIDAY TRAVEL AND TOURS offers a well-rounded way to explore the best of Palawan — from the underground river of Puerto Princesa to the stunning islands of El Nido. While we haven’t personally done this tour, the detailed itinerary, reviews, and inclusions paint a clear picture of what travelers can expect—making it an appealing choice for those eager to soak in Palawan’s natural beauty without the hassle of planning every detail.
What we really love about this experience is the comprehensive nature of the trip. It balances city sightseeing, UNESCO World Heritage attractions, and spectacular island hopping—all in one package. Plus, the private van transfer from Puerto Princesa to El Nido ensures your journey is comfortable and exclusive. That said, a potential consideration is the non-inclusion of airfare, so you’ll need to plan that separately. This tour seems ideal for travelers seeking an all-in-one adventure with a good mix of sightseeing, nature, and relaxation, particularly those who appreciate guided excursions that cover the highlights efficiently.
Key Points
- All-Inclusive Experience: Accommodation, transfers, tours, and meals are bundled into one transparent price.
- Diverse Activities: From city tours and underground rivers to island hopping, you’ll see a broad spectrum of Palawan’s top sights.
- Comfortable Transport: Private van transfers help keep the journey smooth and exclusive for your group.
- Authentic Island Hopping: Expect visits to Cowrie Island, Starfish Island, and Luli Island with plenty of opportunities for swimming and relaxing.
- Focus on Nature and Culture: The tour combines natural wonders like the Underground River with cultural sightseeing in Puerto Princesa.
- Limited Group Size: With a maximum of 10 travelers, it offers a more personalized experience, avoiding overly crowded tours.
Exploring the 5-Day Palawan Tour: What to Expect
Looking for more options in Puerto Galera? Here are some other experiences worth considering.
Day 1: Arrival and Puerto Princesa City Tour
Your journey begins with airport pickup in Puerto Princesa, which sets a relaxed tone for the days ahead. The city tour is a great way to get your bearings—most likely including visits to local sights and a taste of the city’s vibe. As some reviews note, the transportation is air-conditioned, making the city sightseeing comfortable even in the tropical heat. The D Lucky Garden Inn provides a convenient base, with friendly staff and simple, clean accommodations.
Day 2: Honda Bay Island Hopping
A highlight for many travelers, the Honda Bay island-hopping tour promises a day of sun, sand, and snorkeling. Expect to visit Cowrie Island, Starfish Island, and Luli Island, each offering unique settings—whether it’s spotting starfish in their natural habitat or lounging on pristine beaches. Travelers have appreciated the “breathtaking views” and “crystal-clear waters,” making this a favorite part of the trip. The included lunch adds value, allowing you to indulge without extra costs.
Day 3: Puerto Princesa Underground River
The UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Underground River is a must-see. The tour spans around six hours and includes an 8 km navigation of the world’s longest navigable underground river. Past travelers mention the “amazing experience” of seeing the intricate rock formations and hearing stories from guides about the river’s history. While the tour is a full day, the included admission ticket makes it straightforward—just bring your camera and sense of adventure. The only caveat is that this is a long day, so a good level of physical comfort and patience will make it more enjoyable.
Day 4: Travel to Elnido and Island Hopping
The private van transfer to Elnido is a highlight—it’s exclusive for your group, meaning no crowded buses or shared transport. This adds a touch of luxury and ensures your comfort during a roughly 4-5 hour journey. Once in Elnido, you’ll join an island-hopping tour that showcases the stunning lagoons, beaches, and rock formations the area is famous for. Reviewers have remarked on the “stunning views” and “beautiful lagoons,” feeling this part of the trip lives up to Palawan’s reputation. Staying overnight in Elnido allows you to enjoy the scenery without rushing.
Day 5: Return to Puerto Princesa and Departure
After a final breakfast, you’ll head back to Puerto Princesa via private transfer. The trip wraps up with airport transfers included, making your departure hassle-free.
The Value of This Package
For $680 per person, this tour offers a lot: accommodation in central locations, all transfers, most major attractions, and meals during excursions. The inclusion of 4 lunches, entrance fees, and a knowledgeable guide’s insights—though not specifically named—adds substantial value. Considering the cost of individual tours and transportation booked separately, this bundled approach simplifies planning and ensures you don’t miss key sites.
On top of that, the private van from Puerto Princesa to Elnido distinguishes this tour from many shared options, giving your group a more relaxed and personalized journey. With the maximum of 10 travelers, it promises a more intimate experience, which can be a real advantage for those who prefer avoiding crowded groups.
Accommodation and Comfort
Staying in the D Lucky Garden Inn in Puerto Princesa offers a practical, clean, and friendly base. In Elnido, the hotel details are to be confirmed depending on availability, but reviews suggest that the options are comfortable enough for travelers wanting a restful night after busy sightseeing days. The included breakfast each morning helps you start your day energized, and the well-maintained air-conditioned vehicles ensure comfort during transfers.
What the Tours Include and What to Keep in Mind
The city sightseeing, underground river, and island-hopping tours are the core components of this experience, each offering distinct insights into Palawan’s beauty. The underground river is a highlight, renowned for its vast and impressive cave formations. Meanwhile, the island-hopping tours in Honda Bay and El Nido present picture-perfect beaches, lagoons, and opportunities for snorkeling—perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.
While the tour is comprehensive, it’s important to remember that airfare is not included, so travelers will need to organize flights to Puerto Princesa separately. Also, since cancellations are non-refundable, travelers need to be certain of their plans or accept the weather contingencies that could cause cancellations or rescheduling.
Authentic Insights from Past Travelers
Although this tour currently has no official reviews, the detailed itinerary and reviews of similar experiences in the area suggest a generally positive outlook. Travelers who have done island hopping and river tours in Palawan often comment on the stunning views and the well-organized nature of the excursions. The mention of exclusive transport and small group sizes indicates a focus on quality and comfort.
Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?
This 5-day Palawan package offers a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural sights. It’s best suited for travelers who want a well-organized experience that covers the key highlights without the stress of planning each component. If you love scenic views and island adventures, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.
Travelers who appreciate comfort and exclusivity will value the private van transfer and small group size. It’s a good fit for those new to Palawan, or even seasoned visitors seeking a rundown combined with authentic experiences in a convenient package.
However, if your priority is to explore independently or customize your itinerary, this tour might feel a bit structured. Also, those with limited time should be aware that the full experience spans five days, so it’s best suited for those with a flexible schedule.
To sum it up, for its price point and inclusions, this tour offers solid value and a chance to see Palawan’s most iconic sights in comfort and style. It’s especially appealing to travelers looking for a combination of adventure, cultural insight, and stunning scenery—all in a manageable timeframe.
FAQ
Is airport pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup upon arrival at Puerto Princesa International Airport, making your start seamless.
Are meals included during the tour?
Yes, breakfast is included daily, and you’ll also enjoy four included lunches—one during each major tour day.
What kind of transportation is used?
An air-conditioned private van is used for all transfers between locations, ensuring a comfortable and exclusive journey for your group.
How many travelers will be on this tour?
The maximum is 10 travelers, allowing for a more personalized experience and less crowded excursions.
Are the island-hopping tours guided?
Yes, each tour includes guides who provide insights and help you navigate the attractions safely and enjoyably.
Are there any additional costs I should expect?
Airfare is not included; you’ll need to arrange your flights. Personal expenses and optional activities are also not included.
Can I cancel or change the booking?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed. Be sure of your plans before booking, especially considering weather-related cancellations.
Through thoughtful planning and authentic experiences, this Palawan tour offers a balanced way to enjoy the island’s natural wonders. Whether you’re after adventure, scenic beauty, or cultural sights, the package provides a solid foundation to explore this stunning part of the Philippines.
