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

Exploring Palawan in six days sounds ambitious, but this tour aims to pack in the best of the island’s iconic sights—Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron. From underground rivers to limestone lagoons, it promises a whirlwind adventure filled with sun, sea, and stunning scenery. What we find especially appealing is the variety on offer: cultural stops, natural wonders, and island hopping all rolled into one package. However, some travelers might find the schedule tight or the logistics a bit rushed, especially considering the long land and sea transfers involved. If you’re someone who loves a comprehensive experience—without too much fuss—this could be a good fit. But for those seeking a more relaxed pace or personalized service, it may feel a tad hurried.

This tour is best suited for travelers who are eager to see multiple highlights in a limited timeframe and don’t mind the group process or some logistical juggling. It’s ideal for adventurous souls ready for a packed itinerary and for those with a flexible attitude about pace and comfort.

Key Points

• Comprehensive coverage: Tours include Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron, offering a full taste of Palawan’s top sights.
• Natural wonders: Highlights like the underground river, lagoons, and beaches are truly breathtaking.
• Logistical considerations: Transfers between locations involve long van rides and ferry trips, which might be tiring.
• Group size and guides: The reviews suggest knowledgeable guides, although experiences may vary, and some travelers had issues with the booking process.
• Value for money: The cost includes accommodations, some meals, and all major entrance fees, providing a hassle-free package—though the overall value depends on your expectations for comfort and pace.
• Authentic experiences: You’ll get to see local landmarks, try Philippine treats, and enjoy various island hopping activities.

Exploring Palawan: What the Tour Offers

This 6-day adventure takes you through Palawan’s most beloved spots, delivering a balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural insights, and leisure. It’s designed to give travelers an overview of Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron, making it especially appealing if you want a taste of these highlights without planning every detail yourself.

Day 1: Puerto Princesa – Cultural and Wildlife Highlights

Your journey begins with a hotel pickup in Puerto Princesa. The tour covers some important historical and ecological sites:

• Immaculate Conception Cathedral and Plaza Cuartel reveal the city’s history, especially its WWII past. The latter, a former military fort, hints at the island’s turbulent history under Japanese occupation.
• Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center offers a chance to see endangered Philippine crocodiles—an eye-opening experience, especially for nature lovers. Keep in mind, some travelers note the crocodile farm can be a bit of a “croc” (pun intended), with some feeling it’s more of a tourist attraction than a conservation effort.
• A stop at Bakers Hill is a sweet touch, giving you a taste of local treats and snacks.
• Mitra Farm provides a panoramic view of Honda Bay, along with a chance to see farm animals. The relaxed, shady veranda here is perfect for unwinding after a busy morning.

This segment lasts about four hours, with hotel drop-off afterward. It’s a good way to get oriented and enjoy a mix of history, wildlife, and local flavors.

Day 2: The Marvel of Puerto Princesa Underground River

The highlight of the entire trip, the Puerto Princesa Underground River, is often called a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of nature. It’s a must-see for any traveler to Palawan.

• The boat tour through the caves involves a boatman and guide, making it informative and engaging. Several reviewers mention how knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, with some commenting that guides like Jon and Mark made the caves come alive with stories and facts.
• The experience is about exploring limestone caves, stalactites, stalagmites, and the underground river itself—a surreal and almost mystical experience.
• A buffet lunch is included at Sabang Wharf, giving you a chance to relax and recharge.

The entire day includes about 7 hours and requires a land transfer of roughly six hours to El Nido afterward, which might be tiring but is essential to connect these two major hubs. Some reviews mention the long ride as a drawback, especially for travelers not accustomed to extended van journeys.

Day 3: El Nido’s Stunning Lagoons and Beaches

Arriving in El Nido, you’re greeted with the promise of crystal-clear waters and towering limestone formations. The day’s focus is on island hopping, visiting some of the most photogenic spots:

• Secret Lagoon, where you paddle or kayak through a small hole into a hidden lagoon surrounded by cliffs. It’s a unique experience but can be crowded, especially during peak season.
• Shimizu Island features limestone cliffs and coral reefs perfect for snorkeling. Here, the guides prepare a delicious lunch, and some reviewers mention how well the meals are arranged.
• Small Lagoon, accessible via kayak or swimming, offers tranquil waters and a peaceful vibe.

What stands out here is the variety of scenery—from caves to lagoons—making it a fantastic day for nature lovers. Reviewers like the guides’ friendliness and knowledge, which adds a layer of comfort and insight to the trip.

Day 4 & 5: Coron’s Majestic Lakes and Islands

Coron is famous for its lakes, reefs, and WWII wrecks, but this tour keeps it simple and focused on natural beauty and local culture.

• The Coron town tour introduces you to the local scene—visiting the public market, town plaza, and cultural sites like St. Augustine Church.
• Mt Tapyas offers a panoramic view of Coron Bay—be prepared for a short hike, but the view is worth the effort.
• The Maquinit Hot Springs provide a relaxing end to the day, where you can soak while soaking in the scenery.
• The next day is dedicated to Kayangan Lake, Green Lagoon, Quin Reef, and other island spots. These are some of the most Instagram-worthy locations, with clear waters, limestone formations, and coral reefs.

According to reviews, the guides are friendly and quite knowledgeable, helping travelers navigate the spots smoothly. The tour’s free admission to these attractions helps keep costs down, but be aware that some activities—like hikes or boat entries—might require physical effort.

Day 6: Departure

On your final day, the focus is on logistics—leaving Coron and making your way to the airport. The transfer process is straightforward but involves another 30-minute drive, giving time to reflect on the trip’s highlights.

What the Tour Means for You

While this tour offers an impressive overview, it’s essential to consider some practicalities. The long land and sea transfers mean days can be quite packed, with limited downtime. The tour’s inclusiveness—meals, entrance fees, accommodations—adds value, but some travelers find the pace a bit rushed, especially if they prefer leisure and in-depth exploration.

The guides mentioned in reviews are generally knowledgeable, which enhances the experience, especially at major sites like the Underground River and Mt Tapyas. However, some reviewers noted issues with booking processes and the initial pickup arrangements. It’s worth confirming details beforehand and being prepared for some logistical hiccups.

Price-wise, at $887 per person, this package covers most essentials, including transportation, entrance fees, and meals. For travelers keen to tick off multiple major sights with minimal planning, this offers a solid, if somewhat busy, way to see Palawan’s highlights.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience appeals most to adventurous travelers who want a comprehensive snapshot of Palawan’s top attractions without the hassle of planning every step. It’s ideal for those who don’t mind long travel days and appreciate guided insights from local experts.

If you’re seeking relaxed, in-depth, or personalized experiences, you might find the fast-paced itinerary and group nature less satisfying. However, for those eager to explore iconic sights, enjoy island hopping, and see natural wonders in one go, this tour provides a practical, value-packed option.

Final Thoughts

This 6-day Palawan tour offers an exciting mix of cultural landmarks, natural marvels, and island adventures. While the logistics can be demanding, especially with long transfers, the inclusiveness and guided elements make it a convenient choice for travelers wanting to maximize their time. The views are undeniably stunning, and the guides’ knowledge often elevates the experience.

Keep in mind that some guests have experienced booking frustrations or found the schedule intense, so approaching this trip with flexibility and patience will enhance your enjoyment. If you’re after a comprehensive, group-oriented tour that hits all the high points, this could be just what you need for a memorable Palawan escape.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and many activities involve long rides and walking, so it’s best for older kids or teenagers who are comfortable with busy days.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes five breakfasts and three lunches, with meals often highlighted as tasty and well-arranged, especially the island-hopping lunches.

What transportation is used?
The tour involves hotel pickup, van rides for long transfers (such as to El Nido and Coron), and boat trips for island hopping and caves.

How long are the travel days?
Most days involve 4 to 7 hours of travel, especially the trip from Puerto Princesa to El Nido and from El Nido to Coron, so pack snacks and patience.

Are the sites crowded?
Popular spots like Secret Lagoon and Kayangan Lake can get busy during peak season, but guides usually help find quieter corners.

What are the main attractions?
Highlights include the Puerto Princesa Underground River, lagoons and beaches in El Nido, and lakes and hot springs in Coron.

Can I customize this tour?
Since it’s a package tour, customization options may be limited. Check with the provider beforehand for special requests or needs.