Puerto Princesa – El Nido
Welcome to what is known as the last Ecological Frontier of the Philippines – Palawan Island.
The vegetation on Palawan is one of the most diverse of any island within the Philippines and includes tropical lowland evergreen rain forest, lowland semi-deciduous (seasonal/monsoon) forest, mountain forest at 800-1,500 m, and forests over limestone in the south.
With over half the island still wilderness you will experience lush jungles, beautiful mountains, stunning lagoons, caves and white beaches. With a rich array of fauna, from exotic birds, colourful fish and the jungles rich tapestry of wildlife, the time spent discovering this is why we call this an eco-adventure.
This fully inclusive Great Journey gives you a great mix of cultural experiences and nature at her best. With your own local guide providing you with the history, insights into local life and just making things go smoothly we think you will love this 7 day eco-adventure.
You will get to experience the local culture, meeting some great locals and taste the wonderful cuisine. Palawan Island was rated by National Geographic Traveler magazine as the best Southeast Asia region in 2007 and in the top 20 islands in the world.
A perfect getaway for people wanting to experience a return to nature.
Is this tour for me?
| TRAVEL STYLE | Private getaway perfect for couples, families, friends or the solo adventurer. |
| SERVICE LEVEL | This package is a premium quality Great Journey hosted by our Local Expert Partner Travel – Philippine Cultural Travel. |
| PHYSICAL RATING | There is a 15 minute uphill walk to reach a lake, swimming in a life-vest through a cave and other physical activities and so guests must have a reasonable level of fitness. |
| TRIP TYPE | Private Package |
What’s Included?
- English speaking tour guide
- Return airfare from Manila
- Underground River Walking and Boat Tour
- Puerto Princesa City Tour
- Palawan Museum Tour
- Boat tours to the Small, Big and Secret Lagoons
- Crocodile Research Centre visit
- Tour of the Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village
- Private boat to Snake and Shimizu Islands
- Bottled water
- Morning tea
- Afternoon snack
- Airport transfers
- 6 Nights twin share room at our chosen partner hotel except solo and odd number bookings which includes one single room
- 6 Breakfasts (Days 2-7)
- 6 Lunches (Days 1-6)
- 6 Dinners (Days 1-6)
Transport
- Economy class flight Manila to Puerto Princesa
- Economy Flight El Nido to Manila
- Airconditioned Van with driver
- Private boats for island, river, lake and lagoon experiences
Pricing for Guest (USD):
| Travelling Style | Deluxe |
| Solo Traveller | $3,272 |
| 2 Guests | $2,308 |
| 3 – 6 Guests | $2,417 |
| 7 – 10 Guests | $2,147 |
For bookings more than 10, please contact us for pricing.
Day 1: Arrival
Puerto Princesa
Its a 90 minute flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa International Airport where you will be warmly greeted by your guide for the week and transferred to your hotel to settle in and freshen up.
Then join your guide and head to the Badjao Seafront Restaurant for your welcome lunch. Built on stilts above the clear waters and surrounded by a mangrove forest overlooking the ocean. A perfect way to start your eco-adventure.
We then take a city tour starting with a visit to the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. It is a century-old historic landmark in Puerto Princesa and we also take a moment of silence at Plaza Cuartel which is a grim reminder of the Palawan Massacre which happened during World War II.
Next stop is Palawan Museum which showcases the Tagbanuas and other indigenous people and ethnolinguistic tribes like the Pala’wans and the Cuyunons. The Palawan Museum also focuses on the wildlife of the province giving you an understanding of what you can expect to see in the days to come.
We take a stroll through Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park and enjoy the sunset while trying local snacks and drinks in the food stalls. We end the night with outside dinner at a local restaurant where you can enjoy fresh seafood and other amazing Filipino dishes.
Overnight: Puerto Princesa
Day 2: Puerto Princesa
The Underground River
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your guide takes you on a magical day starting with Ugong Rock. It is the majestic 75-foot high moss-covered limestone formation.
Next stop is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of the 7 Wonders of Nature.
Puerto Princesa Underground River in the Subterranean River National Park is a true natural paradise. It features limestone karst formations, pristine forests, amazing caves with majestic stalactites and stalagmites, and an 8.2-kilometer-long underground river. We explore the area by both foot and boat and we think you will fall in love with this stunning National Park.
We take time to relax at the Cacaoyan Forest Park Restaurant and enjoy a buffet lunch. After lunch you can choose to explore nore of the national park or head back to your hotel to relax. Dinner will be at the hotel restaurant so there is time to relax and get refreshed no matter how you choose to spend your afternoon.
Overnight: Puerto Princesa
Day 3: Puerto Princesa
Crocodile Farm and Butterfly Garden
After breakfast we start our day at the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center. Playing a vital role in the preservation of crocodiles as well as other endangered wildlife its a great place to see conservation in action.
Then we head to the Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village where you can spot colorful butterflies and learn more about them as well as rare insects and rescued endemic wildlife.
We take lunch at a local restaurant before venturing beyond the butterfly garden to a traditional indigenous village whose residents are considered to be one of the oldest inhabitants in the province. Learn about their culture, and customs from their ancient language called the Palawan Paleograph, how they hunt with poison blow darts and even hear their traditional music. You can help support the village through buying some of their handicrafts such as hand woven baskets and mats.
We end the day driving to Bakers Hill where as the name suggests you can sample some great baked goods. They are famous for their hopia (bean-filled, moon cake-like pastry) that comes in a variety of flavors, with ube (purple yam) as the bestseller.
Returning mid afternoon to the hotel, you can relax and enjoy the facilities before your guide will take you out to another great local restaurant for dinner.
Overnight: Puerto Princesa
Day 4: El Nido
Experience paradise!
Today following breakfast your guide and driver will take on a magical journey as we head to El Nido, From pristine beaches to jungle waterfalls there is so much you can see on this journey.
Your guide will discuss with you what places you will like to see along the way and lunch will be at a local restaurant as well as enjoying local snacks for morning and afternoon tea, We have allowed a day for this road trip leaving lots of time to explore along the way. From swimming in a jungle pool to time relaxing on a white sandy beach you will fall in love with Palawan Island today we are sure,
Arriving late afternoon in El Nido, your guide will ensure your check-in goes smoothly and dinner is at the hotel so you can relax and settle in.
Overnight: El Nido
Day 5: El Nido
Snake Island > Shimizu Island
After your breakfast we head to the harbour and take a private boat to explore two stunning islands..
We start at Snake Island and enjoy a wonderful picnic lunch on the gorgeous sandbar strip with its white powdery sand. You can even explore some small caves nearby or just relax and swim.
We then transfer to the enchanting Shimizu Island. Relax and unwind on the cool white-sand beach and snorkel among the colorful marine life. Take in a wonderful island sunset before an early festive Filipino-style dinner at a local restaurant and a 30 minute moonlit boat crossing back to the mainland and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight: El Nido
Day 6: El Nido
Amazing Lagoons
After a leisurely breakfast join your guide for a day discovering a number of breathtaking lagoons.
We start at Small Lagoon where you can swim or ride a kayak and go through an opening in a limestone wall to discover the beautiful peaceful waters of Small Lagoon. Enjoy its calm landscapes with the sound of nature as your default soundtrack. Its serene turquoise waters that form a natural pool in the middle of cliffs are the perfect spot for floating or kayak rides.
After a couple of hours exploring the small lagoon, we climb aboard your boat and head to a small white sand beach in the southern part of the Island. Once inside, you’ll be greeted by a small natural pool surrounded by remarkably high limestone cliffs – this is the Big Lagoon. Soak in the crystal clear water, walk on fine white sand beaches and take in the gorgeous views.
Enjoy a wonderful picnic lunch prepared by your guide before we head to the Secret Lagoon. Once your boat arrives, you’ll see nothing but a big wall of limestone cliffs with no beach in sight. Donning lifejackets you will swim through an opening in the towering cliffs assisted by your guide. On the other side is a hidden unspoiled beach like a tropical oasis,
This hidden enchanting beach in El Nido is said to have been the inspiration behind the novel “The Beach,” by Alex Garland. It was later adapted into a film starring Leonardo di Caprio but set in Thailand.
We enjoy a farewell dinner at Fat Choy Express which offers a number of international dishes before returning to your hotel.
Overnight: El Nido
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Great Journey
Exclusions
- Other personal expenses
- Other activities
- Tips, and all services not clearly mentioned
Key Information Remarks
- Prices are net per person in United States Dollars (USD) and are subject to change without prior notice
- No refund for any un-utilized Tour or Activity
Guide surcharge:
| Guide Type | Individual | Group |
| Mandarin speaking guide | $50 per day | $70 per day |
| Spanish speaking guide | $45 per day | $65 per day |
| Other language(by request) | $60 per day | $80 per day |
Child policy
- Child under 2: Free of charge
- Child over 2 and above: 50% of adult cost
CANCELLATION:
- Period before arrival Amount of Cancellation of the Tour or Activity Price
- More than 60 days before arrival- Free Of Charge (FOC)
- More than 45 days before arrival– 30%
- Less than 21 days before arrival – 50%
- Less than 14 days before arrival – 80%
- Failure on traveling date at point of arrival 100%
Travel Rules and Policy
Citizens entering the Philippines must meet the following conditions or risk being refused immigration clearance and may be deported:
- Citizens traveling to the Philippines are urged to https://etravel.gov.ph/ with Philippine authorities for an eArrival Card within 72 hours prior to departure.
- Passengers who are fully vaccinated must possess a recognised proof of vaccination. Travellers aged 15 and above who are not fully vaccinated are required to present a negative laboratory-based Rapid Antigen Test taken 24 hours before departure from country of origin.
- Unvaccinated traveller aged 15 and above who are unable to present a negative pre-departure laboratory-based Rapid Antigen Test will be required to undergo testing in the upon arrival in the airport. Those who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to complete a facility-based quarantine in the Philippines.
- Accompanied, unvaccinated children aged 14 and below shall follow the quarantine procedures of their parents and guardians.
- Unaccompanied unvaccinated children aged 14 and below must go through the same procedure as traveller aged 15 and above.
Local Culture
Filipinos are well known for being hospitality. Many of them go the extra mile in making visitors feel almost like VIP’s. So when you find yourself in a Filipino home, don’t be surprised if you’re forbidden to help out with anything — guests are usually not made to lift a finger.
Arrival Complications
We don’t expect any problems, and nor should you. However, if you are unable to commence your Tour as scheduled for any reason, please contact us immediately. Please refer to our emergency contact details.
Emergency Contact
If you need to contact us in an emergency, it is best to call the Green Cultural Travel Local Expert Partner. If you don’t receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message with your contact information so they can return your call as soon as possible.
Emergency Contact Numbers
Philippine Cultural Travel
Contact Number: +639164218900
Tipping
Depending on the service, it is discretionary in the Philippines to tip service providers, such as waiters. Though not compulsory, tipping shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your holiday. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels.
When selecting your tour or activity please read the brochure and itinerary carefully to assess your ability to cope with the requirements of your selected product.
Safety and Security
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt for keeping your valuables safe. Leave your expensive jewellery at home. You won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels you stay at have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables while on tour.
Green Cultural Travel – Community Programs
As we are owned by Green Cultural Travel Hub Limited UEN 201705140R a Singapore registered “Not for Profit” company our profits allow us to continue our support of community projects in the destinations our guests visit.
Purchasers of our Packages will automatically become members of our Green Cultural Travel Hub a place of connection for like minded travellers wanting to make a difference. Members of our Hub receive a monthly magazine and access to some great travel specials and follow the progress of the community programs we support. Guests can also take the opportunity when booking a Package to make their own donation to Green Cultural Travel Hub Limited.
Local Dress
Philippines is generally warm, so wear natural, lightweight and tropical clothing all throughout the year. This is as basic as it gets.
Green Cultural Travel Hub
When you purchase a Green Cultural Travel package you automatically become a member of the Green Cultural Travel Hub. This connects you to us and like-minded traveller. Our bi-monthly magazine is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories, special offers and contests. We also include more information on how you can give back, and support, the people and places we love to visit through our local Community Programmes.

































