Palawan Paradise: 11 Days El Nido to Coron Expedition — Limestone Cliffs, Hidden Lagoons & Island Hopping

Tour Overview

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrive Puerto Princesa — Gateway to Palawan

Land at Puerto Princesa International Airport on Palawan — the “Last Frontier” of the Philippines and consistently voted the world’s best island by Travel + Leisure. Palawan stretches 450km from north to south, a narrow strip of land between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea, with limestone karst cliffs rising from turquoise water. Your guide meets you and transfers to your hotel. Afternoon: orientation walk through Puerto Princesa — the charming provincial capital with a waterfront promenade (Baywalk) where locals gather at sunset. Visit the Immaculate Conception Cathedral (the blue-and-white church, a city landmark) and try Tamilok (woodworm — a local delicacy eaten raw with vinegar, tastes surprisingly like oysters) at a local restaurant. Evening: dinner at a seafood restaurant on the bay. Overnight in Puerto Princesa.

Day 2: Underground River — One of the New 7 Wonders of Nature

Full-day excursion to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (UNESCO World Heritage and one of the New7Wonders of Nature). Drive 2 hours north through Palawan’s jungle interior to Sabang. Board an outrigger boat (bangka) for the 20-minute crossing to the park entrance — the approach alone is stunning: limestone cliffs, white beach, and the dark mouth of the cave. The Underground River is the world’s longest navigable underground river (8.2km of the total 24km is accessible to tourists, 4.2km by boat). Board a paddle boat with your audio guide and enter the cave — the first chamber is cathedral-like, with formations named for religious and mythological figures: the Holy Family, the Cathedral, the Vegetable Garden. The cave’s ecosystem is extraordinary — bats flying overhead, swiftlets nesting on walls (their nests are the source of bird’s nest soup), and a total darkness zone where the river flows through passages no human has explored. The combination of jungle approach, subterranean navigation, and cathedral chambers makes this one of Asia’s most unique natural experiences. Afternoon: optional Sabang zipline (one of the longest over-water ziplines in Asia, flying 800m over the bay) or swim at Sabang Beach. Return to Puerto Princesa. Overnight in Puerto Princesa.

Day 3: Puerto Princesa to El Nido — Journey to Paradise

Morning van transfer to El Nido (approximately 5-6 hours, 230km north). The journey is through Palawan’s interior — mountains, rice paddies, and jungle — increasingly dramatic as you approach El Nido and the limestone formations appear. El Nido (Spanish for “the nest,” named for the edible swiftlet nests harvested from the cliffs) has been called the most beautiful place in the Philippines. The town sits on Bacuit Bay, surrounded by limestone karst formations — the seascape that Alex Garland sought for his novel The Beach, and that inspired the landscapes of the film Avatar. Check into your beachfront accommodation. Afternoon: walk to Las Cabanas Beach for sunset — the limestone islands of Bacuit Bay silhouetted against a tropical sky. Beachfront dinner: grilled fish, garlic rice, mango shake. Overnight in El Nido.

Day 4: El Nido Island Hopping Tour A — The Big Lagoon & Secret Lagoon

The classic El Nido experience. Board an outrigger boat at El Nido beach for Tour A — the most popular island-hopping route, and for good reason. First stop: Big Lagoon on Miniloc Island — enter through a narrow channel between limestone cliffs and emerge into a vast turquoise lagoon surrounded by vertical karst walls draped in vegetation. Kayak through the lagoon (rentals available), feeling infinitesimally small beneath the towering cliffs. Second stop: Secret Lagoon — a hidden pool accessible only by swimming through a small hole in the limestone wall at low tide. Inside is a natural amphitheater of rock with a sandy floor — the feeling of discovery is genuine. Third stop: Shimizu Island — a stunning white sand beach for lunch (fresh grilled fish, shrimp, crab, and the famous Filipino mangoes — the sweetest in the world). Swim in water so clear that boats appear to float on air. Final stop: Seven Commandos Beach — a long stretch of white sand backed by coconut palms, with shallow water perfect for swimming and volleyball. Return to El Nido by late afternoon. Overnight in El Nido.

Day 5: El Nido Island Hopping Tour C — Hidden Beach & Matinloc Shrine

Tour C explores further into Bacuit Bay. First stop: Hidden Beach — arguably the most beautiful of El Nido’s secret spots. Access is through a narrow gap in the limestone wall; inside is a crescent of white sand surrounded by towering cliffs, with no visible entrance from the sea — truly hidden. Second stop: Matinloc Shrine — an abandoned religious shrine and viewpoint on Matinloc Island, accessible by climbing 200+ steps to a panoramic view of the entire Bacuit Bay archipelago. The shrine itself is a fascinating ruin — crumbling statues, empty shells of buildings, and the best view in Palawan. Third stop: Secret Beach — another hidden cove accessible only by swimming through a keyhole in the rock. The water is so clear that tropical fish are visible from the boat. Fourth stop: Helicopter Island (Dilumacad Island) — named for its shape from a distance, this island has a beautiful white beach with excellent snorkeling along the rocky edges. Return to El Nido. Overnight in El Nido.

Day 6: El Nido — Nacpan Beach & Free Day

Morning tricycle or motorbike ride to Nacpan Beach (17km north of El Nido) — a 4km stretch of golden sand bordered by coconut palms on one side and the South China Sea on the other. Nacpan is often ranked among the world’s best beaches, and its scale (4km uninterrupted) means you can always find a private stretch. The twin beaches of Nacpan-Calitang create a narrow sand spit between two bays — a classic Palawan vista. Swim in gentle waves, eat fresh coconuts from a beach stall, and enjoy the relative solitude compared to the island-hopping crowds. Afternoon: return to El Nido for a free evening — try the beach bars along the waterfront, or climb to Taraw Cliff (a 45-minute scramble requiring a guide and good fitness — the reward is a 360-degree view of Bacuit Bay). Overnight in El Nido.

Day 7: El Nido to Coron — Island-Hopping Ferry Expedition

If the sea is calm (generally November-May), take the expedition ferry from El Nido to Coron (approximately 4 hours) — less a ferry and more a continuation of island hopping, passing dozens of uninhabited limestone islands and atolls. Coron is a separate island group (part of the Calamianes) in northern Palawan province, distinct in character from El Nido: better known for its World War II wreck diving, Kayangan Lake (the Philippines’ cleanest lake, and the most photographed), and a more laid-back vibe.

Arrive in Coron Town on Busuanga Island. Coron Town is smaller and less developed than El Nido — the main street has dive shops, restaurants, and a waterfront with views of Coron Bay and its distinctive limestone pinnacles. Afternoon: climb Mount Tapyas (721 steps to the summit) for sunset. The climb is a local ritual — everyone in Coron does it — and the reward is a panoramic view of Coron Bay, the surrounding islands, and the massive Coron Island in the distance. The giant white CORON sign (Hollywood style) at the summit is the photo spot. Descend and soak in the Maquinit Hot Springs — natural saltwater hot springs in mangrove forest, the only known saltwater hot spring in the Philippines. The water emerges at 39-40°C, perfectly therapeutic after hiking. Overnight in Coron.

Day 8: Coron Island Ultimate Tour — Kayangan Lake & Twin Lagoon

The Coron island-hopping tour is arguably even more dramatic than El Nido. Board an outrigger boat for a day exploring Coron Island (the island itself is owned by the indigenous Tagbanua people, who have preserved it and charge a modest entrance fee). First stop: Kayangan Lake — 300 steps up a limestone cliff leads to the most famous viewpoint in the Philippines: Kayangan Lake from above, with its crystal-clear emerald water surrounded by jagged limestone peaks. Descend to the lake itself and swim — the water is a mix of fresh and salt, completely clear, with underwater limestone formations visible to 10m depth. It is, quite simply, one of the most beautiful places to swim on Earth.

Second stop: Barracuda Lake — adjacent to Kayangan, a unique thermocline dive/swim site where the water transitions from cool fresh water at the surface to hot salt water at depth (up to 38°C), with a distinct shimmering boundary layer visible at about 13m. The limestone formations underwater create a moonscape effect.

Third stop: Twin Lagoon — two interconnected lagoons separated by a limestone wall. At high tide, you swim through a small opening; at low tide, you climb a wooden ladder over the wall. The inner lagoon’s water is noticeably cooler (fed by underground springs), creating a magical sensation.

Fourth stop: Siete Pecados (Seven Sins) — a cluster of seven small islets surrounded by some of the best snorkeling in Coron. The coral gardens are healthy, with abundant tropical fish, giant clams, and occasional sea turtles. Lunch at a beach, fresh seafood grilled on the boat. Fifth stop: Sunset Beach or Banol Beach — final swim stop before returning to Coron Town. Overnight in Coron.

Day 9: Coron Wreck Diving & Beach Day

Coron Bay is one of the world’s top wreck diving destinations. On September 24, 1944, US Navy aircraft attacked a Japanese fleet anchored in Coron Bay, sinking 12 ships. Today, 10 well-preserved wrecks lie at depths of 3-43m, making Coron a wreck diver’s paradise. Non-divers can snorkel several shallower wrecks: the Lusong Gunboat (visible just below the surface, with coral-encrusted hull and large batfish), the Skeleton Wreck (a 25m-long wreck in 5-12m of water, accessible to snorkelers), and the East Tangat Gunboat (just 3m below surface at the shallowest point).

Afternoon: boat to Malcapuya Island (45 minutes from Coron) — a classic tropical island with powdery white sand, coconut palms, and crystal-clear water stretching to a sandbar. This is your Robinson Crusoe afternoon — swimming, relaxing, and enjoying fresh coconuts. Return to Coron Town. Overnight in Coron.

Day 10: Coron — Free Day & Culinary Adventure

Free day in Coron. Options: return to your favorite snorkeling spot, take a scuba diving introductory course (SSI/PADI available from many Coron dive shops), visit the Coron Market (fresh seafood, local fruits, and handcrafted souvenirs), or simply relax at your hotel. Evening: Coron food tour — try lato (sea grape seaweed salad), kinilaw (Filipino ceviche made with fresh tuna, ginger, vinegar, and coconut milk), inihaw na pusit (grilled squid stuffed with tomatoes and onions), and finish with halo-halo (the iconic Filipino dessert — shaved ice, evaporated milk, sweet beans, jellies, fruits, ube ice cream, and leche flan, all mixed together). Farewell dinner at a waterfront restaurant watching the sunset over Coron Bay. Overnight in Coron.

Day 11: Departure

Morning at leisure. Transfer to Busuanga Airport (Francisco B. Reyes Airport) for your flight to Manila and onward connection. The view from the plane — the limestone karst islands scattered across turquoise water — is your final Palawan memory.

Included

• 10 nights accommodation (boutique hotels, beachfront resorts)
• Daily breakfast + 5 lunches on island-hopping days
• El Nido Tours A & C (island hopping with lunch)
• Coron Island Ultimate Tour (Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, with lunch)
• Coron wreck snorkeling tour
• Malcapuya Island boat trip
• Puerto Princesa Underground River tour
• El Nido to Coron expedition ferry
• All transfers (airport, van, tricycle as needed)
• All environmental & entrance fees