Secrets of Palawan - 6 Days
Update: Please note that due to damage caused by a typhoon in 2021, this itinerary is currently not available. We hope to resume offering it in 2024.
Highlights
- Snorkel colorful coral reefs in Ulugan Bay
- Hike the rainforests of Cleopatra's Needle
- Explore the "Hundred Caves" of Tagabinet
- Paddle the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Palawan, Transfer to Maruyogon | Maruyogon |
Day 2 | Hike Cleopatra's Needle, Visit the Batak people | Maruyogon |
Day 3 | Snorkel Ulugan Bay, Explore Tagabinet Hundred Caves | Sabang |
Day 4 | Explore Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park | Sabang |
Day 5 | Transfer to Narra, Trek to Estrella Falls | Narra |
Day 6 | Discover white cockatoos of Rasa island, Depart Palawan |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Palawan, Transfer to Maruyogon
Welcome to Palawan. Your adventure begins at the Puerto Princesa International Airport, where you will meet your guide and drive north up the coast through Palawan's wilderness to Maruyogon. Settle into your farmhouse-turned-accommodation and enjoy the natural landscape: ponds, rice fields, gardens, and forest. If the mood strikes, walk to the nearby beach and go for a swim. Spend the day exploring the area as you choose, and try your luck at spotting Maruyogon's residents: flying lizards, river otters, and exotic birds.
Day 2: Hike Cleopatra's Needle, Visit the Batak People
Rise early to begin your trek through scenic rivers, jungle, and rich forests of Cleopatra's Needle—the most biodiverse mountain in Palawan—to reach the village of the Batak people. Discover how the Batak live in harmony with nature as you learn about their culture and customs. In the afternoon, you will return to Maruyogon.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Snorkel Ulugan Bay, Explore Tagabinet Hundred Caves
Start the day bright and early and transfer an hour north to the magnificent Ulugan Bay on the western coast of Palawan. A 30-minute boat ride then takes you to a small island with pristine white sand beaches. Spend the morning snorkeling the vibrant coral reefs and enjoying the beach as you please—the island’s resident sea eagle might even join you!
In the afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to explore Tagabinet's limestone caves. Commonly referred to as "Hundred Caves," you'll discover the strange but fascinating world of mineral formations and delicate cave ecosystems.
Carry on north to stay the night in Sabang, a beach town and jumping-off point to the famous Underground River.
Day 4: Explore Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
In the morning, you will ride an outrigger boat to the entrance of the Puerto Princesa Underground River before switching to a smaller boat to go further into the river's tunnel. Marvel at the unique environment and its many interesting formations.
Afterward, hike a jungle trail keeping an eye out for monitor lizards, before you take a paddle boat to explore a mangrove forest. Here it's possible to see monkeys, tree snakes, and a variety of birds. Next, walk to an ocean-side waterfall, and if you're lucky, you'll get a chance to watch sea turtles surfing the waves.
Day 5: Transfer to Narra, Trek to Estrella Falls
Today you will drive three hours south to Narra and trek to Estrella Falls. The falls consist of a series of 44 waterfalls that run along the ridges of Mount Victoria. Though it's not possible to see all 44 falls in one day (most people make it to the 11th), if you're up for the challenge, you can certainly try!
In the afternoon you will transfer to your beachside accommodation. If you have the energy, go for a swim and enjoy the beach or explore the nearby mangroves.
Day 6: Discover the White Cockatoos of Rasa Island, Depart Palawan
Get an early start today watch the Philippine cockatoos (locally known as katala) as they make their daily migration from Rasa Island to the mainland. The katala, or red-vented cockatoo, is a critically endangered species that is endemic to the Philippines. Once on the island, you will have the opportunity to discover the roosting and nesting cockatoos before spending the rest of the late morning snorkeling and exploring the island's coral reefs and mangroves.
Depending on your flight details, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your return flight home.
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