5-Day Puerto Princesa and El Nido Experience: Underground River & Bacuit Bay Island Hopping
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 days
Fitness Level
Moderate—expect several short swims, boarding small boats and walking on uneven beach and cave surfaces.
Overview
A compact 5-day loop from Puerto Princesa to El Nido combines the UNESCO-listed Underground River with two full days of Bacuit Bay island-hopping. Expect limestone cliffs, secret lagoons and boat-guided snorkeling paired with simple logistics and environmental fees handled for you.
5-Day Puerto Princesa and El Nido Experience: Underground River & Bacuit Bay Island Hopping
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You step off the van with salt already on your lips and limestone cliffs punctuating the horizon — the sudden silence of El Nido feels less like emptiness and more like a held breath. This 5-day itinerary begins in the low, humid sprawl of Puerto Princesa and migrates north along Palawan’s spine to Bacuit Bay, where karst towers pierce the sea and hidden lagoons wait behind narrow cave mouths.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
The itinerary includes multiple snorkeling stops; use biodegradable sunscreen to protect coral and marine life.
Pack a dry bag
Boats can be wet: keep electronics and documents dry in a small waterproof bag you can carry on board.
Prep for a long transfer
Puerto Princesa to El Nido is approximately 5–6 hours by van—bring snacks and motion-sickness meds if you’re sensitive.
Carry small cash
Local vendors, park fees and small tips are best handled with Philippine pesos—ATMs in El Nido are limited.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Green sea turtles
- Monitor lizards along mangroves
History
Palawan has a layered history of indigenous Cuyonon communities, Spanish colonial rule and WWII-era events—local oral histories often surface during island visits.
Conservation
The region enforces park fees and limits on visitor numbers in sensitive sites; choose operators who follow reef‑safe and no‑touch practices.
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Adventure Hotspots in El Nido
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Dry bag (10L–20L)
Keeps camera, phone and documents safe during boat transfers and splashes.
Reef-safe sunscreen and hat
Protects skin without harming coral during repeated snorkeling stops.
summer specific
Lightweight water shoes
Useful for rocky shorelines and getting on/off bangkas at low tide.
Travel sickness remedies
Patches or pills help for open-water crossings between islands.