7-Day Palawan & Cebu Adventure: Puerto Princesa Underground River, Honda Bay Island Hopping & Cebu City
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with basic mobility—expect short walks, boat transfers, and easy cave boat rides; no strenuous hiking.
Overview
From limestone caves that keep the sea’s memory to coral gardens that pulse with color, this seven-day Palawan and Cebu itinerary compresses the Philippines’ best into one efficient loop. Expect caves, island hopping, local markets and easy domestic flights between highlights.
7-Day Palawan & Cebu Adventure: Puerto Princesa Underground River, Honda Bay Island Hopping & Cebu City
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The boat eases away from Puerto Princesa's mangrove-lined shore and the limestone cliffs loom up like carved walls, salt spray brief and bright against your cheeks. Inside the mouth of the Puerto Princesa Underground River, light slips into caverns and drops into pools; stalactites hang like old teeth and the river seems to carry whispers of the sea inland. Over seven days you trade this subterranean hush for the high coral gardens of Honda Bay and the bustle of Cebu City—an itinerary that pairs raw karst geology with reef life and a layer of Spanish-era history.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Book early-morning river slot
Morning departures to the Underground River mean calmer water, cooler air and better photography light inside the caves.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Little islands and coral gardens are fragile—choose biodegradable sunscreen to protect marine life while swimming and snorkeling.
Pack a waterproof daypack
You’ll move between boats, beaches and city hotels—keep essentials dry and accessible with a small dry bag or waterproof pack.
Carry small cash for markets
Local vendors and island stalls often accept only cash—bring small bills and coins for snacks, tips and boat fees.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Philippine cockatoos and swiftlets near cave entrances
- Tropical reef fish like parrotfish and clownfish around Honda Bay
History
Cebu was the first major point of sustained Spanish contact in the Philippines—Magellan’s arrival in 1521 shaped colonial history and left landmarks like Magellan’s Cross in Cebu City.
Conservation
Puerto Princesa and nearby marine areas are conservation priorities; travelers should stick to marked paths, avoid touching cave formations and use reef-safe products to reduce impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Puerto Princesa
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Lightweight daypack or dry bag
Keeps valuables dry on boat transfers and stores snacks, water and camera gear.
Reef-safe sunscreen and hat
Protects skin and coral reefs during long sun exposure on boats and beaches.
summer specific
Water shoes or sturdy sandals
Useful on slippery boat ramps, rocky shores and for short wade entries to snorkeling spots.
summer specific
Light rain jacket
Tropical showers can arrive suddenly—pack a compressible shell for comfort between transfers.
wet-season specific