Five-Day Palawan: Puerto Princesa to El Nido Island Hopping & Underground River
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 days (full-day excursions)
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: able to board small boats, walk short uneven trails, and get in/out of inflatables.
Overview
A compact five-day loop from Puerto Princesa to El Nido that pairs the UNESCO Underground River with classic El Nido island-hopping. Expect limestone caves, turquoise lagoons, private van transfers and three full days of boat tours.
Five-Day Palawan: Puerto Princesa to El Nido Island Hopping & Underground River
Select participants and date
Arrival in Puerto Princesa feels like stepping into a different scale of space: sky opens wide, air smells faintly of salt and vegetation, and limestone ridges lurk on distant horizons. On day one a private van collects the group from the airport and the city reveals itself in short bursts—local markets, a Spanish-era cathedral, and low hills that frame the bay. Puerto Princesa’s quiet streets give way quickly to the Pacific’s bright blue; by day two the trip is all water—Honda Bay’s shallow reefs, starfish-studded sandbars, and the easy rhythm of a banca skimming across glassy sea.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring ID for permits
Government permits for the Underground River require full names, ages, and nationalities—submit these when booking and carry ID at pickup.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Coral reefs are sensitive—choose mineral-based sunscreen or wear a UV shirt when snorkeling.
Pack a dry bag
Boat transfers and island landings are frequent; a small dry bag keeps electronics and documents safe.
Start tours early
Underground River and island-hopping are less crowded in the morning and winds are typically lighter for smoother crossings.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Green sea turtles
- Monitor lizards (locally common along beaches and mangroves)
History
Palawan is home to indigenous groups like the Tagbanua; the Underground River also reflects millennia of changing sea levels and human presence in the karst landscape.
Conservation
Visitor caps and permit systems protect the Underground River; use reef-safe products and avoid touching corals to minimize impact.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Puerto Princesa City
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects coral and prevents sunburn during long boat days.
Lightweight rain jacket
Monsoon showers can arrive quickly—pack a breathable waterproof layer.
summer specific
Snorkel mask (personal)
Using your own mask ensures fit and clarity during reef stops.
Dry bag (10L)
Keeps phone, camera, and documents dry on island transfers.