Puerto Princesa to El Nido: 7-Day Island-Hopping & Underground River Adventure
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
7 days (6 nights)
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness — able to handle full days of boating, short swims/snorkels, and a few uneven shore landings.
Overview
A seven-day loop from Puerto Princesa to El Nido that combines Honda Bay island-hopping, the UNESCO Underground River, and Bacuit Archipelago exploration. Expect boats, karst cliffs, and practical logistics handled for you—permit requirements and van transfers included.
Puerto Princesa to El Nido: 7-Day Island-Hopping & Underground River Adventure
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You step off the van in Puerto Princesa with humid air that smells faintly of salt and diesel—Palawan does not announce itself, it simply opens. Over the next seven days you will trade backroads and mangrove corridors for limestone towers and glassy lagoons. Boats will become your daily transport; karst cliffs will loom like old guards; the Underground River will move through the last dark like a slow, deliberate animal.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring cash for local fees
Some small environmental, docking or permit fees are paid on-site—have small bills in Philippine pesos.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens damage coral; choose mineral-based sunscreen to protect reefs while snorkeling.
Pack a dry bag
A small dry bag protects camera gear and documents during boat transfers and beach stops.
Reconfirm pickup and flights
Local operators advise reconfirming arrival times—traffic and weather can shift transfer durations between Puerto Princesa and El Nido.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Green and hawksbill sea turtles
- Philippine long-tailed macaque
History
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park gained UNESCO World Heritage status for its unique karst and cave systems; the region’s coastal communities have long relied on fishing and small-scale agriculture.
Conservation
Park permits, visitor caps in sensitive lagoons and encouragement to use reef-safe sunscreen reflect local efforts to protect coral reefs and mangroves.
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Adventure Hotspots in Puerto Princesa
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Dry bag (10–20L)
Keeps electronics, documents and clothing dry during boat transfers.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and marine habitats while snorkeling.
summer specific
Water shoes
Useful for rocky shore entries and scrambling onto small banca boats.
Light daypack
Carrys water, snacks and valuables for day excursions.