Tricity Palawan: 8-Day Puerto Princesa, El Nido & Coron Island-Hopping, Underground River & Wrecks
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 days
Fitness Level
Moderate—comfortable with repeated short swims, boat transfers, and light hikes; good balance recommended
Overview
Eight days across Puerto Princesa, El Nido and Coron condense Palawan’s best—an underground river, dramatic karst lagoons, shipwreck dives and coral gardens. This curated route pairs guided tours with island-hopping and practical logistics for travelers who want top sights without micromanaging transfers.
Tricity Palawan: 8-Day Puerto Princesa, El Nido & Coron Island-Hopping, Underground River & Wrecks
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You step off the van into heat that smells like salt and coconut oil; the road noise falls away and the Pacific breathes against limestone cliffs. The trip opens in Puerto Princesa, a low-rise city with a long baywalk and a reputation earned by the subterranean river that threads through mountain. By day two you’re threading a paddleboat into a cave chamber, the river’s black glass daring you forward as bats wheel overhead and guide narration names stalactites like old ships.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early for calm seas
Most island-hopping departures leave at first light—book the earliest boat to avoid wind chop and crowded lagoons.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Sunscreen with non-nano zinc protects your skin and the coral reefs—apply before boarding to avoid contaminating the water.
Carry small cash
Environmental fees, local snacks and remote entrance fees are often cash-only—bring smaller bills for convenience.
Protect camera gear
Salt spray and sandy beaches are hard on lenses—use a waterproof case or dry bag when moving between sites.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Hawksbill and green turtles around Coron reefs
- Philippine cockatoo and shorebirds near mangrove flats
History
Palawan’s islands preserve layers of history from indigenous Tagbanua communities to Spanish and World War II-era interactions; many wrecks around Coron date to 1944 naval action.
Conservation
The region relies on marine protected areas and environmental fees to fund reef protection and community stewardship; adhere to no-touch rules and avoid single-use plastics.
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Adventure Hotspots in Puerto Princesa
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin while minimizing harm to coral and marine life
summer specific
Light dry bag (10–20L)
Keeps electronics and spare clothes dry during boat transfers and beach stops
Snorkel mask (fit-tested)
A well-fitted mask improves comfort and visibility during repeated snorkel sessions
Water shoes
Protects feet on rocky shorelines and when entering shallow reef sites