Philippines Palawan Island Getaway

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Philippines Palawan Island Getaway
Philippines Palawan Island Getaway
Philippines Palawan Island Getaway
Philippines Palawan Island Getaway
Philippines Palawan Island Getaway
Philippines Palawan Island Getaway
Philippines Palawan Island Getaway
Philippines Palawan Island Getaway
Philippines Palawan Island Getaway
Philippines Palawan Island Getaway
Philippines Palawan Island Getaway
8 Days
From AUD $3250
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(19 reviews)

Philippines Palawan Island Getaway

Philippines Palawan Island Getaway

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Unwind in nature as you journey through the Philippines on this eight-day adventure from Manila to Palawan. Visit one of the greenest cities in the country, hike to the Batak and Tagbanua Tribal village in Sitio Kawasan and island hop around El Nido.

Highlights

  • Visit the capital of Palawan, which has been internationally recognised as the greenest city in the Philippines.
  • Prepare some delicious rice snacks at a local farm. Then, see swarms of glowing fireflies dance among the mangroves at dusk along the Iwahig River.
  • Set off on a full day of island hopping and snorkelling off the coast of El Nido and Port Barton. Look to the bottom of these clear waters and swim among the coral and tropical fish.
  • Enjoy plenty of free time to choose your own adventure. Maybe take a daytrip to the Nacpan Beach, cruise along the waters in a kayak or sit down to a drink (or two) at the many beachside restaurants.
  • Meet the Batak Tribe, one of about 70 Indigenous communities of the Philippines, on a leader-led hike to the Batak and Tagbanua Tribal village in Sitio Kawasan.

Trip Details

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Boat, Jeepney, Private Minibus, Plane

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Manila, Philippines

Finishes

El Nido, Philippines

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Manila
Maligayang pagdating! Welcome to the Philippines. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Manila. If you arrive early, maybe take a self-guided walking tour of the Intramuros walled city, visit historic cultural sites like the San Agustin Church or explore the Fort Santiago. After your meeting, maybe head out with your fellow travellers and try foods like lechon (whole roasted pig) and longganisa (Philippine sausage).

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Puerto Princesa
This morning, take a short flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa. When you arrive, you'll instantly see the slower pace of this island compared to the busy capital. Puerto, as the locals call it, is the capital of Palawan and has been internationally recognised as the cleanest and greenest of all cities in the Philippines. This afternoon, visit a local farm and take part in preparing local rice snacks. Snacking (merienda) is a way of life among Filipino rural folks. Tonight, relax by the Iwahig River and watch as glowing fireflies dart in and around the mangroves.

Included Activities:

  • Puerto Princesa - Iwahig River Firefly Boat Tour
  • Puerto Princesa - local farm visit

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Puerto Princesa
After breakfast, drive to Sabang. When you arrive, jump on a boat and travel along the Subterranean River, which passes through a limestone cave and into the ocean. After lunch, continue to the starting point of today's hike. Lace up your hiking boots and join your local leader on a hike to the Batak and Tagbanua Tribal Village in Sitio Kawasan, set against the backdrop of the majestic St. Paul Mountain. Meet the Batak Tribe – one of about 70 Indigenous communities of the Philippines – and maybe try some fruit directly from the cashew trees (weather dependent). This visit provides the opportunity to connect with the Batak and Tagbanua communities, learn about their traditions, and appreciate the harmony of their way of life within a beautiful natural setting.

Included Activities:

  • Sabang - Puerto Princesa Subterranean River boat trip
  • Sabang - Batak tribe hike

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Port Barton
This morning, travel to Port Barton – a slow-paced coastal town located on the largest island of the Palawan region. When you arrive, enjoy a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. Maybe hike to the Pamuayan Falls, relax on the white sandy beach or watch the sunset over the region.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Port Barton
Today, set off on an island-hopping adventure where you’ll spend the day exploring the beautiful hidden gems of Port Barton. See crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and white-sand beaches as you travel to secluded islands like Turtle Sanctuary, Exotic Island and Paradise Island. During your island-hopping tour, step into the shoes of a local fisherman and learn about the age-old fishing tradition in Port Barton, where simplicity meets skill. Unlike modern methods, this technique uses only a hand-held hook tied to a single nylon line (kawil). This region is perfect for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing on the beach shores, so be sure to pack a hat and your bathers!

Included Activities:

  • Port Barton - Island Hopping
  • Port Barton - Traditional fishing demonstration

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: El Nido
Say farewell to Port Barton today and travel to El Nido this morning. With a backdrop of marble cliffs and white sandy beaches, El Nido is the base for many island adventures. There are over 50 beaches to discover, all of which are accessible by the boats docked nearby. This afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace – maybe pack a picnic lunch and head out on an adventure to an isolated beach. Later, maybe join your fellow travellers for a drink at one of the many beachside restaurants.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: El Nido
This morning, head off on a full-day snorkelling trip as you island hop around El Nido. As you travel to the island, take in the surrounding landscape of jagged limestone islands, rocky coves, virgin rainforest and white sandy beaches. When you arrive, put on your snorkel and dive under the clear water, where you’ll see the beautiful coral and many different species of colourful fish that call this area home. After an included lunch, venture out on various trips to lagoons throughout the afternoon. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your fellow travellers and toast to your final night in the Philippines.

Included Activities:

  • El Nido - Island hopping boat trip & snorkelling

Optional Activities:

  • El Nido - Kayak Hire (700 PHP)
  • El Nido - Bike hire (500 PHP)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: El Nido
With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave the accommodation at any time. This doesn’t mean your Philippines adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to spend more time in El Nido, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $3,250
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Unwind in nature as you journey through the Philippines on this eight-day adventure from Manila to Palawan. Visit one of the greenest cities in the country, hike to the Batak and Tagbanua Tribal village in Sitio Kawasan and island hop around El Nido.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 09 Apr 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.5
Anderson
Traveled, February 2024

02/25/2024

If your thinking about going to Philippines do it don’t think twice.

5.0
Amarnath
Traveled, February 2024

02/28/2024

Very enjoyable trip that was very well planned and executed. Kudos to our tour leader Donna for making this so memorable!

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989