Philippines is an island nation with beautiful islands and friendly people. It was my third visit to the Philippines and this time I was excited more than ever before because I was going to visit Palawan which in my opinion is the most beautiful island in the Philippines. I flew into Manila and took a transit flight to Puerto Princesa (IATA: PPS).
Day 1: Puerto Princessa
Puerto Princessa is the capital city of Palawan. It is a relatively small city with a few interesting bars and restaurants. I stayed at Alvea Hotel which is a good reasonably priced hotel in a heart of the city. Later I had dinner at Kinabuchs Grill, had a massage (masssages in Philippines are pretty good and reasonably priced) and then went to sleep.
Day 2: Underground River tour (Unesco World Heritage Site)
The Underground River tour is the main highlight of Puerto Princessa. It is located about 80kms from Puerto Princessa. I was transferred to Sabang Port. From the port I was transferred by boat to the entrance of the Underground River. The Underground River tour lasts for about 45 mins. Do remember to take rubber slippers or aqua shoes and a dry bag. There are a lot of bats inside the cave so remember to keep your mouth closed while looking up. The tour did live up to its expectations and I am glad that Puerto Princessa was part of my itinerary.
Day 3: Transfer to El Nido
I took a mini van from Puerto Princessa to El Nido (approx. 5 hours) and paid about 600 PHP. There was a lot of greenery around and the driver had a tendency of overspeeding. I stayed at Sea Cocoon Hotel which has comfortable spacious rooms and right in the heart of the town close to everything. El Nido is a small and compact town with a lot of grill restaurants by the beach offering mouth watering fresh seafood.
Day 4: El Nido – Tour A (Big Lagoon Tour)
Tour A is the most popular tour in El Nido. The tour included 3 beautiful lagoons(Big lagoon, Small lagoon and Secret lagoon) around the Miniloc island. The swimming and snorkeling there was amazing with numerous fishes.
Later the tour went to Shimizu island where lunch was served. The lunch included grilled fish, chicken adobo and fresh fruits. After lunch I relaxed on the white sandy beach and saw some corals.
At the end of the tour we stopped at 7 Commando Beach, which has a long white sand beach and a little bar. I got to see a sea turtle here while snorkeling.
Highlights: Small Lagoon/Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, 7 Commando Beach
Day 5: Nacpan and Calitang Beaches
I decided to spend the next day inland. Rented a motorbike which was about 500 PHP and visited Nacpan and Calitang Beaches. On the way also stopped by at Nagkalit-kalit Waterfalls. To get to the waterfall you have to walk about 30 mins through the rainforest.
I had grilled crabs at Nacpan Beach, swam and relaxed on the clean white sandy beach.
Day 6: El Nido – Tour B
This tour was quite interesting for me as I am into snorkeling, beaches, caves and sandbar. The tour started with visit to Snake Island(Vigan Island). It gets the name because of its sandbar.
The journey then continued to Pinagbuyutan island which is made of 125 million years old limestone. There was a beautiful beach where I relaxed for some time and also enjoyed snorkeling.
Entalula beach is a long sandy beach with tropical vegetation. This is where one of the places in Philippines I would say I found “Paradise”.
The tour then continued on to Cudugnon caves which is also an important archeological site. At the end of the tour the boat stopped and gave some time for snorkeling where I saw some colorful fishes before sailing back to El Nido.
Highlights: Snake Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, Entalula Beach, Cudugnon Cave
Day 7: El Nido – Tour C
It is another very popular tour after Tour A. The tour started with a stop at Helicopter island (Dilumacad island) which had a white sandy beach. The next stop was Matinloc Shrine which is an abandoned convent and school. There is a legend that says that the place is haunted so leave the rest to your imagination.
After lunch I was taken to the secret beach, hidden and star beach. I was very satisfied that I had done this tour.
Highlights: Helicopter Island, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Star Beach, Hidden Beach
Day 8: El Nido to Coron by morning ferry
Another day and another island. I woke up in the morning and it was time to take the early morning ferry to Coron island. This would be my last stop in Palawan. I used the Phimal Ferry which departs El Nido at 8:20 am and arrives in Coron at 12:20 pm.
On arrival I stayed in Sun Valley Tourist Inn which is very well located and I saw amazing view from the roof top. I rented a motorbike and I spent the afternoon chilling in Maquinit Hot Springs and the evening watching sunset from top of Mount Tapyas
Day 9: Coron – Ultimate Tour
The Ultimate Tour is the best way to see all the important sites in Coron. The first stop was at Barracuda Lake where we were given time for snorkeling. The next stop was Kayangan Lake which is one of the most popular tourist spots in the Phillipines. From the lake we headed to the twin lagoons where cold fresh water mixes with warm salt water from the ocean. It was an amazing place for swimming.
The next stop was at the Skeleton reef which was amazing for snorkeling, then the tour continued onto CYC Beach and finally Banul Beach before sailing back to Coron town
Highlights: Barracuda Lake, Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Sketelon Reef, CYC Beach, Banul Beach
Day 10: Coron – Escapade Tour
If you are a beach person and want to visit some of the best beaches in the area The Escapade Tour is for you. The first stop was at Malcapuya Island which has one of the best beaches I have seen in this area. This is where you would feel you “Found Paradise”. After spending a few hours at this amazing beach swimming and sipping fresh coconut water the boat headed to Bulog Dos Island where it is possible to do a small hike. There is also an amazing sand bank. The boat stopped briefly at Ditaytayan Island before sailing back to Coron.
Highlights: Malcapuya Island, Ditaytayan Island, Bulog Dos Island
Day 11: Fly back to Manila from Coron
Finally it was the end of an amazing trip and it was time for me to fly back. Coron Airport – Busuanga (IATA: USU) is located about 45 mins from Coron town.