Philippines Palawan Island Getaway
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. Snorkel in the sapphire waters of Port Barton, discover the limestone caves of Sabang and see fireflies dancing at dusk at the Iwahig River. With plenty of free time to explore your own way, this is a beach getaway abounding with coastal landscapes, rich culture and a relaxed way of life.
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
Product Code: 2756
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Boat, Jeepney, Private Minibus, Plane
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: TOSH
Starts: Manila, Philippines
Finishes: El Nido, Philippines
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7), Lunch (2), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2985 ($373 /day)
Itinerary
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
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
Reviews
Anderson - Traveled, February 2024
If your thinking about going to Philippines do it don’t think twice.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/25/2024
Amarnath - Traveled, February 2024
Very enjoyable trip that was very well planned and executed. Kudos to our tour leader Donna for making this so memorable!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/28/2024
Steven - Traveled, February 2024
This trip is a great way to see and experience the beauty of Palawan Island. Our tour leader, Elisa, was fantastic - knowledgeable, well-organized, fun, and she allowed all of the travelers to enjoy a stress free trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/12/2024
Heather - Traveled, February 2024
This was a wonderful trip, our guide Eliza was excellent! There was a great mix of activities with local guides. No issues or dramas at all Lifetime memories shared with a wonderful group. Highly recommend!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/12/2024
Kirsten - Traveled, January 2024
This was a fantastic trip. We enjoyed the beautiful scenery and meeting lovely people and learning about the culture. There is a good mix of adventure with relaxation. I would highly recommend this trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/28/2024
Richard - Traveled, January 2024
I signed up for this trip as it was the only one that I could find in the Philippines in early January. It was an enjoyable trip with a good bunch of travellers. But I wonder why we met in Manila at 6.00 pm only to fly out the next morning without discovering Manila. Overall a good trip but thanks mainly to our leader.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/16/2024
Silvia - Traveled, December 2023
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/09/2024
Nicki - Traveled, December 2023
This was our first intrepid trip and we were not disappointed. Our guide Donna Gunn was amazing and we simply had the most awesome island holiday experience in the Philippines. Do your self a favour and explore this amazing country with all the thousands of islands and postcard beaches, just wow.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/10/2024
Tejinder - Traveled, December 2023
This trip was so fun and well planned. We saw and did so many cool things like trekking, island hopping, snorkeling, and hitting the beach. Plus our group got pretty close as friends over the period.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/18/2024
Nigel - Traveled, December 2023
The trip was excellent, the physical rating is a bit inaccurate it is a bit more physical than was said especially on the waterfall walk.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/04/2024
Melissa - Traveled, December 2023
This was my fourth Intrepid trip, and it won't be my last. I had an absolutely wonderful time. I loved the cave experience, swimming at San Rafael beach, Olangoan falls and the highlight was the boat trip at El Nido. Donna was an excellent leader, and we were lucky to have a great group that got along really well. I had such a great roomie and I feel that I have left the trip with new friends.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/01/2024
Joanne - Traveled, December 2023
Experience in the Philippines was amazing. I love the people and most of all Donna our guide. We had a great bunch of people in my group that could be forever friends. Fantastic tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/26/2023
MaryAnn - Traveled, December 2023
Review to follow separately
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/16/2023
Olivia - Traveled, March 2023
Our guide Ian made sure we had everything we needed to make this trip wonderful. He regularly imparted local knowledge that enabled us to have a greater appreciation of our destinations. He always recommended the best food and was accomodating of my allergy.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/13/2023
Lucas - Traveled, March 2023
A fantastic little trip, perfect for unplugging from your daily grind. Just relax on the beach, or do your own thing, eat, drink - and repeat!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/29/2023
Kaye - Traveled, March 2023
If you love to chill and hang out with like minded people of all ages then Intrepid is for you. And Palawan - what a destination ! So many different experiences in such a short amount of time - subterranean rivers , snorkeling , kayaking , cool bars , beach bonfires , Jeepney rides and sunset cocktails . All expertly and enthusiastically coordinated by our awesome leader -Ian . Thanks for the memories Ian and the March23 crew xx
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/10/2023
Nicholas - Traveled, March 2023
This trip was amazing and a big part of that was because of my amazing tour guide Ian, such a great friendly person I cannot recommend this enough. He was also amazing at managing peanut allergy needs. 10/10
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/13/2023
Matthew - Traveled, February 2023
I found this trip a great way to experience the Philippines. I enjoyed the mix of the city and relaxing on the islands. The tour guide was great and overall I really enjoyed the experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/01/2023
Debra - Traveled, May 2024
If you've ever wanted to visit the Philippines, book this trip. Everything is managed for you, the guide is fabulous, the accommodation is great, the food is delicious, the sights stunning and the activities so much fun! LOVE, LOVE, LOVED IT!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/11/2024
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