Palawan Explorer
Coron and El Nido, Philippines
14 -22 March 2027
A$3150 (twin share)
*THIS IS A WOMEN'S ONLY TRIP
Ladies! Are you ready for a Tropical Island Escape?
Come join me on an unforgettable adventure in the World’s Newest Hot destination, The Philippines.
On this 9 Day/8 Night adventure we will visit the spectacular area of Palawan, recently voted the most beautiful island in the world by Conde Nast Traveller.
We will explore palm-fringed beaches with dramatic limestone cliffs as a backdrop, kayak on stunning lagoons while scanning for turtles, and snorkel in exquisite, clear water with vibrant marine life to gawk at.
Back on land, we will sample the delicious local eating style of Inasal (Filipino style grilled chicken, pork or fish), climb 720 steps up Mt Tapyas to enjoy spectacular views over Coron Island, enjoy a sunset cocktail on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines and get back to simplicity with an overnight stay in a beachfront hut on a remote island.
Sounds like something you’d be into? Then read on for the details…
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Ferry
- One-way ferry between Coron and El Nido
Accommodation
- 4 nights in 4 star hotel-style accommodation
- 2 nights at the amazing Paolyn Houseboats
- 2 nights in a glamping tent on beautiful Darocotan island
Meals
- 8 Breakfasts
- 3 Lunches
- 3 Dinners
- 1 Cocktail at Daracotan Island
- 1 Local Beer with our local dinner at Inasal Eats
Transfers
- All group airport transfers in air-conditioned vans in Coron and El Nido
- Van and boat transfer to and from Darocotan Island
- All transfers to and from activities included in the itinerary (sometimes tuk-tuks, sometimes vans)
Activities
- Climb the 720 steps up Mt Tapyas for a beautiful sunset view over the surrounding islands
- Half day Coron Island private boat tour, incl snorkelling
- Full day Island Escape private boat tour, incl snorkelling
- Full day boat tour exploring the best islands, beaches and lagoons around El Nido, incl snorkelling
- Escape to beautiful Darocotan Island for a glamping experience
- Canopy walk in El Nido for spectacular views over the bay
- Afternoon trip to beautiful Nacpan beach
Local Taxes
- Coron Island conservation fees and local tax for site visits
- El Nido Island Hopping conservation fees
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
- International flights and domestic flights to Busuanga (arrival point ) and from El Nido (departure point)
- Individual airport transfers outside of group pick up times
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance (Compulsory)
- Any Visa requirements (some countries may require a visa for the Philippines)
- Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
- Airport arrival taxes
- Optional and extra activities and transport not specified in the itinerary
- Spending money and tips
Please read our full Terms and Conditions before completing your booking. By paying your deposit you agree to the
Terms and Conditions.
THE ITINERARY
Day 1 – El Nido
Today you arrive in El Nido, the starting point for our Palawan adventure. You will be greeted at the airport by our driver and taken to the accommodation to settle in. It is preferable you plan your flight arrival to El Nido Airport before 3pm, to ensure you are on-time for our 5pm group briefing.
Once settled in at the hotel, you have the rest of the day at leisure to explore town, get a massage, do some shopping, or simply relax by the rooftop pool.
We will meet at 5pm at the hotel's rooftop pool for our first briefing, before heading out into town for our welcome dinner. Make sure it is not a very late night though, as tomorrow we have a very big day ahead with an early start.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 – El Nido
This morning we have a very early start. We will be greeted around 6.15am by our pre-booked tuk-tuk drivers to take us to Vanilla Beach, which is the starting point for our Big Island Hopping day. Today you will see some of the most spectacular scenery you have ever seen in your life. Our special tour is carefully curated to include up to 10 of the best islands, beaches, caves, lagoons and snorkelling spots in all of Palawan. Most other day tours visit a maximum of 5 spots, but due to our early start it is possible for us to visit more. Lunch will be served on a secluded beach in the middle of the day.
We return to Vanilla Beach around 4pm and make our way back to El Nido Town via tuk-tuk, where you will have a free evening to spend whichever way you like.
Meals: Packed Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 – El Nido
This morning we have a relaxed start to the morning with a later breakfast time, after which, we will walk the short distance to the start of the El Nido Canopy Walk. Here we will get harnessed up for our adventure to the top of the Canopy Walk for spectacular views out over El Nido town and the bay. This is an easy climb, so no need to be concerned about fitness levels. Although this is by no means a scary or risky climb, there will be no pressure too join this activity if you feel uncomfortable with heights.
After lunch of your choice in town, we will get our swimmers on for our trip to Nacpan beach. Once at Nacpan you have some free time to swim, relax or go for a walk along the 4km stretch of palm-fringed beach. We will meet again back at the bar for a drink before catching our van back to El Nido.
For our last night in El Nido, we will go to the popular local restaurant, Inasal Eats. Here you can try a local Inasal meal of grilled meat (chicken or pork) served with steamed rice and condiments, and a cold local beer or soft drink.
After dinner, we will enjoy some farewell drinks at a local bar before heading back to our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 – Darocotan Island
This morning you will have some time to enjoy your final hours in El Nido, with another massage, some souvenir shopping or simply relaxing by the pool, before check out. After a quick bite to eat for lunch, we will get picked up from our hotel for the transfer to beautiful Darocotan Island.
Ever wanted to stay on a beautiful beach on a secluded island? Well, today is the day we do! An air-conditioned van will drive us the 45min distance to the jetty where a local banka boat will pick us up and ferry us to the island.
On arrival at DRYFT camp, we will be greeted with an arrival drink and a briefing on all the activities you can enjoy during our time there. Activities include massages, yoga and meditation classes which are optional and to be booked at your own cost.
Once we have checked in to our glamping tents on the beach, it is time to relax and enjoy the island life! No pre-organised activities here, just beaching, walking, exploring, snorkelling…whatever you choose for the next 40hrs.
After a complimentary group cocktail at sunset, we will dine at the award winning restaurant on-site for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 – Darocotan
After waking up to the sound of the waves, you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast of
your choice and start planning your day of relaxing. Perhaps you want to join the morning or afternoon yoga class? Maybe a massage is on the cards? Perhaps you would like to rent a SUP board and explore the bay? Feeling like being active? Why not wander to the other side of the island to go snorkelling on a shipwreck? But you may simply want to stretch out in a hammock with your book and enjoy your last full day in Palawan on the beach. Today, the choice is yours!
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 – Ferry to Coron
This morning after breakfast, we will get back on the boat for the short trip to the mainland where our transfer van will pick us up and transfer us to the port so we can catch the ferry to Coron Town.
After check in at the hotel and a quick freshen up, we will climb the 720 stairs up Mt Tapyas in time for sunset, after which we will walk back down to town for an informal, arranged dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 – Paolyn Houseboats
This morning we will get picked up by our private boat around 6.45am for our half day trip to some of Coron Island's most spectacular sites. We will explore the stunning Barracuda and Kayangan Lakes, snorkel at a couple of beautiful reefs and visit a beach or two, depending on time. Around 11am our tour will finish and we will head to our next destination, the amazing Paolyn Houseboats.
Once we arrive, we will check in at the main reception and restaurant, where you can order a light lunch before we will be transferred to our own private houseboat. We will enjoy an afternoon of leisure with free time to swim, snorkel, kayak, SUP or simply soaking in the scenery from our deck with a cocktail in hand.
Before sunset, you will have the option to kayak to stunning Twin Lagoon with me, for your first glimpse at the stunning lagoons this island is so famous for.
On our return, we will have our dinner brought to us by boat and served on our deck.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 – Paolyn Houseboats
This morning we will have an early breakfast served to us on our deck, to fuel us for a big day of Island Exploring ahead. We will be picked up by our private boat around 7.45am and head off to some further laying islands. We will visit beautiful Malcapuya Island, Bulog Dos Island, Banana beach and Ditaytayan sand bar. We will have lunch served on the boat or on one of the beautiful beaches, and can preorder drinks to be brought on the boat.
Should time allow, on our way back we will stop off at the beautiful Smith Coral Garden for some snorkelling action. We will return to our Houseboat in time for sunset and get ready for dinner, which we can choose to have on our deck again or at the main restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 – Departure day
After a final breakfast with the group, we say our sad goodbyes and get ready for your transfers to Busuanga Airport.
Important things to note:
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Accommodation is booked on Twin Share basis. On Daracotan Island and Paolyn Houseboats you may be required to share a queen size bed with another guest as twin beds are not available. Please ensure you are comfortable with this before proceeding with a booking. Alternatively, you can opt for the single supplement to have a glamping tent and a bed on the houseboat all to yourself.
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Our accommodations will vary in comfort levels, from unique glamping tents on the beach, to 4 star hotels. Please ensure you are comfortable with this. If you expect high-end 5 star accommodations, sadly, this trip is not for you.
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This adventure is designed to ensure a good mix of activity and relaxation, but will be more on the active side with early mornings, boat trips, island hopping, snorkelling and a few easy walks. If you are looking for a lie-by-the-pool kind of holiday, this trip is unfortunately not for you.
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It is essential that you have a suitable Travel Insurance policy for the duration of the trip, before you head off to the Philippines. I am happy to assist with recommendations. Unfortunately you will not be able to join the group without personal Travel Insurance.
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International flights and 2 short domestic flights are not included in this itinerary. International flight costs will vary depending on which city you depart from, but as an indication you can expect approximate domestic flight costs as follows:
- Manila (Clark) to Busuanga OW: A$200 OR Cebu to Busuanga OW: A$150 (incl luggage)
- El Nido to Manila (Clark) OW: A$240 OR El Nido to Cebu OW: A$210 (incl luggage)
*If you can manage 7kg carry on luggage only, the domestic tickets as significantly cheaper
*Assistance with booking tickets is available and will incur an inclusive $80 booking fee (for the 2 domestic OW flights) per person.
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It is essential that your arrival flight into Busuanga is before 11am on the start date of our group trip. Should you wish to arrive a day earlier to start relaxing in the little town of Busuanga, I’d be happy to assist with booking accommodation.
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Apart from drinks specified in the itinerary, all other drinks with meals and on daytrips will be at your own cost.