Puerto Princesa & El Nido 5-Day Tour: Underground River & Island Hopping

Summary

Palawan Adventure: Underground River & Bacuit Bay Highlights

If you want real adventure mixed with quiet moments—floating through an underground river one day, swimming in secret lagoons the next—this Palawan tour is it. You’ll cover both Puerto Princesa’s must-sees and El Nido’s best islands without worrying about logistics or missing out on local flavor.

What’s the experience like?

The air felt thick with humidity the moment we landed in Puerto Princesa—classic Palawan. Our driver was already waiting, holding a small sign with my name scribbled in blue marker. The ride to Sunlight Guest House took us past tricycles weaving through traffic and kids selling mangoes by the curb. I dropped my bags, took a quick shower, and wandered out for a bite at a corner carinderia. The city’s not big, but it’s lively at dusk—locals chatting over halo-halo, the smell of grilled fish everywhere.

Next morning started early. We stopped at Ulugan Bay View Deck halfway to Sabang; you could see fishing boats bobbing on the water below, mist still clinging to the hills. At Sabang Wharf, our guide handed out life vests and cracked jokes while we waited for our turn on the paddle boat. Inside the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, it was cool and pitch dark except for our headlamps—bats squeaked overhead and water dripped from stalactites. The audio guide explained how this place became a UNESCO site; honestly, hearing about ancient formations while floating in silence felt surreal.

After lunch (simple grilled chicken and rice), we switched vans at a dusty roadside junction for the long drive north to El Nido. The scenery changed fast—from city bustle to rice fields dotted with carabaos, then winding roads flanked by limestone cliffs. By sunset, we reached Stunning Republic Hotel just as cicadas started up their nightly chorus.

Island hopping kicked off with Tour A: Big Lagoon first—kayaking through shallow turquoise water surrounded by jagged cliffs that looked almost fake. Secret Lagoon was next; you squeeze through a hole in the rock to find this hidden pool where everyone whispers without really knowing why. Simizu Island got crowded around noon (lots of boats), so our guide suggested Payong-Payong Beach for lunch instead—less people, same powdery sand. Seven Commandos Beach wrapped up the day; coconut shakes from a tiny shack tasted extra sweet after all that swimming.

Tour C brought us farther out: Hidden Beach felt like something out of a movie—white sand tucked behind rocks, barely anyone else there when we arrived early. Matinloc Shrine was eerie but beautiful; old statues collecting dust inside empty halls, but step outside and you get that wild ocean view. Secret Lagoon on Miniloc Island needed some careful wading (watch your toes on sharp rocks). Helicopter Island looked exactly like its name from afar; up close it’s all soft sand and clear water perfect for snorkeling if you bring your own mask.

The last morning came too soon—six hours back to Puerto Princesa by van isn’t short, but watching villages roll by made me realize how much of Palawan is still untouched. If you’ve got time before your flight, grab coffee at Itoy’s or just wander around Rizal Avenue one last time before heading home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival in Puerto Princesa

• Meet at airport and hotel check-in

Day 2 — Underground River and Travel to El Nido

• View Ulugan Bay from deck
• Tour Underground River by kayak
• Travel from Puerto Princesa to El Nido

Day 3 — Island Hopping Tour A

• Visit Big Lagoon
• Explore hideaway lagoon
• Visit Shimizu Island
• Relax at Seven Commandos Beach
• Enjoy Payong-Payong Beach

Day 4 — Island Hopping Tour C

• Relax at Hidden Beach
• Visit Matinloc Shrine
• Explore Secret Lagoon
• Visit Helicopter Island
• Beach and snorkeling

Day 5 — Return to Puerto Princesa

• Travel back to Puerto Princesa for departure

Top questions

How physically demanding are the tours?

You’ll need moderate fitness since there’s some walking, boat transfers, and swimming involved—but nothing extreme if you’re generally active.

Is food included during island hopping?

Lunch is usually served picnic-style on one of the islands—expect simple grilled dishes with rice and fresh fruit.

What happens if there’s bad weather?

If tours are canceled due to poor weather conditions, only fees for that specific tour will be refunded as per policy.

Are hotel rooms private?

Rooms are shared by up to three guests each unless otherwise arranged in advance.

What’s included

Your package covers airport transfers in Puerto Princesa, hotel stays (shared rooms), national park fees, environmental charges, local taxes—and all transport between destinations. Guides are friendly locals who know their stuff and keep things running smoothly throughout your trip.