Go deep into the Philippines' "last frontier" to discover beaches, rainforests, and waterfalls that few travelers explore. See endemic cockatoos in their natural habitat, snorkel coral reefs, and meet the Indigenous Batak people. This unique trip takes you away from crowds and lets you experience Palawan's nature at its best.

Update: Please note that due to damage caused by a typhoon in 2021, this itinerary is currently not available. We hope to resume offering it in 2024.

Highlights

  • Snorkel colorful coral reefs in Ulugan Bay
  • Hike the rainforests of Cleopatra's Needle
  • Explore the "Hundred Caves" of Tagabinet
  • Paddle the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Palawan, Transfer to Maruyogon Maruyogon
Day 2 Hike Cleopatra's Needle, Visit the Batak people Maruyogon
Day 3 Snorkel Ulugan Bay, Explore Tagabinet Hundred Caves Sabang
Day 4 Explore Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park Sabang
Day 5 Transfer to Narra, Trek to Estrella Falls Narra
Day 6 Discover white cockatoos of Rasa island, Depart Palawan  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Palawan, Transfer to Maruyogon

Spend the night in Maruyogon
Spend the night in Maruyogon

Welcome to Palawan. Your adventure begins at the Puerto Princesa International Airport, where you will meet your guide and drive north up the coast through Palawan's wilderness to Maruyogon. Settle into your farmhouse-turned-accommodation and enjoy the natural landscape: ponds, rice fields, gardens, and forest. If the mood strikes, walk to the nearby beach and go for a swim. Spend the day exploring the area as you choose, and try your luck at spotting Maruyogon's residents: flying lizards, river otters, and exotic birds.

Day 2: Hike Cleopatra's Needle, Visit the Batak People

Trek through Cleopatra's Needle
Trek through Cleopatra's Needle

Rise early to begin your trek through scenic rivers, jungle, and rich forests of Cleopatra's Needle—the most biodiverse mountain in Palawan—to reach the village of the Batak people. Discover how the Batak live in harmony with nature as you learn about their culture and customs. In the afternoon, you will return to Maruyogon.

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Day 3: Snorkel Ulugan Bay, Explore Tagabinet Hundred Caves

Traditional long boats in Sabang, the Philippines
Traditional boats on Sabang Beach

Start the day bright and early and transfer an hour north to the magnificent Ulugan Bay on the western coast of Palawan. A 30-minute boat ride then takes you to a small island with pristine white sand beaches. Spend the morning snorkeling the vibrant coral reefs and enjoying the beach as you please—the island’s resident sea eagle might even join you!

In the afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to explore Tagabinet's limestone caves. Commonly referred to as "Hundred Caves," you'll discover the strange but fascinating world of mineral formations and delicate cave ecosystems.

Carry on north to stay the night in Sabang, a beach town and jumping-off point to the famous Underground River.

Day 4: Explore Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Entrance to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Entrance to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River

In the morning, you will ride an outrigger boat to the entrance of the Puerto Princesa Underground River before switching to a smaller boat to go further into the river's tunnel. Marvel at the unique environment and its many interesting formations.

Afterward, hike a jungle trail keeping an eye out for monitor lizards, before you take a paddle boat to explore a mangrove forest. Here it's possible to see monkeys, tree snakes, and a variety of birds. Next, walk to an ocean-side waterfall, and if you're lucky, you'll get a chance to watch sea turtles surfing the waves.

Day 5: Transfer to Narra, Trek to Estrella Falls

Small waterfall in jungle of Palawan
One of the many waterfalls

Today you will drive three hours south to Narra and trek to Estrella Falls. The falls consist of a series of 44 waterfalls that run along the ridges of Mount Victoria. Though it's not possible to see all 44 falls in one day (most people make it to the 11th), if you're up for the challenge, you can certainly try!

In the afternoon you will transfer to your beachside accommodation. If you have the energy, go for a swim and enjoy the beach or explore the nearby mangroves.

Day 6: Discover the White Cockatoos of Rasa Island, Depart Palawan

Philippine cocka busy preening its feathers
A Philippine cockatoo busy preening its feathers

Get an early start today watch the Philippine cockatoos (locally known as katala) as they make their daily migration from Rasa Island to the mainland. The katala, or red-vented cockatoo, is a critically endangered species that is endemic to the Philippines. Once on the island, you will have the opportunity to discover the roosting and nesting cockatoos before spending the rest of the late morning snorkeling and exploring the island's coral reefs and mangroves.

Depending on your flight details, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your return flight home.

More Great Philippines Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to the Philippines? Check out these other Philippines itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights. 

Map

Map of Secrets of Palawan - 6 Days
Map of Secrets of Palawan - 6 Days