Explore Manila, Puerto Princesa, and El Nido
Trip facts
- Starting place: Manila
- Ending place: Manila
- Duration: 7 days, 6 nights
- Flights: International flights not included. Domestic flights from Manila to Puerto Princesa and El Nido to Manila arranged by us.
- Dates: May 23–29, 2027 or October 10–16, 2027 (Intimate group of just 12 travelers)
About this trip
This is a seven-day journey designed for Filipino-Americans who want to reconnect with their roots and their cultural tahanan. You start where the country's modern history begins, walking the stone walls of Intramuros and honoring José Rizal in Manila. Then, you head to Palawan to experience the New Seven Wonders of Nature at the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, watch fireflies along the Iwahig River, island-hop across Honda Bay, and kayak through the majestic limestone lagoons of El Nido.
Inclusions:
- Accommodation at the ff. on BB basis:
- 2 nights in Tryp by Wyndham Manila or similar class in Manila on BB basis
- 2 nights in Best Western Plus the Ivywall or similar class in Puerto Princesa on BB basis
- 2 nights in Charlie's Hotel El Nido or similar class in El Nido on BB basis
- Lunch on D04, Dinners on D01, D03, D04, D05
- Entrance to Fort Santiago, Intramuros
- Island-hopping tours in Puerto Princesa and El Nido (if less than 10 pax, they will be on a shared boat)
- Entrance to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
- Firefly watching in Iwahig River in Puerto Princesa
- Private airport transfers
- Private transfer from Puerto Princesa to El Nido
- Private guides in Manila, Puerto Princesa and El Nido during tours
- Economy flight with max. 20 kg luggage: Manila - Puerto Princesa, El Nido - Manila
Not Included:
- International flights
- Tips for driver / guide / boatmen
- Rental for snorkels / goggles / towels / beach shoes
- Incidentals in the room such as minibar, laundry, telephone calls, etc.
- Meals and beverages not stated in the inclusions
- Supplement for black out dates: Christmas, New Year's, Chinese New Year, Holy Week, ASEAN Summit/Trade Fair Dates and other peak dates
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees if required
Things Worth Knowing
- Intimate Group Size: To keep this experience meaningful and connection-driven, each departure is strictly limited to an intimate group of 12 travelers.
- The Underground River: Access requires permits issued in limited daily quotas. We secure these in advance, but the process depends on local government schedules.
- El Nido Crowds: Peak hours in El Nido lagoons can get busy, so we coordinate timing to get you out early and make the most of the crystal-clear waters.
- Policies: Cancellations within ninety days of departure are not permitted. Rates are per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to change.
Where you stay
Manila offers a mix of rich historical quarters and modern business hubs like Aseana City. Puerto Princesa provides cozy city accommodations near nature reserves, while El Nido features charming coastal settings right by the port where traditional bangkas set off each morning. We match the right boutique stays to your trip.
Arrival in Manila
Pickup at Manila airport by our assistant and transfer to your hotel. Manila, historically nicknamed the "Pearl of the Orient" due to its central maritime trade routes, welcomes you with a group dinner and overnight stay.
Historic & Modern Manila
A full city tour exploring Intramuros—the Spanish walled city founded in 1571—along with Fort Santiago to learn about national hero José Rizal. Visit the Manila Cathedral and San Agustín Church, with an option for a traditional calesa ride. In the afternoon, head to modern Aseana City for free time, shopping, and dinner.
Manila to Puerto Princesa
Transfer to the airport for your included flight to Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Travel north to Sabang to explore the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and New Seven Wonders of Nature. After dinner, enjoy watching fireflies light up the Iwahig River.
Honda Bay Island-Hopping
A full day of island-hopping around Honda Bay. Visit Starfish Island (home to Palawan's largest starfish population) and Luli Island (which shifts with the tides). Enjoy an included lunch in an island cottage before relaxing on Pandan Island. (Don't forget your swimsuit and sunscreen!)
Puerto Princesa to El Nido
Depart overland for El Nido in northern Palawan, one of the ten protected natural reserves in the country. Arrive in the afternoon to explore the bustling fishing port and take time to rest before your included dinner.
El Nido Lagoons & Beaches
An unforgettable island-hopping tour through El Nido's Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, and Secret Lagoon, where you can kayak through towering limestone cliffs. Spend a peaceful afternoon snorkeling over the corals at Shimizu Island and unwinding on Commando Beach. (Don't forget your swimsuit and sunscreen!)
El Nido to Manila
Enjoy a final breakfast before your transfer to the El Nido airport for your included return flight to Manila, marking the end of your journey home.
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