A 10 day itinerary to paradise in the Philippines
If you’re dreaming of pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back island vibes, Palawan is the perfect vacation destination. It is the perfect trip, flights are reasonable and it is incredibly cheap and easy to travel around. If you want the perfect break from it all in paradise then this is it.
Here’s a simple and fun 10-day itinerary to help you explore this stunning paradise. This trip can be done in a week or in two weeks, just extend your stay in Darocaton and Port Barton, those two were my favourite places.
Day 1: Getting to Palawan
Most flights go into Manila, we flew in and spent one night here. There are then a couple of options for getting to Palawan. Many of the blogs recommend going straight to El Nido, flights are roughly £200 return. This option is expensive and i think misses the best of Palawan. El Nido is beautiful but busy, there are better areas.
Flying into Puerto Princesa is SO much cheaper. £20 a flight roughly, and you get better access to the best parts of the island. We flew into there and out of El Nido. I would recommend doing this. Moving round the island is so easy. You can get taxis from the airport and buses run regularly through the rest of the country.
Or, we rented a Suzuki Jimny from Palawan Self-Drive Car Rental for a fun and convenient way to explore the island. This was more expensive but allowed us to be so flexible and explore the island more.
Day 2: Sabang & the Underground River
Drive from Puerto Princesa airport to Sabang, you can either do this from a hire car, or a taxi is about 3,000 Pesos. This will be the most expensive transport you get, better if you can split. Then spend a night here to visit the famous Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. By staying overnight, you can explore the underground river early in the morning and avoid the tourist rush.
I would recommend staying in the Bambua Nature Cottages, it was great value and i loved it, we saw monkeys as we arrived and there was a beautiful view of the rainforest.
If you want to stay in Sabang on the beach front Daluyon beach and mountain resort is beautiful.
The next morning get ready for an amazing adventure into the underground river. It was incredible, tours can be booked from your accommodation when you get there. The reason you stay in Sabang is so you can miss the crowds coming from Puerto Princesa, get up early and go to the river, trust me, its worth it. When we got to the port at 8am it was empty and the tour was just us, when we came back at 11am there was a couple of hour queue to get onto the boat to go to the river.
Days 3-5: Relax in Port Barton
Port Barton is a hidden gem. I honestly cannot recommend this place more. It has to be one of the best places i have ever visited in the world. Perfect level of busy, beauty and things to do. The town is all on the beach, with delicious restaurants, great bars and a wonderful atmosphere. Spend your days on boat tours to untouched islands, it is never too busy, and your nights either having a quiet evening, or head to the one hostel open late for a party.
Stay at La Palapa Inn for three nights to enjoy its super chilled atmosphere. Its slightly further in, but easily walkable and a beautiful place.
Rubin Resort is a great value option for a midway stay. On the beach, not the cheapest, but also very affordable and a lovely place.
For a cheap but also excellent option i recommend Ausan beach front cottages. They are in the best location and nice to stay in.
Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:
- Island Hopping Tour: Opt for a private boat for a more peaceful experience. We did the group one and it was fun meeting new people and not too busy.
- Coconut Beach & Paradise Beach: Just a 10-minute ride away. Hire a taxi bike to take you there. Definitely do this, the beach is beautiful, and there are pigs. Don’t walk, it is too long, but easy to drive or get a taxi.
Boat tour
Coconut beach
If you’re looking for more chill spots, San Vicente is nearby and highly recommended for a relaxing vibe.
Days 6-7: Explore El Nido
Drive or get a bus up to El Nido, bus routes are easy to book, and can be booked the day before. Or if you have a car drive up. El Nido is in all the guidebooks and all over social media. We were slightly underwhelmed. It was beautiful but it was also very touristy and busy. The island tour at Port Barton was a lot more enjoyable as it wasn’t as busy.
Boat Tours: There are 4 different boat tours, A, B, C and D. We did a private boat tour so we were able to do the best mix of all four tours. If you want to save some money and do a shared one i would recommend Tour A or Tour B. Tour A have the big lagoon, it is very touristy but it is also stunning, try and kayak away from the crowds. Tour B has snake island which is so beautiful.
Restaurants: Check out Barracuda or AP Kala Beach Bar for great dining and a fun vibe.
Accommodation: There is an abundance of accommodation in El Nido, and they are all relatively similar. Check out different options here – https://tripadvisor.tp.st/VC6yurBU
We stayed in Rosanna’s Pension , it was good value, nice clean rooms, definitely get a beach front room as the view was amazing. It was also in a great part of town.
Drop off your rental car here—it’s super convenient as they’ll pick it up from wherever you’re staying.
Days 8-9: Escape to Darocotan Island
If you are going to do anything in Palawan i cannot recommend going to Dryft on Darocotan island more. It was truly perfect. Dryft, is a unique eco-resort offering safari style tents or wicker huts. there is an amazing 4 storey bamboo structure where the latest catch of the day is put up on a blackboard, everything we had was delicious. There are paddleboards, a volleyball court and you are on the most amazing beautiful beach in the world.
If you cross the island, everything is easy walking distance, there is the best snorkelling i have ever done off the shipwreck, and a lovely little bar for a drink after. You will have an unforgettable time here.
Book here, this is unmissable – https://booking.tp.st/AtNWSJzx
They provide a pick-up and drop-off service from El Nido, making it hassle-free.
Day 10: Back to El Nido & Return to Puerto Princesa
Spend your final night in El Nido before heading back to Puerto Princesa for your flight. While flights are available from El Nido’s private airport, cancellations are common. To be safe, book a back-up flight from Puerto Princesa.
Mini-bus transfers from El Nido to Puerto Princesa take about 5-6 hours.
Tips for a Smooth Trip
- Local SIM Card: Get one at Puerto Princesa airport for about £8. It’s invaluable for booking tours and navigating.
- Budget-Friendly: Palawan is super affordable for food, tours, and transport.
Final Thoughts
Palawan offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, from exploring underground rivers to lounging on secluded beaches. If you’re craving a tropical escape with stunning natural beauty, this 10-day itinerary is your perfect guide.
Pack your bags and prepare for the ultimate island getaway! 🌴
Annual Leave Explorers 