Emerald Lagoons, El Nido
Palawan-Discovering the Emerald Lagoons
12 Days
Puerto Princesa • Honda Bay • Sabang Underground River • Port Barton • El Nido • Coron
Discover the extraordinary natural diversity of Palawan on a journey through the Philippines’ most captivating seascapes. Explore the subterranean world of the Puerto Princesa Underground River, drift between the tranquil islands of Honda Bay, and experience the relaxed coastal atmosphere of Port Barton. Continue north to El Nido, where limestone cliffs rise above hidden beaches and luminous lagoons, before concluding in Coron amid crystalline lakes, coral gardens and historic shipwrecks. Combining scenic overland journeys with island-hopping adventures, this itinerary reveals Palawan through its landscapes, marine life and quieter moments by the sea.
Highlights
UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Underground River.
Islands and sandbars of Honda Bay.
Discover the laid-back coastal charm of Port Barton.
Snorkel above coral gardens around Port Barton.
Kayak at El Nido’s Big Lagoon.
Beaches and reefs of the Bacuit Archipelago.
Swim in freshwater Kayangan Lake.
Coron’s corals and World War II shipwreck sites.
Beautiful landscapes of Palawan.
Day 1 — Arrival in Puerto Princesa
Arrive at Puerto Princesa, the principal gateway to Palawan’s southern landscapes. Meet your local representative and transfer to your accommodation. The remainder of the day is at leisure to settle in, explore the nearby waterfront or simply enjoy the unhurried atmosphere of this coastal city. The journey begins gently, with the island’s green hills and tropical seascapes setting the scene for the days ahead.
Overnight: Puerto Princesa
Day 2 — Island Hopping in Honda Bay
Set out from Santa Lourdes Pier for a day among the islands of Honda Bay. Visit Starfish Island, known for its shallow marine environment, followed by Cowrie Island, where palms and pale sand frame the sheltered shoreline. Continue to Luli Island, whose exposed sandbars change with the tide. There is time to swim, relax on the beach and appreciate the clear coastal waters before returning to Puerto Princesa.
Overnight: Puerto Princesa
Day 3 — The Underground River at Sabang
Travel overland to Sabang, passing through Palawan’s forested interior and coastal scenery. From the village, continue by boat to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. A guided paddleboat excursion follows the underground waterway into a vast limestone cave, where sculpted rock formations and shadowed chambers reveal the landscape’s geological history. After the excursion, return to Puerto Princesa for a relaxed evening.
Overnight: Puerto Princesa
Day 4 — Puerto Princesa to Port Barton
Depending on the season and the availability of responsible local operators, the morning may offer a whale-shark excursion, subject to current wildlife regulations and sea conditions. Alternatively, discover Puerto Princesa’s local sights, including Mitra’s Ranch, Baker’s Hill and the Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village. Later, drive north-west through the countryside to Port Barton, a small coastal settlement with a quieter rhythm and a sheltered bay.
Overnight: Port Barton
Day 5 — Reefs and Islands of Port Barton
Board a local boat for an exploration of Port Barton’s offshore islands and marine landscapes. Depending on weather, tides and local operating conditions, the excursion may include Twin Reef, Exotic Island, Turtle Spot, Paradise Island, Fantastic Reef and a tidal sandbar. Spend time snorkelling above coral formations, swimming in sheltered waters or walking along quiet beaches. The day offers a more intimate experience of Palawan’s coastal environment, away from the more frequented island circuits.
Overnight: Port Barton
Day 6 — Port Barton to El Nido
Journey north towards El Nido along Palawan’s scenic coastal road. The landscape gradually opens onto a dramatic seascape of limestone formations, forested islands and sheltered bays. On arrival, settle into your accommodation and enjoy time at leisure. Depending on arrival time, stroll through the town, browse its local shops or find a vantage point from which to watch the changing light over Bacuit Bay.
Overnight: El Nido
Day 7 — El Nido and the Lagoons of Bacuit Bay
Embark on an island-hopping excursion through the spectacular Bacuit Archipelago. Enter Big Lagoon, where steep limestone walls enclose luminous water and create a striking setting for kayaking or a boat exploration, subject to local access rules. Continue to Secret Lagoon, concealed behind a narrow opening in the rock, then visit 7 Commando Beach, Shimizu Island and Payong-Payong Beach. Between stops, enjoy opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and appreciating the archipelago’s distinctive karst scenery.
Overnight: El Nido
Day 8 — Hidden Coves and Offshore Landscapes
Discover another side of the Bacuit Archipelago on an island-hopping excursion featuring Helicopter Island, also known as Dilumacad, and the rugged shores around Tapiutan Island. Continue to the secluded coves of Secret Beach and Hidden Beach, where limestone walls shelter small stretches of sand and clear water. The experience combines boat travel, coastal scenery and opportunities for snorkelling or swimming where conditions permit. Return to El Nido in the afternoon.
Overnight: El Nido
Day 9 — Across the Sea to Coron
Transfer to El Nido’s ferry terminal for the crossing to Coron, subject to the operating schedule, weather and sea conditions. Allow approximately four to five hours for the ferry journey, although actual timings may vary. On arrival, continue to Coron town on Busuanga Island and settle into your accommodation. The remainder of the day is free to explore the waterfront or enjoy a quiet introduction to the northern reaches of Palawan.
Overnight: Coron
Day 10 — Kayangan Lake and Coron’s Island Sanctuaries
Set out by boat to explore Coron’s remarkable limestone islands. Visit Kayangan Lake, reached via a short uphill walk and steps, where dramatic cliffs frame exceptionally clear water. Continue towards Green Lagoon and Quin Reef, followed by time at Atwayan Beach, CYC Beach and Las Islas de Coral, depending on the day’s route and local conditions. Swimming, snorkelling and moments ashore reveal the contrast between sheltered lagoons, coral-rich waters and pale tropical beaches.
Overnight: Coron
Day 11 — Coral Gardens and Historic Shipwrecks
Spend the day exploring Coron’s marine heritage. Cruise towards Pass Island before continuing to Lusong Coral Garden, where coral formations support a diverse underwater environment. The excursion then visits the Lusong Gunboat and East Tangat wreck sites, remnants of the Second World War that now form part of the region’s underwater landscape. Snorkelling opportunities depend on visibility, currents and sea conditions; non-divers can appreciate the coastal scenery and time on the island beaches. Return to Coron town later in the day.
Overnight: Coron
Day 12 — Departure from Coron
After breakfast, transfer to Busuanga Airport for your onward flight. As the journey concludes, Palawan leaves behind a succession of distinct impressions: the stillness of the underground river, Port Barton’s quieter shores, El Nido’s sculpted limestone islands and the extraordinary waters of Coron.
