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7-Day Palawan Loop: Puerto Princesa → El Nido → Coron — Beaches, Lagoons & Caves

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Day 1: Arrival & City

Puerto Princesa, Philippines on August 24, 2025

8:00am

Flight to Puerto Princesa

Fly from Manila to Puerto Princesa — most domestic flights depart morning; book early to maximise daylight on arrival.
PHP2500, 1h30m

10:00am

Hotel check-in & drop bags

Check in or at least drop luggage so you can start exploring the city; many hotels allow luggage storage if early check-in isn't available.
PHP0, 30m

11:00am

Puerto Princesa City Tour (Plaza Cuartel, Cathedral, Baywalk)

A short city loop visiting Plaza Cuartel, Immaculate Conception Cathedral and the Baywalk gives local history and a seaside stroll; sites typically open 8:00am–5:00pm.
PHP600, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Kinabuch's Grill & Bar

Popular local favourite for seafood and Filipino dishes; open roughly 11:00am–11:00pm and ideal for a relaxed lunch after the city tour.
PHP400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Baker's Hill & Mitra's Ranch

Short stops for views, gardens and local snacks — Baker's Hill (pastries and views) and Mitra's Ranch for a hilltop panorama; both are open daytime hours.
PHP150, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at hotel / swim

Recover from travel with a swim or siesta; good to conserve energy for the Underground River the next day when you'll need an early start.
PHP0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner — Badjao Seafront Restaurant

Seafood with a bay view; open evenings and a great introduction to Palawan flavours — try grilled fish or kinilaw.
PHP500, 1h30m

Day 2: Underground River

Puerto Princesa, Philippines on August 25, 2025

5:00am

Pickup for Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour

The UNESCO-listed Subterranean River requires an early pickup; permits and boat times are timed so plan a 5:00–6:00am transfer to Sabang.
PHP800, 1h30m

7:30am

Underground River boat tour

A guided paddle-boat inside the cave system showcasing dramatic stalactites and cave formations; tours run in timed slots and usually finish by early afternoon — check permit time before travel.
PHP1500, 3h0m

11:30am

Lunch near Sabang

Local eateries near the Sabang harbour serve freshly grilled seafood and rice; most are open from 10:00am–4:00pm to cater to tour groups.
PHP350, 1h0m

1:30pm

Return to Puerto Princesa & quick rest

Return transfer to Puerto Princesa city centre; use the afternoon to rest and prepare for the evening transfer to El Nido.
PHP0, 3h0m

4:00pm

Van to El Nido (shared or private transfer)

A scenic northbound drive of roughly 4–6 hours; choose reputable vans or a private transfer to arrive in El Nido comfortably by evening. Departures commonly at 4:00pm–5:00pm.
PHP800, 5h0m

9:30pm

Dinner — Artcafe El Nido (late)

Artcafe serves late into the night with international and Filipino choices — perfect for a late arrival (usually open around 7:00am–10:30pm but hours can vary).
PHP400, 1h0m

Day 3: El Nido Tour A

El Nido, Philippines on August 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast — Artcafe El Nido

Popular breakfast spot in town with coffee and hearty breakfasts; opens early (typically from 7:00am) which suits early island days.
PHP300, 30m

8:30am

El Nido Island Hopping Tour A

Classic full-day tour including Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Simizu/Secret Beaches — lagoon timings depend on tides; tours usually run 8:30am–4:00pm and include lunch and snorkel gear.
PHP1200, 7h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — included on tour

Most island-hopping operators provide a picnic-style lunch on one of the islands; good chance to taste grilled fish, rice and tropical fruit.
PHP0, 1h0m

4:30pm

Back to hotel & shower

Return to El Nido town, rinse off and relax before dinner; hotels usually allow you to freshen up after day trips.
PHP0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner — KaLui Restaurant (reservation recommended)

One of El Nido's best-known restaurants for fresh seafood and a lively atmosphere; opens evenings (typically from 6:00pm) and often requires reservations.
PHP800, 1h30m

8:30pm

Stroll Calle Hama (bars & shops)

Evening walk along the main strip for a drink or gelato; shops and bars are busiest after 8:00pm and many stay open late.
PHP200, 1h0m

Day 4: Beaches & Islands

El Nido, Philippines on August 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Trattoria Altrove or local café

Get a quick but hearty breakfast; Altrove also opens from late morning but many cafes open early for coffee and pastries.
PHP350, 30m

8:30am

El Nido Island Hopping Tour C

Tour C visits Secret Beach, Helicopter Island and Hidden beaches — a great full-day option for snorkelling and dramatic rock formations; usually 8:30am–4:00pm with lunch on the boat.
PHP1200, 7h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — included on tour

Lunch served on one of the islands; expect grilled items and rice as standard — dietary requests can often be accommodated if told when booking.
PHP0, 1h0m

4:30pm

Late afternoon at Nacpan Beach

If energy allows, head 45 minutes north to Nacpan Beach for a peaceful sunset (public access; shops open during daylight), or rest in town if tired.
PHP200, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner — Republica Sunset Bar or local seafood

Sunset bars and beachfront eateries offer relaxed dinners; check opening times (many open from 5:00pm) and book a table for sunset views.
PHP500, 1h30m

Day 5: El Nido → Coron

El Nido → Coron, Philippines on August 28, 2025

6:30am

Fast craft El Nido → Coron (Busuanga)

High-speed ferries depart early (typically 6:30–8:00am) and take about 3.5–4 hours; book tickets in advance as services can sell out.
PHP2200, 4h0m

11:00am

Arrival and hotel check-in in Coron

Check in, freshen up and leave luggage; Coron town is compact and convenient for organising island tours for the next day.
PHP0, 30m

12:30pm

Lunch — Lolo Nonoy's or KOKU

Casual, well-regarded local options with Filipino homestyle dishes and seafood; most open midday onwards.
PHP350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Mt. Tapyas viewpoint & Coron town walk

Climb the 700+ steps to Mt. Tapyas for sweeping views (open early morning to late afternoon) then stroll the town for souvenirs and cafés.
PHP50, 1h30m

4:30pm

Maquinit Hot Springs (optional)

A salt-water hot spring great for relaxing after travel, typically open late afternoon to evening — check tide schedules and opening times (often 4:00pm–9:00pm).
PHP200, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner — La Sirenetta or seafood by the harbour

Seaview dining in Coron town with fresh catches; La Sirenetta is a good choice for atmosphere and sunset views (open evenings).
PHP700, 1h30m

Day 6: Coron Island Hopping

Coron, Philippines on August 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or café

Early breakfast to fuel a full-day island hopping visit; many cafés open from 6:30–7:30am in town.
PHP250, 30m

7:30am

Full-day Coron Island Hopping (Kayangan + Barracuda Lake)

Visit Kayangan Lake (often billed as the cleanest lake in the Philippines), Barracuda Lake and nearby reefs; Kayangan is open roughly 7:00am–5:00pm and is busiest mid-morning — tours typically run 7:30am–4:00pm and include lunch.
PHP1500, 8h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — included on boat

Boat operators usually provide a beach or boat lunch (grilled fish, rice and fruit); bring water and reef-safe sunscreen.
PHP0, 1h0m

4:30pm

Return & freshen up

Return to Coron town, enjoy a short rest and a shower before the evening.
PHP0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Sunset drinks and dinner — La Sirenetta or Santino's Grill

Finish with a sunset dinner by the water; popular places fill up so consider reserving or arriving early (most open evenings).
PHP600, 1h30m

Day 7: Return to Manila

Coron → Manila, Philippines on August 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & last-minute shopping

Enjoy a final breakfast in town and pick up souvenirs; shops and cafes open from early morning.
PHP250, 1h0m

9:30am

Transfer to Busuanga Airport

Allow ample time for the short transfer (20–40 minutes depending on location) and check-in for your flight to Manila.
PHP300, 30m

12:00pm

Flight Busuanga → Manila

Midday flights are common; arrive in Manila early afternoon to continue onward travel or connect internationally.
PHP3000, 1h15m

2:00pm

Arrival Manila & onward transfers

Collect bags and transfer to your next destination or hotel in Manila; plan extra time for traffic if heading into the city.
PHP0, 30m

6:00pm

Dinner suggestion in Manila (optional)

If staying overnight in Manila, try traditional Filipino fine dining or a seafood market — many restaurants open evenings from 5:00pm onwards.
PHP700, 1h30m
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