Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

15-Day Palawan & Manila Loop: Puerto Princesa → Port Barton → El Nido → Coron → Manila — Beaches, Lagoons, Wrecks & Culture

Viewed by 187 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & City

Puerto Princesa, Philippines on August 24, 2025

8:00am

Flight to Puerto Princesa

Fly from Manila or other hub into Puerto Princesa; morning flights maximise daylight for local sightseeing.
PHP2500, 1h30m

10:30am

Hotel check-in & drop bags

Check in or leave luggage so you can explore; many hotels offer early luggage storage if room not ready.
PHP0, 30m

11:00am

Puerto Princesa city tour (Plaza Cuartel & Cathedral)

A gentle walking tour visiting Plaza Cuartel and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral to learn local history; these sites are typically open 8:00am–5:00pm.
PHP0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Kinabuch's Grill & Bar

Popular local spot for grilled seafood and Filipino classics; opens from around 11:00am and is good for hearty midday meals.
PHP450, 1h0m

2:00pm

Baker's Hill & Mitra's Ranch

Short scenic stops for pastries, gardens and panorama photos — Baker's Hill is great for snacks and Mitra's Ranch offers bay views; both open daytime.
PHP150, 1h30m

4:00pm

Baywalk sunset stroll

Relaxed walk along the bay as evening falls; vendors and cafes are open until sunset (around 5:30–6:00pm depending on season).
PHP0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner — Badjao Seafront Restaurant

Seafood with bay views — try grilled fish or kinilaw; opens evenings and is a good introduction to Palawan cuisine.
PHP500, 1h30m

Day 2: Underground River

Puerto Princesa → Sabang, Philippines on August 25, 2025

5:00am

Pickup for Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour

Early pickup to Sabang for the UNESCO Underground River; permits are time-specific so book in advance and expect a transfer of 1–1.5 hours.
PHP800, 1h30m

7:30am

Underground River boat tour

Guided paddle-boat into the limestone cave system showcasing stalactites and biodiverse surroundings; cave tours operate in set slots — confirm your permit time beforehand.
PHP1500, 3h0m

11:30am

Lunch in Sabang

Seafront eateries near Sabang jetty serve fresh seafood and local dishes; kitchens open from late morning to serve tour groups.
PHP350, 1h0m

1:30pm

Transfer to Port Barton

Drive south toward Port Barton (approx 2.5–3 hours) — a quieter beach town ideal for the next two nights; road times vary, so expect afternoon arrival.
PHP600, 3h0m

5:00pm

Check in and beach time

Settle into your beachfront guesthouse and enjoy a late-afternoon swim or walk on the sand; daylight for beaches lasts until about 6:00pm.
PHP0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner — Salang Sayang or local beachfront grill

Casual seaside dining with grilled seafood and Filipino comfort food; many eateries open evenings from 6:00pm.
PHP400, 1h30m

Day 3: Port Barton Islands

Port Barton, Philippines on August 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — beach café

Simple Filipino breakfast or coffee with sea views; most cafés open by 7:00–8:00am to feed day-trippers.
PHP200, 30m

8:30am

Port Barton island-hopping

Full-day hop to German Island, Exotic Beach and starfish-rich reefs for snorkelling — operators run from morning until mid-afternoon and include snorkel gear and lunch.
PHP900, 6h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — included on tour

Usually a picnic-style meal on the beach with grilled fish, rice and fruit; reveal dietary needs when booking the tour.
PHP0, 1h0m

3:30pm

Return & hammock time

Relax in a hammock or stroll the beach — Port Barton is low-key and perfect for unwinding after a day on the water.
PHP0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner — Seascape or local grill

Try freshly caught seafood or Filipino dishes; restaurants commonly open evenings from 6:00pm.
PHP400, 1h30m

Day 4: Transfer to El Nido

Port Barton → El Nido, Philippines on August 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & last beach walk

Early breakfast and final shoreline walk; morning light is best for photos and cooler temperatures.
PHP200, 30m

8:00am

Van transfer Port Barton → El Nido

Scenic, sometimes bumpy drive north to El Nido (approx 3.5–5 hours depending on road conditions) — book a reputable operator for comfort.
PHP800, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch — Artcafe El Nido

Well-known café with diverse menu and reliable service; opens mid-morning and is a convenient first meal in town.
PHP350, 1h0m

3:00pm

Hotel check-in & beach time

Settle in and swim or explore El Nido town; many hotels welcome late afternoon relaxation after island travel.
PHP0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner — KaLui Restaurant (reservation recommended)

Renowned El Nido seafood destination with fresh catches and local flavours; usually opens evenings from 6:00pm and fills up fast.
PHP800, 1h30m

Day 5: El Nido Tour A

El Nido, Philippines on August 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast — Artcafe or local café

A filling breakfast before a full-day tour; cafés typically open from 7:00am which suits island departures.
PHP300, 30m

8:30am

El Nido Island Hopping Tour A

Classic full-day itinerary visiting Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon and Secret Beach; tours run about 8:30am–4:00pm and include lunch and snorkel gear — lagoon access depends on tides.
PHP1200, 7h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — included on tour

Boat operators provide a picnic lunch on an island; expect grilled items, rice and fruit; inform operator of allergies in advance.
PHP0, 1h0m

4:30pm

Return & rinse off

Back in El Nido town to freshen up; most hotels will let you shower after tours.
PHP0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner — Republica Sunset Bar

Relaxed beachfront venue for drinks and dinner with sunset views; check opening times (often from 5:00pm) and reserve for sunset seating.
PHP500, 1h30m

Day 6: El Nido Tour C

El Nido, Philippines on August 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — local bakery or café

Quick breakfast and coffee before another big day on the water; bakeries open early for pastries and sandwiches.
PHP300, 30m

8:30am

El Nido Island Hopping Tour C

Visit Helicopter Island, Secret Beach and Hidden Beach for snorkelling and scenic rock formations; tours usually run 8:30am–4:00pm with lunch included.
PHP1200, 7h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — included on tour

Island lunch typically consisting of grilled fish or chicken, rice and local fruit; let operator know dietary needs ahead of time.
PHP0, 1h0m

4:30pm

Afternoon trip to Nacpan Beach (optional)

A 40–50 minute drive north for a long stretch of sand and sunset; public access is free but transport may cost extra — best visited late afternoon for sunset.
PHP200, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — Trattoria Altrove or local seafood

Altrove is famous for wood-fired pizza, while beachfront grills offer local seafood; both operate evenings (check exact hours as smaller places vary).
PHP600, 1h30m

Day 7: Kayak & Relax

El Nido, Philippines on August 30, 2025

7:00am

Early kayak in Big/Small Lagoon

Rent a kayak to explore quieter lagoons early in the morning before crowds arrive; lagoon access hours depend on tides and tour schedules so check locally.
PHP400, 1h30m

8:30am

Breakfast — hotel or beachfront café

Leisurely breakfast after kayaking; many cafes open by 7:00–8:00am.
PHP300, 30m

10:00am

Optional Open Water Scuba Intro

Try a discovery dive for first-time divers or book a two-tank dive for certified divers — dive shops operate daily and require prior booking for equipment and guides.
PHP2500, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch — local café

Casual lunch in town with fresh salads and grilled dishes; cafés open through the afternoon.
PHP350, 1h0m

4:00pm

Beach time or town shopping

Relax at the beach or browse local shops for souvenirs and island handicrafts; most shops open daily until late evening.
PHP0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner — KaLui or alternative local restaurant

Enjoy another evening of fresh seafood or international dishes; KaLui requires reservation, many others are walk-in friendly.
PHP800, 1h30m

Day 8: El Nido → Coron

El Nido → Coron (Busuanga), Philippines on August 31, 2025

6:30am

Fast craft El Nido → Coron

High-speed ferry departs early and takes about 3.5–4 hours; book seats in advance as services can sell out and schedule may vary by season.
PHP2200, 4h0m

11:30am

Arrival & hotel check-in in Coron

Check into your hotel, freshen up and prepare for an afternoon of light exploring — hotels often allow early bag drop.
PHP0, 30m

12:30pm

Lunch — Lolo Nonoy's or KOKU

Local favourites for Filipino comfort food and seafood; open from midday making them good first stops in Coron town.
PHP350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Mt. Tapyas viewpoint climb & town walk

Climb the 700+ steps to Mt. Tapyas for panoramic views and then stroll Coron town for cafés and souvenir shops; climb is best late afternoon to avoid midday heat.
PHP50, 1h30m

4:30pm

Maquinit Hot Springs (optional)

Salt-water hot springs great for relaxing after travel; typically open late afternoon to evening (check tide schedules and opening times locally).
PHP200, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner — La Sirenetta or waterfront restaurant

Seaview dining with fresh catches and sunset atmosphere; most restaurants are open evenings and may require early arrival for a good table.
PHP700, 1h30m

Day 9: Wrecks & Reefs

Coron, Philippines on September 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or café

Early breakfast to fuel a day of diving or snorkelling; cafés open by 6:30–7:00am in town.
PHP250, 30m

7:30am

Optional wreck diving (for certified divers) or snorkel trip

Coron is famous for WWII shipwreck dives for certified divers; snorkellers can join reef trips to Siete Pecados and Coral Garden — operators depart early and return late afternoon.
PHP3000, 8h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — included or local harbour café

Diving/snorkel tours usually provide lunch; if not, return to town for grilled seafood and rice.
PHP0, 1h0m

4:30pm

Return & rest

Shower and relax after a full day on the water; hotels commonly offer late check-out or shower facilities for day-trippers.
PHP0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner — Santino's Grill or local seafood restaurant

Casual dinner with freshly grilled seafood and local sides; family-run grills are open nightly and deliver good value.
PHP500, 1h30m

Day 10: Kayangan & Barracuda

Coron, Philippines on September 2, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast

Fuel up early — Kayangan Lake gets crowded later in the morning so early departures are recommended; cafés open by 6:30–7:00am.
PHP250, 30m

7:30am

Full-day island hopping: Kayangan Lake + Barracuda Lake

Classic Coron itinerary visiting the famed Kayangan viewpoint and crystal-clear Barracuda Lake for unique thermocline snorkelling; tours typically run 7:30am–4:00pm and include lunch.
PHP1500, 8h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — included on boat

Picnic-style lunches are provided by operators, offering local grilled dishes, rice and fruit; carry reef-safe sunscreen and water.
PHP0, 1h0m

4:30pm

Return & shower

Back in Coron town to freshen up before evening activities; allow time to dry gear and rest.
PHP0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner — La Sirenetta or waterfront dining

Enjoy a relaxed meal by the water with seafood and local dishes; book ahead in high season to secure a bay-facing table.
PHP700, 1h30m

Day 11: Calauit or Islands

Coron (Busuanga), Philippines on September 3, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast & early transfer

Early start for a day trip; Calauit Safari requires a full day and boat transfer — check operator schedules and opening times (park often operates daytime hours).
PHP300, 30m

7:30am

Day trip — Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary (or Malcapuya/Banana islands)

Calauit offers a unique dry-land wildlife experience with giraffes and zebras relocated decades ago; alternative island-hopping visits Malcapuya and Banana for beach time. Both options are full-day excursions returning late afternoon.
PHP2500, 9h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — included on tour or packed

Most operators include lunch; if visiting Calauit, lunches are typically basic packed meals served on the island or boat.
PHP0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return & relax

Wind down after a long day with a stroll along the harbour or a short nap at your hotel.
PHP0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner — Lolo Nonoy's or local favourite

Simple Filipino comfort food and seafood — friendly family-run restaurants in Coron town are perfect for a relaxed evening.
PHP400, 1h30m

Day 12: Fly to Manila

Busuanga → Manila, Philippines on September 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & pack

Early breakfast and final packing; allow time to check out and transfer to Busuanga Airport (20–40 minutes depending on hotel location).
PHP250, 1h0m

9:30am

Transfer to Busuanga Airport

Allow ample time for the short transfer and airport check-in; domestic flights require at least 1 hour pre-departure but check airline guidance.
PHP300, 30m

11:30am

Flight Busuanga → Manila

Flight to Manila takes roughly 1h15m; arrive in the capital by early afternoon for the next leg of your trip.
PHP3200, 1h15m

1:30pm

Arrival Manila & hotel check-in

Check into a central Manila hotel (Intramuros or Makati) and rest; traffic can be heavy so plan transfers accordingly.
PHP0, 1h0m

3:00pm

Light city exploration (Rizal Park / Intramuros stroll)

A short walk around Rizal Park and Intramuros to get a taste of colonial Manila; sites generally open 8:00am–5:00pm although evening illumination is attractive.
PHP150, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner — Barbara's Heritage Restaurant (Intramuros)

Classic Filipino-Spanish fare in a heritage setting — dinner shows and cultural ambience may be available (check booking and opening times).
PHP800, 1h30m

Day 13: Manila Culture & Food

Manila, Philippines on September 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — hotel or local café

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before a full day of city exploring; many cafés in Intramuros and Binondo open early.
PHP350, 30m

9:00am

Intramuros guided walking tour

Guided tour through Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church and the old walled city — museums are typically open 9:00am–5:00pm; book a guide for history insights.
PHP600, 2h30m

12:00pm

Binondo food crawl (Chinatown)

Sample Chinese-Filipino specialties like dim sum, hopia and noodle dishes on a guided or self-led crawl; many eateries operate midday and into the evening.
PHP600, 1h30m

2:30pm

National Museum or Ayala Museum

Choose the National Museum for Philippine art and history (open 9:00am–5:00pm) or Ayala Museum in Makati for curated cultural exhibits (check opening times), depending on your interest.
PHP150, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner — fine dining or rooftop bar in Makati

Finish the day with a modern Filipino tasting menu or skyline views from a rooftop bar; many venues open from early evening and benefit from reservations.
PHP1500, 1h30m

Day 14: Tagaytay Day Trip

Tagaytay (Taal), Philippines on September 6, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast & depart for Tagaytay

Leave Manila early to avoid traffic; Tagaytay is about 1.5–2 hours from Manila depending on traffic and is best visited early for clearer Taal views.
PHP300, 1h0m

9:00am

Taal Volcano viewpoint & People’s Park in the Sky

Enjoy panoramic views of Taal Lake from the viewpoint and visit People’s Park in the Sky for sweeping vistas; viewability depends on weather, so mornings are preferable.
PHP0, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch — Josephine Restaurant (Tagaytay)

Classic Tagaytay restaurant known for bulalo and local dishes; opens for lunch and offers scenic views on clear days.
PHP700, 1h0m

1:30pm

Coffee & paseo at Sky Ranch (optional)

Family-friendly park with a ferris wheel and leisure areas — open daytime with souvenir stalls and snacks; good for relaxed afternoon activities.
PHP300, 1h30m

4:30pm

Return to Manila

Head back to Manila to avoid evening traffic where possible; travel times vary so allow extra time before any evening flights.
PHP300, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — casual Manila option

Light dinner near your hotel; after a day trip, choose a relaxed eatery open until late evening.
PHP600, 1h30m

Day 15: Departure Day

Manila, Philippines on September 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & final packing

Enjoy a final hotel breakfast and check your flight and transfer times; hotels typically serve breakfast from 6:30–9:30am.
PHP300, 30m

9:00am

Last-minute shopping or Intramuros revisit

If time permits, pick up souvenirs or take a short walk in Intramuros; shops open from morning but allow time for airport transfer.
PHP200, 1h0m

11:00am

Transfer to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)

Allow 2–3 hours depending on traffic and international or domestic check-in requirements — peak traffic times can add substantial delay.
PHP500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Flight home / onward travel

Departure from Manila to your next destination or international flight; ensure you arrive at the terminal with adequate time for immigration and security.
PHP0, —

6:00pm

If staying late — dinner in airport or nearby

If you have a late flight or overnight stay, enjoy dinner at an airport restaurant or nearby hotel restaurant open in the evening.
PHP700, 1h30m
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version