7 Days in the Philippines

Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) serves as the primary gateway to the island province of Palawan. Upon stepping off the plane, you will be greeted by the warm, tropical air and the friendly smiles of local coordinators. The airport is small and highly efficient, making arrivals smooth and stress-free. Your private, air-conditioned vehicle will be waiting just outside the terminal to transfer you to your resort, offering your first glimpses of the city's lush, tree-lined streets and vibrant local tricycles.

Kalui is Puerto Princesa's most famous dining institution, celebrated for its artistic wooden interiors, warm hospitality, and exceptionally fresh seafood. Guests are asked to remove their shoes upon entering, stepping onto polished wooden floors surrounded by local art, hand-woven tapestries, and lush tropical greenery. The menu is a daily-changing showcase of the freshest catch, prepared with traditional Filipino flavors and tropical twists. It is an essential cultural and culinary introduction to Palawan.

The Funny Lion is a premier boutique resort in Puerto Princesa, known for its modern rustic design, exceptional service, and tranquil atmosphere. Located in a quiet pocket of the city, it features a stunning swimming pool, comfortable rooms with premium amenities, and a rooftop bar perfect for winding down. It serves as the perfect comfortable base for your first night in Palawan, offering a peaceful sanctuary to rest and recharge.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, this spectacular underground river stretches over 8 kilometers through a massive limestone cave system before emptying into the West Philippine Sea. You will navigate the cave in a paddleboat, marveling at the dramatic stalactites, stalagmites, and vast cavern chambers while your guide shares fascinating geological and historical insights. It is a truly awe-inspiring natural wonder.

Sabang Beach is the scenic coastal gateway to the Underground River, featuring a long stretch of golden sand lined with coconut palms and framed by dramatic mountain backdrops. After your cave adventure, you will enjoy a fresh, beachside buffet lunch here, savoring local Filipino dishes while listening to the crashing waves of the sea. It is a beautiful spot to relax and soak in the coastal scenery before your long drive north.

Embark on a scenic 5-to-6-hour overland journey from Sabang to El Nido in a private, air-conditioned van. The route takes you through Palawan's lush countryside, passing rustic farming villages, rolling green hills, and glimpses of the sparkling coastline, offering a true sense of the island's vast and untamed geography. Your driver will make comfortable stops along the way for refreshments and photos.

Bella Vita is a highly-rated beachfront restaurant in Corong Corong, famous for its delicious wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas, and relaxed tropical vibe. Dining here allows you to sit right on the sand, enjoying a delicious meal with your toes in the beach while watching the gentle waves roll in under the starlit sky. It is the perfect welcome to El Nido's vibrant dining scene.

Nestled in a quiet valley near Corong Corong Beach, The Funny Lion - El Nido is a stylish boutique resort that blends contemporary design with eco-friendly touches. It features a gorgeous swimming pool, a rooftop deck with sunset views, and beautifully appointed rooms. It is the perfect sanctuary to return to after a day of island-hopping in the Bacuit Archipelago, offering top-tier comfort and hospitality.

This is the quintessential El Nido experience, taking you to the most iconic spots in the Bacuit Archipelago. You will board a traditional motorized outrigger boat to explore towering karst limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and pristine white-sand beaches that have made Palawan world-famous. A fresh seafood picnic lunch is prepared by the crew and served on a scenic island beach.

Happiness Beach Bar is a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired beach bar in El Nido town, famous for its swings instead of bar stools, laid-back music, and delicious falafel, hummus, and fresh cocktails. It is the ultimate spot to celebrate a successful day on the water, offering a lively atmosphere where travelers from all over the world gather to share stories and enjoy the bohemian island vibe.

Return to your comfortable room at The Funny Lion - El Nido for a restful night's sleep, perhaps enjoying a late-night dip in the pool or a nightcap on the rooftop deck under the stars.

Located about 45 minutes north of El Nido town, Nacpan Beach is a breathtaking, four-kilometer stretch of golden sand lined with endless coconut palms and washed by gentle turquoise waves. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines, offering a much wilder, more spacious feel compared to the town's busy bays. It is the perfect place for a long beach walk, swimming, and sunbathing.

Maremegmeg Beach (also known as Las Cabañas Beach) is the premier sunset-watching destination in El Nido. The beach club features stylish lounge chairs, swings, and a beachfront bar serving excellent cocktails. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, the sky turns into a dramatic canvas of orange, pink, and purple, framing the distant limestone islands beautifully. It is a sophisticated yet relaxed setting to enjoy the golden hour.

Tutto Passa is a cozy and highly-rated Italian restaurant in El Nido town, beloved for its authentic wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and warm, welcoming service. It provides a comforting, delicious meal to wrap up your land-based exploration of El Nido, offering a lively and friendly atmosphere in the heart of the town.

Spend your final night in El Nido at The Funny Lion, packing your bags and preparing for your ferry journey to Coron the next morning. Enjoy a quiet evening by the pool.

Board the morning fast ferry from El Nido to Coron. This scenic 4-to-5-hour journey crosses the Mindoro Strait, offering beautiful views of remote islands and open ocean. The modern, air-conditioned catamaran provides a comfortable ride, though motion sickness medication is recommended for those sensitive to wavy seas. Arrive at the terminal 30 minutes early to pay the small port fee.

Arrive at Coron Port on Busuanga Island, where you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel. Coron Town has a rugged, authentic charm and serves as the gateway to world-class wreck diving and pristine inland lakes. The port is bustling with activity as outrigger boats and ferries arrive from all over the region.

Mount Tapyas is the iconic landmark of Coron, rising dramatically behind the town. A concrete staircase of 724 steps leads to the summit, which is marked by a giant cross and offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of Coron Town, the surrounding rolling hills, and the island-studded bay. It is a challenging but highly rewarding climb, especially during the cooler late afternoon hours.

Maquinit Hot Spring is one of the very few saltwater hot springs in the world. Nestled in a valley surrounded by mangroves and the sea, the natural pools are fed by geothermal water rich in minerals, heated to a therapeutic 38 to 40 degrees Celsius (100-104°F). It is the ultimate way to soothe your muscles after climbing Mt. Tapyas, offering a deeply relaxing and unique natural spa experience.

The Funny Lion - Coron is an award-winning boutique resort nestled in a quiet area of Coron Town. It features a stunning swimming pool surrounded by lush mangroves, beautifully designed rooms, and the famous Pride Rock Deck, which offers panoramic views of the bay and spectacular sunsets. It is widely regarded as one of the best accommodations in Coron, offering exceptional service and a relaxed, upscale atmosphere.

Often called the cleanest lake in Asia, Kayangan Lake is a breathtaking body of semi-freshwater nestled amidst towering limestone cliffs. To reach the lake, you will take a short hike up a wooden path, stopping at a famous viewpoint that offers the iconic 'money shot' of Coron's dramatic bay. The lake itself features crystal-clear waters with dramatic underwater rock formations, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It is a sacred ancestral domain of the local Tagbanua people.

Twin Lagoon is a surreal natural wonder where two turquoise lagoons are separated by a narrow limestone wall. The water here is a unique mix of fresh mountain water and salty ocean water, creating a fascinating thermocline effect where the water temperature changes from warm to cool as you swim. It is surrounded by towering, jagged karst cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea.

AlFresco Coron is a highly-rated open-air restaurant in Coron Town, famous for its relaxed tropical atmosphere, friendly service, and excellent selection of grilled seafood, local Filipino specialties, and refreshing drinks. It is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a delicious dinner after a full day of island-hopping, offering a lively and welcoming setting.

Return to The Funny Lion - Coron for your final night, perhaps enjoying a relaxing massage at the resort's spa or a cocktail on the rooftop deck. Reflect on your incredible journey through Palawan.

The Lusong Gunboat is a sunken World War II Japanese shipwreck located in shallow waters off the coast of Busuanga. The wreck is beautifully encrusted with hard and soft corals and is home to a vibrant array of marine life. Because the stern of the boat sits just meters below the surface, it is easily accessible to snorkelers and free divers, offering a fascinating glimpse into history and a world-class snorkeling experience.

Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU), also known as Busuanga Airport, is the main airport serving Coron. Located about 30-40 minutes from Coron Town, this small and efficient airport connects you back to Manila or Cebu for your international flight home, bringing your unforgettable 7-day Palawan journey to a close. Ensure you arrive at least 1.5 hours before your flight.