Highlights of the Philippines With Palawan Island

Fly into the pulsing capital city of Manila, for the perfect introduction to the lush Philippines. As you touch down at the airport, meet your friendly guide in the arrivals hall for your private transfer to your comfortable hotel. The rest of today is free to relax or explore at your own leisure.

Spend today exploring Manila with myriad faces, starting from the historic walled city of Intramuros. After an informative visit to the Casa Manila, admire the UNESCO-inscribed San Agustin Church, ride a "kalesa" (traditional horse-drawn carriage) to the Manila Cathedral, and explore Fort Santiago housing a shrine to national hero Jose Rizal. As you traverse the lively districts of Quiapo and Binondo, mingle with the locals to discover Manila's more hidden side.

This afternoon, pay respects at the American Cemetery and Memorial, a poignant tribute to WWII soldiers. Return to the hotel for refreshment before enjoying leisure time in the cosmopolitan Makati and Bonifacio Global City, with diverse dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

Savor a leisurely morning before transferring to Manila Airport for your flight onward to Puerto Princesa, the primary getaway to Palawan's nature wonders.

You'll be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure.

Today is reserved for a guided city tour of Puerto Princesa, which includes visits to the Palawan Museum, Plaza Cuartel, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (formerly Crocodile Farming Institute), and the Iwahidg Prison and Penal Farm.

Optional dinner at Ka Lui's Restaurant offers delightful seafood amid a distinctive atmosphere. Conclude the day with a potential firefly-watching tour at Kito-kito, weather permitting, for an enchanting experience before returning to your hotel.

After breakfast, set off on a 2-hour scenic drive to Sabang for the UNESCO-recognized Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Aboard a paddle boat, and cruise into a flooded cave system to marvel at Cathedral chambers, expansive hallways, and distinctive geological wonders beneath St. Paul Mountain. With some luck, you may encounter wildlife like monkeys, monitor lizards, and squirrels on the nearby beach. If you like, dive deeper into nature with bird watching, mountain trekking, or a serene mangrove river safari.

The end of the tour will be spiced up with a leisurely picnic lunch, offering time for relaxation and beachside enjoyment before returning to your hotel.

Located about 5 to 6 hours by car from Puerto Princesa, El Nido boasts 45 stunning islands and islets at the northern tip of Palawan. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and unwind in comfort.

Wake up in paradise and spend the whole day utterly at your leisure. In the protected waters of the El Nido area, a multitude of marine species and coral reefs await aquatic adventures. You may wish to kayak over transparent water, swim with the 1.5-meter jack fish, or snorkel into the colorful underwater world.

On this free day, why not go island-hopping in style to explore the natural wonders around El Nido? Major scenic spots include Big Lagoon, Snake Island, Hidden Beach, and Cathedral Cave, just to name a few.

Bid farewell to El Nido and the Philippines as you fly to Manila to catch your connecting flight home.