Ten days is the ideal length for a Palawan trip — long enough to cover Puerto Princesa, El Nido, Port Barton, and San Vicente without rushing any destination, and short enough that every day feels purposeful. This is the day-by-day itinerary we recommend most often to travelers booking their van transfers.
Quick Answer
A 10-day Palawan itinerary works best as: Days 1–2 Puerto Princesa, Days 3–5 El Nido, Day 6 transfer to Port Barton, Days 7–8 Port Barton, Day 9 San Vicente, Day 10 return to Puerto Princesa for flight. Book all van transfers before you fly — the El Nido and Port Barton connections fill up during peak season.
Day-by-Day Schedule
Day 1 — Arrive Puerto Princesa
Arrive at Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS). Check into your accommodation — options range from budget guesthouses near the airport to mid-range hotels on Rizal Avenue. Withdraw all the cash you will need for your whole trip. Explore Rizal Avenue in the evening — street food, local restaurants, and the relaxed energy of a Philippine provincial city. Dinner at Kinabuch’s or Ka Lui if you want a proper meal.
Day 2 — Underground River + Iwahig Fireflies
Full day at the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River — book permits at least 2 days ahead. Return to the city by 3 PM, rest, then evening Iwahig firefly river cruise at 5:30 PM. This is one of the best one-day combinations in all of Palawan.
Day 3 — Transfer to El Nido
Take the 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM Puerto Princesa to El Nido van transfer — 5 to 6 hours, ₱750 per person shared. Arrive early afternoon. Check into your accommodation, explore El Nido town, pay the ₱200 Environmental User Fee, and book your island hopping tours for the next two days. Sunset at Las Cabanas Beach by tricycle.
Day 4 — Island Hopping Tour A
The iconic tour. Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Seven Commandos Beach, and Shimizu Island. Depart the pier at 8:30 to 9:00 AM, return by 5:00 PM. Beach barbecue lunch included. Arrive early at Big Lagoon to beat the kayak queue.
Day 5 — Island Hopping Tour C + Taraw Cliff
Morning Tour C — Secret Beach, Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, and Helicopter Island. Return by afternoon, rest, then optional Taraw Cliff hike if energy allows (check weather conditions — the hike is only open on dry mornings). Sunset from Corong Corong viewpoint.
Day 6 — El Nido to Port Barton
El Nido to Port Barton van transfer — 1.5 to 2 hours, ₱650 per person. Depart 8:00 or 9:00 AM. Arrive Port Barton mid-morning with a full afternoon ahead. Book your island hopping tour for the next morning, then explore the village, swim from the beach, and enjoy fresh grilled fish for dinner under string lights on the waterfront.
Day 7 — Port Barton Island Hopping
Port Barton island hopping visits German Island, Exotic Island (with excellent coral for snorkeling), Turtle Island, and nearby beaches. Significantly fewer boats than El Nido with often healthier coral reefs. ₱1,000 to ₱1,200 per person for a shared boat. Return by afternoon for a relaxed evening on the beach.
Day 8 — Port Barton Rest and Waterfall
Port Barton’s pace demands a slower day. Morning Pamuayan Waterfalls hike — 30 minutes through jungle to a swimming hole. Afternoon reading on the beach, late afternoon sunset from the beach bars. The best meal of your trip is likely a simple grilled fish and rice at one of the beachfront restaurants here.
Day 9 — Port Barton to San Vicente, Long Beach
Morning van transfer from Port Barton to San Vicente — 30 minutes, arrange through your guesthouse. Check into your Long Beach accommodation. Spend the entire afternoon walking one of the most beautiful and empty beaches in the Philippines. 14 km of white sand with almost no one on it. Sunset from your resort.
Day 10 — San Vicente to Puerto Princesa, Fly Home
Take the San Vicente to Puerto Princesa van — 2.5 to 3.5 hours, ₱750 per person. For afternoon or evening flights take the 7:00 AM departure. For evening flights the 9:00 AM departure works. Arrive Puerto Princesa with time for a final meal before your flight home.
Van Transfers — Book All of These Before You Fly
| Transfer | Day | Price (shared) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto Princesa → El Nido | Day 3 | ₱750/person | 5–6 hours |
| El Nido → Port Barton | Day 6 | ₱650/person | 1.5–2 hours |
| Port Barton → San Vicente | Day 9 | ~₱300/person | 30 minutes |
| San Vicente → Puerto Princesa | Day 10 | ₱750/person | 2.5–3.5 hours |
