9 Days • 8 Nights
Palawan Island Paradise: El Nido & Coron
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll island-hop by boat to the Big and Small Lagoons of Bacuit Bay, snorkel over coral gardens and drift into hidden coves, then discover Coron's crystalline Kayangan Lake, its Japanese wartime wrecks and its twin lagoons. Between the boat days are white beaches, fresh seafood and glorious sunsets.
With comfortable resorts, island-hopping boats and the flights arranged, it is Palawan at its most spectacular.
Trip Highlights
- Island-hopping the lagoons of El Nido's Bacuit Bay
- The famous Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon
- Snorkelling over coral gardens and hidden coves
- Coron's crystal-clear Kayangan Lake
- Japanese wartime shipwrecks for snorkelling and diving
- The Twin Lagoon and Barracuda Lake of Coron
- White-sand beaches and glorious sunsets
- Boat trips and flights arranged
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 9-day journey.
Fly into Palawan and transfer to El Nido, gateway to the stunning Bacuit Bay. Settle in with a welcome dinner as the sun sinks behind the limestone cliffs.
A full day island-hopping to the Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon, snorkelling over coral and drifting into hidden coves, with lunch on a secluded beach.
A second island-hopping day to secret beaches, snorkelling spots and the Secret and Hidden lagoons of Bacuit Bay.
A free day to relax on the beach, kayak the bay or take an optional sunset boat trip.
Transfer and fly to Coron, a dramatic island of jagged limestone and turquoise lakes. An afternoon to settle in and take in the view from Mt Tapyas at sunset.
Island-hop to the crystal-clear Kayangan Lake, the Twin Lagoon and the coral gardens of Coron Bay, with a beach lunch.
Snorkel or dive the eerie Japanese wartime shipwrecks in the bay, then the warm, surreal waters of Barracuda Lake.
A free day to relax, take an optional reef safari or explore Coron town and its hot springs.
A final breakfast before your transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Airport and boat transfers throughout
- 4 nights El Nido, 4 nights Coron
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and island-hopping lunches
- An El Nido island-hopping boat tour of the lagoons and beaches
- A Coron island-hopping tour with Kayangan Lake and the Twin Lagoon
- Snorkelling over coral gardens and a shipwreck
- Flights and the El Nido-Coron connection as arranged
- Snorkelling gear and environmental fees on the included tours
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from the Philippines
- Any visa fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Local environmental, terminal and island-hopping fees where not stated
- Optional activities and water sports
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Many nationalities can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days; check your passport's eligibility. Your passport should be valid at least six months, and onward tickets are sometimes requested
- English everywhere: English is an official language and widely spoken, which makes the Philippines wonderfully easy to travel
- Currency: The currency is the Philippine Peso. Cards work in cities and resorts, but carry cash for islands, markets, tricycles and the many small local fees
- Best season: The dry season (November to April) is ideal, with sunshine and calm seas; June to October is the wet, typhoon-prone season when some boat trips can be cancelled
- Island transfers: Getting between islands means domestic flights and boat (bangka) rides, all arranged for you but occasionally affected by weather or sea conditions
- Local fees: Islands and attractions charge small environmental, terminal and island-hopping fees payable in cash on the spot — keep small peso notes handy
- Sun & reef: The tropical sun is strong; bring high-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a rash guard for snorkelling to protect both yourself and the coral
- Health: Drink bottled water, use mosquito repellent (dengue is present) and consider a waterproof bag for boat days. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended
- Connectivity: A local SIM or eSIM is cheap and handy, though signal can be patchy on remote islands — a welcome excuse to unplug
- Tipping & power: Tipping is appreciated for good service. Power is 220V, usually with type A/B plugs, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, such as island-hopping lunches. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy the Philippines' fresh seafood and lively food scene.
Are transfers and touring arranged?
Yes — your airport transfers, island-hopping boats and tours are arranged with local guides and boatmen, so there is nothing to organise on the ground.
Do I need a visa for the Philippines?
Many nationalities enter visa-free for up to 30 days. We can confirm the requirements for your passport before you travel.
When is the best time to visit?
The dry season from November to April offers the sunniest weather and calmest seas. June to October is wetter and typhoon-prone, so we favour the dry months for island trips.
Is island-hopping weather-dependent?
Boat trips depend on sea and weather conditions and can occasionally be rescheduled for safety. We build in flexibility and your guide will always make the best of the day.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, islands, resorts and activities can all be tailored, and we can add Palawan, Boracay, Siargao or the rice terraces. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we travel between the islands?
By short domestic flights between the main hubs and by boat (bangka) for island-hopping — all included and arranged for you.
What's the difference between El Nido and Coron?
El Nido is famous for its towering limestone lagoons and beaches, while Coron is known for its crystal lakes and world-class wreck diving. Together they show the two faces of Palawan's beauty.
Do I need to be able to dive?
No — the snorkelling is superb and suits everyone. Certified divers can add guided dives on Coron's famous wrecks, which we can arrange.
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