Palawan Escape: Puerto Princesa - El Nido 3 Nights / 4 Days Itinerary

The most striking escape I’ve ever seen. 

Palawan is such a popular place for travelers, backpackers, tourist and vacationers. For those who live in the city or far from the beautiful island of Palawan, they thought that traveling to the place would cost much. Yes it could if you prefer a luxury resort but if you are good to a laid-back simple resort, then this tour is definitely for you.

Again, what I  normally suggest is book a promo fare and do your research. Initially it was my friend Cleah and I who wanted to go to Palawan until number surge to 11. Obviously much cheaper if you're in a group. We were unable to follow the complete itinerary as some of the islands are not safe to go and some are just too far that we do not have enough time to visit. I wish we left earlier and stick to the plan. Nevertheless, over-all trip is successful. We will get to the Itinerary later.

After a thorough checking via forums and internet, (Thanks to all backpackers, forum-ers and bloggers out there!), we chose Hadefe Tour over other packages.

The best spot for a morning coffee

The resort facilities 

And so we pull a chair

kill the time...

and get more emotional...

The good side: Easy to negotiate and hassle free communication with the owner Mr. Hanny, with very accommodating staffs. Good view in the resort. Obviously as shown above.  Best part of this is to wake up early and get your complimentary coffee and sit in a hammock facing the sea. Downside: A very basic resort, room is just plain and old, (they need to get a new sheets and matresses) water seems limited as there are times that water runs out (be patient because it will be back in a while ;p), do not expect a good AC since they just use generator for the electricity that runs only from 2:00pm to 6:00am daily (This applies to the majority of the resorts here so we do not mind). We skipped a DIY trip this time because being in a big group saves us a lot already and so we go for the safer, more hassle free side. Contact them here and negotiate to get a good deal.

It was located in Calaan Beach side, not along the nightlife and shops and it will take around 5 minutes walk to reach the other side of the beach (where restaurant and shops are to be found) and another 10minutes walk to get to the Town proper.

Palawan will never fail us of course. And here's the "escapers" from the urban world.   

From left - Jay, Chiz, Kate, 'Me', Ia, Gerald,
Sol, Jess, Bonna, Cleah and Rose

Here's our modified itinerary. Listed here are the islands that we were able to visit during the tour, what we do and where we went to maximize our stay:


Day 1 - PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER TOUR
09:00AM:Arrival at the airport.
Tourist van will take us from the airport to UNDERGROUND River
Lunch @ Taraw Restaurant
Explore Sabang Beach
03:00PM: Proceed to El Nido
08:00PM: Arrival in El Nido. Check-in at Hadefe Cottage

Day 2 - EL NIDO ISLAND TOUR A
7:00AM: Breakfast at the Beach Cottage
9:00AM: Start of Island Tour
Visit the ff islands: Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Simizu Beach, Entalola Beach

4:00PM: Back at the accommodation. Free Time
7:00PM: Night out at Seaslugs

Day 3 - EL NIDO ISLAND TOUR C
7:00AM: Breakfast at the Beach Cottage
9:00am: Start of Island Tour C
Visit the ff islands: Helicoper Island, Hidden Beach, Matinloc Beach, Cadlao Island
4:00PM: Back at the accommodation. Free Time
7:00PM: Explore Town of El Nido

Day 4 - PUERTO PRINCESA City Tour
6:00AM: Breakfast
Check out time at the Beach Cottage- Travel to PPC
12:00PM: ETA – PPC – Lunch is personal account
1:00PM: Buy Pasalubong @ Tiange Tiange
3:30: Flight Check-in


On my next post is the start of our Puerto Princesa - El Nido Trip. First stop is a true marvel of the New 7 wonders of the World; the Puerto Princesa Underground River.

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“If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there.” 

~ George Harrison