Palawan is a pristine island province in the western Philippines, often called the Philippines' Last Frontier for its untouched natural beauty. Home to the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River and the stunning limestone karst landscapes of El Nido and Coron, Palawan offers some of Southeast Asia's most dramatic scenery. Its turquoise lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, and white-sand beaches consistently earn it recognition as one of the world's best island destinations.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Puerto Princesa Underground River
The UNESCO World Heritage Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is the most popular day trip in Palawan. The full experience includes a mangrove boardwalk walk to the cave entrance, a guided boat tour through 1.5km of dramatic stalactite formations, and beach time at Sabang. Book permits at least one day in advance.
Highlights: 8.2km navigable underground river · UNESCO World Heritage status · Stalactite and stalagmite formations · Sabang beach · Wildlife spotting (monitor lizards, macaques)
Honda Bay Island Hopping
Honda Bay's cluster of islands — Starfish Island, Pandan Island, Luli Island, and others — offer excellent snorkeling, pristine beaches, and fresh seafood in crystal-clear waters just 30 minutes from Puerto Princesa. A perfect family-friendly alternative to the more distant El Nido for city-based travelers.
Highlights: Starfish Island snorkeling · Luli Island sandbar (disappears at high tide) · Pandan Island forest · Fresh seafood lunch at floating restaurant · Excellent snorkeling
El Nido Tour A — Big and Small Lagoon
The most popular day trip in El Nido, Tour A visits the iconic Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon of Miniloc Island, Seven Commandos Beach, Shimizu Island snorkeling, and Secret Lagoon. This is the must-do Palawan day-trip experience that defines the destination's appeal.
Highlights: El Nido Big Lagoon · Small Lagoon kayaking · Seven Commandos Beach · Shimizu Island snorkeling · Secret Beach (hidden entrance)
El Nido Tour C — Matinloc Shrine and Hidden Beach
Tour C ventures further into the Bacuit Archipelago visiting Matinloc Shrine with its clifftop viewpoint, Hidden Beach accessible only through a cave entrance, Helicopter Island for snorkeling, and Cadlao Lagoon. More remote than Tour A with less crowded sites.
Highlights: Matinloc Shrine viewpoint · Hidden Beach cave entrance · Helicopter Island beach · Cadlao Lagoon · Remote archipelago scenery
Coron Island Full Day Tour
The classic Coron day trip visits Kayangan Lake (the cleanest lake in the Philippines), Twin Lagoon, and the beaches of Coron Island. The combination of emerald lakes inside dramatic limestone karst and the sacred Tagbanua cultural landscape makes this one of the most extraordinary day trips in Southeast Asia.
Highlights: Kayangan Lake · Twin Lagoon thermocline · Coron Island beaches · Tagbanua sacred sites
Calauit Safari and Island Tour
Calauit Safari Park on Calauit Island houses African wildlife including giraffes, zebras, and impalas introduced in 1976 alongside endemic Philippine deer and birds. The combined safari and island beaches tour offers a uniquely surreal experience of African animals against a Philippine tropical backdrop.
Highlights: Hand-feeding giraffes · Zebras and impalas in tropical setting · Calamian deer · Calauit Island beaches · Snorkeling near the island
Port Barton Beach Day Trip from Puerto Princesa
Port Barton's white-sand village beach and surrounding islands make a perfect escape from the city. The area has excellent snorkeling, calm waters, and a fraction of El Nido's tourist numbers. Local boats take visitors to surrounding uninhabited islands for the day.
Highlights: Port Barton village beach · Uninhabited island day trips · Excellent snorkeling · Relaxed atmosphere · Firefly watching at night (if staying over)
Coron WWII Wreck Diving Day
A full day of WWII shipwreck diving in Coron Bay visiting 2-3 Japanese Imperial Navy wrecks. The wrecks now host extraordinary marine life and are considered among the world's best dive sites. Non-diving companions can snorkel over shallower wrecks.
Highlights: Akitsushima seaplane tender · Olympia Maru · Irako refrigerator ship · Schooling fish · WWII historical artifacts
Iwahig Firefly River Night Tour
An evening boat tour along the mangrove-lined Iwahig River where millions of synchronous fireflies light up the riverside trees in rhythmic flashes after dark. One of the most magical natural experiences in Palawan, often combined with the daytime Iwahig Penal Farm visit.
Highlights: Synchronous firefly display · Mangrove river at night · Bioluminescent moments · Bat colony emergence
El Nido to Nacpan Beach Tricycle Day Trip
Escape the island-hopping crowds with a full day at Nacpan and Calitang twin beaches. Hire a tricycle round-trip from El Nido town, bring your own food and drinks, and spend the day on 4km of pristine white sand with almost no other tourists.
Highlights: 4km pristine beach · Twin beach sandbar at low tide · Coconut palm scenery · Sunset over the sea · Far fewer tourists than island-hopping
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organized island-hopping day tours from ₱1,200-2,500 include boat, guide, environmental fees, and usually lunch
- Private
- Private bangka charter from ₱4,000-8,000 per boat for custom island routes with up to 10 people
- Public
- Shared vans connect Puerto Princesa to Sabang (underground river) and San Vicente (Port Barton); El Nido boats operate shared routes
- Rental
- Motorcycle rental ₱500-700/day in El Nido for Nacpan Beach and other inland destinations
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Book island-hopping tours the afternoon before through your accommodation — tours fill by early morning
Environmental fees are separate from tour prices — budget ₱200-500 extra per day
Bring your own snorkel gear if you have it — rental quality varies widely
Underground River permits are required and can sell out — book 1-2 days ahead through Puerto Princesa tourism
Check sea conditions before Coron-to-El Nido speedboat day trips — cancellations are common in rough weather
Food is usually included in group tours but quality varies — bring snacks
Waterproof everything on boat tours — bags and gear get wet even in calm conditions