5 Days in Palawan, Philippines: From Big Lagoon to Calauit Safari Park

Upon arrival, clear customs and immigration, then collect your luggage. Take a taxi or tricycle to your hotel in the city center. A taxi will cost approximately $8 and take about 30 minutes.

"It’s okay for what it is, but honestly nothing much to see inside. A lot of the stores and shops are empty or closed, which was a bit disappointing. I expected way more since Palawan is known for its tourism and this is the first impression most visitors get when they arrive. It feels a bit basic compared to other airports. I wish they can add more shops, maybe some local souvenirs, food options or Palawan-themed stuff to make it more welcoming and exciting. Right now it’s functional but not very impressive"— Harrison Go

Embark on an exciting caving and ziplining adventure at Ugong Rock. Explore the unique cave formations by climbing and rappelling, then soar over the landscape on a thrilling zipline.

"Ugong Rock Adventure delivers pure thrill😲😯 Climb the limestone cave, conquer swaying bridges and spider-web nets, then soar down Palawan’s longest 720-meter ZIPLINE—seated or Superman-style—at speeds over 50 km/h with a wild 360° spin. In just minutes, you’ll feel the rush, hear your own cheers echo, and land grinning ear to ear. Unforgettable fun, perfectly safe, and absolutely worth every second!"— Irish Coleman

Visit the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, also known as the Crocodile Farm. Learn about crocodile conservation efforts and observe various species of crocodiles, as well as other native Palawan wildlife.

"The place does need some work, I feel it was more of a rush, you go so quickly its basically in and out due to large groups not even 20min and there is not much to see, the animals are very well taken care off thats for sure, and the guides are well informed, but the overall with the rushing through each section. The worst part is the toilets, for heavens sake, if you guys gonna have visitors make sure the outside toilets are suitable to use its one of the worst I have ever seen, its so dirty and feels like a bomb went off in the bathrooms, its not welcoming at all. Definitely need to work on the hygiene for clients using the toilets."— Scholtz Buys

Embark on a guided tour to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Marvel at the intricate cave system and its stunning stalactites and stalagmites during a paddle boat ride through one of the world's longest navigable underground rivers.

"The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan, Philippines, features one of the world's longest navigable underground rivers (8.2 km) flowing directly into the sea. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and New 7 Wonder of Nature, it offers boat tours through a spectacular limestone karst landscape, showcasing massive stalactites, stalagmites, and diverse wildlife. Key Features and Details Location: Situated in the Saint Paul Mountain Range on the western coast of Palawan, approximately 80 km north of Puerto Princesa city. The Underground River: A 45-minute boat tour takes visitors 1.5 km into the cave system, which features a "second floor" with waterfalls, extensive limestone formations, and large chambers. Biodiversity: The park contains a full "mountain-to-sea" ecosystem, home to threatened species like the Palawan bearcat, monkeys, and marine life. Protection Status: Established in 1999 and designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2012. Visitor Information Access: Tours typically depart from Sabang Boat Terminal, accessible by road from Puerto Princesa. Tour Experience: Audio-guided paddle boat tours are standard, emphasizing silence to protect the bat population. Fees: An environmental fee is required, and tours may cost around 2500 pesos for non-private, or significantly more for private options. The park is renowned for its intact old-growth forests and serves as a premier destination for eco-tourism in the Philippines."— Thots Urpiana

Immerse yourself in local life at Puerto Princesa Public Market, browsing fresh produce, local delicacies, and handmade goods. A vibrant place to observe daily life and find unique Palawan souvenirs.

"Very good for seafood and vegetables. Cheap prices Purchased 1 kilo large shrimp 600p Food stands at location good."— chip wolf

Embark on an island hopping adventure, cruising through crystal-clear waters and visiting German Island, known for its pristine white sand beaches and excellent snorkeling spots. Discover vibrant marine life and relax on secluded shores.

"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Island Hopping in Port Barton with Joey We booked a private island-hopping tour for just the two of us and it was an amazing experience from start to finish. Communication beforehand was excellent — Joey responded instantly and everything was clearly explained. On the day we were met by Rono and CJ, who gave us a full rundown of the schedule and made us feel relaxed straight away. Our first stop was a beautiful sandbank to see starfish, followed by snorkelling on a reef, with CJ leading the way and pointing things out. We even added an extra stop where we were lucky enough to swim with a turtle 🐢. We then spent around two hours on a secluded beach where Rono and CJ cooked us a delicious lunch. After that, we added another snorkelling stop at a second reef before finishing at another quiet beach to relax and take in the views. Rono and CJ were fantastic — very knowledgeable, polite, and genuinely friendly. They really made the day special. Highly recommend this tour if you’re in Port Barton and want a more personal, relaxed experience."— Nathan Bradford

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the main beach of Port Barton as the sun sets, painting the sky with tropical colors. A perfect way to wind down after a day of island hopping.

"A great spot to unwind, especially around sunset. The location is perfect for sunset viewing, and they have comfortable bean bags set up so you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the view. Their happy hour cocktails are excellent value, making it a really good place to hang out for drinks as the sun goes down. Food was also good—we tried the salmon bowl, calamares, chicken tenders, and Nutella crepe. The chicken tenders were especially impressive—super tender and nicely cooked. We were hoping to catch some live music, but were told that the band only plays on weekends, so that’s something to keep in mind if that’s part of the experience you’re looking for."— Mina

Embark on a moderate trek through lush jungle to reach the beautiful Bigaho Falls. Enjoy a refreshing swim in its natural pools, surrounded by pristine nature. This activity blends nature exploration with a sense of adventure.

"A really wonderful waterfall with beautiful adjacent village and the 10-minute walking path to the waterfall itself. It’s really well maintained. You need to donate if but it’s well worth it as people here obviously take a really good care of the place. You can get there by tuktuk or motorbike but don’t go when it’s rainy and the dirt road gets really muddy."— Adam Siemaszkiewicz

Paddle through the serene Port Barton Mangrove River, a crucial ecosystem teeming with various bird species and marine life. This gentle adventure offers a unique perspective on Palawan's natural beauty and a chance for quiet wildlife observation.

"My friends and I really enjoyed our vacation at Port Barton Diy. I will bring my family here and my partner's family. I will book again at Port Barton Diy. The staff are friendly and funny. 😂 You should also book so you can experience what we experienced. 🌊🌴🏖️🫶💙"— Raquela Benito

Enjoy a final refreshing swim in the clear waters of Port Barton Beach, soak up the sun, and relax on its pristine shores before preparing for departure. This offers a last moment to appreciate the tranquil beach atmosphere.

"If you want to see cute pigs roaming the beach like they own the place, then Coconut Beach is worth a trip from Port Barton downtown. You can ride a motorcycle, hire a tricycle, or just walk. I walked for about 40 minutes from the Port Barton town center, and it was a very pleasant walk surrounded by lush mountain greenery. The beach is lined with coconut trees, and the sand is soft. Pigs roam around the area looking for food, and if you’re up for it, you can even feed them. Entrance fee: 50 pesos"— JP Travel Diary

Transfer from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) for your international flight to New York, NY. Please allow ample time for the scenic van journey and airport check-in processes.

"It’s okay for what it is, but honestly nothing much to see inside. A lot of the stores and shops are empty or closed, which was a bit disappointing. I expected way more since Palawan is known for its tourism and this is the first impression most visitors get when they arrive. It feels a bit basic compared to other airports. I wish they can add more shops, maybe some local souvenirs, food options or Palawan-themed stuff to make it more welcoming and exciting. Right now it’s functional but not very impressive"— Harrison Go