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Deposit AU$350
Secure your spot with a deposit 60+ days before your tour
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Maximum group size 22 people*
Health & Safety
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Deposit AU$350
Secure your spot with a deposit 60+ days before your tour
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Activities
Crew
Palawan looks like a different island depending on which direction you turn. Ten days takes you from Manila to the Underground River in Puerto Princesa, a private beach camp in Port Barton, and island hopping through El Nido’s limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons. Small groups, local guides, and enough downtime that you’re not sprinting between islands.
Most of what makes this trip worth the flight doesn’t show up on a map. A cultural day working alongside a local community. A boat crew who know which cove is empty at sunset. A campsite where the closest thing to a hotel lobby is a hammock and a fire pit.
Previously voted the #1 tour in the Philippines and Asia. Ready for the trip of a lifetime? This is it.
Get picked up from the airport by your guide on Day 1
Explore a secluded paradise by boat with your new One Life family
Do the El Nido Canopy Walk and experience the scenic view
Visit a local school in Palawan
Explore the famous UNESCO Underground River by boat
Enjoy the crystal clear waters as you swim and play during island hopping
Have the luxury of exploring stunning tropical islands and your very own private overnight beach camp
Do a traditional cooking class & enjoy the meal
Have time to explore the local towns as you travel through your itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Manila and meet your group
Land in Manila and head to Makati, where your first night is at Z Hostel. Your airport pick-up is arranged for Day 1, so there's nothing to organise after a long flight. In the evening the group gets together on the rooftop for a welcome dinner and drinks with the Manila skyline behind you. Most guests arrive solo, so this is where the introductions start.
Accommodation: 4 Bed Dorms - Z Hostel (or similar)
Activities: Welcome Dinner
Meals: Dinner
Physical Rating: Low
Day 2 - Fly to Palawan
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast, then take a short domestic flight, included in your tour, from Manila to Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan. The afternoon is yours: swim in the hotel pool, book a massage or take a slow start after the journey. In the evening the group heads out to a local restaurant in town.
Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms - Canvas Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Activities: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Medium
Day 3 - UNESCO Underground River and Port Barton
After lunch, a scenic drive takes you north to Port Barton, a laid-back beach town on Palawan's west coast. Spend the afternoon on the sand with a fresh coconut, then settle into your Filipino-style bungalow by the beach.
Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms - Elsa's Cottages (or similar)
Activities: Underground River
Free Time Suggestions: Massages
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Physical Rating: Medium
Day 4 - Island Hopping, Snorkelling, School Visit and Private Beach Camp
Days 4 and 5 are our Islander Experience: two days on the water with our local guides and their boat crew, island hopping around Port Barton.
First stop is one of the four local schools we support, where you meet the students and see where guest donations go. You're welcome to bring school supplies, which you can buy in Puerto Princesa the day before, or to donate towards projects like kitchens, canteens and sports gear. If school is out, we visit the local day care centre instead.
The rest of the day is snorkelling, a jungle waterfall and quiet beaches, until the boat drops you at our private beach camp. The crew cook a feast of grilled fish, pork, rice, vegetables and fruit, the bonfire gets going, and you sleep in two-person tents on the sand.
*Please note: The school visit may take place on Day 4 or Day 5, and activities on Days 4 and 5 may swap depending on the departure.
Accommodation: Private Beach Camp (2 Person Tents) ?Impact Moment
Activities: Island Hopping, Beach Bonfire, Snorkelling, Waterfall Visit, School Visit: Visit a village school and connect with local students (seasonal) ?Purpose Moment
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Physical Rating: Medium/High
Day 5 - More Island Hopping, Snorkelling and Waterfalls
Wake up on the beach, take a swim before breakfast, then climb back on the boat for a second day of island hopping. Expect snorkelling over coral reefs with a good chance of spotting turtles, a jungle waterfall to rinse off the salt and small islands to explore. By evening you're back at your bungalow in Port Barton.
Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms - Elsa's Cottages (or similar)
Activities: Island Hopping, Beach Bonfire, Snorkelling, Waterfall Visit, School Visit (seasonal)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Physical Rating: Medium/High
Day 6 - Port Barton to El Nido
Take the morning slowly in Port Barton before the van ride north to El Nido, where limestone cliffs rise straight out of the bay. El Nido is a secret paradise. Your base for the next few nights is Spin, a design-led hostel that feels closer to a boutique hotel with four-bed rooms. In the evening the group heads to our favourite beach restaurant for some food and fun.
Accommodation: 4 Bed Dorms - Spin Designer Hostel (or similar)
Activities: N/A
Free Time Suggestions: Massage, Beach Clean-up
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Low
Day 7 - El Nido: Filipino Cultural Day
A short jungle walk brings you to our exclusive jungle hut for a full day of Filipino culture. Cook a traditional meal and share it, have a go at climbing a coconut tree, learn arnis (Filipino stick fighting), shave coconut, weave with coconut leaves, and pick up a few local dances and kids' games. It's one of the most talked-about days in our reviews. Afterwards you can take the optional zipline between two islands above the sea, then spend the rest of the day on Vanilla Beach.
Accommodation: 4 Bed Dorms - Spin Designer Hostel (or similar)
Activities: Cultural Day: Engage in a day of cultural activities ?Impact Moment
Free Time Suggestions: Zipline (600/800 PhP) SUP
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Physical Rating: Medium/High
Day 8 - El Nido Island Hopping
Today your boat weaves between the limestone islands of Bacuit Bay, stopping at lagoons, beaches and reefs for snorkelling along the way. Lunch is cooked fresh on board and served between swims. Expect this to be the day that fills your camera storage.
Accommodation: 4 Bed Dorms - Spin Designer Hostel (or similar)
Activities: El Nido Island Hopping
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Physical Rating: Medium/High
Day 9 - El Nido Town, Canopy Walk & Massage
A short canopy walk takes you up the cliffs above El Nido town for the best view over the bay and Cadlao Island. Afterwards, a one-hour traditional Filipino massage near the beach is included. The rest of the day is free: you can book extra island hopping, try scuba diving, take a surf lesson or join a boxing class. Your guide can help you book or simply relax and enjoy your time in paradise.
Accommodation: 4 Bed Dorms - Spin Designer Hostel (or similar)
Activities: Canopy Walk, 1hr Massage
Free Time Suggestions: Additional Island Hopping Day, Scuba Diving, Boxing Class, Surfing Lesson *subject to availability
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Physical Rating: Medium/High
Day 10: Depart
Your tour ends in El Nido after breakfast. We cover the shared van back to Puerto Princesa, which leaves Spin at 7am and takes around six hours, so book any flight from Puerto Princesa for after 3pm. To skip the drive, you can fly from El Nido Airport with Cebu Pacific instead. There are no direct flights from El Nido to Manila (NAIA), so you’d connect through Cebu or fly to Clark, about two hours from NAIA. It costs a little more, but saves the trip back to Puerto Princesa.
Accommodation: N/A
Activities: N/A
Optional Extras: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: N/A
Inclusions
Our crew comprises of award winning tour guides who will make your trip unforgettable. Expertly trained and prepared for every circumstance – they’ll be your new best mate and a fountain of knowledge all wrapped up in one, and will stop at nothing to make your trip life changing.
We’ve packed a full itinerary so you can see the best in your time. Not only that, we’ve personally tried and tested all of the accommodation, transport and meals included on this trip to be sure you’re receiving a quality experience.
Stays
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Transport
Jeepneys, Filipino trikes, Buses, Boats & more
Meals
Crew
Learn About Our Guides
Activities
- Overnight Camping On Private Island
- Island Hopping On One Life Exclusive Boat
- Local School Visit
- Waterfall visits & Beach time
- Snorkelling With Turtles
- Unesco Underground River
- Cultural Experiences & Activities
- Cooking Class
- Island Hopping In El Nido
- Massage
- Canopy Walk To Famous View Point
Free Time Suggestions: Yoga, Ziplining, Additional Island Hopping Day, Scuba Diving, Boxing Class, Surfing Lesson *subject to availability
Health & Safety
The safety and well-being of our guests and staff are our top priority. Here at One Life Adventures, we ensure:
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All guides are trained in First Aid, CPR, and key safety protocols.
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Guides complete ongoing Health & Safety training to uphold top safety standards.
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An on-the-ground and office support for emergencies and guest health is maintained.
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Guides carry local clinic contacts and know the medical network along each route.
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Practical advice to help you stay safe while travelling is provided.
See our Health & Safety processes and considerations
Night Stays
On our 10-day Philippines West group tour, your accommodation is just as epic as the destinations. We’ve personally handpicked every stay to match the vibe of our trips and the kind of travellers who join us. So you can trust that every spot has been tried, tested, and loved by our team.
And when we say hostel, we don’t mean creaky bunk beds and crowded dorms. Our boutique hostels are a whole different vibe! Think spacious, comfy beds, aircon, modern design, and personal lights and charging sockets. You’ll share with a max of 4 people per room (or upgrade if you want your own space). Did we mention you’ll also get to camp on a secluded beach? Just another unforgettable highlight on your Philippines West group tour.
4 Bed & Twin/Double Rooms
Unique Beach Camping
Upgrades Available
Customer Reviews
Philippines Classic – 10 Days with One Life Adventures
From AU$2395
Check your dates and additional booking information
FAQs
Before you set out with us on the trip of a lifetime, we want to go over a few things. The Philippines is an amazing country with so much to offer, but like with most Southeast Asian countries things sometimes don’t go according to plan. This is why we may have to slightly alter the itinerary if we need to. One Life is committed to giving you the best possible experience, so if we need to change something we’ll make sure we’ll replace it with something equally awesome!
How much island hopping is on this tour?
Three days on the water. Days 4 and 5 are island hopping around Port Barton with our local boat crew, including the overnight beach camp, and Day 8 is a full day island hopping around El Nido.
You can also book an extra island hopping trip in your free time. Island hopping sits at number one on our Philippines bucket list for good reason. Want more time on the water? The Philippines West Classic 14 Day tour adds two boat days around Coron.
Does the tour take us back to Manila?
The tour finishes in El Nido on Day 10. You can either fly directly out of El Nido with the airline Cebu Pacific Air. Otherwise, we do cover your share transportation back to Puerto Princesa which is a six hour journey.
If you would like to fly from Puerto, please make sure that you have booked a flight after 3pm, so that we can get you there in time for check in.
How much spending money do you recommend for this tour?
Plan on at least AU$300 for the ten days, and more if you like a drink, shopping or extra activities. Your welcome pack includes a spending guide. There are ATMs along the route, but you can’t rely on them in Palawan, so take out plenty of cash in Manila. This Cost of Living website is a useful guide.
Can you get private rooms on this tour instead of dorms?
Yes. When you choose your date on the booking page, select the Double/Twin Share or Single Upgrade option to get your own room. Already booked and want to upgrade? Message us as soon as you can and we’ll check availability.
Can I bring a 25kg suitcase?
We’d suggest keeping it under 20kg. The domestic flight from Manila to Palawan has a 20kg checked luggage limit, and paying for extra weight at the airport can get expensive.
I want to go diving in El Nido, is there the option to do it while on the tour?
Dive boats leave early and there’s only one free afternoon in El Nido, so diving during the tour means missing an included activity. Most groups have a few people who stay on in El Nido after Day 10 to dive, and your guide can point you in the right direction.
Does it matter what time I arrive on day 1 in order to be picked up from the airport?
You can arrive any time on Day 1. If you land before 3pm, your guide collects you from the airport. After 3pm, we arrange a car to bring you to the hostel and your guide meets you there. The welcome dinner usually starts between 5pm and 6pm, so an early afternoon arrival works best.
Can I get picked up from the airport if I arrive before day 1?
Airport pick-ups run on Day 1 only. If you arrive earlier, your welcome pack has simple directions from the airport to the first hostel.
Can you cater for my dietary requirements on this trip?
Yes, we can cater for most dietary requirements. Let us know before Day 1 and we’ll arrange it with the restaurants and boat crews.
I haven’t ever camped before. Can you tell me more about the beach camping?
It’s one of the highlights of the trip. The camp is on a private beach with a purpose-built shelter for bad weather. Each tent sleeps two and comes with a mattress, pillow and sheet. Expect a bonfire, a big dinner cooked by the crew and a sunrise swim before breakfast.
I want to bring some camera equipment on tour, are there safe places like lockers in the accommodation?
Most of our accommodation has lockers or safes, but not all. Bring a padlock for your bag so you have an option wherever you stay.
Should I bring hiking shoes?
No need. There’s only light walking on this trip, so sandals and a pair of trainers are plenty.
Can we swim with whale sharks on the tour?
Not on this tour. The main whale shark encounters in the Philippines are in Cebu rather than Palawan, and we don’t include or support whale shark swimming on our tours. If you’re travelling on afterwards, your guide can suggest ethical wildlife experiences elsewhere in the country.
Where do we spend the first night of the tour?
At Z Hostel in Makati, Manila, an award-winning hostel with the rooftop where your welcome dinner is held.
Where should I fly into?
Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL).
What time can I fly out on the last day?
From El Nido Airport, book a flight after 11am and allow 30 to 45 minutes to get there. From Puerto Princesa, book a flight after 3pm, since the drive takes around six hours.
When does this tour run?
Departures run from September through to June, with several dates most months. Every part of the season has something going for it, and our month by month guide to the best time to visit the Philippines explains what to expect when you travel.
Visas & General FAQs
For more information about your visa requirements as well as the answers to more general frequently asked questions, visit Visas & General FAQs
*Group Size Disclaimer: Our standard maximum group size is 22 people for an optimal tour experience. However, on very rare occasions, we may accept up to 24 people due to logistical considerations.
Secure your place now and pay later
Reserve your spot with a deposit when booking 60+ days out from your departure date.
Not quite ready to book yet?
Request via Whatsapp to secure your spot on the tour for the next 48 hours while you finalise plans, check flights, or chat with friends.
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