HomeAsiaPhilippinesLuzonPalawan12 days Palawan Itinerary – DIY Budget Travel Tips By Marcos Detourist on July 26, 2010Starting from Iloilo City, I went to Cuyo Island and several destinations in the northern half of Palawan Island including Puerto Princesa City, Honda Bay, Sabang (St. Paul Underground River), Port Barton, San Vicente, Taytay, and El Nido.This is the itinerary I did during my 12-day “do it yourself” (DIY) backpacking trip to Palawan including a summary of my budget and expenses.Pre-trip (Saturday) Go to Milagrosa Fery Terminal in Iloilo River Wharf, Lapuz, Iloilo City Buy Iloilo to Puerto Princesa Ticket Reservation – “Deluxe Class” (P1070 + P20 terminal fee) Tel No: 337-86-27, 335-09-55 Day 1 (Monday) – Iloilo to Puerto Princesa Boat Ride 6:00PM – Arrive in Milagrosa Terminal, Iloilo River Wharf, Lapuz, Iloilo City 6:45PM – Board the Iloilo to Puerto Princesa (via Cuyo) Milagrosa RoRo Boat Dinner at the RoRo ferry’s canteen There are meals w/ rice available. Instant Cup Noodles – P30. Pepsi (330ml) – P25. Mineral Water (500ml) – P20. I suggest buying food at the supermarket / convenient store before going to the terminal. The canteen provides complimentary hot water if you brought your own “instant” foods. Day 2 (Tuesday) – Cuyo 5:30AM – Woke-up. There are bathrooms onboard where you can also take a bath. 8:30AM – Arrived in Cuyo Port for a long stover 8:30aM to 9:15AM – Walking Tour of Cuyo Town Capusan Beach Cuyo Fortress Church Cuyo Plaza 9:15AM – Walked back towards the pier to look for a tricycle for hire to take me to Quijano Beach and Tabunan Beach. Found one for P400 but decided to take a habal-habal instead for only P200 9:45AM – Arrived in Quijano Beach 10:30AM – Arrived in Tabunan Beach and Pier Went back to Cuyo Fortress Church to take more photos 1:30PM – Returned to Cuyo Pier. Paid P20 terminal fee. 5:00PM – Milagrosa RoRo Ferry broke down and left Cuyo Pier two hours lateDay 3 (Wednesday) – San Vicente 11:30AM – Arrived in Puerto Princesa City Seaport 11:45AM – Disembarked RoRo ferry. Walked to Rizal Avenue. Boarded “San Jose Terminal” jeep to San Jose New Market Terminal (P12). 12:20NN – Arrived in San Jose. No El Nido buses left. Decided to go to San Vicente first instead of El Nido. Walked to Fort Wally Van Terminal. 1:30PM – Boarded “San Vicente” Van (P300) 3:40PM – Arrived in Roxas Terminal. 30-minute stopover 4:10PM – van left Roxas Terminal 5:30PM – Arrived in San Vicente Town Proper Checked-in at John Eric Lodge (P200 per night for two nights) Walked around the town proper. Went to pier, market terminal, bayside promenade / park.Day 4 (Thursday) – San Vicente 9:40AM – Started walking to Long Beach in Brgy. New Agutaya 10:30AM – Arrived in Long Beach Walked towards northern-end of Long Beach Crossed the cliff area to Tandol Beach 2:40PM – Arrived in Tandol Beach Walked further noth towards Brgy. Alimanguan 3:30PM – Arrived in Brgy. Alimanguan. Ride habal-habal back to San Vicente Town Proper (P100) 4:00PM – Arrived in San Vicenete Town ProperCheck room rates on places to stay in San Vicente. Enter your travel details: Day 5 (Friday) – Taytay / El Nido 7:15AM – Arrived in San Vicente Market Terminal. The bus already left. Boarded van bound for Puerto Princesa and dropped off at Roxas Terminal (San Vicente to Roxas Van – P120) 9:20AM – Arrived in Roxas Terminal 10:40AM – Boarded bus bound for Taytay (Roxas to Taytay bus – P70) 2:00PM – Arrived in Taytay Terminal Tricycle to Taytay town proper – P10 2:00PM to 2:25PM – Quick walking tour of Taytay Town Taytay bayside promenade Sta. Isabel Fort Taytay Church Cafe Rosa (viewpoint) Snacks – Ham and Egg Sanwhich (P110) & Coke 330ml (P25) at Casa Rosa Tricycle back to Taytay Terminal – P10 2:30PM – Arrived in Taytay Terminal 2:33PM – Eulen Joy “El Nido” bus Arrived in Taytay Terminal 2:45PM – Ride bus Eulen Joy bus to El Nido (Taytay to El Nido bus – P100) 5:30PM – Arrived in El Nido Check-in at El Nido Plaza Inn (P350 per night for two nights) Walked around the beachfront area until sunsetCheck room rates on places to stay in El Nido. Enter your travel details:Day 6 (Saturday) – El Nido 8:45AM – Went to Rovic’s Inn to wait for the island hopping tour Booked Tour C (P700) with Kuya Jason – (+63)9083034967 9:40AM – Island Hopping “Tour C” Started Hidden Beach (Matinloc Island) Snorkeling off the coast of Tapiutan Island Picnic Lunch at Starbeach (Tapiutan Island) Skipped Matinloc Shrine and Secret beach since the engine of our pumpboat (outrigger) broke down Helicopter Island (Dilumacad Island) Cadlao Lagoon (Cadlao island) 5:20PM – Arrived back to El Nido Town Proper. Ended up paying only P600 after complaining about the engine breakdown. 5:30PM to 7:30PM – Walked to Calaan Beach to take sunset photos 7:45PM – Dinner at Squidoo. Had stuffed squid (P190) with garlic rice (P20) and mango shake with rum (P80) Booked Island Hopping “Tour A” for the next dayDay 7 (Sunday) – El Nido 9:00AM – Went to Og’s Guest House and boarded boat for Island Hopping “Tour A” (P550) Small Lagoon (Miniloc Island) Big Lagoon (Miniloc Island) Picnic Lunch at Umbrella Beach near Miniloc Resort (Miniloc Island) Secret Lagoon (Miniloc Island) Shimuzu Island 5:30PM – Arrived back to El Nido Town Proper Tricycle ride to Corong-corong Beach (P10) Walked to Santikan Beach and then to Marimikmik Beach for sunset shots 7:00PM – Tricycle ride back to El Nido Town (P30) 7:10PM – Dinner at Sea Slugs. Had Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice (P250)Day 8 (Monday) – Port Barton 6:00AM – Arrived in El Nido Bus / Van Terminal Boarded Eulen Joy Bus bound for Puerto Princesa (El Nido to Roxas bus – P200) 7:15AM – Bus left El Nido Terminal 9:00AM – Arrived in Taytay Terminal. 30 minute brunch stopover 11:30AM – Dropped off at Roxas Terminal 11:45AM – Boarded jeep bound for Port Barton (Roxas to Port Barton jeep – P100) 12:45NM – Arrived in Port Brton Check-in at Princesa Michaela Resort (P200 per night) Walked around town and beachfront area Attempted to walk to Pamuayan Falls Sunset at the beach Dinner at Jambalaya Cafe. Had Jambalaya (P180) and mango juice (P40)Check room rates on places to stay in Port Barton. Enter your travel details:Day 9 (Tuesday) – Sabang / Underground River 8:00AM – Jeepney ride to San Jose intersection in Roxas (Port Barton to Roxas Highway – P100) 9:15AM – Arrived in San Jose intersection (along the highway) in Roxas. Waited for bus headed to Puerto Princesa Bus ride from San Jose Intersection, Roxas to Salvacion Intersection, Puerto Princesa City (P60). 10:30AM – Arrived in Salvacion Intersection Bus ride to sabang (Salvacion to Sabang bus – P60) 12:45NN – Arrived in Sabang Paid for the environmental permit at the Tourism Office (P150) Check-in at Mary’s Cottages (P400 per night) 2:00PM – Started walking to the Monkey / Jungle Trail to Underground River 2:00PM to 4:00PM – Monkey / Jungle Trail 4:00PM – Arrived in St. Paul Underground River 4:00PM to 5:00PM – St. Paul Underground River Paddle Boat Tour Pumpboat ride to Sabang Pier (P600) Dinner at Mary’s Cottages. Had chicken curry with vegetables, rice, and buko juice (P201)Day 10 (Wednesday) – Puerto Princesa City Breakfast at Mary’s Cottages. Had Filipino Breakfast – corned beef, egg, rice (P115) Walked to Sabang Pier Boarded jeep bound for Puerto Princesa 10:00AM – Jeep left Sabang Pier (Sabang to Puerto Princesa – P120) 1:00PM – Arrived in San Jose New Market Terminal in Puerto Princesa Rode “San Jose” Jeepney to cor Rizal Avenue and Valcenia St. (P12) Check-in at Backpackers (P200 per night for two nights) Puerto Princesa Walking Tour Snacks at Divine Sweets. Sans Rival and Iced Tea (P110) Mendoza Park, Plaza Cuatel Palawan Museum Puerto Princesa Church Puerto Princesa Baywalk Palawan Provincial Capitol NCCC Mall 6:00PM – Back to Puerto Princesa Baywalk for Sunset Shots 7:30PM – Dinner at Ka Lui. Tuna Steak with rice, extra rice, wheat grass juice, complimentary dessert (P285) Booked Honda Bay tour for the next dayCheck room rates on places to stay in Puerto Princesa. Enter your travel details:Day 11 (Thursday) – Honda Bay / Puerto Princesa City 8:30AM – Van picked-us up for Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour (P1,100) 9:00AM – Arrived in St. Lourdes Wharf Started Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour Pandan Island Lunch at Pandan Island 12:00AM – Snake Island 2:00PM – Starfish Island 5:00PM – returned to Backpackers Went to Silica Beach 6:45PM – Arrived in Silica Beach for sunset shots 7:15PM – Dinner at Badjao Seafront Restaurant. Had Pick of the Day Seafood Platter: clam Soup, fish steak, prawns, veggies on the side, rice, and glass of iced tea (P368) 9:00PM – Tricycle ride to Backpackers (P80)Day 12 (Friday) – Puerto Princesa City / Flight to Manila Checked-out of Backpackers Left baggage at NCCC Mall 9:00PM – Went around to more sights in Puerto Princesa Rode “Bayan – City Hall” jeep to City Hall (P7) Puerto Princesa City Hall Puerto Princesa Sports Complex Rode “Irawan Jeep” to intersection going to Baker’s Mill / Mitra’s Ranch (P7) Rode Tricycle to Mitra’s Ranch (P15) Walked to Baker’s Hill Bought Pasalubong in Baker’s Hill (P365) Rode Tricycle back to highway intersection (P15) Rode “Irawan” jeep to Rizal Ave (P7) 12:00NN – Lunch at Balinsasayaw. Grilled Chicken wit rice and Mt. Dew (P105) Claimed baggage at NCCC MAll Rode tricycle to Puerto Princesa Airport (P7) 12:45NN – Checked-in at Puerto Princesa Airport (terminal fee – P40) 1:45PM – Plane left for Manila 2:45PM – Arrived in Terminal 3, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Pasay City, Metro ManilaSummary of Expenses – Palawan 12D DIY Backpacking Transportation Iloilo to Puerto Princesa Milagrosa RoRo – P1070 Montenegro Terminal Fee – P20 Cuyo Terminal Fee – P20 Puerto Princesa City to Manila Plane – P912 Puerto Princesa Airport Terminal Fee – P40 Transpo fares within Palawan – P1,731 Accommodations – P2,650 Food – P3,913 Tour Cuyo Habal-habal tour – P200 El Nido Tour A – P600 El Nido Tour C- P550 St. Paul Underground River Permit – P150 Boat ride from Underground River to Sabang Pier – P600 Honda Bay tour – 1,100 Others (Personal Stuff) – P1,066.25 Grand Total – P14,622.25Don’t leave yet. There’s more!Survivor Palawan: A Solo Backpacker’s TravelogueIloilo to Puerto Princesa, Palawan RORO Ferry (via Cuyo)Survived Palawan, the Philippines’ Last FrontierMy First Solo Backpacking Trip and First Time to PalawanIloilo to Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (via Cuyo): 36-hour…Rediscover Palawan - 13 days in Tabon Caves, El Nido &…Comments MJ saysJuly 26, 2010 at 11:27 pmAmazing! bilib ko cmo Marc! for 12 days in Palawan ang nagasto mo is P14,622.25 lang ba. 12 days – pwerte! seasoned backpacker ka na gd. \m/These makes me want to go to Palawan as well. Thank you gd Marc sa pag-share sang itinerary mo. chymera00 saysJuly 26, 2010 at 11:55 pmThanks for dropping by Nang Jane! Mahal na ina gani gawa pero worth it guid ya. Nag cheat ko sa food, hehe, shouldn’t have spend that much by sticking to carinderias lang guid but I can’t resist seafood … dira nag kadto biggest ko nga expense :( pizzalicious saysJuly 28, 2010 at 9:16 amHi there Marc! Wonderful Palawan adventures, I must say. It’s my turn to thank you for posting your detailed itinerary and expenses. Can’t wait to experience Palawan, too! Though I’m still torn between Banaue-Sagada and Puerto Princesa-El Nido for our next family summer vacay. :) I’m adding you to my blogroll, btw. :) More DIY travels for us! chymera00 saysAugust 2, 2010 at 4:11 amCool. Thanks for dropping by pizzalicious :) Banaue/Sagada vs Palawan, that’s a tough choice. I’m sure it’ll be a great trip either way. Good luck on your future travels :) mces saysAugust 1, 2010 at 4:19 pmhi marc, thank you for sharing your Palawan adventures..the itenirary & expenses WoW… pwede pla mag DIY sa El Nido…excited narin ako for our Palawan trip…& bka mag DIY narin…sana pla may Dos Palmas krin as backpackers…anyways…thank you sa tips and god bless! chymera00 saysAugust 2, 2010 at 4:00 amNo problem. Good luck for your trip, hope you have fun in Palawan. Dos Palmas as “backpackers”? hmm… I don’t Dos Palmas is backpacker friendly since it’s an upscale resort. Dos Palmas does have an organized day tour of its resort though but I don’t think you can make a DIY trip out of it. ROYJEN saysAugust 2, 2010 at 10:48 amWow! That was a messed up itinerary my friend. It’s better to first arrive in Puerto Princesa by air, and Day 1: tour the city. Day 2: go to Honda Bay for Island Hopping Tour, then on to Sabang. Day 3: In Sabang take the Underground River Tour and hike to the waterfalls. Day 4: We invite you to ride the ROYJEN Double-deck Charter Boat for a 2-3 day Sea Adventure from the Sabang to El Nido. Includes: Bay Trolling, Island Hopping, Snorkeling and freshly caught seafood meals. chymera00 saysAugust 2, 2010 at 7:43 pmMessed up? that’s harsh. I got to visit all the places I wanted, I’m sure that itself makes for a successful itinerary. I actually already saw your packages before the trip but I didn’t choose it because I was traveling alone and the price difference is very substantial. Though, I was interested in traveling across Palawan by boat so I could get to see the coast and outlying islands from a better angle but the chartered boat just wasn’t within my budget. Gene saysAugust 5, 2010 at 5:49 pmThanks for posting your itinerary and expenses breakdown. So El Nido Plaza Inn is cheaper than Marina Garden, that gives me an idea on my next trip in El Nido. chymera00 saysAugust 6, 2010 at 11:13 amI went to Marina Garden too before taking the room in El Nido Plaza Inn and, yep, the prince Marina Garden gave me was higher … I think it was more than P500. I asked them about their old cottages but it was still within the same price range. There was this resort called Dara Fernandez, which had a beachfront room good for 3 persons and they gave it to me for P500. I would’ve taken it if I weren’t feeling thrifty at that moment. Adel saysAugust 9, 2010 at 11:09 pmUnbelievable! For only P14,622.25? Ang galing mo! chymera00 saysAugust 11, 2010 at 12:07 amAchievable naman basta you forgo some conveniences of travel like taking the cheapest forms of public transport. baktin saysSeptember 6, 2010 at 7:47 pmHi Marc! Congratulations for nailing your first solo backpacking under a tight budget! :) This made me wonder if I could pull off something like this soon. I am wondering too if it is possible to be back from El Nido in Puerto Princesa (in the evening) with a Sabang sidetrip (St. Paul Underground River) in between. Do you have ideas/insights regarding how regular and what are the public transportation options from Sabang to Puerto Princesa? sol saysSeptember 11, 2010 at 7:33 pmHi Mac,Nice itinerary. probably the one i needed.Pwede po pa specify po specifically pano po mag commute going to Baker’s Hill, Mitra’s Ranch.San po ako maghahanap ng Irawan Jeep, saang side ng Rizal Avenue ko po sya makikita?Thanks! yubeehee saysSeptember 13, 2010 at 3:13 pmvery interesting and helpful for backpacker wannabe /newbie Eninah saysSeptember 25, 2010 at 3:28 pmI want to go to Palawan again. Your post is inspiring. Thanks for sharing. Thumbs up! Andrea saysDecember 15, 2010 at 9:22 amGreat! Thanks mate! Exactly the informations that i was looking for and i couldn’t find nowhere! Im in boracay now and tomorrow i will take ferry from iloilo to pp!!Really thanksAndrea Italy chymera00 saysDecember 19, 2010 at 11:25 pmThat’s great to hear. Hope you have a great trip! janice saysMarch 15, 2011 at 10:15 pmhi! nice blog. were planning to stay in sabang on our 1st day and go to underground river on our 2nd day, and honda bay for our 3rd day.how can we go to tagbanua(honda bay) from sabang (underground river)? thanks chymera00 saysApril 1, 2011 at 2:38 amThe buses from Puerto Princesa bound buses from Sabang passes by the road going to Santa Lourdes wharf, the main jump off point to Honda Bay … from the highway, it’s quite a long walk to the wharf … probably around 15-minutes. clen saysJune 21, 2011 at 6:25 pmWHOA!!! I like this one, the best blog i’ve seen so far regarding DIYs and backpackings. KUDOS to u and for sure, u have a fan in me. followed u already on twitter.clen_david chymera00 saysJune 23, 2011 at 4:12 pmKewl. You just inspired me to blog more (for the moment). Thanks clen. Connie saysAugust 3, 2011 at 7:05 amWill go backpacking in Palawan man this Sept! This post is very helpful guid! Salamat, Nong! Our trip will be a lot shorter though, around 5days lang. We wanted to squeez in El Nido but the travel time from Puerto is 8hrs daw? is it true? tinathefrustratedtraveler saysAugust 13, 2011 at 11:26 amwow! very detailed! Nice post! :) Marcos saysAugust 13, 2011 at 4:18 pmthanks for visiting tina ^_^ Ching saysAugust 14, 2011 at 6:09 pmThanks for a very detailed post of itinerary and the corresponding costs. Been to Palawan thrice but never gone to places outside PPC. Im excited to try your itinerary going to El Nido. Is there a way to go there (El Nido) skipping Puerto Princesa? Marcos saysAugust 24, 2011 at 2:12 amIf you’re up to splurge on airfare, SEAIR services direct flights to El Nido Airport from Manila. goldzax saysAugust 28, 2011 at 10:19 ampirti kanami sang blog mo, dako gid ni ma bulig sa akon ga plan ko mag lakat ng palawan upod ang bana ko…thank you sa info!!!!!! Marcos saysAugust 28, 2011 at 4:41 pmGlad to be of service goldzax ^_^ i-enjoy niyo guid ang Palawan, it’s worth the travel guid ya. Maxxy saysSeptember 10, 2011 at 4:53 pmAmazing details on pricing. Just what I was looking for for my upcoming first ever solo trip. I’ve always wanted to see palawan!!! just couldn’t find the time to do it. It’s gonna be just a 5 day trip though and like a poster above, may have to forgo “el nido”.Thanks for all the info on the prices I have a rough estimate on how much to budget. I’m so nervous but quite excited. Can you tell me something about general safety in the area? I’m a bit concerned coz I’m female with no companions. Will be bringing my laptop because I need to take care of work in the evenings. Marcos saysSeptember 13, 2011 at 4:26 pmAhh… Palawan in an excellent place to start traveling solo … coz there’s a lot of solo backpackers going there too. It’s a safe place to travel to, even Puerto Princesa City … I won’t don’t go as far as to say not to worry about your safety because it’s always present anywhere you go. I will say that its not an issue in Palawan … except when you go trekking in the jungles south of PPC, you must be cautious at the notorious malaria mosquitoes, hehe. On a budget, I spent P1,000 per day average. Spending much less is doable. Pau saysOctober 11, 2011 at 6:26 pmYou’re amazing! I could have review the whole afternoon for my finals this week since I am a Dent.student but when I saw your blog about Palawan and this 12-day tour that you did, I am really speechless. I love travel as well and have been to different places and islands already but never been to palawan. And lucky I am to see this trip cause I am planning for our summer trip next year. I got an idea from you since we’ll be visiting Iloilo and Guimaras on summer. I am so thankful for this trip that you did. Great!! Great!! Great!! You made me happy and excited today!!! :) Marcos saysOctober 12, 2011 at 7:21 amHope my blog didn’t distract you too much from your finals. I can relate Pau. I used to also just think about the prospects of visiting Palawan … it was so great I was finally able to go on the trip. Palawan is so worth it. Nilo saysOctober 17, 2011 at 6:31 pmIn a few days, I will be on my backpacking trip to Palawan…. And your blog had helped me a lot on the preparations….. it is very helpful especially the timing and the duration of your land/sea trips…. I could budget my time more efficiently.. thanks to you…. I did my share of backpacking trips as well…. and it never seizes to amaze me how enjoyable and fun the unexpected side of the trip… the rain, the bus leaving early or broken down along the way… and so on… hehehehe… Thats what makes backpacking a real adventure…… Marcos saysOctober 18, 2011 at 11:07 amI can relate Nilo :D I also appreciated blog posts that included DIY itineraries complete with timing and an idea of the costs when planning my trip. That’s why I have been inspired to post details about my trips as well. A lot of people don’t like to spend too much time on making itineraries because it takes out the fun of traveling. I agree at some point but I have experienced that no matter how perfect I plan my itinerary some mishaps are bound to happen anyways ^_^Good luck on your trip Nilo! wine saysJanuary 18, 2012 at 9:07 pmGreat blog!! We will be in Palawan on the 14th of march and will stay for 5 days. This is a great help. Salamat guid! Marcos saysFebruary 2, 2012 at 2:33 amYou’re welcome wine :D Izay saysMarch 9, 2012 at 12:30 amNice blog Marcos :-). Mangkot lang tani ako kun may ara nga van or bus from PP port- PP Centrum. Layo pa ang port sa city proper/ centrum or lapit lang sya? Marcos saysApril 14, 2012 at 12:36 amCentrum guid ya!? The port is right within the city proper district. There’s a jeepney from the port to Rizal Ave. jade saysMarch 28, 2012 at 9:30 pmthanks for writing this blog!!!!im super inspired to save and travel… already been to davao, baguio, bohol and cebu.. :) after reading this…i think palawan is my next…… will wait and read your blogs!!!! Marcos saysApril 13, 2012 at 11:49 pmCool! Palawan will not fail :D Joann saysJune 16, 2012 at 3:46 amHi Marcos, My friend and I are huge fans of your blog :) This post will definitely help me on my first solo trip in Palawan. Thanks a lot! Marcos saysJuly 6, 2012 at 7:46 pmNaks naman :D Whoa, good luck on your trip Joan! Picking Palawan for a first solo trip was a great choice for me. Hope you’ll have nice experiences as well :) Rem Lucio saysJuly 3, 2012 at 8:20 pmHi Marcos! Which one between Taytay and Port Barton are more worth it of visiting? We were originally planning to stay in Taytay but someone told us Port Barton has more places to see. Marcos saysJuly 6, 2012 at 5:35 pmHaven’t actually gone island hopping both sa Port Barton at sa Taytay, so I don’t know which to recommend :) I’ve only been to the mainland parts. If you’re going to stay at Port Barton, it’s possible to take a short side trip to Taytay to see the old fort. It’s just 10 minutes away from the highway. Chris saysSeptember 7, 2012 at 11:19 pmSry Dude… Helped me a lot to plan my Budget =) I bet I stay under your Budget, but I do Couchsurfing… Maybe another idea for future journeys =) Marcos saysNovember 11, 2012 at 6:33 pmYes, couchsurfing will cut costs significantly. Paolo saysSeptember 20, 2012 at 9:26 pmhello sir marcos asked lng ako kng may bayad pa ba yung pag pasok sa Underground river.? thank you. Ry Cortez saysDecember 10, 2012 at 10:44 amWow! Very detailed. I know a place where you can stay in Palawan I think this is the site . Its a budget hotel in Palawan. Nard saysMarch 3, 2013 at 3:28 pmWow thanks really for the info. Saw on the site that they also have other branches. Very impressive. Pang mayaman ang level :) Ey Dalusung saysDecember 13, 2012 at 7:27 pmThere are a lot of place to stay in palawan. Go for budget hotels. They give lots of discounts for backpackers and tourist in a budget. Marbella saysFebruary 9, 2013 at 10:46 amHi ey and ry! I went there last year and tama kayo. Budget Hotel talaga siya. Cool! Yolly saysFebruary 28, 2013 at 7:06 pmYes Really go for go hotel. Di kayo magsisisi. It will surely make your trip so perfect! 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MJ saysJuly 26, 2010 at 11:27 pmAmazing! bilib ko cmo Marc! for 12 days in Palawan ang nagasto mo is P14,622.25 lang ba. 12 days – pwerte! seasoned backpacker ka na gd. \m/These makes me want to go to Palawan as well. Thank you gd Marc sa pag-share sang itinerary mo.
chymera00 saysJuly 26, 2010 at 11:55 pmThanks for dropping by Nang Jane! Mahal na ina gani gawa pero worth it guid ya. Nag cheat ko sa food, hehe, shouldn’t have spend that much by sticking to carinderias lang guid but I can’t resist seafood … dira nag kadto biggest ko nga expense :(
pizzalicious saysJuly 28, 2010 at 9:16 amHi there Marc! Wonderful Palawan adventures, I must say. It’s my turn to thank you for posting your detailed itinerary and expenses. Can’t wait to experience Palawan, too! Though I’m still torn between Banaue-Sagada and Puerto Princesa-El Nido for our next family summer vacay. :) I’m adding you to my blogroll, btw. :) More DIY travels for us!
chymera00 saysAugust 2, 2010 at 4:11 amCool. Thanks for dropping by pizzalicious :) Banaue/Sagada vs Palawan, that’s a tough choice. I’m sure it’ll be a great trip either way. Good luck on your future travels :)
mces saysAugust 1, 2010 at 4:19 pmhi marc, thank you for sharing your Palawan adventures..the itenirary & expenses WoW… pwede pla mag DIY sa El Nido…excited narin ako for our Palawan trip…& bka mag DIY narin…sana pla may Dos Palmas krin as backpackers…anyways…thank you sa tips and god bless!
chymera00 saysAugust 2, 2010 at 4:00 amNo problem. Good luck for your trip, hope you have fun in Palawan. Dos Palmas as “backpackers”? hmm… I don’t Dos Palmas is backpacker friendly since it’s an upscale resort. Dos Palmas does have an organized day tour of its resort though but I don’t think you can make a DIY trip out of it.
ROYJEN saysAugust 2, 2010 at 10:48 amWow! That was a messed up itinerary my friend. It’s better to first arrive in Puerto Princesa by air, and Day 1: tour the city. Day 2: go to Honda Bay for Island Hopping Tour, then on to Sabang. Day 3: In Sabang take the Underground River Tour and hike to the waterfalls. Day 4: We invite you to ride the ROYJEN Double-deck Charter Boat for a 2-3 day Sea Adventure from the Sabang to El Nido. Includes: Bay Trolling, Island Hopping, Snorkeling and freshly caught seafood meals.
chymera00 saysAugust 2, 2010 at 7:43 pmMessed up? that’s harsh. I got to visit all the places I wanted, I’m sure that itself makes for a successful itinerary. I actually already saw your packages before the trip but I didn’t choose it because I was traveling alone and the price difference is very substantial. Though, I was interested in traveling across Palawan by boat so I could get to see the coast and outlying islands from a better angle but the chartered boat just wasn’t within my budget.
Gene saysAugust 5, 2010 at 5:49 pmThanks for posting your itinerary and expenses breakdown. So El Nido Plaza Inn is cheaper than Marina Garden, that gives me an idea on my next trip in El Nido.
chymera00 saysAugust 6, 2010 at 11:13 amI went to Marina Garden too before taking the room in El Nido Plaza Inn and, yep, the prince Marina Garden gave me was higher … I think it was more than P500. I asked them about their old cottages but it was still within the same price range. There was this resort called Dara Fernandez, which had a beachfront room good for 3 persons and they gave it to me for P500. I would’ve taken it if I weren’t feeling thrifty at that moment.
chymera00 saysAugust 11, 2010 at 12:07 amAchievable naman basta you forgo some conveniences of travel like taking the cheapest forms of public transport.
baktin saysSeptember 6, 2010 at 7:47 pmHi Marc! Congratulations for nailing your first solo backpacking under a tight budget! :) This made me wonder if I could pull off something like this soon. I am wondering too if it is possible to be back from El Nido in Puerto Princesa (in the evening) with a Sabang sidetrip (St. Paul Underground River) in between. Do you have ideas/insights regarding how regular and what are the public transportation options from Sabang to Puerto Princesa?
sol saysSeptember 11, 2010 at 7:33 pmHi Mac,Nice itinerary. probably the one i needed.Pwede po pa specify po specifically pano po mag commute going to Baker’s Hill, Mitra’s Ranch.San po ako maghahanap ng Irawan Jeep, saang side ng Rizal Avenue ko po sya makikita?Thanks!
yubeehee saysSeptember 13, 2010 at 3:13 pmvery interesting and helpful for backpacker wannabe /newbie
Eninah saysSeptember 25, 2010 at 3:28 pmI want to go to Palawan again. Your post is inspiring. Thanks for sharing. Thumbs up!
Andrea saysDecember 15, 2010 at 9:22 amGreat! Thanks mate! Exactly the informations that i was looking for and i couldn’t find nowhere! Im in boracay now and tomorrow i will take ferry from iloilo to pp!!Really thanksAndrea Italy
janice saysMarch 15, 2011 at 10:15 pmhi! nice blog. were planning to stay in sabang on our 1st day and go to underground river on our 2nd day, and honda bay for our 3rd day.how can we go to tagbanua(honda bay) from sabang (underground river)? thanks
chymera00 saysApril 1, 2011 at 2:38 amThe buses from Puerto Princesa bound buses from Sabang passes by the road going to Santa Lourdes wharf, the main jump off point to Honda Bay … from the highway, it’s quite a long walk to the wharf … probably around 15-minutes.
clen saysJune 21, 2011 at 6:25 pmWHOA!!! I like this one, the best blog i’ve seen so far regarding DIYs and backpackings. KUDOS to u and for sure, u have a fan in me. followed u already on twitter.clen_david
chymera00 saysJune 23, 2011 at 4:12 pmKewl. You just inspired me to blog more (for the moment). Thanks clen.
Connie saysAugust 3, 2011 at 7:05 amWill go backpacking in Palawan man this Sept! This post is very helpful guid! Salamat, Nong! Our trip will be a lot shorter though, around 5days lang. We wanted to squeez in El Nido but the travel time from Puerto is 8hrs daw? is it true?
Ching saysAugust 14, 2011 at 6:09 pmThanks for a very detailed post of itinerary and the corresponding costs. Been to Palawan thrice but never gone to places outside PPC. Im excited to try your itinerary going to El Nido. Is there a way to go there (El Nido) skipping Puerto Princesa?
Marcos saysAugust 24, 2011 at 2:12 amIf you’re up to splurge on airfare, SEAIR services direct flights to El Nido Airport from Manila.
goldzax saysAugust 28, 2011 at 10:19 ampirti kanami sang blog mo, dako gid ni ma bulig sa akon ga plan ko mag lakat ng palawan upod ang bana ko…thank you sa info!!!!!!
Marcos saysAugust 28, 2011 at 4:41 pmGlad to be of service goldzax ^_^ i-enjoy niyo guid ang Palawan, it’s worth the travel guid ya.
Maxxy saysSeptember 10, 2011 at 4:53 pmAmazing details on pricing. Just what I was looking for for my upcoming first ever solo trip. I’ve always wanted to see palawan!!! just couldn’t find the time to do it. It’s gonna be just a 5 day trip though and like a poster above, may have to forgo “el nido”.Thanks for all the info on the prices I have a rough estimate on how much to budget. I’m so nervous but quite excited. Can you tell me something about general safety in the area? I’m a bit concerned coz I’m female with no companions. Will be bringing my laptop because I need to take care of work in the evenings.
Marcos saysSeptember 13, 2011 at 4:26 pmAhh… Palawan in an excellent place to start traveling solo … coz there’s a lot of solo backpackers going there too. It’s a safe place to travel to, even Puerto Princesa City … I won’t don’t go as far as to say not to worry about your safety because it’s always present anywhere you go. I will say that its not an issue in Palawan … except when you go trekking in the jungles south of PPC, you must be cautious at the notorious malaria mosquitoes, hehe. On a budget, I spent P1,000 per day average. Spending much less is doable.
Pau saysOctober 11, 2011 at 6:26 pmYou’re amazing! I could have review the whole afternoon for my finals this week since I am a Dent.student but when I saw your blog about Palawan and this 12-day tour that you did, I am really speechless. I love travel as well and have been to different places and islands already but never been to palawan. And lucky I am to see this trip cause I am planning for our summer trip next year. I got an idea from you since we’ll be visiting Iloilo and Guimaras on summer. I am so thankful for this trip that you did. Great!! Great!! Great!! You made me happy and excited today!!! :)
Marcos saysOctober 12, 2011 at 7:21 amHope my blog didn’t distract you too much from your finals. I can relate Pau. I used to also just think about the prospects of visiting Palawan … it was so great I was finally able to go on the trip. Palawan is so worth it.
Nilo saysOctober 17, 2011 at 6:31 pmIn a few days, I will be on my backpacking trip to Palawan…. And your blog had helped me a lot on the preparations….. it is very helpful especially the timing and the duration of your land/sea trips…. I could budget my time more efficiently.. thanks to you…. I did my share of backpacking trips as well…. and it never seizes to amaze me how enjoyable and fun the unexpected side of the trip… the rain, the bus leaving early or broken down along the way… and so on… hehehehe… Thats what makes backpacking a real adventure……
Marcos saysOctober 18, 2011 at 11:07 amI can relate Nilo :D I also appreciated blog posts that included DIY itineraries complete with timing and an idea of the costs when planning my trip. That’s why I have been inspired to post details about my trips as well. A lot of people don’t like to spend too much time on making itineraries because it takes out the fun of traveling. I agree at some point but I have experienced that no matter how perfect I plan my itinerary some mishaps are bound to happen anyways ^_^Good luck on your trip Nilo!
wine saysJanuary 18, 2012 at 9:07 pmGreat blog!! We will be in Palawan on the 14th of march and will stay for 5 days. This is a great help. Salamat guid!
Izay saysMarch 9, 2012 at 12:30 amNice blog Marcos :-). Mangkot lang tani ako kun may ara nga van or bus from PP port- PP Centrum. Layo pa ang port sa city proper/ centrum or lapit lang sya?
Marcos saysApril 14, 2012 at 12:36 amCentrum guid ya!? The port is right within the city proper district. There’s a jeepney from the port to Rizal Ave.
jade saysMarch 28, 2012 at 9:30 pmthanks for writing this blog!!!!im super inspired to save and travel… already been to davao, baguio, bohol and cebu.. :) after reading this…i think palawan is my next…… will wait and read your blogs!!!!
Joann saysJune 16, 2012 at 3:46 amHi Marcos, My friend and I are huge fans of your blog :) This post will definitely help me on my first solo trip in Palawan. Thanks a lot!
Marcos saysJuly 6, 2012 at 7:46 pmNaks naman :D Whoa, good luck on your trip Joan! Picking Palawan for a first solo trip was a great choice for me. Hope you’ll have nice experiences as well :)
Rem Lucio saysJuly 3, 2012 at 8:20 pmHi Marcos! Which one between Taytay and Port Barton are more worth it of visiting? We were originally planning to stay in Taytay but someone told us Port Barton has more places to see.
Marcos saysJuly 6, 2012 at 5:35 pmHaven’t actually gone island hopping both sa Port Barton at sa Taytay, so I don’t know which to recommend :) I’ve only been to the mainland parts. If you’re going to stay at Port Barton, it’s possible to take a short side trip to Taytay to see the old fort. It’s just 10 minutes away from the highway.
Chris saysSeptember 7, 2012 at 11:19 pmSry Dude… Helped me a lot to plan my Budget =) I bet I stay under your Budget, but I do Couchsurfing… Maybe another idea for future journeys =)
Paolo saysSeptember 20, 2012 at 9:26 pmhello sir marcos asked lng ako kng may bayad pa ba yung pag pasok sa Underground river.? thank you.
Ry Cortez saysDecember 10, 2012 at 10:44 amWow! Very detailed. I know a place where you can stay in Palawan I think this is the site . Its a budget hotel in Palawan.
Nard saysMarch 3, 2013 at 3:28 pmWow thanks really for the info. Saw on the site that they also have other branches. Very impressive. Pang mayaman ang level :)
Ey Dalusung saysDecember 13, 2012 at 7:27 pmThere are a lot of place to stay in palawan. Go for budget hotels. They give lots of discounts for backpackers and tourist in a budget.
Marbella saysFebruary 9, 2013 at 10:46 amHi ey and ry! I went there last year and tama kayo. Budget Hotel talaga siya. Cool!
Yolly saysFebruary 28, 2013 at 7:06 pmYes Really go for go hotel. Di kayo magsisisi. It will surely make your trip so perfect!