The Philippines has more than 7,000 islands. If you’re after a budget-friendly and quick break, this tour is for you.
A direct 3.5-hour flight from Singapore to Manila has a round trip ticket averaging S$174.
Tour a popular spot in the northern part of one of the world’s most beautiful islands. Palawan’s El Nido has limestone cliffs, caves, lagoons, beaches, mountains, wildlife and a coral garden like nothing you’ve ever seen.
After landing in Manila, take one more plane ride to El Nido, a municipality in Palawan. The plane ride is 1.25 hours and costs PHP 6,000 (S$154).
Make sure you book an Airbnb in advance to stay in.
If you do two of the four tours below, you’d have seen the most of El Nido.
Island Hopping Tours
Whatever package you choose, you can enjoy snorkelling, kayaking, windsurfing, cliff climbing, cave exploration, and more.
Tour A: Snorkelling, beaches, lagoons
Sites: Small Lagoon – You’ll love its crystal clear, sapphire and emerald waters
Big Lagoon – Big limestone pieces line up to create a pathway beside the blazing blue water
Secret Lagoon – Surrounded by an interesting limestone formation reachable only through a hollow cave-like path, it has been described as a surreal paradise
Shimizu Island – Be wowed by its rich marine life as you engage in snorkelling activities here.
Seven Commandos Beach – Perfect for sports or sunbathing, it is noticeable because of the coconut trees lining it.
Price: PHP 1,200 (S$31)
Duration: Seven hours
Tour B: Beaches, snorkelling, caves
Sites: Snake Island (Vigan Island) – Can you find the unique sandbar or sandpit connecting the island to the mainland Palawan?
Entalula Beach – Soak in the tranquility of its translucent blue waters and limestone formations
Pinagbuyutan Island – Go there if you enjoy a deserted island atmosphere with corals, fish, jellyfish and big blue starfish
Cudugnon Cave – Known for its archaeological value, this cave has amazing stalactites and stalagmites in its ceilings and barn swallows and bats in its crevices
Price: PHP 1,300 (S$33)
Duration: Seven hours
Tour C: Islands, beaches, snorkelling
Sites: Matinloc Island, where Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach and Hidden Beach are located
Star Beach – A great place for snorkelling, you’ll find coral reefs nearby
Helicopter Island – Named for the shape of its limestone cliffs when viewed from afar, it is also perfect for snorkelling
Secret Beach – Visit its underwater cave and variety of fishes
Hidden Beach – Famous for its torrid waters, it is a beach ‘hidden’ between two rocks
Price: PHP 1,400 (S$36)
Duration: Seven hours
Tour D: Beaches and snorkelling
Sites: Ipil Beach – ‘Wild’ because it is 2.5 km from the village of El Nido, reachable by kayak or boat
Paradise Beach – Picturesque with white sand and palm trees
Natnat Beach – You’ll love its white sandbar shoreline, clear water and impressive reef
Cadlao Lagoon – Enjoy its beautiful limestone cliff formations and clear shallow water with fish, coral, starfish, and even cuttlefish
Pasandigan Beach – The white sand beach’s gigantic limestone wall is a treasure trove of secrets, some of which can be discovered while snorkelling
Bukal Beach – With fine white sand and a spectacular climbable rock formation, you’ll find yourself relaxing in its clear waters
Price: PHP 1,200 ($31)
Duration: Seven hours
* Meals with water are provided by the travel agency
