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My 8-Day Adventure in Puerto Princesa and El Nido: Affordable Beach Vacation

Hello, fellow fashion enthusiasts and travel lovers! I recently embarked on a fantastic 8-day journey to the breathtaking islands of Puerto Princesa and El Nido in the Philippines. 

This affordable trip offered an incredible mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty, all while being budget-friendly. Join me as I recount the highlights and experiences of this unforgettable beach vacation.

Day 1 to Day 3: Puerto Princesa Adventure

puerto princesa vacation philippines

Day 1: Arrival in Puerto Princesa

Touching down at Puerto Princesa Airport, I was greeted with warm smiles and the tropical breeze. A quick transfer to my cozy accommodation allowed me to settle in and shake off the travel fatigue. 

The rest of the day was spent leisurely exploring the local area and getting a taste of what was to come. Puerto Princesa already felt like a slice of paradise.

Day 2: Underground River Exploration

After a hearty breakfast at the hostel, we embarked on an exciting trekking adventure to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. The journey was filled with stunning landscapes, and the highlight was undoubtedly the underground river tour. 

This remarkable natural wonder features an 8.2 km long river flowing directly to the sea, with intricate limestone formations and ancient fossils. The cave’s eerie beauty and scientific significance left me in awe. The day concluded with some well-deserved relaxation back at the hotel.

Day 3: Journey to El Nido

Leaving Puerto Princesa behind, we set off for El Nido, a pristine natural sanctuary famous for its coral reefs, lagoons, and hidden beaches. The transfer was scenic, and on arrival, the charm of El Nido was immediately apparent. Checking into our new accommodation, I couldn’t wait to explore more in the coming days.

Day 4 to Day 5: Discovering Darocotan Island

darocotan island

Day 4: Boat Tour and Nipa Huts

We kicked off the day with a custom boat tour of El Nido’s hidden gems, exploring stunning rock formations and kayaking through serene lagoons. By evening, our local travel expert and I made our way to Darocotan Island, where we spent the night in open-air, local-style nipa huts. The night was magical, with a delicious camp dinner and a bonfire under a star-studded sky.

Day 5: Snorkeling and Island Hopping

The morning started with an early breakfast, followed by an exhilarating snorkeling session. Swimming among vibrant coral reefs, spotting clownfish, turtles, and manta rays was an unforgettable experience. 

The afternoon was dedicated to a boat tour around Darocotan, discovering secluded beaches and soaking in the island’s natural beauty before heading back to the mainland at sunset.

Day 6 to Day 8: Nacpan Beach and Beyond

nacpan beach palawan overhead

Day 6: Exploring Nacpan Beach

We departed Darocotan Island and headed to Nacpan Beach, renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The day was perfect for unwinding—swimming, sunbathing, and playing beach volleyball. 

As the sun began to set, we ventured to Las Cabanas for a thrilling ziplining experience. Flying through the air while watching the sunset over Palawan was simply exhilarating.

Day 7: Secret Beaches and Islands

Our last full day in paradise was spent exploring hidden beaches and islands. We sailed through crystal-clear waters, discovering secluded spots like Helicopter Island and Matinloc Shrine

It was a day filled with sunshine, exploration, and pure bliss. The evening was spent back at Nacpan Beach, enjoying drinks and celebrating our incredible journey.

Day 8: Farewell to Paradise

Saying goodbye to this beach paradise was bittersweet. We caught a transfer back to Puerto Princesa, arriving in the early afternoon. For those continuing their travels, the journey continued from the airport. As for me, I left with a heart full of memories and a newfound appreciation for the natural beauty and warmth of the Philippines.

Final Word

This 8-day adventure through Puerto Princesa and El Nido was nothing short of spectacular. From the mystical underground river to the serene beaches and vibrant marine life, every moment was a testament to the Philippines’ natural wonders. 

As a fashion designer, the inspiration I drew from the landscapes, colors, and experiences will undoubtedly influence my future creations. If you’re looking for an affordable yet unforgettable beach vacation, I highly recommend exploring these stunning destinations. Until next time, happy travels!

Check out the free itinerary to Puerto Princess in the Philippines from Bamba Travel.

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Guest post written by Ducky Dresden

Drawing inspiration from his extensive travels around the globe, Ducky infuses his designs with a rich tapestry of cultural influences and a unique, worldly flair.