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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Palawan, Philippines

Puerto Princesa City

The provincial capital of Palawan, Puerto Princesa, is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by van from Sabang. The city offers a different pace and a broader range of attractions beyond nature.

Popular sites include Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, Baker's Hill, and Mitra's Ranch. Honda Bay serves as a jump-off point for popular island hopping tours.

Transportation Options

  • Shared Vans (₱250-₱300 per person, 1.5-2 hours)
  • Private Vans (₱1,500-₱2,500 for direct transfer)
  • Organized tours from Puerto Princesa often combine attractions. Find day trips here.
  • Independent travel by tricycle or Grab within Puerto Princesa City.

Natural & Cultural Insights

Explore the natural wonders and unique cultural landscape around Sabang and Puerto Princesa.

Honda Bay Island Hopping

This is a popular full-day trip from Puerto Princesa. Boat tours visit various islands and islets within Honda Bay, each offering distinct features for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxation.

Popular Islands Visited

  • Starfish Island (abundance of starfish)
  • Luli Island (sandbar disappearing at high tide)
  • Cowrie Island (developed beach club atmosphere)

Iwahig Prison & Penal Farm

This is a correctional facility where inmates live and work in an open environment, engaging in farming, fishing, and handicrafts. It provides an unique glimpse into a different approach to justice.

Visitor Experience

  • Interact respectfully with inmates (some act as guides).
  • Purchase inmate-made souvenirs, directly supporting livelihoods.
  • Accessible by tricycle or as part of an organized city tour from Puerto Princesa.

Trip Planning Considerations

Multi-Day Travel

  • El Nido: Stunning lagoons and cliffs.
  • Coron: Dive sites and clear lakes.
  • Honda Bay: Not directly accessible from Sabang.
  • Booking transport in advance for longer trips is advisable.

Time Needed

  • Puerto Princesa City: A full day is ideal.
  • Honda Bay: Requires a full day.
  • Sabang day trip: Requires an early start and late return.
  • Longer extensions are generally recommended for El Nido or Coron.

Estimated Travel Durations

  • Puerto Princesa to El Nido5-6 hours
  • El Nido to Coron3.5-5 hours
  • Sabang to Puerto Princesa1.5-2 hours
  • Puerto Princesa to Iwahig30-45 minutes
  • Underground River TourHalf-day
  • Mangrove Paddle Tour1 hour
  • Ugong Rock Adventure2 hours
  • Honda Bay TourFull-day

Planning Tip

Consider booking multi-day tours or independent transfers in advance for Palawan's popular attractions.

Extended Palawan Exploration

For a comprehensive experience, combine Sabang with other renowned Palawan destinations.

El Nido

Renowned for stunning limestone karsts, hidden lagoons, and island hopping tours in Bacuit Bay.

Coron

Known for spectacular dive sites (including Japanese WWII shipwrecks), clear freshwater lakes, and dramatic limestone formations.

Travel Hubs

Puerto Princesa (PPS) and Busuanga (USU) airports are entry and exit points for a comprehensive Palawan journey.

El Nido Highlights

Discover the iconic Bacuit Bay with its towering islands and secret beaches. Enjoy various island hopping tours.

Popular Tours

  • Big & Small Lagoons for kayaking.
  • Secret & Hidden Beaches.
  • Kayaking through pristine waters.

Coron Exploration

Dive into clear waters, explore shipwrecks, and swim in unique freshwater lakes found only here.

Attractions

  • Kayangan Lake (often called the cleanest lake).
  • Japanese WWII Shipwreck Dive Sites.
  • Maquinit Hot Springs for relaxation.

Palawan Grand Tour Segments

Sabang/Puerto Princesa2-3 days
El Nido Island Hopping4-5 days
Coron Activities3-4 days
Puerto Princesa to El NidoShared van
El Nido to CoronFast ferry
Departure PointBusuanga Airport (USU)

Planning Reminder

  • Book transport tickets in advance, especially during high season.
  • Consider a north-to-south (or vice-versa) journey for diverse experiences.
  • Allocate sufficient time for travel between destinations.
  • Consult GetYourGuide for comprehensive tour packages and bookable experiences.
  • Check ferry schedules and conditions, especially during the wet season.

Beyond Sabang's Shores

Extend your Palawan journey to discover more of its diverse landscapes and adventures.

El Nido: Limestone Peaks & Lagoons

Explore stunning karst formations, hidden beaches, and marine life around Bacuit Bay.

Must-See Sites

  • Big & Small Lagoon Kayaking
  • Snorkeling in Bacuit Bay
  • Relaxing on Nacpan Beach

Coron: Shipwrecks & Lakes

Discover a world-class dive destination with unique freshwater lakes and impressive rock formations.

Top Experiences

  • WWII Wreck Diving
  • Kayangan Lake Swimming
  • Maquinit Hot Springs

Puerto Princesa City Overview

A bustling city offering cultural sites, local flavors, and convenient amenities for travelers.

City Attractions

  • Iwahig Penal Farm Visit
  • Baker's Hill Treats
  • Mitra's Ranch Views

Honda Bay: Island Paradises

Island hopping tours from Puerto Princesa reveal beautiful beaches and marine sanctuaries.

Island Hopping Stops

  • Starfish Island
  • Luli Island
  • Snorkeling near reefs

Recommended Multi-Day Stays

Sabang Base

Enjoy the tranquility of Sabang for 1-2 weeks, revisiting the Underground River and exploring the natural park.

Puerto Princesa Hub

Stay longer in the city for amenities and embark on multiple day trips to Sabang, Honda Bay, and other central Palawan areas.

Palawan Grand Tour

Combine Sabang, El Nido, and Coron for a full island experience, capturing the diverse wonders of Palawan.

Route Optimization

Flying into Puerto Princesa (PPS) and departing from Busuanga (USU) airport streamlines a multi-destination Palawan journey, making logistics smoother.

Travel Logistics & Tips

Practical information and useful advice for navigating your Palawan adventure with ease.

Experience Components

1

Arrival

Arrive at Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS) and transfer to Sabang, the gateway to the Underground River.

2

Underground River

Secure your Underground River permit in advance and enjoy the unique paddle boat tour through the cave.

3

Departures

Plan your return to Puerto Princesa or your onward journey to other breathtaking destinations in Palawan.

Essential Packing Considerations

  • Reusable water bottle to minimize plastic waste.
  • Reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine ecosystems.
  • Insect repellent for outdoor excursions.
  • Lightweight, quick-dry clothing suitable for tropical weather.
  • Swimsuit & towel for beach and water activities.
  • Small bills for local purchases, as change may be limited.

Local Transportation Options

  • Shared vans for inter-town travel, the most common choice.
  • Tricycles for short distances within villages and cities.
  • Boats for island hopping tours and water transfers.
  • Grab (ride-sharing app) available in Puerto Princesa City.
  • Motorbike rentals for experienced riders exploring independently.
  • Private transfers for added convenience and direct journeys.

Booking & Planning

Tours

Use GetYourGuide for booking experiences and excursions in advance.

Transport

Book shared vans and ferries ahead of time, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your spots.

Accommodation

Reserve resorts or guesthouses in advance, notably for popular periods, to ensure the best options.

Money Matters

Always have small denominations (₱20, ₱50, ₱100) for local purchases and tricycle fares, as change for large bills may not always be available.