5-day visit to Palawan: your thoughts on this itinerary

Hi there, We’ve never visited Palawan before. This time, we’d like to spend a few days there. We’ll be there from the evening of October 30th until the early morning of November 5th (our return flight is at 7:20 AM). We’re arriving in Puerto Princesa and leaving from there as well. While ChatGPT gave us an itinerary suggestion, I’d still love to hear other opinions—don’t want to rely on it blindly.

Here’s ChatGPT’s proposal:

Saturday, October 31: Pearl farm + local waterfalls • 9:00 AM: Private car to Brook’s Point pearl farm (1.5–2 hour visit). • 1:00 PM: Local lunch + drive to Nagtabon Falls (1-hour jungle hike). • Overnight in Puerto Princesa. Sunday, November 1: Tabon Caves (Quezon) • 8:00 AM: Private car from PPS to Quezon (3 hours). • 11:00 AM–3:00 PM: Visit Tabon Caves (2–3 hour hike, unique archaeological site). • Return to PPS late afternoon or stay overnight in Quezon if you prefer. Monday, November 2: Puerto Princesa → Port Barton • 8:00 AM: Private car from PPS to Port Barton (3–4 hours). • Afternoon: Stroll around the village, small market, acclimatization. • Overnight in Port Barton. Tuesday, November 3: Private boat from Port Barton • 8:30 AM: Private boat for island hopping (snorkeling at Twin Reef / Fantastic Reef + peaceful Maxima Island). • Return by 4:00 PM. Wednesday, November 4: Hike in Port Barton + return to PPS • Morning: Hike to Pamuayan Falls or local jungle (1–2 hours). • 1:00 PM: Private car from Port Barton to PPS. • Overnight near the airport in PPS. Thursday, November 5: Flight from PPS to Dumaguete • Early morning flight from PPS to Dumaguete (direct or via Cebu, with plenty of buffer time).

What do you think? Where can we find trustworthy private drivers without getting ripped off? Any recommendations for typical hotels or guesthouses? Our flights are already booked—arriving in PPS at 6:30 PM and departing at 7:20 AM.

Thanks for your advice!

ChatGPT does a pretty good job! Our trip to Palawan was a while ago (2012), but we really loved exploring there. We made it all the way to El Nido, which I think is still worth it. Check out our trip report: Link

Hi, Never been north of Puerto Princesa. It’s probably worth seeing. In 5 days, you can’t do much. Port Barton is perfect—I spent several weeks there over a few years. Why a private driver? That’ll cost you an arm and a leg. There are vans to Port Barton that can pick you up at your hotel. Otherwise, at the airport, you’ll have plenty of fixers to choose from, but you’ll get ripped off. Recaro vans to Port Barton, 2 hrs

Thanks for the feedback. When I say private van, it’s just because I don’t want to take buses or jeepneys for long transfers between visits. Any accommodation tips for Port Barton and/or Puerto Princesa?

Haven’t been back in ages. In Puerto Princesa, my hotel was destroyed by a typhoon, same in Port Barton. Neither has been rebuilt. Check Google Maps. The van terminal is at San Pedro Market. Outside the city. Otherwise, there’ll be van companies at the airport. I don’t remember the prices anymore

Thanks! If there’s any other info, I’m all ears.

Hi! In Puerto Princesa, I’d recommend visiting the underground river. However, the beaches really aren’t great—it’s not worth staying too long in Puerto Princesa. On the other hand, I really loved Port Barton. It’s a shame you’re not going to El Nido and Coron—they’re absolutely stunning.

Feel free to check out this article: https://www.voyagetranquille.com/vacances-aux-philippines/ It might be helpful, especially for your trip from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton.

I found the river excursion overrated 10 years ago. My sister did it last year and didn’t like it at all—tourist trap, bangkas lined up one after another. Otherwise, Port Barton is one of my favorite spots in the Philippines

True, from everything I’ve read, I’m not keen on visiting the underground river. As for Coron, we’ve already been there. We’re not big on beaches, but we love hikes or other activities as long as they’re off the beaten path and away from tourist traps ;-).

Great walks to do around Port Barton