Cutting in fine in Palawan?

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colinblack
colinblack

Hello,
I will be in Palawan in November. I arrive at 7pm to Puerto Princesa on a Wednesday. I would like to go to the Underground River in Sabang on the Thursday and then if possible go directly to El Nido the same day. I leave El Nido on Sunday so I would like as much time there as possible.

What would be the best plan?
1. Stay in Puerto on Weds, do a day trip to Sabang on Thurs, stay back in Puerto on Thurs and early bus to El Nido on Friday?
2. Stay in Puerto on Weds, do a day trip to Sabang on Thurs, and try to get to El Nido on Thursday evening - can one go direct from Sabang to El Nido? What time do tours usually arrive back to Puerto from Sabang?
3. Go directly to Sabang on Weds evening, underground river early on Thurs, get afternoon bus from Sabang to El Nido? Would it be possible to get to Sabang after 7pm at night? Are the river tours faster if you are already in Sabang? Is there an afternoon bus from Sabang to El Nido?

Or any other plan anyone is willing to suggest I would be grateful!
Thanks in advance,
Colin

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NoelieB
NoelieB

Hi Colin
You could take the night bus to El Nido( if it's still in operation). Then on the way back to PP get dropped at the turn off for Sabang ( underground river). Having done both I would much prefer to stay the extra day in El Nido than do the Underground river.
Noel.

Noelie B
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CodyDeegan
CodyDeegan

How much would you suggest as a budget if I will be staying in Palawan for 5 days?

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NoelieB
NoelieB

Thst all depends on what type of accommodation you want and how many host trips you want to go on.
Colin if you have been to any of the caves in Ireland you will be very disappointed with the underground river. Its just going on a kayak with 8 other people to a dark cave. The stalagmites and stalagmites are really nothing compared to what we have here.

Noelie B
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colinblack
colinblack

thanks for the advice. We are leaving El Nido with Tao Phillipines for 4 nights out on a boat on the way to Busuanga, so there will be lots of beach time on that. Nevertheless, I've heard the Bacuit Archipelago around El Nido is the best for beaches etc. Not sure if that changes your opinion Noel, if we have all that beach time anyway!

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NoelieB
NoelieB

Hi Colin
The Tao thing is brilliant. You will see and stay in some amazing places. You might as well stay in PP for the night then head to Sabang ,it's a nice little town. If you do the underground river early morning you can go back towards PP. just wait there at the junction/main road for the next bus to El Nido.
If you are a diver I would recommend going to Apo Reef off Mindoro after Busuanga. (Just make sure the sea is calm)It's fantastic and a interesting way to get back to Manila.
If you need any tips on accommodation just let me know.
Noel.

Noelie B
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ain72337
ain72337

As soon as you arrive, get advice on where to get a permit for the Underground River since you can't get inside the cave without a permit; there's a tourist assistance desk at the airport.

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