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Philippines West Classic

10 Day Tour

Home » Tours » Philippines » Philippines West Classic – 10 Day Tour

West 14 DaysEast 10 Days

Route

Manila > El Nido / Puerto Princesa

Days

10

From

?
AU $2395

Currency

$1,675 (US) , £1,245 , €1,445

Days

10

Route

Manila > El Nido / Puerto Princesa

Trip Rating

From

AU $2395
?

Currency

$1,675 (US) , £1,245 , €1,445
Philippines tour highlight
Limited time discount Philippines West Classic 10 Day Tour
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Depart: Nov to Dec 2026
15% off
From $2,395 From AU$2,035.75
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Trip Overview

One Life Adventures' Tour style 'Classic' icon
Experience the ultimate 10-day Philippines adventure with a tour through Palawan and El Nido. Snorkel with turtles, explore hidden lagoons, camp on private beaches, and immerse yourself in authentic Filipino culture. If you’re into authentic experiences in some the world’s most untouched tropical islands, then this Philippines small group tour is for you.
Philippines 10 Day Tour Itinerary Map One Life Adventures

Deposit AU$350

Secure your spot with a deposit 60+ days before your tour

Group

Maximum group size 22 people*

Health & Safety

Standards & Protocols

Deposit AU$350

Secure your spot with a deposit 60+ days before your tour

Route

Manila > El Nido / Puerto Princesa

Stays

9 nights of accommodation

Meals

9x Breakfasts, 5x Lunches, 3x Dinners

Transport

All transport Day 1 to 10

Activities

11 included, 1 optional extra over 4 locations

Crew

Your OLA tour guide, your drivers & your local guides

Route

Manila > El Nido / Puerto Princesa

Stays

9 nights of accommodation

Meals

9x Breakfasts, 5x Lunches, 3x Dinners

Transport

All transport Day 1 to 10

Activities

11 included, 1 optional extra over 4 locations

Crew

Your OLA tour guide, your drivers & your local guides

Palawan looks like a different island depending on which direction you turn. Ten days takes you from Manila to the Underground River in Puerto Princesa, a private beach camp in Port Barton, and island hopping through El Nido’s limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons. Small groups, local guides, and enough downtime that you’re not sprinting between islands.

Most of what makes this trip worth the flight doesn’t show up on a map. A cultural day working alongside a local community. A boat crew who know which cove is empty at sunset. A campsite where the closest thing to a hotel lobby is a hammock and a fire pit.

Previously voted the #1 tour in the Philippines and Asia. Ready for the trip of a lifetime? This is it.

Itinerary

Philippines 10 Day Tour Itinerary Map One Life Adventures

Day 1 – Arrive in Manila! Let's go!

Touch down in Manila, and we’ve got you covered from the moment you land. You'll be picked up at the airport and takes you through the vibrant streets to your central boutique hostel. Settle into your accommodation and in the evening join the rest of the group for a delicious welcome meal up on the rooftop terrace and enjoy a few drinks overlooking the stunning Manila skyline.

Accommodation: 4 Bed Dorms - Z Hostel (or similar)
Activities: Welcome Dinner
Meals: Dinner
Physical Rating: Low

Day 2 - Palawan here we come!

We are heading to Palawan! Start your day with a leisurely breakfast, then take a short flight to Puerto Princesa. You'll have some free time to enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool, a relaxing massage or simply unwind. In the evening, we will dine at a local restaurant in this charming coastal city.

Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms - Canvas Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Activities: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating:  Medium

Day 3 - UNESCO Underground River, Port Barton

We have an early start as we head out to the UNESCO Underground River. We explore a portion of the accessible underground river by boat before stopping for lunch. Afterwards, we'll continue on a scenic drive to the remote and stunning Port Barton. Spend the afternoon sipping fresh coconuts on golden sand while listening to some island reggae in the background. Tonight we will sleep in traditional Filipino-style beach bungalows listening to the sound of the ocean.

Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms - Elsa's Cottages (or similar)
Activities: Underground River
Free Time Suggestions: Massages
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Physical Rating: Medium

Day 4 - Private Beach Camp! Snorkelling, Waterfall & School Visit

For the next 2 days we get to experience the local island way of life, with our Islander Experience. After breakfast, we join our local guides on their boat for 2 days of exploring islands and the surrounding areas of Port Barton.

Your first stop will be making a special visit to one of four local schools, where you'll have the chance to interact with the students and see firsthand the impact of your support. We encourage guests to bring school supplies, which can either be pre-brought or purchased the day before in Puerto Princesa. Guests can also make monetary donations that will go towards things like building kitchens, canteens, and sporting equipment. If the school is on holiday or it's a weekend, we'll visit the local day care center instead.

*Please note the school visit may take place on day 4 or day 5

In the evening we get together around the fire at our very own private beach camp. Perfect! Don’t worry about food either as our local guides will have everything covered with feasts of grilled fish, pork, rice, vegetables and fruit. In the evening you will sleep in tents directly on the beach in paradise.

Accommodation: Private Beach Camp (2 Person Tents) ?Impact Moment
Activities: Island Hopping, Beach Bonfire, Snorkelling, Waterfall Visit, School Visit: Visit a village school and connect with local students (seasonal)  ?Purpose Moment
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Physical Rating: Medium/High

Day 5 - Beach Camp, More Snorkelling, Waterfalls & Fun

Today's day two of your island hopping adventures. You'll continue to enjoy snorkelling around coral reefs & alongside turtles, shower in jungle waterfalls, exploring tiny islands and just taking it all in.

*Please note - activities on day 4 and 5 may alternate depending on each departure.

Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms - Elsa's Cottages (or similar)
Activities: Island Hopping, Beach Bonfire, Snorkelling, Waterfall Visit, School Visit (seasonal)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Physical Rating: Medium/High

Day 6 - To El Nido, Paradise

After breakfast, take some time to appreciate your spectacular surroundings before we then hop into a van and head up on our way to El Nido. When we arrive you will see why Palawan was named the most beautiful island in the world. Surrounded by islands and towering cliffs, El Nido is a secret paradise we are lucky enough to share. Once you pick your jaws up off the ground, we will check in to the funkiest hostel in Palawan. This slick hostel looks more like a boutique hotel than a backpackers! Settle in, then head to our favourite beach restaurant in the evening for food and fun with your One Life family.

Accommodation: 4 Bed Dorms - Spin Designer Hostel (or similar)
Activities: N/A
Free Time Suggestions: Massage, Beach Clean-up
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Low

Day 7 - El Nido: Filipino Cultural Day

Get ready to immerse yourself in unique Filipino culture! We'll take a short jungle hike to learn about the flora and fauna that grow in the lush rainforest before arriving at our exclusive jungle hut for a fun-filled day. Today's activities range from cooking authentic Filipino food, climbing coconut trees, traditional Filipino stick fighting, coconut shaving, learning Filipino dances and children's games, coconut leaf weaving, and more. Afterwards, you can take the optional zipline and enjoy a relaxing time on the stunning Las Cabanas Beach. It's an exhilarating adventure of flying between two islands over the ocean, followed by a day of relaxation that you're not likely to forget!

Accommodation: 4 Bed Dorms - Spin Designer Hostel (or similar)
Activities: Cultural Day: Engage in a day of cultural activities ?Impact Moment
Free Time Suggestions: Zipline (600/800 PhP) SUP
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Physical Rating: Medium/High

Day 8 - El Nido: Island Hopping

This morning we board our boat to take us around all the spectacular, tiny islands in the bay. You will explore the most beautiful islands and the bluest waters you have ever seen. Snorkel with your new friends and feast on the freshly prepared food on board. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Accommodation: 4 Bed Dorms - Spin Designer Hostel (or similar)
Activities: El Nido Island Hopping
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Physical Rating: Medium/High

Day 9 - El Nido Town, Canopy Walk & Massage

Today we do a short canopy walk up to the famous cliffs overlooking El Nido to get the best view of incredible bay and Cadlao Island. After all that exercise, you’ll need some chill-out time! That’s why we include a traditional Filipino massage near the beach to help ease those muscles. Take your time today to relax and enjoy your surroundings.

Accommodation: 4 Bed Dorms - Spin Designer Hostel (or similar)
Activities: Canopy Walk, 1hr Massage
Free Time Suggestions: Additional Island Hopping Day, Scuba Diving, Boxing Class, Surfing Lesson *subject to availability
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Physical Rating: Medium/High

Day 10: Depart

Sadly, all good things must come to an end! On the final day of your tour, you will have an included private van transfer back to Puerto Princesa. The van departs from Spin at 7 AM.

Please note, guests flying out of Puerto Princesa should not book a flight before 3 PM to ensure ample time for the transfer.

If you prefer to fly back to Manila from El Nido Airport, you can arrange your flight with Cebu Pacific Air. There are currently no direct flights from El Nido to Manila (NAIA). You can either take a connecting flight via Cebu before continuing to Manila, or opt for a flight to Clark Airport, which is approximately 2 hours from NAIA. Although this option may be slightly more expensive, it allows you to avoid travelling back to Puerto Princesa for your return flight.

Accommodation: N/A
Activities:  N/A
Optional Extras: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: N/A

Philippines 10 Day Tour Itinerary Map One Life Adventures

Inclusions

Our crew comprises of award winning tour guides who will make your trip unforgettable. Expertly trained and prepared for every circumstance – they’ll be your new best mate and a fountain of knowledge all wrapped up in one, and will stop at nothing to make your trip life changing.

We’ve packed a full itinerary so you can see the best in your time. Not only that, we’ve personally tried and tested all of the accommodation, transport and meals included on this trip to be sure you’re receiving a quality experience.

Stays

9 nights of accommodation

Jump to more details

Transport

All transport Day 1 to 10

Jeepneys, Filipino trikes, Buses, Boats & more

Meals

9x Breakfasts, 5x Lunches, 3x Dinners
One of the included meals on tour including spread of various vegetable dishes, rice, grilled fish and tropical fruit

Crew

Your OLA tour guide, your drivers & your local guides
Philippines tour guide smiles as she stands on a beautiful tropical beach

Learn About Our Guides

Activities

  • Overnight Camping On Private Island
  • Island Hopping On One Life Exclusive Boat
  • Local School Visit
  • Waterfall visits & Beach time
  • Snorkelling With Turtles
  • Unesco Underground River
  • Cultural Experiences & Activities
  • Cooking Class
  • Island Hopping In El Nido
  • Massage
  • Canopy Walk To Famous View Point

Free Time Suggestions: Yoga, Ziplining, Additonal Island Hopping Day, Scuba Diving, Boxing Class, Surfing Lesson *subject to availability

Health & Safety

The safety and well-being of our guests and staff are our top priority. Here at One Life Adventures, we ensure:

  • All guides are trained in First Aid, CPR, and key safety protocols.

  • Guides complete ongoing Health & Safety training to uphold top safety standards.

  • An on-the-ground and office support for emergencies and guest health is maintained.

  • Guides carry local clinic contacts and know the medical network along each route.

  • Practical advice to help you stay safe while travelling is provided.

See our Health & Safety processes and considerations

 

Night Stays

On our 10-day Philippines West group tour, your accommodation is just as epic as the destinations. We’ve personally handpicked every stay to match the vibe of our trips and the kind of travellers who join us. So you can trust that every spot has been tried, tested, and loved by our team.

And when we say hostel, we don’t mean creaky bunk beds and crowded dorms. Our boutique hostels are a whole different vibe! Think spacious, comfy beds, aircon, modern design, and personal lights and charging sockets. You’ll share with a max of 4 people per room (or upgrade if you want your own space). Did we mention you’ll also get to camp on a secluded beach? Just another unforgettable highlight on your Philippines West group tour.

Z

4 Bed & Twin/Double Rooms

Z

Unique Beach Camping

Z

Upgrades Available

Customer Reviews

Philippines Classic – 10 Days with One Life Adventures

From AU$2395

Check your dates and additional booking information

FAQs

Before you set out with us on the trip of a lifetime, we want to go over a few things. The Philippines is an amazing country with so much to offer, but like with most Southeast Asian countries things sometimes don’t go according to plan. This is why we may have to slightly alter the itinerary if we need to. One Life is committed to giving you the best possible experience, so if we need to change something we’ll make sure we’ll replace it with something equally awesome!

Does the tour take us back to Manila?

The tour finishes in El Nido on Day 10. You can either fly directly out of El Nido with the airline Cebu Pacific Air. Otherwise, we do cover your public transportation back to Puerto Princesa which is a 6 hour journey. If you would like to fly from Puerto, please make sure that you have booked a flight after 3pm, so that we can get you there in time for check in.

How much spending money do you recommend for this tour?

We recommend a minimum of $300 AUD for the full ten days, but it depends on what kind of spender you are. We include a spending guide in your welcome pack. You can withdraw from ATMs at various points throughout the tour, but we recommend withdrawing plenty of cash in Manila since you cannot rely on the ATMs in Palawan. This Cost of Living website gives accurate prices of all the basics in the Philippines, including food and alcohol.

Can you get private rooms on this tour instead of dorms?

Absolutely, before you select your date on the “book now” page you can choose the Double/Twin Share or Single Upgrade option to have your own room. If you haven’t paid for this at the time of booking but want to request an upgrade, please let us know as soon as possible so we can check availability.

Can I bring a 25kg suitcase?

Please note that we have a 20kg limit on checked luggage on our domestic flight from Manila to Palawan, if you need to add extra at the airport you can do so but it can be very costly. We would recommend bringing a suitcase or backpack that weighs under 20kg.

I want to go diving in El Nido, is there the option to do it while on the tour?

Since dive boats usually head out early in the day and there’s only one free afternoon in El Nido, you would need to miss an included activity to participate in a diving trip. However there’s usually at least a few people from every tour who have a few days to spare at the end of the trip who stay in El Nido to go diving.

Does it matter what time I arrive on day 1 in order to be picked up from the airport?

You can arrive at any time on day 1, but if you arrive after 3pm your tour guide won’t be able to personally collect you. Instead they will arrange your car and meet you at the hostel for your first night.

Can you cater for my dietary requirements on this trip?

Yes, we can cater for most dietary requirements. Please notify us prior to arriving on day 1 so we can arrange this for you.

I haven’t ever camped before. Can you tell me more about the beach camping?

Sleeping in a tent on the beach will be one of the most unique and incredible things you will get to experience. It is a private beach with a purpose-built shelter to protect you from the weather. Each tent comes with a mattress, pillow & sheet and can fit 2 people. There is nothing like waking up on a deserted island, watching the sunrise and going for a morning swim.

Can I get picked up from the airport if I arrive before day 1?

Unfortunately we only offer airport pick ups on day 1 of the tour, but we include very easy and straightforward instructions in your welcome pack to help you on getting from the airport to the first hostel.

I want to bring some camera equipment on tour, are there safe places like lockers in the accommodation?

There are lockers/safes in most locations but not all, we recommend bringing a padlock for your bag like you would when travelling in a normal situation anyway for that extra peace of mind.

Should I bring hiking shoes?

There is a little walking involved in the Philippines but not much. Sandals and some trainers/running shoes would be fine.

Can we swim with whale sharks on the tour?

The main opportunity to swim with whale sharks in the Philippines is located in Cebu which is a different island to Palawan where we visit on tour. While we don’t support or include whale shark swimming on tour, there are ethical opportunities within the Philippines & should you travel further around the country once the tour has finished your guide can help advise you on the best places to do so.

Where do we spend the first night of the tour?

We stay at the award winning Z Hostel in Makati.

Where should I fly into?

Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL).

What time can I fly out on the last day?

On the last day, we recommend that the earliest flight departure be after 11:00 AM from El Nido Airport or after 3:00 PM from Puerto Princesa Airport. Please allow 30-45 minutes to travel to the El Nido Airport and 6 hours to Puerto Princesa Airport.

Visas & General FAQs

For more information about your visa requirements as well as the answers to more general frequently asked questions, visit Visas & General FAQs

*Group Size Disclaimer: Our standard maximum group size is 22 people for an optimal tour experience. However, on very rare occasions, we may accept up to 24 people due to logistical considerations.

Secure your place now and pay later

Deposit AU$350

Reserve your spot with a deposit when booking 60+ days out from your departure date.

Not quite ready to book yet?

Request via Whatsapp to secure your spot on the tour for the next 48 hours while you finalise plans, check flights, or chat with friends.

We’ve Got You

Not sure where to start? Our team’s always here to help plan your trip and answer any questions along the way. Book a free call with a travel specialist. Just part of what we do - no commitments required.

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