ITINERARY
After the arrival at the airport and regulation of entry formalities, transfer to the hotel and lodging. Manila is considered one of the world’s most vibrant capitals. It’s turbulent history, fast economic growth and citizens, which make sure that the city never sleeps, are a magnet for many visitors. Dinner in a traditional Filipino restaurant. Our hotel is located in the attractive Bay of Manila. (D,H)
After breakfast we will have a closer look at the capital of the Philippines and its surroundings: we are going to visit the old Manila with the park Rizal; graveyard and monument to the fallen in World War II. Then we will go on a panoramic drive through Makati- the commercial center of the city. After that we’ll be brought to the airport from where we are flying about an hour to the island Palawan. The adorable capita of Palawan, city of Puerto Princesa which is the largest city in the Philippines in terms of land area. With exception of the strict center it is very sparsely populated but the number of the citizens is growing rapidly. The city has two peculiarities; the first one is the largest prison in the Philippines (Penal Farm), the second one is the crocodile breeding farm. In the hotel we are going to have dinner and get some rest for the next day. (B,L,D,H)
On this day the cycling adventure is going to take us through the center of Puerto Princesa, on an asphalt road past the biggest shopping mall Robinsons Center. Continuing along the northern road to the place Bacungan and riding on to the eastern part of the island to the beautiful and »lonely« beach Nagtabon. On the beach we will treat ourselves with lunch prepared on the grill. The shelter of coconut palms is going to be the perfect place for swimming and relaxing. The highlight of the day will be dinner under a sky full of stars and sipping fresh coconut water directly from young coconuts – Buko and the fire dance show. We are going to spend the night there by camping directly on the beach. (B,L,D)
In the first part of the route vehicles are going to take us to the city Bacungan. From there on we are hopping back on our bikes and heading towards Sabangu, a vibrant coastal city. The route is very nice, because most of the time we are cycling along the west coast of the island of Palawan and the rest of it through a forest, where beautiful trees will offer us some nice shadow. The untouchable beaches, which boast numerous palm trees, will nostalgically remind us of the idea of paradise. In Sabangu we will have lunch and in the afternoon we will be exploring the city. There will be also enough time for swimming in the sea. (B,L,D,H)
This day will be full of adventures as it’s already going to start differently than usual; with a ride on the traditional boats- Bankas! From the boats (about one hour ride) we will be admiring the beautiful west coast of Palawan and visiting the amazing Underground river and 1500 m of cave under the guidance of local experienced guides. This area was already in 1971 pronounced as a National park and in 1999 the Underground River was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Because of its uniqueness it has also earned a listing on the list of the new 7 wonders of nature. The area of the National park covers a highly branched cave system and unspoiled forests, which provide shelter for many animal species. The total length of the river is 8.2 km but only a minor part of it is open to the public. For the way back we will choose the famous “Jungle trail”, a picturesque walking path, full of life, which leads through the jungle back to Sabang. (B,L,D,H)
After breakfast we are driving to the 100 km distant hotel Astoria Palawan, where we are going to change four wheels for two and cycle towards the village Port Barton. This “Bay at the end of the world”, which is listed high in the rankings of the most beautiful places in the Philippines, offers simple but magical pleasures. The village is limited in time to the supply of electricity, making it even more mysterious and interesting. Port Barton is caught between the rainforest, groves of coconut palms and shiny islets. That kind of place, where you during your walk on the most beautiful beaches don’t even want to share this calmness with other tourists… The route will be extremely varied, since we will be overcoming bridges, rice fields, groves of coconut palms and banana plants. The first part of the route is expending on a cement road and the second part on a compact dirt road. After lunch in Port Barton we will change the two wheels for a boat and will be visiting the two nearby islands. There we are going to enjoy the crystal clear water and snorkeling! Also that night the stars will lead us into the world of dreams since we are going to spend the night in a unique, tribal style resort, 20 min boat ride from Port Barton. (B,L,D)
What a day! In the morning, after breakfast, we will be leaving the tribal resort and heading towards an unforgettable adventure; in traditional Philippine boats “Banca ” we will be cruising the South China Sea with many islands along the way. Of course we are going to have some stops during the cruise to go swimming in the emerald sea, snorkeling or just watching the dream coast. The boat will drop us in another magical spot, the small emerging town of San Vincente, where we are going to change our transportation back to bikes and ride along the Long beach (10 km beach) and ascent to the main road, where the support van will pick us up and take us to our next destination. In the afternoon we will arrive to the historic town Taytay. Taytay due to the Fort Santa Isabel and the Elephant lake represents the one of the highlight of the island exploration The tour of the town will be followed by dinner. (B,L,D,H)
Pure pleasure on the bike. The cycling stage runs mostly along asphalt road (with some macadam sections) and extends along the western coast of the island Palawan. It’s a pretty gently sloping path, with some shorter ascents and descents. We will be cycling between countless coconut palms, banana plants and maybe even meet some naughty monkey. The entire route is littered with many small villages and friendly locals, who will be showing us a welcome by waving. In El Nido – the goal of this day – we will be enjoying lunch and have the highly deserved rest. El Nido is a coastal city, for which is said, that here Mother Nature let her imagination run wild. It can pride oneself with numerous small, hidden and paradise beaches. Therefore it’s not a surprise, that “island hopping” became here the most widespread activity. Here you have to have a diving mask, because the underwater world is really outstanding. It is a true paradise for divers and lovers of the underwater world. This amazing day will be concluded with a visit of the city and dinner. (B,L,D,H)
Today’s cycling route is dedicated to one of the most beautiful Philippine beaches – Nacpan. The path will be leading us through the picturesque landscape of multiple villages and hamlets. The local people there, except a few tourists, almost do not know white people. Two-thirds of the path are extending on an asphalt road and the rest of it on hardened macadam road. On the paradise beach Nacpan we are going to have lunch and carelessly enjoy the sunshine on the beautiful dandy beach. We will be living up our day on the beach with some fresh Bukos. We are going to have a look at the harvesting and preparing of coconuts and also prepare ourselves a buko under the guidance of a »Buko Master«. In the afternoon we will be following the same route back to El Nido. (B,L,D,H)
In El Nido you cannot miss to visit the local paradise island tour (Island hopping). In the morning we will be going with the traditional Philippine craft – Banca on the best Island hopping tour, which includes islands and lagoons: Small/ Big Lagoon, Twin Rocks, Simizu Island, Entalula Island and Seven Commando Beach. During the stops diving and snorkeling can be done. The underwater world there is very rich in corals, exotic fish and also some giant turtles can be seen there. Lunch will be prepared in the traditional manner on one of the islands. After arriving back in El Nido, dinner and socializing in the vibrant city will be following. (B,L,D,H)
A van is going to take us south to Puerto Princesa city, where we are first of all going to have lunch. We will take a look at the city on the bikes since the route passes through the most interesting parts of the city, among other things, past the famous cathedral – Immaculate Conception, with a rich history and a traditional external marketplace.(B,L,D,H)
BOOK YOUR DREAM ADVENTURE TODAY!
