Palawan, A Hidden Paradise for Rare Birds

An island sanctuary for birders in search of endemics

Tucked between the Sulu Sea and the South China Sea, Palawan reveals a different side of the Philippines — quiet, pristine, and richly alive. Here, primary rainforest meets coral-fringed shores, and the air resonates with the calls of hornbills and the distant song of a secretive pitta.

This birdwatching journey invites you to explore an island of exceptional biodiversity and high endemism. From the critically endangered Philippine Cockatoo, to the elusive Palawan Shama, the impressive Red-headed Flameback, and the striking White-collared Kingfisher, each encounter is a rare privilege.

Traveling in small groups, guided by local experts and staying in eco-friendly lodges deep in nature, you’ll explore forests, mangroves, and coastal habitats in search of Palawan’s avian treasures.

A truly immersive escape for serious birders.






Day 1 – Arrival in Puerto Princesa

(dinner)

Arrival at the airport. First birding in urban gardens and mangroves: Sulphur-bellied Bulbul, Garden Sunbird, Ashy Drongo.

Day 2 – Irawan eco-park

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Observation along the trails and observation platforms. Targeting: Palawan Drongo, Purple Kingfisher, Chinese Pond Heron.

Day 3 – Puerto Princesa → Sabang (mangroves)

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Transfer to Sabang. Trip in mangroves. Focus on: Palawan Flycatcher, Palawan Frogmouth, Handsome Sunbird, Blue-headed Racket-tail.

Day 4 – Underground River National Park

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Full day in primary forest. Highlights: Palawan Peacock-Pheasant, White-browed Shama, Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo, Blue-headed Racket-tail.

Day 5 – Secondary forest around Sabang

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Morning walk in secondary forest. Key targets: Balabac Blue Flycatcher, Handsome Sunbird, Blue-headed Racket-tail.

Day 6 – Sabang →  Cleopatra's Needle

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Climb into forested foothills of Cleopatra’s Needle. Looking for: White-bellied Woodpecker, Palawan Flycatcher, forest passerines.

Day 7 – Primary forest of Cleopatra’s Needle

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Easy walk in pristine forest. Targets: Palawan Striped Babbler, Philippine Megapode, Palawan Scops-Owl, Yellow-breasted Fruit-Dove.

 

Day 8 – Back to Puerto Princesa

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Morning birding then drive back to Puerto Princesa with strategic birding stops.

Day 9 – Puerto Princesa → Narra

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Drive south to Narra. Birding in agricultural wetlands. Main species: Chestnut-breasted Malkoha, Sulphur-bellied Bulbul, Striated Heron.

Day 10 – Rasa Island: Philippine Cockatoo

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Early morning boat trip to Rasa Island. Focus on: Philippine Cockatoo, Mantanani scops owl, Blue-headed Racket-tail, Gray Imperial-Pigeon.

Day 11 – Hills around Narra

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Hiking in the southern low hills. Species expected: Handsome Sunbird, Palawan Drongo, Palawan Flycatcher.

Day 12 – Narra → Puerto Princesa

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Last birding around Narra. Return drive to Puerto Princesa.

 

Day 13 – Wetlands around Puerto Princesa

(breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Final morning in coastal and wetland areas: Cinnamon Bittern, Garden Sunbird. Travel preparation.

Day 14 – Departure

(breakfast)

Transfer to airport. End of tour.

See dates and prices for this trip


Irawan Ecopark (Puerto Princesa, Palawan)

Close to Puerto Princesa, Irawan Ecopark lies at the heart of a regenerating watershed forest—once logged, now protected. The site combines mature secondary forest, damp clearings, and towering old trees. A canopy walkway, dirt trails, and viewing platforms provide ideal conditions for lowland birdwatching.

Target species: Palawan Drongo, Palawan Frogmouth, Palawan Leafbird, Philippine Woodpecker


Sabang – Underground River National Park

Where the jungle meets the sea, the karst forest clings to limestone cliffs and coastal caves. This majestic landscape shelters a shy and rare fauna.

Target species:​ Palawan Hornbill, Philippine Drongo-Cuckoo, Palawan Leafbird


Tagabinet / Langogan

North of Puerto Princesa, these quiet villages blend farmland, woodland patches, and mangroves. Forest fragments stretch into nearby hills, and birds are everywhere—along paths and in undergrowth.

Target species: Ashy-headed Babbler, Black Shama, Palawan Leafbird


Puerto Princesa – Mount Cleopatra

Just outside the city, this forested hill offers accessible trails through semi-primary woodland. It’s an ideal first immersion into Palawan’s unique avifauna.

Target species: Palawan Frogmouth, Philippine Woodpecker, Palawan Drongo


Rasa Island (Naracane, southern Palawan)

Reached by boat from Panacan port, this flat wooded island hosts the country’s largest population of Philippine Cockatoos. Its coastal cover of mangroves and scrub shelters several rare species.

Target species: Philippine Cockatoo, Mantanani Scops Owl, Palawan Hornbill


see the dates and prices for this trip


Dates & prices

Next departure ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Price ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Statut

On request  ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Guaranteed from 2 participants ​ ​ ​Book ​ ​


​ ​

Our prices include :


  • The services of an English-speaking tour leader,
  • Accommodation on the basis of a double or twin room in the hotels mentioned or equivalent,
  • Full board meals,
  • Transfers and transport on site,
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees,
  • Guide fees.



Our prices do not include :

  • International flights,
  • The single room option if desired and subject to availability. Price upon request, 
  • Non-meals drinks,
  • ​Alcoholic drinks,
  • Tips and other personal expenses.
  • In case of air transport, air surcharges in the event of excess baggage or increased fuel.
  • Multi-risk travel insurance (optional)
  • Expenses related to force majeure (adverse weather conditions, geopolitical issues, etc.)


The best time for a birdwatching trip to Palawan is from mid-November to the end of April, with peaks between January and March. The dry season extends from November to May, but the weather is more stable from January to March. May is the hottest month of the year. June to November is the rainy season and hurricane season.

Furthermore, many endemic species are more vocal between February and April during the breeding season.

Due to its more westerly location, Palawan has a longer dry season and is less prone to hurricanes. We therefore recommend the months of December to March.

Easy. The walks carried out throughout the tour do not present any difficulty. It is hot, between 30 and 34°C (86 to 94°F), and the percentage of humidity is high, between 80-95%.

We walk a few hours a day at the pace of leisurely walking with many breaks for observation. You are in good health and able to walk at a normal pace, with a small backpack containing hydration.

Accommodation is in 3 and 4 stars hotels

Information concerning health and administrative formalities may constantly evolve. It is necessary to check for updates with official bodies.

Visa :

Nationals of most countries are issued a free 30-day visa upon arrival. Passport valid for at least 6 months after the return date; return or onward ticket; for a stay of more than 30 days, prior visa or possible extension on site. A travel declaration must be made online within 72 hours prior to travel. ​

Health

none

​Feel free to contact us for any clarification or special request.

  1. Registration: your request is made through the  booking form. We will prepare a quote for you with all the information related to your trip, which you will receive by email within 2 to 5 days of your request.
  2. Confirmation : Your registration will be final and taken into account by the validation of the quote, our general conditions of sale and the payment of a deposit of 40%. The balance payment must reach us no later than 45 days before the departure date.

The best time for a birdwatching trip to Palawan is from mid-November to the end of April, with peaks between January and March. The dry season extends from November to May, but the weather is more stable from January to March. May is the hottest month of the year. June to November is the rainy season and hurricane season.

Furthermore, many endemic species are more vocal between February and April during the breeding season.

Due to its more westerly location, Palawan has a longer dry season and is less prone to hurricanes. We therefore recommend the months of December to March.

Easy. The walks carried out throughout the tour do not present any difficulty. It is hot, between 30 and 34°C (86 to 94°F), and the percentage of humidity is high, between 80-95%.

We walk a few hours a day at the pace of leisurely walking with many breaks for observation. You are in good health and able to walk at a normal pace, with a small backpack containing hydration.

Accommodation is in 3 and 4 stars hotels

Information concerning health and administrative formalities may constantly evolve. It is necessary to check for updates with official bodies.

Visa :

Nationals of most countries are issued a free 30-day visa upon arrival. Passport valid for at least 6 months after the return date; return or onward ticket; for a stay of more than 30 days, prior visa or possible extension on site. A travel declaration must be made online within 72 hours prior to travel.

Health

none

​Feel free to contact us for any clarification or special request.

  1. Registration: your request is made through the  Booking form. We will prepare a quote for you with all the information related to your trip, which you will receive by email within 2 to 5 days of your request.
  2. Confirmation : Your registration will be final and taken into account by the validation of the quote, our general conditions of sale and the payment of a deposit of 40%. The balance payment must reach us no later than 45 days before the departure date.