The Ultimate Narra Travel Guide: Plan your trip
Narra is a must-visit tourist destination in Palawan, offering stunning natural landscapes, beautiful mountains, exotic flora, and secluded beaches. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, Narra has something for everyone.
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When to visit Narra:
Narra can be visited year-round, but the best time to go is from December to early June when the weather is dry and moderate, with little to no rainfall and a prevailing wind from the east. This season is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the stunning natural landscapes.
The low season coincides with the wet season from June to October. The weather during this season is characterized by hot and humid temperatures, frequent heavy rainfall, and a prevailing wind from the west. It’s still possible to visit Narra during this season, but be prepared for rainy weather and muddy trails.
Despite its many attractions, Narra is not as popular as other tourist destinations in Palawan, and therefore, is never crowded. The only exception is Estrella Falls, which is very popular among locals and can get quite busy, especially on weekends and public holidays.
When to go:
Narra can be visited throughout the year, as it offers unique experiences in every season.
The best time to hike Mount Victoria and visit Estrella Falls is during the dry season, which runs from December to early June. During this time, the weather is cooler and drier, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
On the other hand, the wet season, which occurs from June to October, is characterized by hot and humid weather with frequent short bursts of heavy rainfall, and a prevailing wind from the west. While this may not be ideal for hiking or outdoor activities, it is the perfect time to witness the lush greenery and blooming flowers that Narra has to offer.
Attractions You Should Consider Visiting:
- Mount Victoria
- Estrella Falls
- Arena Island
- Rasa Island Cacatua Bird Sanctuary
Classic Narra Tour Options:
Estrella Falls is the most popular day trip excursion in Narra. The falls offer crystal-clear freshwater from the mountains and stunning green scenery, providing a refreshing and immersive nature experience.
For adventure-seekers, climbing Mount Victoria is a must-do activity in Narra. This scenic mountain is home to rare species of pitcher plants that were recently discovered and known to grow only at the top of the peak. With its unique vegetation and stunning views, Mount Victoria is a perfect destination for explorers.
Discovering Narra in 4 days
Day 1: Arrival in Puerto Princesa – Transfer to Narra
Upon arrival in Puerto Princesa, head to Narra. Check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the town or relaxing at the beach.
Day 2: Arena Island
Take a boat to Arena Island and spend the day snorkeling or diving in the coral reef with diverse marine life. You can also relax on the beach, go kayaking or paddleboarding,
Day 3: Arena Island
Explore more of Arena Island and visit the turtle sanctuary to learn about the conservation efforts for green and hawksbill turtles.
Day 4: Transfer to Puerto Princesa
On your last day in Narra, take a private van transfer back to Puerto Princesa for your departure flight or onward journey.
Where to stay:
Narra is less developed than other places in Palawan, with a limited number of hotels located along the coast and on the islands.
Crystal Paradise Resort & Winery is a 3-star accommodation in the Southern part of Palawan Island. It offers a comfortable stay in a serene setting amidst the unspoiled natural beauty of Palawan.
Discover Palawan’s hidden gem – Arena Island, a serene four-hectare island that strikes the perfect balance of rustic charm and modern comforts. The Casita is Arena Island’s top accommodation, perfect for couples or small families. It features a cozy, native-themed wooden interior, an air-conditioned bedroom with a mini-bar and private bathroom.
What to bring along
Are you planning a trip to Narra? Don’t forget to pack these beach essentials to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable vacation.
- Swimsuit: Pack one or two depending on how often you plan to swim.
- Shorts and Cotton T-Shirts: A few lightweight, breathable shirts and shorts are perfect for casual daytime wear.
- Flip Flops: Essential for any beach vacation, flip flops are perfect for the sand.
- Beach Bag: essential for carrying all your beach gear.
- Beach Towel: Pack a lightweight, quick-drying beach towel to dry off after a swim or lounge on the sand.
- Beach Pareo: Pareos are versatile and lightweight cover-ups that can be used as a scarf and shawl.
- Sunhat and Sunglasses: Stay protected from the sun's harmful rays with a sunhat and sunglasses.
- Refillable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the day with a refillable water bottle.
- A good book/Kindle: Relax and unwind with a good book or Kindle on the beach.
- Insect Repellent: Keep mosquito away with a good DEET insect repellent, especially during the evening.
- Raincoat: Pack a lightweight raincoat just in case of an unexpected rain shower during your trip.
- Waterproof phone case : to take underwater pictures without damaging the phone.
How to Pack For Mount Victoria Trek
When hiking in the rainforest, it’s important to be prepared for rain, so make sure to bring a light rain jacket and a heavy-duty waterproof backpack. Wear quick-drying clothes and waterproof hiking shoes to keep your feet dry. We provide a tent and a yoga mat for sleeping, but to make your tent more comfortable, we recommend bringing your own sleeping bag for extra warmth. Even though Palawan is a tropical island, night-time temperatures can drop below 17°C-62°F.
To avoid mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, filariasis, and Japanese encephalitis, it’s crucial to take antimalarial tablets and use an effective insect repellent containing 25-50% DEET on both clothing and exposed skin. Long pants, sweaters, and socks are recommended for colder nights.
When descending the mountain, a hiking pole can be helpful in reducing the impact on your legs, knees, ankles, and feet, and for maintaining balance on steep, slippery terrain. Bring both hiking shoes and flip-flops for comfort during breaks. Finally, don’t forget to pack high-energy snacks and plenty of drinking water to stay hydrated throughout the hike.