Remote Island hopping in the Philippines is an adventure that beckons the intrepid. It’s a journey that demands meticulous planning, time, and unwavering dedication. But where there’s a will, there’s a way. The cool thing is that the meticulous planner doesn’t necessarily have to do with you; you just need to plan to be at the right place at the right time for your adventure. In this article, we delve into the true essence of remote island hopping in the Philippines.
It’s a world without electricity and ensuite bathrooms where nature reigns supreme. During this expedition, time becomes irrelevant; no running water and sleeping under the stars is the norm. However, it’s a chance to disconnect from society and discover the thrill of true exploration. Even if just for a few days.
How to Go About Remote Island Hopping in the Philippines
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Tao Philippines
Embark on a journey like no other with Tao Philippines, a vibrant tribe of over 300 islanders who unite to offer you an unparalleled adventure. They present 3 distinct packages for remote island hopping in the Philippines. The first, a 3-day express package, is designed for those with limited time but an insatiable thirst for adventure.
The second, a 5-day classic package, is their original and timeless trip, promising a deeper immersion into the remote island life. Finally, the 6-day package is known as their classic trip that includes sailing in El Nido Bay.
Tao Philippines offers adventure travel experiences that step off the beaten path to see some of the archipelago’s most pristine and less-travelled islands. These trips are one-of-a-kind and blend sustainable travel methods, cultural immersion, and the islands’ natural beauty.
Tao Philippines is an expert in providing journeys through the isolated islands in Palawan between El Nido and Coron, which are commonly known as the Linapacan archipelago. These islands are not your typical tourist destinations but hidden gems waiting to be discovered by adventurous souls. Visit Tao Philippines’ website to see the expeditions on offer!
These regions are renowned for their vivid marine life, white sand beaches, and crystal-clear waterways. On adventures that frequently include stops at lesser-known islands and beaches, you can take in the unadulterated beauty of the Philippines away from the throng of tourist beaches.
When voyaging with Tao Philippines, every moment is a step back into time, or rather, a step into simplicity. The traditional outrigger boat used for transportation in the Philippines is called a Bangka. These boats provide common rooms, sleeping quarters, and basic amenities. You’ll live on the boat for a few days, spending the night on a different island.
If you were wondering, Tao means human in Filipino. It’s clear why they named themselves Toa Philippines: They put the human back into exploration, the human back into nature, the way we were intended to live.
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Palawan
The Philippines is a nation in Southeast Asia with almost 7,600 islands. The province of Palawan, situated in the western region of the country, has over 1,780 islands and islets. Palawan is the largest island in the province, making it the perfect base for remote island hopping in the Philippines.
This archipelago is often referred to as the ‘last frontier’ of the Philippines and is an archipelagic province renowned for its immaculate beauty, vibrant biodiversity, and crystal-clear waters. Various travel publications have recognised this dotted line of bliss as one of the best archipelago islands in the world, and it’s easy to see why.
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The Remote Island-Hopping Experience
Choose between a 3-day, 5-day, or 6-day remote island-hopping experience in the Philippines. All trips start with a briefing at the Tao Office in El Nido, and from there, it’s smooth sailing! Shut your mind off because everything has been planned for you.
In actuality, you are kept in the dark about most things on the itinerary, which makes for a more laid-back adventure with lots of surprises to be had. Don’t say you don’t like surprises; everyone likes it when someone else is in charge for a bit. If you struggle with this, just try harder to relax. You’re in good hands!
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Preparation
Your nomadic, tropical adventure starts in the Tao Office located in El Nido. El Nido is known for its breathtaking limestone cliffs, lagoons, and beaches. Moreover, the marine life at El Nido is spectacular, making it not only an ideal base for remote island hopping in the Philippines but a great diving hotspot too!
At the office, you are welcomed with a generous dose of jungle juice, which is essentially a simple tropical cocktail and a splash of rum. It’s the perfect way to inaugurate the adventure! During the preparation, you’ll meet explorers from various countries as well as your Filipino ‘porters’. During this preparation meeting, you’ll also get briefed on what is to be expected during the trip. This briefing is to ensure everybody is somewhat ready for the adventure to come!
After the briefing, you can head across the street to a bar called La Plage, which has the most vibrant atmosphere for some drinks and sunset views.
The day after the briefing you need to be set to go! Climb abroad their colourful bus that’s going to take you from Tao HQ to San Fernando Port. This journey takes about an hour. When at San Fernando Port, your luggage is hauled to the boat via kayak. Don’t be in a rush, though. Filipinos love their island-time culture.
When boarding the boat, passengers are required to be barefoot at all times. Just a house rule that’ll relax you instantly. On the boat you can find a kitchen, a smoking area, a top deck with loads of sun as well as shade, numerous sitting areas, a shower, and a sitting area with a long table on the main deck. Listen out for the shell horn roaring because that means it’s time to eat. No plastic waste is allowed on the boat, being that Tao cares more for the environment than human convenience.
Also note that unless the boat is anchored to shore, you’ll likely have to swim there. However, you can also be a passenger princess in a kayak, so no need to panic.
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Sleeping while Remote Island Hopping in the Philippines
At the beginning of the article, I mentioned that this excursion is rather rugged. Well, the camps where you sleep are exactly that: rugged. But don’t confuse rugged with unclean or dilapidated. Rugged just means basic, almost primitive, but extremely interesting. Depending on the package you choose, you sleep in different camps across your remote island hopping in the Philippines adventure.
You get to sleep in private Tuka lodges every night. These lodges are essentially bamboo sleeping huts made with locally found materials. These havens of rest will make you feel as though you’re your own character in Blue Lagoon. The huts provide a feeling of openness and simplicity. The crew makes your bed and ensures that there’s a mosquito net set up for your ultimate relaxation.
There are differences between the first and second camps. There are residents there, flushing toilets, and women with magical fingers who offer travellers a soothing massage. Here, you can also take an open-air shower—the best kind of shower!
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Food During Your Remote Island Hopping in the Philippines
Don’t worry! The crew at Tao Philippines takes care of everything. From freshly made coffee in the morning to fresh grilled fish and rice in the evening (don’t worry, it’s not just fish and rice), they have everything covered. Dine either on the boat or on the beach with your new-found friends and bathe in the ambience of pure living.
If you enjoy this article, be sure to read about hiking in the Philippines.
Final Goodbyes
Before taking one final picture with your group and soaking up the last moments of pure serenity, you are gifted with a personalised tote bag painted by local women. It’s a keepsake that is sure to melt your heart.
If you happen to be at Ngey Ngey camp on your last day, and you don’t want to head back to the real world, then extend your stay there. In comparison to other base camps, Ngey Ngey has more infrastructure. You can also find an immaculate beach here, games, lounge areas, and bars.
So stay longer if you wish, not if you can. Living your life the way you want to will always trump living a life the way you have to or need to. It’s your life, so stay and keep on remote island hopping in the Philippines for all those who can’t break free from the shackles of modern life!
