The islands in the north of Palawan between El Nido and Coron are some of the most stereotypically idyllic tropical beach paradises you can imagine – hundreds of islands surrounded by perfect white sand, gorgeous clear turquoise water, tropical reefs, and only occasionally sprinkled with tiny villages along the shoreline.
Whilst there are many places around the world, and even in the Philippines, that can offer trips through very similar settings, it is the ease of access to these trips (multiple trips leave every day), reasonable price (think less than US$1k for 6 days (2026 prices) vs minimum x4 for an equivalent liveaboard), and focus on interacting respectfully (and genuinely) with the local communities that makes the Palawan experience stand out.
It’s a must in visiting Palawan, and a must if visiting the Philippines. Maximum Wow-factor score.
Top tip: Go with Tao Philippines – whilst there are around 10 companies offering these type of trips, it is Tao who are the pioneers, have the scale, and everyone I’ve spoken to has raved about them.
One of the bangka boats you take from “the Farm” with Tao Philippines