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Island Hopping

Philippines
Feb 17 - 25 2024

APPLICATION ONLY
21 SPOTS LEFT

Philippines

Island Hopping

February 17 - 25 2024

Shared Beach Hut

Shared Beach Hut

First night we'll be staying in a hotel in El Nido, then it's full island living in a shared beach hut. Wake up with the sounds and view of the ocean. Each hut has individual mosquito nets, mattress and bed linens.

APPLY TO BOOK

$2,850.00 PER PERSON

Private Beach Hut
Private Beach Hut

Private Beach Hut

Private means it's all for you! From our night in El Nido to all the huts throughout the islands, go ahead and starfish that bed! Each hut has it's own individual mosquito net, mattress and bed linens.

APPLY TO BOOK

$3,750.00 PER PERSON

Disconnect with technology and reconnect with nature

Adventure in Philippines
Fitness and Adventure Holidays

Disconnect with technology and reconnect with nature

We're heading to Palawan Island, voted the most beautiful island in the world by Conde Nast in 2017. In true Yoncé and Jay-Z fashion, we'll be spending the days lounging on a private boat and touring various exclusive islands. We'll get our endorphin kick with daily beach workouts. For all of the Instagram addicts, we'll have a professional photographer on deck to capture any thirst traps that might happen to come your way. Maybe at some point, you'll be sore from twerking to T-Pain's "I'm on a boat" and need a traditional massage - dance as low as you want because it's also included on this trip-AAYYEE! End each day watching the breathtaking sunset and having a drink with remarkable people who share your adventurous and positive spirit. Listen to the sound of the ocean as you doze off in your open beach cabanas, ready for another day of being active, getting your drank on, and adventuring in the Palawan archipelago. Space is limited to 22 guests because of island hut capacity.

lead by example

EXPLORE LEADERS

fun for daze

SELECT A DAY
TASTE OF PARADISE

TASTE OF PARADISE

We'll all meet at the airport of El Nido and head through Palawan to our hotel for the first night! We'll ride a 'jeepney', enjoy a quick sweat session, dip into the ocean to wash off the long flight and of course get to know each other with our first family dinner and drinks together!

IT'S BOAT TIME

IT'S BOAT TIME

A good night sleep will lead to a strong morning workout followed by a fueled breakfast! After prepping for our 6 night island hopping journey (you'll have a chance to pick up last minute supplies) we board the traditional motorized boat that will be taking us from island to island. This is as close as it gets to that movie location with Leonardo DiCaprio, The Beach, which means you're about to set your eyes on true paradise.

ISLAND LIFE

ISLAND LIFE

Wake up with the sunrise, grab coffee (w/ coconut creamer) and crush a beach bootcamp to wake the body followed by a large egg breakfast from the chickens next door. Indulge in take time to do nothing, soak in where we are and place our mind and bodies in-sync with the environment. We eat lunch, pack up and head to some sexy beaches for fresh coconut pińa coladas, snorkeling and massages (these are included, you're welcome!).

CULTURAL IMMERSION

CULTURAL IMMERSION

Wanna learn how the locals live? We'll be taking a tour of a few fishing towns nearby, see they're way of life and maybe even play a barefoot pick-up basketball game! Expect the usual sunset yoga sessions, star gazing, epic dance parties and some life changing conversations. 

FARM FRESH

FARM FRESH

We'll snorkel some of the most secluded islands, shipwrecks, and learn about the local waters of Palawan. Our home base will be a local self sustaining farm, where we'll take a tour of how they've built this incredible community. Later we'll have a 5-course meal with all the local vegetables from the garden, meat from the piggies (vegan options of course), and delicacies you've never even heard of (coconut water soup, coconut chocolate creme brulee)!

ISLAND HOPPING

ISLAND HOPPING

We'll be deciding this upon arrival as the weather has a lot to do with which will be the next few islands.

ISLAND HOPPING

ISLAND HOPPING

Again, the weather will determine more of this part of the itinerary. Don't worry there is a plethora of amazing secret spots we've got planned!!!

THE WAY BACK

THE WAY BACK

We finish in Coron, together we'll head to the airport and hopefully you got your flight to Manila, if not, we don't blame you. Make sure your flight from Manila leaves later in the afternoon to have enough room for delays! OR stay for the extended option in Manila with SYB! 

Extra Night Option

Extra Night Option

This is an extra option ($150 shared or $250 private) for activities, tours and dinner in Manila with the same SYB gang!

experience it all

CHECK OUT WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Private Accomdations
  • All Meals
  • All Transportation
  • Full Fitness Programming
  • SYB Welcome Package
  • Unlimited Drinks (don't test this)
  • Photographer + Videographer

NOT INCLUDED

  • International Flights
  • Domestic Flights
  • Gratuities to Guides + Drivers
  • Travel Insurance
  • Medical Insurance

VIDEO VIBES

EXPLORE VIDEOS

cool stuff people said

TESTIMONIALS

Instagram28

@anelaispuro

Reminiscing one of the best trips of my life. Last night @kenfrancisphotos dropped a collection of amazing pictures that made me relive happier times. With no social media or connection to the real world, I got to connect with 26 strangers for a whole week while doing island hopping in the middle of the Philippines. I miss these people who became family, waking up right next to the ocean, the bucket showers ( or no showers), jungle juice, not wearing clothes ever, braiding everyone’s hair, handstand and twerking workshops, sandy workouts, speedos, pirates suits, crying in the middle of the day, sunset yoga, swimming to night camp....and The list goes on and on. Instagram only allows 10 pics per post, it was really tough to choose (so you can definitely expect a PartII). #SYBpalawan #SurfYogaBeer 📸: @kenfrancisphotos ✈️: @surfyogabeer

Instagram31

@jeflett

Spent a week island hopping with (what started as) a group of 25 strangers while largely disconnected from the modern world & it was more incredible than I ever imagined it could be. Beyond thankful for every part of the experience, esp the crew that made it all a reality @mantaszvinas @nikkibeatrice @adam_frater @shriner505 @kenfrancisphotos @saxbycsharp @surfyogabeer #SYBPalawan

Instagram32

@labellaventures

This is paradise #sybpalawan 8 days, 26 strangers on a boat island hopping through Palawan Philippines Sleeping in beach huts with no to limited cell service/ electricity & NO running water & YET... eating the freshest food, swimming in the most picturesque water, having daily workouts & evening yoga on the beach, enjoying beautiful sunsets, connecting with fellow adventurers, having nightly dance parties, admiring the stars & truly living in the moment & best of all not feeling the need to be on my phone & having the chance to reconnect with my culture 🇵🇭 Pictures truly don’t give the experience justice but will definitely be posting plenty ❤️M Special S/O to SYB leaders @mantasvintas @shriner505 @nikkibeatrice @adam_frater & to @kenfrancisphotos for making us all feel beautiful while living like lord of the flies

IMG_2868

@taylor__herms

Somebody pinch me!

Instagram26

@invacolorsnyc

Do you know who you are ? Have you ever been forced to just be you ? A body with a soul and heart. Take away your job and what that means to you. Take away your clothes and your style , take away your makeup and be able to smile confidently. Take away your followers/social media- are you lonely? Take away your apartment and comfy bedding. Take away your friends who know your habits. Are you happy with who are ? There are so many things that we identify ourselves to that make us feel better about ourselves , but take them away and you are left with your core. Are you able to just be you when you have nothing ? What happens when you lose everything ? Just thoughts after my @surfyogabeer #sybphilippines trip ✌🏼#travel #worldtraveler #islandgirl #adventure #philippines #elnido #palawan

Instagram27

@britfree23

A short story about what happens when you strip on the beach in front of a family eating lunch on vacation 🏝🥥🥥 @surfyogabeer #SYBPalawan #throwback 📸: @kenfrancisphotos

Instagram29

@duncan_it

Just taking a nap. #sybpalawan #surfyogabeer

Instagram30

@tinadaq

Wishing we were back on island time • An unforgettable 8 days spent island hopping by boat through the Philippines, sleeping in beach huts on different islands with no showers, electricity, or phone service ~ but had lots of mosquitos, lost boys, jellyfish, stonefish, workouts, dance parties, and even a 🎷 (thanks @saxbycsharp) • Thankful for this experience with an amazing group of people #SYBPalawan

trip faqs

Flights

Can you handle it?

Philippines Travel Requirments

Registration + Payment

Self Care

Going Alone

Food

Malaria, Mosquitos and Sandflies

Safety and Security in the Region

Seasickness and Travel Times

Sleeping Arrangements

Bathroom Situation

Photography & Videography

Recommended flight from NYC:

Philippines Airlines Nonstop from JFK to Manila departing February 18 (Saturday) at 1:35 am and arriving the next day (February 19) at 7:50 am at Manila International Airport. This is a 17hour flight. Note: there is a nonstop return on the same airline, but it doesn't depart until February 27, so we might as well do the extra day option with SYB! 

Recommended flights from Manila to El Nido:

Air-Swift nonstop flight from Manila to El Nido departing February 19 (Sunday) at 11 am. This is a 1hr 25min flight.

*You can always catch the later flights to El Nido; there are several throughout the day. We will stay in contact with you and arrange your transportation.

Recommended flight back to Manila from Coron:

Look for a flight that will leave anytime on February 26 (Sunday) anytime after 11 am from Coron Airport back to Manila. Several airlines provide. We will send specific recommendations via email.

 If you'd like to join the extra day excursion in Manila, we recommend flying the 11:55 am flight to Manila. 


--


You'll need to arrive in Manila on the morning of the start date to make any of the connecting flights. Please check the Air-Swift website for flights. We will have transportation waiting for us at El Nido airport, and our hotel is only a quick 10-minute trip from the airport in El Nido.

Before applying to this adventure, you must understand that this is not a yoga retreat, tour, hotel or luxury experience. Instead, this is a journey to the most remote islands in Palawan.

  • If you cannot survive without Instagram, this is not for you.
  • If you have trouble waking up early af to roosters, this is not for you.
  • If you are afraid of basic toilets, this is not for you.
  • If mosquitos love you and can't handle it, this is not for you.
  • If getting stung by a jellyfish makes you hyperventilate, this is not for you.
  • If you need to be connected to work, this is not for you.

But believe us, if you can take these challenges with us, then welcome to one of the greatest experiences of your life!

AS OF SEPTEMBER 13, 2022: Unvaccinated foreign nationals will not be allowed admission into the Philippines

  • Deposit: 25% deposit is used to secure your spot and goes toward your full payment. The deposit is non-refundable or transferable.
  • The remaining balance is divided into three additional payments, with the full payment due 6-weeks before the adventure's start date.
  • Trip credit (less deposit) may be transferred towards a future trip (within 12 months) up to 30 days before the start of the trip.
  • Please note that there are absolutely no refunds or deposit transfers for cancellations within 30 days of the trip. We strongly encourage all participants to purchase trip insurance to be safe.

Now, typically we take care of you on our adventures, but this trip is a little different as it requires you to be aware of your surroundings. We require everyone to take out their own travel insurance. It is ok if you are not a strong swimmer; just let us know. Everyone will get a safety orientation on the trip.

A rash guard to help protect against small critters stinging you in these tropical waters will help. So will rash shoes for the reefs we'll be exploring.

Dehydration is a common cause of accidents and feeling unwell. You will be required to bring your own refillable water bottle and drink lots of water.

Avoid drinking too much alcohol. Of course, you will want to enjoy a few beers and try some of the local rum around the first night. However, don't make yourself a liability. Nobody wants to have to look after a drunk person. Tropical hangovers are a nightmare, and you don't want to miss out on daily activities if you are trying to recover from the night before!

Your skin will burn easily in the tropics, especially ya'll winter hibernating New Yorkers. So get the proper gear and protection!

Yes, in fact, that is recommended. We'd love you to be whoever you want on this adventure, and bringing a friend could also bring old habits.

But we understand it is intimidating and challenging because you feel like you don't know anyone... trust us, this is the way to go!

This is going to be a huge highlight for most of us. The menu will be based on traditional Filipino cooking using fresh seafood, vegetables, fruit and rice. We eat our fish direct from the fisherman as we travel through the islands. So don't expect too much red meat. You can also fish from the boat to catch your own supper! Don't worry, vegetarians and vegans, there are plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. 

Up-to-date and accurate information about all aspects of Malaria, including risks and prevention, is readily available via the web. Because it is a complex and rapidly changing issue, we do not want to recommend whether or not to take malaria medication. Many of us will take it, though, and we'll share which medication once you book.

Northern Palawan is generally a low-risk area. However, occasionally it comes in small outbreaks, and consequently, local health officials will have a warning. We will be advised and pass on the warning to our travellers. It is not very common for an outbreak during our season from November to the end of May. Be more cautious about Dengue fever which is more common and can be contracted anywhere in southeast Asia, especially in towns and cities. There is no medicine to prevent catching Dengue, so be always cautious. Dengue and Malaria normally appears mid the monsoon season which is July-September.

It is advised to minimize the risk of Malaria and Dengue through bit avoidance. Please bring lots of mosquito repellent and long sleeve clothing. It is also advisable when with children. In town, it is better to get air-conditioned rooms because mosquitoes are most active early in the morning/ late afternoon. Towns and larger populations have more disease-carrying mosquitoes than those small islands and villages.

Our sleeping arrangements on the islands are set up near the beach, where we get a breeze, thus reducing mosquitoes, and we'll have nets set up for sleeping. Unfortunately, sandflies are very common on beaches. Although some people react badly to sand-fly bites, long sleeves during sunset are advised for those special folks who attract mosquitoes and sand-flies.

Kwan Loong oil is the best ointment or repellent for mosquitoes and sandflies, a Singaporean mentholated oil. It has been tried and tested by the locals there for years. Of course, you have to re-apply every 30min, but it is effective and much safer than any DEET products. Try to get it before coming to Palawan from Asian pharmacies. We'll also bring some, just in case!

You might have researched this beforehand. Yes, some areas of the Philippines have a red mark for many Government Travel Foreign Offices' advice because of the separatist problem of the extreme south. But Palawan and the rest of the northern islands are far away from the southern Mindanao region. Unfortunately, unlike other Asian tourist destinations, the Philippines government has no say or control over these red warnings. The story of the islands with 'pirates' is as old as the Ming dynasty merchant sailing this part of the world. Also, the Coastguard or Navy are always present in the area (securing the Shell/Chevron gas/oil platform rigs). We may ask, 'How safe is your hometown/city?' which often puts the perceived risks of exploring less familiar parts of the world into perspective.

Expect the boat journey to be 1-2 hours from stop to stop. We spend as much time exploring islands and the reef until we're ready to go. The only time we need to consider is the arrival at the base camp before dusk, 5-6 PM.

On our first night, we'll be staying at an air-conditioned hotel in El Nido. Then camping in open native beach huts for our 4-night boat tour and in a house on a private secluded island all to ourselves the last 2-nights. While camping, we'll be showering with fresh water, grilling some fish for supper and enjoying a few rums around a fire.

Because we're spending the night in many different places, we'll be sharing rooms with other SYB people and leaders some nights and other nights, and we'll have individual huts! Private rooms are available. Most of the time, couples are separated in a room or their own huts. Everyone gets a mattress, pillow, mosquito net and fresh bedding set. We recommend that you bring earplugs if you are a light sleeper. If you have any special sleeping requirements or a tendency to snore, please tell us at the start of the trip, and we will plan sleeping arrangements accordingly.

We will not be sleeping on the boat.

While on the boats, there will be basic toilets with a bucket to flush. The base camps will have toilets but no plumbing. It will also be bucket flush. It is always kept clean. Yes, this is a third-world country. You put the paper in the trash, not the toilet.

No need to whip out your phone or camera at any point throughout this trip because we have got you covered. We will have a professional photographer and videographer joining us on this trip to capture every moment. These will be the best travel photos and videos you will ever get - you're friends better be ready for a photo dump out of their wildest dreams!!

This experience is included in trip fees. 

connected

CONNECTED FOR LIFE

Adventure with your best friends you haven't met yet!

adventure-credit

ADVENTURE CREDIT

Cancelled trips will hold as credit if notified up to 28 days prior.

fit-for-life

FIT FOR LIFE

We are inclusive. Fitness and adventure belongs to everyone.