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 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
Disconnect with technology and reconnect with nature
EXPLORE LEADERS
CHECK OUT WHAT'S INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
EXPLORE VIDEOS
TESTIMONIALS
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.
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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.
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
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.