Island Hopping

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.