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How It Works

What To Expect?

Our "Buhay Isla" El Nido island life exploration packages, boat expeditions from El Nido to Coron and Coron to El Nido, and El Nido basecamp space are for adventurers or explorers, or people who are willing to step out of their comfort zone, away from tourist tracks, for a chance to meet fellow adventurers and join in a memorable 'island life' experience and cultural exchange.

To join our island life excursion / activity / adventure or stay at our basecamp, you need to have an open mind and be able to go with the flow because you may not always be comfortable (it could rain, there could be insects, no privacy, barking dogs, rough seas, or just overall bad weather). Remember to expect the 'unexpected'... If you can handle unexpected events that come with an unchartered journey and exciting new experiences, we will guide you where islanders go to explore remote beaches and caves. You too, can witness the natural beauty of Northern Palawan, Philippines while watching picturesque sunrise and sunsets, and dream under the starry night skies with fresh ocean breeze having 'no agendas nor timetables'.

To read more about the activities, expeditions, or excursions that we offer, please learn about Our Adventure Packages

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Excursion / Adventure / Expedition / Exploration - Related Questions

  1. In order to reserve your spot, we require a prepayment as we will be using this money to purchase supplies to be used for the island exploration or trip - You can use Paypal (using your credit card, bank account, debit, or paypal balance)
  2. You arrive at least a day prior to your island exploration or expedition departure so that we can arrange a time for your briefing
  3. During your briefing, you will sign the registration form, waiver forms, and the pay any remaining balance before the trip starts
  4. During the trip, just relax and enjoy! Feel free to call on any of our guides if you need any assistance.

The #1 item to bring is a fun and adventurous attitude :)

But for material items to bring, these are suggestions as to what you might want to take with you:

  1. Dry Bag for all your gear, or if you don't have one.. make sure to place important items in plastic or waterproof containers (we put all luggages in a plastic bag, but they are not dry bags so make sure to have one for your most important gear)
  2. Fins (no longer included with mask/snorkel)
  3. Insect Repellent
  4. Sun screen (Protect yourself from too much sun)
  5. Swimming attire when you go in and out of the water
  6. Refillable Water Bottle
  7. Small Towel, Shower Gel, Toothbrush
  8. Day Towel (we have limited towels)
  9. Flashlight or Head torch (To find your way in the dark)
  10. Clothes like Shorts and T-shirt
  11. Lightweight rain jacket (For times when it rains or when it is cold)
  12. Rash Guard to protect yourself from jelly fish stings
  13. Aqua shoes (if you do not want to step on rocks... locals just use their "flip-flops")
  14. Any vitamins, or medications you need to take
  15. Electronics you may want like camera (to capture memories of your adventure), music player, or cellphones (areas we go to may not have any electricity so this is mainly for when you arrive in town or want something to listen or use during the trip... make sure they are fully charged or that you have enough battery)
  16. Whatever extra supplies you may want (We provide you with food and beverages but if you want to bring extra food such as chips, drinks, etc then feel free to do so)

Travel to Northern Palawan (El Nido & Coron areas)

Arrive in Philippines First

Most major airlines from different countries go to Manila, Philippines (capital) or Cebu (better to book in Manila since you have more flight options; Cebu is mainly good if you are also visiting other tourist destinations like Boracay)

Tip: Philippine Airlines (PAL) have nonstop flights from large metropolitan airports, so might be good to check it out; Also, if you are flying to Puerto Princesa directly from Manila, you can book a direct flight from your home country to Puerto Princesa while going through Manila from PAL so that they can transfer the luggage (especially useful if you have lots!) to your connecting flight and attendants will assist in going from Terminal 2 (where you arrive) to Terminal 3 (where you leave to go to Puerto Princesa) without leaving the airport

Going to El Nido from Puerto Princesa

  1. Once you are in the Philippines, take a domestic flight from either Cebu Pacific or Philippine Air Lines to go to Puerto Princesa
  2. From Puerto Princesa, you can take a 5-7 hour bus or van ride to El Nido Town (cheaper) or if you can't take the long, bumpy ride there and don't mind spending the cash, you can fly from Puerto Princesa via ITIAir
  3. Taking the bus or van route means you will see more culture but may not be for you if you need more comfort. The driver will stop so that you can get food in either Taytay or Roxas areas... you can also hire a private van so you can tell them when/where to stop as well.

Going to El Nido from Coron (Busuanga)

You can also go to El Nido from Coron (Busuanga) instead of Puerto Princesa by taking a local ferry from Coron (buy from local shops). However, going on the local 7-10 hour boat ride is not recommended since the travel can be quite exhausting and uncomfortable.

We have limited trips that go from Coron to El Nido that completes this journey in a few days to make the journey more fun and enjoyable.

Arrive in Philippines First

Most major airlines from different countries go to Manila, Philippines (capital) or Cebu (better to book in Manila since you have more flight options; Cebu is mainly good if you are also visiting other tourist destinations like Boracay)

Tip: Philippine Airlines (PAL) have nonstop flights from large metropolitan airports, so might be good to check it out; Also, if you are flying to Puerto Princesa directly from Manila, you can book a direct flight from your home country to Puerto Princesa while going through Manila from PAL so that they can transfer the luggage (especially useful if you have lots!) to your connecting flight and attendants will assist in going from Terminal 2 (where you arrive) to Terminal 3 (where you leave to go to Puerto Princesa) without leaving the airport

Going to Coron (Busuanga) from El Nido

You can go to Coron (Busuanga) from El Nido by taking a local ferry (buy from local shops). However, going on the local 7-10 hour boat ride is not recommended since the travel can be quite exhausting and uncomfortable.

We have limited trips that go from El Nido to Coron that completes this journey in a few days to make the journey more fun and enjoyable.

Going to Coron (Busuanga) from Puerto Princesa

You can use local airlines such as PAL and Cebu Pacific to go to Coron (Busuanga). However, there is usually no direct flight so it most likely will have a stopover in Manila first.

Health & Safety

There have been cases of Malaria (from mosquitoes at night) and Dengue (from mosquitoes in the day) fever in Palawan in the past, and as such, some foreign health agencies prescribe taking preventative medication to take daily before embarking on the trip to Palawan for Malaria (there is no preventative medication for Dengue). While this is proactive and good practice, we find that wearing longer clothes to prevent getting bitten by mosquitoes in the first place is best, and using insect repellants for mosquitoes is a great way to ward them off (just make sure to keep spraying or applying them appropriately). For a more organic insect repellant, "Kwan Loong" or other "Eucalyptus" based ointments tend to repel mosquitoes and even sandflies (locally known as "nik nik" in Palawan).

During windy days, mosquitoes tend to not be around (so it's mostly a concern during the summer months, around March-May). If you will be taking preventative medication for a long time, please make sure to ask if it affects other organs like liver. It may be best to not take them if you will be taking the medication for many months if it will affect other vital organs (See note about insect repellants and ointments).

If you also get motion sickness, please bring medication for your boat journey, especially if you will be joining the 'expedition' as travelling through the Linapacan Strait can have lots of waves and rough waters since you will be crossing the open ocean without the islands around you to block the waves.

If you have a sensitive digestive system, it might also be good to bring medication for upset stomach or even medication for diarrhea if needed. There are many drugstores all over the Philippines, so you may also purchase them in the stores around town.

While we cannot speak for everyone's behaviour in the islands, we haven't had any issues with militant groups or problems in the islands. The main area that foreign agencies cautions against is the Mindanao area of the Philippines (Southern end), and Palawan is in Luzon (Northern end of Philippines)