Have you ever sat in front of the television? Expedition Robinson and thought “I want that too!?”. The chances of actually participating in the program may be slim, but luckily we discovered a wonderful alternative that was just as exciting and unforgettable. Our five-day expedition between Coron en El Nido, in the north of Palawan, Philippines, took us to bounty islands, enchanting lagoons and the most beautiful snorkeling spots. It turned out to actually be the site where Expedition Robinson was often filmed in the past. Read on to find out why this expedition will absolutely appeal to you bucketlist. belongs.
The Philippines is a very popular backback destination. However, if you don't have the time or inclination to figure it all out yourself, opt for a fully arranged trip! You can choose from a group trip or an individual trip.
Whichever of the two you choose: both will be fully arranged including flights, transfers, accommodations and tours. This way you can travel worry-free and enjoy yourself without having to worry about arranging your trip every day.
- Unique bucket list destination
- The real bounty island feeling
- Everything arranged in advance
- Good price/quality ratio
Plan your holiday to Asia here
- Specific tours : Bali travel, Thailandtravel en Srilankatravel.com.
- Worldwide tours : TUI, Asiadirect, rickshaw travel, king monkey, sawadee, shoestring en Djoser.
- Flight tickets for Asia you book via Skyscanner.
- Hostels & Hotels in Asia you book with Hostelworld en Booking.com.
- Rental cars book yourself Sunnycars, Alamo en rental cars.
- Tours and Activities in Asia you book via GetYourGuide.
- travel items such as suitcases, bags and more you can buy at Bol.com.
- SIM cards and e-SIMs for Asia you can buy from International sim.
- Parking at the airport you can arrange via Parkos.
The Coron – El Nido expedition
The enchantment of this expedition goes beyond the breathtaking views and adventurous spirit. It is an opportunity to experience a unique connection with the untouched nature of Palawan (Location here). As you sail between the remote islands and enjoy the silence broken only by lapping waves and the sounds of the jungle, you truly feel at one with your surroundings. The lack of luxury is compensated by the richness of the natural beauty around you and the simple life on the islands allows you to discover the essence of happiness in the little things.
This five-day expedition is not for those who love luxury and comfort. You spend most of the day on a boat, in the water or on a lonely island with no facilities. This expedition is for world travelers and adventurers, for people who are not afraid of getting dirty and who can enjoy a simple hut or tent on the beach. Showering with a pan of water becomes the norm, and you sleep in a simple hut or a tent with nothing around you other than the sound of the sea and the jungle as background music.
Travel Route
The journey begins in Coron of El Nido, depending on the route you choose. We started from Coron (location here). Coron itself is a busy city with little to discover. That changes immediately from the moment you go out to sea on a boat.
You enter another world, a world of natural beauty. Imposing limestone cliffs rise from the clear blue water, and beneath the surface colorful corals and fish of all sizes await discovery. All this, just a stone's throw from busy Coron.
During your first day you will meet people taking a day trip from Coron, but thanks to the captain and his crew you will avoid the usual tourist routes and enjoy this natural beauty in peace.
The following days we sail away from the hustle and bustle and let ourselves be enchanted by countless tropical, inhabited and uninhabited islands, an underwater world that has no equal, enchantingly colored water and relaxed island life.
These days consist of nothing more than snorkeling, sailing, relaxing on small uninhabited islands and enjoying the delicious food prepared by the crew.
After a few days and nights of meeting virtually no one, we finally reach it El Nido (Location here). Here we explore the beautiful island archipelago off the coast. El Nido is home to 45 islands that surpass everything in terms of beauty. Together they form the enchanting Bacuit Archipelago.
Also read: Itinerary Philippines 3 to 6 weeks | Hints and Highlights
The stunning underwater world
A highlight of the expedition is the stunning underwater world that you explore while snorkeling. The colorful corals and schools of tropical fish make every dive a magical experience. Spotting rare sea creatures, such as the elegant ray we encountered, adds an extra dimension to the adventure. These waters are home to a wealth of biodiversity rarely found elsewhere, and every snorkeling session becomes a journey of discovery in itself.
Also read: These are the 7 best diving and snorkeling spots in the world
How do you book this expedition?
If you want to make this expedition with a group, there are various providers with prices ranging between 400 and 700 euros per person for a 5-day trip. A shorter trip is of course cheaper, but a longer expedition is recommended if you have the time.
Some providers are:
- Buhay Isla: A good budget option with friendly staff and delicious food. Buhay Isla continues with good weather even in part of the low season.
- Big Dream Boatman: For those who don't like large groups and want a little more luxury, BDBM is perfect! More luxury, but also a price tag.
- TAO: TAO offers nicer accommodations and is the first tour operator to organize tours between El Nido and Coron. They take you to the most beautiful places with beautiful, photogenic huts to sleep in.
- Keelooma: A good budget option (slightly more expensive than Buhay Isla) with well-kept huts to sleep in.
If you want to experience the ultimate “alone in the world” feeling, you can, just like us, choose one private expedition. Of course, this comes with a different price tag, but you get the feeling of total isolation on uninhabited islands, where the crew ensures that you lack nothing. We booked via IslandHoppinginthePhilippines.com.
So, if adventure calls and you long to leave your comfort zone to discover the untouched beauty of the Philippines, don't hesitate to book this expedition. It's not just a journey; it is an unforgettable adventure that brings you closer to the core of life, far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Practical tips
For those considering undertaking this expedition, it is useful to consider some practical tips. For example, take plenty of sunscreen with you, as you will be exposed to the sun most of the day. A waterproof (GoPro) camera is also essential to capture all those unforgettable moments, both above and below water. In addition, it is advisable to bring light clothing and a hat, as well as sturdy walking shoes for the island explorations.
Tip:: Curious what we shoot with? Then view the display below.
The Fujifilm X-T5 with 16-80 is the ultimate all-round world travel camera† This camera has been declared several times by both the consumer association and Tweakers.net the best system camera you can buy. Even on automatic mode, you suddenly feel like a professional photographer!
- The best tested camera
- Fantastic photos
- 6.2K video
- 5 year warranty
Conclusion
Looking back on our five day expedition between El Nido en Coron we realize that this trip was more than an adventurous journey through paradise islands. It was an experience that brought us closer to the essence of life, away from the hustle and bustle of the modern world. If you ever get the chance to make this expedition, grab it with both hands. It is a journey that takes you to the heart of adventure, where luxury makes way for simplicity and where every day is a new chapter in your own expedition.
The Philippines is a very popular backback destination. However, if you don't have the time or inclination to figure it all out yourself, opt for a fully arranged trip! You can choose from a group trip or an individual trip.
Whichever of the two you choose: both will be fully arranged including flights, transfers, accommodations and tours. This way you can travel worry-free and enjoy yourself without having to worry about arranging your trip every day.
- Unique bucket list destination
- The real bounty island feeling
- Everything arranged in advance
- Good price/quality ratio
Plan your holiday to Asia here
- Specific tours : Bali travel, Thailandtravel en Srilankatravel.com.
- Worldwide tours : TUI, Asiadirect, rickshaw travel, king monkey, sawadee, shoestring en Djoser.
- Flight tickets for Asia you book via Skyscanner.
- Hostels & Hotels in Asia you book with Hostelworld en Booking.com.
- Rental cars book yourself Sunnycars, Alamo en rental cars.
- Tours and Activities in Asia you book via GetYourGuide.
- travel items such as suitcases, bags and more you can buy at Bol.com.
- SIM cards and e-SIMs for Asia you can buy from International sim.
- Parking at the airport you can arrange via Parkos.
