Travelling from El Nido to Coron by boat is one of the best ways to visit Palawan, an archipelago that’s home to some of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines.
This 155-mile (250 km) voyage captures Ralph Waldo Emerson’s adage that ‘it’s not the destination, but the journey’, as each mile uncovers a new fantasy-scape.
Between El Nido and Coron lie hundreds of secluded islands, pristine sand strips, ancient villages and an underwater world of coral gardens and shipwrecks.
Among companies operating in the area, Tao Philippines stands out for its island homestay concept, providing an authentic travel experience while preserving Filipino island culture.
This Travel Pocket Book guide takes you through the top 10 highlights of Tao’s five-day, five-night expedition with essential tips on how to prepare.
Top 10 things travelling from El Nido to Coron by boat
1. Beach wakeup
Wake up early and watch the sunrise from the beach which is always moments from your bed
2. Finding Nemo
Spot clownfish while snorkelling over the El Nido shipwreck off the coast of Darocotan Island
3. On the ball
Start up a game of beach volleyball or basketball at the more developed beach camps including Tao Farm and Ngey Ngey which also offer a beach bar, sun loungers and massage parlour
4. Time out
Listen to the waves crashing against the shore from your hammock with a ‘jungle juice’ rum punch in hand, complimentary upon arrival to each beach camp
5. Starfish and turtles
Marvel at colourful reefs at Lusong Coral Garden, teeming with fish, starfish and the occasional turtle
6. Back to basics
Stay in open-air bamboo beach huts, mostly positioned along the shore and furnished with a mattress, pillow and mosquito net
7. Sea to plate
Feast on freshly caught fish that’s barbecued on the beach for dinners and often served onboard the boat for lunch. All meals are included
8. A night with the stars
Enjoy a night of stargazing on Culion island with a waterside barbecue, a dip in the plunge pool and bonfire stories. This camp neighbours Coring village with locals offering a beach massage for an additional fee
9. Digital detox
There is no electricity supply on the majority of the islands which encourages you to soak in the incredible nature that surrounds you and take part in activities over screen time
10. Sandy trails
Hike to the top of Snake Island for views of its iconic S-shaped sandbar—a stunning 1.9-mile (3km) stretch that emerges at low tide, connecting the island to the mainland
Eat your heart out
All meals and drinking water are included in the Tao Philippines expeditions.
Breakfast: Typically, breakfast is served on the beach and consists of fresh fruit (watermelon, mango and pineapple) and omelette served with fried veggies
Lunch: Most often served onboard the boat, lunch comprises fish, vegetables, garlic rice and salad
Dinner: Enjoyed on land after a day on the water, dinner can be fried lentil balls, fried fish such as barracuda, veggie pates or squid served with garlic rice, vegetables and salad
Drinks: A complimentary jungle juice (rum punch) is served at the end of each day. Soft drinks and beer are available for an additional fee.
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