Philippines travel tips
Get ready for your Tao adventure
10 tips to prepare
You're about to set sail into Palawan's wild islands – no wifi, no schedule, just the sea, sky and stories waiting to unfold. Here's how to make the most of it.
1. Book your flights
You must arrive in your departure port one day before departure. Fly to El Nido (ENI) with Cebu Pacific, or Puerto Princesa (PPS) a four-hour drive away. For Coron departures, fly to Busuanga (USU) from Manila or Cebu.
Book your flights
You must arrive in your departure port one day before departure. Fly to El Nido (ENI) with Cebu Pacific, or Puerto Princesa (PPS) a four-hour drive away. For Coron departures, fly to Busuanga (USU) from Manila or Cebu.
2. Get travel insurance
You'll be exploring remote islands, far from hospitals, so make sure you're covered. Let the crew know about any medical conditions, allergies or dietary needs before you go.
Get travel insurance
You'll be exploring remote islands, far from hospitals, so make sure you're covered. Let the crew know about any medical conditions, allergies or dietary needs before you go.
3. Reserve a stay near the Tao office
Pick accommodation in or near town so you can easily walk to your pre-departure briefing. In El Nido this is at Tao House, Corong Corong, while in Coron it's at the office on Don Pedro Street.
Reserve a stay near the Tao office
Pick accommodation in or near town so you can easily walk to your pre-departure briefing. In El Nido this is at Tao House, Corong Corong, while in Coron it's at the office on Don Pedro Street.
4. Read the packing list and pack light
Bring a 25-35L dry bag for daily use. Your main bag will stay safely stored on the boat. Keep things simple and practical.
Read the packing list and pack light
Bring a 25-35L dry bag for daily use. Your main bag will stay safely stored on the boat. Keep things simple and practical.
5. Attend the group briefing
Taking place the night before departure, this is where you'll meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, get your cashless bracelet and learn what to expect.
Attend the group briefing
Taking place the night before departure, this is where you'll meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, get your cashless bracelet and learn what to expect.
6. Collect your Tao bracelet
This cashless bracelet is used to buy drinks, snacks and massages during the trip. You can settle your balance before you disembark.
Collect your Tao bracelet
This cashless bracelet is used to buy drinks, snacks and massages during the trip. You can settle your balance before you disembark.
7. Pay your eco-fees
Both El Nido and Coron charge a small Eco-Tourism Development Fee. Keep your receipt handy for coastguard checks before departure.
Pay your eco-fees
Both El Nido and Coron charge a small Eco-Tourism Development Fee. Keep your receipt handy for coastguard checks before departure.
8. Embrace island life
You'll sleep in open-sided bamboo huts with mosquito nets and mattresses, and share simple toilets and showers. Please remember: don't flush toilet paper.
Embrace island life
You'll sleep in open-sided bamboo huts with mosquito nets and mattresses, and share simple toilets and showers. Please remember: don't flush toilet paper.
9. Expect limited electricity
Our basecamps are off-grid. Some are solar-powered, others use small generators. Charge your devices before you set sail and bring a torch or headlamp.
Expect limited electricity
Our basecamps are off-grid. Some are solar-powered, others use small generators. Charge your devices before you set sail and bring a torch or headlamp.
10. Switch off
Signal is patchy. And that's the point. Go off-grid, put your phone on flight mode and soak up the peace of island life.
Switch off
Signal is patchy. And that's the point. Go off-grid, put your phone on flight mode and soak up the peace of island life.