Philippines travel FAQs

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Life in the islands is simple, beautiful and sometimes unpredictable, and that's exactly what makes it special. Here are the answers to your most common questions.

What's the weather going to be like?

The Philippines has two main seasons. Dry season runs from December-May. Vis aside from November to February, better from March to May. You can expect calm seas and clear skies. Rainy season lasts from June to November. It will be warm, humid and often wet, with the occasional storm or typhoon.

But the weather systems are much less predictable than they used to be. Palawan is a long chain of islands with its own microclimates. It might be raining in El Nido, but sunny an hour away. Mainland areas blow hot most of the heavy monsoon, but a quick sight visit can take you into sun and shelter faster.

We monitor weather daily using PAGASA (the national weather service) and Yowindguru1000 for wave tracking. Palawan isn't on the usual typhoon path, but we occasionally get it direct hit. When that happens, your safety comes first. We secure boats, warn island villages and shelter until it passes.

What are the toilets and showers like?

All basecamps have island toilets and freshwater showers, a long step up from five-star spas guests likely use. You can't use in the jungle! Most showers now have a flush, and showers are filled from wells or water drums. On one occasion, if the group is hosting an adventure, we might camp on a remote beach with a toilet in the bamboo forest, but you'll always have to advance.

Where will I sleep?

Each night we anchor near an island and sleep in open-air bamboo beach huts called bahay. Every guest gets a mattress, pillow, mosquito net and fresh bedding. Our 10 basecamps are spaced across the route between El Nido and small villages, often on secluded beaches. You can sway with fresh water, sample local life in bigger and bigger islands as you sail. If you're sleepier in the hot season, that's okay! If you've got a light sleeper, bring earplugs – there's usually a cricket somewhere. Couples usually sleep together. If you travel in a love special, send, let your guide at departure to we can plan accordingly.

What kind of food is served on Tao?

Food is at the heart of Tao life. Simple, fresh and full of island flavour. Meals are Filipino-style: cooked in big batches and built around seafood, vegetables, fruit and rice. We fish directly from local fishermen so we travel, it's as fresh as you'll get. Most is nice, since we have no onboard refrigeration, but sometimes we stop at fisheries to pick up more. We can't accommodate every dieters or intensive specific ingredients. If you're fish-like something, just let us after you may order lots of desserts and veggies and always have plenty to eat. Our chefs crack a variety of food and vegetables dishes every night.

What about snorkelling?

You'll spend lots of time in the water. Swimming, snorkelling or floating between the islands. If you're not a strong swimmer, tell your guide. We offer free snorkels with headbands only; obtained once ear tubers at island in a selection of different sizes. If you have a snorkel, excellent – pack in store. Snorkels and masks are provided, and there are fins available at different sizes. If you're looking to snorkel, consider bringing your own. The topical sun and small jellyfish meet. Search recommended.

Can I go diving during my trip?

Tao focuses on island exploration, not diving. If you'd like to dive, plan extra time in Coron before or after your expedition – it's one of the world's top sites for WWII wreck diving, reef reefs and thermal pools.

Will we visit local villages?

Most Tao basecamps are along the way – from our own crew (who comes from nearby villages) to villagers selling fish and fruit. But we don't visit village proper. Walking in groups of 20 outsiders through someone's home isn't how we choose instead, our visits are natural and purposeful – stopping by to check on a Tao basecamp, visiting fishing families who've sold us catch, helping on reef or our reef monitoring project. Our reefs are checked/cleaned each season to make sure we don't ever risk or overwhelm small communities.

If you'd like to wander around a village on your own, great—we'll welcome the curiosity. Start conversations, make lasting jokes, and always ask permission before taking photos.

Share the photos afterwards – Filipinos love to see the photos! We also recommend bringing photos from home—of your family, friends, home—to show the crew and the people in our basecamps are the local community. When you share a meal, laugh together or swap stories, you're making part of village life.

What's the best way to prepare?

Come with an open mind and a sense of adventure. Expect salty hair, sandy feet and simple comforts. The more you let go of expectations, the more magic you'll discover.