About Tao: our story
Two boys and a boat – how it all began
The beginning
It started with a spontaneous camping trip on an old fishing boat through the remote islands between El Nido and Coron. It grew into a way of life.
Hitching a ride on whatever boat they could hitch a ride on, gathering whatever food and firewood they could gather, and staying with locals along the way, Edi Agamos first sailed the remote waters between El Nido, Linapacan and Busuanga in 2006. Alongside his cousins and a few others, they explored the uninhabited islands and the acorn of an idea took root. Could this be a way of hosting travellers, sharing food and discovering a new kind of hospitality – one rooted in simplicity and generosity, and which puts community first.
From homestays to a way of life
Such was the richness of adventure to be had that he invited his British friend Jack to join him. When they ran out of money, they invited a few divers and travellers they met in Coron. As word spread, Tao evolved from an island homestay into the blueprint for community-led tourism: a model that empowers locals and invites travellers to experience island life from the inside.
More than travel
Two decades on, our tribe continues to grow. We've built island camps, farms and schools. Not for tourists, but for our people. Tao has become a platform for exploration and education, proving that travel can be a force for good. The next 20 years is about innovation and deepening our commitment to communities around the Philippines.