To ensure you have the happiest trip possible, I will list some potential negative points. As the law of physics states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, I like to say that for every expectation there can be an equal and opposite disappointment. By knowing what can go wrong and adapting your expectations, hopefully there will be no disappointments!
Here is a list of possible negative points of our boat trips:
- I’m an IT guy and handle the internet end of things. As demand increases for our service I am working on picking up more boat operators, so it is possible that some operators have less experience in different areas. You can see a list of our operators on the boat schedule page, where you will find detailed information about them. You can choose who you want to sail with before you make your booking. Different operators have different prices. Some may be better equipped than others, but all are instructed to build up a stock of snorkels, tents, mattresses, sheets, pillows and lifejackets. And smartphones with internet, two sim card slots and gps to help them find the spots you want to go to. Or if you have such a device, you can help them. Otherwise, most already know where all the spots are, or they can be instructed beforehand.
- They call it Filipino time, and Asians in general are quite relaxed about schedules, so don’t expect everything to run according to plan. However, I stress to them that your vacation time is limited and that it is very important they adhere to any schedules. The more experienced operators generally respect and are good about this. Note also that exceedingly low tides may occasionally delay departure.
- Part of the charm of the area between El Nido and Coron, unless you stay in fancy and very expensive resorts, is that it is not very developed. If you stay at someone’s house or many of the hotels, do not expect hot or even running showers, but often a small bucket you pour over your head from well water. Don’t expect four star toilets, but they will most often be porcelain, although many times without a seat (squatting is healthier anyway), and flushing is accomplished with a bucket.
- There are 52 islands around Linapacan alone, mostly deserted. Tons of paradise, pristine beaches, but some may have sandflies (marked on our spots map), or there may be mosquitos during the rainy season (May through November). Eating lots of garlic and less bananas helps keep them away, otherwise come prepared with repellant. And if you do decide to camp out on a deserted island, keep in mind that it is wild jungle off the beach, where you might expect to find long lizards, snakes, monkeys, and various insects in their season. All are safe and afraid of humans. The only potentially dangerous animal is the centipede, which can grow to more than a foot long and can cause pain in your leg for up to two weeks if they bite you. But they too are generally afraid of people, so just keep your eye out where you are stepping.
- If in order to save costs you are forming a group with people you do not know, check out the Personality Compatibility Test page for tips on finding tour companions best matched for you.
Positive points:
- But there is always a flip side to every coin and the advantage is that you are in charge of where the boat goes. You are not part of an organised tour package where the schedule and locations are already set.
- You can control who you decide to share the boat with.
- Get off the beaten path and experience authentic rural Filipino life.
- Filipinos in these rural areas are extremely hospitable and kind, not like those who have been spoiled by demanding or disrespectful tourists in the busier areas like El Nido.
It is precisely this rural charm that I and many of my guests are drawn to. If you are a demanding type of person who expects perfection and punctuality, I would suggest that our service is not for you. Furthermore, finger snapping and disrespectful or rude behaviour will NOT be tolerated. I want to maintain the sweet nature of the locals and they are instructed to drop you off at the nearest port without any refund if they receive poor treatment. If there are any problems you are welcome to contact me and I will try to find an amicable solution. They also must learn to be timely, otherwise by their very nature they provide a top notch service. It does not help matters to get angry and raise your voice.
You can check out our Reviews page to see that our guests have been very happy with our tours and thoroughly enjoyed the rural experience, but by this page I hope to set a benchmark for realistic expectations in order that your vacation through this lovely area is the best possible. Happy travels!
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I give 5 stars because they actually helped me to arrange the tour to Balabac in last minute. However, because the money wired through the local bank in my country took time to be processed, so i missed the boat due to peak season as many people paid before my money was received by the tour guide.As most of people usually feel, once your money has been transferred out to someone you do not know, you probably frustrated that your money would not be able to be refunded.But not in my experience. I dont need to be worry, the owner refunded me the money he has received (minus the bank fees). He promised to refund me and he did it. It was around 18.700 Pesos.So, eventhough i didn't manage to go with the tour, but i am really satisfied with their legitimate and great business practice. Hopefully, people will try their services and not worry about their legit business!Thanks a lot!
The most wonderful experience from booking to beach! Karel and Mel were so fast and responsive to my very last minute trip over the holidays. We booked a private boat for two and could not have been happier with our four day trip! We didn’t think about anything other than snorkeling the entire time. Linda, our captain, cooked wonderful meals and took us to totally empty beautiful beaches. We loved staying the night in Pical especially! Wonderful to experience the Philippines this way! Will come back again and would recommend to anyone!
We booked the 3 day 2 night expedition, from Coron to Sibaltan.First of all the booking part was really simple. I organized this trip to the Philippines last minute for my family (my parents and my uncles) but Karel answered all my questions very quickly and really made everything easier for me. It was an incredible experience. Albert, our tour leader, is a wonderful guy, always smiling and ready to help us. They assisted us in everything and really took care of making everything go smoothly. The accommodation on the islands is as spartan as you expect but the location of each hut alone is worth the trip. The wonder of nature was then added to the goodness of cuisine. It's really difficult to argue how you can cook all that goodness on a boat.If you are looking for an authentic experience, in contact with nature, off the beaten track, this company's private expedition is certainly for you.
What an unforgettable experience! We did a two night (3 day) island hopping tour from Sibaltan to Coron. Everything was so well organized and the boat crew were amazing and really made sure we had a great time. The accommodation was rustic, but added to the authentic experience of the Philippines. Karel always responded to any queries we had promptly. Our boatman, Albert, was the most amazing chef and we enjoyed every meal. The crew taught the kids how to fish with a line which was their highlight of the trip. They took us to the most unbelievable snorkelling spots along the way. Would highly recommend this trip.
This is a must to do!!Super ultimate tour is the best with Kayangan and barracuda lake, twin lagoons (my favorite), coral garden (blue fabulous coral) were the best. It’s really worth it to pay for private tour (3500 to 4000 PHP). You will also have to pay for entrance fees (150 to 200PHP by location) and eventually shopping at the market - must do (count 300 for 2 for fish, pork, fruits and vegetables, water).
I was looking for a personalized excursion to the stunning Bacuit Gulf.Based on the comments, I contacted Mel.Very responsive, very efficient and perfect organization.The on-board staff were very friendly and very helpful.And I'm not even talking about the meal on board...a marvel.In all fairness, this excursion will remain an excellent memory and I cannot recommend Mel and his team highly enough.A big thank-you.
This tour went well above all our expectations! I couldn't recommend this enough! The boat crew, captain and tour guide were nothing but amazing, everyone was so kind, helpful and friendly. The crew knew the best spots to visit that weren't overcrowded with tourists, 3 times we were lucky enough to have whole islands to ourselves! It was my partner's birthday while away and everything went above and beyond, bonfire, cake, birthday card, singing and celebrating with us.If you love camping this is definitely a tout you should do, it has been the highlight of our trip!!
Coron is the best place i have ever seen.. picturesque. Beautiful. Peaceful
We booked a 4 days/3 nights private boat trip from Coron to Sibaltan. The organization went very well from the beginning, the owner answered to all my questions, and we were able to choose which islands to visit and where to sleep. The first night we slept in a bungalow in Banana Island, the second we camped in Araw beach and the last we slept in a seafront bungalow builded on a tree in Pical on Iloc Island.The islands in that area are the most beautiful islands I have ever seen, with clear water, lots of coral reef and fishes to see, white sand and almost deserted. The crew was very friendly and polite and they organize every single meal and for camping they give you a tent which was just perfect! This was our highlight in our 2 weeks in the Philippines and I wish I had booked a longer trip. A private trip gives you the freedom to decide where and when to go.
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We are a family operation managing private custom boat tours in the beautiful Palawan area, and are happy to help travelers with their plans through the country, having traveled a lot of it ourselves and planning to visit it all.