Payong-Payong Island
In the heart of the mesmerizing Palawan archipelago in the Philippines lies a hidden paradise known as Payong-Payong Island. With its pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and serene ambiance, Payong-Payong Island offers travelers a haven of tranquility and natural beauty. In this article, we embark on a virtual exploration of Payong-Payong Island, delving into its history, unique characteristics, activities, and the unforgettable experiences it provides to all who venture to its shores.
Unveiling the History of Payong-Payong Island
While historical records about Payong-Payong Island are limited, the island is believed to have been named after the Filipino word “payong,” which means umbrella. This name may have been inspired by the island’s lush vegetation that provides ample shade, evoking the image of a natural umbrella. The history of the island is intertwined with the history of the Philippines itself, a country rich in cultural heritage and diverse influences.
A Natural Paradise of Beauty and Biodiversity
Payong-Payong Island’s allure lies in its untouched natural beauty. As you approach the island, you’re greeted by pristine white sands that stretch along the shoreline, meeting the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the surrounding sea. The calm and shallow waters make it an ideal destination for swimming, snorkeling, and beachcombing, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of their surroundings.
The island’s lush vegetation, including coconut palms and other tropical flora, adds to its tropical charm. The rustling leaves and gentle breeze create a serene backdrop for relaxation, making Payong-Payong Island the perfect spot to unwind and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Snorkeling Adventures in Vibrant Coral Gardens
One of the main attractions of Payong-Payong Island is its underwater world teeming with marine life. Snorkeling enthusiasts are in for a treat as they explore the vibrant coral gardens that thrive beneath the waves. The island’s surrounding waters are home to a kaleidoscope of coral species, each more colorful and intricate than the last.
As you snorkel through these underwater gardens, you’ll encounter a mesmerizing array of marine creatures. Schools of colorful fish, graceful sea turtles, and elusive seahorses are just a few of the inhabitants that call these waters home. The feeling of weightlessness as you glide through the water, surrounded by this bustling ecosystem, is an experience that’s both humbling and awe-inspiring.
Island Hopping Adventures and Exploration
Payong-Payong Island is often included in island hopping tours offered by local operators in El Nido. These tours provide an opportunity to explore the diverse beauty of the surrounding islands and lagoons. Island hopping tours may include stops at nearby destinations such as Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, and Secret Lagoon, each offering a unique and enchanting experience.
During these tours, travelers can soak in the beauty of limestone karst formations that rise dramatically from the sea. These majestic formations, shaped by the forces of nature over millions of years, add an air of mystery and grandeur to the entire island hopping experience.
A Glimpse into Local Culture and Cuisine
While Payong-Payong Island is largely undeveloped, it offers visitors a chance to experience the warmth and hospitality of the local communities. Some island hopping tours may include beach picnics prepared by local guides, allowing travelers to savor traditional Filipino cuisine against the backdrop of nature’s wonders. The flavors of freshly caught seafood, tropical fruits, and locally sourced ingredients create a culinary journey that complements the beauty of the surroundings.
Sustainable Tourism and Conservation Efforts
As the popularity of Payong-Payong Island grows, it becomes increasingly important to preserve its natural beauty and protect its delicate ecosystems. The local communities and authorities are working collaboratively to promote sustainable tourism practices that minimize the impact of human activity on the island.
Travelers are encouraged to follow responsible tourism guidelines, such as practicing “Leave No Trace” principles, avoiding stepping on or touching coral reefs, and refraining from leaving behind any waste. By adhering to these guidelines, visitors can contribute to the long-term preservation of Payong-Payong Island’s natural wonders.
Getting to Payong-Payong Island
Reaching Payong-Payong Island typically involves a multi-step journey. Travelers first fly to Manila, the capital of the Philippines, and then take a domestic flight to Puerto Princesa, Palawan. From Puerto Princesa, a combination of land and boat transportation is used to reach El Nido. Once in El Nido, various island hopping tours are available, some of which include a visit to the serene shores of Payong-Payong Island.
Payong-Payong Island stands as a testament to the untouched beauty and enchanting allure of the Philippines’ tropical paradises. With its powdery white sands, vibrant marine life, and serene ambiance, it offers travelers an opportunity to escape into a world of natural wonder and tranquility. Whether you’re snorkeling through coral gardens, exploring nearby lagoons, or simply relaxing on its pristine beaches, Payong-Payong Island promises an experience that leaves a lasting impression on the soul. As you immerse yourself in the embrace of this tranquil oasis, you’ll find yourself longing to return again and again to its captivating shores.
Looking for a more secluded and off the beaten islands? Our Private Multi-day boat expedition between El Nido and Coron is perfect for you. We also offer El Nido Private tours.
Looking for a hassle-free Surprise Sunset Wedding Proposal? We got you! We have available Surprise Wedding Proposal packages available in Coron and in El Nido.
Home » Palawan » Boat Stops »
recommendsGérard Benoit2023-02-08I was looking for a personalized excursion to the beautiful bay of Bacuit. Seeing the comments, I contacted Mel. Very responsive, very efficient and perfect organization. The crew 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 can recommend Mel and his team highly enough. A big thank-you.recommendsAndré Mardoñal2019-10-22⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The island world of Linapacan between Coron and El Nido with the clearest waters in the world is truly a dream for itself! Without a boat you won't be able to see it! But what this boat trips makes so amazing is the crew! Once you come on board they might be shy in the beginning but will make you feel welcome and home from the first moment. Not only that they are looking that you sit comfortable all the time, they will prepare fresh and delicious food what the buy from local markets. They know the best spots and most beautiful islands and will bring you to places where you get this "Robinson Cruisoe feeling". Every day you visit 3 to 5 spots for snorkeling, enjoying a beach or exploring a little island. The accommodation we had was good and simple. We slept in bungalows and tents right at the beach. Sheets and towels were always provided and sometimes towels. After a while you feel like a family on board. We loved living the boat life didn't wanna leave! If you doubt take a longer than shorter trip! For any questions please message me.recommendsSarah Uhan2019-01-31All in all it was a really great experience. It's a once in a lifetime thing to do and you won't get more authentic and basic Philippino experiences anywhere else. We were not so lucky with the wind and waves so we couldn't do all the stops we wanted to unfortunately. So be aware that especially the months from January to May can be very rough on water. But we still saw some great places Benji took us. Benji and his family was very nice and they did everything they could. The food was amazing - always freshly made in authentic Philippino style and way too much for the 2 of us. Make sure to bring enough cash - many of the islands cost extra (entrance fee) and be aware that any kind of accommodation and food (200php per meal) is not included in the boat fee. Also the deposit and commission fee for the agency are a little over the top, especially since the crew does not get any of it. The costs all in all are rather high for phillipino circumstances especially given the basicness of it all. However if you think about that all 5 boat people (in our case) live off of the boat fee alone, you spent the money willingly. Be aware though that accommodation and sanataries are very basic if even existant. So you gotta have the right mindset. Bring tissue, sanatiszer and earplugs to get some better sleep. Another feedback I have concerning the size of the boat. I don't think it is sufficient for more than 4 people. If the weather is like it was these days, you always have to sit on top and it was already a little squeezy with us 2 and 5 boat people. So I guess 4 guests can be fine but more than that won't have the space. There is different boat sizes but make sure to talk about that with Karel in advance. Other than that it was really worth it and we got to see so many great beaches and reefs which we could have never been able to visit without the tour.recommendsEric Liu2018-03-15It was scary to book a 5 day trip with no places to stay confirmed or a strong itinerary. And in the Philippines, communication is difficult. But that is part of changing mindsets to a rural island mindset. In the end, everything worked out. We had some tough moments with bugs. But we also had some amazingly beautiful secluded beaches, the best snorkeling in the world, relaxing on the beach, and freshly made food on the boat while docked at beautiful places (better than being on land). Note, we went with Benji. Recommendations: - you must get a local SIM when you arrive to make sure pickup and everything works out - some islands have bugs - use bug spray! Pros: - a fraction of the cost - away from the crowds - can customize what you want - just ask! - a truly local experience - saw a REAL rural town Cons: - locals aren't really polished tour guides - if you don't ask for it, you won't get it, need to be pretty proactive - pretty simple "activities" - no frills like bathrooms or kayaks etc.recommendsÁngela Deand2017-04-26We can't be more grateful to have had the opportunity of experience the peace in Patoyo Kitesurfing Camping! Spending two weeks in Dimancal Island, gave us the chance to experiment the rural and traditional way of life, in touch with the nature and people. We have learnt how to cook with fire, how to open a coconut and how to survive in an environment where for a time we forget about unnecessary needs, just to focus on enjoy the small details and pleasures of life. Mentioning too the amazing snorkeling and beautiful islands around this place, which make it unique and special. It is a lovely option if you are running away from tourists and overcrowded places in the Philippines. You will find yourself in the middle of virgin beaches and nature, surrounding by charming people. We will definitely come back!recommendsCaroline Danielle2017-02-13We haven't done a Tao tour, but I would suspect that this is a cheaper version of the same thing. Our boat operator (Benji) and the entire crew were were fun, friendly and made an effort to ensure we had a good time. If you get a large group of people together it can be a really inexpensive alternative to other Coron-El Nino and vice versa island hopping tours. The food was good, but more expensive than as advertised by Karl. The price quote we got was 100 php a meal, but the boat charged us 200. Since the food was good we didn't mind the extra expense, but it is important to keep in mind if you're on a budget. Definitely plan for some incidental spending. Our boat did have some mechanical issues and as a result we ended up being stuck in the same place for longer than we wanted to be. That being said, little could have been done about it and the trip was fun nonetheless.recommendsHauk Are Fjeld2017-01-01If you believe that doing the touristic tours in El Nido and going to "The hidden beach" takes you off the beaten path, you are wrong. There are lots of beautiful places in Palawan, but few of these places are without any other tourists. If you want to spend some extra effort on getting away from the tourist places, and don't mind a little "primitive" living, Island Hopping in the Philippines is definitely something you should check outrecommendsArnold Cabiguen2015-05-08The snorkeling in this area is phenomenal. Clearest waters in the world. I guess it's because there is relatively such lower tourist traffic through here, and the locals really protect the reefs!recommendsKarel Kosman2015-05-08Love it so much, just had to say it twice!
A wife and a mother of one with a small family business operation. We love to travel so we know what you need. In our family, I’m the one who loves organizing romantic wedding proposals and El Nido and Coron private day tours.