Camping and Tenting

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A purple and green tent is set up on a sandy beach surrounded by palm trees, capturing the essence of island hopping in Palawan. In the background, there's a small wooden structure with a red roof. A glimpse of the ocean and clear blue sky can be seen as another tent is visible in the distance.

The Philippines is a country of 7,107 islands, beach paradise after beach paradise. It is not difficult to find empty beaches where you can set up a tent for free, with walking trails through the jungle on remote islands. If you respect the environment and locals, they are most often completely cool about it. Just spend some money wherever you stay and the word will get around.

The above picture is where I first started camping in Linapacan, a beautiful area off the beaten path with 52 paradise beach islands. You can read the complete story, as I moved to develop a nature camp/resort on a different paradise beach island. You can check out info I’m collecting on other parts of the country, ferries how to get to Linapacan, or join or book one of our private custom boat tours between El Nido and Coron. Tons of paradise beach islands to see along the way, excellent snorkeling in crystal clear waters, caves to explore, Spanish fortress and much more. Completely off the beaten path!

Aerial view of a small boat on clear blue-green water next to a white sandy beach, perfect for island hopping adventures. The text "Palawan boat tours" in yellow at the bottom invites you to explore the stunning shores of Palawan.

Palawan

Map illustrating travel routes in the Philippines: a blue path for flights from Manila to Coron, a dotted white path continuing for island hopping adventures in Palawan, and a yellow path highlighting ferry and boat tours from Manila to Puerto Princesa via San Vicente and El Nido.

Voted many times as the best island in the world, there is lots to see, You can find more in the Things to Do section of TripAdvisor. The area between Coron and El Nido (Linapacan) is pristine and beautiful. I’ve had visitors come on kayaks, inflatable longboards (complete with waterproof gps tracking unit, solar panel, compartments etc), even four Russians on an improvised engine-powered raft (complete with a keg). Can be a 2,000km stretch around the southern tip of Palawan (if starting from Coron). But be warned of possible pirates around the southern tip, or sea alligators who can reach lengths of 6 meters! In which case it might be better to dive into the mainland around Princesa, cut across and continue northwards after that.

Three people sit on a small raft covered by a green canopy, surrounded by camping supplies and equipment. The raft floats on the clear, shallow waters of Palawan, with distant, lush islands silhouetted under the sunny sky.Four Russians showed up announced on my beach with their powered, homemade raft.

I’ve collected some information about El Nido, Coron, and Linapacan. Port Barton and Sabang are nice, you can poke your head from the main highway to the beach, or peruse the beaches from the ocean side on a sailboat. Sibaltan on the other/east side of the peninsula is a great archaeological village with a mile of beach. Good idea to rent a motorbike and bring tent with gear. If you give yourself enough time to hunt around, usually you can find a room from 300 to 500 pesos a night for up to two people in a single bed, possibly with fan. Or scour the beaches looking for quiet spots, for your tent.

A serene beach scene at sunset with a wooden pier extending over calm waters. A small boat floats nearby, inviting dreams of island hopping in Palawan, while silhouettes of distant islands are visible on the horizon under a softly lit sky.The lovely Sibaltan

Just to the east of Sibaltan are a ton of islands and you can try your luck finding a local fisherman to take you there. Or ask Dennis at the Ursula resort right on the beach. Say hi from Karel. Or you can take a 30 minute boat to Pical on Iloc Island, for local tours from there. There are also a lot of boats in San Fernando, about 20 minutes north of Sibaltan. In Sibaltan you can stay cheaply in a dormitory hut.

Children sit by a wooden boat on a sandy beach in El Nido, with trees and rustic huts as the backdrop. The distant ocean sparkles under the warm, golden light, perfectly capturing the charm of this idyllic coastal paradise often explored on a boat tour.The lovely Iloc island.

South of Sibaltan is TayTay and northward by boat you can make your way to Linapacan or Coron. You can try the ferries for budget, join a group in one of our multi-day, private boat tours, or pass through the entire area, Manila round trip, for 10,000p total (above map picture).

Once in Linapacan, halfway to Coron, there are tons of deserted islands or beaches (such as the lovely Bolina island), with caves, cliff diving and an Old Spanish fortress around San Miguel (or), the main town. In San Miguel the BRC hotel now has a big dorm with bunkbeds, there is the Patoyo tent camp (on the island of Patoyo and a great one to explore) across the way, or the nature camp I started, now managed by the son of BRC. Through him you can arrange affordable local boat tours – 52 islands in this area alone. Linapacan has the declared clearest waters in the world, with excellent snorkeling everywhere. You will also experience authentic Filipino rural living.

I suggest the app maps.me, which works offline and only requires GPS. Before you come make sure to zoom in enough and download the detailed maps of all the areas you would like to visit, since the internet can be very slow here. With this map app you can see how long or developed the beaches are and perhaps some trails.

Cebu and Visayas

Now that I have thoroughly explored the Palawan area and left my budding little nature camp in capable hands, I would like to buy a motorcycle and explore the rest of the country, starting with the Visayas region. Be sure to check the progress! I’ll be updating it here and on the Philippines Camping Facebook page.

Below are some pics I’ve taken while touring through the Palawan area.

A panoramic view of Palawan showcases a lush, green island with dense foliage and palm trees. The island is surrounded by clear, blue ocean waters, perfect for boat tours and island hopping. Several smaller islands are visible in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

Two people crouch by a campfire in a wooded area, grilling fish over a stone-lined pit during their island hopping adventure. One holds a metal tool, while the other tends the fire. Blue water containers are nearby. A third person stands partially out of view, perhaps planning their next stop in Palawan.

A person relaxes in a hammock on a sandy beach in Palawan, surrounded by trees adorned with shells. A blue tent, ideal for camping, is set up nearby amidst lush greenery under a clear sky.

A small outdoor kitchen setup in a forest clearing near a beach, perfect for camping. It includes wooden shelves with various kitchen supplies, plastic containers, hanging bags, and a path leading to the water. Trees and foliage surround the area, creating an ideal base for island hopping adventures.

Our budding kitchen.

Two people play volleyball on a sandy beach with makeshift wooden poles. The sky is clear, and lush greenery with hills, reminiscent of Palawan's beauty, is visible in the background. As the sun casts long shadows on the sand, one can almost imagine nearby boat tours ready for island hopping adventures. A person stands on a narrow path surrounded by dense green foliage, embodying the spirit of Palawan. Shirtless with a red bandana and wearing shorts, they appear ready for adventure. The hillside in the background is draped in lush vegetation, echoing the allure of camping.

Volunteer helping to build trails in the jungle.

A person enjoys a serene camping spot in Palawan, standing on a sandy area surrounded by trees. Nearby, a tent and hammock blend into the tranquil setting with plants arranged in a circular pattern bordered by rocks. A blue bucket and chair complete this idyllic outdoor retreat.

Move the hammocks and tents according to your taste,
beautify your own area.

A dirt path winds through a garden bordered by white gravel, reminiscent of trails found on camping adventures. Lush green plants and trees surround the path, creating a natural and serene atmosphere as sunlight filters through the foliage above.

A person climbs a grassy hillside overlooking a lush tropical landscape with dense green vegetation and a calm sea, perfect for island hopping. Small islands are visible in the distance under a clear blue sky.

View from the top of the island – second project.

A rustic path made of wooden planks and gravel leads up a sandy slope, surrounded by trees and foliage. This inviting trail hints at hidden camping spots amidst the woods, offering a natural and serene beachside setting reminiscent of Palawan's tranquil landscapes.

Everything built from surrounding natural materials.

A narrow path made of white stones winds through dense greenery, perfect for a tranquil camping retreat. In the background, clothes hang on a line among the trees. Brown leaves are scattered along the trail, and tall plants surround the scene, creating a secluded outdoor setting.

Pockets of space in the jungle just off the beach (sometimes rather windy right on the beach).

A narrow, winding path covered with small white pebbles leads through dense greenery towards an open area, reminiscent of a hidden trail in Palawan. Trees and bushes surround the path, creating a natural tunnel effect.

A small boat sits on a sandy beach in Palawan near smoldering ash, surrounded by tropical greenery and a tree with broad leaves under a clear blue sky.

Our little paddle banca to explore neighbouring islands.

A smiling person in a swimsuit gives a thumbs-up in a forest campsite, capturing the essence of island hopping in Palawan. Two tents set up under a tarp among palm trees create the perfect base for adventure, with sandy ground and leaves completing the idyllic scene.

Cheery people from all over the world.

A sandy path lined with leaves and bushes leads to a small beach area, perfect for island hopping. A green bucket and a wooden stool are placed near the shoreline, with a few scattered items. The ocean is visible in the background under a clear sky.

A purple tent stands on a sandy beach under palm trees, embodying the essence of camping in paradise. Nearby, an open-air bamboo hut with a thatched roof overlooks the ocean. A boat, perhaps ready for island hopping adventures, is partially visible as a dirt path winds through this tropical Palawan escape.

Our first project on a nearby island, with main hut already completed.

A natural rock archway on a sandy beach in Palawan offers an enchanting view. The rocky formation, surrounded by lush greenery, serves as a perfect backdrop for island hopping adventures, with the archway leading to the ocean beyond, framed by rugged rocks.

Explore the many deserted islands.

A narrow path lined with white stones winds through a coconut grove, leading to a yellow tent set up among the trees, perfect for a camping adventure in Palawan. In the background, there is a small structure resembling a hut.

Live next to local fishermen with their families.

Tents set up on a sandy beach in Palawan are surrounded by palm trees, with a view of the ocean in the background. Camping gear is scattered around, and the sun creates dappled light on the ground—a perfect spot to unwind after a day of island hopping.

A group of smiling children, some inside and some standing outside a green and purple tent, enjoy their camping adventure. One child holds a toy, and another waves at the camera. The backdrop features trees, capturing the joyful spirit of outdoor exploration in a setting reminiscent of Palawan.

Tons of space to park your own tent for only 100p a day, or rent one of ours for 300p a night for one person or 400p for two. We have volleyball, kitesurfing boards, excellent snorkeling, and a small banca with which you can paddle around this or neighbouring islands. We can also organise local island hopping tours, diving and cave exploration. Tons of things to do in this gem of the Philippines!

Aerial view of a boat on clear turquoise water near a sandy beach in Palawan. Two people are visible on the beach enjoying the stunning scenery. Text reads "Palawan Island Hopping Tours.

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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.

0 thoughts on “Camping and Tenting”

  1. Hello,

    Me and my friend are going to visit the philippines in december. We were looking for a place where we can rent a tent, and camp in Palawan. I read that you offer island hopping while camping, is that right? If so, can you give me more information please.

    Thank you!

    Samantha

    Reply

  2. Hi sailorsam,

    We plan to visit Palawan and do camping, may I know how to get to your place from Puerto Princesa Airport?

    How much will it cost for a 3days stay and is it possible?

    Reply

  3. We are a party of two looking for transport to remote locations for camping,kayaking snorkeling and exploration. We need to be dropped off and picked up. How much would this cost? Also, we would need some camping/kayaking supplies. Can you recommend any rental places?

    Thanks

    James

    Reply

    • Some people have rented kayaks from Coron and El Nido but I do not know their contact. If you get it onto the Marhpy’s ferry there are lots of deserted or sparsely populated islands you could explore around here, or inexpensive boat tours locally in smaller boats.

      Reply

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