The rules of the grammars are different in island hopping in Philippines. You get on a bangka – a wooden outrigger boat – with a dozen strangers, visit four or five stops, eat grilled fish on a beach, and come back by late afternoon. It’s cheaper than a fine meal and is the most common way to get to most of the best shorelines in the country.
The way it works in reality.The actual way it operates.
Joiner Tours vs Private Boats
Joiner tours are for hire on a per person basis and follow set routes which are typically numbered or lettered. Private charters are more expensive but if you want an option to go the “other way” around traffic to avoid crowds, it’s something you can split among four or more people.
The fees that nobody mentions!The fees that no one talks about!
Almost all places include environmental fees and some lagoons and sanctuaries have their own as well. Make allowance for $20 to $40 per week or bring small change – the operators have little change.
The Best Bases
El Nido, Palawan
The archetype. Lime stone cliffs, secret lagoons through cracks in the rock walls and four standard pathways. Many of the popular lagoons now have capped daily permits and timed entry and the first boat out has an advantage.
Coron, Palawan
El Nido and better – shipwrecks, brackish lakes surrounded by karst and white sandbars at Malcapuya and at Banana Island. calmer waters, less boats.
Islas de Gigantes, Iloilo
Group of rocky islets in Visayas that is famous for low-cost scallops and the curved sandbar of Cabugao Gamay. Accessible by land and sea from the city of Iloilo (which has low numbers).
Britania Islands, Surigao del Sur
Between the islands of Mindanao, a couple of dozen small islands along the eastern coast of Mindanao, which are virtually all domestic-tourist territory. The standard circuit consists of Naked Island, Hagonoy and Boslon.
Hundred Islands, Pangasinan
The closest from Manila which is about five hours North. Not the best water in the country, but good enough for the weekend and kayaking/cliff jumping islets are available.
Adventure Beyond the Beach
Sohoton Cove, Bucas Grande
Reached from Siargao. Then through a low tide passable limestone tunnel, on to stingless jellyfish lagoons and a submerged cave that is accessed by diving under a rock ledge.
Apo Island, Negros
Located in a community-managed marine sanctuary where there is reliable shallow water green turtle sightings. From Dauin or Dumaguete, day trips are available.
Siquijor
Explore the island by scooter in one day: Cambugahay Falls – rope swings, Salagdoong – cliff jumps and a virtually empty coastline.
Siargao
Surf at Cloud 9 August – November, rock pools, Sugba Lagoon, 3 small islands off-shore. The best all-round adventure base in the country.
Practical Advice
Weather and Safety
The coast guard suspends sailing often during the period from June to November, grounding boats. Never ask and push an operator to go out on the water; verify life jackets are on board; don’t treat cancellations as a scam.
What to Bring
Extra drinking water, coral-safe sun cream, water shoes for rocky access and a dry bag. Even cell phones can’t survive long in salty water and a waterproof phone case is worth every penny.
Timing Your Trip
The dry season is in the months of November to May throughout most hopping areas, with the exception of Siargao that has a surf season that coincides with the wetter months. You can have to book a day before during peak seasons — and be prepared for early departures.
Choosing Where to Go
Palawan for scenery, Visayas for marine life, Mindanao’s east coast for solitude. Choose only one area to visit on each trip (the travel time between the areas is more days than it’s worth).
The boats are basic, the courses are fixed and the water takes care of the rest.