About Trip

We could tell you The Philippines is home to more beauty than you'd find in a copy of National Geographic, or tell you that the sand is so golden you'll have to put your sunglasses on to be able to see straight but hey you'll have to experience the West of the Philippines for yourself! Jump into legendary crystal clear waters of Palawan and learn the local ways with a cooking class off the beaten track at our exclusive Isla Experience in El Nido. Head to Coron and hang back with the sand between your toes or dive deep to explore the local shipwrecks. Whatever your thing is, you'll find epic fun, new friends for life and an authentic experience only TruTravels can bring on this 10-day Island hopping tour.

Tour Rating

Here at Tru our 'People and Planet Promise' is crucial to designing and running every tour. We also want to be transparent about what we are doing to give back to the local communities and the planet too! Check out the measurements of sustainability below to find out more about how we are giving back.

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Ripple Score
100
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This score indicates how much of the money spent on our tours stays within the local economy and is marked out 100. Read More
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Trees Planted
6
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This refers to the amount of trees planted per tour bought. For every £1000 spent we plant 15 trees! Read More
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Carbon Offset
0.37 Tons
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This is how many tons of carbon we offset from all the travel, accommodation and activities that every single customer uses when they join one of our amazing trips. Read More
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Tour Impact
94
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We’ve scored each tour and supplier in our network on business practise, green efficiency, carbon footprint and plastic use. The higher the score, the more this tour and the suppliers we use have a positive impact on the environment and the local people. Read More

Travel Style

classic

When we say classic, we mean the perfect balance of culture, adventure, beaches and parties. High number of inclusions, low cost. Tru-ly authentic experiences from home-stays & hostels to beach huts, hotels and boats. A classic tour means maximum adventure, minimum hassle. Built for backpackers by backpackers.

What's Included

  • Activities
  • Airport Pickup
  • Travel Ninja
  • Transport
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

Activities All Activities Included!
Snorkeling with Turtles
El Nido Lagoons
Isla experience
Island Hopping in Port Barton
Visit beaches, and local villages
Lunch with the locals
Visit crystal clear lagoons in El Nido
1 night castaway experience
Island Hopping in Coron
Snorkel at a shipwreck
Beach Day
Ziplining
Snorkeling with Turtles El Nido Lagoons Isla experience Island Hopping in Port Barton Visit beaches, and local villages Lunch with the locals Visit crystal clear lagoons in El Nido 1 night castaway experience Island Hopping in Coron Snorkel at a shipwreck Beach Day Ziplining

Airport Pickup
If you are arriving less than 48 hours before the start of the tour and booked the pre-nights directly with TruTravels at the start hotel, you will get a free airport pickup.
If you are arriving the day of the tour you will also be eligible for an airport pick up.
If you are arriving less than 48 hours before the start of the tour and booked the pre-nights directly with TruTravels at the start hotel, you will get a free airport pickup. If you are arriving the day of the tour you will also be eligible for an airport pick up.

Travel Ninja
Your Guide! Like travelling with your best mates and one of them happens to know where they're going!
Your Guide! Like travelling with your best mates and one of them happens to know where they're going!

Transport
All Transport Included
Flight to Puerto Princesa
flight baggage allowances 20kg
Private Bus
Ferry to Coron
All Transport Included Flight to Puerto Princesa flight baggage allowances 20kg Private Bus Ferry to Coron

Accommodation
9 Nights Accommodation
Hotels
Twin share Rooms
Hostel
Beachside Bungalows
9 Nights Accommodation Hotels Twin share Rooms Hostel Beachside Bungalows

Meals
8 x Breakfast
4 x Lunch
1 x Dinner
8 x Breakfast 4 x Lunch 1 x Dinner

Your Trip Planner

Philippines West
10 Days

U$1,595 U$1,276

Location Route Iconmanila - coron town

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Select Date
Start
green location pin icon manila
End
red flag destination iconcoron town
Number of travellers
outline of two people
Total Price:
U$
letter i in a circleThe deposit price is U$280

Map

Bucket List

Castaway Experience
El Nido
Swim with Turtles
Epic Philippines Sunsets
Tru
Flexibility
Low Deposit
Stupidly low deposits so you won't have to raid the piggy bank to lock in your trip.
Free date change
If your plans change, no stress. We allow one free date change up to 60 days before you travel.
Payment Plans
Have something to look forward to & pay us when you can.
Unrivalled Support
The best 1 on 1 support before, during and after your trip.

Itinerary

Day 1

hello manila!

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Tru
Exclusives

You've made it! You're here and time to start your trip of a lifetime! Take advantage of your airport pick up in the bustling capital of Manila or meet us directly at the hotel in the lively district of Makati. Put your feet up (it's been a long journey and you deserve it). We give everyone time to relax, settle in and of course catch some wifi! You've arrived in paradise, so update your insta story to let everyone know that yes, you are in the Philippines! Later on, you'll meet your guide and the rest of your group (soon to be TruFam) for welcome drinks and dinner where you'll make the first of many incredible memories! After a few Red Horses (that's the Philippines local beer btw, not some fictitious animal that runs the streets) we head out to explore. Day One in the Philippines, you'll already know you made the best decision of your life.

Manila
Airport Pick Up
Day 2

travel to palawan & local lunch with family

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Tru
Exclusives

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Well yes, yes it is a plane, but a plane full of now-bestie backpackers on their way to Puerto Princesa, the gateway to Palawan AKA Paradise AKA what dreams really are made of! We travel by private minivans, yes that's how we roll, private, exclusive whatever you want to call it. We get chauffeured to the idyllic and unspoilt fishing town of Port Barton. On the way we stop to have lunch with a local family, taste some local cuisine, and grasp an understanding of a different way of life. Hey, there may be even a giant coconut to drink (or three). After checking in to our beachfront hotel in Port Barton, enjoy the first of many idyllic Filipino sunsets, bev in hand, before venturing out to grab dinner!

Port Barton
Flight to Puerto Princesa & Van to Port Barton
1x Lunch with local family
Day 3

port barton island hopping

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Tru
Exclusives

Wake up, have you seen the colour of the water outside?! Today we hop on a traditional Banca boat. Get your snorkel, mask and budgie smugglers at the ready as we dive into some of Palawan's most beautiful spots. Keep an eye out for turtles, the rainbow-coloured reefs and if you get the chance, reenact your best bond girl or guy scene. Daniel Craig, unfortunately, can't make it, but your TruNinja has better moves anyway. We stop island hopping for a local style lunch and have a few hours free time to chill in the most beautiful place you've ever seen. The time is yours to spend it however you like, drooling optional! After a magical day, we sail back in style to Port Barton where we freshen up before hitting some of the best bars and restaurants in town!

Port Barton
Island Hopping & snorkelling
1x Breakfast, 1x Lunch
Day 4

we're going to el nido…

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Tru
Exclusives

Sing it with us! The star attraction of Palawan, the Brad Pitt/Margot Robbie of the Philippines, if you will - EL NIDO! After today, anywhere you visit will be compared to here, the sheer beauty of it all. We start day 4 of your TruTravels by travelling to paradise. We arrive at lunchtime and after settling into our accommodation in El Nido. That evening, we grab dinner and check out some local bars with big party vibes. El Nido is known for producing one of the best sunsets in the world too. It really doesn't get better than this.

El Nido
1x Breakfast
Day 5

el nido island hopping

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Tru
Exclusives

Day 5 and we're feeling alive! Today we experience the world-class island hopping that made El Nido famous! We'll island-hop to some of the best locations the region has to offer, including the insane lagoons of Bacuit Bay, (a Secret Beach we can't really talk about) all surrounded by friendships you can now never live without. Hire a kayak and show off your Olympic level paddling, or get your snorkel out and dive down making your own Little Mermaid sequel. You'll never want to leave, but we'll head back to the hotel before sunset for some time to relax before meeting up later for grub, bevs and reminisce on a real bucket list day.

El Nido
Island hopping & snorkelling
1x Breakfast, 1x Lunch
Day 6

nacpan beach & ziplining

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Tru
Exclusives

Time to explore El Nido by land! We start our day with a Mission Impossible-style zipline experience. We'll zoom from beach to beach taking in these incredible views sure to get your blood pumping. After an adrenaline-filled morning, we head to Nacpan Beach, one of the Philippines most famously pristine beaches lined with palm trees so lush you might question reality. Beach time messing will surely ensue.

EL NIDO
Beach & Ziplining
1x Breakfast
Day 7

castaway experience, snorkelling & cooking class

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Tru
Exclusives

Ready for a Tru-ly unique experience? After a jam packed day, we head to Daracotan Island, a TruExclusive, as you begin your castaway Isla Experience! We don't want to give too much away but trust us when we say it'll be way more fun than being your own dentist with an ice skate like poor Tom Hanks in Castaway (we encourage frequent cries of WILSON during your stay). It's time to explore some shipwrecks before taking a guided tour of Daracotan Island, home to 88 full-time residents (including a pig or two). Hear fascinating tales of their heritage, meet a local family and learn how tourism positively impacts their lives today. In the evening we take part in a traditional local cooking demonstration where you'll learn how to eat Filipino style! We dine together, devouring the local delicacies we prepared shortly before and make a mental note to add "world renowned chef" to the CV when we get back home. Now it's time to wind down round the bonfire with a few beers!

 

*This itinerary's accomodation is active from 3rd October*

DARACOTAN ISLAND
Snorkelling, local village tour, cooking class, bonfire
1x breakfast, 1x dinner
Castaway Accommodation
Day 8

travel to coron

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Tru
Exclusives

Have a relaxed morning, you deserve it and take in your last few hours of bliss before we head back to El Nido town. Today, we catch the ferry across to Coron, yet another world-famous island in Palawan. Tonight is a big one, it is party time, and we really hope you brought some shit shirts because we are going to give Coron our very best shot(s)!

Coron
Snorkelling, travel to Coron
1x Breakfast
Day 9

coron boat trip

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Tru
Exclusives

It's our last full day together with your TruFam! Friendships for life have been made, your TruNinja has gained another dozen adoring Insta followers, and you'll start reflecting on what's been a life-changing week. We're making one last adventure, this time exploring the island of Coron including the impossibly beautiful Coron Bay and the mind-boggling underwater mountains. We'll have an afternoon of fun rolling around on beaches, jumping in the sea, and filling your hair with too much sand! We head back for one last TruFam dinner and drinks before we bid Palaam, for now! That's goodbye in Filipino, but you already know that by now!

Coron Town
Island hopping
1x Breakfast, 1x Lunch
Day 10

chilled check out

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Tru
Exclusives

Today we check out of the hotel, and it's time to say goodbye. The TruFamily you've become over the past ten days will live on longer than the turtle you saw on Day 3 (remember him?). Whether you were the naughty child of the group, the mum making sure everyone wears suncream or the exuberant auntie that gets pissed every night. We will miss you! If your adventure's continuing, our TruNinjas will be there to give you a hand with any onward travels plans you have, if you're heading home...It's emotional, it's been a life-changer but most of all it's been our absolute pleasure to have shown you around the Philippines. This isn't goodbye, it's see you soon!

HELP & SUPPORT WITH ONWARD TRAVEL
1x Breakfast

WHERE WE STAY

philippines - accommodation - Manila 1
philippines - accommodation - Manila 2
philippines - accommodation - Manila 1
philippines - accommodation - Manila 2

manila

The first stop on our amazing 10-day adventure is Manila and our accommodation is in a great location - close to malls, the Salcedo Saturday Market and loads of nice restaurants and bars. After you dump your bags and you meet your new besties, grab a cocktail on the rooftop bar that has great views of the Manila skyline or explore the city before we take you for a great dinner and night out nearby.

Each room is air-conditioned and has views of the city (as if the rooftop bar wasn't enough already!)

philippines - accommodation - Port Barton 5
philippines - accommodation - Port Barton
philippines - accommodation - Port Barton 2
philippines - accommodation - Port Barton 4
philippines - accommodation - Port Barton 3
philippines - accommodation - Port Barton 5
philippines - accommodation - Port Barton
philippines - accommodation - Port Barton 2
philippines - accommodation - Port Barton 4
philippines - accommodation - Port Barton 3

port barton

From city life to the chilled, relaxing beach town of Port Barton! Just a 1-minute walk from your room to the beach, here we stay in some amazing, sustainable cottages on the beachfront... dreamy, right?!

Cameras at the ready because it has a balcony with amazing views of the sea... no big deal! There's also a restaurant that serves great local grub and some delicious cocktails!

el nido

El Nido is known for its amazing beaches and lagoon tours, so it's only fitting that we stay somewhere in El Nido, which is a 1-minute walk from the beach. There's a garden, shared lounge, a terrace - what more could you want?

We will also have one nights stay in Isla Daracotan where we will live our best island lives!

philippines - accommodation - Coron 3
philippines - accommodation - Coron 2
philippines - accommodation - Coron 3
philippines - accommodation - Coron 2

coron

Onto The Philippines' top dive spot - Coron. There are lots of nice restaurants and dive shops next to our hotel so it's easy to grab a delicious Filipino meal nearby before watching the sunset (our hotel has one of the BEST views of the sunset in town!) So, kick back, grab a sundowner and get ready to be wowwed by the famous Filipino sunset!

Each room has air conditioning and free WiFi.

Reviews

Vanezza is an amazing tour guide on this incredible tour!
Right from the very start even before I left the UK, Vanezza was so helpful and supportive with everything from making sure you arrived safely and got the pick up transfer! Vanezza is so kind and is the absolute best tour guide you can get. She knows the locals and speaks multiple languages which is super handy. I know most of her work was done behind the scenes which ensured we got such a smooth experience and nothing went wrong! When eating out she recommended local dishes and went the extra mile to make sure you were happy. Vanezza is the absolute best and I’ll make sure to keep in touch especially when I’m back in the Philippines as there’s no one else that I would like to show me around but her!
Suki V. - Oct 2023
Philippines west dream
Vanezza is the ultimate tour guide, especially in her home country of the Philippines! Vanezza’s relationship with staff at our accommodation, restaurants, the driver and tour guides on our boat tours meant that we had a seamless and really special experience throughout our trip. Her knowledge of the Philippines, including it’s culture and history is second to none, and something that really made this trip extra special for me! Vanezza completely became part of our group, as a small all girls group of 6 we were lucky enough to form friendships that will really last forever and that is definitely down to Vanezza making us feel comfortable from day one! She is a super caring guide, and always made sure we were happy and well looked after. She made sure were knew our itinerary each and everyday, ordered our meals on time, and took us to the best spots in each of our destinations. Vanezza never complains and does everything with a smile on her face even when she wasn’t feeling her best. There’s not one bad thing I can say about Vanezza, as a new solo traveller she has inspired me to keep on travelling the world and don’t think there is a better gift than that!
Alex Dobell - Oct 2023

FAQs

Where does the trip start & Finish?

The trip begins in Manila and ends in Coron.

Which airport do I need to fly into?

You will need to fly into Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). Please note that in order to enter the Philippines you need an onward ticket exiting the country within 30 days or you may not be allowed to board your flight and enter the country.

WHAT IS THE CLOSEST AIRPORT TO THE END DESTINATION?

The closest airport to Coron is Francisco B. Reyes Airport, commonly known as Coron Airport or Busuanga Airport. It is a 30 minute drive from Coron Island town proper. From here you can catch internal flights to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), or Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila to fly internationally.

HOW DO I GET BACK TO THE START DESTINATION AND IS THIS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE? IF NOT, HOW MUCH IS IT?

You will need to book an internal flight from Coron to either Cebu or Manila.

How much is my baggage allowance for the included flight?

All our included flights come with a free 20kg check-in bag. If you have oversize and additional bags to check in you will need to pay for them yourself.

WHAT KIND OF ACCOMMODATION IS INCLUDED ON THIS TRIP?

In general our rooms are all twin/share private. On the Isla Experience TruExclusive boat trip we sleep in open-air bungalows on the beach, with mattresses and mosquito nets. Beach camping at it's finest!

*From trips departing 3rd October we will be staying in an Hostel in El Nido!*

HOW MUCH IS A PRE NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION?

If you would like to arrange a pre night please email info@trutravels.com.

WHAT IS THE CURRENCY?

The currency in the Philippines are Philippine Peso (PHP).

Is my money protected?

Yep! You will never lose your money. You’re protected. TruTravels is both ABTA and ATOL registered meaning your money is safe. We also offer 1 free date change before 60 days of your departure date.

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