Philippines West - 10 Day Trip
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.
Travel Style
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
Your Trip Planner
Philippines West
10 Days
manila - coron town
Map
Bucket List
Itinerary
hello manila!
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.
travel to palawan & local lunch with family
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 island hopping
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!
we're going to el nido…
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 island hopping
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.
nacpan beach & ziplining
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.
castaway experience, snorkelling & cooking class
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!
travel to coron
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 boat trip
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!
chilled check out
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!
WHERE WE STAY
Reviews
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!
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’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.
Most of the people that join us on tour are 18-thirtysomethings! We have no strict upper age limit on our tours but all of our tours are specifically designed for those of this age group which is worth noting when browsing through our website.
Yes! Let us know when you are booking your trip about any requirements you might have we can plan ahead and make sure this doesn’t affect your trip!
Yes, the majority of our travellers will be travelling on their own! Roughly 65% of our TruTravellers come solo! We have designed our trips specifically with solo travellers in mind, so you can be assured you’ll meet lots of others travelling alone like yourself along the way. This of course doesn’t mean our trips are only for solo travellers, but it does mean that you don’t need to worry you’ll be surrounded by a group that already knows each other.