Island Hopping through the Philippines

What you'll do

1

Island hopping on a private 73-foot-long sailboat

If you haven’t experienced the magic behind the expression “It’s more fun in the Philippines” then you are in for a once in a lifetime treat. This unique boat trip could not exist anywhere else in the world.
2

Hike and swim around deserted islands

Reconnect with nature and embrace the simple island life. We’ll explore empty beaches, hidden caves and caverns, and swim in gorgeous green water set against dramatic limestone cliffs.
3

Live on fresh and natural Filipino cuisine

Each day the crew will prepare fresh-caught fish and natural veggies grown on their local island farm. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.
4

Beach bonfires with beers, big group dinners

Each evening we’ll come together for big group dinners and celebrate being in the middle of the ocean together under the stars.
5

Photo education

Whether you are a pro photographer or just enjoy taking cool shots with your phone/GoPro, our Matador photo instructors will work with you during informal photo walks and mini-workshops to take your personal travel photography to another level.
6

A professional video of your epic adventure

Our professional in-house filmmaker will be documenting our adventure on a daily basis, and we will give you the video of this trip so that you can relive the adventure courtesy of us.
7

The ultimate adventure with like-minded travelers

We curate groups of like-minded adventurers for the perfect vibe. Bring your friends and make new ones on this epic adventure.
8

Support local communities through sustainable travel

We aim to travel as consciously as possible. Our boat supports local communities, women’s initiatives, and farms.

Trip Details

What's my itinerary?

This 5-day island hopping tour is designed to capture the carefree, spontaneous nature of Filipino island life. Each day will bring unique activities and sights that are a reflection of the weather patterns and the interests of the group on-board. A sample itinerary would look something like this:

8:00 am: Wake up and enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast

9:00 am: Board the boat for a day of island hopping, exploring, swimming and sailing

12:00 pm: Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch on a private island lagoon and learn to harvest your own coconuts

1:00 pm: Swim, snorkel, kayak, or just relax under the trees

2:00 pm: Board the boat to depart for the overnight base camp, optional fishing during the journey

3:30 pm: Arrival at base camp, free time

5:30 pm: Beach bonfire and freshly prepared dinner
What’s included?
- 5-day boat expedition.
- 4 nights of Filipino beach-hut style camping.
- Wild open nature and island living.
- All freshly prepared meals, snacks, and beverages (coffee, tea, water).
- Mask and snorkels (fins are not provided).
- Optional water and land activities including kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, sailing, cooking lessons, trekking, cliff diving, village tours and more.
- Photography training.
- A videographer will join us to document the trip, and you can take home a video of the trip in the end.
What’s NOT included?
- Your flights (we can help you find the right flight!).
- Accommodation before and after the trip.
- Tip for the crew.
- Perfect weather.
- Fins, towels.
- Other beverages onboard (beer, cocktails, sodas, juice).
- Eco-Tourism Development Fee, paid directly to local government officials for entering protected areas, between $8-10 USD.
How many people will be on the boat?

The Paraw can accommodate up to 19 guests, 4 Matador staff, and 10 local crew members.
What’s the sleeping situation?

In El Nido/Coron, you can choose from a wide variety of luxury and basic hotel accommodations before and after the trip. On the island journey, we’ll be staying in local style huts on the beach set up for 1-2 people. Mosquito nets and bedding are provided.
Who is the trip for?

No sailing experience necessary. We encourage a wide mix of people, from old-time adventurers to short-break professionals to first-time travelers – they all contribute to a memorable experience. There is no upper age limit – all you need is an adventurous spirit and ability to swim. Unfortunately, this trip is not suitable for travelers under 14.
Why is the sailboat so special?

This vessel is truly unique. Adorned with tribal carvings, it is a revival of an almost forgotten Filipino maritime culture. The design consists of two outriggers with no deep keel and dates back more than 1,000 years.

Our boat captain, Gener, whose father and grandfather were both sailors, is the originator of the Paraw project aimed at reviving ancient sailing practices. “A return to sailing makes sense – our marine environment is under threat and fuel prices are rising. Learning to sail again will help Palaweños escape dependence on gasoline and diesel while, at the same time, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for the sea.”
When do trips depart and arrive?

Departure is at 8:30 am at the El Nido or Coron port/pier. The trip concludes by 5:00 pm at the El Nido or Coron port/pier.
How do I get there?

We can help recommend flights from major travel hubs. Please note to arrive/depart in El Nido (ENI airport code) or Coron (USU airport code) most international flights transfer through either Manila (MNL) or Cebu City (CEB). You must be in your departure destination the evening before your trip departs, and always allow for extra time to account for unknown travel delays.
Health and safety update (coronavirus)
All tour operators, hotel rooms, transport providers and third party vendors adhere to strict COVID health precautions and safety measures.

All Matador Trips are in small groups and we work to limit exposure in all activities.

Traveler’s insurance is strongly recommended for all travelers. Ask for recommendations if you do not have a preferred provider.

US Travel advisories have the most up to date COVID information for any traveler.
- Travel advisories
- Coronavirus information

COVID-19 update

Below are the NEW trip dates for Matador Trips for 2021:

Remote Sailing Adventure, Palawan Philippines - October 2021 dates coming soon
Small Group Tonga: Swimming with Humpback Whales - August 23rd-31st, 2021
Ultimate Peru: Machu Picchu, Eco Rainforest, and Beyond - December 2nd-11th, 2021
Ecuador Volcano Trekking + UNESCO Sites - January 15th-22nd, 2022
Photo Safari through Namibia and Cape Town - February 23rd-March 6th, 2022

We believe that all of the above trips will happen as planned, but we realize this is a time of uncertainty. To address these concerns and make you feel comfortable scheduling a trip with us, we are offering the following COVID cancellation policy:

If Matador or a Matador travel partner needs to cancel a trip due to COVID, the canceled trip will be rescheduled and travelers will be offered the option of a 100% refund.
If a traveler must cancel due to the COVID pandemic (including quarantine, canceled flights, or a positive test result), the traveler will have the option of 1) a 100% refund or 2) applying the purchase price to a future trip.

Any questions please contact: trips@matadornetwork.com

Best of the Best

We scoured the Earth to
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Matador Network has been around the world and back reporting on the best destinations and experiences for over a decade. It’s time to share the stoke and bring you along for the adventure, guided and curated by Matador staff.

Photo Education

Learn photography tips
from a professional

Every Matador Trip is led by a professional travel photographer, there to capture the best shots of your trip to share with your friends and to train both amateurs and skilled photographers in their methods!

New Friends

We curate groups of
open-minded travellers

Matador led and curated Trips attract a special breed of people. Let’s make some lifelong friends and have unforgettable experiences together.

Video of Your Trip

We’ll create an epic
video of your trip

We provide a complimentary video documenting the adventure for you to take home at the end of the trip!

#4 Island Hopping through the Philippines

Matador Trips: PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES

Highlights

What you'll do

Guides

Scott Sporleder

Boat Crew

Where
we’re going

Trip Details

Gallery

This adventure is not for everyone

But trust us,

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