DAY 01 – CORON

ACCOMMODATION:  Resort
MEALS: D

Hello. Arrive.
Airport transfer. Check-in. Buy supplies. Gear & equipment check. Fitting. Check-out paddle. Trip briefing & welcome dinner.
Distance: 5km

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DAY 02 – CORON ISLAND

ACCOMMODATION: Beach Camp (Coron Island)
MEALS: B, L, D

An island of karst rock castles. Its unique geology shelters endemic flora and fauna unique to Palawan and from the entire country. The island is at the eastern boundary of the Calamianes Archipelago. We will paddle along its coast skirted with numerous lagoons, some of which are hidden that only our kayaks can pass. We will spend the night on this island that is sacred to the Tagbanua – descendants of the first peoples of the Philippines. We will share a beach with our Tagbanua host. A night of ritual to bless our journey ahead.
Distance: 15k

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DAY 03 – CULION

ACCOMMODATION:  Island Hotel (Culion Town)
MEALS: B, L, D

We set our bows south. Historically, in the early 1900s, the island of Culion was at one time the world’s largest leprosarium. Since then, it’s been trying to lose that stigma though already declared leprosy-free decades ago by the WHO. The main inhabitants of these islands now are the descendants of those who were banished for the disease. In the morning, we will explore on foot this little island town, visit its museum, while being guided by the locals as they share a bit of their story.
Distance: 20k

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DAY 04 – HEART OF THE CALAMIANES ARCHIPELAGO

ACCOMMODATION: Island Camp (Ditaytayan Island)
MEALS: B, L, D

Culion has the most clusters of islands in the entire Calamianes Archipelago. From low-lying coral stone islets, mounds, to shoals and some sandbars. We will be spending the night in one of these islands. Sightings of the endangered “dugong” are often from these islands. If we are lucky, we might meet some along our ways; we’ve seen them twice in our paddle here.
Distance: 20k

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DAY 05 – ARAW

ACCOMMODATION: Beach Camp (Araw Beach)
MEALS: B, L, D

We continue our journey towards the southernmost tip of the island of Culion. The coastline is sparsely populated apart from small fishing villages hidden behind mangroves and palm trees. We will spend the night in this small fish trading village between the Linapacan Islands and Culion.
Distance: 19k

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DAY 06 – LINAPACAN

ACCOMMODATION:  Guesthouse (Linapacan Town)
MEALS: B, L, D

An island town in the middle of the Calamianes. Here we can replenish some supplies if needed, explore, and get to know this village behind white sandy islands boasting to have some of the clearest waters in the archipelago. An important pit stop in between our journey to El Nido.
Distance: 21k

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DAY 07 – SHIRLEY’S LINAPACAN

ACCOMMODATION: Island Camp (CalaCala Island)
MEALS: B, L, D

Taking a westerly route, we will paddle across and explore the bays until we reach our favorite island in the entire Calamianes archipelago. You’ll have to come and see for yourself to know why.
Distance: 24k

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DAY 08 – S. LINAPACAN ISLANDS

ACCOMMODATION: Island Camp (Calacala Island)
MEALS: B, L, D

Another night in a tropical island. This is the take-it-easy day. Mandatory when you are in a place as such. Paddling is optional; island time is to be observed!
Distance: 0/12k

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DAY 09 – EL NIDO

ACCOMMODATION:  Resort (Diapela Village)
MEALS: B, L, D

A fishing village. Palawan is an important trail stop in the migrations ancient and modern/post-colonial. Theories suggest that it was an important land bridge that connected Southeast Asia, therefore vital to its peopling. In modern times, tribes within the Philippines have migrated to it for the reason of resources. The indigenous Tagbanuas are known to live off the sea and therefore are expert fishers. The Cuyonons arrived in Palawan in search of lands to farm, while the Visayans, however, are the skilled mariners that followed schools of fishes, which then led them to Palawan’s vastly rich fishing grounds. This kayak journey recreates (however little) these ancient movements of people. With our kayaks, we take a glimpse of what it was like and why.
Distance: 24k

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DAY 10 – NACPAN BEACH

ACCOMMODATION:  Eco-Resort (Nacpan)
MEALS: B, L, D (own)

Arguably, El Nido’s best beach! We can’t say anything more; therefore, we must stop and stay the night here.
Distance: 19k

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DAY 11 – CADLAO ISLAND

ACCOMMODATION: Johnny’s Beach (Cadlao Island)
MEALS: B, L, D

Final day, & into Bacuit Bay. Famous for its gray, sharp, and unique geologic composition – karst cluster of islands, islets, lagoons, reefs, pocket beaches, and tourists! No wonder popular, but with our kayaks, we steer on our own intimate and personal exploration into our favorite island in the bay amongst all!
Distance: 20k

DAY 12 – G’BYE
Transfer to airport or accommodations.
MEALS: B

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12D11N RATE : 2150USD / pax

INCLUSIONS:

 

kayaks, paddles, PFDs, crash sea kayak touring paddle-check, guides, local land and water transfers, accommodations as indicated, meals as indicated,
water for the entire trip, standby safety boat, permits, entry fees and safety gear – details are further indicated below
Not inclusive of travel insurance & covid-related tests if required.

WHAT IS PROVIDED

• KAYAKS – Current Design Sirocco Sea Kayaks or Gumotex Solar kayaks for tandem option or for stability
• PADDLES – AquaBound Fiber Glass Paddles
• PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE – Stohlquist PFDs
• NRS BILGE PUMPS & SEALS Spraykirts for the sea kayaks
• DRYBAG FOR SNACK & OTHER ITEMS FOR QUICK ACCESS – NRS Drybags
• TENTS – REI Camp Dome 2 Person Tent (request for single tent) with SLEEPING MATTRESS – Forclaz (w/ inflatable pillow)
• DRYBAG FOR TENT – NRS Drybags
• SOLAR CAMP LIGHTS – LUCI MPowered
• 5 RESORT / HOTEL / GUESTHOUSE Accoms (as indicated), CAMP FEES & PERMISSIONS
• MEALS (as indicated) WATER SUPPLY (hot beverages, coffee & tea), SNACK PACK
• SAFETY BOAT, SAFETY COMMs & FIRST AID KIT (Team)
• KAYAK GUIDE – experienced, first-aid & BLS Certified

WHAT TO PREPARE for an EXPEDITION SEA KAYAKING in the PHILIPPINES

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING

• KAYAKING GEAR
1. Quick dry clothes or rashguards (UPF Protect)
2. Sun protection (hats, sunglasses, reef safe sunscreen) (optional : face cover/buff, gloves)
3. Water shoes or water sandals (dive booties are good), water gloves
4. Mask & snorkel
5. Torch or headlamp (with spare batteries)
6. Water bottle (1.5 Liter minimum)
7. Personal Drybags

• CAMPING GEAR
1. 6 nights camp wear – sleepwear, sarong or towel
2. Mosquito lotion / DEET free bug spray
3. Headlamps (better if can get with strobe feature to use as kayak strobe if needed)
4. Toiletries (biodegradable soap, toilet paper or wipe) & personal meds (please inform if any maintenance pills is being taken that makes you nauseous & other health concerns)
5. A jacket & pants (for rain or cold protection)
6. Mobile Phone (in waterproof pouch or drybag, powerbank, extra batteries for your personal headlamp)
7. Utensils (personal bowl, mug, spoon or fork – we can provide if don’t have)
8. Battery / solar mini fan to help with humid nights

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FAQs

1. How are the days gonna be like? How far and how long are we on the water?
- Prepare to be fully immersed with water the whole day for an average of 8 hours for most of the paddling days. The typical day will be - kayaking,
exploring coastlines, mangrove forests, swimming & snorkeling, visiting remote families, villages or communities, some island explorations.

2. What are the accommodations like?
- Depending on where we are paddling, choosing where we sleep takes some consideration with the route that we are taking. As much as we can
and if it is available in the area where we are going to be paddling, we will choose to stay in family-run businesses who have at a degree some
environmental conscience and is aligned in uplifting the community wherein they are located.

3. What are the camps like?
- Sometimes we camp with a host family or wild camp on a deserted beach or island. Campsites are predetermined before the trip and if the camp
situation is not ideal when we arrive, back-up locations are also prepared. We cannot tell however if a beach is nek-nek infested or rat infested, so
together we will endure. Some water will be provided for rinsing in camp.

4. Toilets in camp?

- Not all. But we will provide in islands that don’t. A compost toilet will be set up in campsites that do not have a toilet.

5. How often do we see the safety boat on a day?
- This will depend on our location. This is a semi-supported trip. In some remote islands, we rely on contacts from the islands to provide us support.

6. What’s the food like?
- We cater to your food preferences. There will be fresh cooked food every meal. We will source what is easily available from shops and markets in
the islands where we will be stopping.

7. How much water to bring?
- Most important in multi-day kayaking trips in the tropics is drinking water. There is limited access to clean drinking water. Each kayak will carry
along with them 3 containers (6L each) provided by us, refilled every night. Each paddler must also bring their own 1 / 1.5-liter drinking bottle.

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8. How much money to bring in the islands?
- In the islands, money is king! If there is a need for tow or transfer to the next E point if you are separated from the group – islanders only take cash.
You need cash if you want to help the island’s local economy also - like buying from shops or fish from fishermen we meet along the way should
you fancy a fresh catch for dinner. 100USD or 5,000PhP is the suggested amount, and have it ready in small bills.

9. How much luggage to bring?
- The storage in the kayak (*sizes indicated below) will be divided into, shelter (camping gear), food, & water. Bring only the most needed luggage as
possible, which are – clothes (sleeping clothes, dry clothes, 1 set of spare dry clothes, basic toiletries). For your extra luggage, we will arrange to
transport them via ferry to El Nido. You will meet them in your accommodation in El Nido.

10. Will there be mobile signals?
- Intermittent most of the way and non-existent during the days in Bacuit Bay. The guides will have VHF radio and have contacts in the islands.

11. What is the weather like in January & February?
- When in the Philippines, it can only be either wet or dry. So best to expect for both though January is generally a dry month. Wind is dictated by
the Amihan (northeast monsoon), we expect it to be coming from that direction most days but not unusual to have days with easterlies.

12. What is the water condition like?
- Amihan can blow at 30kph regularly, at this wind speed, conditions are sea kayakable when in between islands. We choose the north to south route
to maximize the tailwind as well. Water is warm during the day and perfect to snorkel when in the reefs. Sun protection is a MUST!

13. Are the distances final?
- No. Considering weather conditions, paddler strengths, actual circumstances & duration of explorations, the distance given is based on average.
Adjustments will be made to suit factors that will dictate our progress. Alternate campsites, E points are identified by the guide if needed.

14. What if I need to be extracted, to where & how?
- Availability of safety boat or local contact boats will be provided before major island crossings. Each kayaker will be handed a laminated copy of the
route map with all the important information needed – this too will be discussed in detail by the lead guide.

15. Who are the guides?
- Rey – lead guide and route planner has organized & guided the route multiple times on semi and self-supported sea kayaking trip.
- Julius – a Coron loacl and an experienced sea-kayak guide as well. He speaks and can understand the local dialects commonly used in the islands
(Cuyunon, Calamianen & Tagbanua). He also speaks fluent English.

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*As a guide for the bag sizes to fit in the Current Design Sirocco Kayaks and Gumotex Solar or Sea Wave, please refer to the attached photos.

SCHEDULE:

Our Schedule for this trip is open throughout most of the year, depending on weather conditions. Please contact us to arrange this trip.