Island Hopping in the Philippines
Island Hopping in the Philippines
Island Hopping in the Philippines
4.5
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Your one stop for travel and tours within the Philippines. Includes day boat tours around Coron and El Nido, multi-day boat tours and expeditions between the two, and other parts of the country.
Coron, Philippines
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Island Hopping in the Philippines
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
30 reviews
Excellent
20
Very good
6
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
3
Thomas O
Volos, Greece4 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
The trip itself is magnificent. The coastal landscapes you visit, the waters you swim, the authentic rural places and the people u meet make it very original experience. All these with Benji who is as local as it gets. I had also the arrangement through Kerel, and everything went smoothly. But it is easy also to find and contact him on Facebook looking for Benji Linapacan.
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Brown Trout
Cartersville, GA95 contributions
Mar 2019
We booked a 5-day tour from Coron to Sibaltan through the IHP website. As has been mentioned elsewhere, all the IHP website did was to take a booking fee of PHP6000 and then provide the contact details of the operator. You can get hold of Maileen via email or on Facebook and book yourself if you want to.
We had an exceptional 5 days. The Filipino people are gracious, friendly and welcoming, the crew of 5 were brilliant and the islands are achingly beautiful.
Some tips for getting your boat tour right:
- Don’t stress too much about the details. We’re used to having everything worked out in advance for our travels and we just had to let some of it go ahead of this. Trust and you will be rewarded!
- Be clear about what sort of experiences you want. We had 2 nights on the beach and 2 nights in villages.
- Let the crew do their job - they know the area like the back of their hand and cook really well.
- if you have specific dietary requirements then be prepared to bring some of your own food - this is rural Philippines and the supplies are limited.
- Bring alcohol gel and hand wipes plus spare toilet roll and some Imodium tablets. You’re on a boat in the back of beyond!
- Get a Smart SIM card - Globe wasn’t disastrous. You will be in one bar and no data territory at times.
- Bring plenty of sun screen and remember that UV reflects off the water so even when you are under cover on the boat you will be exposed.
- Snorkel - there are some stunning reefs.
- Bring your own ground coffee and a cafetière (or similar) or you are going to be surviving on powdered stuff......sorry, I like my coffee!
We enjoyed this so much that we are seriously considering doing it all again.....and we never do that
We had an exceptional 5 days. The Filipino people are gracious, friendly and welcoming, the crew of 5 were brilliant and the islands are achingly beautiful.
Some tips for getting your boat tour right:
- Don’t stress too much about the details. We’re used to having everything worked out in advance for our travels and we just had to let some of it go ahead of this. Trust and you will be rewarded!
- Be clear about what sort of experiences you want. We had 2 nights on the beach and 2 nights in villages.
- Let the crew do their job - they know the area like the back of their hand and cook really well.
- if you have specific dietary requirements then be prepared to bring some of your own food - this is rural Philippines and the supplies are limited.
- Bring alcohol gel and hand wipes plus spare toilet roll and some Imodium tablets. You’re on a boat in the back of beyond!
- Get a Smart SIM card - Globe wasn’t disastrous. You will be in one bar and no data territory at times.
- Bring plenty of sun screen and remember that UV reflects off the water so even when you are under cover on the boat you will be exposed.
- Snorkel - there are some stunning reefs.
- Bring your own ground coffee and a cafetière (or similar) or you are going to be surviving on powdered stuff......sorry, I like my coffee!
We enjoyed this so much that we are seriously considering doing it all again.....and we never do that
Written March 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SaRoHe
Zurich, Switzerland7 contributions
Jan 2017 • Friends
We did a 4 nights-5 days-boat-tour from Sibaltan to Coron in Jan 2017 with Benjies boat. We were 4 people (two of them joined us through Karels webpage where you can invite others to join and share the costs). It was one of the best parts of our travels in the Philippines. Beautiful lonely islands and beaches with amazing colours! You can't stop taking pictures.... and memories of course! Good snorkelling or just jump into the crystal clear turquoise water to refresh yourself. Freshly cooked food, basic but clean homestays and one night in a tent. We also visited some villages. The whole crew with Benjie, Maileen, JR and Joseph was great and we had a lot of fun together. And in our two tour mates we found new friends. It was a wonderful experience!!
Skip the island hopping in El Nido where you visit the islands together with like 30 other big boats. On this tour you will discover paradise just for you!
Skip the island hopping in El Nido where you visit the islands together with like 30 other big boats. On this tour you will discover paradise just for you!
Written February 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
glad you had a great trip and made new friends! yes, much better than the swamped tours in el nido :)
Written February 28, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
potrips
Colorado Springs, CO11 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
please read this review before booking with IHP. The boat trip experience was wonderful. we did a 6 day trip from Coron to Sibaltan with Benji, his wife (great cook) and their crew. The broker that sets up the tours, his website is IHP, was terrible. Once he got the deposit that all goes to him, he would not relate any info to Benji on my diet restrictions (sensitivities), or even tell them where to pick us up . (we were staying at another resort near Coron.) They didn't even know where to pick us up until we had the resort call them when they didn't show up..
I had to send 60 some emails to Karel to try to get answers about the trip. he would answer a few questions and then tell me I had to get ahold of the boat owner myself. If he manages the bookings, owns the IHP company, and gets a percentage of the costs for the tour, then he should be handling all correspondence to the boatman about the trip! the email for the boatman didn't work, so he told me to get a sim card and call him once in thePhilippines but Benji was out on another trip so he would be hard to contact. we were so frustrated with trying to contact Benji ourselves that we went and bought oils for cooking (can't do soybean or gluten) and hoped for the best. They had already made lunch by the time they picked us up, and purchased all the food, so there was many things I couldn't eat.
Karel wouldn't even send a list of things that you should have with you for the boat trip, even though I asked frequently. Since we are very experienced campers and travelers we knew to bring our own fins (they don't have any), flashlights, and other equip. for snorkeling and camping. I also paid Karel an extra $100 to set up reservations and it was totally useless as the boat operator does that for you
If you are interested in doing this island hopping tour, contact Maileen (wife) directly at maileenesultor@yahoo.com, or maileenesultor@gmail.com. work with them directly. it will save you so much disappointment and frustration. It may take a few days for her to respond as the email isn't great. my review is obviously about the management of the Island hopping tours, and NOT about the boat operator or the boat trip. I give them 5 stars.
I had to send 60 some emails to Karel to try to get answers about the trip. he would answer a few questions and then tell me I had to get ahold of the boat owner myself. If he manages the bookings, owns the IHP company, and gets a percentage of the costs for the tour, then he should be handling all correspondence to the boatman about the trip! the email for the boatman didn't work, so he told me to get a sim card and call him once in thePhilippines but Benji was out on another trip so he would be hard to contact. we were so frustrated with trying to contact Benji ourselves that we went and bought oils for cooking (can't do soybean or gluten) and hoped for the best. They had already made lunch by the time they picked us up, and purchased all the food, so there was many things I couldn't eat.
Karel wouldn't even send a list of things that you should have with you for the boat trip, even though I asked frequently. Since we are very experienced campers and travelers we knew to bring our own fins (they don't have any), flashlights, and other equip. for snorkeling and camping. I also paid Karel an extra $100 to set up reservations and it was totally useless as the boat operator does that for you
If you are interested in doing this island hopping tour, contact Maileen (wife) directly at maileenesultor@yahoo.com, or maileenesultor@gmail.com. work with them directly. it will save you so much disappointment and frustration. It may take a few days for her to respond as the email isn't great. my review is obviously about the management of the Island hopping tours, and NOT about the boat operator or the boat trip. I give them 5 stars.
Written February 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was in the early stages of building this business while I was also setting up a resort. Now I am no longer running the resort and I have streamlined these boat tour operations, so I have much more time. I explained that I do not relay these messages or micromanage the tours, as this is all arranged directly with the boatman. I instructed this person to get a sim card once arriving at the airport. In any case, we now give the facebook contact of the boatman, so details such as dietary restrictions and when and where to pickup and drop off, and what sites to see, can now easily be arranged in advance, directly with the boatman.
What concerns the reservations of accommodation, this was an experiment and I no longer offer this service. This person wanted special accommodation, which the boatman does not offer or arrange. It requires an advance deposit payment. I did arrange some accommodation for this person.
Written November 12, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PDRtravelbug
Seattle, WA655 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
We booked a private tour for 2 people to pick us up from our small ship to take us to the best sights in the area: Kayangan Lake, Siete Pecados, Malawey Coral Gardens and Twin Lagoons, etc. We left it up to them to them to plan the best itinerary in the short time we had, and our guide was excellent. He made the best use of time, served us an excellent lunch on beautiful, pristine beach and we saw an incredible many georgeous places we’ve never dreamed of. He was personable, knowledgeable, experienced and made sure to take some great photos of us. It was our best day of the trip through the Philippines. We booked though Travel-Palawan.com, owned by Naturalis Expedition inc.
Written March 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sophie and Matt
19 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
Had the most incredible trip over 4 days/3 nights from Coron to Sibaltan. Honestly could not recommend this enough - if you’re undecided, just book it!
We went with one of Theresa’s boats and the crew were wonderful! We gave the guide (Albert) a couple of ideas of things we’d like to see and the crew organised the rest! They were superb. We camped on deserted islands under the stars, visited sandbars, spent time on beautiful islands with not another person in sight, explored local untouched villages, went to some amazing snorkelling points, saw turtles and stingrays. This was a million miles away from the touristy trips in Coron and was exactly what we were hoping for when we decided to holiday in the Phillipines! We only saw a couple of other tourists the whole time we were on this trip!
The crew cooked every meal for us and the food was very good - much more than the two of us could eat!
This really was the highlight of our trip to the Phillipines and we were so sad to leave on the last day. We wished we could have stayed on board for a lot longer!
Nb - there were lots of sandflies on the beaches so make sure you have lots of insect repellent. Lots of the islands/beaches you visit are private and cost around 200p so make sure you have cash to cover these costs! We camped two out of three nights and there are limited or no facilities as you’re on deserted islands - be prepared for the adventure!
We went with one of Theresa’s boats and the crew were wonderful! We gave the guide (Albert) a couple of ideas of things we’d like to see and the crew organised the rest! They were superb. We camped on deserted islands under the stars, visited sandbars, spent time on beautiful islands with not another person in sight, explored local untouched villages, went to some amazing snorkelling points, saw turtles and stingrays. This was a million miles away from the touristy trips in Coron and was exactly what we were hoping for when we decided to holiday in the Phillipines! We only saw a couple of other tourists the whole time we were on this trip!
The crew cooked every meal for us and the food was very good - much more than the two of us could eat!
This really was the highlight of our trip to the Phillipines and we were so sad to leave on the last day. We wished we could have stayed on board for a lot longer!
Nb - there were lots of sandflies on the beaches so make sure you have lots of insect repellent. Lots of the islands/beaches you visit are private and cost around 200p so make sure you have cash to cover these costs! We camped two out of three nights and there are limited or no facilities as you’re on deserted islands - be prepared for the adventure!
Written January 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric L
Redwood City, CA25 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
It was scary to book a 5 day trip with no places to stay confirmed or a strong itinerary. And in the Philippines, communication is difficult. But that is part of changing mindsets to a rural island mindset. In the end, everything worked out. We had some tough moments with bugs. But we also had some amazingly beautiful secluded beaches, the best snorkeling in the world, relaxing on the beach, and freshly made food on the boat while docked at beautiful places (better than being on land). Note, we went with Benji.
Recommendations:
- you must get a local SIM when you arrive to make sure pickup and everything works out
- some islands have bugs - use bug spray!
Pros:
- a fraction of the cost
- away from the crowds
- can customize what you want - just ask!
- a truly local experience - saw a REAL rural town
Cons:
- locals aren't really polished tour guides
- if you don't ask for it, you won't get it, need to be pretty proactive
- pretty simple "activities" - no frills like bathrooms or kayaks etc.
Recommendations:
- you must get a local SIM when you arrive to make sure pickup and everything works out
- some islands have bugs - use bug spray!
Pros:
- a fraction of the cost
- away from the crowds
- can customize what you want - just ask!
- a truly local experience - saw a REAL rural town
Cons:
- locals aren't really polished tour guides
- if you don't ask for it, you won't get it, need to be pretty proactive
- pretty simple "activities" - no frills like bathrooms or kayaks etc.
Written March 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
glad you had a great time Eric. we now have a wakeboard on two of our boats, so slowly stocking them all up with little toys :)
Written March 16, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
laura b
Milan, Italy37 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
We booked a 4 days/3 nights private boat trip from Coron to Sibaltan. The organization went very well from the beginning, the owner answered to all my questions, and we were able to choose which islands to visit and where to sleep. The first night we slept in a bungalow in Banana Island, the second we camped in Araw beach and the last we slept in a seafront bungalow builded on a tree in Pical on Iloc Island.The islands in that area are the most beautiful islands I have ever seen, with clear water, lots of coral reef and fishes to see, white sand and almost deserted. The crew was very friendly and polite and they organize every single meal and for camping they give you a tent which was just perfect! This was our highlight in our 2 weeks in the Philippines and I wish I had booked a longer trip. A private trip gives you the freedom to decide where and when to go.
Written March 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glad you had a great time Laura!
Written March 15, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
marcogliese
Montreal, Canada454 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
Just came back from a Island Hopping trip with Benji and his crew, from Sibaltan to Coron. At the begining we were a bit confuse about what will be happening. we finally all met the morning before leaving in Sibaltan, we were 5 altogether and each of us had a bit of information, and nobody was there to give us the information. But once we were on the boat, we forgot all about this because the whole trip was just amazing. It was one of the best parts of our travels in the Philippines. Beautiful lonely islands and beaches. Very good snorkelling into the crystal clear turquoise water(but bring your own gears, the one on the boat are not so good). Freshly cooked food, very good accomodation. Do not expect luxe, but dream come true YES. It was a wonderful experience!
Written January 26, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glad you enjoyed your trip Marcogliese! We are slowly stocking up all the boats with better gear :)
Written January 27, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lulu
1 contribution
Jan 2019 • Friends
At the beginning it was really scary to book this tour with so few information. But... this is a must do 👌!!!!
We were a group of 9 friends doing the trip from Sibaltan to Coron with Theresa’s boat and her amazing team (Albert) everything was just perfect. Desertic Island, amazing food... If you love to be away from the crowd and like to travel in an adventurous way, just go for it!
I highly recommend Theresa’s boat with Albert and his team they are just amazing!!
We were a group of 9 friends doing the trip from Sibaltan to Coron with Theresa’s boat and her amazing team (Albert) everything was just perfect. Desertic Island, amazing food... If you love to be away from the crowd and like to travel in an adventurous way, just go for it!
I highly recommend Theresa’s boat with Albert and his team they are just amazing!!
Written January 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glad you enjoyed it Lulusou!
Written January 31, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi. We are planning a trip Palawan (Puerto Princesca, elnido, coron) then either Borocay or Bohol.. for about 3 weeks in Jan 2019. We’d love to play our itinerary by ear, but I’m worried that with the size of our group (7 adults.. at least) we might not get reasonable accommodation without booking ahead? I don’t want as cheap as backpacker, but I expect 5 star either... clean rooms and comfortable beds are a must though. What are everyone’s suggestions for that time of the year?
Written June 17, 2018
Best to look up islandhoppinginthephilippines and write to there so I can send you info of my recommended accommodations throughout the area and how you could hire your own private boat to get from El Nido to Coron.
Written June 17, 2018
Where does one go to the bathroom? Does the boat have a bathroom or do we go in a bush? :)
Written April 24, 2018
all the toilets along this route (except the really fancy resorts) are generally without a seat, so squatting. the little box on the boat has no roof, so if you squat, generally your head will be poking out the top a bit, which is understandably a bit bizarre. but it is at the back of the boat and everyone stares forward. besides the options mentioned above, there is still the ocean. just make sure to be swimming against the tidal current :o
Written April 24, 2018
mdevera93
London, United Kingdom
Could I rent a boat from El Nido to take me to boracay and how much
Written November 16, 2017
I doubt it, it's pretty far away and can be dangerous in the open ocean with a small boat. We specialise between el nido and coron.
Written November 17, 2017
How to book an overnight boat tour in linacapan island for 3 pax? How much cost? We want to travel in sept 2017. Thanks
Written April 1, 2017
Hi, please look up islandhoppinginthephilippines and write to me through there so that I can send you weblinks with more information.
Written April 1, 2017
How to book an overnight boat tour in linacapan island for 3 pax? How much cost? We want to travel in sept 2017. Thanks
Written April 1, 2017
Hi, please look up islandhoppinginthephilippines and write to me through there so that I can send you weblinks with more information.
Written April 1, 2017
Hi do you provide bottled water to drink on this island?,
Written February 24, 2017
we get big blue jugs of natural living well water brought in from islands big enough to provide this. very tasty and healthy.
Written February 24, 2017
Hello,
I would like to do your tour, I can be there the 28th in february and come from El Nido but I don't know how to get the island and how to contact you.
I'm in Port Barton now.
Thank you for your help
Written February 23, 2017
please contact me directly by looking up islandhoppinginthephilippines, so that i can send you weblinks with details directions. this interface does not allow that, Karel
Written February 23, 2017
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