The Ultimate Self-Launched Island Hopping Adventure in The Philippines
10 days · Philippines
Much Better Adventures charges £2,350
No-markup version: ~£505 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Explore the jaw-dropping islands of Palawan and Coron independently — kayaking through limestone karsts, snorkelling vibrant coral reefs, camping on remote castaway islands, and waking up to turquoise waters every morning. This self-launched version follows the same epic route as Much Better Adventures' island-hopping tour, swapping the guided group package for local transport, self-bookable activities via GetYourGuide and direct boat hire, and budget-friendly guesthouses and beach huts. All the adventure, a fraction of the price.
Day-by-day
Arrive in Manila
Manila
Fly into Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). Take a metered taxi or Grab (the local Uber equivalent) to your hostel or guesthouse in the Malate or Ermita district — budget around £5–8 for the ride. Freshen up and head out to a local Filipino restaurant for your first taste of adobo, sinigang or lechon. Eateries around Remedios Circle are great for solo travellers. Get an early night — tomorrow is packed.
🚌Grab taxi from airport to hotel (~£5–8)
🛏Z Hostel or Wanderers' Guest House, Malate, Manila (~£12–16/night in dorm or twin)
- →Arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport
- →Take a Grab or metered taxi to your guesthouse (~£5–8)
- →Dinner at a local Filipino restaurant in Malate or Remedios Circle
Cycle Intramuros, then fly to Puerto Princesa
Manila → Puerto Princesa → Port Barton
Start the morning with a Bambike Ecotours guided cycling tour of Intramuros, Manila's iconic walled city — bookable directly via their website or GetYourGuide for around £18–22 per person. After the ride, grab lunch at a local carinderia (neighbourhood eatery) before heading to the Ninoy Aquino domestic terminal. Fly to Puerto Princesa with Cebu Pacific or AirAsia — book in advance for fares as low as £25–40. From Puerto Princesa, take a shared van (₱350–400, ~£5) to Port Barton village, roughly 3.5 hours. Check into a beachside guesthouse and enjoy a quiet evening by the sea.
🚌Domestic flight Manila–Puerto Princesa (~£25–40); shared van to Port Barton (~£5)
🛏Molarey's Guesthouse or El Busero Inn, Port Barton (~£10–15/night)
- →Bambike Ecotours guided cycling tour of Intramuros (~£18–22, book via bambike.com or GetYourGuide)
- →Lunch at a local carinderia near Intramuros
- →Domestic flight: Manila (MNL) → Puerto Princesa (PPS) with Cebu Pacific or AirAsia (~£25–40)
- →Shared van transfer: Puerto Princesa → Port Barton (~£5, ~3.5hrs)
Kayak the remote islands of Port Barton
Port Barton, Palawan
Rise early for a kayaking island-hopping tour around Port Barton's stunning outer islands — Twin Reef, Fantastic Reef, Exotic Island, Maxima Island, Turtle Sanctuary and Starfish Island Sandbar. Book a full-day island-hopping boat tour directly at the Port Barton beachfront for around £15–20 per person, which typically includes a guide, snorkelling gear, and a packed lunch. Afternoons are free — grab a cold San Miguel on the beach and watch the sunset over the bay.
🚌Included in day tour
🛏Molarey's Guesthouse or El Busero Inn, Port Barton (~£10–15/night)
- →Full-day island-hopping and kayaking tour around Port Barton (~£15–20, book at beachfront booths)
- →Snorkelling at coral reefs and reef islands
- →Picnic lunch included with most boat tours
- →Sunset watching on Port Barton main beach
Jungle hike to Pamuayan Falls, then drive to El Nido
Port Barton → El Nido, Palawan
After breakfast, hire a local tricycle (tuktuk) for around £2–3 to reach the trailhead for Pamuayan Falls, 6km northeast of Port Barton. The hike (~3–4 hours, 8km) follows a beautiful jungle trail to a 30m waterfall with a swimming pool at the base — perfect for a cool dip and cliff-jumping. Head back to Port Barton for lunch at NaoNao Beach. In the afternoon, board a shared van transfer to El Nido (roughly 2.5–3 hours, ~£8–10 booked at your guesthouse). Check into a beachside bungalow on or near Nacpan Beach and head into El Nido town for dinner.
🚌Tricycle (~£2–3); shared van Port Barton to El Nido (~£8–10)
🛏Nacpan Beach Glamping or Happy Hut Beach Resort, Nacpan Beach (~£12–20/night beach hut)
- →Tricycle to Pamuayan Falls trailhead (~£2–3 return)
- →Self-guided jungle hike to Pamuayan Falls (8km, ~3–4hrs)
- →Swimming and cliff-jumping at waterfall pool
- →Lunch at NaoNao Beach
- →Shared van transfer: Port Barton → El Nido (~£8–10)
Discover hidden coves and lagoons in El Nido
El Nido, Palawan
Join one of El Nido's famous island-hopping boat tours — 'Tour A' covers the Secret Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos Beach, and is exactly what the original itinerary describes. Book directly at the El Nido tourism office or through a local operator for ~£12–18 per person, including lunch. The banca boat includes kayak access at the Secret Lagoon and snorkelling gear. Book the day before at your accommodation or at the El Nido tourism centre to secure a spot.
🚌Included in island-hopping boat tour
🛏Nacpan Beach Glamping or Happy Hut Beach Resort (~£12–20/night beach hut)
- →El Nido Island Hopping Tour A (~£12–18, book at El Nido tourism office or your guesthouse)
- →Kayaking through Secret Lagoon (limestone karst entrance)
- →Snorkelling at Shimizu Island coral reefs
- →Lunch prepared by boat crew on board
- →Relaxing at Seven Commandos Beach
Off-grid island camping in Linapacan
Linapacan, Palawan
Today is the adventure highlight — a full-day island expedition through the 52 islands of Linapacan, ending with an overnight camp on a remote, off-grid island in the Sulu Sea. Arrange this through a local El Nido tour operator or a specialised Linapacan boat charter — expect to pay ~£40–60 per person for a shared boat including camping gear, meals, snorkelling and a guide. Operators like Tao Philippines or local El Nido agencies run multi-day Linapacan expeditions — book at least a few days ahead. Explore Seniora Caves, snorkel vibrant reefs, kayak around quiet bays, and camp under a sky with zero light pollution. Bring a torch, power bank, and insect repellent.
🚌Banca boat included in charter
🛏Remote island camping (included in boat charter, ~£40–60 total for day + camping)
- →Full-day Linapacan island expedition with overnight camping (~£40–60, book via Tao Philippines or local El Nido operators)
- →Snorkelling at Linapacan coral reefs
- →Kayaking around island bays
- →Visit Seniora Caves and old Spanish fortress ruins
- →Overnight beach camping on a remote island (gear typically included)
- →Campfire dinner under the stars
Island breakfast, then sail to Coron via Culion
Linapacan → Culion → Coron
Wake up with the sunrise on your remote island — one of those mornings you'll never forget. After a simple island breakfast, continue the boat journey onward to Coron. En route, stop at Culion Island to explore its fascinating history as a former leprosy colony and take a short jungle hike. By late afternoon, dock at Coron town. Check into a guesthouse or budget hotel and enjoy a relaxed dinner at one of Coron's seafront restaurants. The boat journey from Linapacan to Coron (stopping at Culion) is typically arranged as part of the multi-day charter from Day 6.
🚌Included in multi-day Linapacan boat charter
🛏Sea Dive Resort or Coron Soleil Garden Resort, Coron (~£18–25/night)
- →Island sunrise and breakfast
- →Continued boat journey through the Sulu Sea to Coron
- →Stop at Culion Island — explore history and short jungle hike
- →Check in to Coron guesthouse or hotel
- →Seafront dinner in Coron town
Hike Mount Tapyas and soak in Maquinit Hot Springs
Coron, Palawan
Start the morning with a self-guided walk around Coron town and its colourful market. Head to Mount Tapyas — the entrance fee is minimal (~£1) and the 700 steps to the top reward you with a sweeping panoramic view of Coron Bay and surrounding hills. In the afternoon, take a tricycle to Maquinit Hot Springs (entrance ~£5), one of the world's few saltwater hot springs, heated by an underground volcano. Soak away any aches from the past week. The afternoon is yours — optional scuba diving can be arranged through local dive shops like Sea Dive Resort or DiveinCoron (~£30–45 for a fun dive) if you're certified.
🚌Tricycle to Maquinit Hot Springs (~£2–3 return)
🛏Sea Dive Resort or Coron Soleil Garden Resort, Coron (~£18–25/night)
- →Self-guided Coron town walk and local market visit
- →Hike up 700 steps to Mount Tapyas viewpoint (~£1 entrance)
- →Soak in Maquinit Hot Springs, a rare saltwater hot spring (~£5 entrance)
- →Optional: scuba diving with a local dive shop (~£30–45, book direct)
SUP, snorkel and swim around Coron Island
Coron, Palawan
Your final full day on the water. Book one of Coron's famous island-hopping tours (Tour C or D) that covers Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoons, and the WWII Japanese shipwreck 'Skeleton Wreck' — all iconic highlights. Book directly at Coron pier or your hotel for ~£18–25 per person, including a guide, SUP board use, snorkel gear, and lunch at Calachuchi Beach. Kayangan Lake — often cited as the cleanest lake in the Philippines — requires a short steep hike for a viewpoint, then a swim in its glassy emerald waters. Twin Lagoons is accessible via a swim-through or small bridge. End the day with a farewell dinner with any fellow travellers you've met along the way.
🚌Included in island-hopping boat tour
🛏Sea Dive Resort or Coron Soleil Garden Resort, Coron (~£18–25/night)
- →Coron Island-hopping tour (Tour C/D) — SUP, snorkelling, swimming (~£18–25, book at Coron pier)
- →Hike to Kayangan Lake viewpoint and swim in the lake
- →Explore Twin Lagoons — swim through or bridge access
- →Snorkel Skeleton Wreck (WWII Japanese shipwreck)
- →Lunch at Calachuchi Beach (included in tour)
- →Farewell dinner in Coron town
Fly home from Busuanga to Manila
Coron (Busuanga Airport) → Manila
Enjoy a final breakfast in Coron before checking out. Arrange a tricycle or van transfer to Francisco B. Reyes Airport in Busuanga (~£3–5, roughly 30–40 minutes from Coron town). Fly back to Manila with Cebu Pacific or AirAsia (~£30–50, book in advance). On arrival at Manila's domestic terminal, take a Grab or taxi to the international terminal (NAIA) for your onward flight home. We recommend scheduling your international flight to depart after 18:00 to allow plenty of buffer time.
🚌Tricycle to Busuanga Airport (~£3–5); domestic flight Busuanga–Manila (~£30–50); Grab to international terminal (~£5–8)
🛏N/A — departure day
- →Breakfast and final Coron town stroll
- →Tricycle or van to Busuanga (Francisco B. Reyes) Airport (~£3–5)
- →Domestic flight: Busuanga (USU) → Manila (MNL) with Cebu Pacific or AirAsia (~£30–50)
- →Grab or taxi to NAIA international terminal (~£5–8)
Self-launched vs. Much Better Adventures
| This itinerary (self-launched) | Much Better Adventures | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£505 | £2,350 |
| Duration | 10 days | 10 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £1,845 per person (79%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more Much Better Adventures-style trips? Check them out here.~£505
estimated per person
You never pay Travel Crew for this — you pay hostels, transport, and activity providers directly, the same as if you'd booked it all yourself.
This publishes your dates so other travellers can find and join you — no tour operator needed.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does The Ultimate Self-Launched Island Hopping Adventure in The Philippines cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £505 per person for 10 days in Philippines. This is an AI-generated estimate based on typical budget-traveller prices — actual costs will vary by season and how you book.
Is this cheaper than booking with Much Better Adventures?+
Yes — Much Better Adventures charges around £2,350 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £505 — a saving of roughly £1,845 (79%) per person.
How long is the Philippines trip?+
This itinerary runs 10 days, covering 10 day-by-day stops through Philippines.
How do I join this trip?+
You can join an existing open departure using this itinerary if one is scheduled, or launch your own departure with your own dates and invite other travellers to join you — no tour operator required.
Isn't it easier to just use a tour operator?+
Well, yes, a tour operator will book all the individual parts of your travel for you and provide a guide. That's obvious, but doing this has the potential to save the group thousands, which can in turn improve your itinerary substantially or save you huge amounts of money. Also, when you launch a departure, Travel Crew has tools in place to help you book the individual sections of the trip or make it easier for you to do this as a group. Really, you do not need a middle man. If you are more comfortable paying more and using a middle man, then you should certainly do this.
Is it safer to book through a tour operator?+
Arguably, there isn't much difference. A self-launched trip runs on the same principle as a group travel crew: collective responsibility, everyone looking out for each other, the same way it would if a group of friends organised the trip themselves — because that's exactly what's happening. You should always take out travel insurance before you go, self-launched or not; that doesn't change either way. Every open departure is published publicly with real dates and a real trip organiser, so it's never an anonymous arrangement, and our support team is reachable any time you need help, including in an emergency while you're away. Longer-term, we're building direct relationships with ground DMCs in popular destinations, offered as an optional paid add-on for extra on-the-ground support. Ultimately, though, the group is responsible for its own conduct and safety on a self-launched trip, same as on any trip you plan yourself.
What kind of trip is this?+
This is a adventure, beaches, hiking trip through Philippines, self-launched rather than run by a tour operator — you organise it with a group you find or bring yourself.
Would you like to name the operator, name the trip, or have any suggestions about how to improve this itinerary?
Drop your comment below — if you've done a similar route, tell us what worked, what you'd add, or what you'd skip.
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