Go native like the seafaring Tagbanua, paddling your own kayak at your own pace but with the assurance of a high degree of professional organization and support that leaves little to guess work. Tap your Robinson Crusoe instincts and do what the Tagbanua of the Calamian Islands in the Western Philippines have been doing for centuries: paddle a tropical sea paradise described by the late Jacques Cousteau as “the last frontier”.
The Calamianes number some 220 islands and all of them are accessible by kayak if you have a year to spare. If you don’t, Tribal Adventures can condense 12 months into 12 days or less and provide the ultimate paddling experience. There are also crewed native outrigger bancas for expedition support,
As you paddle from island to island in small groups (or even on your own with a knowledgeable guide), staying in budget tented camps, you’ll be emulating the ‘tread lightly’ approach of the Tagbanua and sending a strong message endorsing low-impact interaction with a ‘last frontier’ environment.
You will experience spectacular tropical wilderness scenery, perfect paddling conditions, exhilarating snorkeling, wild primary rainforest, and golden, empty beaches. Besides kayaking and snorkeling to your heart’s delight, you’ll visit Coron Island, spiritual hub of the local Tagbanua people, who gather swallows’ nests from the island’s limestone caves.
You’ll also have excursions to Culion, an old-Spanish fort that was built by America as a dedicated leper colony and Calauit, a wildlife sanctuary. If you wish to kayak the east side of Coron with a support boat we only do that trip at the Comfy Camping level: See the Circumnavigation of Coron by kayak
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | Palawan SandCastles or Coron town | |
| DEPARTURE TIME |
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| ACCOMMODATION | Comfy tropical camping on white sand beaches |
Below is a sample itinerary starting out of Palawan SandCastles in Northern Busuanga and ending in Coron Town, and can be done in reverse. All expeditions can be custom fit to your travel time, adventure and comfort level, and interests.
Day 1 : Northern Busuanga
Aiport pick-up, followed by a transfer to Palawan SandCastles to start your adventure. You board a local banca (motor boat) to head to New Quezon, the jump off point to paddle the mangrove estuary that separates Calauit Island from mainland Busuanga. Past the estuary, you will paddle islets, snorkel a reef and end the day by setting up camp on Black Island, one of the three limestone giants of Northern Palawan.
Day 2 : Western Busuanga
Cruise to the mouth of Busuanga River, where you will paddle upstream, keeping an eye out for wildlife. You’ll encounter simple local life along the river banks and see how the fishing villages thrive in the area. We paddle back to board the boat and cruise to the next campsite, Pamalican Island.
Day 3 : Full day Snorkeling
Wake up to snorkel the reef just off the campsite, before continuing to Calumbuyan Island, a reef with a slight current, where snorklers can drift from one end of the island to the other, watching the reef below them. Last stop for the day is either Lusong Coral Garden or Lusong Gunboat, before heading to Coron Town to end the tour.
Unsupported with the provision of sea kayak, life vest, paddle, skirt & guide, but NOT including provisions, park entrance & camping fees.
| KAYAKS, CAMPING GEAR & GUIDE ONLY, WITHOUT A SUPPORT BOAT | COST PER PERSON |
| 4+ PERSONS | PHP 7,005 per day |
| 3 PERSONS | PHP 9,130 per day |
| 2 PERSONS | PHP 10,386 per day |
| 1 PERSON | PHP 12,630 per day |
| KAYAKS, SNORKELS&MASKS, CAMPING GEAR, FOOD, DRINK, GUIDE, PARK FEES, FULLY CREWED SUPPORT BOAT | COST PER PERSON |
| 4+ PERSONS | PHP 12,553 per day |
| 3 PERSONS | PHP 14,541 per day |
| 2 PERSONS | PHP 18,760 per day |
| 1 PERSON | PHP 30,246 per day |
