The Palawan Alternative experience is for those who want to escape the overcrowded boat tours, discover secluded locations, and experience the true heart and soul of the region.
With more travelers to El Nido than ever before, it has become increasingly difficult to escape the tourist spots. There’s nothing worse than reaching the world-renowned paradise and admiring the tropical splendor only to find hundreds of tourists doing exactly the same thing. This is why our off-the-beaten-track adventure is the alternative to the popular boat tours and overrated sights. It’s an immersive experience that gives you insider access to the pristine coral reefs, mystical mangroves, and other hidden gems of El Nido that most tourists don’t know about.
What to Expect From Our Off the Beaten Track Tour?
Unchartered Territory
Our unique holiday takes you far off the classical tourist circuit, from remote villages to small islands off the coast of El Nido.
Pioneering Travel
For the brave travelers, our off-the-beaten-track adventure takes you on an invigorating journey to El Nido’s hidden treasures and to places still luckily preserved from mass tourism.
Unspoiled Nature
Take a bumpy yet scenic ride through the countryside, snorkel in one of the most pristine coral reefs, and kayak through the mystical mangroves of Palawan.
Local Experts
Palawan Alternative’s off-the-beaten-track adventure is organized by our local experts, ensuring the best travel advice and insider tips on your tailor-made Palawan holiday. Our friendly and professional local guides will ensure your enjoyment and safety on these rugged adventures to the unexplored corners of Palawan.
Immersive Experience
Friendly locals, big smiles, curious looks, and probing questions greet you in every tiny village or community we will visit.
The Palawan Alternative Experience
We offer this unique experience exclusively to our adventurous travelers who are keen to keep far from the madding crowd and seek out the authentic path less traveled. This is a backcountry and snorkeling tour in one of the untouched corners outside El Nido. But please be forewarned, this is more of a laidback local experience than the place itself. There’s no rush from one activity to the next, just taking it slow and enjoying the simple pleasures in life. By the end of this tour, you’ll learn more about the locals’ way of life and have a deeper understanding of our nature and culture.
Itinerary
We will pick you up at your hotel at around 7:00 AM and take you by minivan to our first stop.
- A scenic 45-minute to 1-hour drive through rough roads and off-the-beaten paths off the coast of El Nido.
- A quick stop at a local farm and coconut-picking along the way.
- Take a short boat ride to our first snorkeling spot.
- Lunch with the locals.
- Take a short boat ride to the second snorkeling spot.
- Mangrove sightseeing or fishing (optional).
We will take you back to your hotel at around 4:00 PM. Camping or overnight stay can also be arranged (Please let us know ahead of time).
Inclusions
- Palawan Alternative guide and local experts
- Full-day guided tour
- Air-conditioned van
- Traditional boat/fisherman’s boat
- Lunch according to your food preference
- Life vests and water safety equipment
- Mask & snorkels
- Fresh coconuts
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Personalized service
Not Included
- Travel Insurance
- Gratuities for the crew
Reminders
Please read our Terms & Conditions before booking our off-the-beaten-track tour. Please note that the Coast Guard might cancel boat trips due to sea conditions or bad weather for your safety. In this case, an alternative tour or activity would be suggested.
Make sure to bring your own towels, water bottle, change of clothes, and swim attire.
Maintain a 3-meter distance from the reef. Please help preserve the beauty of El Nido’s marine life by not touching or stepping on the corals while snorkeling. There may be dangerous organisms that thrive on the coral reef.
Palawan Alternative promotes environmental awareness in the community and you can do your part by not contributing to the waste that harms marine life. Help us preserve the natural wonders of El Nido for the future generation by refraining from littering, using reusable bottles or containers and segregating wastes (biodegradable and non-biodegradable). Bottled waters and single-use plastics are not allowed on the boat.