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Ever wondered what it's like to go on an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Philippines? Well, here's the scoop on an all-inclusive 3-day, 2-night tour that's truly one-of-a-kind. Keelooma Island Hopping Tours hooked us up with a customized expedition and island getaway that whisked us from El Nido to Coron, or to the hidden gems of Linapacan, all aboard a traditional boat.
Island-Hopping and Adventure:
Our journey was all about embracing the wonders of nature. We snorkelled in crystal-clear reefs, soaked up the sun on pristine beaches, and explored friendly jungle paths. Evenings were spent watching the sunset from our base camp, dining under the stars on freshly caught seafood, and falling asleep in traditional beachfront kubos for a rustic island experience.
Disconnect to Reconnect:
Leaving our devices behind (except for our trusty camera), we fully embraced the simplicity of island life. It was a refreshing change as we reconnected with ourselves, relishing the luxury of living in the present moment. Our adventure began aboard a traditional pumpboat, and the best part was sharing the experience with five other like-minded travellers.
One of the most unexpected and beautiful aspects of our journey was the friendships we formed with our fellow travellers. Despite coming from different corners of the world and spanning ages 24 to 62, we all embraced the activities and adventures with open arms. It was incredible how quickly we bonded over those three days. We became such a close-knit group that we even coined ourselves "Team Lekker." And after returning home, we couldn't resist meeting up for dinner, fondly reminiscing about our shared island adventure, creating memories that will forever bind us together.
Explore Off the Beaten Path:
Our crew not only guided us but also became an integral part of our island-hopping adventure. They led us to remote and off-the-beaten-track islands in the magical region of Linapacan and Culion. These pristine, untouched paradises were made accessible thanks to our crew's expertise.
The experience on the boat was incredible. Our crew was hands-on, friendly, and always available. We felt safe at all times, whether snorkelling, moving between boats, or transitioning from boat to land. At least two crew members were in the water with us while snorkelling, ensuring we had the best guidance and support as we marvelled at Palawan's underwater wonders.
What truly stood out was the exceptional service provided by our onboard chefs. They prepared mouthwatering fresh meals with a selection of local dishes to choose from. Each meal was a culinary delight, reflecting the vibrant flavours of Filipino cuisine.
Every member of the crew was friendly, involved, and always available. Their genuine enthusiasm for the adventure created an incredible camaraderie, leading to exciting beach volleyball games and unforgettable shared moments.
Their extensive knowledge of the region's wildlife was invaluable. They introduced us to some of the most fascinating marine creatures, including turtles, starfish, sea snakes, and an array of colourful fish. With the crew's guidance, we gained a deeper appreciation of the vibrant marine life, making each snorkelling excursion educational and enchanting.
Sleep under the Stars:
At the end of each adventurous day, we cruised to different base camps, where we spent the night in open-air traditional kubos. We enjoyed a cold beer as we watched the sun set, then gathered with fellow adventurers for an authentic Filipino meal surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature.
What to Expect:
We expected nothing, and we enjoyed everything! A Keelooma Voyage was a back-to-basics adventure that explored the archipelago around Linapacan. Our itinerary wasn't fixed, as we adapted to sea and weather conditions to show us the best island and snorkelling spots.
Respectful Exploration:
We visited uninhabited islands and communities, and we were lucky to work and live amongst the locals. The Filipino culture was welcoming, and we respected their right to privacy.
What Was Included:
- Boat excursions to 3 remote islands per day
- 2 nights accommodation in one of our kubos (mattress, bedding, pillow, and a mosquito net)
- Buffet meals, snacks, and drinks (water/squash/tea/coffee)
- Snorkel and Mask (fins not included)
- Linapacan Eco-Tourism Development Fee
What Wasn't Included:
- Towels/Toiletries
- Can/Bottle Drinks (Coke/Sprite/Beers)
- Flights to/from El Nido/Coron
- Accommodation in El Nido/Coron before/after the island stay
- Travel insurance
Packing Essentials:
We made sure to bring a dry bag, beach and swimming attire, sunglasses, sunscreen, a beach hat, towels, a light scarf/sarong, a flashlight, flip flops, reef shoes, something to cover up with at night (long pants/long-sleeve top), mosquito spray/patches, something to sleep in, and a good book.
Our voyage with Keelooma Island Hopping Tours was an unforgettable adventure where simplicity and nature took centre stage. We disconnected from the world and reconnected with the beauty of the Philippines, creating memories that will last a lifetime.