Header image courtesy of Cy Yambao
With the otherworldly beauty of Palawan, the so-called last frontier of the Philippines, it’s almost impossible to believe that the island-province isn’t a product of our imagination. For several years, it has been touted as among the best islands in the world, but its well-deserved fame is largely rooted in the global appeal of one of its municipalities—El Nido. The protected area is a gateway to the Bacuit archipelago, a region best known for its limestone formations, hidden lagoons, and immaculate beaches.
To make the most of your getaway, embark on island hopping boat tours categorised into four itineraries (and aptly named from A to D) around the famous Bacuit Bay. These typically run through the afternoon, and already include kayak and snorkelling gear rental, not to mention a delicious spread of fresh seafood for lunch. It’s quite difficult to rank each of the tours according to their worth, but if you’ve only got a weekend to spend in this tropical paradise—and you are visiting for the first time—we make planning easier for you with our suggested tour choices below.