Last Updated on February 12, 2024 by Travelationship
Palawan is a Philippine island recently named by Travel + Leisure as “The World’s Best Island.” We haven’t been to all the islands in the world, but we have to agree Palawan is one of the best we have visited. When most refer to Palawan, they usually allude to El Nido, located on the island’s northern tip. El Nido is most known for two things – diving and island hopping. With the help of Binibini Travels, we could island hop despite the bad weather we encountered during our visit.
Spend any time in Southeast Asia, and inevitably you will be pitched to take an island hopping tour. Honestly, the idea always sounded funny to me. I didn’t understand if you are already on an island, why pay for a boat to take you to another island to hang out on a different beach when you have a magnificent beach right in front of you? But, Oh My God, it is the best thing ever, and they are true experts in El Nido.
El Nido Island Touring
El Nido has three different tours: Tour A, B, & C. Each one is comprised of a particular set of stops. Tour A focuses on beaches and lagoons, B centers around caves and coves, and C consists of hidden beaches and shrines. Every tour operator provides the same stops, but booking your day with a great tour operator will enhance your adventure. We booked with Binibini Travels, and their staff gave us a fun day we won’t forget.
We had initially chosen to do Tour C, but the Coast Guard canceled all C tours due to weather issues. Binibini worked quickly to find us an alternative group visiting Tour A, our second choice. Our new plan comprised the Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, and Seven Commandos Beach. The Small Lagoon and Big Lagoon were the highlights for us. We were able to kayak at each one from the boat drop-off into the breathtaking lagoons. We were in awe of the scenery before us on a cloudy day and could not even imagine how incredible the views must be with sunshine.
Binibini Travels – A Step Above
The fantastic views and an array of fish on display while snorkeling or kayaking wasn’t the end. The crew made a ridiculous lunch that Heather and I raved about to friends afterward. Heather even proclaimed the mussels were the best she had ever had. I, however, was a big fan of their BBQ chicken and fresh fruit plate. The rain continued to dampen our day, but the Binibini crew were experts at making any day an incredible one.
Travelasics
Binibini Travels arranged our whole El Nido holiday including transportation to and from Puerto Princesa and our hotel in El Nido. Within our first contact day, we had a customized 22-page PDF itinerary full of transportation, hotel, and tour details. Their services are flexible, and their staff is more than happy to help you design an excursion that fits your needs.
Contact Binibini on Facebook, call them at +63 921 982 0263, or email them at binibinitravels@gmail.com.
Tips: If you want to kayak, arrange your kayak rental from El Nido instead of paying a kayak rental fee twice at each lagoon. Renting your kayak ahead of time saves time and money.
Travelationship Rating:
4 out of 5 Travelationship High Fives. Prompt, professional service from the office and a fun-loving, responsible crew in the field. Not sure what else you could ask for? Type of traveler rating – adventure, relaxation, conservation, animal lover, sea lover, nature lover, romantic
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* Thank you to Binibini Travels for giving us a discount on our tour. As always, our opinions are ours – honest, not biased, and as we experienced.
I have heard a lot about Palawan. I used to say it “Padawan” but thanks to internet for correcting me haha because that would’ve been embarrassing for me! The view is definitely stunning! I don’t think I’d ever get tired of the view. I am kind of have motion sickness, will I be okay? Hahaha. But I surely will put Palawan in my bucket list! Have you ever visit Bali? Oh man, you should! Stunning view as well come and see it for yourself! Leave it to us to provide you the best villa for you to stay, please do visit our website, thank you!
Palawan is very pretty, and the view never got old. I have a little motion sickness and I didn’t have any issues on the trip, and we even had a big storm on the return trip. We have been to Bali and loved it and Indonesia. Thanks, Chrissy, if we head back that way we will certainly check out your place.
Aw! This looks really fun tho! Thanks for such detailed post 🙂
Thanks, Glad you liked it.
ooh palawan looks unbelievably gorgeous. are you going to the TBEX asia conf?
Sher
http://www.shershegoes.com
No, we won’t be attending because we are returning again in December. Are you going?
Palawan is really beautiful and the lagoon is gorgeous. Philippines is indeed blessed to have so many of these really out of the world islands as well as beaches. It is almost like paradise.
Yes, hopefully, they continue to move forward to preserve the islands for the future.
Missing the best island in the world! I hope to be back in El Nido, Palawan soon! 🙂
I hope you return soon.
I love exploring small islands. This one reminds a little of Cát Bà Island in Vietnam, which I visited last year. I would love to go to Philippines! 🙂
We visited Cat Ba last year, as well. Not sure I see too many similarities between the 2 places.
Wow, what a beautiful part of the world. Your photos are stunning. Great post, thanks for sharing 🙂
Wow, great to hear about Palawan! It looks similar to places I’ve been Thailand.
No wonder it is called as the most beautiful island. Amazingly clear water to get those shots of fish. They add color to the whole scenario. I would love to snorkel around them, 😀
Such a shame that your first option was cancelled, but at least it looks like you still had a great day!
What forced the Coast Guards decision as the waters look fairly calm (or was that only in the lagoons)?
Heavy rains off and on all day, and Tour A is farther out so bad weather always = canceled. Yes, Pics are from the lagoons.
This is a great post. your photographs enthralled me the most. i bet the seafood here is amazing . although im not a big fan of seafood, I wouldnt mind trying out a few.
Thanks. Yes, the food was quite good. We aren’t big fish fans, and we loved the fish meals we tried.
What a fantastic experience! We rally must get out there soon, everything I see and read is inspiring.
Highly recommend visiting soon and go during shoulder season. Their tourism has increased massively, and it gets really crowded.
I’m heading to Palawan the week before TBEX next month, so this is great timing and very helpful!
Are you doing El Nido or Puerto Princesa or both?