PhilippinesMay 16, 2024, by Isa de Laat

Bucket list experience in the Philippines: the boat trip from Coron to El Nido (or vice versa)

Far Travels
Philippines, May 16, 2024, by Isa de Laat

Bucket list experience in the Philippines: the boat trip from Coron to El Nido (or vice versa)

Spoiler alert: Once you have done this boat trip, you will be a bit spoiled. There is a good chance that you will never again be served such delicious food on a boat, find such an idyllic place to sleep, never See this beautiful sunrise and sunset and guarantee that these are the whitest beaches with the bluest water you have ever seen.

It probably doesn't get more fairytale than the well-known boat trip from Coron to El Nido, and surpassing such an experience is almost impossible. The popularity of the experience is growing and so is the number of providers. If you can't see the forest for the trees, we highly recommend Big Dream Boatman.

Although it is possible to take a fast boat from Coron to El Nido (or vice versa), choosing the Big Dream Boatman Bucketlist experience is still the most fun option!

 

Big Dream Boatman

Big Dream Boatman

Well, there are several boat tours between Coron and El Nido (or vice versa): We have heard excellent stories about TAO Experience and Buhay Isla Tour, but in the end it was Team Big Dream Boatman. the winning team. Why? Big Dream Boatman may seem a bit more pricey, but everything you need is included. In addition to accommodation, food and drinks, masks, snorkels, crew, chef, service, entertainment and the complete BDBM experience, beer and cocktails (with rum) are also included in the price.

Other companies have much larger groups on the boat (for example, with TAO Experience you can have up to 30 people on one boat). On our boat from Big Dream Boatman there were only 18 people. 

You can choose from the Coron to El Nido (or vice versa) expedition of four days and three nights (recommended!) or the Coron Island Life expedition of three days and two nights (for when you have less time).

Who is Big Dream Boatman? Well, it all started as a brilliant idea during an adventure in Palawan in 2017. Oli, a British traveler, was captivated by the breathtaking beauty of Kayangan Lake. But he didn't want a typical tourist experience with overcrowded boats and pollution. So, enter Krish, the lifesaver who talked about the everyday chaos of Coron and how he dreamed of doing it differently. He wanted to offer people a real Island Life experience, away from the hustle and bustle, in peace and quiet and space to enjoy.

And so Big Dream Boatman was born! Oli and Krish joined forces to create a responsible shipping company with a mission: to show the true beauty of Palawan, without harming nature. With a clear vision and tons of enthusiasm, BDBM was born.

And if you go on the tour, there will be a fantastic team there for you who will do everything they can to show their home island in the best way. Away from the hustle and bustle, on to the hidden places.

What you REALLY need to do is book in time: Big Dream Boat Man tours sell out weeks, sometimes months, in advance. Last minute? Some of the larger operators such as El Nido Paradise can be a bit easier last minute.

Before departure

Before departure

The days before departure you will receive a briefing by email (useful, because some companies ask you to be physically present) and you will hear about everything you need to take with you. Think of a refillable bottle (no plastic on the boat), a swimming shirt, and more. Handy tip: waterproof bags are available everywhere, from 1 liter to 30 liters in capacity. Buy one with a 3-liter capacity: ideal for your camera, phone, e-reader and other kinds of stuff that you like to have with you all day. And another free tip: bring a sweater. Believe it or not, there can be a cold wind and you'll be happy if you can wrap yourself in something warm. 

The expedition

The expedition

Vamos, the expedition is starting. A large group of crew will also be joining us to take care of the expedition down to the last detail. And then take care with a capital V. They prepare the food in the tiniest kitchen ever. Really small. Really poor. But, there was some magic going on in this kitchen. Breakfast brought us banana pancakes, fried eggs, bowls of fruit with the juiciest mango, watermelon, apple and pineapple. At lunch and dinner the party continued and there were bowls of whole grilled fish, Greek salad, different types of noodles and of course rice. Or as the crew called it Philippine Power which was pronounced Pieliepieno Power. Great. Jubilant. With a (rum) cola or a beer and the most beautiful view of light blue waters as far as the eye can see. 

The stops along the way range from mini islands where only ten people live to islands where it seems as if no one has ever been there. A 'desert island' idea with the most breathtaking white beach you couldn't have imagined in your wildest dreams. As if, plop, you've been dropped into a postcard. You can snorkel to your heart's content at these enchanting beaches. When you return to the boat, there will certainly be a snack ready, such as grilled bananas (because they were real mini bananas) with caramel. To die for. After this journey of discovery and snack you will of course be completely exhausted and you will take a nap. Do yourself a favor and choose a spot in the shade, because the sun is merciless and there are many stories about red-faced tourists getting off these boats. Meanwhile, team Big Dream prepares to continue sailing to the next stop. There are about three stops per day. All equally beautiful.

And then evening falls and it's time to go to bed. You don't sleep on the boat, but you sleep on the most beautiful beaches in triangular houses on the beach. See the photos and judge for yourself. At the base camps you could take cold showers with a bucket shower. No problem, because hot water is really not necessary at these temperatures. Then the eyes are closed and at dawn the kitchen king has already placed the pancakes steaming on the plates, cut the fresh fruit and poured the coffee into mugs. Pure luck.

Oh and of course, the inevitable question: how do you manage this with the toilet? Fortunately, there is a toilet on board. Can be found behind a small door, which doesn't look like much, next to that mini kitchen with crew present. Anyway. Better than Expedition Robinson, we think. 

Whichever way you look at it: the boat trip is unforgettable and a must if you travel to Palawan. 

 

Big Dream Boatman

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