Explore the amazing islands of Palawan and the Philippines with this inaugural Happy trip! Palawan is a slice of heaven, a sliver of an island that teems with exotic wildlife, quaint fishing villages, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Palawan is a long island located just off the western flank of the Philippines and a paradise from end to end. Best known for its bright blue waters that contrast against the karst stone cliffs of the island, this is one of the most popular resort destinations in the Philippines and is only an 80-minute flight from the capital of Manila. With plenty to explore from the gorgeous beaches, caves, jungles, and the occasional settlement offering rustic Filipino food, and good company, this is sure to be an epic You Can't Steal My Happy vacation!
Price does not include inter-island airfare estimated at $400. Guests must purchase their airfare for this trip no later than May 2024 to ensure they are on the same flights. Guests will be notified 30 days after booking which flights below. We need to set up a task reminder 30 days after they book this tour to ensure they get flights as space can fill up. March 2025 flights on Air Swift are not released yet but they should be in the coming weeks. Once they release their March 2025 schedule we will get back to guests to suggest flight departure times to book from Manila to El Nido so we are all on the same flight.
Robert Hearn
My name is Robert, and I am one happy dude! Having travelled to 130 plus countries I discovered long ago that a smile is the same in every language. My brand, You Can’t Steal My Happy, was conceived in 2011 when I was visiting in the US Virgin Islands. While waiting to catch a ferry from St John to St. Thomas, I was treated to some island drama. A local had just been evicted from his home and he decided to let everyone know just how he felt about it. Using a black can of spray paint, he graffitied “You Can Steal My House, But You Can’t Steal My Happy” on the building. I certainly don’t condone this behavior, but his message struck me as very powerful. I decided at that moment, I would remind everyone that they have 100% control over their happy- no person, situation, or thing can steal it!
The images on my apparel will hopefully inspire you to get out in play in this world that I call my playground. If you are up for some adventure then join us on a life changing happy tour to one of our exciting destinations. I hope you will join the “You Can’t Steal My Happy” movement by showing the world your smile.
Price does not include inter-island airfare estimated at $400. Guests must purchase their airfare for this trip no later than May 2024 to ensure they are on the same flights. Guests will be notified 30 days after booking which flights below. We need to set up a task reminder 30 days after they book this tour to ensure they get flights as space can fill up. March 2025 flights on Air Swift are not released yet but they should be in the coming weeks. Once they release their March 2025 schedule we will get back to guests to suggest flight departure times to book from Manila to El Nido so we are all on the same flight.
This is the link to AirSwift https://www.air-swift.com. 44 pound baggage limit
Flights to Book
Friday March 14th 2025
2:05pm flight 60142 one way from Manila to El Nido
Tuesday March 18th 2025
11:15am flight 60538 from one way from El Nido to Coron
March 22nd 2025
This is your departure day back to Manila so you can leave whenever you want.
These 2 airlines fly between Coron to Manila
As of today flights are less expensive on Cebu Pacific at $90-$100
HOW TO GET THERE and Arrival Details
This trip originates in Manila (MNL). There are nonstop flights from the west coast on Philippine Airlines and United Airlines; and connecting flights from most major Asian cities (ICN, HND, NRT, HKG, etc). You can check routes from your departure city on FlightsFrom- https://www.flightsfrom.com/ .
As a reminder, you will need to book your own flights from:
Manila to El Nido via Airswift
El Nido to Coron via Airswift
Coron to El Nido via Air Swift or Cebu Pacific
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A passport with 6 months validity beyond your departure date and sufficient space for an entry stamp. No visa is required for tourist travel under 30 days. For more information, please visit the State Department website here.
All passengers arriving in the Philippines (international arrivals) and Filipino travelers departing from the country (PH) must register on the E-Travel portal before their flights.
Click on the link below
CURRENCY
The currency of the Philippines is the Philippine Peso (PHP). For the most up-to date conversion rate click here or download the app- https://www.xe.com/.
ATMs are prevalent in Manila and it is suggested to get your cash here and exchange your currency. There are a few ATM's around El Nido and fewer in Coron. Sometimes they run out of money, especially on weekends and during holidays, and the ATMs have limits on how much you can take out (different than your bank limit). Credit cards, Gcash, Paypal are accepted in some establishments. Almost everything in Coron is on a cash basis so plan accordingly. We recommend withdrawing $300 in local currency in Manila.
ELECTRICAL PLUGS
There are three associated plug types in the Philippines: A, B and C. Plug type A has two flat parallel pins, plug type B has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin and type C has two round pins. The Philippines operates on a 220V supply voltage and 60Hz.
Click here to purchase an adapter/converter for your trip and see other travel accessories.
TIPPING
Before your trip, a Happy Ambassador will reach out to you about tipping our local guides. Plan to budget at least $100 for day guides.. Happy Ambassadors are already compensated, the tip money will go to local guides. 10% is the standard for restaurants.
For your day tours, plan on $5 for each tour.
WEATHER & WHAT TO WEAR
The dry season lasts from November to April. While there are regional variations, expect temperatures of between 79°F and 93°F (26°C and 34°C) in March. Palawan, Coron and El Nido experience a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity levels throughout the year.
Lightweight and quick-drying clothing: Linen and cotton are excellent choices. Pack T-shirts, shorts, summer maxi dresses, swim suits, coverups, long sleeve SPF shirts/rash guards, comfortable flip flops, water shoes, and a hat.
Water and Dinning
Please only consume bottled water. We also recorded you brush your teeth with bottled water. Ice and most hotel and restaurants is filtered but always ask. Palawan's cuisine is a delectable fusion of Filipino, Malay, and Spanish flavors. Here are some dishes you may want to try.
Chicken Inasal is a mouthwatering grilled chicken dish, marinated in a unique blend of spices and herbs, then cooked to perfection.
Tamilok is a dish made from mollusks harvested from mangrove trees, with a long, soft and flabby body that tastes like oyster.
Halo Halo which means “mix mix” in English. This refreshing drink is a popular favorite, made from a blend of sweetened preserved fruits, evaporated milk, and crushed ice. It's usually topped with either ice cream or leche flan.
Roasted meat in Filipino is called Lechon manok (chicken) and liempo (pork belly). Lechon is a whole roasted pig with crispy, golden-brown skin.
Lato seaweed, also called sea grapes or green caviar, is a highly sought-after dish in Palawan because of its tender and juicy texture. It goes well with any dish, especially fried ones, and is typically served with either salt or vinegar.
These spots offer a variety of cuisines and atmospheres, from casual beachfront eateries to more cozy café experiences. Enjoy your time in El Nido!
El Coron Recommended Places to try
Trattoria Altrové
Sharky's Restobar
Karl’s BBQ & Ribs
Coron Island Restaurant
El Kuvo
Manggis Restaurant
Poco Deli
Santino's Grill
These restaurants offer a great mix of local and international cuisine for an enjoyable dining experience in Coron.
TRANSPORTATION & SECURITY
Transportation options in Manila include taxis, jeepneys, ride-hailing apps Grab and JoyRide, buses, the Light Rail Transit (LRT), and the Metro Rail Transit (MRT). Tricycles (motorized) are the main transportation for getting around on the islands. Be sure to negotiate a price before you ride.
The Philippines is like any other country when it comes to safety. Some areas are considered more dangerous compared to others. Compared to the rest of the country, Palawan is considered one of the safest and most tourist-friendly places in the Philippines.
For more information, please visit the State Department website here.
INTRO, HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY
Palawan is counted among the world's best islands. Given its otherworldly natural beauty, pristine beaches, turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, lush forests and stunning limestone cliffs, it is visited by beach lovers and nature seekers from across the globe.
Palawan is an archipelago comprising 1780 islands and islets often referred to as the “Cradle of Philippine Civilization” because the bones of the first Filipinos were found there 22,000 years ago. The first known settlers were the Tagbanua, Palaw'an, Tau't bato and the Bataks. The beauty that we now know as Palawan first landed on the map when Chinese traders and other migrants found their way over using the land bridges that once existed between Borneo and Palawan. Palawan soon became a center of trade between the Malays and the Chinese and it was during the 12th century when the Malays from Borneo started settling in Palawan. The settlers lived off the land. They planted their own food: palay, ginger, coconut, camote, sugar, and bananas. They kept livestock for food. They also fished and hunted. They developed their own alphabet, a non-formal form of government and a system for trading with sea-borne merchants.
After breakfast you will journey to beautiful islands, beaches and snorkeling spots. Start with a stop at Bacuit archipelago. Visit Helicopter island (shape like helicopter) and Tapiutan Island. Then we hop to a beautiful white sand and rocky beach Matinloc Shrine. This place used to host a convent and school which are now abandoned and that you can walk around in this charming place! After lunch, you will be taken to three beaches: Secret Beach and Hidden Beach. We won’t tell you there everything about these places, to not spoil the discovery. But be assured that their names aren’t chosen randomly, and that you’ll be amazed by their remoteness and their calm beauty. Back to your hotel in the mid-afternoon. Overnight accommodation.
