I have always loved explorations, and my love for wild adventures has taken me across many corners of the Philippines. I have spent countless nights on quiet shores with friends who, like me, thrive in nature. And so I thought I had already lived my best adventures. But Tao Philippines (pronounced ta-ó, meaning “human”) just proved that there is always another shore to land on and another story to live.

I joined Tao Philippines’ two-day, one-night island exploration in El Nido. The idea came to me after I had already booked a flight for the inaugural Clark to El Nido trip with Cebu Pacific. As someone handling Public Relations for Clark International Airport, I have seen water cannon salutes many times but only from the terminal. This time, I wanted to witness it from a passenger’s perspective.

At first, I thought Tao Expeditions only sailed between the two major ports of Palawan, El Nido and Coron. But after browsing their website, I discovered a shorter expedition that fit my schedule. And it was aboard a traditional paraw.

The Balatik, named after the constellation Orion in Hiligaynon, is a majestic 74-foot wooden sailboat. It is unlike any other vessel you will see in El Nido. Modeled after the boats that navigated the Philippine seas more than a thousand years ago, it carries a deep sense of tradition and pride. It is also equipped with a motor to navigate against the wind when necessary.

It turned out to be the best decision for my four-day, three-night El Nido vacation, which included stays at Frendz Hostel El Nido’s beachfront accommodation and Spin Designer Hostel, as well as dinners at The Funny Lion El Nido.

On my first day, I attended the mandatory Tao briefing, a gathering point for all guests before the expedition. That is where I met Roy, our expedition leader. He grew up in Puerto Princesa and worked as a farmer before finding his way to the sea. His first brush with seafaring came through a boat built in his village.

Roy started at Tao Beach Farm, a food source for the expeditions, a training ground for crew, and a camp for explorers. From there, he worked his way up. He became a bar man, then a chef, and now a leader.

He shared the company’s history, walked us through what to expect, and offered packing tips. I met the rest of the adventurers and realized I was the only Filipino in the group. Perhaps due to the price point, Tao does not typically attract travelers on a shoestring budget.

We were also given bracelets equipped with an RFID system to charge drinks and tips along the way. It was during the briefing that I had my first taste of Tao’s famed jungle juice, which is rum mixed with pineapple. From that first toast, I knew it was going to be a solid two-day adventure.

Our sail began early the next morning. After boarding, Roy gave us another briefing and showed us around the paraw. Luggage went into the cabin under the deck, day bags stayed in the captain’s area, and sunblock, water bottles, and footwear had designated baskets.

We were introduced to the crew, the heart and soul of Tao, fondly called the Lost Boys. All locals, they know this stretch of islands like the back of their hand. Each had a role and a unique personality.

There was Amar, the engine man and mechanic. Hondo, our snorkeling guide and graceful merman in the water. Jo, the barman and, as Roy put it, the most important man on board. According to him, “As long as the bar man is alive, you can have your drinks.” Kian, a helpful crew member always ready to assist. Art, the talented chef who constantly impressed us with his meals. Marvin, the life of the party and resident clown. And our captain, Rolly, who was busy navigating during introductions. We also had three Jack Russell Terriers on board, Nala, Sulu, and Riri.

Shortly after setting sail, we were served breakfast: fried rice with boiled eggs and a generous helping of fresh fruits. It was simple, satisfying, and the perfect start to our day.

Unlike other El Nido tours with fixed itineraries, Tao prides itself on having no set plan. Roy explained that they adjust based on the weather, wind, and the group’s energy. They prepare for everything from A to Z and let the journey unfold naturally. We were simply told we would stop at two or three spots that day.

Our first stop turned out to be Snake Island, which was originally meant to be our second destination. Murky waters at Pupulkan Island, our supposed first stop, led to the change.

Officially known as Vigan Island, Snake Island is famous for its S-shaped sandbar. It was high tide and the sandbar was submerged, so we climbed a small hill for a stunning view and then returned to the boat.

Our second and third stops were snorkeling sites teeming with marine life. Snorkels and fins were provided, and the crew made sure everyone felt safe, even checking for jellyfish. They went the extra mile by letting me hold onto their buoy so I could simply float and watch the vibrant world below.

One spot was near Pasandigan Beach, the other near Natnat Beach. After every stop, we could rinse off with fresh water. The paraw had two toilets, one reserved for male passengers, and a fresh-water shower.

While island stops may shift depending on sea and weather conditions, one thing is certain. You will spend the night at one of their base camps, in an elevated bamboo hut called a tuka, set on a tiny slice of paradise.

Our first camp was special because it was the original Tao camp where the founders first dreamed up the expedition. The iconic Tao logo, inspired by a smile or laugh, traces its roots here.

Tao was founded in 2006 by Eddie, a Filipino from Mountain Province, and his British friend Jack. They explored Palawan on fishing boats, relying on local knowledge and sleeping on beaches or under the stars. They continued their journey, building connections with communities and inviting guests along the way until word began to spread. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Though Cadlao Island camp has no electricity, it offers everything you need for a restful night. Each hut comes with a cushion bed, a pillow, and a mosquito net. Guests can use open showers with organic soap, along with two enclosed toilets, two enclosed showers, and a dressing room.

Whether we were sailing or resting at camp, every meal felt like a feast. We were served a few of my Filipino favorites such as fried matangbaka (fried bigeye scad), monggo (mung bean stew), and tortang talong (eggplant omelette). Chef Art’s vegetables were always crisp and never overcooked, just the way I like them.

Meals at camp felt even more special because the Lost Boys took the time to weave coconut leaves into mats where they beautifully presented our food.

On Day Two, we navigated for three to four hours toward the tip of El Nido. We had only one stop, but it was the most beautiful. Daracotan Island offered white sand beaches, shaded huts, and the Guapo Shack, where more Lost Boys served cold drinks. We snorkeled, relaxed, and soaked it all in.

Our journey ended at Tao Beach Farm, where every Lost Boy begins. Before parting ways, Roy took us around the farm. We stopped by the Kantina, where he shared how he learned to express himself in English. Before that, he could only say yes or no, often unsure if he was even answering correctly. We also saw the area where the Lost Girls offer massages, and the three major camps: the Family and Friends Camp, the Center Camp, and the Aplaya Camp.

Roy also gave us a short briefing about the Tao Kalahi Foundation. Tao goes beyond providing jobs. It shares the benefits of tourism with surrounding communities. Kalahi means "of the same breed" or "of the same type" in Filipino. The foundation supports people beyond their immediate network, believing that everyone in the region deserves to benefit from tourism.

The foundation builds kindergartens, daycares, and elementary schools in remote islands. These structures follow the same bamboo-bending designs used in their base camps and serve children who would otherwise have to paddle across open water just to reach the nearest school. These projects help keep young kids safe and give them the opportunity to begin learning early.

As a co-founder of Trails to Empower Kids, this mission hit close to home. We share the same values.

The foundation has also supported higher education scholars in fields such as marine biology, public administration, agricultural engineering, education, and political science. They hire and train local teachers, and children are invited to the Tao Farm for summer training, where they learn practical skills in tourism and hospitality.

I got sunburned, missed countless client calls, and gained a little weight from all the incredible food. But I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Tao is not just a trip. It is an experience that stays with you long after you leave the islands.

It is worth every dollar (Tao lists its rates in USD). You gain memories that last, stories that matter, and the chance to uplift lives along the way. I hope more travelers find their way to this path so the Lost Boys can keep sharing their magic and more communities can become part of this journey.