The Philippines is made up of 1000s of islands. Planning a trip to this amazing country can be a daunting task deciding which islands to visit and how to get to and from each one. My number one recommendation is to embark on a TAO experience.

Tao is a community of over 200 islanders who welcome travelers from all over the globe to experience the true Philippines through remote island adventures. They offer various experiences- this post is based on the 5 day/4 night Tao Exhibition. Here’s 10 reasons a TAO experience should definitely be on any Philippines travel itinerary:

1. Cruising on a traditional Paraw Boat

All aboard the Tao ship to start this incredible adventure. The traditional Paraw boat will be your transportation and home for the next few days. It has plenty of room to relax on deck, a kitchen in the back, upper deck on top and storage for everyone’s luggage. It also makes a great back flip platform! Cruising from island to island, soaking up the sun, and enjoying cold drinks on deck is the first taste of paradise.

2. Remote Islands All to Yourself

Escape over populated tourist locations and find yourself on pristine beaches to explore with just the few fellow travelers on TAO.

3. Delicious Fresh Filipino Food

Every meal was simply amazing. The chef took such great pride in creating traditional dishes for us to savor over. From the freshest fruit and fish to a full pig roast, all the food was absolutely delicious.

4. Lost Boys

The crew of island boys better known as “Lost Boys” truly make this trip. They were always singing, making jokes, and making sure everyone was having the best time.

5. Sunsets and Jungle Juice

Everyday at dusk the Lost Boys brought out jugs of “jungle juice” and led us to a sweet spot to watch sunset. Jungle Juice- a rum and pineapple concoction gets the party started. Breathtaking sunsets don’t hurt either.

6. Base Camp Activities

Each day you arrive at a new base camp filled with things to do – beach volleyball, island workouts, slack lines, basketball, bonfires and of course a stocked bar.

7. Sleeping Under the Stars

Sleeping accommodations at the base camps are bamboo huts crafted by the TAO community right on the beach. Watch the stars and fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing. Nets are provided to keep mosquitos out.

8. Camaraderie

One of the best parts of the TAO experience is all the awesome people from around the world you get to share it with. Like-minded adventurous souls all in the Philippines to relax and have a great time make the days and nights highly entertaining. You’ll definitely be wanting to plan more trips with these new friends!

9. Snorkeling Crystal Clear Waters

There are plenty of beautiful reefs and even some shipwrecks along the route. The crew will make sure you get your fill of snorkeling by stopping at many of them.

10. Best way to get from Coron to El Nido

TAO offers a few different experiences. Many start in Coron or El Nido and end at the other island. This is the best way to get from one island to the other making it fit very nicely into an itinerary and allows time to explore both Coron and El Nido before/after the exhibition. We booked the Tao exhibition first. Then planned the rest of our Philippines travels around it.

How to Book:

Head to the TAO website. Choose the experience that best fits your style and trip itinerary. Then apply for one of the open departure dates. The application process is very simple. They do it to ensure you are adventurous and ready for the type of experience this is: Not a glamorous, five star accommodation vacation. You’ll be sleeping and showering outdoors, swimming to base camps with minimal baggage, and sharing space on a boat for the duration of the trip. It is so worth it and the best way to really experience the Philippines!