Adventure Travel Philippines

The Base Camp
When Chinese explorer Chao Ju-Kua stumbled upon Palawan in 1225, he dubbed the 270-mile-long (435-kilometer-long) island the "land of beautiful harbors" where "lofty ridges and cliffs rise as steeply as the walls of a house." Today, one of these beautiful harbors—Bacuit Bay—is home to El Nido Resort's Lagen lodge, an environmentally friendly property situated on a sculpted island inside the bay. The resort's 18 cottages rest on stilts right next to El Nido's marine sanctuary, where towering limestone cliffs jut from the shimmering surface and unspoiled coral reefs lie just below it. In a single day, guests can scuba dive, kayak, rock climb, and trek—returning just in time to witness a Gauguin-inspired sunset from their cottage's private balcony. Rather take it easy? Just spend your day relaxing on the beach. You certainly won't miss the sunset that way.

It's worth noting that a group of tourists was kidnapped in Palawan in 2001. The incident occurred far from El Nido and has not been repeated. Still, it is wise to check security updates before you go.
Days: 7

Outfitter: El Nido Resorts

Cost: $2, 100

Photograph courtesy of El Nido Resorts

Subscribe now to begin your year of Adventure with our exciting Alive expedition coverage. Then explore wildest California, get lost in the Paris catacombs, and spend seven incredible days in Morocco.