Buhay Isla Ecotour - El Nido — Attraction in El Nido

We booked a 3n 4d trip with buhay isla and let me tell you; best decision ever. We went from El Nido to Coron. Everything was organized very well and the moment we got to the harbor to get on the boat, we were excitedly welcomed. Getting on board was a smooth process and they checked with us multiple times if we had everything in our dry bags. I would recommend getting a dry bag of at least 15L, because we both had a 10L dry bag. Me and my friend both found that we just lacked a little space.

When getting on board, the briefing started. We were informed with everything that we were going to do that day and some safety precautions were told. The moment we started sailing, we were ‘free’ to do what we wanted. We could rest in the shade or seek some sun on the higher deck. Every time we reached our next destination, someone would come to us and tell us where we just anchored, what we could do here and they constantly reminded us to wear enough sunscreen and drink enough water. I immediately felt safe and welcome. The crew was really looking after us and taking care of us. It’s an incredibly relaxing and special feeling to let go of all your worries and concerns and to be looked after for 4 days. We would usually have one stop before reaching our lunch stop, where we would first swim and afterwards have the best lunches. I can promise you that I never had this much delicious food 4 days in a row, since I moved out and got my own place hahahahaha. The food was lovingly prepared by the kitchen staff and it was all Filipino food. It was amazing to fully experience and taste the authentic Filipino food at the most beautiful places in the world.

Our team was called Team Lupa and members from our crew, like Murcy and Ken, made our trip unforgettable. They treat you and the others like family. It’s special how close you can become to strangers in such a short time span. You hang out, chat about life and make connections. You entrust other people with your secrets and share your highs and lows. There is no feeling of shame of reluctance, because you have no choice but to let go of all these feelings. You completely rely on the most basic amenities, what can be pretty scary at first, but once you just embrace and accept the situation for what it is, you will find peace.

I learned a lot during my stay here in the Philippines, but especially during this trip. I learned how to relax, how to fully enjoy and how to really live in the moment.

So if you were to do an expedition here in the Philippines, please choose Buhay Isla. All of the camps were amazing and there were always toilets and (sort of) showers available. If your adventurous and willing to step out of your comfort zone, this is something for you. Don’t expect luxury, but that is what makes this trip so unforgettable.

To the crew from team lupa, thank you again for the...

An honest review of the 2N/3D El Nido Coron “expedition”. I wanted to love this trip but unfortunately there were some detractors

The boat itself was a good size and better equipped than some of the other ones that this company uses. Most of the crew were kind and respectful. Others, a little less so. As one of the only people in a group of 22 that was not coupled up, it was a bit annoying to receive extra attention from some of the crew who came across a little sleazy

I understand their whole motto is “expect the unexpected” but it’s not really mentioned anywhere that you have to swim to your base camps and all of the islands visited. This was a bit difficult for myself as I wasn’t a confident swimmer and some of the places we stopped at, the water was murkier and waves were strong. They did have a kayak and offered to take me across on it but I didn’t feel comfortable with certain people

They say it’s not an island hopping tour but in essence it is. They give you 45 minutes or less at each spot so it was hard to fully enjoy it. There was also no exploration on the islands as such

The food was great though, and always delicious. We had snacks throughout the day after each stop. There was a good mix of meat and vegetable dishes at lunch and dinner and the fruit art was always a nice touch. However, there were only single trays of some dishes which caused issues in our group because there wasn’t enough of that dish for everyone to try. I mentioned this to the crew/chef and the feedback was taken very well and they improved the serving allocation

As for the camps themselves, the huts are okay, beds were comfortable and the area was fine. The first camp (smaller one) was incredibly hot and difficult to get a good rest. There are showers and toilets as well at both camps

One thing that I also found super disappointing was that Buhay Isla promotes itself as an ‘ecotour’ but I pointed out plastic packaging in one of our spots and the guides ignored it until I was going to take it with me on our way out. They then offered to take it and dispose of it (who knows if they actually did) They also didn’t care when other people littered cigarette butts at the camp. We stopped at Skeleton Wreck as well which had over 10 tour boats already and countless of people in the water above the snorkeling site. This didn’t seem to be in line with the ecotourism they promote

I appreciate the efforts and help of the crew in the water as well as they always had guides on Kayaks to oversee people swimming/snorkelling. And the dance + fire show they did for us on our second night was good entertainment

This was a good experience overall but there is definitely room for...

Our 4-day expedition between El Nido and Coron with Buhay Isla was nothing short of magical! From the moment we set sail on the traditional Filipino banca boat, it was clear this would be an extraordinary experience.

The landscapes we encountered were truly out of this world – picture-perfect, untouched paradise with towering limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and white sandy beaches that felt like they belonged on a postcard. Every stop seemed more breathtaking than the last, leaving us in awe of the natural beauty the Philippines has to offer.

The snorkeling spots were absolutely phenomenal. We explored vibrant coral gardens teeming with life, from colorful reef fish to intricate coral formations. Each site felt unique, and the underwater world was just as stunning as the views above the surface.

Our accommodation throughout the trip was equally special. We stayed in eco-friendly beach camps completely immersed in nature, giving us a true sense of disconnect from the modern world. Falling asleep to the sound of the waves under a starlit sky was an unforgettable experience, making this adventure feel even more authentic and memorable.

A huge highlight was the food. Every meal was a feast of local Filipino dishes, carefully prepared by the talented onboard cooks. We had the chance to try a wide variety of dishes, all bursting with flavor and clearly made with fresh, quality ingredients. The care and effort put into each meal were evident, and it added so much to the overall experience.

The crew deserves a special mention – they were beyond fantastic! Always attentive, friendly, and full of energy, they went above and beyond to ensure everyone felt comfortable and had the best time possible. Their passion for their work was contagious, and they truly made the trip unforgettable with their positive spirit and constant care.

Our group of 20 fellow travelers was the perfect mix of fun and friendly people. Sharing this experience with such a diverse and open-minded group added another layer of enjoyment to the trip. Whether we were sharing stories around the campfire, exploring lagoons together, or simply relaxing on the boat, every moment felt enriched by the connections we made.

A huge thank you to the entire Team Wind for orchestrating such an incredible experience! Your hard work, attention to detail, and genuine passion made this adventure truly exceptional. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime island-hopping experience, Buhay Isla is...