Introduction
Linapacan, a hidden paradise in the Palawan province of the Philippines, is fast becoming one of the top island-hopping destinations in the country. Known for its crystal-clear waters, pristine white-sand beaches, and an abundance of unspoiled natural beauty, Linapacan is often overlooked in favor of more famous destinations like El Nido and Coron.
However, for those in the know, this secluded gem offers a truly magical experience, providing the perfect getaway for both beach lovers and adventure seekers.
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination that promises stunning views, serene landscapes, and unforgettable island hopping, it should be at the top of your list. Explore more about this place at the official Palawan tourism website. Because of its inaccessibility, this area remains one of the last untourched Island chains in the world. Going either from El Nido to Coron on a 3 day expedition is the only way to see this amazing area. Green Gecko offers an awesone immerion into the island life of Linapacan on their 3 day El Nido to Coron Expedtion.


Why Linapacan is a Hidden Gem
Located between the more popular destinations of El Nido and Coron, Linapacan is often overlooked by many tourists. However, its pristine beauty and remote location make it a paradise for those seeking peace and tranquility.
With over 50 islands and islets, Linapacan offers a variety of scenic spots, including secluded beaches, clear lagoons, and vibrant coral reefs that are perfect for snorkeling and diving.
One of the main attractions is its untouched environment. Unlike other tourist hotspots in Palawan, has yet to experience mass tourism, making it an ideal place to enjoy the natural beauty of the Philippines without the crowds.
The crystal-clear waters and unspoiled landscapes make it the perfect destination for island hopping. Learn more about Palawan’s best islands from Lonely Planet.
Linapacan is cut off from Coron and El Nido there is no public transportation traveling between the 3 destinations so the only way to see this area is by private or shared boat tour (expedition). This is why its worth the price for the expedition, as the area remains mostly pristine, secluded and uninhabited.
Top Islands to Visit on Linapacan Island Hopping
It is home to several beautiful islands that are perfect for an island-hopping adventure. Here are the top islands to explore:
- Malcapuya Island: Known for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear water, Malcapuya Island is a must-visit destination. It’s ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or simply lounging by the beach. The island’s serene environment makes it a favorite spot for relaxation.
- Banana Island: Another beautiful island in Linapacan, Banana Island is famous for its vibrant marine life and pristine coral reefs. Snorkelers will love exploring the underwater world here, while those who enjoy sunbathing can relax on the island’s powdery sand.
- Ditaytayan Island: Often regarded as one of the best beaches in the region, Ditaytayan Island boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters and shallow lagoons perfect for swimming. The island is often quiet, making it an ideal spot for relaxation.
- Alatong Island: A small, uninhabited island perfect for those seeking solitude, Alatong Island is surrounded by stunning coral reefs. It’s a great spot for snorkeling, and the island’s remote location ensures that you’ll enjoy a peaceful experience.
These islands are just a few of the many beautiful spots to visit while island hopping in Linapacan. To plan your island-hopping tour, visit TripAdvisor’s Linapacan page for more insights.
Activities to Enjoy in Linapacan
Aside from the stunning beaches, Linapacan also offers plenty of activities for adventure enthusiasts. Here are some activities you can enjoy during your island-hopping tour:
- Snorkeling: Linapacan is home to vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner snorkeler, the crystal-clear waters make for an unforgettable underwater adventure.
- Scuba Diving: For those seeking to explore the deeper waters, Linapacan offers excellent diving spots. Discover the region’s rich marine biodiversity, including schools of fish, sea turtles, and stunning coral gardens.
- Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Explore the islands at your own pace by kayaking or paddleboarding through calm lagoons and bays. The tranquil waters make these activities an enjoyable way to discover the beauty of the area.
- Beachcombing: If you’re looking to relax, take a stroll along the pristine beaches, collecting seashells, or simply enjoying the serenity of the area.
For more on activities and experiences in Linapacan, check out Klook’s travel experiences.
Travel Tips for Your Island Hopping Adventure
When planning your island hopping trip to Linapacan, here are some helpful tips to ensure you have the best experience:
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Linapacan is during the dry season, which runs from December to May. This period offers the best weather conditions for outdoor activities.
- Pack Essentials: Be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and comfortable swimwear. The remote islands do not have many amenities, so it’s important to bring everything you need for the day.
- Book in Advance: While Linapacan is less touristy than other destinations, it’s still a good idea to book your island hopping tour in advance, especially during peak season.
- Stay Hydrated: The tropical climate can get quite hot, so always carry enough water to keep hydrated during your tour.
For more practical tips on traveling around Palawan, refer to The Broke Backpacker’s Guide to Palawan.
Conclusion
Linapacan is a hidden paradise waiting to be discovered. With its stunning islands, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife, it’s the perfect destination for those looking to explore the unspoiled beauty of the Philippines. Whether you’re looking to snorkel, dive, or simply relax on the beach, Linapacan offers an unforgettable island hopping experience. So pack your bags, book your trip, and get ready to unveil the Philippines’ best-kept secret!
For more travel inspiration, follow National Geographic Travel.
EXCELLENT Based on 81 reviews Posted on JOSHUA KVerified Great tour with great staff Was the best thing I did in the phillipines, the boat staff were great, so was the food and the campsites were great. The guides were great at getting the group together and having fun (the free rum helped too).Posted on Josh CVerified Great communication and full refund when typhoon hit Great company would highly recommend. Friends told us how good their time was with them so we booked through them. Sadly it got cancelled because of a typhoon but they gave us a full refund and their communication through was fab. If you’re worried about the weather don’t hesitate to book with these guys, they’ve got your backPosted on Molly AVerified 10/10 Recommend Really recommend these guys, our tour was cancelled due to inbound typhoon. They fully refunded our deposit with no issues, really appreciated their communication!Posted on Lora HVerified Incredible overall Philippines experience I can’t express how incredible this experience was. The best food, heavy rums (after 5pm but you were allowed to drink your own byob before that) incredible beaches, snorkeling and tree houses for camping!! It was the highlight of our trip without a doubtPosted on Bran HVerified Greatest highlight of our trip in We investigated all the companies and our group decided on Green Gecko and it was great,.The islands were absolutely amazing and pristine and the coral and snorkeling totally awesome. Crew was very good and friends right away and the food exceptional can't say more other than we all loved it.Posted on Raphaël dVerified Great experience with Green Gecko Expedition We had booked an expedition between El Nido and Coron with Green Gecko, but unfortunately, we had to cancel due to a typhoon that hit the area at that time. Despite the circumstances, the team was extremely flexible, helpful, and easy to reach. They did everything they could to help us rearrange our plans and even tried to reschedule the trip so we wouldn’t miss out.Even though we couldn’t make it to El Nido in time because of the weather, we were really impressed by their professionalism, kindness, and great communication throughout the whole process.We were also fully refunded without any issue, which we really appreciated. I highly recommend Green Gecko, their customer service is outstanding, and we’ll definitely book with them again next time!Posted on Finn HVerified Amazing Paradise, the crew are excellent and very funny they made my whole trip amazing,couldn't ask more!The food is superb, island are incrediblePosted on Paradise22707710751Verified Green Gecko Expedition We had a great trip with my friends at Green Gecko. The weather was nice, the crew was very funny, and we saw beautiful islands. We did some cliff jumping, and mostly, we chose Green Gecko for our trip because they were cheaper and offered free rum from 5 pm to 11 pm, unlike other companies that charged a lot for drinks. The view was excellent. We loved the tour, crew, and food, it was an amazing experience. We highly recommend Green Gecko.Posted on Laurie BVerified No excursion because Typhon but fully refunded 🫶🏼 Unfortunately, we were unable to complete the expedition due to a mega typhoon, but we wanted to highlight the exceptional quality of the team’s communication. Throughout our discussions, they were very responsive and professional, offering us several solutions to try to save the expedition. After several discussions, they finally agreed to refund us in full. A very humane and serious management in the face of an unpredictable situation. We highly recommend their professionalism and responsivenessPosted on Adventure48780525844Verified Excellent Island Hopping Adventure...a Must Do Experiience We were a group of 4 people who did the trip with Green Gecko. We were deciding over the other companies and in the end we chose Green Gecko because they were cheaper but they also offered free rum where as all the other companies drinks were expensive. The final factor was the reviews and Green Gecko was as high or higher rated than most the other companies. We are so glad we chose Green Gecko their tour was amazing the crew were so fun and the food excellent. We all totally enjoyed the trip its highly recommendedVerified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more