Discover Green Gecko Expeditions
Green Gecko Expeditions and Hostels, formerly known as The HUB Backpacker’s Hangout, is a premier adventure travel company and hostel operating in the stunning Northern Palawan Area. Established in 2018, the company initially gained recognition for its high-energy island-hopping expeditions between El Nido and Coron, two of Palawan’s most sought-after destinations.
Alongside its expedition services, The HUB Backpacker’s Hangout also operated two hostels, providing budget-friendly accommodations for backpackers and adventure seekers. By the way, we now have a new swimming pool as Coron has no good beaches in town, so it’s a bonus. Ahh, the good old days before COVID are gone, but we are making constant improvements to keep our guests happy.
However, like many travel businesses, the company faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both Coron and El Nido were under “Hard Lockdown,” which forced temporary/permanent closures and operational disruptions, and especially the tourism lifeblood of Palawan, which came to a complete halt.
Palawan was perhaps the last area of the Philippines to successfully come out of this Lockdown Mentality. During the pandemic, the company underwent a strategic rebranding, closing the Hub Backpackers Hangout and emerging as Green Gecko Expeditions and Hostels. Under the leadership of owners Joy Palmon and Brandon Henderson, the company successfully rose from the ashes of the pandemic and advanced its mark as a pre-eminent Coron to El Nido Expedition operator as well as a formidable Hostel operator.
Green Gecko Expeditions specializes in expedition-style, adrenaline-induced, or just chill out and relax, the choice is yours. These amazingly pristine island-hopping cruises running between El Nido and Coron, two destinations already renowned for their limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life, will show you the hidden gem right in the middle of the 2 famous destinations.
The awesome Linapacan island chain. Of course, if you were just looking for something more relaxed, just chill on the beach or the boat. Green Gecko’s expeditions were designed to be more than just regular day tours; they were multi-day, off-grid, out of touch, and remote virgin island hopping adventures that combined exploration, social interaction (both with the other guests and crew as well as the local Tagbanua Tribe), and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
We try to limit our group size from 12 to 25 people max, as we find the larger boats, some carrying 35 to 55 guests, just too large and impersonal. Yes, bigger boats have bigger engines, more crew, and more diesel, so always ask your operator about the size of the group.
The truth of the matter is, we really never know how many are on the boat until the night before. Motorcycle accidents and sickness sometimes destroy an otherwise perfect group, so we always try to have a few extra reserves on the trip. After all, we can’t make a trip with only 6 people; the costs are too high. Some people ask is the cost of the 3 day El Nido to Coron trip worth it?
In addition to expeditions, Green Gecko also operates a Hostel in Coron, as mentioned, with a brand new swimming pool. These hostels are more than just budget accommodations; they serve as social hubs where travelers can connect, eat, drink, tour/dive, and party together. We still have a daily happy hour where you get double rum or vodka and juice for only 50 pesos. Be careful if you fall and can’t get up!!
The combination of expeditions and hostel operations allowed Green Gecko Expeditions and Hostels to create a socially diverse living/traveling experience, catering to the needs of budget-conscious yet thrill-seeking travelers.
Since the reopening after COVID-19, Green Gecko Expedition and Hostel has made the following changes:
- A new name and logo to mark a post-pandemic rebranding
- A Stronger Focus on Sustainability, emphasizing eco-friendly travel practices, including Coral Reef Preservation.
- New expedition routes, trying to explore lesser-known islands.
- A Cultural immersion, in collaboration with indigenous Tagbanua and Culioni communities
- Reducing single-use plastics on boats.
For travelers seeking adventure with a conscience, Green Gecko Expeditions is more than a tour operator; it’s a gateway to authentic, responsible, and unforgettable travel experiences in the Philippines. We are proud of our company and the services we provide, and hope you have a chance to experience the Green Gecko Experience.
