The jewel of Busuanga’s bays. You can easily access Dao Island from Manila as it is located within the well-serviced tourism hotspot of Busuanga Coron. There are several commercial or private transport options available, and many choices for accommodation. For land and sea connections, do contact us directly and we can help you coordinate – you can also review the suggestions below.
Please note that you should give us advance notice of any visit to Dao Island so that we can confirm access with our island team – it’s a private island and unannounced arrivals are like to be denied. Please note, there are no permanent structures on the island, so day trips with an overnight stay in a nearby resort is your best bet. Great camping is available for the more adventurous.
COMMERCIAL ACCESS
1 hour flight from Manila to Coron/Busuanga airport (several scheduled flights per day operated by Cebu Pacific Air (cebupacificair.com), Philippine Airlines (philippineairlines.com), and SkyJet (skyjetair.com). There are also scheduled flights directly from Clark and Cebu to Busuanga. Upon arrival it is a 30 minute drive from the airport to the launch point, then a 30 minute speedboat ride to the island.
PRIVATE ACCESS
Via seaplane from Manila with (airjuan.com). You can travel via semi-scheduled seaplane flight from Manila to a nearby resort (30 minute speedboat ride away) for $250 per person each way. Or they can arrange a private seaplane chartered from Manila directly to Dao Island for $2,275 each way (up to 8 pax covered).
Via helicopter from Coron with Coron Helicopters from approximately $750 for up to 3 people return from Coron.
Busuanga Bay Lodge
www.busuangabaylodge.com – seaplane access via Air Juan
Four star property with modern, well-appointed villas and infinity pool overlooking a beautiful bay (the same bay as Puerto del Sol and Alfaro resorts). It has a deep sea fishing charter boat and a speedboat for rental (you can use their speedboat if staying at the other resorts mentioned above) – 30 minute speedboat ride to Dao Island.
Alfaro Resort
www.alfaropalawan.com
Mid-range resort on top of a high hill at the entrance of a large bay. Magnificent views and sunsets. Private bungalows and pool. Note, there is a steep climb to reach the resort from the pier. 30 minute speedboat ride to Dao Island.
CALAUIT ISLAND GAME RESERVE
www.calauitisland.com
Covering an area of 3,700 hectares Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary is home to both endemic animals and African wildlife. At first eight species of African animals from Kenya, which include giraffes, zebras, impalas, waterbucks, bushbacks, gazelles, elands and top is were introduced. They now live in harmony with endemic Philippine animals like the Calamian mouse-deer, bearcat, Palawan peacock pheasant sea turtles and Philippine crocodiles. Their numbers have increased from a hundred to well over six-hundred as they thrive in their new Pacific home.
Travel time from West Nalaut: 60mins
BLACK ISLAND
Is a nature reserve with limestone cliffs towering hundreds of meters high. It’s covered with lush, green jungle hiding caves with natural freshwater swimming pools inside. It has a beautiful white sand beach for swimming, and at low tide you can see an old shipwreck just meters off the shore. The towering cliffs are also known for their bird nests.
Travel time from West Nalaut: 15-20 mins
CORON ISLAND
Is considered one of the most beautiful places in all of Palawan. It boasts lagoons, coral formations, hiking, caves, limestone rock formations and one of the clear sand cleanest lakes in Asia. Is is also an important indigenous sire, protected under native title law.
Its coastline is dotted with small white sand beaches situated in private caves below towering, dramatic cliffs. Close by is a hot spring ideal for relaxing at the end of a day trip.
Travel time from West Nalaut: 1.5hours
CORON WORLD WAR II WRECK DIVES
Include 10 Japanese Supply ships that were sunk during a battle in World War II. Three of the ships are ideal for snorkeling while others lay in deeper water suitable for diving.
Ships range in size from 5- to over 170 meters long. They include gun-ship, a sea plane service boat, freighters and tankers. Most of the wrecks have beautiful coral formations and a large variety of marine life including large fish, turtles and rays.
The aquatic views from the sunken Japanese ships off Busuanga Island are listed in Forbes Traveller Magazine’s top-10 best scuba diving sites in the world.
Travel time from West Nalaut: 20-45mins (for 9 of the 10 Wrecks)
GUTOB BAY
Gutob Bay is home to Dao Island. One of 33 white sand tropical islands, fringed by live coral reefs and abundant sea life. Often dolphins, manatees, whale sharks, manta rays, turtles and a large variety of game fish can be seen.
The area is ideal for island hopping, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing and adventure sports. There is a local indigenous population living on one island making an opportunity for cultural visits.