Despite inner waters of Taytay Bay are generally calm, sea conditions may change quickly. It is always advisable to bring SEASICKNESS PILLS to any boat trip.

Although our boats are provided with shade roofs, please protect yourself at all times with SUN CREAM, a HAT and LONG-SLEEVE CLOTHING. Sun may cause severe injuries in the tropics, in just a few minutes of exposure.

Investing in water is always the best deal. Bring with you as much water as you can, in detriment of food and other loads. Hunger is annoying, but dehydration may literally kill you in minutes. If you still want to bring some food with you, chose small but highly caloric meals (e.g. nuts and energy bars).

Let’s accept it, there is no room for dryness and comfort in the rainforest, in spite of what outdoor equipment manufacturers may say. Even if there is no rain, your clothes and shoes will always be wet, either because of forest moisture or your own sweat. Focus on keeping your backpack dry and leave your raincoat at home, unless you want to sweat double and get entangled everywhere.

Onboard, being wet will also be a common condition, because of wave splash and air moisture, and also because you will frequently get into the water. This may even make you feel cold under navigation breeze. Quick-drying swimwear, water shoes and towels will definitely be of great help.

Allergic reactions to environmental agents (e.g. pollen) are rare in the tropics, due to high diversity and low relative abundance of each plant species. Animal bite allergies and rash are otherwise common. There is also a chance to experience food allergy reactions, since meals are often provided by us. Please, let us know in advance about any ALLERGY OR DIETARY REQUIREMENTS you may have.

Tigers? Snakes? You better care about mosquitoes, they are by far the deadliest animal on earth. Bear in mind that malaria and dengue fever are still endemic to Palawan. Malaria-prevention drugs are thus highly recommended. In the forest, long-sleeve clothing and (good quality) mosquito repellent are just mandatory.

Horse-flies may also be an annoyance in agricultural lands where water buffaloes are present. Leeches are fortunately rare in Palawan forests.

While there are generally no insects in the open sea, mosquitoes and sandflies may be abundant at stopover sites, particularly in highly vegetated beaches and mangroves.

Despite being the favourite worry of most travellers, this matter doesn´t deserve as much attention as it is generally paid to it. Indeed, you have by far more chances of suffering a sprain than of being fatally hurted by a wild animal. That said, we would be liying you if we said that the risk is zero. In the ocean in particular some creatures are definitely worth a mention. Box jellyfishes, for instance, are a serious threat to be taken into account. They are seasonal, but even during high-density season stings are rare and chances of being stinged can be reduced by using thick, long-sleeve swimwear. Cryptic venemous animals, such as stone fishes, sting rays and blue-ringed octopuses, are a more real threat in that they can be easily trampled, since they rely on their camouflage and remain stationary when aproached. A similar problem arises with fire sea urchins and urchins, anemones, and corals in general. In these cases, wearing watershoes in shallow water can prevent most bites. Sea snakes have a terrible reputation, but indeed they are non-agressive, tend to avoid contact with humans and eventually their bites are rarely fatal. For them, like for lionfishes and other striking venemous animals, it will generally be enough to follow a non-touch policy. Regarding large predators, sharks are extremely rare and encounters typically involve species that are not dangerous for human being. Saltwater crocodiles have become extinct in the shores of northeastern Palawan, as far as it is known. No sightings have been reported in decades.

Both in the rainforest and the mangrove, try to move through by minimizing contact with the environment. Most of dangerous creatures there, mainly including biting ants, centipedes, caterpilars and snakes, will ony bite you if they are accidentally grabed or trampled, or if they feel they are being directly chased by you. Again, a non-touch policy will work well. Watch your hands and steps at all times and check the ground thoroughly before sitting if you are going to take a rest. Close your bag if you are not using it and always wear long-sleeve clothing and proper shoes. Don’t shake the young trees and vines, as they may have wasp or bee nests on top, or may make the canopy to collapse, throwing its stinging inhabitants right into your head.

Yes, at the first glance wearing long-sleeve in the tropics may look like a bad idea. But in the jungle there is a million reasons to make it worth: stinging plants, hairy caterpillars, thorny rattans, sharp pandans… Clothing also protect us from limatik leeches and a majority of insect bites, including sand flies and mosquitoes.

In the ocean, wearing long-sleeve swimwear will protect you from sunburn, as well as from jellyfish and plankton stings. Water shoes will help us to avoid bites from poisonous ground creatures, such us stone fishes, sea urchins and sting rays, and will likewise prevent us to get stinged by corals and anemones.

The lighter… the better. You don’t need to carry a million things to enjoy nature. A big load will make you clumsy, slow and noisy. You will see nothing around and you will get tired easily. Just bring with you plenty of water, mosquito repellent and, of course, your camera and binoculars!

The secrets of the rainforest are only unveiled by being silent. This may look like an obvious, jedi-like tip, but is indeed the most common mistake among group hikers. Try to hold your excitement and stay focus. After all, you didn’t come this far to see just leaves.

Wild animals are widely unpredictable. Despite we will do our best to increase the likelihood of encounters, at the end sightings cannot be guaranteed.

This is, without a doubt, the ultimate tip to any outdoor traveller. Nature here has much to provide us but also much to take from us. Don’t be afraid, but be careful, and always follow the advice of your tour guide. Just come in, enjoy with respect, and then get back home safe and sound to talk about.