You Can Now Visit Kalayaan Islands a.k.a. West Philippine Sea for ₱30,000!

If you are tired of the usual crowded beaches in Boracay or El Nido, there is a new way to spend your holiday that feels a bit more meaningful. The municipality of Kalayaan in Palawan has officially opened its doors to "patriotic tourism." This means you can now visit the remote islands of the West Philippine Sea, though you should not expect luxury resorts or fancy lattes.

Getting there is a bit of a mission. You can take a boat from Puerto Princesa, which takes about two days and three nights to reach the islands. If you prefer a faster route, there are military planes that fly to Pag-asa Island in just over an hour. Because the area is remote, everything is handled by the local government to ensure visitors are safe and following the rules.

What to expect during your stay

_{Image credit: Kalayaan Municipal Tourism Office Facebook}

Since this is an immersion-style trip, you will be living much like the locals do. There are no hotels or Airbnbs on the islands. Instead, the Department of Tourism is helping the community set up homestays and training residents to provide quality service and safe food preparation.

The Cost: Non-residents can join a tour package starting at ₱30,000. This fee covers your meals and basic accommodation for the whole trip.

The Perks: If you are a resident of Palawan, you can avail of free transportation to the islands.

The Daily Life: You will see Pag-asa Island, which is home to about 200 civilians and military personnel. It has a small school, a health centre, and a chapel.

Nature: The islands like Lawak, Patag, and Likas offer pristine waters and coral reefs that are usually off-limits to the public.

Also read: China Bans Filipinos From Entering Hong Kong And Macau

Staying safe and prepared

It is important to remember that Kalayaan is a frontier outpost, not a typical tourist town. Electricity and water are limited, and you will likely be off-grid with very little internet or mobile signal. You should pack your own essentials like power banks, medicine, and sun protection because there are no shops to buy them from once you arrive.

Before you go, you must coordinate with the Municipality of Kalayaan Tourism Office. You cannot simply show up; you need official permits and proper vetting. This "soft protest" through tourism is the government's way of showing the world that these islands belong to the Philippines while helping the local economy grow.

How to actually get to Kalayaan Islands

_{Image credit: Kalayaan Municipal Tourism Office Facebook}

1. Fly to Puerto Princesa

Your journey starts in the capital of Palawan. You need to book a regular commercial flight from Manila or Cebu to Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS).

2. Coordinate with the Tourism Office

You cannot go as a walk-in tourist. You must contact the Municipality of Kalayaan Tourism Office (usually via their official Facebook page) to join an official "expedition" or "immersion" trip.

Note: For 2026, they require a 3-minute "Why should we pick you?" video to screen applicants, as slots are very limited.

3. Choose your transport mode

Once approved and you've paid your package fee (starting at ₱30,000), you have two ways to reach Pag-asa Island:

• The Sea Route (The "Great Expedition"). You will take a boat from Puerto Princesa or the port of Buliluyan in Bataraza.

• Travel time. Roughly 30 to 56 hours (about 2 days and 3 nights) depending on the vessel and sea conditions.

• The Air Route (Military/Special Flight). Flights land at Rancudo Airfield on Pag-asa Island.

• Travel time. About 1 to 2.5 hours from Puerto Princesa.

Note: These flights are rare, expensive, and usually reserved for government or military-coordinated missions.

4. Prepare for island living

Once you land or dock, there are no hotels. You will be staying in a local homestay or a government bunkhouse. Be ready for limited electricity, rationed water, and almost no mobile signal.

The easiest way to get there is to watch for the "Great Kalayaan Expedition" announcements on Facebook. It’s a long, 30-hour boat ride, but it is the most reliable way for a civilian to step foot on Pag-asa Island.

So, with a ₱30k price tag, a 30-hour boat ride, and zero signal for your dump, is the "patriotic" flex worth the struggle, or are you staying on the mainland?

_{Featured image credit: Kalayaan Municipal Tourism Office Facebook}