Pass Island, Coron Philippines | The Ultimate Travel Guide

Pass Island: The Ultimate Travel Guide 

Want to visit this idyllic island but have no idea how to get there? Or perhaps you have never heard of Pass Island but are looking for what to do in The Philippines? Well, we have got you covered!

Today, we’re diving headfirst into the crystal-clear waters of Pass Island, a hidden gem in the heart of Coron. We will spill the beans on everything you need to know about this slice of paradise. From where to stay, what to do, how to get there and the best tours available. So, grab your virtual sunscreen and let’s set sail to the tropical paradise of Pass Island!

Want To Get A Feel For Pass Island?

Check Out Our Full Experience On YouTube!

We value your time! So, if you already know why you are here and want to get straight into booking your trip, here are our top two choices for day tours that visit Pass Island. Below is a private tour and a shared group tour, depending on your preference:

If you would like to explore the full range of recommended tours, including overnight stays, simply head to our table of contents above and click on ‘How to visit Pass Island.’ This section will guide you through other ways to visit Pass Island and help you find the best booking options for your trip. If you would like to learn about all the amazing experiences this island has to offer, including accommodation, activities to do on Pass Island, and the ideal time to visit, then we hope you will enjoy exploring our blog. If you don’t have time right now, feel free to pin our guide on Pinterest for later.

Pin It On Pinterest

Where Is Pass Island?

Pass Island is a tiny speck on the map tucked away off the coast of Busuanga in Palawan. This amazing island is accessible from the bustling Town of Coron via a traditional Filipino outrigger boat. The journey takes roughly 1.5-2 hours, depending on the weather. We have highlighted its location on the map below so you can see Pass Islands’ location in relation to the popular travel hub of Coron Town. As you can see, it’s pretty far off the beaten path, which makes Pass Island an ideal location for those wishing to escape the crowds and experience pristine beaches.

Where to stay on Pass Island

If you love what you have read so far, you might be wondering, “Where do I lay my adventurous head?” Well, fret not because this island’s got you covered with some seriously cosy beach bungalows.

Pictured below, each bungalow comes complete with a bed, a mosquito net, bedding, pillows, and even electricity for a fan! Located just a short walk from the beach bungalows, you can access toilets and basic shower facilities. Loo rolls and towels are also provided with each bungalow. We were seriously impressed with the electricity being provided in such a remote location, and this was perfect for charging our drone (We call our drone Bumble Bee 😊) and our camera equipment.

Beth actually had a really great night’s sleep in these cosy bungalows, and if you choose to, you can wake up for sunrise right on your doorstep! You can rent one of these bungalows for roughly 1000 PHP a night (~£15) or choose to camp on the beach in the provided tents. Sometimes, island hopping tours can include the price of the bungalow in your trip, so that is worth checking with your tour provider.

What to do on Pass Island

What’s there to do on this Island you ask? Well if you are anything like us we are always looking for things to do. Here are our top recommendations for Pass Island.

Option 1: Playing Basketball

If you are familiar with our Vlog you will already be aware that both of us play high-level basketball and indeed met through our love of the sport. You can imagine how over the moon Beth was to find a whole basketball court and ball in the middle of nowhere on this tiny island. Denz was busy playing professional basketball and so could not come on this Philippines trip, but this alone is a reason for us to go back aha! Imagine shooting hoops against the backdrop of turquoise waters and white sands. It’s not your everyday game – it’s basketball in paradise!

Option 2: Snorkelling

Time to swap the courts for coral reefs. Snorkeling around Pass Island is like entering an underwater wonderland. Grab your gear, head into the crystal-clear waters, and discover a vibrant marine life beneath the surface. Snorkel gear can usually be provided when you book an island hopping tour if required.

Option 3: The Sunset Viewpoint

As the day winds down, make your way to the island’s sunset viewpoint. Just a 5-minute walk up a short hill will get you front-row seats to one of the most incredible sunset locations. Check out the sunset view on Pass Island below! Hues of orange, pink, and purple painted the sky as the sun bid farewell. However, camera, or no camera, this view is postcard-perfect.

Option 4: Big Chill on the Beach

Now, if your idea of a perfect day involves nothing but sun, sand, and serenity, this Island’s got you covered. Find a cosy spot on the beach or chill out in one of several hammocks on the island and let the world fade away.

Option 5: Watching the Stars

As night falls, don’t pack it in just yet. Head to the beach, lie back and let the sky above blow your mind. With minimal light pollution, Pass Islands sunny days transform into the most incredible star-studded nights. The stars on this Island were genuinely some of the most incredible Beth had ever seen and a highlight of the entire trip! Head over to this episode of our vlog to witness the star trails captured on Pass Island.

Whether you’re scoring hoops, exploring the underwater realm, chasing sunsets, losing yourself in the galaxy above or simply basking in the beach vibes, this Island has an adventure with your name on it.

Let’s dive into some insider tips to ensure your tropical journey is as smooth as the island breeze. We’ve got the lowdown on essentials and a few fun extras with our top travel tips:

1. Bring Reef Shoes: Pass Island is all about sandy shores and vibrant coral reefs, however, the coral can be very sharp! You need to wade through the water from the boat on nearly all of these island hopping tours, so reef shoes are essential. If you don’t own a pair you can check out our recommendation here, or alternatively, you can rent them at the start of your tour. Comfort meets adventure!

2. Bring a Mask and Snorkel: The underwater world around Pass Island is mesmerizing. See some of the local marine life on our Philippines Vlog Series. We recommend bringing your own mask and snorkel to ensure a good fit and increase confidence in the water, you can check out our recommendations here. Alternatively, you can usually rent these from the tour company you chose to go with 😊

3. Bring Adequate Drinking Water: The island is a tropical haven, however, as with nearly all places in The Philippines, there is no drinking water. Your tour company should also provide adequate drinking water but we would highly recommend bringing your own just in case. The days can be very hot and staying hydrated is key!  and staying hydrated is key. Trust us; your future self will thank you.

4. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle): If you are so inclined and would like to enjoy a drink on the island, then make sure to purchase your beverage of choice beforehand and bring it along with you (there are no shops on the island) 😉. It goes without saying to clean all little and leave nothing behind after the adventure.

5. Take Lots of Suncream: The Philippine sun is no joke! Pass Island is a sun-soaked paradise but the days are long and you are not always protected by shade on the boat. Slather on that sunscreen generously to keep your skin protected as you soak in the rays.

6. Take Bug Spray: While the island is a haven, pesky insects might want to join the party. Arm yourself with bug spray to ward off any uninvited guests and ensure uninterrupted island bliss. Check out our top recommendation for bug spray here! Trust us it really works!

7. Bring an Underwater Camera and a Drone: If you are fortunate enough to own either of these Pass Island is the perfect place to capture the magic both above and below the surface. If you have an underwater camera, bring it along for those snorkeling moments. And if you own a drone, Pass Island is stunning from the sky! If you wondering how we capture our adventures, you can check out all our camera equipment here.

With these travel tips in your arsenal, you’re ready to make the most of your Island adventure.

When To Visit Pass Island

When’s the best time to drop anchor and explore this slice of paradise? Well, let’s crack open the island itinerary.

The sweet spot for this Island escape is during the dry season, which stretches from December to May. These months gift you with more predictable weather… Think sunny days, calm seas, and optimal conditions for snorkeling.

While the wet season typically stretches from June to November and does bring some rain. It’s essential to note that the Philippines’ weather can be a bit unpredictable. Rain showers might decide to join the party even during the dry season, but they’re usually short-lived and followed by lots of sunshine.

So, to sum it up – if you’re aiming for the ultimate Island experience with plenty of sunshine and calm waters, plan your visit between November and April. Mother Nature might throw in a sprinkle of rain, but hey, it adds a touch of adventure to your island getaway.

Where To Stay In Coron Town

Conclusion

And there you have it, fellow adventure seekers! Your virtual journey to Pass Island is complete. We hope you’re now armed with all the information and insights to turn this dream destination into a reality. Whether you’re shooting hoops on the beach, discovering underwater wonders, chasing sunsets, or simply unwinding under the stars, this island has it all!

Remember, the best time to drop anchor and explore this hidden gem is during the dry season from November to April. While there is always the possibility of rain even in the dry season, don’t let this dampen your spirits – it’s all part of the adventure.

Don’t hesitate to let us know any questions you might have in the comments below! 

Big Love 

Beth and Denz