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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Palawan, Philippines

Climate-Appropriate Clothing

Prioritize lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying fabrics like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking synthetics. These materials help manage heat and humidity and dry quickly after rain or swimming.

Seasonal Guidance

  • Dry Season (Nov-May): Mostly light clothing, shorts, t-shirts. A light long-sleeved shirt for sun protection or cooler evenings.
  • Wet Season (Jun-Oct): Same lightweight clothing, plus a compact Rain jacket or Small umbrella. Quick-drying clothes are particularly useful.
  • Layering for warmth is generally not needed. A light top over a tank top helps for sun protection or comfort in air-conditioned spaces.

Activity & Cultural Attire

Plan your clothing based on intended activities and cultural sensitivities. Casual attire is generally acceptable in most public places. However, specific sites have dress codes.

Specific Attire Notes

  • Hiking/Trekking: Comfortable, breathable clothes. Long pants or convertible trousers for protection against insects and sun.
  • Swimming/Beach: Swimsuits, board shorts, and Rash guards (recommended for sun protection and minor stings).
  • Religious Sites: Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. A Sarong or scarf makes for a quick cover-up.

Footwear Recommendations

Everyday Wear

Comfortable Sandals, flip-flops, or breathable Walking shoes suit city exploration and relaxed wear. Choose footwear that handles uneven pavements.

Ideal for city and casual outings.

Water Activities

Water shoes or sturdy sandals are strongly suggested for island hopping and beaches. They shield feet on rocky shores, coral fragments, and hot sand, also giving grip on wet boat surfaces.

Protects feet in water and on varied terrain.

Hiking & Trekking

For activities like spelunking (Ugong Rock) or light trekking, closed-toe shoes like Sneakers or Light hiking shoes are advisable. Heavy boots are not ideal due to heat and humidity.

Good for trails and rough surfaces.

Essential Documents

Your Papers

Keep your important documents secure and accessible. Carry both physical and digital copies for added safety.

  • Original Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your stay.
  • Confirmed Onward/Return Flight Ticket: Immigration officers will check for this proof of departure.
  • Required Visa Documentation: Bring all supporting documents if your nationality needs a visa.
  • Photocopy & Digital Copy: Store copies on cloud storage and email them to yourself.
  • Travel Insurance Policy: Carry a print-out or digital copy with emergency contacts.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): Needed if renting a car or motorcycle, alongside your home country license.
  • Vaccination Records: Useful for medical emergencies. Keep doctor's notes for prescriptions.
  • Reservations: Keep flight itineraries, hotel bookings, and tour confirmations accessible.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

The standard voltage in the Philippines is 220V, with a frequency of 60Hz. Plug types are Type A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins with a round grounding pin). Some places may also have Type C (two round pins).

Essential Gear

Photography & Apps

Capture the stunning scenery of Palawan with the right camera gear. Optimize your trip with useful mobile applications.

Tech for Travel

  • A mirrorless or DSLR camera for high-quality photos. A Waterproof action camera (GoPro HERO12 Black) is excellent for water activities.
  • Google Maps (download offline maps) or Maps.me for navigation.
  • Google Translate with offline Tagalog/Filipino language pack.

Data Backup & Online Security

Cloud Storage

Use services like Google Drive or Dropbox for automatic photo uploads and document backups.

External Drives

For additional photo backup, consider an External hard drive or large USB stick.

VPN Services

Protect your online activity, especially on public Wi-Fi, with a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid & Medications

Assemble a first aid kit tailored to tropical travel. Bring enough supply of any prescription medications to last your entire trip, along with a copy of your prescription or doctor's note.

Kit Contents

Prevention & Hygiene

Protect yourself from common tropical ailments. Carry items for personal hygiene that might be difficult to find locally, especially specific brands.

Stay Protected

Motion Sickness Remedies

For Boat Trips

  • Motion sickness medication proves highly relevant for boat transfers during island hopping tours.
  • The sea can get choppy, causing discomfort for some travelers.
  • It's wise to pack your preferred brand of remedy.

Other Common Ailments

  • Over-the-counter cold and flu remedies.
  • Antacids for upset stomachs.
  • Small Hand sanitizer for cleanliness.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Snorkeling & Diving

While gear can be rented, bringing your own mask and snorkel offers a better fit and improved hygiene. Fins are bulky to pack, and good quality rentals are usually available.

Hiking & Trekking

For light treks and cave explorations, having suitable footwear and a daypack makes for a comfortable experience. Avoid heavy boots due to the heat.

Water Activities

Protect your electronics and valuables during boat trips and beach visits. Life vests are always provided on organized boat tours, so no need to bring your own.

Rent vs. Bring Equipment

Recommended to Bring Buy

Recommended to Rent

  • Fins for snorkeling/diving (bulky to pack, widely available).
  • Motorcycles/Scooters are easily rentable in the city.
  • Life Vests are provided on all organized boat tours.
  • Cars for self-driving (though shared vans are more common for tourists).

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Small items often contribute to comfort and peace of mind during your travels.

Travel Comfort

Eco-Friendly & Local Purchase Tips

Support sustainability and save money by bringing reusable items. Be aware that some specific products may be more expensive or hard to find locally.

Sustainable & Smart Packing

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduces plastic waste.

Reusable Shopping Bag

For markets and purchases.

Reusable Utensils

Minimize disposable waste.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Protects marine environment.

Destination-Specific Considerations

No Specific Unique Items

  • Beyond general tropical travel items, no specifically unique specialty items have a precondition.
  • Focus on adaptability and comfort in a warm, humid environment.
  • Water activity gear is very useful here, for instance, a waterproof camera or dry bag.

Items to Bring vs. Buy Locally

  • Consider bringing specific brands of toiletries or medications that meet your preferences.
  • While bottled water is available, a water filter bottle is a sustainable and cost-saving item to bring.
  • High-quality reef-safe sunscreen may be more expensive or harder to find locally.

Packing Smart

Packing smart means you'll have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable trip, regardless of the weather or activity.

Double-check all necessary documents and pack items that promote both personal comfort and environmental responsibility.