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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Palawan, Philippines

General Clothing Guide

Sabang's tropical climate with consistent warmth and high humidity calls for specific clothing. Prioritize materials that offer comfort, breathability, and quick drying. Cotton, linen, or synthetic blends are ideal for managing sweat and drying after rain or hand washing.

Recommended Apparel

  • Lightweight shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, sundresses for daytime.
  • A Lightweight, packable rain jacket or Poncho for wet season.
  • Light long-sleeved shirt/trousers for evenings or mosquito protection.

Fabric Choices & Comfort

Opt for lightweight, quick-drying fabrics like cotton, linen, or synthetic blends. These materials manage sweat well. Avoid heavy denim or thick fabrics that hold moisture and take a long time to dry. Light colors also work well as they reflect sunlight, keeping you cooler.

Smart Packing Tips

  • Choose light-colored clothing for sun reflection.
  • Consider light layers for sun protection or air-conditioned spaces.
  • Bring items that hand wash and dry quickly.

Footwear for Every Terrain

Water Shoes/Sandals

Ideal for beaches, rocky shorelines, and wet conditions. Protect your feet from sharp objects and make walking on wet surfaces easy.

Quick-drying, good grip

Comfortable Walking Shoes

For exploring the village, the Monkey Trail, or Ugong Rock. Opt for sturdy yet breathable Walking shoes that manage varied terrain.

Supportive, breathable

Flip-Flops/Sliders

Perfect for casual wear around your accommodation, quick trips to the beach, or short walks within the village. Easy to slip on and off.

Casual, lightweight

Required Documents

Papers for Your Trip

Keeping your documents organized and secure forms a fundamental step for international travel. Carry both original documents and copies, and consider digital backups.

  • Original Passport (6+ months validity).
  • Visa Documentation (if applicable).
  • Travel Insurance Policy details.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) if driving.
  • Vaccination Records (e.g., Yellow Fever certificate).
  • Printed/Digital Copies of Reservations (flights, tours).
  • Emergency Contact Information.
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs for potential discounts.

Tech & Connectivity Gear

Power & Charging

The Philippines uses Type A, B, and C outlets (220V, 60Hz). A Universal travel adapter with surge protection is highly recommended. Portable chargers and power banks are necessary due to potential power outages.

Charging Essentials

  • Universal travel adapter.
  • Power bank (10,000mAh+ recommended).
  • Bring all device chargers.

Connectivity & Capture

An unlocked GSM phone will work with local SIM cards (Globe, Smart) available in Puerto Princesa. Airalo offers eSIM options. A Waterproof camera like a GoPro HERO12 Black and extra batteries capture memories.

Digital Tools

  • Download offline maps (Google Maps).
  • WhatsApp for local communication.
  • Google Translate with offline Filipino/Tagalog pack.

Data Backup & Online Security

Cloud Storage

Use services like Google Photos or iCloud for automatic media backup when Wi-Fi is available. This secures your photos and videos.

External Drive

Carry a Small external hard drive for manual backups, an alternative to cloud storage, especially for large files from B&H Photo purchases.

VPN Services

Protect your online activity on public Wi-Fi with a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN. This enhances security and privacy while browsing.

Health & Wellness Essentials

First Aid & Medications

A well-stocked personal health kit manages common travel ailments. Prepare a basic First aid kit with supplies for minor injuries and common issues. Bring all prescription medications in original containers with documentation.

Kit Contents

Sun & Insect Protection

These items are paramount for Sabang's climate. High-DEET or Picaridin-based Insect repellent defends against mosquitoes. Apply it liberally, especially at dawn and dusk.

Essential Protection

Managing Travel Comforts

Motion Sickness

  • Motion sickness pills for boat transfers.
  • Ginger chews or other natural remedies.
  • Seat selection for fresh air during transit.

Hydration & Hygiene

Activity-Specific Gear

Snorkeling Gear

While most tours provide snorkel gear, bringing your own Mask and snorkel offers a proper fit and better hygiene. Flippers are almost always provided.

  • Personal mask and snorkel for comfort.
  • Flippers are generally bulky to carry.
  • Rental gear is widely available.
  • Check for tour inclusion details.

Hiking Equipment

For the Monkey Trail or other light treks, a Small daypack proves useful for carrying water, snacks, a Light rain jacket, and your camera. Consider sturdy footwear.

  • Daypack for essentials.
  • Comfortable walking shoes.
  • Water bottle and snacks.
  • Light rain jacket.

Diving Gear

If you are an avid diver, bringing your own mask and Dive computer might make sense. Regulators, BCDs, and tanks are always rented from local dive shops in Puerto Princesa or other dive hubs.

  • Personal mask for comfort.
  • Dive computer for accuracy.
  • Main gear rented from shops.
  • Check local dive shop offerings.

Gear: Rent vs. Bring

Consider Bringing

  • Personal snorkel mask for fit and hygiene.
  • Small daypack for daily excursions.
  • Compact Travel gear items.
  • Any specialty items you prefer (e.g., your dive computer).

Commonly Rented

  • Flippers for snorkeling.
  • Kayaks and paddle boats for tours.
  • Full diving equipment (regulators, BCDs, tanks).
  • Helmets for Underground River tours.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Long van rides merit a Comfortable travel pillow and an Eye mask. Earplugs reduce road noise. A Small padlock secures luggage. A Money belt or hidden pouch offers secure passport storage. An RFID-blocking wallet guards against electronic pickpocketing.

Traveler's Amenities

Reusable & Specialized Items

Minimize environmental impact and save money with reusable items. A Waterproof dry bag (10-20L) protects electronics from splashes and rain. Power outages may occur in Sabang, so a small light source assists navigation at night.

Eco-Conscious Packing

Items Difficult to Purchase Locally

Quality Insect Repellent

High-DEET/Picaridin concentrations.

Specialized Sunscreen

Reef-safe varieties can be costly.

Specific Medications

Prescription or specialized dietary supplements.

Quality Walking Shoes

Specific outdoor or comfortable footwear.

Destination-Specific Gear

For Water Activities

  • Waterproof dry bag for electronics.
  • Swimwear and quick-dry towel.
  • Waterproof camera for Underground River.

For Village & Trails

  • Comfortable shoes for walking and light treks.
  • Headlamp or flashlight for power outages.
  • Small bills for local transport and purchases.

Smart Packing Pro Tip

Pack a small, zippered pouch or plastic bag for dirty laundry or wet swimwear. This keeps your clean items separate and helps manage odors in your luggage, making your trip more pleasant.

Consider rolling clothes to save space and minimize wrinkles, and use packing cubes for organization.