Patoyo Kitesurfing Eco Nature Camp

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This place was another beautiful chapter in my life. I was traveling through Asia and in Malaysia I first developed a craving to develop a resort on a paradise beach somewhere.

I surfed the islands, then on to Indonesia, and eventually to the Philippines, where I stumbled on this beautiful island. Where there is a will, the way will be provided for you.

At first it was somewhat uncomfortable, living in a tent, sleeping outside on the beach sweating at night during the dry season, but eventually I built myself my own, two story bamboo hut, with solar panel, small wind turbine and a battery which could power my 12V fan and laptop while I slept on my comfortable, queen sized mattress next to the upper level balcony.

I utilized the services of couchsurfing, workaway, airbnb and booking.com to bring in hundreds of guests and volunteers over the span of a few years, while developing the property which I inadvertently discovered later that wasn’t the right one, hence making me a squatter. But the owner was cool and appreciated my developments.

Crystal clear waters, great company around the fire and crapping in the ocean. It was a wonderful experience. But, as usual, sometimes it’s just time to move on to the next experience.

I no longer manage this place, but I inspired some locals enough to continue on after me. It’s a wonderful area indeed, just contact me if you’d like to arrange something. Mostly only the big hut is available, but it may be possible to rent some of my tents or bring your own. There is tons of space.

Located on a beautiful island near to Linapacan, the half way stop between El Nido and Coron and where you will find the clearest waters in the world.

tent-and-board-prices

Stay in a tent right by the shore or pocket of private space carved into the jungle, or our big hut with own solar power. Check out our Pros and Cons to see if this is the right place for you, or the top of our accommodation page to choose the perfect spot for you. Number of boards is limited so * per day rates assume sharing with others, 1000p per person. No instructors at the moment.

What [I used to] offer:

If you bring your own board (hard to get around here), we’d be happy to buy it off you and you can surf for free during your entire stay.

Here’s a drone video of this place:

YouTube video

Or a video of some kitesurfing:

YouTube video

Or if you prefer snorkeling (more videos):

YouTube video

Excellent snorkeling just off shore and on neighbouring islands you can swim or kayak to (occasional big turtle too!). And caves to explore, 2 shipwrecks for diving, and a thousand, undeveloped beach paradise islands to discover.

Blend in with a rural community away from the tourist hustle, fishing excursions for only 300p, a quiet retreat and far earshot from even the usual rooster calls often found in such remote locations.

Discover the magic of Palawan and experience rural life among warm-hearted Filipinos. Evening entertainment includes live music around the campfire by ocean side.

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The main hut on the old project, but the winds were so fierce and relentless we had to move…

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Our beach on the west side of the new island, sheltered from the winds of the open ocean facing side. Good for beginners to intermediates. Advance kitesurfers can either trek for 10min to the other side, or launch from the end of this beach at the southern end of the island and work their way against the wind.

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Inevitably, one of the first things we had to set up.

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Made seaside table from bottles we collected off the beach. Natural and eco is the name of the game!

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More pictures from the previous project, still available for the hearty die-hards:

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Lots to explore on the island.

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Sunrise facing the open ocean (more sunrises and sunsets).

Go to the top left (latest) album in our photos section to see our most recent developments.

Weather Conditions

The following are weather conditions for the big island of Linapacan, about 40min by boat from us and which generally gets more rain because it has higher elevation:


These are the two best areas for kitesurfing in the Philippines:

wind-map-philippines

We are in the center of Area 2 (Area 1 is in the far north, but subject to typhoons). You can compare our spot with others in the Palawan area on the kitesurfing and kiteboarding in Palawan page, or check out the Palawan weather forecast page for the weather patterns over a period of a year in a nearby area . The nearest weather station to us is Qi Palawan, east of El Nido (southern tip of the light orange section in Area 2):

Our location on Windguru:

Our island is in the open ocean:

We are located in the lower left corner of Dimancal island, about half way along the long stretch of beach on the lower west side.

From May until October the Habagat trade winds blow from the southwest. They are rather sporadic and unpredictable, but can produce strong winds.
From November until April the Amihan trade winds blow from the northeast but are much more consistent and stronger. They flow around the island to produce onshore winds on the west side but which are generally subdued and ideal for beginners and intermediates. This is generally the best time of year to come, as it is the tourist high season, it almost never rains and there are no bugs. Many of our guests sleep on the beach under the clear stars.

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The above graph is for Linapacan, the big island about 30 minutes by boat south of us. It has much higher mountains and often catches the clouds and rain while it remains sunny on our little island.

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During Amihan, one can launch from the southern tip of the island, a five minute stroll from our resort, and work against the wind to surf on the windier, east side of the island. The small island to the east of us has a cool beach where you can rest in the shelter.

Patoyo Island is just south of Dimancal (where we are located now) and where we first set up before having to move because the wind was so strong and the waves too large for a boat to land on the east side of the island, where we were located. Guests are welcome to stay on that island as well (next two pictures).

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The wind ripped our poor little badminton net to pieces,
here shown before the last string disappeared.
Below, at least our hammock managed to get in some kitesurfing.
Tried to shelter my tent but that eventually ripped apart too.

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Long stretch of lonely beach on the east side of Dimancal island, facing the open ocean.
Only a few scattered fishermen family huts here.

Snorkeling off an island next to us:

YouTube video

Video some visiting friends made (the town you see is San Miguel, on Linapacan island):

YouTube video

More videos on our island hopping Youtube channel  ||  Our google+ page

Best way to get here is by private custom Palawan boat tour either from El Nido or Coron, along which you can also kitesurf! Tons of paradise beach islands between the two, mostly undeveloped, off the beaten path. 52 islands in the Linapacan area alone, where we are based.

Palawan-boat-tours


Home » Palawan » Patoyo Kitesurfing Eco Nature Camp

hotel luci del farohotel luci del faro
08:13 31 Jan 24
We booked the 3 day 2 night expedition, from Coron to Sibaltan.First of all the booking part was really simple. I organized this trip to the Philippines last minute for my family (my parents and my uncles) but Karel answered all my questions very quickly and really made everything easier for me. It was an incredible experience. Albert, our tour leader, is a wonderful guy, always smiling and ready to help us. They assisted us in everything and really took care of making everything go smoothly. The accommodation on the islands is as spartan as you expect but the location of each hut alone is worth the trip. The wonder of nature was then added to the goodness of cuisine. It's really difficult to argue how you can cook all that goodness on a boat.If you are looking for an authentic experience, in contact with nature, off the beaten track, this company's private expedition is certainly for you.
Kate BrownKate Brown
00:22 27 Oct 23
What an unforgettable experience! We did a two night (3 day) island hopping tour from Sibaltan to Coron. Everything was so well organized and the boat crew were amazing and really made sure we had a great time. The accommodation was rustic, but added to the authentic experience of the Philippines. Karel always responded to any queries we had promptly. Our boatman, Albert, was the most amazing chef and we enjoyed every meal. The crew taught the kids how to fish with a line which was their highlight of the trip. They took us to the most unbelievable snorkelling spots along the way. Would highly recommend this trip.
Ian PascualIan Pascual
02:43 10 Aug 23
One of the most amazing, unforgettable things you can do in your life
Lou PrataliLou Pratali
11:04 25 Jul 23
This is a must to do!!Super ultimate tour is the best with Kayangan and barracuda lake, twin lagoons (my favorite), coral garden (blue fabulous coral) were the best. It’s really worth it to pay for private tour (3500 to 4000 PHP). You will also have to pay for entrance fees (150 to 200PHP by location) and eventually shopping at the market - must do (count 300 for 2 for fish, pork, fruits and vegetables, water).
Gérard BENOITGérard BENOIT
16:11 07 Feb 23
I was looking for a personalized excursion to the stunning Bacuit Gulf.Based on the comments, I contacted Mel.Very responsive, very efficient and perfect organization.The on-board staff were very friendly and very helpful.And I'm not even talking about the meal on board...a marvel.In all fairness, this excursion will remain an excellent memory and I cannot recommend Mel and his team highly enough.A big thank-you.
Alyse TarbottonAlyse Tarbotton
23:48 30 Aug 22
This tour went well above all our expectations! I couldn't recommend this enough! The boat crew, captain and tour guide were nothing but amazing, everyone was so kind, helpful and friendly. The crew knew the best spots to visit that weren't overcrowded with tourists, 3 times we were lucky enough to have whole islands to ourselves! It was my partner's birthday while away and everything went above and beyond, bonfire, cake, birthday card, singing and celebrating with us.If you love camping this is definitely a tout you should do, it has been the highlight of our trip!!
Danish KayaniDanish Kayani
10:24 31 Oct 19
Coron is the best place i have ever seen.. picturesque. Beautiful. Peaceful
We booked a 4 days/3 nights private boat trip from Coron to Sibaltan. The organization went very well from the beginning, the owner answered to all my questions, and we were able to choose which islands to visit and where to sleep. The first night we slept in a bungalow in Banana Island, the second we camped in Araw beach and the last we slept in a seafront bungalow builded on a tree in Pical on Iloc Island.The islands in that area are the most beautiful islands I have ever seen, with clear water, lots of coral reef and fishes to see, white sand and almost deserted. The crew was very friendly and polite and they organize every single meal and for camping they give you a tent which was just perfect! This was our highlight in our 2 weeks in the Philippines and I wish I had booked a longer trip. A private trip gives you the freedom to decide where and when to go.
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Gérard Benoit
Gérard Benoit
2023-02-08
recommends
I was looking for a personalized excursion to the beautiful bay of Bacuit. Seeing the comments, I contacted Mel. Very responsive, very efficient and perfect organization. The crew were very friendly and very helpful. And I'm not even talking about the meal on board...a marvel. In all fairness, this excursion will remain an excellent memory and I can recommend Mel and his team highly enough. A big thank-you.
André Mardoñal
André Mardoñal
2019-10-22
recommends
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The island world of Linapacan between Coron and El Nido with the clearest waters in the world is truly a dream for itself! Without a boat you won't be able to see it! But what this boat trips makes so amazing is the crew! Once you come on board they might be shy in the beginning but will make you feel welcome and home from the first moment. Not only that they are looking that you sit comfortable all the time, they will prepare fresh and delicious food what the buy from local markets. They know the best spots and most beautiful islands and will bring you to places where you get this "Robinson Cruisoe feeling". Every day you visit 3 to 5 spots for snorkeling, enjoying a beach or exploring a little island. The accommodation we had was good and simple. We slept in bungalows and tents right at the beach. Sheets and towels were always provided and sometimes towels. After a while you feel like a family on board. We loved living the boat life didn't wanna leave! If you doubt take a longer than shorter trip! For any questions please message me.
Sarah Uhan
Sarah Uhan
2019-01-31
recommends
All in all it was a really great experience. It's a once in a lifetime thing to do and you won't get more authentic and basic Philippino experiences anywhere else. We were not so lucky with the wind and waves so we couldn't do all the stops we wanted to unfortunately. So be aware that especially the months from January to May can be very rough on water. But we still saw some great places Benji took us. Benji and his family was very nice and they did everything they could. The food was amazing - always freshly made in authentic Philippino style and way too much for the 2 of us. Make sure to bring enough cash - many of the islands cost extra (entrance fee) and be aware that any kind of accommodation and food (200php per meal) is not included in the boat fee. Also the deposit and commission fee for the agency are a little over the top, especially since the crew does not get any of it. The costs all in all are rather high for phillipino circumstances especially given the basicness of it all. However if you think about that all 5 boat people (in our case) live off of the boat fee alone, you spent the money willingly. Be aware though that accommodation and sanataries are very basic if even existant. So you gotta have the right mindset. Bring tissue, sanatiszer and earplugs to get some better sleep. Another feedback I have concerning the size of the boat. I don't think it is sufficient for more than 4 people. If the weather is like it was these days, you always have to sit on top and it was already a little squeezy with us 2 and 5 boat people. So I guess 4 guests can be fine but more than that won't have the space. There is different boat sizes but make sure to talk about that with Karel in advance. Other than that it was really worth it and we got to see so many great beaches and reefs which we could have never been able to visit without the tour.
Eric Liu
Eric Liu
2018-03-15
recommends
It was scary to book a 5 day trip with no places to stay confirmed or a strong itinerary. And in the Philippines, communication is difficult. But that is part of changing mindsets to a rural island mindset. In the end, everything worked out. We had some tough moments with bugs. But we also had some amazingly beautiful secluded beaches, the best snorkeling in the world, relaxing on the beach, and freshly made food on the boat while docked at beautiful places (better than being on land). Note, we went with Benji. Recommendations: - you must get a local SIM when you arrive to make sure pickup and everything works out - some islands have bugs - use bug spray! Pros: - a fraction of the cost - away from the crowds - can customize what you want - just ask! - a truly local experience - saw a REAL rural town Cons: - locals aren't really polished tour guides - if you don't ask for it, you won't get it, need to be pretty proactive - pretty simple "activities" - no frills like bathrooms or kayaks etc.
Ángela Deand
Ángela Deand
2017-04-26
recommends
We can't be more grateful to have had the opportunity of experience the peace in Patoyo Kitesurfing Camping! Spending two weeks in Dimancal Island, gave us the chance to experiment the rural and traditional way of life, in touch with the nature and people. We have learnt how to cook with fire, how to open a coconut and how to survive in an environment where for a time we forget about unnecessary needs, just to focus on enjoy the small details and pleasures of life. Mentioning too the amazing snorkeling and beautiful islands around this place, which make it unique​ and special. It is a lovely option if you are running away from tourists and overcrowded places in the Philippines. You will find yourself in the middle of virgin beaches and nature, surrounding​ by charming people. We will definitely come back!
Caroline Danielle
Caroline Danielle
2017-02-13
recommends
We haven't done a Tao tour, but I would suspect that this is a cheaper version of the same thing. Our boat operator (Benji) and the entire crew were were fun, friendly and made an effort to ensure we had a good time. If you get a large group of people together it can be a really inexpensive alternative to other Coron-El Nino and vice versa island hopping tours. The food was good, but more expensive than as advertised by Karl. The price quote we got was 100 php a meal, but the boat charged us 200. Since the food was good we didn't mind the extra expense, but it is important to keep in mind if you're on a budget. Definitely plan for some incidental spending. Our boat did have some mechanical issues and as a result we ended up being stuck in the same place for longer than we wanted to be. That being said, little could have been done about it and the trip was fun nonetheless.
Hauk Are Fjeld
Hauk Are Fjeld
2017-01-01
recommends
If you believe that doing the touristic tours in El Nido and going to "The hidden beach" takes you off the beaten path, you are wrong. There are lots of beautiful places in Palawan, but few of these places are without any other tourists. If you want to spend some extra effort on getting away from the tourist places, and don't mind a little "primitive" living, Island Hopping in the Philippines is definitely something you should check out
Arnold Cabiguen
Arnold Cabiguen
2015-05-08
recommends
The snorkeling in this area is phenomenal. Clearest waters in the world. I guess it's because there is relatively such lower tourist traffic through here, and the locals really protect the reefs!
Karel Kosman
Karel Kosman
2015-05-08
recommends
Love it so much, just had to say it twice!

26 thoughts on “Patoyo Kitesurfing Eco Nature Camp”

  1. hi, i’m guillaume,
    I want to learn kitesurfing and sleep on the spot do you speak French? otherwise it will be hard for my learning
    i love your way of seeing and i have a small budget i can not learn in coron or el nido it’s too expensive for me have you an instructor?thanks for your comprehension see you

    Reply
  2. Hello. Ill be flying in with my family from Clark Pampanga to Busuanga on april 20 and fly out april 23.

    I would like to visit calauit For my two boys aged 6 and 4 to see the wildlife. After that we want to do a bit of sight seeing but we prefer mostly to just enjoy and relax at the beach, do some snorkelling, sleep wo the sound of the waves. Please i need suggestions.

    Reply
  3. Hello, we are Anne and Geert, currently in el Nido and we would like to stay on your island for a couple of days. Ideally from 10 or 11th of January. But we are not sure how to get there. Can you please make some suggestions. And also what is the rate for the ‘rooms’/tents.

    Thank you

    Kind regards

    Reply
  4. Hi! I love your Eco camp! I’m looking for a place to learn how to kitesurf from November onwards, but you don’t have any instructors at the moment, correct? Are there places closeby where I could learn? I would also like to know if there are any types of jobs open to tourists in the camp?

    Reply
  5. Hi! Your place looks amazing!! I am currently in Coron and am very kean to come and stay with you. I have had a few lessons kitesurfing but don’t have any equipment with me, is it possible to hire from you? If so I would look to arrive tomorrow or Saturday for a few nights. What is the most cost efficient way to get to you also please? I don’t mind bringing food/ drinks with me if you need more stock!! Cheers James

    Reply
  6. Your place looks amazing, and I am really looking forward to visiting. My girlfriend and I are looking to book a tent from the 12th of April until the 16th of April. I sent an email as well. Can you please get in touch to arrange the booking? We also have some questions about transport/itinerary etc.

    Thank you!

    Reply
  7. Hey there,

    I have some questions regarding your resort. I will land in coron on the 21.12.2016 and well your place looks like a spot to stay between coron and el nido. Can you tell me how i get there and how i can travel further to el nido? How long does it take from coron to your place?
    One last question, do I understand it right, that i cant learn kitesurfing there (as i really want to learn it, but never had time so far)?

    Reply
    • Hi Valentin, I can organise a private boat tour for you if you want to island hop on the way, or you can take the regular banca ferries.
      From Coron to Linapacan it is about 3 hours by the banca ferry, and then 30-40 minutes from Linapacan to my island.
      I have a 4.5m kite I can teach you (for beginners), but if you want to kite with the board, you will need the larger kites (12 and 14m), but I cannot train you on those yet.

      Reply
  8. Would love to come help out building when I’m out that way for a week or 2. I travel with a basic back country setup so it looks like a perfect spot! Give me an e-mail and lets set something up!

    Reply
    • Right on. You can check out the volunteer program at helpx Would like to learn a bit about you first, so perhaps connect on facebook or something? Mine is here. You can also direct PM me at kenax[AT]kenax.net. Thinking of doing the same with paying guests. Want to create a happy paradise.

      Reply
    • Welcome any time! First kitesurf board already on its way, and construction will begin soon on the main hut, to give somewhere to chill out when raining.

      Reply

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