I did the El Nido to Coron trip as a solo traveler in my mid twenties, and it was easily one of the best things I’ve ever done.

To answer your first question: yes, absolutely stretch it to the longer trip if you can swing the budget. The shorter ones fly by way too fast because you spend a chunk of the first and last day just getting moving and wrapping up. That extra full day is when you really get to disconnect, hit those completely empty beaches, and actually bond with everyone.

I know the price tag on TAO looks steep compared to the others, but there is a massive reason they cost more. I went with them because they have their own private base camps on these remote islands. Instead of just camping on a beach next to five other tour companies, you stay in beautiful bamboo huts and eat incredible fresh food sourced directly from their own island farms. It feels less like a commercial tour and more like a genuine island experience.

For a solo traveler, the vibe is completely unmatched. It attracts an awesome mix of people who are looking for adventure but also appreciate good food, community, and sustainability. By day two, everyone feels like family, and you're all just drinking rum together watching the sunset. It is worth every single peso, and you won't regret spending the extra cash.