PSA: You Can Now Book a Tour to Explore the Spratly Islands for a Week

Book it at the 34th Philippine Travel Mart.
by Ina Louise Manto | September 01, 2023

Are you on the hunt for a unique Philippine destination for your next holiday? With over 7,600 islands, there are still plenty of places to explore, including far-flung ones such as the Spratly Islands. For the first time ever, tourists can now go on an expedition to its islands, and here’s everything you need to know about it.

Chartered expeditions to the Spratly Islands

Organized by the Kalayaan Tourism Development Center, The Great Kalayaan Expedition will offer a seven-day and six-night tour package in the West Philippine Sea. The expedition begins in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and will feature five destinations, including Lawak Island, Patag Island, and Pag-asa Island.

The Municipality of Kalayaan is the only municipality in the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea. Politically affiliated with the Province of Palawan, Kalayaan is considered the smallest municipality in the country based on population.

Its only barangay, Barangay Pag-asa, has less than 300 residents who mainly rely on fishing as a livelihood. It’s situated in the area commonly known as the Spratlys or Spratly Islands.

The Great Kalayaan Expedition has tour schedules in 2024 and 2025:

2024

• XP003 – March 23-28, 2024
• XP004 – April 19-15, 2024
• XP005 – May 24-30, 2024

2025

• XP006 – March 21-27, 2025
• XP007 – April 18-24, 2025
• XP008 – May 23-29, 2025

How much will it cost?

The 7-Day/6-Night Spratly Islands expedition costs PHP 120,000 or USD 2,400 per person. This fee includes full board meals, the use of marine sports equipment, the services of an adventure tour guide, and one dive per day (for scuba divers).

How can I avail of this tour?

The Great Kalayaan Expedition is one of the tours you can avail of at the 34^th Philippine Travel Mart, happening from September 1 to 3, 2023, at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

You can also book via Kita Travel’s official website.

34^th Philippine Travel Mart

The 34th Philippine Travel Mart is supported by the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, and PTM partners Philippine Airlines, BPI, and Aliw Broadcasting Corp.

It is the country’s biggest domestic travel fair that will showcase nearly 200 exhibitors and tour packages spanning the Philippines’ 17 regions including the Spratly Islands and BARMM.

For more information and updates, visit PTM’s official website, Facebook, and Instagram.

Looking for other places to explore? Join WindowSeat.ph’s official Facebook community What’s Your Trip PH for more recos!