Travellog's Island Hopping Must-Haves

First time I went island hopping and snorkeling was at Honda Bay in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The year was 2008 and I did not know what to expect. That was before Youtube was a sensation or travel blogs and travelogues were a thing.

I had nothing on with me except swimwear and sunblock. And thus sadly, I cannot show you any photo or video of the underwater scenery, which up to this day for me is most amazing. I have seen the biggest and most colorful bright neon corals during that time. It's unfortunate I have no proof or record of that memorable time. Except a few photos on the surface with star fishes.

And so, before you hop on that boat that will take you around the gorgeous lagoons of Coron or the secret beaches of El Nido or that whale watching tour in Oslob, Cebu it would be best to go through this list of our essentials:

1. Swimwear or any clothing with dri-fit material. You want something that is light and easy to dry off to keep you comfortable both under and above the water during transit from one island to the next.

2. Sunscreen. We usually put this on 30 minutes before you get into the water to allow the sunscreen to be absorbed by the skin. Remember to re-apply during the day after a quick banlaw or hilamos with non-salty water.

3. Bottled water. For re-hydration and washing of your face. Salty water is very irritating to the eyes and skin and having extra water with you for cleansing your face is helpful.

4. Dry clothes and towel. I usually bring two types of towels, one small and one big. Small for quick drying purposes and large one for use whenever I feel cold during boat transfers. Yes, it can get cold sometimes since you're wet and your body temperature lowers as you dip in cooler waters. The extra towel can also serve as cushion for my butt and thighs as your journey can be uncomfortable. The dry clothes you can change into after the long day of island hopping, even before a proper shower. You will want to. Trust me.

5. Waterproof bag. Without one, you can secure your belongings in a Ziploc. However, if you have a lot of gadgets which is not waterproof or even splash proof, a reliable waterproof bag is a must. There's a lot of hopping off and on from and onto the boats and sometimes there's even a chance of rain and you do not want your stuff getting soaked. Sayang naman. I have been using my red water proof bag for 3 years now and I would say Php600 was a small price to pay for making sure those gadgets remain dry as they were designed to be. Nowadays, the prices of these bags are even less.

6. Extra cash. For buying those snacks, paying for those entrance fees and for tips to your tour guide and boat men who took good care of you during the trip.

7. Fully Charged Mobile Phone and a battery pack if you have one. You will be taking a LOT of pics and videos from your phone camera and it will drain the battery. FAST. Another tip is to put the phone on airplane mode. You not only save battery doing so, but you also feel more disconnected from work or anyone you feel like disconnecting from. And it can begin to feel more like the vacation you crave for and deserve. Yeees!

8. Aqua Shoes. This is optional if you have a reliable flip-flop, but I prefer to bring or rent one since I don't like having to remove them when I get off the boat or when I swim with the little fishes. Also with flip-flops, I may forget where I left them and may possibly leave them behind. You can rent one pair for P100 only in most places that offer island hopping tours. But if you plan to go on trips often, it would be wiser to own a pair for yourself.

9. Snorkel tube and mask. Available for rent at P150/set. For hygienic purposes, consider buying a set.

10. Life Vest. Usually comes free with the tour. Wear it while on the boat. Wear it when snorkeling if you're not a confident swimmer.

11. Snacks. Because. Food.

12. IDs. Because in my head, there can be a strong wind or an unexpected storm and I can end up lost in a totally different country and would need a way to identify myself. Another reason would be, I can hit my head on a rock and I would need a way to identify myself… to myself. Just bring an ID.

13. Camera with Waterproof casing, Underwater Camera or GoPro and their accessories. So you can share to everyone where you've been. What you've seen. Rent one if you have to. It's a must. GoPro rental at the moment is Php1000 which comes with an SD card. Bring selfie sticks and capture the beauty that surrounds you with you as foreground, hehe!

14. Your fun and adventurous self. Leave the OC behind and enjoy!

I wanted to keep the list short, but I'm not a light packer and I don't think I ever will be. I would say the must-haves are really 1-7 as you can either buy or rent the others when you get there or figure something out. And 14, well you're a Travelloger so I'm almost certain ADVENTURE runs in your blood.

Here's one last must-have, I think: Travel with someone you enjoy being with. If traveling alone, take this as an opportunity to make new friends --- friends who love to travel just like you! Smile. Be friendly. But be genuine. It will make the travel more memorable and worthwhile.

Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy travels!