Where
Tigman Village, Palawan, Philippines
When
Departures every week, all year round (excluding holiday closures)
Duration
From 1 week
Accommodation
Shared or private rooms in the volunteer house, with meals included
Language
Basic English is enough
Ideal for
Anyone after a grounded experience close to the local community and the coastal ecosystems
Project details
In Tigman Village, the local community looks after the coast and gets the next generation involved.
In Tigman Village, plastic often ends up in the sea or on the beaches, harming fish, corals and the everyday life of local families.
To tackle the issue, the community started making eco-bricks and planting new mangroves, getting young people and volunteers from around the world involved. Each daily action, small but consistent, helps protect the ecosystem that life on the island depends on.
If you join in, you'll see how simple things like collecting waste or sharing sustainability stories with students at school can make a difference, both for the environment and for the people.
To tackle the issue, the community started making eco-bricks and planting new mangroves, getting young people and volunteers from around the world involved. Each daily action, small but consistent, helps protect the ecosystem that life on the island depends on.
If you join in, you'll see how simple things like collecting waste or sharing sustainability stories with students at school can make a difference, both for the environment and for the people.
Help protect nature in the heart of Palawan
In Tigman Village, the local community looks after the coast and gets the next generation involved.
In Tigman Village, plastic often ends up in the sea or on the beaches, harming fish, corals and the everyday life of local families.
To tackle the issue, the community started making eco-bricks and planting new mangroves, getting young people and volunteers from around the world involved. Each daily action, small but consistent, helps protect the ecosystem that life on the island depends on.
If you join in, you'll see how simple things like collecting waste or sharing sustainability stories with students at school can make a difference, both for the environment and for the people.
To tackle the issue, the community started making eco-bricks and planting new mangroves, getting young people and volunteers from around the world involved. Each daily action, small but consistent, helps protect the ecosystem that life on the island depends on.
If you join in, you'll see how simple things like collecting waste or sharing sustainability stories with students at school can make a difference, both for the environment and for the people.
Why participate
Help look after the environment
Take part in mangrove restoration and waste reduction, leaving a lasting positive mark on the local ecosystem.
Why participate
Help look after the environment
Take part in mangrove restoration and waste reduction, leaving a lasting positive mark on the local ecosystem.
Get into life in Tigman Village
Settle into the daily rhythm of a Filipino community, with grounded experiences and plenty to learn from the local culture.
The Weekly Program
Weekdays
From Monday to Friday, your days alternate between hands-on activities like planting mangroves, collecting plastic and making eco-bricks.
There are also moments for community awareness sessions in schools and prep work on educational materials, always with the local coordinators on hand.
The rest of the time is for community life, cultural evenings or unwinding with the other volunteers near the sea.
07:00Breakfast and getting ready for the activities
08:30Planting mangroves or beach clean-ups with the team
11:00Break, hydrate and chill out with the other volunteers
12:30Lunch at the centre and a short break
14:30Making eco-bricks or putting together educational materials for the community
18:30Shower, shared dinner and evening activities
Weekend
Weekends are free of set activities. You can explore the area, plan a short trip, or just take it easy with the other volunteers.
Day trip to Port Barton
White-sand beaches, tropical islands and crystal-clear water: great for snorkelling and a proper rest day.
The next story is yours
heylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelheylocalstravelTag us in your stories to feature here! @heylocalstravel
FAQs
During your stay you'll be based at the centre in Tigman Village, Aborlan, a building put together with simple, natural materials in a tropical Filipino style. The accommodation is a few steps from the sea and hosts everyone on the Palawan programmes, so the setting is international and easy-going.
Rooms are shared, with 4 to 8 people per room, set up with bunk beds, fans and air conditioning. Rooms lock, and there's a safety box in the main building for valuables. Towels aren't provided, but you'll find bed linen and mosquito nets for a peaceful night. Bathrooms are shared, with room-temperature showers, in line with the easygoing village lifestyle.
Wi-Fi is available in the common areas, but it can be patchy or drop in bad weather. We'd recommend picking up an eSIM for a steady connection during your stay. With Airalo you can buy an international eSIM, activated before you travel, so you're online from the moment you land. You can grab one easily here.
You can wash clothes by hand, or use a paid laundry service nearby.
The kitchen serves three meals a day on weekdays and two at the weekend, with local dishes alongside a few Western options. Rice, chicken, fish, vegetables and tropical fruit are at the heart of the menu, while breakfast brings eggs, bread, pancakes, coffee or tea. The team can adjust meals for specific dietary needs with a bit of notice.
The accommodation isn't just a place to sleep; it's where everyone meets up. The common areas, the closeness to the sea and the evening activities make this centre the heart of the experience, where you'll share meals, swap stories and unwind together.
🛏️ What's included:
- Shared rooms (4–8 people)
- 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 at weekends
- Basic drinks (water, tea and coffee)
- Wi-Fi in the common areas (with limited connectivity)
- Bed linen provided
- Mosquito nets and fans in the rooms
- Safety box at the main building
- Ongoing support from the local team
This centre is set up to give you a simple, grounded experience close to the local community and the nature of Palawan, while still keeping things safe and welcoming.
Rooms are shared, with 4 to 8 people per room, set up with bunk beds, fans and air conditioning. Rooms lock, and there's a safety box in the main building for valuables. Towels aren't provided, but you'll find bed linen and mosquito nets for a peaceful night. Bathrooms are shared, with room-temperature showers, in line with the easygoing village lifestyle.
Wi-Fi is available in the common areas, but it can be patchy or drop in bad weather. We'd recommend picking up an eSIM for a steady connection during your stay. With Airalo you can buy an international eSIM, activated before you travel, so you're online from the moment you land. You can grab one easily here.
You can wash clothes by hand, or use a paid laundry service nearby.
The kitchen serves three meals a day on weekdays and two at the weekend, with local dishes alongside a few Western options. Rice, chicken, fish, vegetables and tropical fruit are at the heart of the menu, while breakfast brings eggs, bread, pancakes, coffee or tea. The team can adjust meals for specific dietary needs with a bit of notice.
The accommodation isn't just a place to sleep; it's where everyone meets up. The common areas, the closeness to the sea and the evening activities make this centre the heart of the experience, where you'll share meals, swap stories and unwind together.
🛏️ What's included:
- Shared rooms (4–8 people)
- 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 at weekends
- Basic drinks (water, tea and coffee)
- Wi-Fi in the common areas (with limited connectivity)
- Bed linen provided
- Mosquito nets and fans in the rooms
- Safety box at the main building
- Ongoing support from the local team
This centre is set up to give you a simple, grounded experience close to the local community and the nature of Palawan, while still keeping things safe and welcoming.
Your safety is something we take seriously. Each programme is chosen carefully to give you a calm, well-organised setting, both at the project sites and at the accommodation in Palawan.
🔹 Background checks and safe spaces
To keep children and local communities safe, every participant is asked to provide a criminal record check (DBS or equivalent) before travelling. We'll send you clear instructions on how to request it. This is a key step to keep the experience safe and respectful for everyone.
🔹 Safe, well-supervised settings
The centre in Tigman Village is in a quiet, welcoming spot, surrounded by the local community. Rooms lock, there's a safety box for valuables, and the local team is always around to keep an eye on things and offer support. We only work with project sites and communities that regularly host international volunteers and have well-established standards.
🔹 24/7 support
From your arrival at the airport through to departure, you'll be looked after by an experienced local team, available evenings and weekends too. Our UK team is also reachable on WhatsApp whenever you need us.
🔹 Briefing and orientation
On your first day you'll join an introduction with house rules, practical advice and cultural pointers. We'll also share clear info on getting around, what to avoid and how to keep yourself safe.
🔹 A few sensible habits
Palawan is one of the calmer, more welcoming parts of the Philippines, but a few simple habits go a long way:
✔ Avoid walking on your own at night in isolated areas
✔ Travel with other volunteers when you can
✔ Always follow your local coordinator's advice
💡 Our aim is to give you a safe, well-supported and welcoming setting, so you can focus on what really matters: spending time, sharing skills and learning alongside the local community.
🔹 Background checks and safe spaces
To keep children and local communities safe, every participant is asked to provide a criminal record check (DBS or equivalent) before travelling. We'll send you clear instructions on how to request it. This is a key step to keep the experience safe and respectful for everyone.
🔹 Safe, well-supervised settings
The centre in Tigman Village is in a quiet, welcoming spot, surrounded by the local community. Rooms lock, there's a safety box for valuables, and the local team is always around to keep an eye on things and offer support. We only work with project sites and communities that regularly host international volunteers and have well-established standards.
🔹 24/7 support
From your arrival at the airport through to departure, you'll be looked after by an experienced local team, available evenings and weekends too. Our UK team is also reachable on WhatsApp whenever you need us.
🔹 Briefing and orientation
On your first day you'll join an introduction with house rules, practical advice and cultural pointers. We'll also share clear info on getting around, what to avoid and how to keep yourself safe.
🔹 A few sensible habits
Palawan is one of the calmer, more welcoming parts of the Philippines, but a few simple habits go a long way:
✔ Avoid walking on your own at night in isolated areas
✔ Travel with other volunteers when you can
✔ Always follow your local coordinator's advice
💡 Our aim is to give you a safe, well-supported and welcoming setting, so you can focus on what really matters: spending time, sharing skills and learning alongside the local community.
🧭 Orientation day
Your time in Palawan starts with a full day of orientation, designed to help you settle in, get to know the local community and start things off confidently.
On your first Monday, you'll join a programme led by the local team:
- Welcome meeting, programme introduction and house rules
- Practical advice on health, safety and local customs
- A short introduction to Filipino culture, the dress code and a few first words in Filipino
- A walk around the village and the surrounding area, with useful info on shops, transport and key spots
- Help with picking up a local SIM and getting practical bits sorted. If you'd rather arrive with an eSIM already active, you can buy one in advance via Airalo, our affiliate partner.
👉 You can do that using this link.
Orientation is also when you'll meet the other participants, get to know the team and share what you're hoping to take from the trip. It's when the experience really gets going, with the support of people who live and work here every day.
📌 From Tuesday you'll be into the activities at full pace, but by day one you'll already feel part of the Palawan community.
Your time in Palawan starts with a full day of orientation, designed to help you settle in, get to know the local community and start things off confidently.
On your first Monday, you'll join a programme led by the local team:
- Welcome meeting, programme introduction and house rules
- Practical advice on health, safety and local customs
- A short introduction to Filipino culture, the dress code and a few first words in Filipino
- A walk around the village and the surrounding area, with useful info on shops, transport and key spots
- Help with picking up a local SIM and getting practical bits sorted. If you'd rather arrive with an eSIM already active, you can buy one in advance via Airalo, our affiliate partner.
👉 You can do that using this link.
Orientation is also when you'll meet the other participants, get to know the team and share what you're hoping to take from the trip. It's when the experience really gets going, with the support of people who live and work here every day.
📌 From Tuesday you'll be into the activities at full pace, but by day one you'll already feel part of the Palawan community.
✈️
Flight and arrival tips
For an easy start to your trip, we'd recommend booking your flight into Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) on a Sunday, between 10:00 and 17:00. That's when our free pickup and transfer to the centre in Tigman Village is running.
If you arrive on Saturday, you'll need to book an extra night (small supplement applies).
If you arrive outside those hours, you can pre-book a private transfer (paid) or make your own way. Either way, please send us your flight details as soon as you book so we can plan your arrival properly.
At Puerto Princesa, one of our coordinators will be waiting outside the arrivals terminal, holding a sign you can spot easily. You may need to wait a bit for other participants arriving at the same time, since the transfer is shared.
📱 Useful tip: if you'd like internet from the moment you arrive, you can activate an eSIM before you travel with Airalo, our partner. Use this link.
The drive from the airport to the centre takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, and gives you a first taste of the Palawan landscape.
If for any reason you can't spot our staff at the meeting point, stay where you are and we'll find you. After your booking is confirmed we'll send you the emergency contacts.
🚖 Heading home Check-out from the centre is by 12:00 on the Saturday. The return transfer to the airport isn't included, since participants leave at different times.
Our staff will happily help you arrange a bus or a private taxi, shared with other volunteers if possible. Indicative cost: around 130 PHP for the bus + 2 tricycles (~140 PHP), or up to 2000 PHP by taxi.
We'd suggest booking your return flight from the afternoon onwards, so you have time to leave the centre and reach the airport without rushing.
🗓️ Carrying on with your trip in other parts of the Philippines? Let us know in advance and we'll happily share useful tips for your itinerary.
💡 Once your booking is confirmed we'll email you a document with all the practical info and contacts for our local team.
If you arrive on Saturday, you'll need to book an extra night (small supplement applies).
If you arrive outside those hours, you can pre-book a private transfer (paid) or make your own way. Either way, please send us your flight details as soon as you book so we can plan your arrival properly.
At Puerto Princesa, one of our coordinators will be waiting outside the arrivals terminal, holding a sign you can spot easily. You may need to wait a bit for other participants arriving at the same time, since the transfer is shared.
📱 Useful tip: if you'd like internet from the moment you arrive, you can activate an eSIM before you travel with Airalo, our partner. Use this link.
The drive from the airport to the centre takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, and gives you a first taste of the Palawan landscape.
If for any reason you can't spot our staff at the meeting point, stay where you are and we'll find you. After your booking is confirmed we'll send you the emergency contacts.
🚖 Heading home Check-out from the centre is by 12:00 on the Saturday. The return transfer to the airport isn't included, since participants leave at different times.
Our staff will happily help you arrange a bus or a private taxi, shared with other volunteers if possible. Indicative cost: around 130 PHP for the bus + 2 tricycles (~140 PHP), or up to 2000 PHP by taxi.
We'd suggest booking your return flight from the afternoon onwards, so you have time to leave the centre and reach the airport without rushing.
🗓️ Carrying on with your trip in other parts of the Philippines? Let us know in advance and we'll happily share useful tips for your itinerary.
💡 Once your booking is confirmed we'll email you a document with all the practical info and contacts for our local team.
Book your spot
1
Send your application (free)
Pick the project you like the look of and tell us when you'd like to travel. No commitment, the application is free and non-binding.
2
Meet your coordinator
After your application, we'll put you in touch with your dedicated coordinator. They'll walk you through everything and answer your questions.
3
Confirm your spot
When you're ready, pay the deposit to lock in your spot. You'll get everything you need: local contacts, a visa guide and your pre-trip pack.
4
Off you go
Pack your bag and travel. On arrival you'll find other travellers like you, a welcoming local team, and a trip you'll be talking about for a while.
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now
Book now