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
Students or graduates in medicine, nursing or related healthcare fields
Project details
A health project supporting the rural communities of Palawan
In Tigman, a small coastal village, access to healthcare is often limited. Many people rely on free local clinics, which struggle to keep up with the demand.
This project was set up to help, run by local nurses and health workers, with the aim of strengthening prevention and basic health education in the more isolated areas.
Whether you're a healthcare professional or simply motivated to get involved, you can work alongside the medical team, take part in check-ups, run hygiene sessions in schools and visit families across the villages. A grounded, hands-on experience that brings together learning, practical work and real connection with the community.
This project was set up to help, run by local nurses and health workers, with the aim of strengthening prevention and basic health education in the more isolated areas.
Whether you're a healthcare professional or simply motivated to get involved, you can work alongside the medical team, take part in check-ups, run hygiene sessions in schools and visit families across the villages. A grounded, hands-on experience that brings together learning, practical work and real connection with the community.
Support local doctors in the villages of Palawan
A health project supporting the rural communities of Palawan
In Tigman, a small coastal village, access to healthcare is often limited. Many people rely on free local clinics, which struggle to keep up with the demand.
This project was set up to help, run by local nurses and health workers, with the aim of strengthening prevention and basic health education in the more isolated areas.
Whether you're a healthcare professional or simply motivated to get involved, you can work alongside the medical team, take part in check-ups, run hygiene sessions in schools and visit families across the villages. A grounded, hands-on experience that brings together learning, practical work and real connection with the community.
This project was set up to help, run by local nurses and health workers, with the aim of strengthening prevention and basic health education in the more isolated areas.
Whether you're a healthcare professional or simply motivated to get involved, you can work alongside the medical team, take part in check-ups, run hygiene sessions in schools and visit families across the villages. A grounded, hands-on experience that brings together learning, practical work and real connection with the community.
Why participate
See the Philippines from the inside
Get into the daily rhythm of a rural village and discover Palawan beyond the tourist trails.
The Weekly Program
Weekdays
From Monday to Friday, your days are split between medical activities on the ground, home visits and educational sessions in schools.
There's also time to debrief with the local team and prepare the activities for the next day.
07:00Breakfast and getting ready for the day
08:30Activities at the clinic or home visits in the villages
11:30Break and back to base for lunch
14:30Preparing educational sessions or group activities
15:30Health education in schools or support with vaccination programmes
18:30Dinner and evenings with the other volunteers and locals: games, chats or karaoke
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.
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FAQs
During your stay in Palawan you'll be based at the volunteer house in the coastal village of Tigman, a couple of minutes from the sea and about 20 minutes from the centre of Aborlan. The place is simple, surrounded by nature, and hosts small groups (4–8 people per room) so the experience stays close-knit and well integrated with the local community.
The accommodation has shared rooms with bunk beds, mosquito nets and fans. Each room comes with bedding and small lockers for your things. Bathrooms are shared, with showers (cold water), the basics, and a manual laundry area. There's no washing machine, but a paid laundry service is available nearby.
Wi-Fi is only available in the common areas and can be patchy depending on the weather. To stay connected we'd recommend picking up a local SIM (GLOBE), easy to find nearby. The beach is close, but swimming isn't always possible due to seasonal jellyfish: the staff will point you towards the safer spots in the area.
🛏️ What's included:
- Shared rooms (private room available on request, with a supplement)
- 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 at the weekend
- Drinking water always available
- Ongoing support from the local team (24/7)
- Lockboxes and lockable rooms
- Mosquito nets, fans and air conditioning in the rooms
- Safe, welcoming setting surrounded by nature
Meals are prepared by the local team and feature typical Filipino dishes with some Western influences: rice, pasta, chicken, fish, vegetables and fresh fruit. Specific dietary needs can be communicated in advance.
The volunteer house is also a place to gather and share: a base where you can unwind, meet people from all over the world, and reflect on the experience you're having, in a simple, warm, homely atmosphere.
The accommodation has shared rooms with bunk beds, mosquito nets and fans. Each room comes with bedding and small lockers for your things. Bathrooms are shared, with showers (cold water), the basics, and a manual laundry area. There's no washing machine, but a paid laundry service is available nearby.
Wi-Fi is only available in the common areas and can be patchy depending on the weather. To stay connected we'd recommend picking up a local SIM (GLOBE), easy to find nearby. The beach is close, but swimming isn't always possible due to seasonal jellyfish: the staff will point you towards the safer spots in the area.
🛏️ What's included:
- Shared rooms (private room available on request, with a supplement)
- 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 at the weekend
- Drinking water always available
- Ongoing support from the local team (24/7)
- Lockboxes and lockable rooms
- Mosquito nets, fans and air conditioning in the rooms
- Safe, welcoming setting surrounded by nature
Meals are prepared by the local team and feature typical Filipino dishes with some Western influences: rice, pasta, chicken, fish, vegetables and fresh fruit. Specific dietary needs can be communicated in advance.
The volunteer house is also a place to gather and share: a base where you can unwind, meet people from all over the world, and reflect on the experience you're having, in a simple, warm, homely atmosphere.
Your safety is something we take seriously.
Each programme is monitored carefully, from the clinics where you'll be working to the volunteer house, so you can settle in to a welcoming and well-supported environment.
🔹 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.
🔹 Trusted local partners
We only work with clinics and community partners that regularly host volunteers from around the world, in well-organised settings. The volunteer accommodation is in a safe area, with lockable rooms and the local team always on hand.
🔹 24/7 support
From your arrival at the airport through to the end of the programme, you can count on the local staff being available, evenings and weekends included. Our UK team is also reachable on WhatsApp whenever you need us.
🔹 Briefing and orientation
On your first day you'll join an orientation session covering Filipino culture, the practical basics, and a guided walk around the area. It's the best way to get the lay of the land and start the experience confidently.
🔹 A few sensible habits
The Philippines is a welcoming and friendly country, but a few simple habits go a long way:
- Avoid going out on your own at night.
- Travel with other volunteers when you can.
- Always follow your local coordinator's advice on areas and transport.
💡 Our aim
is to give you a safe, well-supported environment, so you can focus on what really matters: spending time, sharing skills and learning alongside the local community.
Each programme is monitored carefully, from the clinics where you'll be working to the volunteer house, so you can settle in to a welcoming and well-supported environment.
🔹 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.
🔹 Trusted local partners
We only work with clinics and community partners that regularly host volunteers from around the world, in well-organised settings. The volunteer accommodation is in a safe area, with lockable rooms and the local team always on hand.
🔹 24/7 support
From your arrival at the airport through to the end of the programme, you can count on the local staff being available, evenings and weekends included. Our UK team is also reachable on WhatsApp whenever you need us.
🔹 Briefing and orientation
On your first day you'll join an orientation session covering Filipino culture, the practical basics, and a guided walk around the area. It's the best way to get the lay of the land and start the experience confidently.
🔹 A few sensible habits
The Philippines is a welcoming and friendly country, but a few simple habits go a long way:
- Avoid going out on your own at night.
- Travel with other volunteers when you can.
- Always follow your local coordinator's advice on areas and transport.
💡 Our aim
is to give you a safe, well-supported environment, 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 give you everything you need to take part in the project safely, confidently and properly connected to the local community.
On your first Monday, you'll join a programme led by the local team that covers:
- Welcome meeting, programme introduction, weekly activities and house rules
- Practical advice on health, safety and local customs
- A short introduction to Filipino culture, local customs and a few basic words of Filipino
- A walk around the area: supermarkets, useful spots and getting your local SIM sorted
- First sit-down with the project coordinators to plan the week ahead and start finding your feet
Orientation is also when you'll meet the other volunteers, share what you're hoping to take from the experience, and start feeling part of a small group working towards the same goals.
📌 From Tuesday you'll be into the on-the-ground activities, but by day one you'll already have everything you need to make the most of your time here.
Your time in Palawan starts with a full day of orientation, designed to give you everything you need to take part in the project safely, confidently and properly connected to the local community.
On your first Monday, you'll join a programme led by the local team that covers:
- Welcome meeting, programme introduction, weekly activities and house rules
- Practical advice on health, safety and local customs
- A short introduction to Filipino culture, local customs and a few basic words of Filipino
- A walk around the area: supermarkets, useful spots and getting your local SIM sorted
- First sit-down with the project coordinators to plan the week ahead and start finding your feet
Orientation is also when you'll meet the other volunteers, share what you're hoping to take from the experience, and start feeling part of a small group working towards the same goals.
📌 From Tuesday you'll be into the on-the-ground activities, but by day one you'll already have everything you need to make the most of your time here.
For the project in Palawan, we'd recommend booking a flight into Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS), arriving on a Sunday between 10:00 and 17:00.
That's when our free pickup and transfer to the accommodation in Tigman (Aborlan) runs.
✅ Ideal arrival times: Sunday between 10:00 and 17:00
Outside those times: the pickup isn't guaranteed, and you'll need to:
- Wait until the next pickup time if you arrive earlier
- Arrange a private transfer (paid), or
- Make your own way to the accommodation by taxi (about a 90-minute drive)
Note: if you arrive on Saturday, you'll need to book an extra night at the house (small supplement).
📍 Meeting point on arrival
After passport control and luggage collection, head to the main exit of the arrivals terminal. A member of our staff will be waiting with a sign with your name. If you can't spot them straight away, stay where you are: they're likely waiting for other volunteers arriving around the same time. Emergency contacts are sent once your booking is confirmed.
🚕 Transfer to the accommodation
The drive from the airport to the village takes around 1h30 and you might share it with other volunteers arriving at the same time. The road is scenic and you'll start getting a feel for rural Palawan straight away.
📱 Useful tip
We'd suggest picking up a local SIM (GLOBE) at the airport or as soon as you're in town. Useful for staying in touch with the local team, the other volunteers and people back home. If you prefer, you can also buy an eSIM in advance from Airalo
🧳 Check-in and check-out
- Your included stay runs from Sunday (the day before the programme starts) to Saturday morning (check-out by 12:00)
- Extra nights (before or after) are available on request for a small supplement
- The programme officially starts on Monday morning with the orientation day
🚖 Heading home: return flight tips
When the project finishes, check-out from the volunteer house is by 12:00 on the Saturday. The return transfer to the airport (or anywhere else) isn't included, since there are usually lots of people leaving at different times and only a small coordination team.
That said, our team will happily help you book a taxi or share a private transfer with the others heading back at the same time.
We'd suggest booking your return flight for Saturday afternoon or evening, so you can leave the house in your own time and get to the airport without rushing (about 30 minutes by car).
🗓️ Carrying on with your trip elsewhere?
Let us know in advance and we'll share useful tips so your departure goes smoothly.
💡 Once your booking is confirmed
We'll email you a detailed pre-departure pack with all the practical info and emergency contacts.
📩 What to send us before you travel
As soon as you book your flight, please send:
- Airline
- Flight number
- Expected arrival time
- Any stopovers or changes
That way we can plan your arrival properly and make sure the right support is in place.
That's when our free pickup and transfer to the accommodation in Tigman (Aborlan) runs.
✅ Ideal arrival times: Sunday between 10:00 and 17:00
Outside those times: the pickup isn't guaranteed, and you'll need to:
- Wait until the next pickup time if you arrive earlier
- Arrange a private transfer (paid), or
- Make your own way to the accommodation by taxi (about a 90-minute drive)
Note: if you arrive on Saturday, you'll need to book an extra night at the house (small supplement).
📍 Meeting point on arrival
After passport control and luggage collection, head to the main exit of the arrivals terminal. A member of our staff will be waiting with a sign with your name. If you can't spot them straight away, stay where you are: they're likely waiting for other volunteers arriving around the same time. Emergency contacts are sent once your booking is confirmed.
🚕 Transfer to the accommodation
The drive from the airport to the village takes around 1h30 and you might share it with other volunteers arriving at the same time. The road is scenic and you'll start getting a feel for rural Palawan straight away.
📱 Useful tip
We'd suggest picking up a local SIM (GLOBE) at the airport or as soon as you're in town. Useful for staying in touch with the local team, the other volunteers and people back home. If you prefer, you can also buy an eSIM in advance from Airalo
🧳 Check-in and check-out
- Your included stay runs from Sunday (the day before the programme starts) to Saturday morning (check-out by 12:00)
- Extra nights (before or after) are available on request for a small supplement
- The programme officially starts on Monday morning with the orientation day
🚖 Heading home: return flight tips
When the project finishes, check-out from the volunteer house is by 12:00 on the Saturday. The return transfer to the airport (or anywhere else) isn't included, since there are usually lots of people leaving at different times and only a small coordination team.
That said, our team will happily help you book a taxi or share a private transfer with the others heading back at the same time.
We'd suggest booking your return flight for Saturday afternoon or evening, so you can leave the house in your own time and get to the airport without rushing (about 30 minutes by car).
🗓️ Carrying on with your trip elsewhere?
Let us know in advance and we'll share useful tips so your departure goes smoothly.
💡 Once your booking is confirmed
We'll email you a detailed pre-departure pack with all the practical info and emergency contacts.
📩 What to send us before you travel
As soon as you book your flight, please send:
- Airline
- Flight number
- Expected arrival time
- Any stopovers or changes
That way we can plan your arrival properly and make sure the right support is in place.
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.
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