This award-winning Philippines tour is your best bet to exploring this amazing country! The Philippines offers an authentic experience of Asia which is hard to beat. From the crystal clear turquoise water lapping secluded white beaches to the majestic limestone cliffs surrounding tiny villages, every day you will be met with breathtaking places and experiences. The Philippines is truly one of the last untouched gems of the world.
What’s included
- Private western guide throughout
- Airport pickup on day 1
- All accommodation
- All transportation & transfers including vans, flights, boats, taxis, and tricycles
- Welcome dinner and drinks overlooking the Manila skyline
- Guest-list entry to some of the best clubs in Manila
- Visit to the world famous Puerto Princesa Underground River
- Visit to the Iwahig Prison, a bizarre prison without walls
- Private island beach camp adventure (including all food)
- Rainforest walks to take a dip in a waterfall
- Island kayaking through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world
- Snorkeling coral reefs
- Paddle boarding
- Island hopping on the best boat in Palawan (including food and drinks!)
- Beach picnics
- Guided climb to the top of the cliffs overlooking El Nido for the most stunning view on the island
- Local cultural experiences including cooking class and making coconut oil
Most tourists flock to the Philippines during summer, which is between March and June. This is the best time to hit the beach for a swim because of the hot and sunny weather. If you want to visit the country during the cooler months, book flights between November and February.
*OneLife passengers have the option of continuing their travels to either Boracay or Cebu where you can experience the once in a lifetime opportunity of swimming with whale sharks! Contact me for more information.
DAY 1 – ARRIVE IN MANILA
Arrive at any time in Manila and we will meet you at the airport. We take you to our boutique hostel in central Manila and in the evening join the rest of the group for a delicious welcome meal in a local restaurant. After dinner, head up to the rooftop terrace and enjoy a few drinks overlooking the Manila skyline. For those looking to party, you will get the option to check out some famous Manila nightlife spots with guest-list entry into clubs and good times at our favourite bars!
DAY 2 – PALAWAN
Today we take a short flight to Puerto Princesa in Palawan. We check in to our awesome boutique hotel and relax by the pool for a while. In the afternoon we visit the Iwahig Prison, where the inmates govern themselves and learn new skills such as farming and dancing to Michael Jackson. In the evening, we walk along the bay and sample some wonderful Filipino street food by the water. If you’re brave enough you can try a balut (fertilized duck egg), a Filipino delicacy!
DAY 3 – UNDERGROUND RIVER
We have an early start today and head out to the UNESCO listed Underground River. We explore the 5-miles of rivers and caves by boat before driving over dirt roads to the remote and stunning fishing village of Port Barton. Spend the afternoon sipping fresh coconuts on golden sand while listening to some island reggae in the background. Tonight we will sleep in traditional Filipino style beach bungalows listening to the sound of the ocean outside your door.
DAY 4/5 – THE ISLANDER EXPERIENCE/PRIVATE BEACH CAMP
For the next 2 days we get to experience the local island way of life, with our Islander Experience. After breakfast, we join our local guides on their boat for 2 days of exploring islands and the surrounding areas of Port Barton. Snorkel coral reefs with turtles, go fishing with our guides, shower in jungle waterfalls, explore tiny islands, discover the Starfish Fields, and just take it all in.
DAY 6 – BOUND FOR EL NIDO
After breakfast and some more time to appreciate your spectacular surroundings, we hop into a van and head up on our way to El Nido. Surrounded by islands and towering cliffs, El Nido is a secret paradise. We will check in to the funkiest hostel in Palawan, this slick hostel looks more like a boutique hotel than a backpackers hostel! Settle in, then head out to one of our favourite reggae beach bars in the evening for food and fun.
DAY 7 – ISLAND HOPPING
Today we set sail on a custom built boat which will take us on an island hopping adventure to secret beaches and pristine reefs around the Bacuit Archipelago. Go kayaking over the emerald waters or jump in and snorkel over coral teaming with life. The crew will take care of all your food, and include all your drinks for the whole day (yes, cocktails and beer too!).
DAY 8 – EL NIDO TOWN
Today we do a short trek and canopy walk up to the famous cliffs overlooking El Nido to get the best view of incredible bay and Cadlao Island. After all that exercise, we include a traditional Filipino massage near the beach to help ease those muscles.
DAY 9 – CULTURAL DAY
We start the day by taking a tricycle ride to the local market where we’ll learn about the types of fresh seafood on offer as well as all the local produce. Afterwards we’ll take a short jungle hike to learn about the flora and fauna that grows in the lush rainforest before arriving at our exclusive beach hut for a fun filled day. Today we have activities ranging from cooking authentic Filipino food, climbing coconut trees, bottom line fishing, coconut shaving, learning Filipino dances and children’s games, coconut leaf weaving and more.
DAY 10 – TIME TO SAY GOODBYE
For those who booked their onward journey, this is where we must say our goodbyes. The rest will jump in a minivan back to Puerto Princesa where we finish our trip. You can also fly back to Manila from a small airport in El Nido. It’s a little bit more expensive, but it means you won’t have to travel back to Puerto for your flight.
