Island Hopping in the Philippines: Manila, Donsol, Cebu & Palawan - 20 Days hitting some of the country's major highlights. You'll begin in Manila, the country's busy capital. Then, you'll swim with whale sharks, and snorkel in Donsol. Next, you'll fly to beautiful Cebu, where you'll swim in pristine waterfalls, see the famous chocolate hills, and look for marine turtles. Finally, you'll arrive in Palawan, the country's largest province. Adventures include visiting shipwrecks, exploring an underground river, and hiking to hidden lakes.
Day 1: Arrival in Manila
Welcome to the Philippines! You will arrive at Manila, the capital of this multi-island nation. At the airport, you'll meet up with your group and take the airport shuttle to your hotel. You'll have the rest of the day off to explore the city at your leisure. We recommend walking around Old Manila to see its Spanish colonial architecture and visiting Rizal Park.
Day 2: Anilao Snorkeling Day Tour
Begin the morning with a 3-hour drive to Anilao, where you'll enjoy rich marine life. You'll visit two coral reefs on this exciting snorkeling tour, spending about an hour and a half at each site. Your trip leader will be in the water with you, helping you identify species. The Philippines is known for its amazing snorkeling and diving opportunities, as its reefs and numerous islands are teeming with biodiversity. In the afternoon, you'll start the journey back to Manila. The evening will be spent at your leisure. If you want to go on a foodie adventure, head to Intramuros Food Market or Sabroso Street Food Market.
Day 3: Ticao Island
Take a very early morning flight to Legazpi. If you get a window seat, make sure to be on the lookout for beautiful views, including the Mayon Volcano. Once you land, you'll do a 1.5-hour drive to Donsol, and then hop on a boat to Ticao Island. Spend the whole day snorkeling coral reefs, enjoying white sandy beaches, and admiring limestone rock formations. Highlights include swimming in beautiful lagoons with crystalline waters and seeing the magnificent Catandayagan Falls, which flow directly into the sea. In the late afternoon, you'll head back to Donsol and spend the night at your beachside accommodation.
Day 4: Whale Sharks & Fireflies
Donsol is considered the "Whale Shark Capital of the World" and provides the perfect opportunity to see these docile animals up close. Before beginning, you'll be briefed on the proper way to interact with the sharks, so both your safety and theirs are ensured. Then, you'll hop on a boat and start your search. A spotter will scan the water and signal the boat when a shark appears. The boat approaches about 50ft (15m) of the animal, and then the group can get into the water. You can get within 6ft (2m) of the shark, but you need to be careful not to touch it or get in its way. If you don't disturb it, it will continue feeding and swimming at the surface without paying any attention to you. If it gets spooked, however, it will dive and disappear. Your guide will be there at all times guiding you through this exciting experience. After a tiring but unforgettable morning, you can spend a relaxing afternoon on the beach. In the early evening, you'll drive to the outskirts of Donsol and get on a small boat to float down the Firefly River. This excursion is truly magical, as it allows you to see the surrounding forest light up in the glow of thousands of fireflies.
Day 5: Flight to Cebu City
After breakfast, you'll drive back to Legazpi to catch a flight bound for Cebu. A vehicle will be waiting at the airport in Cebu City to bring you to your accommodation. As the capital of Cebu province, Cebu City is the gateway to numerous islands in the Philippines. The oldest city in the entire country, Cebu maintains some of its 16th-century Spanish colonial architecture and has several interesting landmarks. Visit Basilica Minore del Santo Niño or Fort San Pedro.
Day 6: Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls
The tour today starts early in the morning. A private vehicle will pick you up for a 3-hour drive to Moalboal, where you'll have a canyoneering adventure. Spend the day hiking, swimming, and enjoying the beautiful scenery. One of the highlights of this tour will be the beautiful Kawasan Falls. With impossibly-blue water and refreshing temperatures, these falls are Moalboal's greatest attraction. They are also perfect for fighting off the tropical heat. Have late lunch in the city center before driving back to Cebu City.
Day 7: Travel to Bohol
This morning, you'll head to the Cebu City pier and take a ferry to Tagbilaran in Bohol. From here, a vehicle will pick you up and take you to your accommodation on Panglao Island. Spend the rest of the day swimming and relaxing at the beach. Don't miss the sunset!
Day 8: Exploring Bohol Island
Today, you'll spend the day exploring Bohol Island. You will visit some of its most well-known attractions, including the Chocolate Hills, the Tarsier Sanctuary, the Loboc River, and Baclayon Church. Despite their mouth-watering name, the Chocolate Hills are not made of chocolate. Rather, these gorgeous geological formations are called so because they turn brown during the dry season. No matter when you are visiting, the sight of the rolling hills, rising one after the other is truly something to behold! At the Tarsier Sanctuary, you'll get to see these adorable animals and directly support their conservation. The sanctuary is a popular ethical animal encounter in Bohol. In the afternoon, you'll enjoy lunch on a raft restaurant as you float down the Loboc River.
Day 9: Snorkeling in Balicasag
Today, you'll visit Balicasag Island, one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the country. As you explore the underwater world that surrounds the island, keep an eye open for green turtles, which abound around the corals. Afterward, you'll hop over to neighboring Virgin Island, famous for its beautiful sandbar. You can buy pearls or enjoy a fresh meal at one of the floating seafood restaurants that surround the sandbar. Return to Panglao Island in the evening.
Day 10: Flight to Puerto Princesa
In the morning, you'll board a boat back to Cebu and catch a flight to Puerto Princesa. After checking in at your accommodation, you have the rest of the day off to explore at your leisure. Located on Palawan Island, this city is known for its underground river and limestone caves. For the first day, you can relax at a beach, do some water sports, or taste local fare at the markets.
Day 11: Island Hopping in Honda Bay
Have an incredible day island hopping around Honda Bay. You'll be visiting three islands on your tour: Cowrie Island, which has a white sand beach perfect for sunbathing; Luli Island, a beautiful sandbar that disappears during high tide; and Starfish Island, which claims to have the biggest population of starfish in Palawan. On each island, you'll be able to enjoy numerous activities, like water sports, snorkeling, and swimming. Of course, it's also possible to simply relax and take in the ocean views.
Day 12: Puerto Princesa Underground River
Today's adventure takes you to the largest underground river in the entire world! You'll be paddling through the giant limestone caves and intricate system of the Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park. Marvel as you pass through tunnels and ride on turquoise water. Your guide will provide interesting information about the ecosystems at the park and the species that you encounter. In the afternoon, you'll continue the tour outside the caves and through the mangroves. Common in coastal areas, mangroves are incredibly important to islands, as they reduce flooding, create a buffer against sea-born storms, and collect large amounts of CO2. Return to Puerto Princesa in the late afternoon.
Day 13: Drive to El Nido
Leave Puerto Princesa behind as you travel by land to El Nido. One of the most photogenic parts of the entire country, El Nido draws in visitors from all over the world, who come for its transparent waters and imposing cliffs. Today, you'll be hiking one of these tall rock mountains to get a spectacular view of Bacuit Bay and its islands. In the afternoon, you'll transfer to your accommodation and enjoy a free evening.
Days 14-15: Island Hopping in El Nido
Spend the next two days hopping around various islands in Bacuit Bay. You'll be traveling on an outrigger boat through the islands, and enjoying the opportunity to snorkel, swim, hike, and relax on the sand. Each island has its charm, and you'll have the time of your life exploring hidden lagoons and beaches. The famously clear waters around the bay are so crystalline, that it is possible to see the shadow of your boat at the bottom of the water. Enjoy gorgeous views and catch the sunset on both days.
Day 16: Travel to Coron
Catch an early morning flight to Coron. A vehicle will be waiting to take you to your accommodation. After checking in, you will have the rest of the day to explore Coron Town on your own. Coron's draws visitors in with its spectacular dive sites, which include WWII wrecks. For today, however, you can spend time simply walking around this small fishing village. You'll have the opportunity to try local food, relax on the beach, and enjoy a slower pace of life.
Day 17: Coron Shipwrecks & Corals
Today, you'll do a private snorkel tour at the Lusong Gunboat Wreck, the East Tangat Wreck, and the Coral Gardens. The first two are WWII wrecks that have become popular for snorkeling and free diving. Now inhabited by corals and other marine life, they are close enough to the surface for even inexperienced swimmers to see. The Coral Gardens boast a sharp drop that creates a sort of underwater reef wall. The corals here are plentiful and teeming with fish. After snorkeling, you will visit Pass Island and rest on its beautiful beach.
Day 18: Coron Lagoons & Lakes
Enjoy a private boat tour around Coron's beaches, lagoons, and reefs. You'll snorkel Skeleton Wreck, the frame of a small ship that sank very near shore. Then, you'll head to Twin Lagoons, two large pools enclosed by sheer rock walls whose waters are connected and the sea. The day continues with two short hikes that will let you access Barracuda Lake and Kayangan Lake, considered two of the most picturesque lakes in the Philippines. Finally, you'll visit Siete Pecados Marine Park for your final snorkeling adventure before heading back to Coron Town.
Day 19: Back in Manila
Take a morning flight back to Manila. Enjoy your last full day in the Philippines, exploring its capital city at your own pace. Visit Fort Santiago to see its impressive citadel, or learn about the history and arts of the country at the National Museum of the Philippines. We also highly recommend visiting Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the entire world. In the evening, stroll around scenic Manila Bay.
Day 20: Departure from Manila
Today, you'll leave the Philippines behind, but carry home with you memories of some of the most incredible destinations in the country. A representative will take you to the airport and help you with check-in procedures. Safe travels!
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