19-Day Island-Hopping Adventure
A 19-day private island-hopping adventure. It starts with Pagsanjan Falls and Mount Pinatubo near Manila. Then comes Palawan, for the Underground River and El Nido's lagoons. In the Visayas you swim with whale sharks in Oslob and see Bohol's Chocolate Hills and Balicasag reef. The trip ends with four unhurried days on Boracay's White Beach.
This tour offers a diverse and exciting exploration of the Philippines, showcasing both natural wonders and vibrant city life. Starting in Manila, the country’s bustling capital, you’ll experience a blend of Spanish colonial history and modern urban dynamics. Next, Palawan awaits with its stunning landscapes and the famous Underground River Tour, a must-see natural wonder. Bohol presents the unique Chocolate Hills and a chance to encounter the adorable tarsiers, while Cebu combines rich cultural heritage with beautiful beaches. Pagsanjan Falls offers a thrilling boat ride through a gorge, culminating in the majestic waterfall. The adventure continues with Pinatubo Trekking, a journey to the breathtaking crater lake of Mount Pinatubo. Lastly, the island-hopping adventures in Palawan, with Tour A and Tour C, provide an unforgettable experience of pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and enchanting lagoons. This tour is a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion in some of the Philippines’ most iconic destinations.
Frequently asked questions
Is this trip private?
Yes. Tourismo Filipino runs this itinerary as a private trip for your party only, with your own vehicle and guide. Dates, hotels and pace can be changed.
How many days is this trip?
The published plan is 19 days, starting and ending in Manila. It can be shortened or extended.
Can a travel agency book this itinerary?
Yes. Agencies receive a costed, white-label proposal at net rates. Contact [email protected] or +63 917 175 6678.
What is included?
Per the published itinerary: Accommodation for your choice - (3/4/5 star); Air-conditioned vehicles during Luzon & Islands tours; Entrances; Flight from El Nido or Puerto Princesa to Manila; Flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa; Local Department of Tourism Accredited Tour Guide; Manila day tours and surrounding as described. Final inclusions are confirmed in your proposal.
19 days
Tour Plan
1
Arrival in Manila
Arrival in Manila, airport pickup, and transfer to your hotel.
2
Day trip to Pagsanjan Falls
After breakfast, pick up from the hotel at 08:30 in the morning for a trip to the town of Pagsanjan, where the Pagsanjan Falls are located, a very popular site in the Philippines. Pagsanjan Falls is about a two and a half-hour drive south of Manila and is the filming location of the movie "Apocalypse Now" with Marlon Brando. On the way, you'll pass by vast coconut plantations. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to a small canoe called "banca" for a boat ride towards the waterfalls.
As the boat ride begins, you'll pass through narrow gorges with lush greenery and even see monkeys jumping from branch to branch. At the end of the river, you'll reach the main waterfall, where you'll have the option to take a bamboo raft and go behind the waterfall itself. After a few minutes of enjoying the waterfall, you'll head back to the resort for lunch.
After lunch, you'll return to Manila.
3
Volcanic Adventure at Mount Pinatubo and Interaction with Aeta Tribes
Following a delightful breakfast, brace yourself for an exhilarating adventure amidst the rugged terrain surrounding the iconic Mount Pinatubo—an active volcano nestled in the western expanse of Luzon, approximately a two-hour drive from Manila, within the scenic Pampanga province. Renowned for its cataclysmic eruption over two decades ago, Mount Pinatubo beckons with an aura of mystique and natural grandeur.
Prepare for a journey like no other as you traverse the volcanic landscapes aboard a local jeepney, navigating through winding paths sculpted by centuries of geological upheavals. Along the way, immerse yourself in the scenic splendor, where the Puning Spa and the rejuvenating hot springs of "Puning" await, crafted with care by the locals to harness the therapeutic essence of the volcanic terrain.
Our adventure unfolds with a series of captivating stops at hot and cold springs stations, offering an array of indulgent treatments steeped in tribal traditions. Sink into the warmth of volcanic sands during spa sessions, revel in facial treatments enriched with cool volcanic mud, and rejuvenate your senses amidst the tranquil embrace of hot and cold pools, all amidst the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Pinatubo's majestic slopes.
Tour Itinerary:
Hotel pickup in the morning around 8 AM.
Begin a scenic two-hour drive to Pampanga (timing subject to traffic).
Orientation at the Puning site and transfer to rugged 4x4 vehicles.
Explore hot and cold springs and indulge in revitalizing treatments.
Savor a delectable lunch amidst the natural splendor of Puning.
Bid adieu to the enchanting landscapes as we depart in the late afternoon, returning you to your hotel.
Please note that the tour timings are approximate and may vary based on the pace of the excursion and prevailing road conditions.
For guests lodging in hotels within Clark City, the journey is a mere half-hour, allowing for a later departure for the tour. Rest assured, accommodations will be arranged in Clark City upon arrival in Pampanga, ensuring a comfortable respite before your exhilarating trek to Mount Pinatubo the following day.
4
Crossing to Palawan Island
Pick-up for your flight to Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan, and then transfer to your hotel either in Puerto Princesa or in the nearby Sabang area, close to the Underground River.
5
Underground River Tour
Pickup in the morning for one of the "Seven Wonders of Nature," the famous Underground River. You have the option to do this tour privately or as part of a group, depending on your preference and budget. The journey takes about two and a half hours each way, and upon arrival, you'll board boats that will take you into the underground river. After the tour, enjoy lunch and return to your hotel in Puerto Princesa in the afternoon.
- For guests staying in Sabang and not in Puerto Princesa (on the previous day), it will be a short trip to the hotel since hotels in Sabang are approximately a 15-20 minute walk from the Underground River Park.
6
A 5-6-Hour Journey to El Nido
Pickup in the morning today for El Nido. The journey will last approximately 5-6 hours. Please note that the road to El Nido is not easy, and parts of it are not well-paved. Upon arrival, there will be a check-in at the hotel, and you will have some free time.
You can choose to travel to El Nido in a private vehicle or with other travelers. When opting for shared transportation, there may be delays, sometimes significant ones. The ride will be shared with other tourists, so the vehicle might be crowded, and these circumstances are beyond our control. To avoid these inconveniences, you can opt for a private transfer.
7
TOUR C
Island hopping in El Nido is one of the "Highlight" tours of Bacuit Bay, an extremely interesting and enjoyable "island-hopping" experience. The stunning rock formations, hidden beaches, and blue lagoons provided inspiration for the novel 'The Beach' by Alex Garland, written during the author's stay in El Nido and later turned into a famous movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio. More recently, the movie 'Stolen Identity' was filmed on the nearby islands. During the tour, you will visit islands/beaches such as Dilumacad Island, Helicopter Island, Tapiutan Island, Matinloc Island, in addition to the Hidden Beach.
8
TOUR A
After fueling up with breakfast, get ready for an unforgettable journey into El Nido's enchanting world of lagoons and beaches. Tour A is a quintessential El Nido experience, a passport to breathtaking landscapes found nowhere else on Earth.
Let yourself be captivated as you explore:
- Secret Lagoon: Slip through a hidden crevice and discover a secluded haven ringed by towering cliffs.
- Shimizu Island: Feel the soft white sand between your toes and bask in the sunshine on this idyllic island.
- Big Lagoon: Immerse yourself in the grandeur of nature as you cruise through this expansive lagoon, a masterpiece of limestone cliffs and turquoise waters.
- Seven Commandos Beach: Relax on pristine shores and soak up the laid-back island atmosphere.
This tour unveils the magic of Bacuit Bay, leaving you with memories that will linger long after your return home.
9
Free Day in El Nido
Free day in El Nido
10
Traveling to Cebu with a Direct Flight from El Nido
Pickup from your hotel and transfer to El Nido Airport.
Upon arrival in Cebu, pickup from the airport to your hotel on the island.
Free time in Cebu. You can visit the 'Ayala' shopping center located in the city center. Additionally, you can spend a few hours at one of the smaller beaches (beaches are organized and may require an entrance fee).
11
South Cebu - OSLOB - Whale Shark Encounter
In the early morning, you will embark on a approximately 3-hour journey towards Oslob, a small town located in the southwest of Cebu Island. There, you will have the incredible opportunity to meet a magnificent and incredibly friendly giant of the sea, the whale shark. These gentle giants are stunning in their beauty and still as delicate as a baby.
You will board a boat that will take you to the amazing encounter with the whale sharks, known as "Butanding" in the local language. After this fascinating encounter, you'll have a meal and then return to Cebu.
12
Crossing to Bohol Island and Continuing to the "Choco Tour" - Choco Tour in Bohol
In the early morning, you will be transported to the ferry terminal in Cebu for your journey to Bohol Island. Upon arrival at the Bohol Island port, you will board a ferry that will take you to the island. The ferry ride will take approximately two hours to reach Bohol.
Once you arrive at the port on Bohol Island, you will be picked up for a private tour called the "Choco Tour." During this tour, you will visit attractions such as the Baclayon Church, the man-made Bilar Forest, the adorable tarsiers of Tarsier Sanctuary, the Chocolate Hills, and more. At the end of the tour, you will return to your hotel in Bohol.
13
Island Hopping Tour in Bohol
During the island hopping tour, you will have the opportunity to see dolphins (sightings are not always guaranteed, but most of the time you will have a chance), visit Balicasag Island, Virgin Island, and also enjoy some very interesting snorkeling.
The tour includes a stop on an island for lunch. Afterward, you will return to your hotel.
14
Travel to Boracay via Cebu Island
In the early morning, you will be gathered for a transfer to the port in Bohol. From there, you will embark on a boat ride of approximately two hours to Cebu. Upon your arrival at the port in Cebu, you will be transferred to Mactan Airport.
You will have the option to choose between two nearby airports for your flight to Boracay:
- Caticlan Airport - is located approximately a 15-minute boat ride from Boracay.
- Kalibo Airport - located approximately a 2-hour drive and an additional 25-minute boat ride from Boracay.
15
Free Day in Boracay
Free Day
16
Free Day in Boracay
Free day
17
Free Day in Boracay
Free day
18
Free Day in Boracay
Free day
19
Flight to Manila and Departure from the Philippines
After breakfast (or shortly before your flight time), you will be transferred to one of the airports near Boracay. Upon your arrival in Manila, you will be picked up and taken to the international terminal for your outbound flight.
type
Couples
Honeymoon
Departure
Manila/Manila
Included
Accommodation for your choice - (3/4/5 star)
Air-Conditions vehicles during Luzon & Islands tours
Entrances
Flight from El Nido or Puerto Princesa to Manila
Flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa
Local Department of Tourism Accredited Tour Guide
Manila day tours and surrounding as described
Note: Underground river tours requires a pre approval permit, therefore we have to confirm the tour as quick as possible.
Tours in El Nido
Transfer from Puerto Princes to El NIdo
Transfers to and from Airport
Gallery
Tour Location
