grand tour of the philippines

Start your vacation by hiking the rice terraces of the Ifugao region, classified World Heritage of UNESCO. It will offer breathtaking views you will never forget.

Then we’ll introduce you to one of the islands of the central region of Visayas,  Bohol, a place rich in culture and natural wonders. Meet the tarsiers, the smallest primates in the world. Swim or snorkel on the coral reefs of the small island of Pamilacan. Visit centuries-old churches and have lunch while cruising on a riverboat.

For the last part of your stay, discover one of the most exotic and idyllic islands of the Philippines. Palawan, the last frontier. 

You will sail from island to island in a native Bangka, swim amongst turtles, colorful fish, and corals, walk to the heart of the rainforest and discover the most beautiful tropical beaches of the Philippines.

This fabulous trip to the country of 7641 islands combines adventure and comfort offering utopian moments of relaxation on deserted white sand beaches.

You will not fail to admire the richness of the marine fauna and flora in the surrounding islands and islets whose beauty surpasses all imagination. Welcome to the Philippines.

DAY BY DAY

V

Day 1: Arrive in the Philippines

Transfer to a small boutique hotel in Makati at a commercial area surrounded by restaurants and shopping centers

V

Day 2: Manila to Sagada

Early morning departure for your first destination in the heart of the Cordillera mountains, Sagada. You travel by private van with a driver and a guide for your comfort (transfer 9 hours). Spend the night in a rustic bed & breakfast at Sagada.

V

Day 3: Sagada and the Hanging Coffins

Visit the main attractions in Sagada, the Echo Valley, and the main burial Ifugao, burials, many coffins hanging from the cliffs and an explanation of local rituals (about 3-4 hours of discovery). Spend some time at a rustic bed & breakfast in Sagada.

V

Day 4: Sagada-Bontoc-Banaue : Visit Bomod’ok waterfalls or Headhunters Museum

Tour of waterfalls of Bomod’ok (allow about 3 hours of walking. Ideal for a picnic) Or you will go directly to Bontoc van (2 hours) and visit the market and its museum on the theme of the tribes Ifugao and headhunters. Then transfer to Banaue (2 hours). You’ll enjoy a homestay accommodation overlooking the rice terraces.

V

Day 5: Batad Rice Terraces

Departure to the start of the path (1-hour jeepney), the starting point for rallying the small scenic village of Batad. Enjoy a hike to the village of Batad (2 hours walk). In the afternoon, you will discover a waterfall overlooking the Batad village (option for good walkers only).

Night in Banauel in the heart of the village with impressive views of the valley and the rice terraces of Batad, classified world heritage by UNESCO.

V

Day 6: Return to Manila

Depart in the morning 2 hour walk then back to Banaue on a jeepney or tricycle (1 hour). Return to your van that will take you back to Manila (9 hours).

V

Day 7: Manila-Bohol

After breakfast, you depart for the airport for your flight to Bohol (1-hour flight). Your hotel shuttle will be waiting for you to transfer you to your accommodations on Panglao Island.  You have a free afternoon to enjoy your hotel amenities, relax under the sun, or book an excursion.

V

Day 8: Countryside tour of Bohol

After breakfast, your private guide will take you to the viewpoint of the Chocolate Hills, visit the tarsiers, this small atypical-eyed primate found exclusively on Bohol. 

Stopover at some of the oldest Spanish churches in the country.  Take a  cruise in the heart of the jungle on the wild river Loboc. You will have lunch on the boat and discover Filipino dances and traditional songs.

Visit a local blacksmith and they will teach you how to make a “bolo” (Filipino Sword). Finally, a quick lesson on how to weave palm trees.

V

Day 9: Pamilacan Island Tour + Mangrove Tour and Firefly Watching

An early morning trip to the island of Pamilacan Island on a native boat to have a higher chance of meeting dolphins and an opportunity to do some snorkeling. Picnic at the beach and back in the early afternoon.

In the evening, enjoy a Bangka ride through the mangrove forest and visit the fish market for dinner, and cap off the night by watching fireflies!

V

Day 10: Bohol

Enjoy your last day in Bohol the way you want it!

V

Day 11: Bohol-Cebu

After breakfast, transfer by car to the port of Bohol (30 minutes) for your ferry to Cebu (about 2 hours by boat).

Transfer of the Port of Cebu to your hotel (30min-1 hour). Free afternoon in your hotel by the sea on the island of Mactan.

V

Day 12: Départ for Palawan

Breakfast and departure for the airport. Flight to Palawan (1 hour). Transfer from the airport to El Nido in a private van for your comfort (5-6 hours).

Accommodations in a small beautiful hotel in El Nido, 10 minutes from the small town of El Nido.

V

Day 13: El Nido

Breakfast and a free day to rest or enjoy the activities at your hotel. 

V

Day 14: El Nido : Island Tour in a Traditional Bangka

After breakfast, go for a day trip by boat! Discover the three lagoons of Miniloc island, the small island of Simizu and enjoy your grilled fish on the beautiful white sand beach of Entulala Island. Swim amidst the beautiful coral reefs and swim with the fish, crabs and turtles. Back to El Nido in the afternoon.

V

Day 15: El Nido Island Tour in a Traditional Bangka

Second round in the bay of El Nido, explore the island and its magnificent Snake Cay. You will also discover other islands and Lagen Pinagbuyutan the Cudugnun Catherdral and caves. You might run into harmless white tip sharks and many turtles. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

V

Day 16: El Nido

Relax at your hotel, take the opportunity to make a last lap of the islands, or enjoy a treatment with aloe vera! No activities included on this day.

V

Day 17: Transfer to Sabang

After breakfast, departure in a private van to the small town of Sabang (6 hours by van). Free afternoon, discover the beautiful beach of Sabang and stay in a luxurious beachfront hotel.

V

Day 18: Sabang: Underground River Tour

After breakfast, depart for a tour of the underground river.  It is the longest subterranean river in the world and elected 8th wonder of the world in 2011.

You may encounter monitor lizards that can reach up to 2 meters long, keep your eyes open! Lunch included. 

V

Day 19: Sabang

Day off. Take the opportunity to rest on the beach, walk around  Sabang or take a boat ride in the mangrove forest!

V

Day 20: Tagaytay

Transfer to Puerto Princesa by car or van (2 hours) for your flight to Manila (1 hour). Then transfer to your hotel in Tagaytay City perched above Taal Lake and Taal Volcano (by car transfer 1h30-2h).

V

Day 21: Tagaytay

Enjoy your last day in the Philippines! Go trekking at the smallest volcano in the world,  or just relax at your hotel. Excursion menu available at the hotel reception.

V

Day 22: Till Next time!

Transfer to International airport.  Hope you come visit us again!

INCLUSIONS:

 

  • 21 nights of hotel accommodation

  • The transfers indicated in the itinerary (van, car, ferry)

  • Breakfast and meals indicated that are included

  • The tours/excursions as described in itinerary

  • Flights Manila / Tagbilaran, Cebu/Puerto Princesa, Puerto Princesa/ Manila (20kg luggage per person per flight)

EXCLUSIONS:

 

  • Changes in the itinerary due to weather, natural disasters, or cancellation of flight/boat/excursion by Airline/boat/tour operator.

  • Changes in customer demand after booking.

  • Tips and personal expenses

  • The insurance

  • Meals that are indicated on the itinerary to be not included

  • International flights. You can check our list of tour operators offering flights only.

  • Renting mask, snorkel, and palm during your excursions

  • ENVIRONMENTAL TAXES

  • THE AIRPORT TAXES (2-4 € per person to be paid after the registration of your luggage directly to the airport)

  • Main meals, unless mentioned

  • Visa fees

  • Repatriation assistance

  • Travel insurance

  • Drinks and personal expenses

Are you up for a Philippine adventure?

Translate »