Philippines Islands Hopping

What’s your impression of Manila? Is it about clean and tidy skyscrapers, or dirty and shabby shanties? Today, with your private guide and driver, you’ll unveil the mystery of the city where backwardness and modernity coexist. 

Let’s first go to Rizal Park, a serene city oasis facing Manila Bay. There are a lot of places and roads in the Philippines named after Rizal, and you may wonder who exactly is this legendary figure. Jose Rizal (1861-1896 AD) was a great Filipino poet and thinker, born during the Spanish colonial period (16-19th century AD). He contributed a lot to awaken national consciousness, and led people to resist against the Spanish brutal rule. Unfortunately, he was therefore imprisoned by the Spanish government and executed at the age of only 35. So, parks, museums, and monuments were built to commemorate this great man. 

Next, let’s proceed to Intramuros Old Town, witnessing the profound imprint of European culture on the Philippines. In Casa Manila, among the priceless antique furniture and artworks, you can imagine the extravagant life of the 19th-century genteel families. Looking out from the shutters on the second floor, you can see the prominent San Agustin Church right across the street. We’ll then step inside this Manila’s oldest stone church to admire a row of massive religious paintings hanging in the medieval-style arched cloisters. Then, in Manila Cathedral, you can feel the rich religious atmosphere and classical charm beneath the stained-glass rose windows. Passing through the ancient stone archway of the scarred Fort Santiago, we’ll see the Dungeons where Rizal was once imprisoned. 

Then, let’s get back from history, and visit the modern SM Mall of Asia, Manila’s most iconic shopping mall, as well as Manila American Cemetery and Memorial. On the carpet of green grass, you can learn about the significant sacrifices made by the US military in the Philippines during World War II (1939-1945 AD). Afterward, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel. 

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Seda Bonifacio Global City, Manila (4 stars) or similar

Today, let’s leave for Boracay, one of the most popular islands in the world! Your driver will escort you to the airport, where you’ll take a one-hour flight to Caticlan. After landing, your local driver will pick you up and offer you a private transfer to your hotel in Boracay. The rest of the day is yours.

➤ Free Time Recommendations in Boracay (at your own expense)
Boracay Island is proud of the fine White Beach stretching for kilometers, along which there are bustling markets, stylish bars and cafes. Halo-Halo, one of the most popular desserts in the Philippines, is a must-try when you stroll around the beach. “Halo” is literally “mix” in the local language. It is a mix of various sweet beans, fruits, chocolate chips, shaved ice and coconut milk, usually topped with a scoop of ube ice cream. You can try it at ICE FLAKES Boracay D’mall near your hotel. The price is around PHP 220 (USD 3.7). 

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The District Boracay (4 stars) or similar

This morning, your guide and driver will escort you to the dock, where we’ll start the Boracay island-hopping tour. As the best-known island in the Philippines, Boracay is always bustling with tourists from all over the world. To help you avoid the crowds, we specially arrange secluded yet stunning destinations for you to enjoy the Boracay seascape in a more relaxed and comfortable way.

First, we’ll head to Puka Beach. Back in the 1970s and 1980s AD, the beach was known for its abundant white Puka shells. It can be pleasant to find pretty shells on the sand. However, please wear beach shoes to avoid getting hurt by sharp shells and coral fragments. Next, let’s go to Diniwid Beach, nestled amidst cliffs with a tranquil atmosphere. The tall reefs here create natural caves and platforms, forming a distinctive landscape. You can sunbathe on the sand, enjoy snorkeling in the water to admire the corals and sea urchins, or sit in a cliff cave feeling the sea breeze. The cave-like Lambros Point and the cliffside paths are popular spots for taking Instagram-worthy photos. Local children may offer to take photos for you for a tip of PHP 50 to 100 (USD 1-2). If you prefer a private experience, you can politely refuse them and find yourself a quiet place back of the cliffs. 

Our last stop is the hidden Ilig-iligan Beach. After a seafood barbecue lunch on the beach, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

➤ Note: Depending on the local weather conditions, we may arrange other islands and beaches for you.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The District Boracay (4 stars) or similar

Today is free for you to further explore Boracay’s beauty and culture at your own pace! You may try water recreations like jet skiing and flyboarding depending on your physical condition. Or, spend a relaxing afternoon at a spa center. 

➤ Special Encounters in January You May Be Interested (on your own)
If it happens to be in mid-to-late January, you’ll find Boracay so lively as it celebrates the vibrant Ati-Atihan Festival. Literally “imitating the Ati”, the festival is in honor of the island’s indigenous Ati tribe and the Holy Infant. In the celebrations, people wear brightly colored traditional costumes adorned with feathers and beads, and paint their faces and bodies black like the Atis. They parade day and night to the strong drumbeats, and welcome all visitors to join in and experience the festive atmosphere. 

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The District Boracay (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, your driver will escort you to Caticlan Airport to catch the one-hour flight to Cebu. Upon arrival, the local driver will pick you up and accompany you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you. Get ready for tomorrow’s exploration of the legendary Cebu and Lapu-Lapu Cities!

➤ Cebu Free Time Suggestions (at your own expense)
You can take a taxi or a jeepney, a featured Filipino public transport, to the bustling SM City Cebu or Ayala Center Cebu. However, for your safety, we suggest you avoid going out alone and return to your hotel before dark. The Ani Restaurant on the hotel’s rooftop offers panoramic views of Cebu City and the Mactan Bridge, where you can enjoy dinner while watching a sunset.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Maayo Hotel, Cebu (4 stars) or similar

This morning, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and start today’s sightseeing from Lapu-Lapu City on Mactan Island. First, let’s go to Lapu-Lapu Monument, a statue of Lapu-Lapu (1491-1542 AD), the indigenous chief who defeated the great navigator Ferdinand Magellan (1480-1521 AD). Interestingly, in Mactan Shrine, you can see the historical evaluations of the two old foes, Lapu-Lapu and Magellan, appear on both sides of the same monument. Perhaps Magellan had never imagined that his arrival would unexpectedly promote Cebu’s development to the “Queen City of the South”, and influence the beliefs and culture of the nation. After learning about the making of handcrafted guitars at the Alegre Guitars Factory, we will conclude our visit to Lapu-Lapu.

Next, we’ll drive to TOPS Cebu for breathtaking views from Cebu’s highest point out of the city, and have lunch at Tops of Cebu or Balay sa Busay. Afterward, let’s return to the city center and visit Magellan’s Cross, which symbolizes the beginning of Catholicism in the Philippines. Then, go to the Basilica Minore Del Sto. Nino, one of the country’s oldest churches, revered for housing the statuette of the Holy Infant brought by Magellan. It has survived several wars and earthquakes, and thus locals believe the church could bring good fortune. You can find two wooden statues of the Holy Infant, of which the one in green is believed to bring wealth, while the one in red is believed to bring safety. 

After that, let’s look back to Cebu’s history while admiring the detailed-filled sculptures of the Heritage of Cebu Monument. Then, follow your guide to visit one of the country’s best-preserved wooden structures - Yap-San Diego Ancestral House. It is one of the oldest ancestral houses of overseas Chinese. Over the past centuries, lots of Chinese merchants have come to Cebu, gradually integrating their food, culture and beliefs into the local culture. At the serene Cebu Taoist Temple, you can admire the traditional Chinese architecture and experience Cebu’s embrace of different faiths. Then, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Maayo Hotel, Cebu (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, your driver will escort you to Cebu Airport for your 1.5-hour flight to Coron. Your local guide and driver will pick you up and accompany you to your hotel. After a short rest, let’s tour the highlights of Coron Town.

Although small in size, Coron possesses a unique charm with its slow-paced, leisurely ambience. First, we’ll hike to Mt. Tapyas, the town’s highest point, to enjoy the fresh air and views of the bay and the bustling streets below. Then, let’s go to the town center and immerse in the relaxed vibe at the lively Town Plaza, strolling around and chatting with the locals. Next, visit the unsophisticated St. Augustine Church nestled among centuries-old trees, a haven for devout believers. After exploring the Cashew & Souvenir Shop, we’ll head to Lualhati Park to await a romantic sunset by the sea. Finally, you can completely relax your body and soul at the Maquinit Hot Spring, enjoying an hour’s natural saltwater hot spring. Afterward, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel (4 stars) or similar

Today will be the highlight of this tour! Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel to start the exciting Coron island-hopping adventure. We’ll explore the iconic lakes and beaches, and enjoy ample time to swim and take photos.

Grab your underwater camera and wear your water shoes, and let’s first head to Kayangan Lake, which is hailed as the cleanest lake in the Philippines. Disembarking from the crab-like Banca boat, we’ll climb some steps to a viewing deck for the postcard-perfect panoramic views of Coron, the “Utopia on the Sea”. The karst topography helps create Coron’s steep peaks and crystal-clear waters, and Kayangan Lake, with its calm surface resembling indigo silk, is nicknamed “Mirror Lake” by the locals. You can stroll along the lakeside wooden path or swim in the glassy water. 

Next, let’s proceed to Twin Lagoon that is separated by a cliff. Composed of both freshwater and saltwater, the lagoon offers a novel swimming experience with its everchanging water temperature. Later, prepare to enjoy snorkeling in the bluish water of Siete Pecados and Skeleton Wreck, where you can see fantastic tropical fish and purple staghorn corals, as well as Japanese ship wrecks from World War II. Finally, we’ll go to CYC Beach and Banol Beach surrounded by black limestone cliffs and lush mangrove forests. After enjoying your lunch on the beach, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel (4 stars) or similar

Time to say goodbye to the Philippines. Your driver will escort you from your hotel to Coron Airport for your 1.5-hour return flight to Manila. This is the end of this itinerary, and here you can catch your connecting flight home from there. Bon voyage!

If you’d like to further explore the gorgeous landscapes of Baguio, Moalboal, or Bohol in the Philippines, or extend your tour to other Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, please feel free to contact us to create a customized itinerary for you.

Meals: Breakfast