Manila & Central Philippines Discovery

Today, your private guide and driver will meet you at your hotel, and accompany you to delve deep into Philippines’ Spanish colonial legacy, exploring the stories unfolded in the city. Manila, once hailed as the “New York of Asia”, has seen economic downturn and government corruption over the past few decades, and now relies heavily on the “Filipino maids” to sustain the economy. That’s why you can see an ironic sight in Manila, with slums next to the CBD. 

First, let’s go to Rizal Park, which carries the communal memory of the country. It is not only the resting place of the Filipino hero Jose Rizal (1861-1896 AD), but the site of the Philippine independence ceremony in 1946 AD. Next, we’ll tour Intramuros Old Town. Once served as the political center of the Spanish government, it houses magnificent churches, schools, hospitals, and cobblestone squares. Unfortunately, the entire old town was almost razed to the ground during World War II (1939-1945 AD). Bullet holes are still faintly visible on the imposing thick walls of Fort Santiago. We’ll visit the well-preserved San Agustin Church, built in 1607 AD, a popular wedding venue now. Then, explore the quaint Casa Manila, experiencing its harmonious fusion of 19th-century Spanish influence and Filipino culture. At Manila Cathedral, you can see the largest pipe organ in the Philippines.

Then, let’s leave the historical sites and head to SM Mall of Asia to witness the vibrant vitality of modern Manila. After that, in the solemn and dignified atmosphere of the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, we’ll learn about the tragic truths of the Pacific War (1941-1945 AD). As you gaze upon the endless rows of cross headstones on the vast grassland, it’s hard not to be deeply moved. You may write down your thoughts or prayers in the guestbook at the cemetery chapel. Finally, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

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

This morning, enjoy a private transfer from your hotel to Manila Airport, and take a 1.5-hour flight to Bohol-Panglao Airport. Upon landing, your local guide and driver will pick you up and accompany you to your hotel on Panglao Island. Then, let’s begin our Bohol countryside tour!

First, you’ll enjoy a leisurely one-hour Loboc River Cruise. Hailed as the “Amazon of the East,” the river flows like a turquoise ribbon, with lush rainforests and rural villages lined on its banks. Appreciate the picturesque scenery and enjoy a buffet lunch on the “floating restaurant”. We’ll also watch a traditional performance by the hospitable locals on a floating stage during the cruise. Sing or dance together with them, or participate in the lively bamboo pole dance, immersing yourself in the joyful and relaxing vibe.

Then, we’ll continue to the Loboc Tarsier Conservation Area. Hidden in Bohol’s dense forests, it is home to one of the world’s smallest primates - the tarsier. These tiny monkeys, no bigger than a hand, have huge eyes almost as large as their heads, and tails longer than their bodies. During the daytime, they often curl up in the tree and sleep. So, we suggest you keep quiet during the visit to avoid disturbing these delicate creatures.

Next, we’ll visit Bohol’s historic Blood Compact Shrine and religious landmark Baclayon Church, before we head to the famous Chocolate Hills. It is the most captivating and iconic natural attraction on Bohol Island. From the observation area, you can see more than 1,000 cone-shaped hills scattered across the plain, resembling pieces of chocolate! An interesting local legend has it that, two giants once fought fiercely on the island and threw boulders at each other, and after their fight, the hills were created!

At the end of the tour, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort, Bohol (4 stars) or similar

This morning, your guide and driver will wait for you at your hotel for toady’s Bohol island-hopping tour. We’ll first head to Balicasag Island. Among the more than 7,000 islands in the Philippines, it is the most special one with rare underwater cliffs reaching depths of over 3,000 meters (1.86 mi.) in the sea. Snorkeling at Balicasag Marine Sanctuary will be a feast for your eyes and soul, as you can find flourishing rose-shaped corals, various tropical fish and sea turtles in this kaleidoscope of the vibrant sea world. Enjoy the warm embrace of the sea, and your guide will be glad to take photos or videos for you if needed.

After lunch on Balicasag Island, we will proceed to Virgin Island, a long, narrow sandbar that only appears at low tide. You can enjoy some pleasure time on the sandbar, sunbathing or swimming. Afterward, your guide and driver will accompany you back to your hotel.

In the afternoon, you can have a rest at your hotel. At around 6:30 PM, your guide and driver will pick you up and we’ll drive for one hour to start the Abatan River firefly watching cruise. It can be a romantic experience to see fireflies gathering in the mangroves by the riverbank, shimmering with a dreamy glow in the silent darkness. Your experienced guide will help you spot them and share interesting facts about these magical insects. At the end of the cruise, enjoy dinner and then your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort, Bohol (4 stars) or similar

Today, enjoy a free morning to savor the beauty of Bohol by yourself before we leave for Cebu. If you’re an early riser, don’t miss the breathtaking sunrise at Alona Beach, Panglao’s most popular spot. You may leisurely lie on the beach basking in the sun, or rent a canoe to paddle in the shallows, making the most of your time in Bohol.

After lunch at your hotel, you’ll enjoy a private transfer to the wharf for your 2-hour boat ride to the historic city of Cebu. Upon arrival, the local driver will meet you and escort you to your hotel. For the rest of the day, you can recharge for the upcoming Cebu discovery.

➤ Cebu Dinner Recommendation (at your own expense)
Black Smokehaus, a 15-minute walk southwest of your hotel, is a nice restaurant with a laid-back ambience. The Texas style beef sausage and smoked meat barbecue are popular among both locals and tourists. 
Average Cost per Person: USD 15-20
Address: Marciano Quizon, Mandaue, Cebu

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

Your guide and driver will warmly greet you in the morning, and let’s embark on a Cebu and Lapu-Lapu cities exploration to see their most important historical landmarks. We’ll start from the Lapu-Lapu Monument and Mactan Shrine on Mactan Island to learn facts about the Battle of Mactan (1521 AD), a crucial conflict against foreign invaders in Philippine history. At that time, Ferdinand Magellan (1480-1521 AD) attempted to conquer Cebu and spread Catholicism, but encountered fierce resistance led by Lapu-Lapu (1491-1542 AD) and even paid the ultimate price. Later, three centuries of Spanish colonial rule gradually fostered Cebu’s economic and cultural development. Cebu’s famous handcrafted guitars and ukuleles were actually introduced from Europe. At the Alegre Guitars Factory, you can see firsthand how a piece of wood is transformed from cutting, sanding to lacquering into a musical instrument with unique tone and excellent quality.

Next, we’ll head to enjoy a panoramic vista from TOPS Cebu on the hill, and have lunch at either Tops of Cebu or Balay Sa Busay. Then, go downhill to the city center to visit Magellan’s Cross, planted by Ferdinand Magellan after his landing in Cebu. Locals were once convinced that this cross possessed divine power, and cut wood shavings from it as a cure-all. To protect this cultural relic, the government moved it to the hexagonal pavilion we see now. 

Afterward, follow your guide to Basilica Minore Del Sto. Nino, and see the wooden Child Jesus statue, a baptismal gift from Magellan to the local chief. It is said that the statue miraculously survived a devastating bombing in 1565 AD, and is regarded as the patron saint of Cebu and venerated in this church. Today, images or statues of the Child Jesus are enshrined in many homes in Cebu.

Later, let’s appreciate the Heritage of Cebu Monument, and witness the fusion of Chinese and Spanish cultures at Yap-San Diego Ancestral House. It is a 300-year-old house with creaking wooden floors, vintage furniture, and the smell of dust. We’ll conclude today’s visit at the secluded Cebu Taoist Temple. After that, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

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

In the morning, apply your sun block lotion and prepare to embrace Cebu’s waves and sunshine! Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel to begin the Cebu island-hopping tour. 

First, we’ll sail to Hilutungan Island to enjoy snorkeling and swimming in the crystal-clear water. Then, walk on the 400-meter-long bridge that connects the pier with the reef-fringed Nalusuan Island, and spot sea urchins and starfish in the perfect visibility of the seawater. Our next stop, Pandanon Island, boasts Cebu’s most beautiful white sandbar. You can lounge on the beach and enjoy the endless seascape. Please remember to wear beach shoes as there may be shell fragments. 

After lunch on the island, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

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

Today, your driver will escort you to Cebu Airport for your 1.5-hour flight to Manila on time. That’s all for your stays in the Philippines. Have a pleasant journey, and we look forward to seeing you again!

If you’d like to further explore Cebu’s natural beauty, watching the splendid Sardine Run in Moalboal or experiencing thrilling canyoneering and waterfall diving in Kawasan, our travel consultants will be pleasant to adjust the itinerary to suit your preferences.

Meals: Breakfast

➤ Recommended Activity for Late Departure (at your own expense)
You may try Hilot, a traditional Filipino massage therapy before leaving the Philippines. Enjoy a gentle atmosphere created by soothing music and subtle perfume, and feel the warmth of banana leaves with coconut oil and herbal poultices on your back. A relaxing massage can be perfect for relieving your travel fatigue.