Manila & Central Philippines Discovery

Today, your private guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel to begin an in-depth tour of Manila, arguably one of the world’s most complex cities. During the Philippines’ golden age in the mid-20th century, Manila was called the “New York of Asia,” but it soon declined due to a lack of industrial growth and widespread government corruption, relying heavily on remittances from Filipino domestic helpers. This has created an ironic situation in Manila, where the slums sit next to the CBD. Are you ready to explore the Philippines’ legendary stories? 

First, let’s visit Rizal Park, which holds the nation’s collective memory. It is not only the resting place of Filipino hero Jose Rizal (1861-1896 AD), but also the site of the Philippine independence ceremony in 1946 AD. Next, we’ll explore Intramuros Old Town, a complex of Manila’s Spanish colonial legacy. Once a center of Spanish political power, it features impressive government buildings, churches, schools, hospitals, and cobblestone plazas. Unfortunately, the entire old town was nearly destroyed during World War II (1939-1945 AD). You can still see bullet holes from the war that faintly mark the imposing, thick walls of Fort Santiago. After admiring the San Agustin Church, which survived the war and is now a popular wedding venue, we’ll reach the charming Casa Manila, a beautiful blend of 19th-century Spanish influence with Filipino culture, and Manila Cathedral, home to the largest pipe organ in the Philippines and has hosted the funerals of two Philippine presidents. 

Leaving the historical sites, follow your guide to SM Mall of Asia to experience the vitality of modern Manila. Then, learn about the tragic truths of the Pacific War (1941-1945 AD) in the somber, respectful atmosphere of the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial. As you gaze upon the endless rows of cross headstones on the expansive grassland, you can’t help but be deeply moved and cherish peace even more. 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

In the morning, enjoy a private transfer from your hotel to Manila Airport, then take a 1.5-hour flight to Bohol-Panglao Airport. Upon landing, your local guide and driver will meet you and escort you to your hotel on Panglao Island, followed by a Bohol countryside tour.

Let’s start with a relaxing one-hour Loboc River Cruise! Hailed as the “Amazon of the East,” the river flows like a turquoise ribbon, bordered by lush rainforests and small villages. During the cruise, enjoy a buffet lunch while taking in the scenic views on calm waters. We’ll also stop at a floating stage to watch a traditional performance by enthusiastic locals, where you can sing or join in the lively bamboo pole dance to soak up the joyful, relaxing atmosphere. 

Then, continue our journey to the Loboc Tarsier Conservation Area, located deep within Bohol’s dense forests, to see one of the world’s smallest primates—the tarsier. These tiny monkeys, no bigger than a human hand, have huge eyes that are almost as large as their heads, and tails longer than their bodies. During the daytime, they often curl up and sleep in the trees, so please stay quiet while observing them to avoid disturbing these fragile creatures.

After a brief visit to Bohol’s historic Blood Compact Shrine and the religious landmark Baclayon Church, let’s head to the famous Chocolate Hills, the most captivating and iconic natural attraction on Bohol Island. From the observation deck, you can see more than 1,000 cone-shaped hills scattered across the plain, resembling pieces of chocolate. While it’s indeed a geological wonder, locals prefer to believe an old legend: two giants once fought fiercely here, throwing boulders at each other, and after the fight, the hills were formed. 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 meet you at your hotel for today’s Bohol island-hopping tour. We’ll first head to Balicasag Island, famous for its Balicasag Island Cliff beyond the surrounding white beaches. The cliff plunges more than 3,000 meters (1.86 miles) underwater, home to various rose-shaped corals, with tropical fish and sea turtles swimming among them, creating a kaleidoscope of stunning colors. Snorkeling at Balicasag Marine Sanctuary will be a feast for both your eyes and soul. Enjoy the warm embrace of the sea, and your guide will be happy to take photos or videos for you if needed. After lunch here, we’ll move on to Virgin Island, a long, narrow sandbar that appears only at low tide. You can relax and enjoy some leisure time, whether sunbathing or swimming. Afterward, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel for an afternoon rest.

Around 18:30, your guide and driver will join you at your hotel for a one-hour drive to enjoy the Abatan River firefly watching cruise. Sitting on the boat, you’ll see fireflies gather in the mangroves along the riverbank, glowing softly in the quiet darkness. Your experienced guide will help you spot them and share interesting facts about these magical insects. As the cruise ends, you’ll enjoy dinner, and then your guide and driver will escort you back. 

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

Today, before we leave for Cebu, you can enjoy a free morning to explore and appreciate the beauty of Bohol on your own. If you’re an early riser, don’t miss the sunrise at Alona Beach, Panglao’s most popular destination. When pristine white sand and clear waters turn golden as the sun rises, you can relax on the beach, soaking up the calm sunlight, or rent a canoe and paddle in the shallow waters to make the most of your last moments in Bohol.

After lunch at your hotel, enjoy a private transfer to the wharf for your 2-hour boat trip to the historic city of Cebu. Upon arrival, your local driver will meet you and escort you to your hotel. You may spend the rest of the day resting to recharge for the upcoming Cebu tour packages.

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

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

Today, your guide and driver will accompany you to explore Cebu and Lapu-Lapu cities, visiting their most significant historical landmarks. We’ll start at the Lapu-Lapu Monument and Mactan Shrine on Mactan Island to learn about the Battle of Mactan in 1521, a crucial conflict against Spanish invaders in Philippine history. It was the fiercest resistance Ferdinand Magellan (1480-1521 AD) faced when he tried to conquer Cebu and spread Catholicism, and he paid the ultimate price. However, Lapu-Lapu (1491-1542 AD) couldn’t stop Spanish colonization. Despite pain and conflict, three centuries of colonial rule undeniably contributed to Cebu’s economic growth and cultural development. For example, Cebu’s famous handcrafted guitars and ukuleles were originally brought from Europe. So, let’s visit the Alegre Guitars Factory to see firsthand how wood is cut, sanded, and lacquered into an exquisite guitar with a unique tone and high quality.

Next, we’ll drive uphill to enjoy a panoramic view from TOPS Cebu, along with a lunch at either Tops of Cebu or Balay Sa Busay. Then, go downhill to Cebu’s city center to visit Magellan’s Cross, planted by Ferdinand Magellan after his landing in Cebu during his circumnavigation. Locals once believed this cross had divine power and took wood shavings from it as a cure. To protect this cultural relic, the government moved it to the hexagonal pavilion we see now. Afterward, move on with your guide to the Basilica Minore Del Sto. Nino to see the wooden Child Jesus statue, a baptismal gift from Magellan to the local chief. It miraculously survived a devastating bombing in 1565 and is therefore considered the patron saint of Cebu, venerated in the church built in its honor. Today, images or statues of the Child Jesus are enshrined in many homes in Cebu. 

After appreciating the Heritage of Cebu Monument, let’s witness the fusion of Chinese and Spanish cultures in the Philippines at the nearby Yap-San Diego Ancestral House to experience the charm of this 300-year-old home through its squeaky wooden floors, vintage furniture, and the scent of dust. Finally, we’ll make a quick stop at the secluded Cebu Taoist Temple, then 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 sunblock lotion and get ready to enjoy Cebu’s waves and sunshine! Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel for an exciting island-hopping tour. The first destination is the lovely Nalusuan Island, surrounded by coral reefs. As you walk along its 400-meter-long wooden pier leading to the beach, you’ll notice that sea urchins and starfish in the clear seawater are almost within reach. 

Then let’s go snorkeling and swimming at Hilutungan Island, and continue to Pandanon Island, which features Cebu’s most beautiful white sandbar. When you relax on the beach while enjoying the endless ocean view, remember to wear beach shoes, as there may be shell fragments in the sand. After lunch here, your guide and driver will escort you back. 

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

Today, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and escort you to Cebu Airport for your 1.5-hour flight to Manila, where your 8 days Bohol Cebu tour packages end. Have a pleasant journey, and we look forward to seeing you again!

If you’d like to further explore Cebu’s natural beauty, such as watching the amazing Sardine Run in Moalboal or trying exciting canyoneering and waterfall diving in Kawasan, our travel consultants will be happy to customize the itinerary to fit your preferences.

➤ Recommended Activity for Late Departure (at your own expense)
Before leaving the Philippines, you might try Hilot, a traditional Filipino massage therapy, to relieve your travel fatigue. In a calming environment created by relaxing music and subtle fragrances, feel the warmth of banana leaves with coconut oil and herbal poultices on your back, while enjoying a soothing massage from your therapist.

Meals: Breakfast