Day 1: Arrival in Manila; Airport Pick-up
Welcome to Manila! Upon your arrival at the airport, your driver will warmly greet you and then escort you to your hotel in downtown Manila, which takes around 40 minutes.
► Free Time Recommendations in Manila (at your own expense) The hotel we choose for you is located in the modern and international BGC area, with trendy streets and vibrant atmosphere. After settling down, you could stroll around the nearby Bonifacio High Street. Or, walk north for 10 minutes to Uptown Mall for dinner. Manam (9th Ave, Taguig, Metro Manila) is worth a try to taste traditional Filipino food like crispy sisig and beef short rib. The average cost is around USD 20 per person.
► Best Time to Visit the Philippines December to May is the best time. The average temperature is around 27 ℃ (80 ℉) all year round in this tropical country. It has distinctive dry season, from November to May, and rainy season, from June to October. You can spend a holiday in Boracay and Puerto Princesa during the dry season. December to February is perfect for visiting Cebu, during which you’ll also have chance to enjoy an immersive experience of local culture on Sinulog Festival and the Holy Week. For the rainy months from June to August, our city sightseeing itineraries are recommended.
Accommodation: Seda Bonifacio Global City, Manila (4 stars) or similar
|
Day 2: Manila Tour: Rizal Park, Intramuros Old Town & American Cemetery and Memorial
This morning, your private guide and driver will meet you at your hotel lobby and accompany you to start the Manila city tour. First, let’s go to Rizal Park, which is named after Jose Rizal (1861-1896 AD), the most revered revolutionary hero in the country. It is said that he could speak 22 languages, and he published novels to reveal the dirty secrets of the Spanish colonial government, which ultimately led to his execution. Rizal was thus honored as the “Father of the Philippines”, and you can see a monument in the park, featuring statues of Rizal and his parents.
Then, follow your guide to Intramuros Old Town. Filled with Spanish-style and religious buildings, it bears witness to the past 400 years in Manila. We’ll visit the iconic Manila Cathedral and the stone San Agustin Church, and tour Casa Manila Museum. At Fort Santiago, which sees the city’s turbulent history and Rizal’s heroic sacrifice, we’ll follow in Rizal’s final footsteps and touch the tragic epic of this land.
Next, let’s head to SM Mall of Asia facing Manila Bay, one of the world’s top shopping centers. You can admire the beautiful sea views and immerse in the fashionable vibe. Afterward, we will go to Manila American Cemetery and Memorial. You might feel surprised to find this place of reflection in Manila’s busy area. In fact, it is to commemorate the more than 17,000 American soldiers who died in the Philippines during World War II (1939-1945 AD). The neatly arranged white cross tombstones on the open grass are a witness to the somber history. It’s said that this land is a gift to the US, so it’s arguably part of American territory. Furthermore, you could catch a glimpse of Manila’s complex city-gene from here. On one side is the towering skyscrapers, while on the other are the slum shanties. The chaotic slums and the wealthy areas are only separated by a wall. After the visit, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Seda Bonifacio Global City, Manila (4 stars) or similar
|
Day 3: Fly from Manila to Caticlan; Private Transfer to Boracay
This morning, your driver will escort you to Manila Airport, where you’ll take a one-hour flight to Caticlan. Upon arrival, the local driver will pick you up and accompany you to your hotel on Boracay Island in about 40 minutes. You are free in the rest of the day.
► Recommended Free Time Activities (at your own expense): Your hotel is next to the world-famous White Beach, praised as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches by Lonely Planet. You can enjoy unobstructed views and watch a sunset with your beloved. Or, you may walk south along the beach for 5 minutes to D’Mall, Boracay’s most vibrant area, filled with souvenir shops, hubs and restaurants. There are plenty of options for you to try local cuisine like Filipino barbecue and seafood dishes.
Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: The District Boracay (4 stars) or similar
|
Day 4: Boracay Island Hopping with Beaches, Coral Garden & Crocodile Island
Today, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to delve into Boracay’s beauty by an exciting island-hopping tour! We specially arrange the tour in the morning to help you avoid the scorching sun.
You can swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear water of Coral Garden, searching for turtles and butterflyfish. Then, enjoy your leisurely time at Tambisaan Beach and Bolabog Beach, and discover adorable shells at Puka Beach and Crocodile Island. Weather permitting, we’ll also head to Diniwid Beach or Ilig-iligan Beach, sunbathing on the tranquil beaches.
At noon, we’ll enjoy a seafood barbecue in the background of the pleasant sea views. After that, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.
► Photography Tips in Boracay (at your own expense) If you want to take photos or videos to better capture the island’s beauty, you may hand your camera or phone to local boys on the beach. They’re very skilled at helping you find the best spots and teaching you how to pose, and a tip of 100-150 pesos (USD 1.5-2.5) will do.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: The District Boracay (4 stars) or similar
|
Day 5: Free Day in Boracay
Today, you are free to continue exploring Boracay at your own pace! In the morning, you may participate in thrilling water activities. Cliff diving from 3 to 15 meters (10-50 ft.) at Ariel’s Point is very popular. For your safety, we suggest choosing reputable qualified operators, and pay attention to the weather and your physical state. If you prefer an escape from the crowds, you may take a hike on Mount Luho, embracing the tranquil nature and overlooking the lush forests and sea. In the late afternoon, you may experience a traditional Philippine parasailing with your beloved, capturing your romantic honeymoon memories in the magnificent sunset.
In the evening, you could head to D’Talipapa seafood market to select some fresh fish and shrimps, and have them cooked in Filipino way at a nearby restaurant. Bring some small change and don’t hesitate to bargain for 70% or even half of the asking price. After that, you may immerse yourself in the live music at a beach bar or club to take in Boracay’s intoxicating night vibe.
Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: The District Boracay (4 stars) or similar
|
Day 6: Private Transfer to Caticlan Airport; Fly to Cebu
This morning, your driver will pick you up and escort you to Caticlan Airport for your one-hour flight to Cebu. Upon arrival, your local driver will wait for you and accompany you to your hotel in downtown Cebu in 40 minutes. The rest of the day is free on your own.
► Free Time Recommendations (at your own expense) After settling down, you may go to the nearby Ayala Center Cebu, which offers various dining options, reliable money changers and spa centers. You could rejuvenate with a Filipino massage, discover local dishes in the food court, or have pasta or pizza at Italianni’s at Ayala Terraces.
Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Seda Ayala Center Cebu (4 stars) or similar
|
Day 7: Cebu & Lapu-Lapu Twin City Tour with Historic Heritage
After breakfast, your private guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel, and we’ll first go to Lapu-Lapu City on Mactan Island. Lapu-Lapu (1491-1542 AD), known as the first Filipino hero, resisted the colonial invasion of Ferdinand Magellan (1480-1521 AD) and killed him in 1521 AD. To commemorate their hero, the locals erected Lapu-Lapu Monument we see today. Interestingly, to express gratitude to Magellan for bringing Catholicism to the Philippines, they also built the Mactan Shrine.
Our next stop is Alegre Guitars Factory. Embracing sunshine and islands, Filipinos’ love for music is in their genes, and they especially love guitars and ukuleles. This factory is renowned for its high-quality handcrafted guitars. You can see the wood for guitars, enjoy an impromptu performance, and find adorable guitar-shaped souvenirs such as fridge magnets and keychains. The visit is all about the experience, and please rest assured there are no mandatory purchases.
Then, enjoy a 1.5-hour private ride to TOPS Cebu on Busay Mountain, and admire the panoramic views and the gorgeous landscape. If it’s clear and sunny, you could even see the city of Lapu-Lapu and the shimmering sea. We’ll have lunch at either Tops of Cebu, for breathtaking views, or Balay sa Busay, for authentic local cuisine, according to your preference.
After lunch, we’ll go back to Cebu city center. Unlike the neighboring Islamic or Buddhist countries, the Philippines has over 80% Catholic population. The story began when Magellan erected a massive wooden cross here. We’ll visit Magellan’s Cross and feel the endless power of faith. Later, at the UNESCO-listed Basilica Minore Del Sto. Nino, you can see the beloved wooden statue of the Child Jesus from 1521 AD. Next, follow your guide to listen to the city’s stories at the Heritage of Cebu Monument, and then explore the historical legacy left by the Chinese in Cebu: Yap-San Diego Ancestral House of a Chinese business family, and Cebu Taoist Temple. After that, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Seda Ayala Center Cebu (4 stars) or similar
|
Day 8: Cebu Island Hopping: Hilutungan Island, Nalusuan Island & Pandanon Island
After breakfast, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to explore the islands around Cebu. After breakfast, we’ll head to the pier and start our island-hopping tour.
On our island-hopping tour, you can enjoy snorkeling, diving, and swimming near Hilutungan Island and Nalusuan Island, and discover colorful corals, tropical fish and starfish in the glassy water. On Pandanon Island, you can stroll and take photos along the secluded sandbar, enjoying the serene atmosphere and taking in the azure sea view.
The lunch we prepare for you is a special local seafood barbecue. After that, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.
► Tips: 1. We suggest you bring your own towel, water bottle, and snacks, and use coral-friendly sunscreen. 2. It’s not recommended to buy coconuts or snacks from the vendors on the islands as they might be overpriced.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Seda Ayala Center Cebu (4 stars) or similar
|
Day 9: Cebu to Palawan Island by Plane; Half-day Puerto Princesa City Sightseeing
This morning, you’ll enjoy a private transfer from your hotel to Cebu Airport, and take a one-hour flight to Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan. Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will pick you up and accompany you to your hotel. After a short break, let’s start the city exploration.
First, follow your guide to stroll along the Puerto Princesa Baywalk, enjoying sea views and see beautiful fishing boats. Then, go to the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, a Gothic cathedral built in 1872 AD. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and a significant spiritual center for the locals. It is more commonly known as the “blue cathedral” since the façade and the windows were once light blue. Although it’s now painted white, its serene and sacred atmosphere remains unchanged.
Next, we’ll continue to Mitra’s Ranch, which was once the home of the famous Filipino statesman - Ramon Mitra (1928-2000). Take a deep breath of the fresh air atop the hill, and enjoy an escape from the bustling city while taking in the breathtaking vista of Puerto Princesa and Honda Bay. If interested, you may also try zipline or horseback riding at your own expense. Finally, let’s visit Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, or the “Crocodile Farm”. You’ll have chance to observe crocodile eggs and baby crocodiles, and even see crocodiles over 70 years old. After the visit, your guide and drive will escort you back to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Best Western Plus The Ivywall Hotel, Palawan (4 stars) or similar
|
Day 10: Puerto Princesa: Subterranean River National Park Exploration
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up form your hotel for a 1.5-hour drive to Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Sabang Village. Stretching for 8.2 kilometer (5 mi.), it is the longest one in the world and a paradise for adventurers.
After traversing lush primeval forests by pump boat, we’ll arrive at the cave entrance to the hidden river. Your guide will help you put your helmet and life jacket on to start the exploration by canoe. Delving deeper along the serpentine waterway, you may be awestruck by this secret world. Feast your eyes on the stalactites of bizarre shapes on the ceiling, and majestic chambers with a stunning height of 60 meters (200 ft.). The only sounds you could hear will be the echoes of the dripping water and the squeak of bats. Discover bats and swallows sleeping among the jagged crevices, and search for traces of fish in the water. ► Tips: Please wear waterproof clothing or bring a raincoat, and try to keep quiet during the visit to avoid disturbing the animals.
After the tour, your guide and driver will accompany you back to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Best Western Plus The Ivywall Hotel, Palawan (4 stars) or similar
|
Day 11: Puerto Princesa: Honda Bay Island Hopping
In the morning, after picking you up from your hotel, your guide will accompany you to take a boat at the pier to for the Honda Bay island-hopping tour.
First, we’ll land on Starfish Island, where, as the name suggests, you can spot lovely starfish and take fun photos with them. However, we kindly suggest you not touch them or take them out of water. Our next stop is Cowrie Island, with pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs. You can enjoy swimming or snorkeling in the clear water. Then, on Luli Island, you can see its unique sandbar that appears and disappears with the tidal changes. If it’s at low tide, the island will be perfect for sunbathing and admiring the scenery. Please note that there may be shell or coral fragments on the beaches, so we suggest you wear beach shoes. After lunch, your guide will escort you back to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Best Western Plus The Ivywall Hotel, Palawan (4 stars) or similar
|
Day 12: Fly from Puerto Princesa to Manila; Departure from Manila
Today, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and escort you to Puerto Princesa Airport for a 1-hour flight to Manila Airport. Your tour ends here. Hope you enjoy the journey!
If you’d like to explore neighboring countries such as Indonesia and Vietnam, please feel free to contact our travel consultants. We would be glad to customize an itinerary for you.
Meals: Breakfast
|