Philippines Islands Hopping

This morning, your private guide and driver will meet you at your hotel, and then accompany you to visit Iloilo’s iconic sites. With clean streets and serene atmosphere, Iloilo is one of the most livable cities in the Philippines. First, we’ll marvel at the magnificent exterior of Miag-ao Church, featuring Baroque style and local plant sculptures. Then, admire the exquisite walls adorned with large mosaics inside Tigbauan Church. Next, follow your guide to see the 16 female icons in Molo Church, known as “the women’s church,” and pay homage to the statue of Our Lady of Candles at Jaro Church. For hundreds of years, these buildings have always been bringing peace and solace to the town. 

We’ll also visit the elite’s residences from the Spanish colonial era (16th - 19th centuries AD), experiencing the combination of Western classic and Filipino styles. Camina Balay Nga Bato and Casa Mariquit are two 18th-century houses, with nostalgic antique furniture adorning every corner. Keep going, you can see the Molo Mansion and Lizares Mansion featuring white European-style facades. You can take photos and learn about their history to create beautiful memories.

Next, let’s discover local butterscotch and cookies at Biscocho House. After that, enjoy 2 hours of free time to explore the tranquil Garin Farm. It is a natural park and pilgrimage site, housing “Heaven on Earth” on top of the 480 steps of the “Stairway to Heaven”. You can climb the steps, or take a paid golf cart ride if you need. Passing through a dark tunnel, you’ll soon reach the pure white place with a massive white cross and the sacred statues of the 12 apostles. After the visit, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Seda Atria, Iloilo (4 stars) or similar

Today, enjoy a private transfer from your hotel to Iloilo Airport to take a 1-hour flight to Cebu. Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will meet you and escort you to your hotel in downtown Cebu, which takes about 45 minutes. After a short break, let’s start our city exploration.

First, at the Heritage of Cebu Monument, you can get a deep understanding of Cebu’s history through your guide’s explanation of the scenes depicted on the sculptures. Then, we’ll learn about how Ferdinand Magellan (1480-1521 AD) found Cebu and introduced Catholicism to the city at Magellan’s Cross. Next, we’ll visit Basilica Minore Del Sto. Nino, the center of faith in Cebu, which houses the wooden statue of the Holy Child that Magellan gave to the King of Cebu. If it’s in January, you could even experience the festive atmosphere of the Sinulog Festival, seeing floats carrying statues of the Virgin Mary and the Holy Child parade through the streets, and people performing the traditional Sinulog dance to the music.

Our Cebu exploration will conclude with the century-old Yap-San Diego Ancestral House or Casa Gorordo Museum. After that, we’ll proceed to the neighboring Lapu-Lapu City via CCLEX, the longest bridge in the Philippines. While visiting Mactan Shrine and Lapu-Lapu Monument, you can listen to the stories of how Magellan failed to conquer the city and was killed by the chief Lapu-Lapu (1491-1542 AD) 500 years ago. Then, after visiting Alegre Guitars Factory and seeing the handcrafted guitars and ukuleles, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Seda Ayala Center Cebu (4 stars) or similar

Today can be the most memorable day of this tour since we’ll embark on a Kawasan Falls canyoneering adventure! Put on your quick-dry clothes and river trekking shoes and enjoy a 3.5-hour private ride to the Falls.

Upon arrival, get ready to get up close to the emerald water, and trek through lush forests shrouded in mist. Then, we’ll experience some adrenaline-pumping activities! Try the zip-line, let yourself drift down the river, leap into the water from 3-meter, 5-meter, 7-meter, or even 10-meter cliff jumps, and try rope swing like a monkey and feel the call of the wild. Your experienced guide will help you with various activities, keep your belongings, and take photos or videos for you. 

Also, you could choose a less challenging route according to your physical condition or preference to better enjoy the scenery. After reaching the top of the falls, you could swim and relax at Kabukalan Spring. 

► For Your Information: The canyoneering takes about 3 to 4 hours and is physically demanding. There are shops along the route, but we still recommended you bring your own snacks to replenish energy.

After the tour, your guide and driver will accompany you back to your hotel in Cebu.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Seda Ayala Center Cebu (4 stars) or similar

This morning, your guide and driver will wait for you at your hotel for the exciting Moalboal exploration. After a long journey of about 3.5 hours, we’ll see the old white lighthouse on Pescador Island of Moalboal. Immerse yourself in the unforgettable beauty of the pristine beaches and glass-like water, and explore the underwater world, where large soft corals thrive. We’ll discover beautiful jellyfish, sea snakes, and starfish swimming in the vibrant coral garden. 

Moalboal’s underwater wonders are far more than that. Snorkeling in the Sardine Run area, you can almost be engulfed in a tornado of over 9 million sardines! Unlike the seasonal migrations of fish in other waters of the world, the sardine migration happens here nearly every day. If luckily enough, you might even spot whale sharks gathering for a feast, which is a true spectacle to leave you a lasting impression. Afterward, we’ll head to Turtle Bay. Dive into the water, and swim alongside the graceful sea turtles, watching them nibble on seaweed or sponges.

Later, according to your preference, we can linger on the beach a little longer, or your guide and driver can escort you back to your hotel straightly. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Seda Ayala Center Cebu (4 stars) or similar

In the morning, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel, and we’ll drive to northern Cebu along the Aisle of Medellin, the longest road in Cebu. On the way, you can see endless sugarcane fields and bamboo groves, and ask for a stop to capture the picturesque scenery. After about 2.5 to 3 hours, we’ll arrive at Master’s Dragon Peak.

How about being a pirate for a day? Not at sea, but on a mountain! Standing at the foot of the Peak, you’ll soon notice the huge pirate ship, resembling Noah’s Ark docked at Mount Ararat. Passing through two dragon-fruit-shaped pavilions, you can climb the wooden ship, and enjoy panoramic views of the verdant peaks and the distant sea. After some leisurely time, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

► Money Exchanging Tip for the Following Days
We suggest you exchange some money at Mim’s Money Changer near your hotel in Cebu, as exchanging money can be inconvenient and not cost-effective in the following days on islands. For your reference, a Western meal on the islands typically costs around USD 10 per person. We hope that can help decide how much cash you need.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Seda Ayala Center Cebu (4 stars) or similar

Pack your luggage, and let’s say goodbye to Cebu and head to Coron. After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a private transfer to Cebu Airport and take a 1.5-hour flight to Coron. Upon arrival, the local driver will pick you up and escort you to your hotel.

In the afternoon, your guide and driver will accompany you to explore Coron’s highlights. First, let’s hike up the 700 steps of Mt. Tapyas, where you can take photos with the giant white cross at the summit, and enjoy views of the town and Coron Bay. Next, we’ll stroll through the town center, exploring the Town Plaza and the peaceful St. Augustine Church, Coron’s only Catholic church. At the Cashew & Souvenir Shop, you can sample local cashew products, and discover featured souvenirs, such as traditional bags and hats, seashell accessories and fridge magnets. 

After watching a romantic sunset by the sea at Lualhati Park, we’ll conclude today’s sightseeing with a bath at Maquinit Hot Spring. Surrounded by lush mangrove forests, you can soothe your fatigue in the 40-degree Celsius (104 ℉) saltwater and enjoy the fresh air. Remember to bring your swimsuit and towel. After the bath, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

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

Let’s get ready for an incredible Coron island-hopping tour! We’ll go to Kayangan Lake, the most photogenic spot in the Philippines, also a top travel destination rated by Lonely Planet. You guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel early in the morning to help you avoid the peak hours for a quiet experience.

Surrounded by towering limestone formations, Kayangan Lake is perhaps the cleanest and bluest lake you’ve ever seen. Local indigenous tribes believe mystical spirits inhabit the lake, and protect it for generations. They never fish here to keep the water unspoiled. We’ll appreciate the stunning views from the viewing platform, and then walk down the wooden walkway for a closer look. You can see how sunshine penetrates the lake and reaches the limestone under, and swim or snorkel in the shimmering water and search for needlefish and crabs. 

Then, let’s continue to the Twin Lagoon separated by a cliff, unique for the magical mix of fresh and saltwater. Your guide will show you the rock above the south lagoon which is perfect for taking Instagram pictures against the calm water. Remember to watch out for jellyfish and barnacles to avoid getting hurt. 

Next, we’ll take a boat to CYC Beach for relaxation, then head to Skeleton Wreck and dive into the mysterious world with various marine life and shipwrecks from World War II (1939-1945 AD). After that, you can enjoy dancing underwater with the vibrant fish and enchanting corals at Malwawey Coral Garden. Finally, 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, let’s set off for El Nido, where there are secluded islands, caves, and primitive lagoons. You’ll enjoy a private transfer to Coron Airport and fly 1 hour to El Nido. After arriving, your local driver will pick you up and accompany you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you. You could take a dip in the pool, stroll on the beach, or sip a cocktail in a daze. In the evening, you may have dinner at the hotel’s Misto Restaurant. For the next two days, you’ll enjoy the classic El Nido Tours A and C.

► Why We Choose Tour A & Tour C for You
Tour A: The most classic and popular choice to visit El Nido’s iconic lagoons, with snorkeling, cave exploration, kayaking, etc.
Tour C: Explore more of the hidden beaches, also the best option for snorkeling enthusiasts and the only one that includes visits to historical sites.
Tour B includes more island hiking and less water activities, while Tour D offers islands and lagoons exploration in remote waters, which takes more time on boat and is likely to be cancelled due to weather. 

If you would like to add or change to Tour B or Tour D, please feel free to contact our travel consultants.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Seda Lio, El Nido (5 stars) or similar

Today, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel for the exciting El Nido Tour A! Our first stop is Secret Lagoon. As its name suggests, it is hidden under towering limestone cliffs and can only be accessed through a narrow passage. But it’s definitely worth your effort with its clear turquoise water that can be seen clear down to the bottom. Enjoy your time playing in the lagoon and taking photos, and then we’ll continue to Shimizu Island, snorkeling in the azure water and enjoying the splendid views. We’ll have a seafood barbecue on the long stretch of golden sand.

Next, we’ll head to Big Lagoon, El Nido’s most breathtaking natural wonder. As you wade through the shallows, you can find the water so clear that looks almost white and the sand seems within reach. However, don’t get fooled by the illusion of light and shadow, as the deepest part of the lagoon is over 20 meters (65 ft.)! Indulge yourself in the sparkling sea, and encounter turtles, schools of fish, or even small sharks. After that, let’s relax under the palm and coconut trees at Seven Commandos Beach, sunbathing and searching for seashells. Then, your guide and driver will accompany you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Seda Lio, El Nido (5 stars) or similar

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel for our El Nido Tour C. we’ll start from the Hidden Beach tucked behind cliffs. Many of El Nido’s natural wonders lie in secluded places, adorned with fine white beaches and embraced by towering karst limestone. We’ll then take a short hike on Matinloc Island, enjoy the views and discover the striking abandoned architecture, a Greek style shrine that give a blend of the beauty of exoticism and decay.

Next, with the help of your guide, you’ll swim through a cave to get to the Secret Beach. When you see the dramatic views and embrace the waves, you could soon realize why El Nido is hailed as the “Last Frontier” of the Philippines. Our last stop is the Helicopter Island. As you approach by boat, you might think it looks more like a dolphin or even a fried chicken leg. This lovely island boasts breathtaking cliffs that rise steeply from the sea. You can lie on the sandy beaches below and watch the waves crashing against the shore. After that, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Seda Lio, El Nido (5 stars) or similar

Today is the last day of your tour. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel and accompany you to El Nido Airport, where you could head to Manila or take international flights to Bangkok, Singapore, Tokyo, Sydney, or other destinations on your own. Have a pleasant journey!

If you’d like to continue exploring neighboring countries, visiting Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, or Vietnam, please contact us to customize an itinerary for you.

Meals: Breakfast