One Week in the Philippines

This morning, your private guide and driver will wait for you at your hotel for your city tour of Manila. Our first stop is the prosperous Makati CBD, which has been the country’s financial center since the 1960s. Your guide will show you around Ayala Avenue, the “Wall Street of the Philippines”, and SM Mall of Asia, one of the world’s top 10 shopping malls. The Philippines has an enormous gap between the rich and the poor. In Makati and BGC, you could see skyscrapers and bustling shopping malls. But in stark contrast to this are the densely packed shanties and spiderweb-like wires in the adjacent slums. Even in the capital, millions of people live off garbage. The poor earn only about 2 US dollars a day, while a single lunch in the rich area can easily cost them half a month’s income.

Nestled between the exclusive areas and the crowded slums lies the peaceful and well-maintained Manila American Cemetery and Memorial. It is the world’s largest American cemetery, with over 17,000 graves. Why is there an American cemetery in the Philippines? During World War II (1939-1945 AD), the American military fought fiercely against the Japanese in the Pacific theater. And the Philippine government specifically gifted this land to the US to commemorate the fallen soldiers.

Next, let’s head to Intramuros Old Town, where 300 years of Spanish colonial influence can be seen through the ancient buildings, city walls and weathered cobblestone streets. We’ll visit the UNESCO-listed San Agustin Church. As the oldest stone Baroque church in the Philippines, it survived the gunfire of the two world wars. Strolling along the corridor, you can admire the arched windows with stained glass and the faded icons on the walls. Then, let’s explore Fort Santiago, which was built in 1571 AD and houses the Dungeons and Jose Rizal Museum, and learn about the historical events that have taken place within its walls over the past centuries. After that, 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, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and escort you to Tagaytay by 2 hours’ drive. Unlike Manila, Tagaytay is simple and quiet with a cool climate and beautiful natural scenery. On the way, we will pass through coconut, pineapple, coffee, mango, and orchid farms. Upon arrival, we’ll have lunch at Tagaytay Ridge before visiting People’s Park in the Sky.

★ Overlook Taal Lake and Taal Volcano from People’s Park in the Sky

The park, situated at the highest point in Tagaytay, overlooks the entire city and its surroundings. Notably, from the viewing platform, you can see Taal Volcano, the world’s smallest volcano! Standing only 300 meters (984 ft.) above sea level, it is actually one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, with over 600 minor eruptions in recent years. From a distance, you may even see white smoke puffing out from the crater. Moreover, you can surprisingly find that, the volcano is surrounded by the vast Taal Lake, and within its crater there is another mini lake, creating a rare landscape of “a lake within a lake”. 
► Tips: Due to the high altitude, the temperature in Tagaytay will be lower than in the city, and it may rain at any time, so it is recommended to bring a waterproof jacket with you.

After the tour, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel in Manila.

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

This morning, your driver will pick you up and escort you to Manila Airport for a one-hour flight to Caticlan. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in Boracay. The rest of the day is free for you. 

Boracay, with its White Beach with “the finest sand in the world,” is the most beautiful and famous island in the Philippines. You may relax in the hotel, enjoying the sea breeze and watching a sunset, or explore the beaches on your own, swimming in the turquoise water and strolling among the swaying coconut palms.

► Recommended Restaurant for Dinner (at your own expense)
Nameet Bar and Restaurant is a 15-minute walk northwest from your hotel, offering authentic Filipino cuisine as well as Western dishes such as pasta and pizza. The pork barbecue and mango shake are the top picks.
Average Cost per Person: USD 8
Address: Sitio Hagdan, Malay, Aklan

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Fairways & Bluewater Boracay (4 stars) or similar

In the morning, your driver and guide will meet you at your hotel to start the Boracay island-hopping tour! We’ll collect adorable seashells at Puka Beach and indulge in Boracay’s incomparable natural beauty. Then, overlook the crocodile-shaped Crocodile Island from Tambisaan Beach, and snorkel at Coral Garden or swim near Bolabog Beach, discovering vibrant corals, fish, anemones and seaweed in the crystal-clear water. If weather permits, we’ll also head to Balinghai Beach to explore the caves or Magic Island for a cliff-diving adventure.

Around noon, let’s enjoy a delicious seafood barbecue on the beach, after which your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel. For the rest of the day, you could relax or attend a beach party or bar hopping in the evening. 

► Tips:
1. We suggest you bring your own snorkeling gear for a better experience, since the equipment provided on the boat may be old or ill-fitting.
2. Please bring a waterproof bag to keep your belongings such as mobile phone, camera and cash dry.
3. Make sure to use sunscreen, and bring sunglasses, a sun hat, etc. to prevent sunburn.

► Why You Need Our Guided Tour in Boracay
Boracay offers attractive island activities, but not all local tour operators are reliable and professional. Independent travelers may encounter tourist traps, for example, going to the fake Puka Beach and having a bad experience. We provide you with a suitable itinerary and hassle-free service, ensuring you better experience the beauty of Boracay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Fairways & Bluewater Boracay (4 stars) or similar

The arrangements for today are up to you! If you’d like to enjoy a leisurely day, you may unwind in your hotel’s infinity pool, or admire the sea views from the private beach. The nearby Ilig-Iligan Beach is tranquil and less touristy for you to better enjoy the white sand.

In the morning, if you want to experience adrenaline-pumping water activities, you can try parasailing or jet skiing. For your safety, we suggest selecting qualified operators and paying attention to your physical condition. For the afternoon, you may participate in an exciting beach volleyball match. In the evening, be sure not to miss the sunset Parasailing, one of Boracay’s most worthwhile activities. After that, you could head to D’Talipapa, the island’s largest seafood market, to sample seafood and Filipino dishes, or enjoy a Filipino massage to relieve your fatigue.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Fairways & Bluewater Boracay (4 stars) or similar

Today, your driver will pick you up from the hotel and escort you to Caticlan Airport, where you’ll take a 1-hour flight back to Manila Airport. This is the end of your tour. 

Considering today’s driving and flight time, we recommend you book a late Manila departure flight. Hope you have a smooth journey!

If you’d like to further explore the historical Cebu or the island paradise Palawan, or extend your tour to other Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, or Malaysia, please contact us to customize your itinerary.

Meals: Breakfast