11 Days • 10 Nights
Philippines Highlights: Manila, Palawan & Boracay
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll explore old Intramuros, island-hop the limestone lagoons of Bacuit Bay, snorkel over coral gardens, then unwind on Boracay's world-famous White Beach with a sunset sail. City, islands and beach in perfect balance.
With comfortable hotels and resorts, private guides and the flights and boats arranged, it is the ideal introduction to the beauty of the Philippines.
Trip Highlights
- Historic Intramuros in Manila
- Island-hopping the lagoons of El Nido
- The Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon of Bacuit Bay
- Snorkelling over coral gardens and hidden coves
- Powder-soft White Beach on Boracay
- A paraw sailboat sunset on Boracay
- White-sand beaches and glorious sunsets
- Flights and boats linking every stop
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 11-day journey.
Arrive in the capital and settle in, with a welcome dinner of Filipino flavours.
A morning tour of historic Intramuros and Fort Santiago, then fly to El Nido on Palawan, settling in beneath the limestone cliffs of Bacuit Bay.
A full day island-hopping to the Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon, snorkelling and drifting into hidden coves, with a beach lunch.
A second island-hopping day to secret beaches and snorkelling spots around Bacuit Bay.
A free day to relax on the beach, kayak the bay or take a sunset boat trip.
Transfer and fly to Boracay, settling into your resort near the world-famous White Beach.
A boat trip around Boracay — snorkelling, Puka Shell Beach and quiet coves, with lunch on the water.
A relaxed beach day ending with a traditional paraw sailboat trip into Boracay's legendary sunset.
A free day for water sports, the spa or simply the sand.
A final full day on White Beach, with a farewell seafood dinner.
A final breakfast before your boat and transfer to Caticlan airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport, boat and land transfers throughout
- 1 night Manila, 4 nights El Nido, 4 nights Boracay
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and island-hopping lunches
- A Manila city tour with Intramuros
- An El Nido island-hopping boat tour of the lagoons and beaches
- A Boracay island-hopping trip and a paraw sunset sail
- Domestic flights Manila-El Nido and El Nido-Boracay as arranged
- Snorkelling gear on the included tours
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from the Philippines
- Any visa fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Local environmental, terminal and island-hopping fees where not stated
- Optional activities and water sports
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Many nationalities can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days; check your passport's eligibility. Your passport should be valid at least six months, and onward tickets are sometimes requested
- English everywhere: English is an official language and widely spoken, which makes the Philippines wonderfully easy to travel
- Currency: The currency is the Philippine Peso. Cards work in cities and resorts, but carry cash for islands, markets, tricycles and the many small local fees
- Best season: The dry season (November to April) is ideal, with sunshine and calm seas; June to October is the wet, typhoon-prone season when some boat trips can be cancelled
- Island transfers: Getting between islands means domestic flights and boat (bangka) rides, all arranged for you but occasionally affected by weather or sea conditions
- Local fees: Islands and attractions charge small environmental, terminal and island-hopping fees payable in cash on the spot — keep small peso notes handy
- Sun & reef: The tropical sun is strong; bring high-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a rash guard for snorkelling to protect both yourself and the coral
- Health: Drink bottled water, use mosquito repellent (dengue is present) and consider a waterproof bag for boat days. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended
- Connectivity: A local SIM or eSIM is cheap and handy, though signal can be patchy on remote islands — a welcome excuse to unplug
- Tipping & power: Tipping is appreciated for good service. Power is 220V, usually with type A/B plugs, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, such as island-hopping lunches. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy the Philippines' fresh seafood and lively food scene.
Are transfers and touring arranged?
Yes — your airport transfers, island-hopping boats and tours are arranged with local guides and boatmen, so there is nothing to organise on the ground.
Do I need a visa for the Philippines?
Many nationalities enter visa-free for up to 30 days. We can confirm the requirements for your passport before you travel.
When is the best time to visit?
The dry season from November to April offers the sunniest weather and calmest seas. June to October is wetter and typhoon-prone, so we favour the dry months for island trips.
Is island-hopping weather-dependent?
Boat trips depend on sea and weather conditions and can occasionally be rescheduled for safety. We build in flexibility and your guide will always make the best of the day.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, islands, resorts and activities can all be tailored, and we can add Palawan, Boracay, Siargao or the rice terraces. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we travel between the islands?
By short domestic flights between the main hubs and by boat (bangka) for island-hopping — all included and arranged for you.
Does this cover the best of the Philippines?
It covers the three signature experiences — Manila's history, Palawan's lagoons and Boracay's beach. To go deeper we can add Cebu, Bohol or the rice terraces.
How much flying is involved?
A few short domestic flights link Manila, El Nido and Boracay, all included, so you cover the archipelago comfortably in eleven days.
More Beach Journeys
Beach
Customizable
El Salvador Surf & Beach: Pacific Coast
El Salvador Surf & Beach: Pacific Coast
El Salvador
Beach
Customizable
Viva Cuba Beaches: Cayo Coco & Cayo Santa Maria
Viva Cuba Beaches: Cayo Coco & Cayo Santa Maria
Cuba
Beach
Customizable
Pura Vida Beaches: Guanacaste & Nicoya
Pura Vida Beaches: Guanacaste & Nicoya
Costa Rica