Best of the Philippines: A 10-Day Island Escape

Welcome to the Philippines! Your first day is all about settling in and getting to know the people you’ll be traveling with.

Meet the Group: Head to the lobby to meet your tour leader and the rest of the group. We’ll go over the plan for the next 10 days, answer any questions, and share some local tips for the journey ahead.

Check the Board: Check the notice board near reception (or just ask the front desk) for the exact meeting time and room location.

First Group Dinner: After the meeting, we usually head out for a local meal. It’s a great chance to grab your first San Miguel beer and start the trip with a relaxed dinner.

Spend the day exploring the city's best spots, from colonial landmarks to local markets.

Intramuros Walking Tour: Step back in time inside the historic "Walled City." You'll visit the stone gates of Fort Santiago, the Manila Cathedral, and the colonial-style Casa Manila to see the city's Spanish heritage.

Chinatown Street Food: Hop in a classic Jeepney to reach Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown. We’ll walk through the busy streets to sample a unique mix of Filipino and Chinese fusion snacks—so come hungry.

Trade the city for the greenery of Mount Purro Nature Reserve.

Dumagat Community Visit: Spend time with the indigenous Dumagat people. Learn about their forest traditions and try bamboo cooking, preparing a meal over an open fire.

Nature Hike: Explore the surrounding jungle on a guided walk to learn about local wildlife and conservation.

Today we leave the mainland and fly to Puerto Princesa, the gateway to Palawan.

Fly to the Islands: A short morning flight takes you to Palawan, often called the most beautiful island chain in the world.

Starlit Firefly Tour: After dark, we’ll take a quiet boat through the mangroves of the Iwahig River. You’ll see the trees glowing with thousands of fireflies and watch the water shimmer with bioluminescence.

Travel from the city to the coast, stopping at one of the world's most famous natural sites along the way.

The Underground River: Board a boat to explore this massive, UNESCO-listed cave system. You’ll float through huge limestone chambers filled with stalactites and local wildlife.

Drive to Port Barton: Head further north to Port Barton, a quiet, laid-back fishing village. It’s the perfect spot to disconnect and enjoy a slower pace of island life.

Enjoy a full day out on the water exploring the untouched reefs and islands of Port Barton.

Snorkel & Beach Lunch: Board a private boat to visit secluded sandbars and coral gardens. This area is a local sanctuary for sea turtles, so keep an eye out while snorkeling. We’ll stop at a quiet beach for a fresh grilled lunch.

Free Evening: Return to the village in the late afternoon. The rest of the day is yours to grab a drink by the shore or relax at a beachfront café.

Travel north toward the famous limestone cliffs of El Nido, stopping to connect with local traditions along the way.

Sibaltan Heritage Visit: Stop in a small coastal village to visit a traditional heritage house. You’ll learn about local weaving and see how the community preserves their history and crafts.

Arrive in El Nido: Continue the drive to El Nido. Once we arrive, you’ll have the evening free to explore the town’s vibrant restaurants and beachfront bars.

Spend the day on a private boat exploring the world-famous scenery of El Nido.

Lagoon & Beach Hopping: We’ll navigate through towering limestone cliffs to find hidden beaches and turquoise lagoons. Swim in the clear water or just relax on deck and soak in the views.

Fresh Island Lunch: Enjoy a traditional grilled lunch prepared right on the boat or a secluded beach before heading back to town for a free evening.

Today is yours to explore El Nido at your own pace.

Choose Your Adventure: You can hike up Mt. Taraw for a bird’s-eye view of the bay, rent a kayak to find a quiet cove, or take a short trip to the massive white sands of Nacpan Beach.

Relax: If you’ve had enough activity, find a spot at a beach club or wander the town’s boutique shops and cafes for some last-minute souvenirs.

Final Morning: Enjoy one last breakfast by the water or a final swim in the bay before the group heads their separate ways.

Onward Travel: From here, you can fly back to Manila to catch your international flight or extend your stay to explore more of Palawan’s beaches.