Philippines Island Hopping West
Philippines Island Hopping West
$1715
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "Philippines Island Hopping West" tour, where you'll explore the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of the Philippines. Begin your journey in Manila, savoring breathtaking beaches and delectable seafood, before flying to the picturesque island of Palawan. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Subterranean River National Park, and enjoy island hopping and snorkeling with sea turtles in Port Barton. Experience authentic Filipino hospitality with a traditional meal at Nanay Elena's House and a unique Jeepney tour in El Nido. Visit the pristine Nacpan Beach and Bulalacao Waterfalls, and uncover the secrets of a WWII shipwreck. With seamless transport and charming accommodations, this tour promises a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in paradise. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Manila to Puerto Princesa
Location: Manila, Puerto Princesa
Accommodation Name: Palawan Uno Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Breathtaking beaches. Spectacular seafood. Rustic marine rendezvous. Welcome to Asia’s Pearl of the Orient, packed with some of the BEST views of your lifetime! There’s so much to see, and there’s no time to waste. You’ll meet your crew in Manila before we zip through the skies straight to our very first white-sand destination. Feel the beach vibes hitting you already? Same. Nothing’s better than a free evening to spend on one of the most pristine islands here, Palawan. But first, we feast. Exchange proper hellos with your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner. And for a prime local experience, you can end the night at a Tiki bar with Filipino tunes and cocktails. Today might be over, but this is just beginning…
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Day 2: Puerto Princesa to Port Barton via Underground River
Location: Puerto Princesa, Subterranean River National Park, Port Barton
Accommodation Name: Ferellee Beachfront Inn (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Morning, sunshine lovers! Today’s the first full day on this wonderful island, so you know we’re starting with a bang. You’ll grab some breakfast at the hotel and head straight to the Subterranean River National Park for a fascinating underground endeavour. Ready? Put on your neon helmets. For your very first adventure, you’ll float through an aquamarine river into one of the most complex cave systems in the world. Surrounded by intricate limestone formations (some of them egg-shaped too!) - you’ll have no doubt about why this glorious landscape is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bet your eyes are pleased with those gorgeous views. Now it's time to please our tummies. You’ll stop by at Nanay Elena’s House for a traditional Filipino meal, made using only the freshest ingredients (that she grows in her own farm!). Afterwards, drop your bags at our beachfront hotel. Relax on the shore. Explore the tiny town. The night is still young, and it’s all yours!
Day 3: Port Barton
Location: Port Barton
Accommodation Name: Ferellee Beachfront Inn (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Need your beauty sleep? Or just need to spend some time on the sandy beach? Today’s the day you can do anything you want. Dive into the crystal blue waters. Grab a book and soak in the sun. Go on a morning hike to check out the rocky hills. Or make your own rings & bracelets in a local workshop. Either way, sublime beach vibes are guaranteed here.
Day 4: Port Barton
Location: Port Barton
Accommodation Name: Ferellee Beachfront Inn (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Ocean-lovers, unite! Today, we’re going island hopping in our very own private boat. You’ll swim with sea turtles. Snorkel along the vibrant reefs. Grab a scrumptious locally-cooked meal. Dodge waves at the beach. And chill at a starfish sandbar (with your newly-made best friends, of course) as the sun sets over the serene sea. Is this island exploration done right or what?
Day 5: Port Barton to El Nido
Location: El Nido
Accommodation Name: Coral Cliff (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s time to bid farewell to our (now) favourite island stop. But don’t worry, there are plenty more destinations here to give it competition. You’ll start the day with some breakfast at the hotel and with no time to waste, head to the next turquoise-tinted spot. A free afternoon to spend in another wonderful tropical paradise? How lucky are we? Taste the local street food. Or check out the unique shops around town. Oh, and please don’t forget to charge your camera!
Day 6: El Nido
Location: El Nido
Accommodation Name: Coral Cliff (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Rise and shine folks. It’s time to hit the road (just like the locals) in a wonderfully colourful, classic Jeepney. First stop? The beautiful Lio Beach. Enjoy the peaceful views and walk the wooden footpath that leads into the ocean. And it doesn’t end there. Next, we’ll head to Bulalacao Waterfalls. It’s gonna be really hard to stop yourself from taking a plunge into the enigmatic milky-white water. The day is not complete yet, we’ll head to the most popular beach in all of Palawan (and maybe even the Philippines, if you ask us) - Nacpan Beach. Finally, we'll end the day at Las Cabanas - one of the best sunset points in the ENTIRE country.
Day 7: El Nido
Location: El Nido
Accommodation Name: Coral Cliff (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s not often you get an entire day in a palm tree paradise to spend just the way you please. But the stars must’ve aligned, because today is one of them! You can explore the pristine white-sand beaches while the sun’s out and spend the night chilling with your crew. It’s a ‘you do you’ kinda day.
Day 8: El Nido to Island Special Stay
Location: El Nido
Accommodation Name: The Isla Experience
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mabuhay, travellers! The sun has risen, and so has the opportunity to explore another destination with crystal clear water. Munch on your final El Nido meal before we catch a boat-transfer. This is what you’ve been waiting for. You’ll drop your bags off at our Special Stay, our next MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience where we'll spend time exploring local culture - something straight outta a storybook. Afterwards, you’ll snorkel under the crystal blue water and explore a local shipwreck! We’ll then head to another authentic Filipino experience. Delicious local food served on a long banana leaf across the table devoured with your hands AKA a boodle fight. Finally, we'll light up a soothing bonfire and end the day resting on the shores (next to our rustic beach huts).
Day 9: Island Special Stay to El Nido
Location: El Nido
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ah, the final day is here. Make the most of your last meal in this wonderful marine ecstasy. Because we’re heading straight to El Nido. Our island exploration has come to an end. Goodbyes are due. Contacts are shared. Tears are shed. New friends are tagged on insta stories. And perhaps, plans are made to meet again at another destination to reminisce about these unforgettable island hopping memories (and make some new ones too!)
What's Included
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Included Flight to Palawan
Soar over the Manila skyline and aquamarine waters to one of the most beautiful islands in the country - Palawan, in an included flight.
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Subterranean River National Park Tour
Cruise through the serene Subterranean River National Park into a kaleidoscope of pointy limestone caves.
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Traditional Filipino Meal with Nanay Elena
Join Nanay Elena for a traditional meal made from locally-grown ingredients.
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Local Workshop in Port Barton
Support a local workshop in Port Barton and learn how to make your own rings and bracelets.
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Island Hopping Day Trip
Snorkel, swim, and dine on this island hopping day trip, visiting two tropical islands and possibly swimming with turtles.
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Private Jeepney Tour in El Nido
Hop onto a private Jeepney for a tour of the wonderful beaches and waterfalls.
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Nacpan Beach Walk
Take a walk on the perfectly curved Nacpan Beach, sinking your feet into the golden-white sand.
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Bulalacao Waterfalls Visit
Watch the shiny smooth water tearing through the rocky hills of Bulalacao.
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Sunset at Las Cabanas
Witness the bewitching beauty of the sunset at Las Cabanas, one of the best sunset spots in the Philippines.
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Island Special Stay
Support the locals with marine conservation, education, and their eco garden while enjoying beach-side views.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Any personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Activities
Any optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and any related travel documentation are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel seamlessly with included flights from Manila to Puerto Princesa, private boat transfers for island hopping, and a classic Jeepney tour in El Nido. Enjoy the convenience of organized transport, allowing you to focus on the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of the Philippines.
Accommodation
Experience a variety of accommodations including the Palawan Uno Hotel, Ferellee Beachfront Inn, Coral Cliff, and The Isla Experience. Enjoy beachfront stays, rustic beach huts, and comfortable hotels, each offering unique local charm and amenities for a memorable island hopping adventure.
Dining Summary
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Lunch (L)
FAQs
- Bangkok: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
Included Experience
- Puerto Princesa: Soar over the Manila skyline and aquamarine waters to one of the most beautiful islands in the country - Palawan, in an included flight.
- Underground River: Cruise through the serene Subterranean River National Park into a kaleidoscope of pointy limestone caves. Don't miss the chance to watch the 8.2 km long river flow directly into the ocean.
- Port Barton: Wanna get a taste of Grandma’s home-cooked food the Filipino way? Join Nanay Elena for a traditional meal made from locally-grown ingredients.
- Port Barton: Want some Filipino keepsakes that you’ll never wanna take off? Here you'll have the chance to support a local workshop in Port Barton and learn how to make your own rings and bracelets.
- Port Barton: Snorkel, swim, and dine - get your ocean fix on this island hopping day trip. You’ll visit two tropical islands, gorge on delicious seafood. And possibly even swim with turtles!
- El Nido: Not riding on the colourfully chaotic Jeepney when in the Philippines? Now that should be considered a crime. Hop onto a private Jeepney for a tour of the wonderful beaches and waterfalls.
- El Nido: Take a walk on the perfectly curved Nacpan Beach. Sink your feet into the golden-white sand. Or dip them into the cool water - it's a feast for your eyes, feet and soul.
- El Nido: Watch the shiny smooth water tearing through the rocky hills of Bulalacao. Don’t forget your swimsuit. This spot is famous for its insta-worthy pictures.
- Port Barton: Cameras at the ready! Be prepared to witness the bewitching beauty of the sunset at Las Cabanas - arguably one of the best sunset spots in the Philippines.
- Island Special Stay: Support the locals with marine conservation, education and their eco garden while you get irresistible beach-side views. Talk about a win-win!
- Island Special Stay: Love sea exploration? You're going to love this shipwreck site that is just off the coast of our island home. Here, you'll discover the history and secrets of WWII ships.
- Island Special Stay: It’s time to get dirty (in the best way possible). Join a traditional Kamayan or a boodle fight, where you'll eat a communal feast served on long banana leaves with your hands.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes flights from Manila to Puerto Princesa, private boat transfers for island hopping, and a classic Jeepney tour in El Nido.
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What types of accommodations are provided during the tour?
Accommodations include stays at the Palawan Uno Hotel, Ferellee Beachfront Inn, Coral Cliff, and The Isla Experience, offering a mix of beachfront stays, rustic beach huts, and comfortable hotels.
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Subterranean River National Park, a traditional Filipino meal at Nanay Elena's House, a local workshop in Port Barton, island hopping with snorkeling, a private Jeepney tour in El Nido, and a traditional boodle fight at the Island Special Stay. ...more ...less
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What activities are available during the island hopping day trip?
During the island hopping day trip, you can snorkel, swim, dine on delicious seafood, visit two tropical islands, and possibly swim with sea turtles.
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What is a boodle fight and will it be part of the tour?
A boodle fight is a traditional Filipino communal feast served on long banana leaves, where you eat with your hands. It is included as part of the Island Special Stay experience.
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What can I expect from the visit to the Subterranean River National Park?
You will cruise through the serene Subterranean River National Park, exploring a complex cave system with intricate limestone formations, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Are there any opportunities to support local communities during the tour?
Yes, you can support local communities by participating in a workshop in Port Barton to make rings and bracelets, and by engaging in marine conservation and education activities at the Island Special Stay.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Philippines Island Hopping West
9 Days Starting in Manila, Philippines and ending in El Nido, Philippines
Visiting: Manila, Puerto Princesa, Subterranean River National Park, Port Barton, El Nido
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PIPA25
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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