Best of the Philippines
Best of the Philippines
$1999
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "Best of the Philippines" tour, a journey through the vibrant landscapes and rich cultures of this stunning archipelago. Begin in Manila, exploring the historic Intramuros and savoring the culinary delights of Chinatown. Venture into the lush Mount Purro Nature Reserve for a unique cultural experience with the Dumagat Indigenous community. Fly to Puerto Princesa to witness the enchanting Iwahig Firefly Excursion and explore the UNESCO-listed subterranean river. Enjoy island hopping and snorkeling in the pristine waters of Port Barton and El Nido, where you'll discover hidden beaches and vibrant marine life. Immerse yourself in the traditions of the Sibaltan community, with hands-on cultural activities and local cuisine. With comfortable hotel accommodations and a mix of guided tours and free time, this tour offers an ideal blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion in the Philippines. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Manila
Location: Manila
Accommodation: Bayleaf Hotel
Accommodation Name: Bayleaf Hotel
Arrive at any time.
ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2: Manila
Location: Manila
Accommodation: Bayleaf Hotel
Accommodation Name: Bayleaf Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Spend today touring through the best parts of Manila. Start with a walking tour of the heart of Manila, the walled city of Intramuros. Walk under Fort Santiago, admire the architecture of Manila Cathedral, visit Casa Manila, and more. In the afternoon, we'll hop in a classic Filipino Jeepney and ride through through Binondo, Manila's Chinatown, known as Manila's culinary hub. Come hungry and sample the delicious and unique Filipino and Chinese fusion street food along the way.
ACTIVITY: limb into a clssic Filipino Jeepney and join your CEO to eat your way through Manila's Chinatown, known as the foodie capital of the Manila. Go on a walking tour of China time, sampling the different street foods that blend Chinese and filipino influence.
ACTIVITY: Take a guided tour to explore the historic centre of Manila known as Intramuros (“Within the Walls”). Founded by the Spanish in the late 16th century, the city was enclosed by thick stone walls which still stand today. At the height of its power, Intramuros was feared by Spain’s enemies as the only true European powerhouse in the whole of Asia, but after holding strong against Chinese pirates, Dutch forces, British, American and Japanese occupations, the large majority of the city was destroyed during the month-long brutal Battle of Manila fought between the Japanese and the Allies in the closing days of WWII, a battle which also claimed the lives of 100,000 Filipino civilians. A walk through this area, despite the devastation (or maybe because of it) truly gives you a sense of the history of this area.
Day 3: Manila
Location: Manila, Mount Purro Nature Reserve
Accommodation: Bayleaf Hotel
Accommodation Name: Bayleaf Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we'll leave the bustling city behind and head to the jungle of Mount Purro Nature Reserve to spend a day with the Dumagat Indigenous community, learning more about Indigenous food and culture. An adventure filled day, you'll do some light hiking to a waterfall, join in an Indigenous cooking demonstration, build the fire for cooking and make sinigang, a traditional pork dish cooked in bamboo. Then dig into the meal while hearing the stories of the locals. In the afternoon, return back to Manila.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Join the Mount Purro Nature Reserve and learn about the reforestation efforts of the community. This reforestation organization was formed to protect the greater Manila area from future natural disasters like flash flooding. Immerse yourself with the local community, learn about their initiatives, hike to a waterfall and join a local cooking demonstration.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 4: Manila/Puerto Princesa
Location: Manila, Puerto Princesa
Accommodation: Holiday Suite, Puerto Princesa
Accommodation Name: Holiday Suite, Puerto Princesa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart the big city this morning and fly to Puerto Princesa. After arriving, spend the afternoon at leisure. Opt to take a tour of the seaside town with visits to Baker's Hill and Plaza Cuartel. This evening, we are venturing out into the mangroves to see the night sky illuminate full of fireflies on the Iwahig Firefly Watching Tour.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Spend the afternoon free in Puerto Princesa.
ACTIVITY:
TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Day 5: Puerto Princesa/Port Barton
Location: Puerto Princesa, Port Barton
Accommodation: Holiday Suite, Port Barton
Accommodation Name: Holiday Suite, Port Barton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, visit the famous underground river at the UNESCO World Heritage site, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Hop into a boat and cruise through the cave. In the afternoon, drive to Port Barton.
ACTIVITY: Take a boat ride through the famous subterranean river. The underground ecosystem is over 8km (5 mi) long with amazing rock formations, cave systems, wildlife and old growth forest. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park was voted one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 6: Port Barton
Location: Port Barton
Accommodation: Holiday Suite, Port Barton
Accommodation Name: Holiday Suite, Port Barton
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we'll load into a boat and spend the day out on the water on an Island Hopping adventure. Relax under the sun, snorkel and look out for sea turtles, and enjoy lunch on board. In the evening, enjoy a free evening in Port Barton.
ACTIVITY: Experience the unspoiled natural beauty of Port Barton with this exciting island-hopping activity. With all your equipment included, jump into the water and snorkel in hopes of swimming alongside sea turtles. Between swims, enjoy lunch on the beach on an island.
FREE TIME: EVENING Enjoy a free evening in Port Barton.
Day 7: Port Barton/El Nido
Location: Port Barton, El Nido
Accommodation: Isla Amara Hotel, Lio Beach
Accommodation Name: Isla Amara Hotel, Lio Beach
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Travel this morning from Port Barton to El Nido. Once in El Nido, visit the Sibaltan Heritage House. After meeting the community, jump in with a hands-on in a cooking demonstration and tasting with the local women. Then witness the local traditions of the community, learning their local songs and cultural dances, and observe the Cuyonon artisan weaving.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Travelers visiting Sibaltan can engage in hands-on cultural experiences, including traditional weaving workshops led by the Sibaltan Women Weavers Association (SWWA). They can craft travel-friendly items, such as placemats, small baskets, or bags, using pandan or buri leaves dyed in vibrant colors. This workshop offers a meaningful connection to the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines while supporting local artisans. Visitors can also enjoy traditional dance performances and cooking demonstrations, showcasing the vibrant cultural and culinary traditions of Sibaltan, all while promoting sustainable living practices.
Day 8: El Nido
Location: El Nido
Accommodation: Isla Amara Hotel, Lio Beach
Accommodation Name: Isla Amara Hotel, Lio Beach
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Spend the whole day out on the sea today in a private boat island hopping adventure. Cruise, snorkel and swim your way through picturesque beaches, perfect blue water and around krast formations. Make pit stops at gorgeous beaches, like Secret Beach and Hidden Beach, and keep your eyes out for sea turtles, eels and rays in the water.
ACTIVITY: Jump on a boat and cruise through some of the most beautiful water in the world. Stop at world class beaches like Secret Beach and Hidden Beach while swimming and snorkeling in the beautiful sea along the way. Gaze at the impressive limestone karsts and view of the sparkling water. Enjoy lunch on board while listening to stories and the history of El Nido.
Day 9: El Nido
Location: El Nido
Accommodation: Isla Amara Hotel, Lio Beach
Accommodation Name: Isla Amara Hotel, Lio Beach
Meals Included: Breakfast
On your last full day in El Nido and the Philippines, spend the day however you'd like. Opt to relax on a beach, take a day trip to Kuyawyaw Falls or hike Mt Taraw.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Enjoy a free day in beautiful Port Barton.
Day 10: El Nido
Location: El Nido
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart at any time.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (9nts). -
Meals
9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner -
Mount Purro Nature Reserve Experience
Enjoy a G for Good Moment at Mount Purro Nature Reserve, learning about reforestation efforts and participating in local activities.
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Sibaltan Heritage Community Experience
Engage with the Sibaltan Indigenous community, participate in cultural activities, and enjoy a G for Good Moment.
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Intramuros Walking Tour
Explore the historic center of Manila with a guided walking tour of Intramuros.
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Manila Street Food & Jeepney Tour
Experience Manila's culinary delights with a street food tour via a classic Filipino Jeepney.
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Iwahig Firefly Excursion
Witness the night sky illuminate with fireflies on the Iwahig Firefly Watching Tour.
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Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Tour
Take a boat ride through the famous subterranean river at the UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Port Barton Island Hopping Tour
Spend a full day island hopping in Port Barton, snorkeling and enjoying the natural beauty.
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El Nido Snorkeling Tour
Enjoy a full day snorkeling tour in El Nido, exploring picturesque beaches and marine life.
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All Transport to and from Included Activities
All necessary transport for included activities is provided.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Any optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and tips are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in hotels for 9 nights, including the Bayleaf Hotel in Manila, Holiday Suite in Puerto Princesa and Port Barton, and Isla Amara Hotel in El Nido.
Transport
Walking, jeepney, private vehicle, plane, boat.
Meals Included
9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner
Group Size
Max 16, avg 14
Mode of Transport
Travel through the Philippines using a variety of transport modes including walking, jeepney rides, private vehicles, planes, and boats, ensuring a comprehensive and immersive travel experience.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Group Leader
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a variety of transportation methods including walking, jeepney, private vehicle, plane, and boat.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides hotel accommodation for 9 nights.
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What activities are included in the Mount Purro Nature Reserve experience?
In the Mount Purro Nature Reserve experience, you will engage in light hiking to a waterfall, participate in an Indigenous cooking demonstration, and learn about the community's reforestation efforts.
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What can I expect from the Port Barton Island Hopping tour?
During the Port Barton Island Hopping tour, you will spend the day on the water, snorkeling and looking out for sea turtles, and enjoy lunch on board.
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What is the Sibaltan Indigenous community experience like?
The Sibaltan Indigenous community experience includes hands-on cultural activities such as traditional weaving workshops, cooking demonstrations, and enjoying traditional dance performances.
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What is included in the El Nido Snorkeling tour?
The El Nido Snorkeling tour includes a private boat island hopping adventure where you can snorkel and swim through picturesque beaches and around karst formations, with stops at Secret Beach and Hidden Beach.
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Who will be leading the tour?
The tour will be led by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) who will provide information, offer suggestions, and help you have the best trip possible. Local guides will also be used where specific knowledge is beneficial.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this operator
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Friday - Sunday
Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 15, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Best of the Philippines
10 Days Starting in Manila, Philippines and ending in El Nido, Philippines
Visiting: Manila, Mount Purro Nature Reserve, Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, El Nido
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26109
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
12-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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