Best of the Philippines

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Depart at any time.