Philippines Islands Hopping

With wide, clean streets, low noise and exhaust emissions, Iloilo is one of the most livable cities in the Philippines and rich in history. This morning, your private guide and driver will meet you at your hotel and then accompany you to visit Iloilo’s iconic religious sites. We will marvel at the magnificent exterior of Miag-ao Church, a fusion of Baroque style and local plant sculptures, and admire the exquisite interior walls adorned with large mosaics at Tigbauan Church. Next, you can see the 16 female icons at Molo Church, known as “the women’s church,” and pay homage to the statue of Our Lady of Candles at Jaro Church. Even after hundreds of years, these buildings continue to provide visitors with peace and comfort.

We’ll also explore the residences of Iloilo’s elite during the Spanish colonial era (16th - 19th centuries AD), featuring a blend of Western classic and Filipino traditional styles. Camina Balay Nga Bato and Casa Mariquit are two of the 18th-century houses, with fine antique furniture scattered throughout that enhances the captivating, nostalgic atmosphere. Keep going, and you can see Molo Mansion and Lizares Mansion, both featuring white European-style facades, perfect for taking photos and learning their history to create beautiful memories. 

Next, let’s make a brief stop at Biscocho House, filled with local butterscotch and cookies. After that, you will enjoy 2 hours of free time at the tranquil Garin Farm, not only a natural park but also a pilgrimage site that houses a group of sculptures called “Heaven on Earth,” nestled atop the 480 steps of the “Stairway to Heaven.” Climbing all the steps may be strenuous, so the farm offers a paid golf cart ride to the summit if needed. After passing through a dark tunnel, you will reach an all-white space and see the massive white cross and the sacred statues of the 12 apostles, which resemble an absolute heaven. Finally, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Seda Atria, Iloilo (4 stars) or similar

Today, enjoy a private transfer from your hotel to Iloilo Airport for a 1-hour flight to Cebu. Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will meet you and escort you to your downtown Cebu hotel, a 45-minute drive.

After a short break, let’s begin our exploration of Cebu City at the Heritage of Cebu Monument, where you can gain a deeper understanding of Cebu’s history through your guide’s explanation of the scenes depicted on the sculptures. Then, learn how Ferdinand Magellan (1480-1521 AD) found Cebu and introduced Catholicism to the city at Magellan’s Cross. Next, follow your guide to visit Basilica Minore Del Sto. Nino, which dates back to Magellan’s gift of the wooden statue of the Holy Child to the King of Cebu, and is now the faith center in Cebu. In January, you can even have a chance to experience the intense festive atmosphere of the Sinulog Festival, the grandest festival in the Philippines, as floats carrying statues of the Virgin Mary and the Holy Child parade through the streets, with people performing the traditional Sinulog dance to the music. 

After visiting the century-old Yap-San Diego Ancestral House or the Casa Gorordo Museum, we’ll proceed to the neighboring Lapu-Lapu City via the longest bridge in the Philippines. Visit the Mactan Shrine and the Lapu-Lapu Monument, and learn from your guide how Magellan failed to achieve his ambition of subjugation and was killed by the tribal chief Lapu-Lapu (1491-1542 AD) 500 years ago. Finally, let’s visit the Alegre Guitars Factory, renowned for its handcrafted guitars and ukuleles. Your guide and driver will then escort you back to your hotel. 

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Seda Ayala Center Cebu (4 stars) or similar

Today will be a memorable day for you - let’s embark on a Kawasan Falls canyoneering adventure! Wake up to the morning light in Cebu, put on your quick-dry clothes and river trekking shoes, meet your guide and driver at your hotel, and then enjoy a 3.5-hour ride to Kawasan Falls. 

Be ready to get up close to the crystal-clear emerald water and trek through lush forests shrouded in mist from the waterfalls. You will experience adrenaline-pumping activities: ride the zip line, let yourself drift aimlessly down the stream, leap into the water from 3-, 5-, 7-, or even 10-meter cliffs, and try a rope swing like a monkey to feel the call of the wild. Your experienced guide will monitor your physical condition to assist you with trekking and completing various activities, help keep your belongings safe, and even capture photos or videos of your thrilling moments. You can also choose a less challenging route based on your fitness level or preference to enjoy the scenery better. After reaching the top of the falls, you can swim and relax at Kabukalan Spring.

► For your information, such canyoneering takes about 3 to 4 hours and is quite physically demanding. Although there are shops along the route, it is recommended that you bring snacks to replenish your energy quickly.

Finally, your guide and driver will accompany you back to your hotel in Cebu.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Seda Ayala Center Cebu (4 stars) or similar

This morning, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel for an exciting exploration of Moalboal. As the old white lighthouse comes into view after a 3.5-hour drive and a short boat ride, we’re almost at Pescador Island, an uninhabited island with abundant marine resources and glass-like clear waters. Immerse yourself in the tropical atmosphere and the unforgettable beauty of pristine beaches. Of course, we won’t miss the underwater world, where large soft corals thrive, with beautiful jellyfish, sea snakes, and starfish swimming among them, together creating a vibrant coral garden. 

Moalboal’s underwater wonders are far more than that. Unlike seasonal fish migrations in other parts of the world, the sardine migration here happens nearly every day. Snorkeling in the Sardine Run area, you can almost be engulfed in a tornado of over 9 million sardines - a spectacle sure to leave you with a lasting impression. If luckily enough, you might even spot whale sharks gathering for a feast. Afterward, we’ll head to Turtle Bay, dive into the water, and swim alongside the graceful sea turtles, watching them nibble on seaweed or sponges.

Later, depending on your preference, we can linger on the beach a little longer before returning to your hotel, or your guide and driver can escort you back straight away. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Seda Ayala Center Cebu (4 stars) or similar

In the morning, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel, and we’ll drive to northern Cebu along the Aisle of Medellin, the longest road in Cebu, flanked by endless sugarcane fields and bamboo groves, with peaceful villages scattered throughout. On the way, you can enjoy an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, or ask for stops at any time to capture the picturesque scenery. After about 2.5 to 3 hours, we’ll arrive at Master’s Dragon Peak.

How about being a pirate for a day? Not at sea, but on a mountain! Standing at the foot of Master’s Dragon Peak, you’ll soon notice the giant pirate ship atop the hill, resembling Noah’s Ark docked at Mount Ararat. Passing through two dragon-fruit-shaped pavilions, you can climb the wooden boat and take in panoramic views of the verdant peaks and the distant sea in a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere. After enjoying a leisure time, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel. 

► Money Exchange Tip for Following Itineraries
Since you may need cash on Coron and El Nido Islands in the coming days, and exchanging currency there is generally inconvenient and comes with unfavorable exchange rates, it’s highly recommended to exchange some money at Mim’s Money Changer near your hotel in Cebu. Based on our experience, a Western meal on the islands mentioned typically costs around USD 10 per person; we hope this helps you estimate how much cash you need.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Seda Ayala Center Cebu (4 stars) or similar

Pack your luggage, say goodbye to Cebu, and let’s head to Coron, renowned for its dreamy islands and stunning karst landscapes. After breakfast, you will enjoy a private transfer to Cebu Airport and a 1.5-hour flight to Coron. Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will pick you up and escort you to your hotel.

In the afternoon, follow your guide to explore Coron’s natural and historical highlights. First, let’s hike up 700 steps of Mt. Tapyas, where you can take photos in front of the giant white cross at the summit and enjoy views of the town and Coron Bay. Next, we’ll stroll through the town center, including the Town Plaza and the serene St. Augustine Church, Coron’s only Catholic church, for peace and relaxation. At the Cashew & Souvenir Shop, you can discover local cashew products and featured souvenirs, including bags and hats with traditional patterns, seashell accessories, and fridge magnets. 

After watching a romantic oceanfront sunset at Lualhati Park, we’ll conclude today’s itinerary with a soak at Maquinit Hot Spring to soothe your fatigue in the 40-degree Celsius (104 ℉) saltwater. Remember to bring your swimsuit and towel, and enjoy the fresh air from the surrounding lush mangrove forests. Ultimately, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel (4 stars) or similar

Today will definitely be the most incredible day of your Philippines island-hopping tours! We’ll first visit Kayangan Lake, the most photogenic spot in the Philippines and a top Lonely Planet-rated travel destination. Since the lake is often flocked by tourists during peak hours, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning to help you avoid crowds for a quieter experience. 

Surrounded by towering limestone formations, Kayangan Lake is perhaps the cleanest and bluest lake you’ve ever seen. This paradise on earth is protected by the local indigenous tribes, who believe mystical spirits inhabit the lake and therefore do not fish in it; the water remains pristine to this day. We’ll appreciate the stunning views from the viewing platform, then walk down the wooden walkway for a closer look at the lake, observing how sunlight penetrates it and reaches the limestone below. You can swim or snorkel in the shimmering lake to search for needlefish and crabs.

Then, let’s continue to the Twin Lagoon, two hidden lagoons separated by a cliff, unique for the magical mix of fresh and saltwater. Your guide will lead you to the popular rock jutting out of the water, one of the best photo spots, where you can sit or stand on it to take unforgettable pictures back against the calm water. Just remember to watch out for jellyfish and barnacles. Next, we’ll head to CYC Beach for relaxation, then to the Skeleton Wreck for a mysterious underwater world with various marine life and shipwrecks from World War II (1939-1945 AD), and to the Malwawey Coral Garden for a dance with the vibrant fish and enchanting corals. Finally, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel (4 stars) or similar

Today, let’s set off for our next destination, El Nido, where most of the small islands, caves, and lagoons remain secluded, tranquil, and primitive. You will enjoy a private transfer to Coron Airport and a 1-hour flight to El Nido. Your local driver will meet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, taking a dip in the pool, strolling on the beach, or sitting by the sea, sipping a cocktail in a daze. Prepare to enjoy the classic El Nido Tours A and C over the next two days!

► Why We Choose Tour A & Tour C for You
Tour A: The classic and most popular choice for visiting El Nido’s iconic lagoons, including snorkeling, cave exploration, kayaking, and other activities.
Tour C: Explore more hidden beaches of El Nido, the best option for snorkeling enthusiasts, and the only tour that includes visits to historical sites.
Tour B includes more island hiking and fewer water activities, while Tour D offers exploration of islands and lagoons in remote waters, which requires more time on the boat and is more susceptible to weather. 
If you would like to add or change to Tour B or Tour D, please contact your travel consultant to customize it for you.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Seda Lio, El Nido (5 stars) or similar

Today, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel for the exciting El Nido Tour A! Our first stop is Secret Lagoon. As its name suggests, it is hidden by towering limestone cliffs and can only be accessed through a narrow passage. But the beauty will be well worth your effort: the clear turquoise water is like a natural pool, visible all the way down to the bottom. Enjoy some leisurely time playing in the lagoon and taking some Instagrammable photos. Then we’ll continue to Shimizu Island, snorkeling in the azure waters and enjoying the beauty and a seafood barbecue on the long stretch of golden sand.

After lunch, we’ll head to Big Lagoon, El Nido’s most breathtaking natural wonder. As you wade through the shallows, you can find the water so clear that it looks almost white, and the sand seems within reach. However, don’t get fooled by the illusion of light and shadow: the deepest part of the lagoon is over 20 meters (65 ft.)! Indulge yourself in the sparkling sea, and encounter turtles, schools of fish, or even small sharks. Finally, let’s relax under the palm and coconut trees at Seven Commandos Beach, search for seashells, and enjoy the tropical ambiance. Then, your guide and driver will accompany you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Seda Lio, El Nido (5 stars) or similar

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and accompany you to begin our El Nido Tour C, which starts at Hidden Beach, tucked behind limestone cliffs. Due to the towering karst limestone that forms a massive labyrinth on the water, many of El Nido’s natural wonders lie in secluded places, adorned with fine white beaches. After a pleasant time, let’s take a short hike on Matinloc Island, which is charming not only for its views but also for the striking abandoned architecture: the ruins of the Greek-style shrine, blending the beauty of exoticism with decay. 

Next, with your guide’s help, you’ll swim through a cave to reach the Secret Beach, whose stunning scenery will show you why El Nido is hailed as the “Last Frontier” of the Philippines. Our last stop today is Helicopter Island, though you might think it looks more like a dolphin or even a fried chicken leg. On its sandy beaches below the breathtaking cliffs that rise steeply from the sea, you can lie and watch the waves crash onto the shore. Afterward, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Seda Lio, El Nido (5 stars) or similar

Today is the last day of your 12 days Philippines private tours. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel and accompany you to El Nido Airport. This is where your tour ends, and you can take direct international flights to Bangkok, Singapore, Tokyo, Sydney, or other destinations, or head to Manila for your onward flight on your own. Have a pleasant journey!

► If you would like to continue exploring neighboring countries, such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, or Vietnam, we’re glad to tailor a personalized itinerary for you.

Meals: Breakfast