Home to some of the most spectacular views, untouched nature, crystal clear waters, and delicious cuisines, South East Asia has something for everyone. If you’re looking for adventure while not breaking the bank, then a trip to the Photogenic Philippines is in order. The Philippines can be considered as one of the unique archipelagos in Southeast Asia with 7,000 beautiful islands that served as homes to the natives as well as to its rich biodiversity. The country is very rich in natural resources including scenic spots and tourist destinations. With its natural beauty, spectacular beaches and historic places, a rewarding tour is waiting for every visitor who loves adventure and excitement.
The country has embraced the influences of other foreign cultures making their own as beautifully-blended and unique. The locals are very friendly and caring people and known worldwide for being hospitable and respectful of their culture and resources. Each family is bonded with close family ties teaching their children to respect all, especially the elder.
Visit the country and you will never forget the taste of Filipino dishes and delicacies served at every table with a smile. Each region in the country boasts the unique taste of food made from natural ingredients making every hungry stomach full and satisfied. You can also find lots of souvenir items carefully made by hardworking Filipinos to showcase their talents and culture. A 2-week visit to the Philippines is not nearly enough to experience all that this beautiful country has to offer that will definitely make for a worthwhile getaway.
Fly to Manila and Board Your Domestic Flight to Siargao Island
Day 0
The first sight of the Philippines will be marked by your arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Pasay Metro Manila. Metro Manila is definitely a place to visit, but we suggest that you save this for the end of your trip to allow for some shopping before returning home.
Upon arriving at Siargao Island we suggest renting a motorbike as this will be the most efficient way to get around the island and explore all there is to see. We recommend staying in the General Luna area while you’re here.
Siargao Island
The island of Siargao is now one of the most sought-after destinations not only in the Philippines but worldwide. The uniquely teardrop-shaped island has many beautiful sites like hidden lagoons and sandy islets. The island is roughly 437 square kilometers and was hailed as the world’s most beautiful island in 2018. There is so much to do on this incredible island in addition to several restaurants, offering local and international cuisines suited for each visitor’s taste. While you’re here, be sure to get your WOD on while dropping in at @Crossfit Siargao.
Day 1
Shaka Cafe
Start your morning right and satisfy your cravings before going to the lagoon by eating your breakfast at Shaka Cafe. Choose from the best brewed coffee, juices, smoothies, and banana bread to start your day. It offers the best breakfast in town.
Island Hopping Trip
Day 2
Maasin Bridge
About a half an hour motorbike ride from the General Luna area, this hidden gem is no longer the secret it once was but is definitely worth a visit nonetheless. This beautiful nature park has a rope swing, a raft for epic photos and the option to rent a boat for a short trip through the gorgeous nature.
Pacifico Beach
Approximately 30 minutes ride time to the east side of the island, you will find this surfer’s paradise. With conditions perfect for beginners, this beautiful white sand beach with perfect blue water is also a great place to set down for a picnic lunch. Be sure to pick up your choice of foods at one of the many cafes along the way. The adorable dogs running around will surely try to convince you to share your feast.
Magpupungko Rock Pools & Flats
As you ride back towards the General Luna area, be sure to stop at these natural rock pools. Best to visit them during low tide to enjoy the truly unique pools that form!
Drive back to General Luna with Stops
Coconut Trees View Deck
Palm Tree Road
Day 3
Sugba Lagoon
The lagoon is famous for its clear blue waters surrounded by Del Carmen Forest Reserve.
Island-hopping
This will be the highlight of the tour. It is an adventure while riding the boat and viewing the site of the neighboring islands of Kawhagan and Pamomoan. Aside from boat rides and if you are not yet exhausted, you can try kayaking.
Floating House Restaurant
This is a floating house in the middle of the lagoon with a restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat while enjoying the surroundings of the lagoon. You can also leave your belongings here and go swimming off the lagoon.
Dive High
Test your ability to dive from a high diving board in the middle of the lagoon if you want adventure more than swimming. Aside from diving, try the stand-up paddle board or simply a peaceful ride on the bamboo rafts.
Cloud 9
Cloud 9 is a famous surfing spot because of its wide, tall and fast right-hand waves that break over a nearby reef. With waves as high as 5 to 6 feet, riding the Cloud 9 has become famous for surfers around the world.
Learn how to Surf
As a surfing beginner, you can have the opportunity to learn basic concepts about surfing.
Boardwalk Leisure Walk
Gear up for a 300-meter boardwalk by the beach while meditating and enjoying the vast view of the beach and the beautiful sunset or sunrise
Captured Memories
You can Use the view deck to take pictures, read, listen to music, paint or simply reflect
Point 303
A fine dining restaurant where you enjoy coffee, fruit juices and salads for those who are on a diet. It also sell souvenirs which you can buy and kept as a remembrance
Unlimited Swimming
Even if you are not a surfer, the clear blue waters will tempt you to dip.
Cebu Island
Day 4
Get an early start to the day by having a good breakfast and making your way to the airport for a short flight to Cebu City. Though there are multiple methods of transportation, renting a motorbike will allow you to travel at ease anywhere you like. Once you rent your motorbike (or choose an alternate method of transportation), make your way to the west coast village of Moalboal.
Moalboal is best known for its beautiful beach that allows you to swim with sardines and sea turtles! Once there, enjoy the afternoon at the beach, swimming with the sardines and sea turtles. Get a good night’s sleep and be ready for tomorrow’s adventures!
Day 5
Kawasan Falls
Bright and early make your way to Kawasan Falls for your pre-arranged canyoneering adventure. (Tip: there are several tour providers, we recommend you speak with a few to find one that meets your requirements for communication and that provides safety gear and instructions). If you don’t feel that adventurous, we recommend visiting Kawasan Falls nonetheless as it is truly magical in its beauty.
Osmena Peak
The summit of Osmena Peak, sitting at just over 1000m above sea level offers an incredible panoramic view of the southern coastline of the island. A short 20 minute hike along a well marked path from the parking lot will take you to this unbelievable view. Note there is an entrance fee to be paid before you make your way onto the trail.
After a day filled with adventure, make your way down to the town of Oslob. Tomorrow is a very early morning!
Oslob, Cebu & Negros Oriental Island
Day 6
Swimming with the Whale Sharks
Get a very early start this morning to be amongst the first into the water to swim with the gentle giant beasts, the whale sharks, that is if you’re brave enough. One of the activities that has made Cebu famous and attracts crowds throughout the year is the opportunity to be up close to these magnificent creatures.
After enjoying this experience and having breakfast at one of the nearby cafes, make your way Bato Pier to board the car ferry to Tampi Port on the Island of Negros Oriental.
Twin Lakes-Lake Balinsasayao and Lake Danao
Ride your way to this unique place of enjoyment and relaxation, the mystical twin lakes. The lakes are also enclosed by vegetation consisting of forest trees, fruit-bearing and flowering plants. Across the lake, is the Olayan Waterfalls.The lakes are also inhabited by several species of birds feeding on the vegetation nearby.
Bais City
After spending the afternoon at the twin lakes, make your way to Bais City which is known as the whale and dolphin watching capital of the Philippines. Boaters from Bais transport visitors to Tañon Strait, a strait where different species of whale and dolphins can be sighted and observed.
Day 7
Tañon Strait
Tañon Strait connects the city of Bais in Negros Oriental to the eastern portion of Cebu city. It is 100-miles long strait where the largest marine protected area is located. The Tañon Strait Protected Sea Escape has been an agency that protects and conserves marine species.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Almost half of all the dolphin population of the entire Philippines can be found here. You can reserve for a group tour that will take you to Tañon Straight because it is more convenient than to travel alone. There are several organizations conducting a group tour to the strait. Best to select those that will take you near the feeding area. Before going off the strait, you should register at the bayport. A whale spotter will join the tour including the boatman. Early morning tour is ideal as whales and dolphins come out from the water to feed at around 7am to 10 am.
Siquijor Island
Day 7
After a restful night’s sleep and a fulfilling breakfast, make your way to Dumaguete Pier to board the car ferry to Larena Pier on the relaxing island of Siquijor. Ride around to explore a bit and have a bite to eat before making your way to your accommodation. Bu Cafe offers a delicious selection with unbeatable views.
Day 8
Today is all about rest and relaxation. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, the fun water slides, the adrenaline rush of cliff jumping and the play of rope swinging. Snorkel, swim, and soak in the sun!
Bohol Island
Day 9
After getting a good night’s sleep and enjoying a breakfast with a view, be sure to stock up on snacks for your journey to Bohol. Depending on the day of the week will depend on your journey. Either way the destination is the same. There is a car ferry 3 times a week from Siquijor directly to Bohol, if not, you will take the ferry back to Cebu and ride up to return your motorbike in Cebu city. There you will board a passenger ferry to Bohol where you will rent another bike. Once in Bohol, make your way to Buzz Cafe for a delicious one of a kind meal followed by a beautiful sunset.
Day 10
Chocolate Hills
Get an early start to your day by riding up to the beautiful rolling Chocolate Hills. Enjoy the beautiful nature along the way and be sure to stop for plenty of photo opportunities.
Loboc River Lunch River Cruise
Enjoy the unique experience of eating your lunch
Tarsier Sanctuary
Visit Little tiny primates with elevated senses of hearing that are native to the region.
Sunset from Alona Beach
Be sure to make it back to Alona beach for the beautiful sunset.
El Nido, Palawan
Day 11
After a restful morning, board the car ferry back to Cebu City, return your motorbike and make your way to the airport for your flight to Palawan. From Cebu, you will be boarding a domestic flight to take you directly to El Nido, Palawan’s most popular tourist destination. Once you have arrived, rent your motorbike and begin exploring.
Taraw Cliff
Nagkalit Kalit WaterFall
Bulalacao Waterfalls
Nacpan Beach
Day 12
El Nido is well known for its 4 island hopping tour options. We recommend spending the day doing Tour A which is a truly unique day that will begin in the morning and end just before sundown and will take you to some of the most magical places of the Philippines.
Big Lagoon
Shimizu Island
Day 13
To fully enjoy the El Nido experience, we suggest using this day to take another island hopping tour. Tour B includes Cudugnon Cave, Pangulasian Island, Cathedral Cave, Pinagbuyutan Island, Snake Island while Tour C includes Helicopter Island, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Tapiutan Island and the Hidden Beach. Either of these tours would be a good option for this day!
Once the tour has come to an end mid-afternoon it’s time to gather your things and make your way to the airport for your final domestic flight back to Manila.
Manila
The Philippine’s capital of Manila is not nearly as scenic as the rest of the Philippines, but it is home to some of the largest shopping centers in the world!
SM Megamall or SM Mall of Asia
Both of these shopping malls rank amongst the top 10 largest shopping centers in the world. Be sure to stop by and wander around even if just to experience the extraordinary size of the centers.
Rizal Park
One of the largest parks in Metro Manila, if you have time between shopping and catching your flight home, be sure to make your way to this park complex to wander around and enjoy the different landscapes.