11-Day Islands, Rivers, Falls & Heritage Tour to Cebu, Palawan, Bohol & Dumaguete from Manila
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Description
Summary
Tour starts
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Duration
11 days
Ending place
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Languages:
English
Difficulty:
Easy
Minimum age:
None
Description
Go on a hassle-free vacation to the Philippines’ islands, rivers, falls, and heritage destinations with this 11-day vacation package. From Manila, you will head to the scenic countryside of Cebu and Bohol, the iconic cityscape of Dumaguete, and the pristine white-sand islands of Palawan. This tour also includes pre-arranged accommodations with daily breakfast, transfers, entrance fees, and guides.
On Day 1, you will visit several famous historical landmarks in the walled district of Intramuros. This area is located in the heart of Manila and has been a favorite hangout spot due to its old-world charm and open-area picnic spots.
After exploring Intramuros, you will then fly to Bohol for a tour of the province’s unspoiled landscape. Here, you will board a floating restaurant for the Loboc River Cruise and visit the sprawling mounds of Chocolate Hills. You will also go off the coast to see the whale shark and dolphin haven of Pamilacan Island.
From Bohol, you will board a ferry to Dumaguete, where you will find Silliman University, the first American and Protestant-founded institution of higher learning in the Philippines. Another gem you will visit here is the popular diving spot of Apo Island.
Following your Dumaguete trip, you will head to the neighboring province of Cebu to see the natural pools of Kawasan Falls and the sardine run of Moalboal. You will also make your way to Cebu’s highlands to visit the Taoist Temple and Sirao Flower Farm before flying to Palawan. Here, your guide will treat you to an island-hopping escapade across Honda Bay and a cruise down the Underground River. You will also enjoy kayaking in the Big Lagoon of El Nido before flying back to Manila.
Set off on a jam-packed vacation to the Philippines and witness the beauty of Cebu, Palawan, Bohol & Dumaguete with this 11-day vacation package from Manila. Check availability by choosing a date.
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Included
10 nights accommodation (budget category)
10 days breakfast
10 lunch
All flights with 20kgs baggage allowance
Day 1 - Intramuros Tour (Manila)
Day 2 to 7 - Bohol, Dumaguete and Cebu Tour (Central Visayas)
Day 8 to 10 - Puerto Princesa and El Nido Tour (Palawan)
Day 11 - Back to Manila
All transportation to and from included activities and destinations
All environmental fees, port fees, and all other applicable taxes
Your first day in the country will be spent exploring the walled district of Intramuros. This is the only place in Manila surrounded by walls, making it the most distinct out of its 16 administrative districts. When you reach Intramuros, you will be greeted by cobblestone streets and Spanish-era attractions sprawled across the area.
Fort Santiago, a Spanish stone fortress built in 1593, is one of the landmarks you will visit here. It served as a prison for national hero Jose Rizal until his execution in 1896. From the fort, your guide will bring you to the nearby Plaza Roma, one of the three major squares in Intramuros. Take a short break here to enjoy the scenery before moving on to Bahay Tsinoy.
This museum depicts the contribution of the Chinese people in the Philippines. Following your visit to the museum, you will make your way to Casa Manila to learn more about the country's history. This fully furnished museum, commissioned by former First Lady Imelda Marcos in the 1980s, depicts how locals lived during the Spanish colonial era.
You will then enjoy a leisurely walk through San Diego Gardens and Baluarte De San Diego before arriving at San Agustin Church and Museum. You will also visit Manila Cathedral, the first-ever cathedral in the country, before leaving the walled district.
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Day 2
Day 2 - Day 2: Bohol Countryside Tour
On Day 2, you will fly to Panglao International Airport in Bohol and begin your countryside tour with the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary. This woodland field is maintained by a non-profit organization called Philippine Tarsier Foundation and serves as a home to a significant tarsier population. Feel free to take as many photos as you want of the adorable tarsiers, but remember to turn off your flash.
After visiting the googly-eyed primates, you will then board a floating restaurant for the Loboc River Cruise. The boat will take you through the Loboc River as you dig into your sumptuous buffet lunch and watch the locals onboard perform native Filipino songs and dances.
When you return to the dock, you will proceed to Baclayon Church. The church, which dated back to 1595 and was made out of coral stones, is regarded as the country's second-oldest stone church after San Agustin Church in Manila.
Your guide will then bring you to the Butterfly Conservatory to see how the locals preserve and breed butterflies. From there, you will make a short break at the Bilar Forest before capping off your tour at the world-famous Chocolate Hills. Your guide will then return you to your Panglao hotel.
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Day 3
Day 3 - Day 3: Bohol Pamilacan Island Tour
You will explore Bohol's underwater paradise as you visit the unspoiled island of Pamilacan for this day. Pamilacan is located in the center of the Bohol Sea, about 12.5 kilometers from the mainland. It is well-known for being a sanctuary for whale sharks and dolphins, so you will probably spot these marine animals while on your way to the island.
After docking on the island, the clear, tempting waters will be the first to greet you. Feel free to jump into the water as soon as you dock. Make sure to have your snorkeling gear prepared, as well, as you don't want to miss seeing Pamilacan's vibrant aquatic paradise. If you're lucky, you might spot some starfish, seagrasses, crinoids, and Gloria Maris seashells here.
For a more adrenaline-filled time on the island, your guide can bring you to some of the diving sites around Pamilacan. Following your beach excursions, you can also take a quick stroll to the island's 200-year-old Spanish Fort. This National Cultural Treasure, located on the northeast coast, was initially used by the locals as protection against Moro pirates. Before the sun sets, you will board your boat again and head to your Panglao hotel for some well-deserved rest.
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Day 4
Day 4 - Day 4: Dumaguete City Tour
It's time to travel from Bohol to Dumaguete, the City of Gentle People. You will begin your city tour here with a visit to the Silliman University Campus, the country's first American-founded and Protestant-founded university. From there, you will head to Dumaguete's promenade, Rizal Boulevard, for a quick stroll by the beach.
You will then proceed to the century-old Roman Catholic church of St. Catherine de Alexandria Cathedral. A quick walk from the church will take you to the Dumaguete Campanario, known as the oldest bell tower in the Visayas. After visiting the bell tower, you will drop by the Dumaguete Public Market for some souvenir shopping before heading to the Provincial Capitol and Freedom Park, and the Claytown Pottery.
You will find more interesting handicrafts and souvenirs at the Sidlakang Negros Village. From there, you will stop to enjoy a seafood lunch at Lab-as Seafood before moving on to the Forest Camp, a mountain retreat in Valencia.
Afterward, your guide will bring you to the Cata-al War Museum, which has some fascinating World War II objects. Your trip will end with a visit to the century-old San Agustin Church and the Negros Oriental Arts & Heritage Center, which features a variety of stone craft designs and workmanship.
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Day 5
Day 5 - Day 5: Apo Island Tour
From your Dumaguete hotel, you will make your way to the Malatapay Boat Terminal, where your tour boat will be waiting. Once you've settled in, you will then set out for Dumaguete's diving haven, Apo Island. This water-locked paradise, located at the southeast end of Negros Island, is teeming with thriving and colorful marine life.
Once you reach Apo Island, you will first visit its turtle sanctuary. Here, you can get up close and personal with the sea turtles and the local marine life. You will also find a huge reef garden in the area that houses a plethora of colorful fish. Make sure to prepare your underwater camera as you will surely want to capture Apo Island's vibrant aquatic paradise in photos.
Apart from diving in the waters, you can also relax on the beach and admire the peaceful coastline. You are also welcome to see the Apo Island Lighthouse or the Apo View Deck. Go trekking through the 600m Habagat Eco-Trail, David's Walk, or Witchy's Trail and see a panoramic view of the Negros' seascape. You will then board your boat before the sun sets and return to the mainland and your Dumaguete hotel.
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Day 6
Day 6 - Day 6: Kawasan Falls & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour
You will now depart Dumaguete and take a ferry to Cebu, where you will enjoy the lively countryside. After docking in the province, you will travel to the town of Badian, home to the popular Kawasan Falls. Swim in the enticing spring waters of the falls before making your way to Moalboal next.
This town is well-known for the location of Cebu's pristine white beaches. Once you arrive here, you will board a boat and travel off the coast to Pescador Island. Because of its cobalt blue waters and breathtaking corals and marine life, this island has become one of the best snorkeling spots in the province.
You will then travel to Turtle Island to swim with sea turtles before returning to the mainland for the world-famous sardine run at Panagsama Beach. Since it is open all year, this aquatic activity attracts both local and foreign divers worldwide.
When you arrive at Panagsama, a guide will brief you on the activity's do's and don'ts before handing you the required equipment. You'll then walk a few meters out into the sea and wait for millions of sardines to pass by the area. Following your sardine run experience, you will return to Argao and check into your hotel.
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Day 7
Day 7 - Day 7: Cebu City Tour
You will see more of Cebu Province as you make your way from Argao to the Queen City of the South, Cebu. As the oldest city in the Philippines, you will visit several historical locations here, starting with the Taoist Temple. This temple serves as the center of Taoism in the province.
From there, your guide will take you to the Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino, a Roman Catholic Church that dates to the 16th century. It features a facade combining Muslim, Romanesque, and neoclassical architecture. You will also drop by the Magellan's Cross, situated just outside the chapel.
The Heritage of Cebu Monument will be your next stop. Here, you can find the sculptures that depict the province's major historical events. Across the street from the memorial is the Yap-San Diego Ancestral Home, an ancestral homemade from wood and coral stone that had since been converted into a museum.
Following your visit to the lowland attractions, you will proceed to the mountains to see the Temple of Leah and its courtyard that overlooks the city. Your guide will then take you to the Sirao Flower Farm, where you will see rare fields of flowers like Celosia, aster, and chrysanthemum. Afterward, you will retreat to your hotel in Mandaue.
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Day 8
Day 8 - Day 8: Puerto Princesa Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour
After leaving your hotel in Cebu, you will board a flight to Puerto Princesa International Airport in Palawan. You will then travel from the airport to Honda Bay, where you will board a boat and begin your full-day island-hopping adventure.
Starfish Island will be your first destination from the coast. This crescent-shaped island, known as the home of hundreds of starfish, is one of the best locations for snorkeling due to its diverse marine life. There are also no jellyfish here, making it the perfect spot for swimming.
You will then sail from Starfish Island to Cowrie Island next. Cowrie is the biggest island in Honda Bay and the most developed as it features cabanas, bars, and restaurants. You can find facilities for jet-skiing, snorkeling, and banana boat riding here. Apart from that, feel free to play volleyball and frisbee, as well.
Luli Island will be the final stop of your island-hopping adventure. Luli is well-known for its white sandbars that disappear high tide, but it also has a great snorkeling spot. Make the most out of your time here before returning to the mainland and checking into your Sabang hotel.
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Day 9
Day 9 - Day 9: Puerto Princesa Underground River & City Tour
Your guide will drive you from your hotel in Sabang to Sabang Wharf. After arriving at the beach, you will transfer to a boat and make your way to the world-famous Puerto Princesa Underground River. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features some of Asia's most significant forests and a complete 'mountain-to-sea' ecosystem. Aside from the thriving flora and fauna, you will also find some fascinating stalactites and stalagmites formations during the river cruise.
Following your trip to the underground river, you will head back to the mainland for a city tour of Puerto Princesa, starting with Baker's Hill. This bakery also serves as a theme park dotted with picture-perfect spots. Make sure to buy some of the baked goodies here before going to Plaza Cuartel. This park was once a military base during the Second World War.
You will then proceed to the Crocodile Farm, located some 13km away from the park. Besides being a research facility for conservation, the farm also houses various crocodile bones, skeletons, and bone structures. You will also drop by Mitra's Ranch to get a glimpse of the panoramic view of Puerto Princesa before concluding the tour at the city's promenade, the Puerto Princesa Baywalk.
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Day 10
Day 10 - Day 10: El Nido Island Hopping Tour
You will spend Day 10 discovering El Nido's natural wonders, so make sure to pack your sunscreen and beachwear. After leaving your hotel in Sabang, you will make your way to Bacuit Bay to board a boat and begin your island-hopping trip. The first location you will visit will be the Big Lagoon. This beauty is located in the heart of Miniloc Island and nestled between limestone cliffs. You can kayak here to enjoy the scenery better, and make sure to take selfies with the soaring cliffs as your backdrop.
Following your visit to the Big Lagoon, you will then head to the white-sand beach of Miniloc Island. Feel free to sunbathe here and take a dip into the cool, inviting waters before heading to the Secret Lagoon, a pool hidden behind dark limestone walls.
From there, your boat will then take you to the mainland's Seven Commandos Beach. Relax on the powdery white sand of the beach or go diving in the clear seas. Finally, you will visit Shimizu Island, one of the most common snorkeling spots in Bacuit Bay. You will find an abundance of marine life here, from thriving corals to colorful fish. To cap off your tour, your van will return you to your Lio lodging.
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Day 11
Day 11 - Day 11: Departure to Manila
It's time to say goodbye to Palawan and return to Manila. After leaving your accommodation in Lio, you will board your van and make your way to the Puerto Princesa Airport. You will then arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila after less than two hours.
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What to bring
Face mask and Face shield
Extra clothes
Passport (Valid for 6 months from date of departure)
Swimwear and sunblock
Personal medicines
Good to know
Please bring appropriate clothing. Please be aware that your itinerary may have to be rearranged to fit your arrival date and time better.
All our guides speak English. For other languages, contact us for availability and rates.
Not all establishments accept credit or debit cards, and ATMs can be limited.
The season for dolphin watching in Dumaguete is from March to October and is subject to weather and wind conditions. If off-season or on days when the northeast monsoon is strong, dolphin watching may not be possible. During Habagat/ Southwest monsoon Season (June-October), boat ride to Apo Island may be rough.
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Accommodation
See our accommodation levels below and our preferred accommodation partners under each day in the daily itinerary. All accommodation levels, bookings for one person will be arranged in single rooms, bookings for two or more people will share a twin/double, and odd number groups will always be allocated a single room. If you are travelling in a group, but prefer a single room, please make separate bookings. Teenagers and children will be arranged in the same room with parents. If additional room(s) is needed, additional costs will incur.
For multi-day guided tours, accommodation cannot be upgraded and the levels below do not apply. Guide to the Philippines will provide you with the best available accommodation at the time of your booking from our preferred partners. If our preferred partners are fully booked at the time of your booking, we will find another suitable accommodation for you of similar level.
We always do our best to accommodate special requests, which may incur additional costs. Press choose a date to find availability.
Budget
Private rooms with private bathrooms in guesthouses or small hotels with basic amenities.
Comfort
Private Rooms with a private bathroom at three-star hotels or resorts located in the city center, in close vicinity, or near the beach area. Breakfast is included and with basic room amenities and toiletries.
Quality
Rooms at four-star to a five-star hotel in the city center or beachfront resort with a private bathroom at the absolute best locations with the best amenities, facilities, and services.
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