11-Day Philippines Stunning Landscapes Tour to Palawan Island & Countryside of Cebu and Bohol

White sand beach in Port Barton Palawan
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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

Take an 11-day getaway to the breathtaking Palawan Islands, Bohol Island, and top attractions in Cebu City with this vacation package. This trip includes roundtrip flights from Manila City, land/ferry transfers, and accommodation.

Revisit the country’s glorious past at the walled city of Intramuros. You will wander across various beautifully preserved structures from the Spanish era. Then, you will hop aboard a 4x4 vehicle and go trekking toward the majestic turquoise-colored crater lake of Mount Pinatubo. You will head back to Manila to catch the plane heading to Bohol.

Your Bohol countryside tour highlights include the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary, home to one of the smallest primates. You will also drop by the stunning geological formation at the Chocolate Hills, which turn brown during summer. Then, go on an island-hopping tour to Pamilacan Island, a world-class diving spot that shelters dolphins and manta rays.

From Bohol, you will ride a van to Cebu, the Queen City of the South. Visit the grand Temple of Leah, Cebu’s Taj Mahal. Afterward, see the majestic blooms at Sirao Flower Farm. Then, go on a canyoneering adventure to the three-tiered Kawasan Falls in Badian town.

Your fun-filled vacation continues to the breathtaking islands of Palawan. Discover the majestic islands dotting Honda Bay in Puerto Princesa City, such as Cowrie Island, Starfish Island, and Luli Sandbar. Then, you will visit the Puerto Princesa Underground River, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. 

You will also stroll along the palm-fringed beaches of Port Barton town in San Vicente, Palawan. Head next to the world-famous attractions in El Nido islands, where you’ll see towering rock formations at the Big Lagoon.

Experience the best of the Philippine islands with this 11-day tour to Palawan, Cebu, and Bohol 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 - Mt. Pinatubo Tour
Day 3 to 6 - Bohol and Cebu Tour (Central Visayas)
Day 7 to 10 - Puerto Princesa, Port Barton 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

Activities

Island Hopping
Culture, Arts & Historical Tours

Daily itinerary

Day 1
View from Fort Santiago in Manila

Day 1 - Day 1: Intramuros Tour

On Day 1, you will arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Expect your private van to fetch you and take you to your hotel in Manila or near Roxas Boulevard. You will visit Intramuros, one of the oldest districts in Manila. Wander across several historical and notable structures, including Fort Santiago. Back in the Spanish era, political and resistance fighters, including the Philippines’ national hero Jose Rizal were imprisoned inside this old citadel. Up next is Plaza Roma, a former public square that houses the statue of King Charles IV of Spain. Then, you will drop by Bahay Tsinoy to discover Chinese ghettos, old coins, and porcelain. Here, you will get a glimpse of the ethnic Chinese lifestyle and contributions to Philippine history. Your next destination is Casa Manila, an Ilustrado-inspired museum depicting the affluent colonial lifestyle. Then, you will come across the gazebos and pergolas at San Diego Gardens. Baluarte De San Diego, a 16th-century bastion, is right across the garden. Lastly, you will enter inside two century-old churches in Intramuros. First is San Agustin Church and Museum, the oldest stone church in the country. Up next is the 300-year-old Manila Cathedral, the episcopal throne of the Archbishop of Manila.
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Day 2
Rocky trail going to the peak of Mt. Pinatubo

Day 2 - Day 2: Mt. Pinatubo Tour

Amp up your adventure and hop aboard a 4x4 vehicle on the 2nd day of your vacation. You will also go trekking to reach your next destination, Mt. Pinatubo’s crater lake. Mount Pinatubo is an active stratovolcano situated between the provinces of Tarlac, Pampanga, and Zambales. This famous volcano up north boasts a jaw-dropping emerald-green crater lake at the center. In the past 100 years, Mt. Pinatubo is known as having the world’s largest volcanic eruption. The massive eruption happened in 1991, destroying hundreds of households and structures in nearby towns. After three decades, Mt. Pinatubo is now a well-known destination for hikers and thrill-seekers. To get there, you have to reach the base camp in Tarlac’s Barangay Sta. Juliana by riding a van. You will soon arrive at the camp. Afterward, you will switch to a 4x4 vehicle. Be prepared because the ride gets rough and bumpy along the way. For your safety, you need to wear proper hiking gear. The 4x4 jeep will pass through the Crow Valley. Upon reaching the jump-off point, you will get off the vehicle and trek toward the mountain’s deck. You will be rewarded with a majestic view of Mt. Pinatubo’s crater lake at the end of the trail.
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Day 3
Sunset over Chocolate Hills in Bohol

Day 3 - Day 3: Bohol Countryside Tour

On Day 3, you will board a plane from Manila to Bohol via Panglao International Airport. You will proceed to your first stop, the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary, a wildlife relief sanctuary for Tarsiers, one of the smallest primates. Avoid using the flash of your cameras because tarsiers are highly sensitive to light. Afterward, you will cruise along the jade-green waters of the Loboc River. You will hop aboard a floating restaurant, where you will enjoy a mouthwatering lunch. There are also folk singers aboard the cruise who will serenade you with classic love songs. Then, you will marvel at Baclayon Church, a National Cultural Treasure and one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. The structure was built with corals and egg whites, making it withstand previous disasters. However, the church also succumbed to the 2013 Bohol earthquake and was reopened in 2018 following a major renovation. Afterward, you will head to Bilar town to visit the Butterfly Conservatory, Bohol’s first butterfly breeding and conservation site. Your second stop is Bilar Forest, a 2km-long forest with hand-planted mahogany trees. Finally, you will Bohol’s famous Chocolate Hills, featuring over 1,000 hills. During the summer months, the vegetation turns dry and brown. It changes back to green during the rainy season.
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Day 4
Pamilacan Island in Bohol

Day 4 - Day 4: Pamilacan Island Tour

Explore Pamilacan Island on the 4th day of your jam-packed vacation in Bohol. You will leave early from your Panglao accommodation to take a short boat ride to the island. Pamilacan Island is a haven of different marine species. Its rich and pristine seascape features a wide variety of aquatic creatures like bucket sponges, moray eels, and sea snakes. Some whales and dolphins may occasionally pop out of the water on your way to the island. You may also get a rare opportunity to swim with green sea turtles and colorful exotic fishes. There are only less than 1,500 residents on Pamilacan Island. The locals have previously relied on whale and manta ray hunting as their source of livelihood in the 90s. After prohibiting this illegal practice, the local government urged the locals to develop and promote local tourism on the island. Some of the must-try activities in Pamilacan are snorkeling and diving. Don’t miss out on the chance to discover its underwater sanctuaries and diving spots. Then, you can catch the sunset at the Pamilacan Watchtower by the end of your tour. Back in the day, the Spaniards have used it to check if there are pirates nearby.
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Day 5
Taoist Temple in Cebu

Day 5 - Day 5: Cebu City Tour

From Bohol, you will travel by ferry to Cebu City. Your first stop is at the Taoist Temple, which stands atop a hill. It features Chinese-inspired architecture with a replica of the Great Wall of China and dragon statues. The temple complex also has a souvenir shop. Then, you will proceed to downtown Cebu. You will visit Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino, the country’s oldest Roman Catholic church. It was founded in 1565 and underwent renovations until 1740. The Basilica also houses the original and oldest religious relic of the Holy Child Jesus in the Philippines. Just a few meters from the church is Magellan’s Cross, a historic site commemorating Ferdinand Magellan’s exploration in 1521. Learn more about Cebu’s rich history at the Heritage of Cebu Monument. Here, you can find relevant symbols like the Spanish galleon. It also showcases the historical Battle of Mactan and well-known figures like Sergio Osmena, the 4th President of the country. You will also visit Yap-San Diego Ancestral House, a 17th-century Chinese settlement. Up next is the Temple of Leah, Teodorico Soriano Adarna's gesture of love to his late wife Leah Albino-Adarna. Finally, you will visit Cebu’s Little Amsterdam or the Sirao Flower Farm.
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Day 6
Aerial view of Moalboal island in Cebu

Day 6 - Day 6: Kawasan Falls and Moalboal Sardine Run Tour

On Day 6, you will leave Cebu City to go canyoneering to Kawasan Falls in Badian town. You will leave early from your hotel in Mandaue City to see the enchanting three-staged falls. While traversing the Badian River, you will scramble through slippery rocks and sharp edges along its beautiful gorges and river canyons. You will be rewarded with a majestic three-tiered cascade at the end of the trail. Jump as high as 30 feet and plunge into the clear emerald-blue waters of Kawasan Falls. You can also take a dip into the natural pools and lagoons surrounding the falls. Then, strike a stunning pose behind the majestic falls as your backdrop. Your adventure continues in the beautiful coastal town of Moalboal. Here, you will see more than 20 marine sanctuaries. Pescador Island is only less than 2km away from Panagsama Beach. Here, you will see the famous sardine run. You will also get a rare opportunity to swim with sea turtles and millions of sardines. Up next is the vast and pristine seascape of Turtle Island. You will witness the island’s flourishing marine biodiversity. After your Badian and Moalboal tour, you will head back to your hotel in Mandaue.
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Day 7
Aerial view of an island in Honda Bay Palawan

Day 7 - Day 7: Puerto Princesa Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour

Escape to the breathtaking islands dotting Honda Bay in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, on the 7th day of your vacation. You will board a plane from Cebu to Puerto Princesa International Airport. Upon arrival, your van will take you to a nice hotel in Sabang. At the jump-off point, you will ride a boat to reach Honda Bay. Puerto Princesa is the only coastal city in Palawan. Just like the nearby towns of El Nido and Port Barton, it also boasts world-famous attractions and limestone formations. On this trip, you will go on an island-hopping tour to Honda Bay. Your first stop is at Starfish Island, home to a wide variety of starfishes. It also serves as a marine habitat for other aquatic creatures like pufferfishes and yellowtail snappers. Up next is the boomerang-shaped Cowrie Island. It is the largest among all of the islands in Honda Bay. To discover its vast seascape, you may opt to snorkel or ride a banana boat. There are also cabanas and huts on the beach. Your last stop is Luli Island’s powdery white sandbar. The sandbar submerges and reappears again depending on the shifting tides. You can also find floating hammocks throughout the bay.
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Day 8
Underground River Tour of Puerto Princesa Palawan

Day 8 - Day 8: Puerto Princesa Underground River and City Tour

Cruise along the famous UNESCO World Heritage Puerto Princesa Underground River on your 8th day. From Sabang Boat Terminal, you will ride a boat to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. This 8km-long underground river is recently recognized as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. With over 22,000 hectares of land area, it features stunning limestone cliffs, natural rock formations, and impressive cave systems. After your underground river tour, you will head to the city proper. Your first stop is at Baker’s Hill, where you can purchase baked goodies and local pastries. Then, you will visit Plaza Cuartel. It is a former Spanish garrison and penal colony that has become a leisure park. Your third stop is Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center. This research center and breeding facility shelters critically endangered species, including saltwater crocodiles. Afterward, you will head to your final destinations, Mitra’s Ranch and Puerto Princesa Baywalk. A breathtaking view of the city awaits you at Mitra’s Ranch. The leisure park is one of the city’s highest points that sits atop a hill. At the end of your tour, you will stroll along Puerto Princesa Baywalk, a seaside promenade famous for bikers and joggers.
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Day 9
An island in Port Barton Palawan

Day 9 - Day 9: Port Barton Island Hopping Tour

On Day 9, you will set foot on the white-sand beaches and majestic islands of Port Barton in San Vicente, Palawan. Port Barton is also often positively compared with El Nido because of its clear blue waters and palm-fringed beaches. Your first stop is Inaladelan Resort, a famous glamping resort that sits on a 12-hectare private island. Back in the day, it was called German Island until the locals decided to rename it after Inaladelan, which means motherland. Other than glamping tents, Inaladelan Resort also features sports facilities on-site. You can kayak, play beach volleyball, or set up a picnic by the beach. The annual turtle hatching season happens in Port Barton every January. If you happen to visit Port Barton this time of the year, you may opt to participate in this rare activity. Next, you will visit Luli Sandbar’s piece of powdery white sand. It appears depending on the shifting tides. Then, you will explore the turtle snorkeling site. Here, you can swim with sea turtles. You can also see a wide variety of colorful fishes at the nearby fish snorkeling site. After your Port Barton getaway, you will head back to your accommodation.
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Day 10
Big Lagoon in El Nido Palawan

Day 10 - Day 10: El Nido Island Hopping Tour

The last leg of your vacation in Palawan will take place in the world-class islands of El Nido. You will go on an island-hopping tour to visit the finest lagoons and limestone formations dotting Bacuit Bay. To get there, you have to take a short boat ride. First, you will head to Big Lagoon. To get inside the lagoon, you will enter a steep and narrow entrance. Afterward, you will gaze at the stunning landscape of towering limestone formations. Second, you will visit another majestic island in El Nido, Miniloc Island. It serves as a magnificent haven of rich marine sanctuaries. Behind its postcard-worthy paradise lies a flourishing evergreen forest. Up next is the Secret Lagoon. Unlike the Big Lagoon, it has a smaller entrance. There is also a beautiful and unspoiled beach outside the Secret Lagoon. Your next stop is Seven Commandos Beach, a palm-edged beach with tall coconut trees and lush mountains. Lastly, you will snorkel around the colorful and impressive coral gardens at Shimizu Island. Don’t forget to take some photos with the stunning rock formations and limestone cliffs as your backdrop. You can also plunge into its deep blue waters and discover its hidden underwater wonders.
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Day 11
Sunrise view from a window in Manila airport

Day 11 - Day 11: Departure to Manila

It’s time to leave El Nido, Palawan, on the last day of your 11-day vacation. Your private van will fetch you early from your hotel in Lio properties. Then, you will board a direct flight to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. You will head back to where you started, Manila.
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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.

In El Nido island hopping tour mandatory environmental fee and/or user’s see is to be paid directly in cash to the service provider in El Nido. The tour itinerary is subject to change based on weather and tidal conditions. Tours will start only once operators are given permission to sail by the Local Government Unit (LGU) and the Philippine Coast Guard. Delays in the start of tours or cancellation of tours affected by this are beyond the service providers’ control.

Limitation to the number of tourists, boats, kayaks, and time of stay in El Nido lagoons are strictly enforced by the PAMB. Secret Beach, Big Lagoon, and Small Lagoon are no longer allowed to be toured on the same day as part of the policies of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of El Nido.

A mandatory user fee of PHP 200 per person is collected by PAMB for every entry to the Secret Beach, Big Lagoon, and Small Lagoon.

Single use-plastics are banned in El Nido island tours. Please bring reusable water bottles or tumblers. All visitors are required to bring their own trash back to the boats.

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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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