12-Day Philippines Islands & Heritage Tour to Bohol, Apo, Cebu & Palawan Islands & Dumaguete City

On the second day, you are scheduled to depart to the Province of Bohol in the Visayas. After checking out of your accommodation in Manila, you'll make your way to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. You will then take a flight to Panglao Island and land at Panglao International Airport.

Your tour will take place in Cambuhat, a village in the town of Buenavista. It takes pride in its abundant natural resources. You will hop on a paddle boat at Daet Bridge and cruise along Cambuhat River, filled with mangroves and nipa palms. At Cambuhat Village, you'll learn about the lifestyle and culture of the locals, as well as their livelihood.

One of the key sources of income for the village is the Cambuhat Oyster Farm. You'll get to know the process of harvesting oysters and how locals breed them. You will also gain knowledge about river farming. Plus, you'll get the chance to sample delicious seafood, including oysters. The locals will even entertain you with a traditional dance, also called the Buri dance.

This Cambuhat Tour will also show you the residents' weaving work and native products. Once your tour ends, your guide will take you to your Panglao hotel.

On Day 3, you'll visit an island in Bohol that is one of the less-populated lands in the Philippines, called Pamilacan Island. It lies in the middle of the Bohol Sea, just over 10km from the mainland. During the 90s, people would flock to the island to hunt manta rays and whale sharks. Locals have since shifted their livelihood to whale-and-dolphin watching tours.

Your van will pick you up at your accommodation on Panglao Island and take you to a pier where you'll ride a boat. Better keep your eyes open as you're likely to see dolphins along the way. There have also been whale and shark sightings over the years.

Once you reach Pamilacan Island, feel free to chill on the beach covered with white sand or swim in the clear waters. For a more memorable experience, you can also snorkel around the place to see colorful corals, schools of fish, sea turtles, and more.

You may also go around the small village that has only 240 families. Interact with the locals and find out their way of life. At the end of the day, you'll return to mainland Bohol and spend the night at your Panglao hotel.

On the fourth day, you will continue exploring Bohol, and this time, you'll discover the top attractions in the countryside. Your first stop is the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary, home to the Bohol tarsier, one of the smallest primates in the world. Visitors are reminded to lower their voice and avoid flash photography while here.

The Loboc River Cruise is next on your itinerary. Aboard a floating restaurant, you will traverse the jade-green Loboc River while you enjoy delectable Filipino dishes and cultural presentations. Afterward, you will go to Baclayon Church, which was constructed in 1595, becoming the second oldest stone church in the Philippines.

You will proceed to the town of Bilar to see two exciting spots. The first is the Butterfly Conservatory, an open garden filled with flowering plants and about 200 butterfly species. The next one is Bilar Forest. While it looks like a natural area, it is a man-made forest that stretches to 2km and has mahogany trees.

Your Bohol Tour will end with a visit to Chocolate Hills, the most famous attraction in the province. Over 1,000 almost symmetrically shaped hills make up this impressive geological formation.

On Day 5, you'll check out of your Panglao hotel and ride a ferry to Dumaguete. Once you reach your destination, you'll go to Silliman University. It was initially established as an elementary school for boys.

Next, you'll drop by the historic Rizal Boulevard, a 780-meter promenade named after Jose Rizal, one of the Philippines' national heroes. You'll also visit the oldest stone church of the Negros Island, which is called St. Catherine De Alexandria. Erected outside the church is Dumaguete Campanario, a popular landmark established in 1811.

A short distance away is Dumaguete Public Market, where fresh seafood, fruits, local delicacies, and craftwork are available for sale. You'll then stop by Provincial Capitol and Freedom Park, which features well-landscaped green lawns.

Your next two stops are Claytown Pottery and Sidlakang Negros Village, where you can purchase souvenirs. You'll also get to sample seafood dishes at Lab-as Seafood and visit Valencia Forest Camp. You'll also see numerous artifacts of World War II at the Cata-al War Museum.

Finally, you'll check out the San Agustin de Hippo Church, a national cultural treasure, and Negros Oriental Arts and Heritage Center that offers inlaid Philippine gemstones. Afterward, you'll head to your Dumaguete accommodation.

The entire day will be dedicated to Apo Island, one of the most well-known dive sites in the world. Your van will transfer you from your hotel in Dumaguete to the town of Dauin. Here you will hop on a boat and sail to the volcanic island.

Apo Island is home to a population of approximately 1,000 locals. It offers coral gardens and is abundant in marine life. Make sure to wear your swimsuit and bring sunblock.

You can go snorkeling to make the most of your time on the island. As you explore underwater, you may encounter not only colorful fishes but also sea turtles. Sea creatures like hammerheads, tuna, and manta rays are also common on the island.

Apart from the overflowing marine ecosystem, you can also expect tranquil and pristine beaches that are perfect for sunbathing or simply relaxing. Apo Island also offers a trekking opportunity. The southern part is a 600-meter eco-trail, which will lead you to an area overlooking the blue waters and fantastic rock formations.

Before dark, you will head back to the mainland and then return to your accommodation in Dumaguete City.

On Day 7, you will be checking out of your Dumaguete hotel and ride a ferry to Cebu. The province is rich in natural wonders, and some of which will be your stops for the day.

Your tour starts in the town of Badian. It is noted for its multi-layered waterfalls called Kawasan Falls that gives off a refreshing atmosphere and features cool natural springs. For adventure-seekers, you may include canyoneering in your itinerary for this day.

From Badian, your van will take you to the coastal town of Moalboal. It is famous among diving enthusiasts as it features a healthy coral ecosystem and is home to whale sharks, fishes, and other marine animals. This town also serves as the starting point for island hopping.

The first one you'll visit is Pescador Island, a tiny, rugged land in the Tañon Strait. The place boasts spectacular corals of different types and colors. From there, you will make your way to Turtle Island, also known for its abundance of coral reefs and marine life. Besides fishes, you'll also get the chance to swim with sea turtles.

Finally, you'll see the magnificent Sardine Run in Panagsama Beach. Your van will then drive you to your Argao hotel.

You will be touring the bustling Cebu City on the eighth day. After checking out of your hotel in the town of Argao, you will head to your first stop, the Taoist Temple. Constructed in 1972, the temple is the center of Taoism worship in Cebu. It also features a chapel, a library, a souvenir shop, and a wishing well.

You'll next see Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino. It was founded back in 1565, becoming one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the Philippines. The renowned Magellan's Cross is just outside of the church and housed in a small chapel.

The Heritage of Cebu Monument at Parian Park is your next destination. This attraction is famous for its illustrations of the historical events in Cebu. A quick walk from the monument will take you to the Yap - San Diego Ancestral House. Being one of the country's oldest residences, expect to find antiques, religious art, and old furniture inside. Next is the Temple of Leah, a shrine adorned with life-sized statues.

You'll make your last stop at Sirao Flower Farm. While there are various blossoms planted here, Celosia is the main flower grown at the site. Afterward, your van will take you to your Mandaue hotel.

Your Day 9 will be in Puerto Princesa in the Province of Palawan. You will be checking out of your accommodation in Mandaue City and then board a plane at Mactan-Cebu International Airport. After a short flight, you will arrive at Puerto Princesa International Airport.

Your first stop for this day is Honda Bay. Located near Puerto Princesa, the bay houses several beautiful islands, islets, and sandbars, some of which will be your next stops. You will first visit Star Fish Island. It is teeming with starfishes of varied colors and sizes. It also has abundant marine life and corals.

Your next stop is Cowrie Island, the most popular and largest island in Honda Bay. You can enjoy multiple beach activities and water sports such as jet-skiing, snorkeling, and banana boat riding. Food and drinks are also available at the stores on the island.

The Luli Island will be the final stop of your tour. This sandbar boasts powdery cream-colored sand and is best visited during low tide as it submerges during high tide. After the tour, your guide will bring you to your Sabang hotel.

On Day 10, you will further explore the attractions in Puerto Princesa City. First, you'll visit the world-famous Puerto Princesa Underground River. From your accommodation, your van will take you to a boat terminal.

You'll then board a boat to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

Along the way, you'll discover natural fauna and flora, as well as splendid limestone cliffs. The underground river is almost 8km and boasts one of the impressive cave systems in the world.

Afterward, you'll start touring the City of Puerto Princesa. Your first stop is Baker's Hills, a theme park with lots of bakeries and pizza parlors. Your next stop is Plaza Cuartel, a historic site that was once a military base and had an old Spanish garrison and tunnels.

Then, you will visit the Crocodile Farm, a popular tourist destination that displays bone structures, fossils, and skeletons of crocodiles. After that, you'll head to Mitra's Ranch. It offers a viewing deck where you get to enjoy a sweeping view of Puerto Princesa City.

Before you proceed to your Sabang accommodation, you will drop by the Puerto Princesa Baywalk, where you can unwind after a long day and enjoy a view of the sea.

On the eleventh day, you will explore El Nido, another top tourist destination in Palawan. Your tour for this day will take place in Bacuit Bay, one of the most popular locations in the province. Be sure to gear up for swimming as you will be visiting beaches, islands, and lagoons.

You will first see the Big Lagoon. The entrance to the lagoon is a narrow waterway that opens up to a wide area of clear blue waters. You can also find dark limestone cliffs here. Next on your itinerary is Miniloc Island, which features crystalline waters and rich marine life. Various outdoor activities are also offered at the place.

The following attraction is also located on Miniloc Island, the Secret Lagoon. This natural spot is enclosed within towering dark limestone walls, and to get here, you will have to go through a small hole. You'll then head to Seven Commandos Beach, which is located on the mainland. You'll get to enjoy different swimming activities on the beach.

Your final stop is Shimizu Island, known for its beautiful stretch of white sand and black limestone mountains. After your island-hopping tour, you will make your way to your hotel in Lio.

After checking out of your accommodation in Lio, El Nido, you'll head back to Puerto Princesa International Airport. You'll ride a plane bound for Manila. After a short flight, which usually takes less than two hours, you'll arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.