13-Day Philippines Nature Tour to Palawan Island, Cebu City, Bohol Island & Dumaguete City

The second day of your vacation package will be the start of your adventure in the Province of Bohol. You will check out of your Manila hotel and board a plane heading to Panglao International Airport.

For this day, you will visit Cambuhat Village, considered a hidden attraction in Bohol. This serene location lies within the town of Buenavista. Your guide will take you to Daet Bridge following your arrival at the airport. At the bridge, you will be transferred to a paddle boat that will sail you across the Cambuhat River. Lining the river are lush nipa palms and mangroves.

In Cambuhat Village, your boat will take you to the Cambuhat Oyster Farm. Your guide will tell you about oyster farming that involves the breeding, raising, and harvesting of these bivalve mollusks. Your boat will then bring you to shore for a delicious lunch of oysters and other seafood.

During your lunch break, village women will present to you Buri dance, a traditional dance of the locals. Your guide will then lead you to the village, where you can witness the local creation of woven products using native looms. After the tour, you will head to your Panglao hotel.

On Day 3, you will sail off the coast and spend the whole day on Pamilacan Island, which sits in the middle of the Bohol Sea. This place is known for sightings of dolphins and whale sharks, so watch out for these sea creatures during the boat ride. Manta rays and sharks are also reported seen near the island.

Pamilacan Island offers a pristine white-sand beach for sunbathing, playing beach sports, and simply relaxing. The surrounding clear blue waters are another notable feature of the island, and it makes the place great for swimming and snorkeling.

When snorkeling, you will encounter a variety of marine plants and animals, including bucket sponges, giant gorgonians, anemones, pufferfish, frogfish, and sea turtles. You may also head to the diving spots if you seek something more fun to do.

Besides appreciating Pamilacan Island’s natural beauty, you can also go for a short trek to the northeast side for a little bit of history. There, you will find a 200-year-old Spanish fort used to keep an eye out for Moro pirates. By the end of the day, you’ll ride a boat back to the mainland, and then you’ll return to your Panglao hotel.

Day 4 will mark your last tour in Bohol. On this day, you will discover the beautiful attractions adorning the countryside of the province. Your tour will begin in the town of Corella, where you will find the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary. It is a forest patch devoted to the Bohol tarsier, one of the world’s smallest primates. The place also has a library, an exhibition area, a mini-cafeteria, and more.

After meeting the googly-eyed primates, you will get on a floating restaurant and embark on a Loboc River Cruise. You’ll get to savor various Filipino dishes included in the buffet lunch while watching locals sing and dance. After that, you will make your way to Baclayon Church. This stone church is regarded as the second oldest in the country, after Manila’s San Agustin Church and Museum.

Next, you will visit the Butterfly Conservatory, where you can take pictures of butterflies of various colors and species. Then, you’ll stop by the man-made Bilar Forest, which extends up to 2km. You will wrap your Bohol tour with a visit to the spectacular Chocolate Hills. Feast your eyes on more than 1,000 mounds before you travel back to your hotel on Panglao Island.

You will leave Bohol and travel to Dumaguete, also known as the City of Gentle People. You will be picked up at your Panglao hotel and ride a ferry to the city. Silliman University is the first stop in your itinerary. The 62-hectare institution has 300 age-old acacia trees and six museums.

Next is the city’s beautiful promenade, Rizal Boulevard, which offers breathtaking views of the sea. The following attraction is St. Catherine de Alexandria, the oldest stone church in Negros Island. Standing next to the church is the Dumaguete Campanario, a famous city landmark.

You will make your next stops at Dumaguete Public Market, Provincial Capitol and Freedom Park, and Claytown Pottery. You will also drop by Sidlakang Negros Village, where you can purchase souvenirs. From there, your guide will drive you to Lab-as Seafood for your lunch break.

You will continue your tour with a visit to Valencia Forest Camp. Then, you will head to the Cata-al War Museum to see displays illustrating World War II. Before traveling to your Dumaguete hotel, your guide will bring you to the town of Bacong, which is home to San Agustin de Hippo Church and Negros Oriental Arts and Heritage Center.

On Day 6, you’ll escape the bustling City of Dumaguete and head to Apo Island. Your guide will pick you up at your Dumaguete hotel and transfer you to Malatapay Boat Terminal, where you’ll climb on a boat to the island.

Sitting at the southeast end of Negros, Apo Island is well known among local and international visitors for its sea reserve containing a myriad of marine animals and plants. Feel free to snorkel around the vast reef garden and spot schools of fish like jacks and groupers.

You may also head to Turtle Point, where you can find two species of turtles: hawksbill turtles and green turtles. After a tiring underwater adventure, occupy the island’s beachfront and get your much-needed rest. You can also enjoy some land excursions like trekking. You may head to Apo Island Lighthouse or the Apo View Deck.

Apo Island also has trails with different levels of difficulty. You may take either Habagat Eco-Trail, Witchy’s Trail, or David’s Trek, all of which offer a splendid view of Negros from a distance and the surrounding beauty of the island. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to mainland Bohol and spend the night at your Dumaguete hotel.

It’s time to leave Dumaguete and head to the neighboring Province of Cebu. After checking out of your hotel, you will ride a ferry to Cebu. You will kick off your tour with a visit to Kawasan Falls, a 40-meter high fall in the town of Badian. Go for a swim in its beautiful turquoise water and enjoy the serenity of the place.

After a great swim at the falls, you will be on your way to Moalboal, known as a location for great diving. Appreciate the place’s natural beauty before climbing on a boat that will bring you to your next attractions. First, you will dock on Pescador Island, a rocky island teeming with stunning corals and marine critters.

Your boat will take you to Turtle Point next. Take the time to swim with the sea turtles and observe them up close. Then, you’ll head back to the mainland for the last stop of your tour: Sardine Run near Panagsama Beach.

After your guide gives a briefing on the activity, you will dive into the sea and observe millions of sardines swimming as one group. You will then travel to your Argao hotel at the end of the tour.

On Day 8, your tour will focus on the best attractions in Cebu City, dubbed as the Queen City of the South. As the oldest city in the Philippines, Cebu is dotted by multiple historical places, including the Taoist Temple, dating back to the 20th century. It comprises two temples, but only one is open to the public.

The Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino will be your next stop. Going back to the 16th century, this Roman Catholic Church is the oldest in the country. Outside the basilica is a small chapel, where the historic Magellan’s Cross is planted.

You will know more about the province’s history at the following attraction: Heritage of Cebu Monument. It is a set of sculptures displaying Cebu’s major past events. Nearby is the Yap-San Diego Ancestral Home, which features religious art, antiquities, and fine furniture.

Your guide will then drive you to the Temple of Leah in the mountains, where you will find life-sized statues of angels, lions, and Roman gladiators. The last leg of your city tour is the Sirao Flower Farm. Take as many photographs as you can with the vibrant flowers before heading to your accommodation in Mandaue City.

After checking out of your hotel, your guide will transfer you to Mactan-Cebu International Airport, where you’ll board a plane to Palawan. You will arrive at Puerto Princesa International Airport, and from there, you will head to the province’s eastern coast toward Honda Bay. This will be the starting point of your island-hopping trip.

Onboard a boat, you will sail to Starfish Island, a water-locked land hosting countless small and big starfishes and various fish, including pufferfish and parrotfish. The waters are safe for swimming and snorkeling as the island has no jellyfish. Feel free to relax on the island’s fine white sand after your underwater adventure.

Your next destination is Cowrie Island, the most popular and largest one in Honda Bay. You can do plenty of activities here, such as jet-skiing, banana boat riding, playing beach volleyball, and more. Additionally, you will find eating establishments here that offer delectable seafood and local dishes.

Luli Island is the last stop on your itinerary. This attraction is recognized for its submerging sandbars at high tide, powdery cream-colored sand, and crystalline waters. Snorkeling and diving are best enjoyed here. After the island-hopping trip, you will head to your hotel in Sabang Village.

On the morning of Day 10, your guide will transport you to Sabang Wharf, where your boat will be waiting for you to take you inside the world-famous Puerto Princesa Underground River. This natural wonder encompasses one of the most awe-inspiring cave systems in the world. Take notice of the fascinating stalactites and stalagmites white inside the cave.

Once you get back to land, you’ll begin your city tour in Puerto Princesa. Your guide will first drive you up to Baker’s Hill. Here, you will be able to purchase baked goodies from a bakery and take great photos at a theme park.

Your next stop is a historical tourist destination: Plaza Cuartel. The shite, which was initially a Spanish garrison that Japanese and Americans conquered during World War II, is now a city park. Then, you’ll visit the crocodiles and other endangered species of animals at the Crocodile Farm.

The following attraction is Mitra’s Ranch, which will offer you a majestic view of Puerto Princesa City. Activities including horseback riding are available on the site, as well. Your tour will end at Puerto Princesa Baywalk, an excellent place for relaxing and sampling local street food.

On this day, you are scheduled to do another island-hopping tour, but this time your guide will take you to one of the hidden gems of Palawan – Port Barton. This village, which is located in the town of San Vicente, is comparable to El Nido, but it offers visitors a more relaxed atmosphere.

In addition to its beach paradise, Port Barton offers several islands. The first stop of your island-hopping tour will be Inaladelan. Also called German Island, it has become the newest camping destination in Palawan. It has clear turquoise water and white sand. If you choose to go underwater, you will find gorgeous corals and turtles.

Next, you will visit Luli Sandbar, which was named as such because the entire place submerges at high tide and reappears at low tide. It is an ideal place for snorkeling and diving, as well as for watching a beautiful sunset.

Afterward, your boat will transport you to the Turtle Snorkeling Sit to see and swim with sea turtles. Your trip will end at the Fish and Coral Snorkeling Site, where you can find beautiful corals and more marine animals. Your guide will then drive you to your hotel in Lio, El Nido.

Day 12 of your vacation package is for visiting more beautiful islands, particularly those in El Nido. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel in Lio and transport you to a terminal, where you’ll ride a boat that will take you to Bacuit Bay. It’s best to bring sunblock as you’ll spend the whole day under the sun.

The Big Lagoon will be the first stop of your island-hopping trip. It has a narrow entrance with shallow waters and is lined with limestone walls. To maximize your visit, your guide will provide you with a kayak, so you can better explore the blue lagoon.

You will next sail to Miniloc Island. On the island, you will easily find excellent backgrounds for photos. Expect to see white sand beaches, thick forests, and limestone mountains in the place. While here, you’ll drop by the Secret Lagoon. The only way to get here is going through a small hole in the limestone wall.

The Seven Commandos Beach on the mainland will be your next stop. You can laze around the beach or take a dip in the clear water. Lastly, you’ll head to Shimizu Island to see fascinating corals and marine life.

The last day of your tour package will be your departure to Manila City. After packing your things and checking out of your Lio hotel, your van will transfer you to Puerto Princesa International Airport. The plane trip from here to Ninoy Aquino International Airport will not exceed two hours.