8-Day Scenic Countryside, Islands & Underground River Tour to Palawan, Bohol & Apo Island
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Description
Summary
Tour starts
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Duration
8 days
Ending place
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Languages:
English
Difficulty:
Easy
Minimum age:
None
Description
Visit the Philippines’ islands and countryside attractions and marvel at its world-famous Underground River with this 8-day vacation package. This tour will bring you from the heritage spots of Manila, the unspoiled seascape of Palawan and Apo Island, to the breathtaking scenery of Cebu. Complete with accommodations, daily breakfast, transfers, entrance fees, and the service of guides, this package is a definite must-book for first-time visitors in the Philippines.
After arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, you will kick off the tour with a visit to Intramuros. This walled district is a favorite hangout spot for locals because of its picnic-perfect spaces, old-world charm, and historical landmarks.
From Manila, you will ride a plane to Dumaguete in the Visayas region. Here, you will visit some of the city’s iconic locations, including the Silliman University. The 62-hectare campus was initially established as an elementary school for boys in 1901 but eventually acquired university status in 1938. You will also sail off the coast of Dumaguete to visit Apo Island for a snorkeling and diving experience before you board a ferry to Cebu.
This province offers many countryside activities, one of which is a visit to Kawasan Falls in Badian. After experiencing the beauty of Cebu, you will then fly to Palawan to spend the rest of your vacation. Here, you will go island-hopping off the coast of Honda Bay and cruise down the Underground River in Puerto Princesa.
Another town you will explore in Palawan is Port Barton, where you see more of the province’s thriving underwater paradise. You will then head back to Manila on Day 8.
Take an 8-day vacation to the Philippines and go from Manila, Dumaguete, Cebu, and Palawan with this inclusive tour package. Check availability by choosing a date.
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Included
7 nights accommodation (budget category)
7 days breakfast
7 lunch
All flights with 20kgs baggage allowance
Day 1 - Intramuros Tour (Manila)
Day 2 to 4 - Dumaguete and Cebu Tour (Central Visayas)
Day 5 to 7 - Puerto Princesa and Port Barton Tour (Palawan)
Day 8 - Back to Manila
All transportation to and from included activities and destinations
All environmental fees, port fees, and all other applicable taxes
You will spend your first day in the country exploring the walled district of Intramuros. This area is the most unique among the 16 administrative districts in Manila as it is the only one surrounded by walls. When you reach the site, you will be greeted by the cobblestone streets and the Spanish-era attractions dotting the districts.
One of the landmarks you will visit here is Fort Santiago, a Spanish stone fortress that dates back to 1593. It was used as the jail for Jose Rizal, the national hero, until he was executed in 1896. From the fort, you will walk to the nearby Plaza Roma, considered the heart of Intramuros. Take a quick break here and enjoy the landscape before proceeding to Bahay Tsinoy.
This museum tells the story of the Chinese people in Philippine history. You will learn more about the country’s past when you get to Casa Manila next. Commissioned by former First Lady Imelda Marcos in the 1980s, this fully-furnished museum shows how local people lived during the Spanish colonial period.
You will then take a pleasant stroll through San Diego Gardens and Baluarte De San Diego before making your way to San Agustin Church and Museum, the only church that earned a UNESCO World Heritage Site title in Manila. Before leaving the walled district, you will drop by Manila Cathedral, as well.
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Day 2
Day 2 - Day 2: Dumaguete City Tour
After checking out of your hotel in Manila, you will travel to the City of Gentle People, Dumaguete. Your tour here will begin with a visit to the Silliman University Campus. This is the country's first American and Protestant-founded higher education institution.
You will then proceed to Dumaguete's promenade, Rizal Boulevard, built in 1916 and stretches to 780 meters. After enjoying a quiet stroll here, your next stop will be the St. Catherine de Alexandria Cathedral, a Roman Catholic church dating back to 1754. The church stands next to another must-visit spot in the city, the Dumaguete Campanario. It is dubbed as the Visayas' oldest bell tower.
You'll also visit the Dumaguete Public Market, the Provincial Capitol and Freedom Park, and the Claytown Pottery before heading to Sidlakang Negros Village to purchase some souvenirs. From there, you'll stop for lunch at Lab-as Seafood and continue your trip to the Forest Camp, a mountain retreat in Valencia.
You will then proceed to the Cata-al War Museum that houses several interesting World War II artifacts. Before returning to Dumaguete, you will stop in Bacong to see the century-old San Agustin Church and the Negros Oriental Arts & Heritage Center that sells inlaid Philippine gemstones.
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Day 3
Day 3 - Day 3: Apo Island Tour
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Dumaguete and bring you to the Malatapay Boat Terminal, where your tour boat awaits. After getting settled in, you will start sailing to the diving haven of Dumaguete, Apo Island. This water-locked paradise is situated at the southeast end of the island of Negros and is home to thriving and vibrant marine life.
Upon docking, you will first visit the island's turtle sanctuary to get up close and personal with the local turtles. Swim and snorkel with the friendly sea creatures and explore the large reef garden found in the area. You will also spot a multitude of colorful fish living in the reef, as well.
Aside from discovering Apo Island's underwater paradise, you can go sunbathing on the beach and enjoy the quiet coastline. Feel free to make your way to the Apo Island Lighthouse or the Apo View Deck, as well. You can go trekking in the 600m Habagat Eco-Trail, David's Trek, or Witchy's Trail and see the sweeping view of the Negros’ seascape. Before the sun sets, you will board your boat again and return to the mainland and your Dumaguete hotel.
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Day 4
Day 4 - Day 4: Kawasan Falls & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour
You will now leave Dumaguete and board a ferry to Cebu to explore its vibrant countryside. After docking in the province, you will make your way to the town of Badian, where you can find the famous Kawasan Falls. Enjoy swimming in the falls’ inviting spring waters before heading to Moalboal.
This town has made a name for itself as the home of Cebu’s white beaches. Upon arriving at the shore, you will board a boat and head off the coast to Pescador Island. This island is one of the best snorkeling locations in the province, thanks to its cobalt blue waters and stunning corals of different colors and types.
From there, you will then head to Turtle Island to swim with sea turtles before returning to the mainland for the famous sardine race at Panagsama Beach. This water activity draws many local and international divers worldwide as it is open all year round.
When you arrive at Panagsama, a guide will first brief you on the do’s and don’ts and hand you the required equipment. You will then head out a few meters into the sea and wait for the millions of sardines to assemble in front of your eyes. You will then return to Mandaue afterward.
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Day 5
Day 5 - Day 5: Puerto Princesa Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour
It's time to fly from Cebu to the Puerto Princesa International Airport in Palawan. After arriving at the airport, you will make your way to Honda Bay, where you will board a boat and start your full-day island-hopping adventure.
The first stop from the coast will be Starfish Island. Known as the home of hundreds of starfish, this crescent-shaped island is one of the best places for snorkeling because of its varied marine life. You can spot some bloating puffers and rainbow parrotfish here.
From Starfish Island, you will sail to your next destination, Cowrie Island. Cowrie takes the shape of a seashell and is the largest island in Honda Bay. It is also the safest place for swimming since the locals had put up a net to hold the jellyfish at bay. Apart from dipping in the waters, you can also go food-tripping here as there are several restaurants dotting its shoreline.
The last leg of your island-hopping tour will be at Luli Island. Luli is famous for its vanishing sandbars at high tide, but it also has a spot perfect for snorkeling. After you've had your fill of the beach, you'll head back to the mainland and check into your Sabang hotel.
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Day 6
Day 6 - Day 6: Puerto Princesa Underground River & City Tour
After leaving your hotel, your guide will take you to Sabang Wharf, where you will board a boat to reach the world-famous Puerto Princesa Underground River. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features a complete 'mountain-to-sea' ecosystem and has some of the most important forests in Asia. Apart from the biodiversity, you will also marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites formations lining the cave's walls.
Following your cruise, you will return to the mainland and begin your Puerto Princesa city tour with Baker's Hill. This bakery doubles as a theme park and comes complete with picture-perfect spots. You can also buy some of the baked goodies here before heading to Plaza Cuartel. Formerly a military base with an old Spanish garrison and tunnels, this park is home to an open-air war museum and shrine.
From the park, you will make your way to the Crocodile Farm next. This is a research center for conservation and features numerous fossils, skeletons, and bone structures of crocodiles. You will then enjoy a visit to Mitra's Ranch to see a sweeping view of Puerto Princesa before ending the tour at the city's promenade, the Puerto Princesa Baywalk, and returning to your accommodation in Sabang.
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Day 7
Day 7 - Day 7: Port Barton Island Hopping Tour
On the seventh day, you will visit Port Barton, a secret gem on Palawan's northwestern shore. This small village is part of the serene town of San Vicente and features a beautiful white-sand coastline. While you can't find the luxury hotels of El Nido here, Port Barton is still a popular spot, especially for visitors looking to experience the province's off-the-beaten-path locations.
After enjoying the village's seascape, you will board a boat and make your way to the island of Inaladelan. This 12-hectare land is also called German Island and is famous for both swimming and camping. You can also find a range of sports facilities here, including beach volleyball and kayaking.
From Inaladelan, your boat will take you to Luli Sandbar. The name of this attraction comes from the fact that it appears at low tide and disappears at high tide. It's a fantastic spot for sunbathing or photographing starfish.
Afterward, you will drop by the Turtle Snorkeling Site to watch and swim with sea turtles. You will also head to the Fish and Reef Snorkeling Site to get up close and personal with more of Port Barton's marine life. You will then return to the mainland and check into your Lio hotel.
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Day 8
Day 8 - Day 8: Departure to Manila
After checking out of your hotel in Lio, you will make your way back to Puerto Princesa and board a plane at the airport. You will then make your final stop at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, marking the end of your 8-day vacation.
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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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