Tour Philippines Island Hopping (Without Expedition, 9 Days)

Guide

Expert Trip Manager + Local Guide

Transport

Mini Van + Internal Flight + Boat

Accommodation

7 nights in Hotels, 1 night in Special Stay

Meals

2 Dinner (D) 8 Breakfast (B) 4 Lunch (L)

Others

Manila: What type of luggage should I bring on this trip? Are there any weight restrictions? We recommend that you bring: - One suitcase or backpack with a max weight of 20 kgs (only coz you’ll be flying from Manila to Puerto Princesa!). We’d recommend a backpack instead of a suitcase (for ease when you’re getting on & off boats).- An overnight bag for when you visit Isla Experience Special Stay on Darocotan Island. Manila: Will some departures have a different itinerary? Yes, some departures (see below) visit the Isla Experience Special Stay before visiting El Nido. All other inclusions, meals and locations will remain exactly the same. Here are those departures: - 9th Nov ’24 - 23rd Nov ’24 - 30th Nov ’24 - 12th Apr ’25 Manila: What are the facilities at the Isla Experience Special Stay? The Isla Experience Special Stay is in a remote island in the Philippines. You’ll stay in simple beach huts with a bed, fan, mosquito net, towels and bedding. The showers and toilets are in a shared facility that’s separate from your room. There’s free Wi-Fi too, but it can be slow & there are the occasional power cuts. Best part? Almost everything here runs on solar energy! The bar & communal area is equipped with charging ports, water, tea & coffee stations. You can start a drinks tab and pay on departure (but please remember to get cash, no cards are accepted here!). Puerto Princesa: Soar over the Manila skyline and aquamarine waters to one of the most beautiful islands in the country - Palawan, in an included flight. Underground River: Cruise through the serene Subterranean River National Park into a kaleidoscope of pointy limestone caves. Don’t miss the chance to watch the 8.2 km long river flow directly into the ocean. Port Barton: Wanna get a taste of Grandma’s home-cooked food the Filipino way? Join Nanay Elena for a traditional meal made from locally-grown ingredients. Port Barton: Want some Filipino keepsakes that you’ll never wanna take off? Here you’ll have the chance to support a local workshop in Port Barton and learn how to make your own rings and bracelets. Port Barton: Snorkel, swim, and dine - get your ocean fix on this island hopping day trip. You’ll visit two tropical islands, gorge on delicious seafood. And possibly even swim with turtles! El Nido: Not riding on the colourfully chaotic Jeepney when in the Philippines? Now that should be considered a crime. Hop onto a private Jeepney for a tour of the wonderful beaches and waterfalls. El Nido: Take a walk on the perfectly curved Nacpan Beach. Sink your feet into the golden-white sand. Or dip them into the cool water - it’s a feast for your eyes, feet and soul. El Nido: Watch the shiny smooth water tearing through the rocky hills of Bulalacao. Don’t forget your swimsuit. This spot is famous for its insta-worthy pictures. Port Barton: Cameras at the ready! Be prepared to witness the bewitching beauty of the sunset at Las Cabanas - arguably one of the best sunset spots in the Philippines. Island Special Stay: Love sea exploration? You’re going to love this shipwreck site that is just off the coast of our island home. Here, you’ll discover the history and secrets of WWII ships. Island Special Stay: It’s time to get dirty (in the best way possible). Join a traditional Kamayan or a boodle fight, where you’ll eat a communal feast served on long banana leaves with your hands. Island Special Stay: Support the locals with marine conservation, education and their eco garden while you get irresistible beach-side views. Talk about a win-win!

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Day 1 Day 1: Manila To Puerto Princesa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Manila To Puerto Princesa

Breathtaking beaches. Spectacular seafood. Rustic marine rendezvous. Welcome to Asia’s Pearl of the Orient, packed with some of the BEST views of your lifetime! There’s so much to see, and there’s no time to waste. You’ll meet your crew in Manila before we zip through the skies straight to our very first white-sand destination. Feel the beach vibes hitting you already? Same. Nothing’s better than a free evening to spend on one of the most pristine islands here, Palawan. But first, we feast. Exchange proper hellos with your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner. And for a prime local experience, you can end the night at a Tiki bar with Filipino tunes and cocktails. Today might be over, but this is just beginning…
Day 2 Day 2: Puerto Princesa To Port Barton Via Underground River
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Puerto Princesa To Port Barton Via Underground River

Morning, sunshine lovers! Today’s the first full day on this wonderful island, so you know we’re starting with a bang. You’ll grab some breakfast at the hotel and head straight to the Subterranean River National Park for a fascinating underground endeavour. Ready? Put on your neon helmets. For your very first adventure, you’ll float through an aquamarine river into one of the most complex cave systems in the world. Surrounded by intricate limestone formations (some of them egg-shaped too!) - you’ll have no doubt about why this glorious landscape is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bet your eyes are pleased with those gorgeous views. Now it’s time to please our tummies - as part of a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. You’ll stop by at Nanay Elena’s House for a traditional Filipino meal, made using only the freshest ingredients (that she grows in her own farm!). Afterwards, drop your bags at our beachfront hotel. Relax on the shore. Explore the tiny town. The night is still young, and it’s all yours!
Day 3 Day 3: Port Barton
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Port Barton

Need your beauty sleep? Or just need to spend some time on the sandy beach? Today’s the day you can do anything you want. Dive into the crystal blue waters. Grab a book and soak in the sun. Go on a morning hike to check out the rocky hills. Or make your own rings & bracelets in a local workshop. Either way, sublime beach vibes are guaranteed here.
Day 4 Day 4: Port Barton
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Port Barton

Ocean-lovers, unite! Today, we’re going island hopping in our very own private boat. You’ll swim with sea turtles. Snorkel along the vibrant reefs. Grab a scrumptious locally-cooked meal. Dodge waves at the beach. And chill at a starfish sandbar (with your newly-made best friends, of course) as the sun sets over the serene sea. Is this island exploration done right or what?
Day 5 Day 5: Port Barton To El Nido
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Port Barton To El Nido

It’s time to bid farewell to our (now) favourite island stop. But don’t worry, there are plenty more destinations here to give it competition. You’ll start the day with some breakfast at the hotel and with no time to waste, head to the next turquoise-tinted spot. A free afternoon to spend in another wonderful tropical paradise? How lucky are we? Taste the local street food. Or check out the unique shops around town. Oh, and please don’t forget to charge your camera!
Day 6 Day 6: El Nido
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: El Nido

Rise and shine folks. It’s time to hit the road (just like the locals) in a wonderfully colourful, classic Jeepney. First stop? The beautiful Lio Beach. Enjoy the peaceful views and walk the wooden footpath that leads into the ocean. And it doesn’t end there. Next, we’ll head to Bulalacao Waterfalls. It’s gonna be really hard to stop yourself from taking a plunge into the enigmatic milky-white water. The day is not complete yet, we’ll head to the most popular beach in all of Palawan (and maybe even the Philippines, if you ask us) - Nacpan Beach. Finally, we’ll end the day at Las Cabanas - one of the best sunset points in the ENTIRE country.
Day 7 Day 7: El Nido
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: El Nido

It’s not often you get an entire day in a palm tree paradise to spend just the way you please. But the stars must’ve aligned, because today is one of them! You can explore the pristine white-sand beaches while the sun’s out and spend the night chilling with your crew. It’s a ‘you do you’ kinda day.
Day 8 Day 8: El Nido To Island Special Stay
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: El Nido To Island Special Stay

Mabuhay, travellers! The sun has risen, and so has the opportunity to explore another destination with crystal clear water. Munch on your final El Nido meal before we catch a boat-transfer. This is what you’ve been waiting for. You’ll drop your bags off at our Special Stay and head to our next MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience where we’ll spend time exploring local culture - something straight outta a storybook. Afterwards, you’ll snorkel under the crystal blue water and explore a local shipwreck! We’ll then head to another authentic Filipino experience. Delicious local food served on a long banana leaf across the table devoured with your hands AKA a boodle fight. Finally, we’ll light up a soothing bonfire and end the day resting on the shores (next to our rustic beach huts).
Day 9 Day 9: Island Special Stay To El Nido
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Island Special Stay To El Nido

Ah, the final day is here. Make the most of your last meal in this wonderful marine ecstasy. Because we’re heading straight to El Nido. Our island exploration has come to an end. Goodbyes are due. Contacts are shared. Tears are shed. New friends are tagged on insta stories. And perhaps, plans are made to meet again at another destination to reminisce about these unforgettable island hopping memories (and make some new ones too!)

9 days tour

Philippines Island Hopping (Without Expedition, 9 Days)

This tour includes:

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Itinerary of your trip Philippines Island Hopping (Without Expedition, 9 Days)

Day 1: Manila To Puerto Princesa

Day 2: Puerto Princesa To Port Barton Via Underground River

Day 3: Port Barton

Day 4: Port Barton

Day 5: Port Barton To El Nido

Day 6: El Nido

Day 7: El Nido

Day 8: El Nido To Island Special Stay

Day 9: Island Special Stay To El Nido

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