Best of the Philippines: Manila & surfing capital Siargao

Manila

Day 1: Arrive into Manila

Welcome to Manila! Upon arrival at the airport, meet your driver for a transfer to your hotel near Manila Bay. Relax and settle down here after your travels. Depending on your time of arrival, you may be taken to the historic Intramuros area, for a unique visit of the walled city. You will either ride a bamboo bicycle or take a traditional walking tour, both guaranteeing an unforgettable experience.

Manila - Quezon

Day 2: A canoeing trip to Pagsanjan Falls

This morning, meet your driver at 7am for a departure to Tiaong in the Quezon province. Along the way, you'll arrive into Pagsanjan at around 10am, where you'll spend time enjoying a canoe trip!

Travel up the river for 7km, admiring the scenery that featured in Francis Ford Coppola's movie Apocalypse Now. You'll be accompanied by experienced guides, who will help you overcome any difficulties canoeing as you go. Disembark to take a bamboo raft to the Pagsanjan Falls, where you'll have time for a swim if you wish, before journeying back down the river and its rapids.

After lunch, your transfer resumes, to reach your unique resort accommodation on the grounds of a working coconut plantation.

Quezon - Puerto Galera

Day 3: Coconut plantation discoveries

This morning, take a tour of the resort's plantations, nestled in an idyllic location in the lush countryside. Enjoy fun activities like water buffalo cart rides and live music performances, and learn about Filipino culture, history, and religion at the on-site museum. You'll also savor a delicious lunch with views of bubbling waters flowing from the Labasin Dam's spillway - it's an impressive sight, as the country's oldest hydroelectric plant.

After lunch, your driver will pick you up for a transfer to the port of Batangas, where you'll board a boat to Mindoro island and thus reach Puerto Galera, your base for the next two nights. Settle down at your accommodation, enjoy the blissful white sands of Puerto Galera, and take time to relax in paradise!

Puerto Galera

Day 4: Island-hopping adventures

To get away from the crowds, you'll head out today on an island-hopping excursion. You'll first explore Boquete, known locally as Sandbar and a perfect place for swimming and snorkeling. It's then on to San Antonio, a small island west of Sabang Beach known for its underwater cave, where you can swim in a natural pool away from the scorching sun. Continue on to Coral Garden, a snorkeling and diving haven teeming with sea creatures and corals, and end the trip at Bayanan Beach, where you'll have time to sprawl out and recline on soft sands. Across each island, a magnificent and super-scenic experience is guaranteed!

Puerto Galera - Manila

Day 5: Return to Manila via Taal Lake

After breakfast, leave Mindoro behind as you take the boat back to Batangas, where your driving will be waiting for your return trip to Manila. Along the way you'll pass through Tagaytay and soak up its scenic surroundings, including the Taal Lake, whose surface exceeds 200 sq km and depth reaches 170m. Your driver will make several stops in the area, to allow you plenty of opportunities to enjoy the views - you may even be able to see steam coming out of the Taal Volcano.

Those with an interest in art should stop at Tagaytay's Orlina Museum, a popular venue for shows and festivals, before eventually continuing on to the capital to check into your hotel and relax for the night.

Manila - Siargao

Day 6: Journey to a surfer's paradise

This morning, it's time to set out to the surfing capital of the Philippines! Your driver will pick you up for an airport transfer, ahead of your flight to Siargao Island - a teardrop-shaped paradise whose coast is marked by reefs and white-sand beaches. Upon arrival at the airport there, you'll be met and transferred to your resort, ideally located near General Luna and Cloud 9 - two famous local surf spots.

Siargao enjoys excellent surfing conditions, particularly during the southwest habagat monsoon from August to November, when the prevailing wind is offshore. Enjoy a one-hour surfing class in the afternoon, before having the rest of the day to relax at your resort.

Siargao

Day 7: Island-hopping off Siargao

Head out on an adventure to discover idyllic and heavenly islands nearby, journeying by banca - a traditional fisherman's boat. First up is Guyam Island, a very small yet stunning haven covered with palm trees. Then you'll continue to Daku Island, the largest of the three you'll be visiting today, and a great place to swim and enjoy a bite to eat - don't miss the chance to try the fresh seafood here. Before returning to your resort, you'll end the tour with some relaxation time on Naked Island, a small sandbar that got its name due to containing nothing but sand!

Siargao

Day 8: Take a tour of Siargao

Spend the day uncovering the gems of Siargao, discovering all it has to offer on a day tour. Visit the Sugba Lagoon, where you can surround yourself with forests and mountains as you admire its turquoise waters, perhaps even taking a plunge if you're feeling brave! Also check out the Magpupungko Tidal Pool and Maasin River, where you can climb coconut trees and jump into fresh waters. This is a true tropical paradise island, where you can kick back and make the most of your vacation.

Siargao - Sohoton Cave - Siargao

Day 9: Jellyfish, lagoons & more outdoor pursuits

Today, take a banca boat to get away from Siargao and discover two other incomparable places: first you'll visit Bucas Grande before making for Sohoton Cave on the island of Socorro. There, you'll get to swim with stingless jellyfish amidst a hidden natural paradise, and explore lagoons, limestone caves, and stunning rock formations.

Siargao

Day 10: A free day on Siargao

At leisure on the island of Siargao, you've got the day free to enjoy however you see fit! Whether you want to relax at your accommodation, enjoying its pool, spa and beach facilities, or head out to work on your surfing skills, the choice is yours.

Siargao - Manila

Day 11: Return to Manila

Sadly, all good things must come to an end! Today you'll leave your island paradise as you make your return journey to Manila, where you'll check into your hotel for one last overnight stay. Make the most of your remaining time in the capital, seeking out its cultural and culinary attractions this evening.

Manila

Day 12: Time to say goodbye

Today, your driver will meet you at the hotel for a pick-up and transfer service to the airport, for your flight back home. If time allows, you may be able to squeeze in some last-minute sightseeing and souvenir shopping, before bidding farewell to the Philippines. Safe travels and visit again soon!