14-day tour around the Philippines' Visayas

Manila

Day 1: Welcome to the Philippines

Welcome – Mabuhay! – to the Philippines.

Manila is the bustling capital of the Philippines; the centre of commerce, culture and government for the entire country. The name is used in two ways: the City of Manila, which is made up of 16 administrative districts, known as 'Old Manila' by locals; and Metro Manila, the National Capital Region, which includes the city itself, along with Makati, Quezon City, Pasay and Taguig.

You'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the city. Depending on your arrival time, you may have time on your first day to visit Intramuros. Discover the ancient walled city built by the Spanish; make the tour unique by riding a 'bambike' (bamboo bicycle) or take a more traditional walking tour. Either way, this is an unforgettable start to your Philippines experience.

Manila - Samboan

Day 2: Take to the water

After breakfast this morning, a taxi will meet you at the hotel to transfer you to the flight to Dumaguete on Negros Island. This is followed by a short, fast boat trip across to Cebu Island. In just 30 minutes, the ferry will arrive in Santander-Liloan port and, from there, it is just a short hop to your home for next two nights.

Settle in to your accommodation in a stunning waterfront location, freshen up after the journey and enjoy a warm Filipino welcome.

Samboan

Day 3: Whale sharks & Sumilon Island

It's an early breakfast today, as you'll soon be heading over to Oslob, famous worldwide for its whale sharks, a protected species. This is one of the rare spots where it's possible to watch – and even swim with – the biggest fish in the world. Nicknamed the 'ambassador to the sharks', they are very peaceful and harmless to humans.

Today's trip provides opportunity for a close encounter with this amazing creature: a truly unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Small boats (bancas) take you close to the whale sharks and, if you wish, you can join them in the water with snorkelling gear.

There is much more to discover here: after meeting the Whale sharks, head to Sumilon Island. With its dreamlike sandbar, this is a real hidden treasure. Lunch is served in the Bluewater Sumilon resort.

Afterwards, enjoy a wood-fired kawa bath and massage to bring this idyllic day to a close.

Samboan

Day 4: Free day in paradise

Today you're free to explore the island at your own pace. Start the day slowly with a a lazy breakfast, then hit the road to discover the many different beaches here: Panagsama, with its famous sardine run and turtles, and White Beach or Lambug beach in Badian. There are also waterfalls to discover around Samboan, including Tumalog Falls and Aguinid Falls, just a short distance from the resorts.

Feeling adventurous? Head out to climb Osmeña Peak, the highest summit on the island, reaching 1013m above sea level. Enjoy an unbeatable view from the top, across to Negros on the west coast and Bohol on the east coast.

For a more peaceful day, visit Aloguinsan and cruise along the Bojo river or simply relax at your resort.

Samboan - Dumaguete

Day 5: Scenic driving through natural wonders

After breakfast today, you'll discover Negros islands' two provinces: Negros Occidental in the southwest, with the capital Dumaguete and Negros Oriental in the northeast, with its capital Bacolod. It's one of the main sugarcane producers in the world, giving it the name 'Sugar island'.

In the south, the Tablas Plateau offers stunning views, thanks to its Twin Lakes and the Casaroro Falls. The coastal areas provide yet more natural wonders, with dark sand beaches and small creeks along the east coast, while delicate white sand beaches lace the western shore. Join the ferry to Sibilan, where the tour begins. Cross Tañon Strait to the Twin Lakes, once volcanic craters, in Balinsasayao Park nature reserve, and enjoy a scenic lunch stop. On the way to Valencia, stop and enjoy a glorious swim at Pulang Bato falls and visit the hot springs, before arriving at your new resort in Dauin.

Dumaguete

Day 6: Free day for exploring, diving & dolphins

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then explore this idyllic place, discovering why its known as 'the Maldives of the Philippines'.

You could head for Bais, further north, famous for the Manjuyod sandbar; look out for dolphins along the Strait of Tañon. Or travel south to Zamboanguita and visit the Malatapay market before making the trip to Lake Balanan.

Tour around the charming city of Dumaguete, with beautiful colonial facades, the oldest church in Negros, St Catherine of Alexandria and imposing buildings, along with lively Silliman University, the oldest American university in Asia, founded in 1901. Visit the harbourside too: it's particularly atmospheric in the evening.

For divers, La Tortue offers dives direct from the resort. The coral reef in front of the hotel beach is a paradise for underwater photographers and ideal for anyone who wants to try or learn to scuba dive.

Dumaguete - Siquijor

Day 7: Sail to the Island of Fire

Enjoy breakfast and a free morning to explore, before heading to the port this afternoon. From there, board the fast ferry to Siquijor: it takes just 45 minutes to reach the Island of Fire, where you'll check in to your new hotel.

This island is the stuff of dreams: white sand beaches, blue sky and pristine waters rich in coral and teeming with marine life. Its also known for 'witchcraft': locals and visitors come here to purchase medicinal herbs and remedies for all kinds of ailments. 

Hilot massage is another remedy available here. With much in common with acupuncture and aromatherapy, it's more than just a technique, it is a culture and philosophy. It aims to improve the bloodstream and circulation, and can help process emotional problems and trauma. What really sets it apart is the use of warm leaves and coconut oil applied before and after for a truly restorative experience.

Siquijor

Day 8: Day tour around Isla Puerto del Fuego

Let this charming island win your heart. After breakfast, you'll travel the coastal road by tricycle or a multicab (the smaller modern version of a jeepney). Called 'Isla del Fuego' by the Spanish when they discovered it, its known for the fireflies in the talisay trees, which light up the island at night.

Visit an ancient convent and the Church of San Isidor de Labrador in Lazi. Head to a virgin coconut oil factory and pick up some supplies before strolling on to Cambugahay Falls for a refreshing swim in 26°c waters.

Tear yourself away from this Eden to experience a fish spa at the foot of a century old balete tree. Paliton beach is the idyllic location for lunch and there is time for a siesta before returning to the resort, visiting the fascinating shell museum on the way. There is plenty of time to sit by the pool and sip a cocktail as the sun sets; a perfect end to a glorious day.

Siquijor

Day 9: Free day & optional adventures

You can choose to take today to simply relax at the resort and play petanque. However, if you're feeling a little more adventurous, head to Apo Island for turtle swimming. This optional excursion departs from Coco Grove beach first thing, arriving in the the marine sanctuary after around 1.5 hours. Bring snorkel gear, swim with the turtles accompanied by a local guide and admire the extremely well-preserved coral reefs. Siliman University biologists have spotted over 600 species of fish and 400 species of coral, making Apo one of the five best snorkelling spots in the Philippines and a great opportunity for divers. Lunch is served on the beach at Apo Island Beach Resort and the afternoon offers plenty of time to relax and swim in the crystal clear waters. You'll arrive back in Siquijor in the late afternoon.

Whatever you choose to do, you'll end the night reflecting on an amazing day.

Siquijor - Bohol

Day 10: Fast ferry to the island capital

After breakfast this morning, take the fast boat bound for Tagbilaran, the capital city of Bohol Island. After arrival, be prepared for a host of wonderful experiences across the island. Today's tour includes an optional visit to the Loboc Eco-tourism Adventure Park and a 520m long zip-line, 120m above the Loboc river. You'll also visit the Tarsier Sanctuary to see the smallest primate in the world, head to the Chocolate Hills and visit Baclayon and the Alburquerque church
For lunch, cruise the river on a floating restaurant, then round off a truly varied and interesting day at your new resort. The charming accommodation here comprises elevated cottages on the banks of the river. Relax as you overlook the river in a wonderfully calm and romantic atmosphere. Later, embark on a short cruise to see the fireflies in the Talisay trees, adding a little magic to the evening.

Loboc - panglao

Day 11: Kayaking & honey farms

Enjoy a lazy breakfast and a morning in your hotel, or head out on a canoe or SUP safari on the river. Departing the Loboc River resort early in the afternoon, you'll travel to your new resort in Panglao via the Hinagdanan Cave, then it's on to Bohol Bee Farm. The farm is a hotel-restaurant with its own organic garden. If you choose to have lunch heere, everything will be freshly harvested and brought straight to your plate. Enjoy delicate flower salads seasoned with a homemade dressing, moringa butter, honey freshly harvested from the beehives.

Later in the afternoon, it's time to check in to your new resort and spend the evening relaxing after your journey. 

panglao

Day 12: Dolphin watching & Pamilacan Island

After today's breakfast, you'll head out across the waves to discover Pamilacan, a small, traditional fishing island. Early in the morning, your transport to the wharf awaits you. Once you're at the quay, climb aboard a banca, ready for some dolphin spotting.

On arrival at the island, enjoy snorkelling in the marine sanctuary or choose to relax with a traditional hilot massage by the beach. The island is worth exploring on foot too: head out for a leisurely stroll, before the return voyage to Panglao.

There's plenty of time when you get back to relax or head over to Alona Beach, vibrant with all the main hotels, restaurants, bars and dive shops.

panglao

Day 13: Rest day in serenity

Today is a gloriously free day. Start off by indulging in a langorous breakfast. Follow it up with a leisurely wander around Alona or simply rest at your hotel and chill by the pool. Still got some adventure in your system? Take this opportunity to go diving for the last time here in the Philippines.

panglao - Manila

Day 14: Departure day

All good things must come to an end! After a final breakfast in paradise, your driver will ensure you arrive at the airport ready for the internal flight to Manila, and onwards for your international flight home.