The Philippines: Visayas & Siargao island-hop

Manila- Welcome!

Day 1: Welcome to Manila

Upon arrival in Manila airport (NAIA), your driver will meet you outside the terminal to take you to your hotel.

Intramuros is the anicent walled city of ild Manila, built by the Spaniards. Depending on your arrival time, join a unique tour of Intramuros by 'bambike' (bamboo bicycle); or go on foot; either way will be an unforgettable introduction to the city and to the Philippines.

Manila- Siquijor

Day 2: Next stop, Siquijor

In the morning, your driver will collect you from your hotel for your flight bound for the Visayas.

From Dumaguete, begin a day tour around this mountainous and volcanic region, with numerous lakes and amazing waterfalls. Head up to the twin lakes, and admire the incredible scenery; look out for the wide variety of fauna and flora, before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant with panoramic views.

After lunch, head to Valencia to discover the Pulang Bato falls and the waters of Mont Talinis, the highest peak of the province. Swim under the falls and in the pool below. Before heading to Siquijor resort, stop by the hot springs; Negros is one of four places in the Philippines with a geothermal power plant, producing enough electricity for the city.

From Dumaguete, a fast craft takes you to Siquijor, where blue skies, pristine sands, crystal waters, bright corals and varied marine life await.

Siquijor

Day 3: Settle in and unwind on Siquijor

In the morning, enjoy an island tour by tricycle or a multicab (modern and smaller jeepney); be charmed by the calmness and the beauty of Siquijor. Follow the coastal road around the island and visit an ancient convent and the Church of San Isidor de Labrador in Lazi. Tour a virgin coconut oil factory - don't forget to pick up some supplies. Afterwards take a refreshing dip in the Cambugahay Falls, it feels like Eden itself. 

Take time out to relax in a very special fish spa at the foot of a century-old balete tree, then move to Paliton beach for lunch. Afterwards, there is free time to enjoy the beach and simply rest and relax.

On the way back, make a last stop by a shell museum, before returning to your hotel for the afternoon, with plenty of time to enjoy the pool. Before dinner, enjoy a cocktail while drinking in the spectacular sunset.

Siquijor- Free Day

Day 4: Relax on Siquijo

Simply relax at the resort, sunbathe, swim, and a game of petanque. For something a little more active you could choose a diving excursion or hire a scooter to tour the island a little more.

There is also the opportunity to take a boat trip to Apo Island. This rocky island is surrounded by extremely well-preserved coral reefs and is a top snorkelling site with hundreds of species of fish; the area is also well known for the turtle population. The trip includes lunch and time to relax on the beach before returning in the late afternoon.

Siquijor- Bohol

Day 5: Onwards to Bohol

A fast-craft transports you to Tagbilaran, where a vehicle awaits, ready for you to experience a real taste of Bohol, including:

- Loboc Eco-tourism Adventure Park ( plus optional 520m long zip-line, 120m above the Loboc river)

- Tarsier Sanctuary: see the smallest primate in the world.

- The Chocolate Hills

- Bilar man-made forest

- River cruise on a floating restaurant

- Baclayon or Alburquerque church

In the afternoon, arrive in the Loboc River resort where you will spend the night. This charming resort on the Loboc river is a peaceful and romantic destination; enjoy dinner overlooking the river, before embarking on a short cruise to see the fireflies in the Talisay trees.

Loboc- Panglao

Day 6: Transfer to Panglao beach resort

After breakfast, the day begins slowly with time to enjoy the swimming pool, take a canoe or enjoy some paddleboarding on the river. By late morning it will be time to depart Loboc river resort to reach Panglao.

En route, stop by Hinagdanan Cave before going to Bohol Bee Farm for lunch. Bohol Bee Farm is a hotel-restaurant with its own organic garden: freshly harvested straight to your plate. Enjoy the incredible flower salads seasoned with homemade dressing, moringa butter, honey freshly harvested from their beehives, all followed with ginger ice cream.

panglao

Day 7: The stunning surrounds of Panglao

Discover Pamilacan, a small and traditional fishermen’s island off the coast; setting off at sunrise in a banca, look out for dolphins.  Enjoy some snorkeling in the marine sanctuary, explore the island more on foot, or relax with a traditional hilot massage by the beach. Return to Panglao mid-afternoon where you can either relax or go to Alona Beach, a tourist spot where most hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops are located; enjoy dinner and browse for souvenirs.

Panglao- Rest Day

Day 8: Panglao at your leisure

Free day; wander around Alona, take a diving excursion or simply remain at the resort and chill-out by the pool.

Panglao- Cebu

Day 9: Transfer to Cebu

After breakfast, leave the resort to pick up the Ocean jet bound to Cebu. Upon arrival, visit the Magellan's cross, the Basilica of Santo Niño, the oldest church in the Philippines and home to the famous Santo Niño.

Next head to Mactan, stopping by the Alegre Guitar factory and the Mactan Shrine on the way. Check-in at your hotel resort for the night, ready for your transfer flight in the morning.

Cebu- Siargao

Day 10: The pacific jewel of Siargao

In the morning, board your flight to Siargao; upon arrival at Del Carmen Sayak airport, your driver will meet you and take you to your resort.

There is plenty to discover in Siargao, from the extensive Mangrove reserves, to the coconut palms, white sand bar and coral reef.  Plenty of small islands lie offshore and there are boat trips readily available for some island-hopping. The island is also well known for excellent surfing; a 1-hour surf class is available to you in the afternoon.

Siargao

Day 11: Island-hop around stunning Siargao

Set out on a voyage of discovery today, visiting idyllic and heavenly places. Take a banca, the traditional bamboo outrigger fisherman's boat, and discover three incredible islands: Naked Island, Daku Island and Guyam Island. Guyam Island is a very small island covered with palm trees, perhaps only 50 paces across; it is a dreamlike desert island. Daku island is the largest of the three islands and is a great place to swim and eat, with huts lining the shore, perfect to relax in the shade and savor some seafood. Naked Island is a small sandbar that got its name because it is literally just sand; it's a wonderful experience like nowhere else.

Siargao- Discover The Island

Day 12: Discovery day on Siargao (optional)

Opt to sail away to the beautiful island of Siargao and discover what the place has to offer on this worthwhile full day tour.

Visit Sugba Lagoon, surrounded by forests and mountains, with glorious turquoise waters in the centre and enjoy a plunge in the lagoon.

Check out Magkupungko tidal pool and Maasin River where you can climb the coconut trees and jump into the waters. Embrace the peaceful view and atmosphere at Coconut Trees View.

This trip is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the tropical paradise that is Siargao, and discover the hidden gems on the island to make the most of your vacation.

Siargao- Sohoton Cove

Day 13: Incredible Sohoton Cove cruise (optional)

Today, with this option, take a banca to discover two other incomparable places.

Your captain will take you to Bucas Grande before heading to the island of Socorro. Visit Sohoton Cove - a must-see tourist attraction. This hidden paradise includes a group of small islets where you can explore lagoons, limestone caves and stunning rock formations. It's also known to be home to thousands of stingless jellyfish; with an expert guide on hand, you can safely swim and interact with them in the water.

Siargao - Manila

Day 14: Flight transfer back to Manila for departure

The time has come to head home. Your driver will collect you from your resort and transfer you to Del Carmen Sayak airport for your flight back to Manila, ready to meet your international flight home.