The Philippines Islands Vacation

Welcome to the Philippines, an archipelagic nation with over 7,000 islands and islets. Upon landing in Manila, the country's vibrant capital, receive a warm welcome and transfer via private vehicle to your hotel. After check-in, spend the rest of the day at leisure or head out for a little urban adventure.

Embark on a journey through time to delve into the rich history of Manila. Your first stop is the iconic Rizal Park, dedicated to Philippine national hero Jose Rizal, telling about the country's tumultuous past. While exploring the historic Intramuros, walk cobbled streets to discover Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, Casa Manila, San Augustin Church, and Baluarte de Dilao. If you're inclined, sign up for a running tour along the historic walls for a unique perspective.

As the tour concludes, you can opt to break for refreshments and scenic views at the Sky Deck of Bayleaf Hotel, with a chance to witness Manila Bay's famous sunset.

Enjoy breakfast and your morning at leisure before flying to the coastal Dumaguete in the Central Visayas region.

Upon landing, be greeted and transferred to your resort. Once settled in, relax into the local calming, laid-back ambiance.

Today's introductory city tour of Dumaguete will take you through some of the essential sights. Visit Silliman University with the Anthropological Museum, and witness local craftsmanship at Hikaban Cooperative and Claytown Pottery, followed by quick snapshots of Freedom Park, Aqua Sports Center, bustling public market, and Cathedral Bell Tower.

As you venture south to Bacong, Negros Oriental Arts and Heritage (NOAH) and Bacong Church stand out as cultural and historical gems. Besides, enjoy a Kalesa ride along Rizal Boulevard, shop at downtown souvenir stores, and savor a delectable meal at The Lab by the Sea.

The rest of today is open for your own sightseeing and exploration.

Enjoy a free day in Dumaguete. You may simply relax at your hotel, enjoy the refreshing waters of Pulangbato Falls in Valencia, snorkel the reefs of Apo Island in search of turtles, or go dolphin-watching in Bais, etc.

After breakfast, drive to the seaport for a scheduled ferry boat (about 2 hours) to Bohol. Once arriving there, you will be taken to your beautiful beach resort, with the remainder of today at leisure.

Start by visiting a viewing deck to witness Bohol's iconic natural wonder, Chocolate Hills. Around 1,300 cone-shaped limestone formations - featured in the movie Harry Potter - are an amazing sight to behold. As you like, pose for photos riding a broom with such a magic backdrop. Proceed to the Tarsier Sanctuary, devoted to protecting the endangered and endemic tarsiers - the world's smallest primate with big eyes.

You will then be treated to a scenic cruise (shared, about 1 hour) along the Loboc River. Aboard a motorized covered raft, relish a buffet lunch, and enjoy live cultural performances amid picturesque surroundings. After the tour, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of today at leisure.

Today, you'll embark on a whale and dolphin-watching tour. On board a motorized outrigger boat which brings you to the waters around Pamilacan Island, home to over 6 species of whales and dolphins. Former whale hunters now serve as the specially trained boat crew to help you spot those sea creatures. If you're lucky enough, you might also spot whale sharks.

Travel onward today by some 2-hour ferry boat to Cebu, crowned as the Queen City of the South, where office buildings and leisure resorts coexist under the azure sky.

From the ferry terminal, a private transfer will take you to your hotel. This afternoon is free to relax or explore at your own leisure.

Trace the footsteps of conquistadors by visiting iconic sites like Magellan's Cross, Fort San Pedro, Casa Gorordo Museum, Basilica del Santo Niño, and the Taoist Temple in Beverly Hills. As you like, browse shopping stalls selling handicrafts or explore a well-established mall for quality goods.

Seafood lunch will be offered at a local restaurant by the bay. This afternoon, dig deeper into Filipino history with visits to the Monument of Lapu-Lapu and Mactan Shrine. Before retiring to your hotel, explore the Public Market and a Guitar and Ukulele Factory for an immersive dose of local flavor.

Venture out on an excursion to explore the islands and waters around Mactan, covering Caohagan Island, Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary, and San Vicente Marine Sanctuary. The day can be spent swimming in the clear waters, snorkeling with colorful fishes, and relaxing on the white sand beach.

Your Philippines tour comes to an end with a private transfer to the airport for your onward flight.