Pure Philippines

13 days from £1,299

Drone view of boat trip over twin lagoon.

Drone view of travellers lying in the sun on boat trip rooftop.

Drone view of boat travelling into Coron.

+13
photos

Trip Photos

Group of travellers waving at camera, stood on a bamboo raft in Cambugahay.

Women traveller enjoying the water after boat trip to the twin lagoon.

Group of travellers on a boat trip, sitting on the rooftop.

Travellers posing on the Palawan bridge.

Male traveller looking at Kawasan Falls from a bamboo raft.

Male traveller snorkelling next to a turtle in Moalboal.

Panoramic view of Mount Tapyas at sunset.

Group photo of travellers sitting on top of a tour truck in Palawan.

The local Philippine children smiling and playing with each other.

Women swimming in El Nido's clear water.

Island hopping adventure in sun-soaked Southeast Asia

With endless white sands, cascading waterfalls, and untouched coral reefs, the Philippines is the barefoot beach destination of your dreams. Jump from paradise island to paradise island on this 13-day group trip through the archipelago. Swim with vast, shimmering shoals of sardines in Moalboal, get your adrenaline pumping with a high-energy canyoneering experience in Kawasan Falls, spend the night in an island beach camp, and go fully off-grid with a three-day cruise on a traditional banca boat. Life doesn’t get any better than this.

Highlights include

Moalboal sardine run

Kawasan Falls

Canyoneering

Coron island cruise

Filipino massage

Simala Shrine

El Nido canopy walk

Nacpan Beach

Jeepney tour

Mount Tapyas

Itinerary

The sun setting over the skyline of Manila.

Day 1: Kamusta Manila!

Arrive in the Philippines' buzzing capital. We'll meet you at the airport and take you to our starting hotel, where you can chill after your long flight, before meeting the rest of the group. Tonight, head out for dinner and drinks in one of the city's lively bars.

Traditional banca boats at shore in the Philippines.

Day 2: Fly to Paradise

Take the short flight and ferry to the idyllic tropical island of Cebu. Think sun-bleached beaches, crystal-clear waters and majestic waterfalls and you've got the picture. We'll stop at some exquisite waterfalls on the way to Moalboal.

Group of travellers on a bamboo raft at Cambugahay falls.

Day 3: Kawasan Waterfalls

Today we're headed to beautiful Kawasan Falls, where we'll take the adventure level up to ten with a canyoneering experience. A combo of the best bits of trekking, cliff jumping, and swimming, it's an incredible way to explore the pristine network of falls.

Male traveller snorkelling to watch the moalboal sardine run.

Day 4: Sardine Run

We're going full Attenborough today with one of nature's great spectacles - Moalboal sardine run. Strap your snorkel on and watch in awe as millions of silvery fish move in unison to form vast swirling shoals around you. The afternoon is yours to relax on the pretty beach or by the pool.

Woman looking up at Cebu Simala Church in Philippines

Day 5: Simala & Flight

Get in touch with your spiritual side at Simala Church this morning. Admire the castle-like building and lovely grounds. Then hop on another short flight to Busuanga Airport. Our home for the next couple of nights is Coron Town, a laid-back fishing village with great nightlife.

Day 6: Snorkelling

Today you will experience some of the best snorkelling in the Philippines where you can swim alongside shoals of colourful fish and might even spot some wild turtles!

Group of travellers smiling on top of the Coron viewpoint.

Day 7: Hot Springs Sunset

Relax by the pool or explore Coron Town this morning. Then strap on your walking sandals ready for the short hike up Mount Tapyas for mind-blowing views of the bay. Maqunit Hot Springs is on the menu later, for a relaxing soak as the sun goes down over the ocean.

Women sat at shore on a traditional banca boat.

Day 8: Banca Boat Cruise

Get completely off grid with our unforgettable 3-day cruise on a traditional banca boat. Pad along deserted beaches, snorkel in sapphire seas, and stay in rustic Filipino huts on the beach without another soul in sight.

Women sat watching the sunset over the beach in a hammock.

Day 9: Beach Camp

It's another day in paradise as we continue our cruise through some of the most postcard-perfect scenes in the world. Soak up the sun on deck and dive into those jewel-like waters. Tonight, fall asleep with the sound of the waves as your lullaby in our traditional beach camp.

Boats gather in El Nido, surrounded by mountains.

Day 10: El Nido Fun

Our boat trip comes to an end today as we sail into vibrant El Nido. Find your land legs again, relax on the beach, and pick up some artisan souvenirs before a night in the town's reggae bars.

Two women travellers smiling on the canopy walk over El Nido.

Day 11: Canopy Walk

Relax with a delicious Filipino massage this morning. Then take a jungle canopy walk across stairways and hanging bridges. Drink in the ravishing views of Bacuit Bay, before spending the rest of the day at your own pace.

The jeepney tour travelling through El Nido.

Day 12: Jeepney Tour

Take a Jeepney tour of gorgeous El Nido today. Visit an organic farm, check out some local hideouts, and stop at Nacpan Beach, one of Palawan's most beautiful spots. Enjoy lunch on the beach while watching a traditional Filipino dance performed by local children.

Drone view of a boat trip departing the Philippines.

Day 13: Goodbye

Paalam Philippines! It's time to check out and say your goodbyes before heading home or continuing your travels. Until next time!

Get full details of this trip

Download the extended guide featuring full itinerary.

Get your guide

Accommodation & Meals

We’ve included all your accommodation on this magical tour. You’ll stay in everything from Santorini-inspired beachfront hotels and stylish hostels in the heart of the city, to authentic Filipino huts on a desert island. All nights are in twin or double rooms.

Lots of our travellers are solo travellers, so when you book with us, we’ll pair you up with a like-minded roommate of the same sex. Our trips are great for couples or friends as well - just let us know you’re together, so we can be sure to put you in the same room.

Manila (1 night): Funky hostel in the centre of the city with rooftop bar and restaurant.
Siquijor (2 nights): Ocean front resort on the most beautiful beach on Siquijor, with private beach area, restaurant, and bar.
Moalboal (2 nights): Airy beachfront hotel right on a dive site and marine sanctuary, with gorgeous views of Pescador Island, infinity pool, game room area, bar, and restaurant.
Coron (2 nights): 3-star hotel in the heart of the action, with terrace, pool, and massage services.
Coron to El Nido boat expedition (2 nights): Rustic Filipino huts on a remote hidden island – a real Robinson Crusoe experience (twin huts with shared bathrooms).
El Nido (3 nights): Four story hotel with a spacious roof deck, cliff views, and a seafood restaurant.

The above information is only intended to be used as a guide, giving you a flavour of some of our accommodation providers, and the style of accommodation you may be staying in. Please note that all nights are subject to change.

Meals

12 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 2 dinners are included on this trip. You’ll have the freedom to eat wherever and whenever you like the rest of the time.

While Filipino cuisine may not be as famous around the globe as that of its Thai and Vietnamese neighbours, with delicious dishes from the Mexican influenced adobo (rich stew with soy sauce, vinegar, and bay leaves) to indulgent Lechon (whole roasted pig with crispy skin), it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the world catches on. Food is delicious, unpretentious, and affordable and is a real feature of any trip to this part of the world.

The swimming pool at the Coron accommodation.

The swimming pool at the Moalboal accommodation.

Outside the boat trip accommodation hut.

Inside the traditional hut accommodation.

A bedroom in the Siquijor accommodation.

A bedroom in the Moalboal accommodation.

Dates & Prices

Flights

To get a flight quote use the buttons below or call our fantastic flights team on 01892 277037.

Cheapest flights between London and Manila for the next 6 months.

Cheapest: £440 October, 2023
Most expensive: £1,254 December, 2023

Extra information

Arrive in Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport (MNL), on day 1 of your trip, where a member of the local team will meet you and transfer you to our accommodation in the centre of the city. There are no activities planned today so arrive at a time that suits you.

The trip ends on day 13 in El Nido on Palawan. Return airport transfers are not included so you’ll need to make your own way to the airport. Flying is the easiest and quickest way to get back to Manila, but you can also return by ferry. Your tour guide can help with this. Please ensure you leave plenty of time to make your connecting flight.

Group sizes range from 4 – 18. Travelling as a group is a great way to meet like-minded people and to share an amazing adventure.

This trip is designed for travellers aged 18-39. There are some light activities involved, including snorkelling and hiking and some more demanding inclusions such as canyoneering, so you’ll need a moderate level of fitness.