8 Days Best Philippines Tour: Manila, Bohol & El Nido

Welcome to Manila, the Capital of the Philippines! Upon your arrival at the airport in Manila, our local driver will meet you at the exit and escort you to your hotel. You can rest and recover from jet lag in the comfort of your hotel or explore the area at your own pace.

Known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” Manila serves as the gateway to the Philippines' incredible beaches, stunning islands, and unique natural wonders. It is also an excellent hub for experiencing the country’s rich culture, history, shopping, and vibrant nightlife. Take your time to wander its lively streets, admire historic buildings, and meet the energetic and welcoming locals.

Manila Arrival Ideas:

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), formerly known as Manila International Airport (MIA), is the largest airport in the Philippines. It serves as a major destination with over 30 direct flights connecting Manila to cities around the world.

You can fly direct to Manila from various cities, including:

• Asia:Singapore, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Taipei, Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Denpasar, and Guam.
• Middle East:Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh.
• Australia:Sydney and Melbourne.
• United States:Los Angeles (via Philippine Airlines, the only carrier offering nonstop flights).

If there is no direct flight from your location, you may need a layover in key hubs like Hong Kong, Singapore, or Dubai. Major airlines such as Delta, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Korean Air, ANA, KLM, EVA Air, and Qantas offer regular flights to Manila.

If you need assistance with Philippines flight ticket bookings, feel free to contact us for support.

Dining：

None

Accommodation：

Manila

Manila Airport

Manila City View

On this day, you will be escorted to the airport in Manila for your flight to Bohol (about 1.5 hours). Upon arrival, our driver will meet you and your group at the airport and transfer you to your hotel on Panglao Island. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Bohol, located in the heart of the Central Visayas island group, offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore its natural wonders. Marvel at the 1,200 cone-shaped Chocolate Hills and encounter the Tarsier, one of the world’s smallest primates, known for its distinctive large eyes. For adventure seekers, Bohol offers exciting activities such as island hopping, snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs, swimming with sea turtles, dolphin watching, and even experiencing the Sardine Run or whale shark encounters.

On this day, during your free time, relax on Panglao Island’s stunning beaches or explore the island at your own pace.

Dining：

Breakfast

Accommodation：

Bohol

Bohol Island, Philippines

Bohol Alona Beach

After breakfast, your local guide and driver will pick up your group from the hotel. Your first stop is Napaling Reef, located on the northern side of Panglao Island. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the breathtaking sardine run. Dive into the water and witness thousands of sardines swimming in mesmerizing, synchronized patterns. You’ll swim among them and capture stunning photos and videos. (Tip: 1. The best time to visit is between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM. 2. Our team will provide a GoPro for your group to capture amazing underwater footage of the sardine run. You’re free to keep all the unedited photos and videos.)

After that, enjoy a Bohol countryside tour and board a traditionally decorated cruise floating on the Loboc River. You will enjoy a buffet lunch onboard. The Loboc River flows through the town of Loboc, 24 kilometers east of Tagbilaran City. Relax on the leisure boat as it glides through calm, green waters, surrounded by dense tropical forests, coconut palms, and mangroves. Experience local life and cultural performances along the riverbanks.

Later, you'll visit the Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area to see Philippine Tarsier. It is a protected area for the Philippine tarsier (Carlito syrichta), one of the smallest primates in the world. Get up close to these adorable creatures, known for their small size, large eyes, and long tails. You'll be amazed at how tiny and delicate the tarsiers are as you observe their unique behaviors, such as clinging to branches or tree trunks and rotating their heads almost 180 degrees. Our guide will provide more information about the tarsiers' unique behaviors and biology. (Please remember: no touching, no loud noises, and no flash photography.)

The last stop is the iconic Chocolate Hills in Bohol. During the dry season, the grass covering these hills turns brown, giving them the appearance of chocolate mounds - hence the name "Chocolate Hills." To reach the viewing decks at the Chocolate Hills Complex, you’ll need to climb a few stairs. From here, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Chocolate Hills. There are between 1,268 and 1,776 hills in total. Let the beauty of the Chocolate Hills embrace you as you take in the symmetrical, cone-shaped formations, each ranging in height from 30 to 50 meters. Enjoy your time here and capture stunning panoramic photos.

After the tour, you and your group will be escorted back to your hotel. Enjoy a good rest tonight!

Dining：

Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation：

Bohol

Bohol Napaling Reef

Chocolate Hills, Bohol

This morning, your guide will pick you up from your hotel to begin an exciting island-hopping tour focused on dolphin watching. You'll be transferred to the boat docking area and board a boat bound for Balicasag Island. En route, you'll have a fantastic opportunity to observe dolphins in their natural habitat. This area is teeming with diverse marine wildlife, including at least seven different species of wild whales and countless wild dolphins. With patience, you might witness a group of dolphins leaping gracefully from the water, their shiny, gray bodies glistening in the sunlight as they twist and spin before diving back into the clear sea.

Dolphin Watching Tips:

• It's advisable to start early in the morning, just after sunrise, as dolphins are most active during this time
• Keep in mind that dolphins are wild animals, so sightings are not guaranteed. Enjoy the boat ride and the beauty of the sea while waiting for them to appear.

After that, you'll stop at Balicasag Island for further exploration. Located about 6 km from Panglao Island, Balicasag is easily accessible by boat. The island features a stunning 3,000-foot-deep fault, known as the deepest and most beautiful underwater cliff in Asia. It's a marine paradise renowned for its thriving coral reefs and vibrant marine life, and is part of a protected marine sanctuary. Here, you can see vibrant coral reefs and a variety of tropical fish species, such as clownfish, parrotfish, lionfish, butterflyfish, and schools of jackfish. On the southeast side, you can visit the turtle point, where there's a high chance of seeing sea turtles grazing on seagrass or swimming gracefully. Alternatively, relax on the white sand beaches for some peaceful time.

Subject to Change: Please note that some activities may be subject to change due to weather conditions. Your safety is our top priority, and we may need to reschedule or cancel activities in case of unfavorable weather, such as strong winds. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we ensure a safe and enjoyable island-hopping experience.

After the tour, you will be escorted back to Bohol.

Dining：

Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation：

Bohol

Dolphin Watching at Balicasag Islands

Turtle at Balicasag Islands

According to your flight schedule, your guide will pick you up and escort you to the airport, where you will board your domestic flight to El Nido.

Note: The direct flight between Bohol and El Nido operates only on specific days of the week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday). If no direct flight is available on your travel date, an alternative option is to take a ferry from Bohol to Cebu. From Cebu, you can then board a domestic flight to El Nido.

Upon arrival at El Nido Lio Airport, you will be greeted by your driver, who will assist with your transfer to your hotel. After checking in, you may spend the rest of the day relaxing, exploring the local area, or enjoying a leisurely dinner at a nearby restaurant.

El Nido, located at the northern tip of Palawan, is world-renowned for its breathtaking limestone cliffs, crystal-clear lagoons, turquoise waters, and pristine beaches. The name "El Nido" translates to "the nest" in Spanish, as the surrounding bays and cliffs were once home to numerous bird nests. As the gateway to the Bacuit Archipelago, El Nido boasts over 40 islands and islets, each offering hidden beaches, dramatic caves, and unforgettable natural wonders. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, El Nido is a paradise waiting to be discovered.

Dining：

Breakfast

Accommodation：

El Nido

El Nido's Lio Airport

El Nido's Lio Airport

Get ready for an exciting day of island hopping as you explore the stunning Bacuit Archipelago on Island Hopping Tour A. This tour takes you to iconic lagoons and beaches - perfect for kayaking and snorkeling enthusiasts.

After breakfast, your guide will meet you for an exhilarating boat ride to the Big Lagoon, one of El Nido’s most famous gems. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, this serene lagoon invites you to kayak through its crystal-clear waters, with the cliffs rising dramatically around you. As your boat glides across the water, the vibrant turquoise sea contrasts with the rugged rock formations, creating a striking visual spectacle. Tip: You can rent a kayak for 450 PHP (for 2 pax) to fully experience the lagoon from a closer perspective.

Next, you’ll head to the Secret Lagoon, a hidden paradise tucked behind towering limestone formations. A short swim through a narrow entrance reveals a beautiful, secluded cove with turquoise waters and a pristine beach - an enchanting place to explore and unwind.

The adventure continues with a visit to 7 Commando Beach, a tropical haven known for its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters. Take a refreshing dip or relax under the shade of palm trees while enjoying the breathtaking surroundings.

From there, you’ll set sail to Shimizu Island, named after the Japanese diver who discovered its incredible marine life. This island offers exceptional snorkeling opportunities, where you can explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with fish, making it a perfect spot for underwater exploration.

Our final stop of the day is Payong-Payong Beach, a serene and peaceful beach that offers an idyllic setting for relaxation. Spend time swimming, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the island before you return to El Nido.

After the tour, be escorted back to your hotel in El Nido.

Dining：

Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation：

El Nido Island

Big Lagoon, El Nido

Shimizu Island, El Nido

Today, you’re diving deeper into the enchanting Bacuit Archipelago with Island Hopping Tour C. Get ready to explore some of El Nido’s most secluded beaches and stunning underwater landscapes where natural wonders await at every turn.

After breakfast, your guide will greet you for an exciting boat ride to Helicopter Island (Dilumacad Island), named for its rock formations that resemble a helicopter from a distance. Here you you can snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, explore vibrant coral reefs, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a sea turtle gliding by. Whether you're soaking up the sun or floating in the warm water, it’s impossible not to be amazed by the scenery.

Next, you’ll visit Tapiutan Island, a stunning island marked by dramatic cliffs and calm waters. The natural beauty here is mesmerizing, with rich marine life waiting to be explored just below the surface. Whether you want to snorkel or simply bask on the golden sands, Tapiutan offers a perfect slice of paradise.

Continue your journey to Secret Beach, hidden behind a wall of towering cliffs. To get there, you’ll swim through a narrow opening in the rock - sounds adventurous, right? Once inside, you’ll discover a secluded cove where soft white sand meets calm, clear waters. It’s said that this beach inspired parts of the novel The Beach - and standing there, you’ll understand why.

Your last stop is Hidden Beach, another gem concealed behind limestone formations. From the open sea, you wouldn’t even know it’s there until you swim around the rocks and suddenly, you’re in a peaceful lagoon-like haven. The water is a stunning shade of turquoise, the sand is soft beneath your feet, and you’ll find yourself wanting to stay forever.

After a full day of exploring hidden treasures, you'll head back to your hotel.

Dining：

Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation：

El Nido Island

Helicopter Island, El Nido

Hidden Beach, El Nido

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to El Nido and end to 8 Days Philippines Tour. Your driver will transfer you to the airport and you will continue on your next destination.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for your Philippines tour, and you are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to Philippines. Safe journey!

Dining：

Breakfast

Accommodation：

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