9 Days Philippines Essence Tour: Explore El Nido, Cebu & Bohol

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 Airport

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

El Nido, located at the northern tip of Palawan, is world-renowned for its stunning limestone cliffs, crystal-clear lagoons, turquoise waters, and pristine beaches. The name El Nido translates to "the nest" in Spanish, as the bay and its surrounding cliffs were home to numerous bird nests. Serving as the gateway to the Bacuit Archipelago, El Nido is home to a collection of over 40 islands and islets, each offering hidden beaches, dramatic caves, and unforgettable natural wonders, all waiting for you to discover.

Dining：

Breakfast

Accommodation：

El Nido

El Nido's Lio Airport

Big Lagoon, El Nido

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

Payong-Payong Beach, 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

On this day, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cebu (about 1h and 40 min). Upon arrival, your guide and driver will meet you at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA). From there, you will enjoy a half-day Cebu tour to visit Magellan's Cross, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, and Fort San Pedro.

Your first stop is Magellan's Cross, a historic wooden cross believed to have been planted by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. This iconic landmark symbolizes the introduction of Christianity to the Philippines. Take photos, learn about the site's history, and admire the local architecture.

Next, visit the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, a Roman Catholic basilica built in 1565. It is renowned for housing the revered Santo Niño de Cebu, believed to be one of the oldest Christian relics in the Philippines. Explore the basilica's stunning architecture and admire this treasured religious icon.

Finally, head to Fort San Pedro, a Spanish colonial fort built in 1738 to protect the island from pirates and invaders. Wander through its well-preserved walls, cannons, and exhibits that showcase Cebu’s rich history. Enjoy the fort’s panoramic views of Cebu City.

After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Cebu. Enjoy a comfortable stay!

Dining：

Breakfast

Accommodation：

Cebu

Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, Cebu

Fort San Pedro, Cebu

After breakfast, you will enjoy a Mactan Island Hopping Tour, visiting three famous islands: Hilutungan Island, Nalusuan Island, and Caohagan Island.

Your adventure begins with a hotel pickup from Cebu City, followed by a transfer to Mactan Wharf. Get ready to snorkel among vibrant coral reefs and schools of fish, including clownfish and parrotfish.

Island 1: Hilutungan Island

Start your island-hopping journey at Hilutungan Island Marine Sanctuary, one of Cebu’s premier snorkeling destinations. Known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, this sanctuary offers 1.5-hour underwater experience.

Island 2: Nalusuan Island

Next, head to Nalusuan Island Marine Sanctuary, a small private island with rich coral gardens and calm, shallow waters. Discover an underwater paradise filled with vibrant marine life, perfect for swimmers of all levels. Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch on Nalusuan Island.

Island 3: Caohagan Island

Continue your island-hopping tour to Caohagan Island, a peaceful and charming island known for its white sand beaches and local fishing village. Relax on the soft sands, soak in the beautiful scenery, and explore the fishing village to experience the simple, laid-back lifestyle of the locals.

After the tour, board the boat and return to Mactan Island. Then, take a ferry to Bohol (about 2 hours). Upon arrival, our driver will meet you and your group at the pier and take you to your hotel on Panglao Island.

Bohol is the heart of the Central Visayas island group. This unique destination offers travelers a rare opportunity to explore the 1,200 cone-shaped Chocolate Hills and get up close with the Tarsier, one of the smallest primates in the world, known for its distinctive large eyes. Enjoy exciting activities such as exploring nearby islands with coral reefs, sea turtles, dolphin watching, whale sharks, and the Sardine Run. It's a place of natural wonders and thrilling adventures. On Day 1, during your free time, you can relax on the stunning beaches or explore the island at your own pace.

Dining：

Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation：

Bohol

Caohagan Island

Mactan Island

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

Chocolate Hills, Bohol

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, Bohol

Sardine Run Experience at Napaling Reef

Loboc River Cruise, 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

Snorkeling at Balicasag Islands

Today, enjoy some free time in Bohol. Your driver will transfer you to the airport as you continue to your next destination. It’s time to conclude your 9 days Philippines tour.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for your Philippines tour. We are always here for you and look forward to seeing you again on your next trip to the Philippines. Have a safe journey!

Dining：

Breakfast

Accommodation：

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Bohol Island, Philippines

Bohol Alona Beach