Brilliant Bohol - Private - 8 Days

Upon arrival in Manila, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for the next two days. The rest of the day is at leisure, for you to relax or explore at your own pace.

Today you are exploring the Filipino capital, making use of the city's public transport system. Set off early for Guadalupe Station to catch the 09:00 Pasig River Ferry. Once aboard the twin-hulled, double-engine passenger boat, find a good spot to take in the views as you cruise along the riverbanks. The Pasig River, stretching 25 kilometers, was once Manila’s economic lifeline during Spanish times. Historic cities like Tondo, Maynila, and Namayan thrived along its shores, while landmarks like the historic walled city of Intramuros and Malacañang Palace still stand as reminders of the past.

As you glide past gleaming skyscrapers mixed with more modest structures, you might spot children diving from makeshift platforms under bridges, locals relaxing in small gardens, fishermen trying their luck, and street basketball games in full swing. Disembark at Plaza Mexico Station, a short walk from Fort Santiago. Explore its ramparts, then embark on a 1.5-hour tour of Intramuros on a bamboo bike.

Next, hop on a calesa, cross MacArthur Bridge, and stop at Sta. Cruz Church. From there, walk down Ongpin Street in Chinatown, where you’ll find Chinese herbal stores, jewellery shops, and oriental trinkets. Pause for refreshments at an authentic Chinese tea house before hailing a ‘trisikad’ to the Philippine National Railway Station, the country’s oldest commuter service, dating back to 1892. End your tour with a train ride to Buendia Station, passing through densely populated areas, before catching a jeepney or taxi back to your hotel.

Once at the hotel, you will have the opportunity to opt to try Halo-halo, a popular Filipino cold dessert of crushed ice, evaporated or coconut milk, and a mix of ingredients like ube jam, sweetened beans, coconut strips, sago, gulaman, pinipig, yams, flan, and fruit preserves. Topped with ube ice cream, it's typically served in a tall glass with a long spoon.

Manila - Bohol. Take a morning included flight to Bohol, an island in the Central Visayas with over 260 kilometres of coastline and surrounding islets. Bohol is a popular destination, known for the Chocolate Hills and the tarsier, the world’s second smallest primate with large eyes. The Chocolate Hills, named for their brown colour, are a major attraction.

You’ll find white sandy beaches on Panglao Island, often compared to Boracay for their beauty, along with luxury resorts. The nearby islets also offer pristine, untouched beaches. A cruise along the Loboc River is another must, with meals and entertainment included.

Upon arrival, transfer to your resort and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Start your day early with a visit to the village of Loboc for a full day of activity! The best way to truly experience a place is by engaging with its people and learning about their daily lives. This tour offers a glimpse into the livelihoods and traditions of those living along the Loboc River in rural Philippines.

You’ll learn how to weave a house roof from indigenous materials, taste homemade coconut wine, visit a fighting cock farm, walk through rice paddies, discover the process of rice planting, and meet the national animal, the carabao. To top it off, you’ll even learn how to open a coconut to quench your thirst after exploring the village.

Afterwards, enjoy a 1.5 to 2-hour bike ride on both paved and off-road paths, passing two old Spanish church ruins and a museum in a famous ancestral home. This scenic route takes you through local villages and woods along the Loboc River, offering an introduction to rustic Bohol and some advanced mountain biking skills (not recommended for beginners).

Next, learn the basics of stand-up paddleboarding and enjoy a peaceful paddle along the Loboc River. With a quick lesson, you’ll be confidently standing on your board in no time.

Lunch will be served by the riverbank before heading off to visit the Chocolate Hills and Tarsier Sanctuary. You'll return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Start your day early to catch a glimpse of playful dolphins! The Bohol Sea is one of the few places in the Philippine Archipelago that attracts a wide variety of dolphins and whales. As you make your way to Balicasag island, you'll have the opportunity to see different dolphin species and might even be lucky enough to spot a whale!

Upon arrival at Balicasag Island, you can snorkel at Coral Gardens, explore the island on foot, or simply relax on the white sandy beach. Spend the afternoon at the Marine Sanctuary, where you'll find schools of colourful fish and vast table corals. A barbecue lunch will be prepared and served on board your outrigger boat before heading back to Panglao Island. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Enjoy two days at your leisure in Bohol, where you can explore the island's stunning attractions or simply unwind on the beach and soak up the sun. You might discover the vibrant marine life while snorkelling in crystal-clear waters or take a scenic walk along the coast. Alternatively, relax at your hotel or stroll along the sandy shores of Panglao Island. Whatever you choose, these days are yours to enjoy as you wish!

Bohol - Manila. Today after breakfast, your tour will conclude with your flight back to Manila.