Philippines Island Hopping West - 13 Days

Breathtaking beaches. Spectacular seafood. Rustic marine rendezvous. Welcome to Asia’s Pearl of the Orient, packed with some of the BEST views of your lifetime! There’s so much to see, and there’s no time to waste. You’ll meet your crew in Manila before we zip through the skies straight to our very first white-sand destination. Feel the beach vibes hitting you already? Same. Nothing’s better than a free evening to spend on one of the most pristine islands here, Palawan. But first, we feast. Exchange proper hellos with your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner. And for a prime local experience, you can end the night at a Tiki bar with Filipino tunes and cocktails. Today might be over, but this is just beginning…

Morning, sunshine lovers! Today’s the first full day on this wonderful island, so you know we’re starting with a bang. You’ll grab some breakfast at the hotel and head straight to the Subterranean River National Park for a fascinating underground endeavour. Ready? Put on your neon helmets. For your very first adventure, you’ll float through an aquamarine river into one of the most complex cave systems in the world. Surrounded by intricate limestone formations (some of them egg-shaped too!) - you’ll have no doubt about why this glorious landscape is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bet your eyes are pleased with those gorgeous views. Now it's time to please our tummies. You’ll stop by at Nanay Elena’s House for a traditional Filipino meal, made using only the freshest ingredients (that she grows on her own farm!). Afterwards, drop your bags at our beachfront hotel. Relax on the shore. Explore the tiny town. The night is still young, and it’s all yours!

Need your beauty sleep? Or just need to spend some time on the sandy beach? Today’s the day you can do anything you want. Dive into the crystal blue waters. Grab a book and soak in the sun. Go on a morning hike to check out the rocky hills. Or make your own rings & bracelets in a local workshop. Either way, sublime beach vibes are guaranteed here.

Ocean-lovers, unite! Today, we’re going island hopping in our very own private boat. You’ll swim with sea turtles. Snorkel along the vibrant reefs. Grab a scrumptious locally-cooked meal. Dodge waves at the beach. And chill at a starfish sandbar (with your newly-made best friends, of course) as the sun sets over the serene sea. Is this island exploration done right or what?

It’s time to bid farewell to our (now) favourite island stop. But don’t worry, there are plenty more destinations here to give it competition. You’ll start the day with some breakfast at the hotel and with no time to waste, head to the next turquoise-tinted spot. A free afternoon to spend in another wonderful tropical paradise? How lucky are we? Taste the local street food. Or check out the unique shops around town. Oh, and please don’t forget to charge your camera!

Rise and shine folks. It’s time to hit the road (just like the locals) in a wonderfully colourful, classic Jeepney. First stop? The beautiful Lio Beach. Enjoy the peaceful views and walk the wooden footpath that leads into the ocean. And it doesn’t end there. Next, we’ll head to Bulalacao Waterfalls. It’s gonna be really hard to stop yourself from taking a plunge into the enigmatic milky-white water. The day is not complete yet, we’ll head to the most popular beach in all of Palawan (and maybe even the Philippines, if you ask us) - Nacpan Beach. Finally, we'll end the day at Las Cabanas - one of the best sunset points in the ENTIRE country.

It’s not often you get an entire day in a palm tree paradise to spend just the way you please. But the stars must’ve aligned, because today is one of them! You can explore the pristine white-sand beaches while the sun’s out and spend the night chilling with your crew. It’s a ‘you do you’ kinda day.

Mabuhay, travellers! The sun has risen, and so has the opportunity to explore another destination with crystal clear water. Munch on your final El Nido meal before we catch a boat-transfer. This is what you’ve been waiting for. You’ll drop your bags off at our Special Stay, our next MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience where we'll spend time exploring local culture - something straight outta a storybook. Afterwards, you’ll snorkel under the crystal blue water and explore a local shipwreck! We’ll then head to another authentic Filipino experience. Delicious local food served on a long banana leaf across the table devoured with your hands AKA a boodle fight. Finally, we'll light up a soothing bonfire and end the day resting on the shores (next to our rustic beach huts).

Are ya ready, sea-seekers? Our adventure is about to get wilder. Dine on a wholesome breakfast and bid your farewells, before we set out to our first destination of the marine safari. The next 3 days are packed with rustic adventures. You’ll be visiting close to 15 islands on a private boat. Camping on white-sand beaches. And watching the sunset from the most tranquil spots in the Philippines. Today, you’ll be visiting reefs and watching the breathtaking corals that are home to hundreds of fish (let’s hope the weather gods are on our side). Next, you’ll head to a remote island to get a spectacular view of the white sandbars over turquoise waters. Then, we’ll end the night with a campfire, dinner and music (and a wondrous view of the sparkling galaxy decorating the night sky). Note: The actual itinerary today will be confirmed once on board the boat as it is dependent on weather & sea conditions, the above is a guide only.

Another day, another adventure. Today, we'll continue exploring the sapphire seas. You’ll start the day with some snorkelling. Who knows? You might just spot some turtles (and occasionally sting rays too). If thriving coral reefs and breathtaking beaches are your thing, you're going to love our next stop. And finally, you’ll explore mind-boggling rock formations.Note: The actual itinerary today will be confirmed once on board the boat as it is dependent on weather & sea conditions, the above is a guide only.

If you thought yesterday was the end of our island exploration, you’re in for a surprise. You can start the day by heading to another fringing reef. Keep your eyes peeled - you might spot some Giant Groupers and the occasional Dugongs too. All that snorkelling calls for some relaxation, so you’ll stop by for some lunch and drinks next to a sandbar. Then, we’ll head to (probably) the most clear lake you’ve ever seen. And finally, end the afternoon with some more snorkelling (can you ever get enough?) What a long (but satisfying) day it’s been! There are plenty of places around town to grab some dinner. You’ll then head back to the hotel to finally rest those travel-tired limbs.

It’s our last full day in this land of serene seas. And guess what? How you spend it is all up to you! Fancy a scuba dive? It’s your lucky day. Coron is known around the world for its intriguing Japanese World War II shipwrecks. Or you could choose to take a tricycle ride to the many beautiful beaches. And if you’re feeling like ditching the cool ocean water for something extra relaxing - the hot springs nearby might just be exactly what you need. Praying this day doesn’t end? Same.

After many enticing days of sea, sun, dining and snorkelling - it’s time to say goodbye. Make the most of your last free meal in this wonderful marine ecstasy. Don’t forget to exchange deets with your new best friends. After all, no one can keep away from exciting sea adventures (with amazing company) for too long.