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Epic Philippines: Island Hopping Adventure

13 days, Manila to Coron

Map of the route for Epic Philippines: Island Hopping Adventure
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Itinerary

Day 1Manila

Arrive at anytime and dive right into the bustling city life of Manila. There's nothing planned today until your Welcome Meeting at 17:00 this evening, so spend the day how you'd like. Manila is the biggest, brightest and liveliest city in the Philippines so start your adventure off on a high note by exploring the neighborhood near your hostel.

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Accommodation

Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

Lub D Makati (or similar)
Hostel

Day 2Manila/Mount Purro

After breakfast in Manila, travel with your group to Mount Purro Nature Reserve, a G for Good project. You'll be greeted by your local hosts for the next 2 days before heading out on an afternoon jungle waterfall hike and swim. In the evening, join the local Dumagat people to cook over the bonfire. Together, learn to make rice and Filipino tom yum soup over the fire in bamboo before sitting down to dig in to the meal together.

Private Vehicle
Manila – Mount Purro2h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Mount Purro Waterfall Hike & Swim
Mount Purro

Grab your water bottle, a snack and a hiking stick and head out into the jungle. Hike to a beautiful waterfall and swim in the lagoon at the foot of the falls.

Calawis Cooking Demonstration
Mount Purro

Join the members of the indigenous community you are staying with, the Calawis people, for a cooking demonstration. Make traditional sinigang, a filipino tom yum soup cooked in bamboo. Then sit down together to enjoy your creation hearing stories from the Calawis members.

Your G for Good Moment: Mount Purro Nature Reserve

Join the Mount Purro Nature Reserve and learn about the reforestation efforts of the community. This reforestation organization was formed to protect the greater Manila area from future natural disasters like flash flooding. Immerse yourself with the local community, learn about their initiatives, go for a hike, and join a local cooking demonstration.

Accommodation

Nature Reserve Resort Experience (or similar)
Resort

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 3Mount Purro/Manila

We know it's early but you don't want to miss this. Wake while it's still dark for a hike up to the peak of Mount Purro for an amazing view of the sunrise. Take it all in, maybe a selfie or two, before hiking back down. Enjoy breakfast at the reserve and enjoy your final jungle moments. Late morning, we'll drive back to Manila and enjoy some free time in the city.

Sunrise hike up Mount Purro
Mount Purro

Awaken in the dark to hike up Mount Purro. Reach the peak just in time for a perfect sunrise view.

Private Vehicle
Mount Purro – Manila2h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time
Manila

Spend the evening free in Manila.

Accommodation

Lub D Makati (or similar)
Hostel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 4Manila

In the morning, choose to visit many must see points around the city like Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral and Postigo del Palacio. Or just take it easy and have a wander around Makati. In the evening, hop in a legendary Filipino jeepney and eat your way through Chinatown. It's known as the culinary center of the Philippines, so try their street food - a blend of typical Chinese and Filipino food.

Free Time
Manila Full Day

Spend the day exploring Manila.

Chinatown jeepney and food tour
Manila

Ride through Manila's Chinatown in a colorful jeepney. Stop along the way and sample the local street food.

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Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow

Manila City Tour
Manila

Take a guided tour to explore the historic centre of Manila known as Intramuros (“Within the Walls”). Founded by the Spanish in the late 16th century, the city was enclosed by thick stone walls which still stand today. At the height of its power, Intramuros was feared by Spain’s enemies as the only true European powerhouse in the whole of Asia, but after holding strong against Chinese pirates, Dutch forces, British, American and Japanese occupations, the large majority of the city was destroyed during the month-long brutal Battle of Manila fought between the Japanese and the Allies in the closing days of WWII, a battle which also claimed the lives of 100,000 Filipino civilians. A walk through this area, despite the devastation (or maybe because of it) truly gives you a sense of the history of this area.

Intramuros Visit
Manila

Explore the historic centre of Manila known as Intramuros (“Within the Walls”). Founded by the Spanish in the late 16th century, the city was enclosed by thick stone walls which still stand today. At the height of its power, Intramuros was feared by Spain’s enemies as the only true European powerhouse in the whole of Asia, but after holding strong against Chinese pirates, Dutch forces, British, American and Japanese occupations, the large majority of the city was destroyed during the month-long brutal Battle of Manila fought between the Japanese and the Allies in the closing days of WWII, a battle which also claimed the lives of 100,000 Filipino civilians. A walk through this area, despite the devastation (or maybe because of it) truly gives you a sense of the history of this area.

Accommodation

Lub D Makati (or similar)
Hostel

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 5Manila/Puerto Princesa

This morning, we'll head to the airport and catch a flight to Puerto Princesa. After arriving in the early afternoon, spend a free afternoon in this seaside paradise. Opt to go on the Puerto Princesa City Tour and visit notable spots like Immaculate Conception Cathedral and Baker's Hill.

Please note, if you booked the twin/double room, it will not be available in Puerto Princesa.

Plane
Manila – Puerto Princesa1h30m

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Free Time
Puerto Princesa

Spend the rest of the day how you'd like in Puerto Princesa.

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Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow

Puerto Princesa City Tour
Puerto Princesa

Enjoy a tour of the area and learn about the history of the largest city in the Palawan province. Visit the Iwahig Penal Colony, where prisoners self-govern and maintain the prison and become farmers or fishermen with some of their families living nearby. Stop at Baker’s Hill a park with a bakery, pizza stand, snack bar and gift shop.

Iwahig Firefly Evening Tour
Puerto Princesa

Take part in a magical evening experience where you will witness the captivating glow of thousands of fireflies. You'll be surrounded by lush mangrove trees, illuminated by these tiny dancing lights.

Accommodation

100% Cafe Moto Hostel (or similar)
Hostel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 6Puerto Princesa/El Nido

This morning, put on your adventure hat, grab your camera and visit the famed underground river on a boat ride through Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. In the afternoon, we'll drive to El Nido. Great ready for the next few days: forecast calls for crystal blue water, karst cliffs, and perfect island life. Not too shabby.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park Visit
Sabang

Take a boat ride through the famous subterranean river. The underground ecosystem is over 8km (5 mi) long with amazing rock formations, cave systems, wildlife and old growth forest. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park was voted one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011.

Private Vehicle
Puerto Princesa – El NidoNone-None

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Spin Designer Hostel (or similar)
Hostel

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 7El Nido

If you came to the Philippines for island life, today will be your day. Hop aboard for our very own private island hopping tour. Epic right? We'll cruise, swim and snorkel our way through perfectly clear water, stopping at iconic beaches like Hidden Beach and Secret Beach. A pretty dreamy day if you ask us.

Island Hopping Tour
El Nido7h-8h

Jump on a boat and cruise through some of the most beautiful water in the world. Stop at world class beaches like Secret Beach and Hidden Beach while swimming and snorkeling in the beautiful sea along the way. Gaze at the impressive limestone karsts and view of the sparkling water. Enjoy lunch on board while listening to stories and the history of El Nido.

Accommodation

Spin Designer Hostel (or similar)
Hostel

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 8El Nido

Spend your last day in El Nido doing exactly what you want! There are so many things to do to make for your perfect day! You could hike to the top of Taraw Peak for a gorgeous view or visit Kuyawyaw Falls. Looking for more of a beachy vibe? Opt to kayak through the crystal clear water or relax on the white sand and enjoy a beach day.

Free Time
El Nido Full Day

Enjoy a free day in this island paradise.

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Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow

Taraw Peak Hike
El Nido

Maybe the most beautiful view view in El Nido, Taraw hike is well worth it. This epic but intense hike is 30 minutes and not for the faint of heart.

Kuyawyaw Falls
El Nido

Visit the three falls in Kuyawyaw and swim in the fresh pools. On the second falls, opt to jump off the 4m cliff jump.

Sibaltan Heritage Community
El Nido

Travelers visiting Sibaltan can engage in hands-on cultural experiences, including traditional weaving workshops led by the Sibaltan Women Weavers Association (SWWA). They can craft travel-friendly items, such as placemats, small baskets, or bags, using pandan or buri leaves dyed in vibrant colors. This workshop offers a meaningful connection to the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines while supporting local artisans. Visitors can also enjoy traditional dance performances and cooking demonstrations, showcasing the vibrant cultural and culinary traditions of Sibaltan, all while promoting sustainable living practices.

Accommodation

Spin Designer Hostel (or similar)
Hostel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 9El Nido/Sulu Sea

Say goodbye to Palawan Island and climb aboard for an epic adventure! Over the next two nights, you'll explore the islands of the Philippines onboard a two-story motorized bancas boat, cruising past huge krast formations, white sand coves and through the Sulu Sea. After a day of cruising, we'll camp on a secluded beach in traditional filipino huts. Talk about living the island dream.

Boat
Sulu Sea

Enjoy a day out on the open sea! Island hop from one gorgeous, secluded beach to another.

Accommodation

Outpost Expedition (or similar)
Beach Resort

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 10Sulu Sea

Wake to the sound of the sea reaching the sand. Climb back onto the boat and continue exploring the beautiful turquoise water. We'll make stops along the way to swim and snorkel. Keep an eye out for dolphins, sea turtles, whale sharks and breaching rays before you reach your next secluded beach camping experience.

Boat
Sulu Sea

Enjoy a day out on the open sea! Island hop from one gorgeous, secluded beach to another.

Accommodation

Outpost Expedition (or similar)
Beach Resort

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 11Sulu Sea/Coron

Awaken next to the beach after another night on a beautiful, secluded Filipino island. We'll board our trusty vessel for one final expedition. Take in the view from the bow one last time before arriving to the Island of Coron. After you disembark, check into your hotel. It might just be happy hour!

Boat
Sulu Sea – Coron

Land ho! After 3 days at sea, arrive to the beautiful island of Coron.

Accommodation

Coron Ecolodge (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 12Coron

After a few days at sea, today is a day of land exploration. In the morning, join your CEO to hike Mt Tapyas. Get your blood pumping and catch incredible vistas across the island. Then zip over to the Maquinit hot springs where you can dip a toe-or more- into the hot water. In the evening, choose to join your fellow Roamies and CEO for a final night out in Coron.

Mount Tapyas Hike
Coron Morning

Set out for a steady, uphill hike to Mount Tapyas. The 734 steps may seem daunting but take your time and climb. It is well worth it because reaching the top proves an incredible view!

Maquinit Hot Springs
Coron Afternoon

It's time to relax with a visit Maquinit Hot Springs. This saltwater spring, is hot, so ease into it. But once you're in, sit back and enjoy the seaside view.

Free Time
Coron Afternoon

Explore this incredible island paradise however you'd like!

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Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow

Coron eBike Tour
Coron

Tour through tropical seaside town of Coron by electric bike. Make stops at picturesque beaches, snorkel in the pristine water, and take a dip in some hot springs.

Accommodation

Coron Ecolodge (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 13Coron

Say goodbye to your Roamies and depart at any time.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Epic Philippines: Island Hopping Adventure

| 13 days - Manila to Coron - from $1119 USD