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Exploring Philippines

Visayas Explorer

The central island group in the Philippines, the Visayas is home to stunning beaches, unique wildlife, world-class diving, colonial history, and cultural gems to delight the senses. Start in Cebu to see some of the nation’s Spanish colonial history before heading to Bohol. Enjoy this delightful island with its beautiful beaches, tradition of artisanship, and great places to explore. Spend some time on mystical Siquijor meeting a traditional healer, snorkeling off neighboring Apo Island, and taking a dip at Cambugahay Falls. Your final island will be Negros where you’ll have time to dive and explore around Dumaguete before we get you off the beaten path with visits to Danjugan Island and the city of Bacolod.

Your Itinerary

Day 1 - Touchdown in Cebu

This afternoon your overnight flight arrives in Cebu, the third largest city in the Philippines. Your private driver will greet you at Mactan-Cebu International Airport and transport you to your comfortable accommodation. We’ve not planned anything for this afternoon to allow you to recover from your flight, so relax or head out for a wander.

Day 2 - Cebu City

Your private guide will meet you this morning for a tour of the city of Cebu. Much of the tour you’ll be on foot as the city’s historical and cultural landmarks are quite close to one another. You’ll see Magellan’s Cross, Fort San Pedro, the Carbon Market and more as you learn about the history and daily life of Cebu.

Days 3-6 - Beach time in Bohol

Board a ferry to the island of Bohol where you’ll be collected and transferred to your seaside resort in Panglao. You’ll have a private guide and driver one day who will take you to the Tarsier Sanctuary, Chocolate Hills, for a lunchtime cruise on the Loboc River with others, and beyond. The other days are at your leisure to dive, snorkel, relax, dine, and explore.

Days 7-10 - Serene Siquijor

Travel by ferry to the mystical island of Siquijor and settle into your home for the next four nights. Siquijor is known for sorcery and healing so you’ll have a chance to meet a healer and ask your guide about island legends. See Cambugahay Falls, the century old Balete Tree with its natural fish spa, and climb up to the highest point on the island for a lovely view. Enjoy a few days relaxing on this peaceful island with its quiet beaches and consider a day trip to Apo Island for snorkeling with turtles or diving in the well-preserved marine park.

Days 11-13 - Go West to Negros Oriental

Travel by ferry to Dumaguete on the island of Negros and check in to your next seaside home. We’ve arranged for one full free day when you can dive the offshore waters teeming with macro life, see the university town of Dumaguete, or just relax. We’ve also set up a private tour to Lake Balinsasayaw where you can spot a variety of tropical birds, kayak, walk to waterfalls, and taste the edible plants that grow around this crater lake.

Days 14-15 - Adventure to Danjugan Island

Today you’ll head off the beaten path to Danjugan Island. To reach it, you’ll cross to Negros Occidental with plenty of stops to admire the mountainous terrain. Danjugan is a research and training ground for conservationists and is protected both in the water and on land. This eco-friendly retreat is the ideal place to experience nature at its finest. Kayak, dive, snorkel, trek to the watch tower, talk with the local guides about the wildlife being preserved in this natural sanctuary, or just take it easy and enjoy the beauty around you.

Days 16-18 - Ancestral houses and sugar plantations of Bacolod

Travel north to Bacolod, the City of Smiles. This will be your final base in the Visayas. We’ve set up one full day with a private guide to see the heritage area of Silay, a sugar plantation and well-preserved Gaston Mansion, and other cultural highlights of the area. Your final day will be yours to do as you please and perhaps begin plotting your next trip to this beautiful country!

Day 19 - Homeward bound

Board a morning flight from Bacolod to Manila or Cebu and transfer to your international flight home. Safe travels!

DETAILS: -

This itinerary costs from £2470 per person B&B and is based on two people sharing during the high season (Nov-May) excluding the Christmas and New Year, Chinese New Year, Easter, and other holiday periods. The price includes all private transfers and domestic travel but not international flights.

International flights can be found from £600 per person return – do ask us for advice. Alternatively we can book the flights for you but a booking fee may apply.

What's included?

INCLUDED:
  • Prices start from £2470 per person
  • Accommodation on B&B basis
  • Private transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle or by boat as noted
  • Local taxes
  • Entrance fees
  • All excursions and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Internal flight
  • All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered
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Manila
The bustling capital city is home to historic Intramuros and Rizal Park. Let us arrange a bicycle tour of the walled city so you can explore the narrow streets and learn about the nation's colonial past. More
Banaue
Ancient rice terraces in Batad, coffins mounted on a cliff in Sagada, the Cordillera is home to some of the most unique and fascinating bits of the Philippines. More
Vigan
Some of the best preserved Spanish colonial architecture in the world can be found in Vigan. Wander the cobbled streets, sample the Spanish-influenced cuisine, and relax in one of the city's historic boutique hotels. More
Boracay
Sink your toes into the white sands of Boracay. Grab a cocktail, take it easy, and watch the clear blue water lap against the shore. When night falls, join the parties of District Two or slip away to romantic Diniwid beach. More
Bohol
Chocolate hills, tiny tarsiers, Boholano art, beautiful beaches, and some lovely snorkeling and diving make Bohol one of our favorite parts of the Philippines. The gorgeous boutique resorts don't hurt, either! More
Negros Oriental
The island of Negros is home to world-class diving off the coast of Dauin and on neighboring Apo Island. Waterfalls and adventure are just a day trip away from the university town of Dumaguete. On neighboring Siquijor settle in to the tranquility of an island known for sorcery and healing powers. More
Negros Occidental
On the west coast of Negros you'll find Bacolod, the city of smiles. Sugar plantations in the area host historic mansions and in October, the streets come alive with the annual MassKara festival. More
Puerto Princesa
The gateway to Palawan, Puerto Princesa sits near one of the longest subterranean rivers in the world. Let us arrange a stay for you at a beachside hotel with mountain views just a short boat ride away. More
El Nido
When people refer to Palawan as the most beautiful island in the world, images of El Nido come to mind. Limestone cliffs jut from aquamarine water, lush jungle fills the interior, and the coasts are lined with dazzling beaches. Some of the finest resorts in the country dot the islands around this northern bit of Palawan. More
Coron
For divers, the WWII shipwrecks of Coron are one of the highlights of the Philippines. Natural hot springs, clear blue lakes, isolated beaches, and a rather surprising game reserve and wildlife sanctuary make Coron a fun destination for divers and landlubbers alike. More
Puerto Galera
Fast drift dives and schools of big fish await experienced divers in Puerto Galera while shallow macro dives make for excellent underwater photography, relaxing night dives, and the perfect place to learn or improve your dive skills. More
Tubbataha Reefs
The greatest variety of marine life in the Philippines is within Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park; only accessible for diving mid-March to mid-June

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