Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Manila!
Mabuhay! Touchdown in Manila and meet your driver for transfer to your hotel near the airport. Walk to one of the nearby restaurants or shops or settle in for a night’s rest as the real adventure begins tomorrow. If you arrive early in the day, consider adding a bicycle tour of historic Intramuros on locally made bamboo bicycles, it’s a great way to see a bit of history.
Day 2 - Manila to Donsol
Fly from Manila to Legazpi today and transfer to Donsol, an area known for whale sharks that migrate through from November through June. The best months for spotting them are February-May. If you’d like to dive while here, today is the day to make arrangements with the dive shop, otherwise relax into island time at your quaint oceanfront hotel or go for a walk along the beach.
Days 3 & 4 - Whale sharks
Join a snorkelling expedition one day to look for the gentle giants after a briefing from the whale shark tourism interactions team. Although sightings are not guaranteed, this is one of the best places in the world to see these beautiful creatures in a responsible manner. The other day is at your leisure so if you’d like to dive, let us know so we can schedule your time to ensure a safe flight onward.
Day 5 - Donsol to Bacolod
Fly from Legazpi via Manila to Bacolod, the City of Smiles. This little-known spot was once home to sugar plantations and you’ll find a number of well-preserved heritage houses from this bygone era. We’ve chosen one for you to stay in although hotels are also available if you prefer. Go for a walk to nearby Ideal Bakery and around the Silay area to get a feel for this slice of living history.
Day 6 - Visayan wildlife
Look for some of the most unique wildlife in the Philippines at the Negros Forest Park. Sailfin lizards, Visayan warty pigs, spotted deer, Mabitang Monitor Lizards, Rufous-headed hornbills, and more can be found here where the team is working to reintroduce some of these animals into their natural habitat. If you’re lucky, you might get to see all of the West Visayan Big 5.
Day 7 - Bacolod to Danjugan
Head south to one of the country’s hidden gems, a delight for nature lovers and those who enjoy a few nights off the grid. Danjungan Island is home to a number of species that have lost their homes elsewhere in the country so exploring both on land and in the water is well worth the simple accommodation.
Day 8 - Danjugan Island
Bird-watching, kayaking, snorkelling, jungle treks, and if the moon is right, a chance to look for bioluminescence in the water at night will make the time here fly by. Conservation, not tourism, is at the heart of everything that happens on this peaceful island where you’ll find knowledgeable guides and friendly staff.
Day 9 - Danjugan to Dumaguete
Ease back into the modern world on “mainland” Negros today as you ride east to the university town of Dumaguete. This small city has an almost Caribbean feel to it and is easily explored on foot and by local tricycle. You’ll have the afternoon to explore as you wish although we suggest a stroll along the waterfront in the evening!
Day 10 - Balinsasayaw bird watching
Join a specialist bird guide today for a trip to Lake Balinsasayaw, a crater lake sitting 1,000 meters above sea level. In addition to bird-watching, you’ll have time for a waterfall swim, kayaking, and to learn about some of the edible plants that surround the lake. Be sure to check the views on the way up to the lake.
Day 11 - Dumaguete to Siquijor
Take an early morning ferry to Siquijor and spend the day with a local guide experiencing an island known for healing and magic. Visit a mountain-top healing hut where you’ll have a chance to give it a try, the iconic Cambugahay waterfall, and other island highlights before settling into your island resort.
Days 12 & 13 - Siquijor
These days are yours to enjoy as you like. A snorkelling trip to Apo Island offers a memorable opportunity to snorkel with countless turtles in shallow water. The oldest marine sanctuary in the country, the coral is healthy and teeming with life. This experience can be arranged through your hotel.
Day 14 - Siquijor to Bohol
Cross by ferry to Bohol and the delightful area of Panglao. In the evening, head for the mangroves where you’ll kayak into the night as fireflies light up the sky. If you’d like, add a stop at Green Thumb Farm for a dinner of traditional Filipino fare made with gourmet mushrooms and organic produce grown on-site.
Day 15 - Wildlife of Bohol
Start the day with a visit to the Tarsier Sanctuary to look for these tiny primates and end it with a sunset safari at Raja Sikatuna National Park, home to macaques, flying lemurs, tarsiers, Malayan civets, warty pigs, and more. In between, stop by the Chocolate Hills and enjoy lunch while floating along the Loboc River.
Day 16 - Balicasag Island
Spend the day on the water looking for dolphins as you cross to Balicasag. Snorkel above the coral and have lunch on Virgin Island with its powdery white sand. It’s an ideal spot for more snorkelling, a bit of beach time, and capturing a few quintessential Philippines beach photos.
Day 17 - Bohol
After a few busy days, this one is yours to return to your favourite spots or find some new ones. Stroll or relax on Alona Beach, tuck into some of the most unique ice cream flavours in the country at Bohol Bee Farm, try paddling a bangka, snorkel, swim, or simply take it easy pool or beachside.
Day 18 - Bohol to Coron
Travel from Bohol to Cebu by ferry then fly to Coron in the province of Palawan. Known for its jaw-dropping limestone cliffs rising from bright blue waters, the area is also home to some unique wildlife not often seen in this part of the world as well as stellar snorkeling and diving opportunities.
Day 19 - Dugongs
Approximately 30 dugongs live in the bay near your resort so today you’ll visit several known feeding grounds. If a dugong is spotted from the boat and it doesn’t shy away, you’ll be invited to slip into the water and snorkel a bit closer. Sightings are not guaranteed but there’s an 80% chance you’ll get to see one.
Day 20 - Coron island hopping
It wouldn’t be a trip to the Philippines without a day of island hopping in Palawan. Visit some of the best-known spots today including Kayagan Lake, Twin Lagoons, Calachuchi Beach, and more. This is a full day on the water with lunch on the beach, island-style.
Day 21 - Homeward bound
After a full three weeks of exploring, it’s time to head home. Fly to Manila today and catch your international flight out. Hopefully the memories of whale sharks, lizards, turtles, birds, fireflies, tarsiers, dolphins, and dugongs will keep your mind off the return to colder climates!
DETAILS: -
This itinerary costs from £5100 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 to Manila can be found from £600 per person return. Although we can book the flights for you, a booking fee will apply and you may prefer to book directly with the airline or flight expert of your choice.
What's included?
INCLUDED:
- Prices start from £5100 per person
- Accommodation on B&B basis
- Private transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle or as indicated
- Local taxes
- Entrance fees
- All excursions and activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Internal flights as indicated
- Ferries where indicated
- All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered
