It's
off to the beautiful islands of The Philippines. We have been
working with an experienced in-bound tour operator to set up the
very best island hopping tour taking in the very best the Philippines
has to offer.
We'll
arrive on the non-stop LAX to Manilla on Philippine Airlines at
5:40am and then jet off to Cebu Island at 8:30am. Often called
the “queen of the south,” Cebu, the country’s oldest city has
now become its favourite tourist destination. With a keen choice
of historical sights, long stretches of white sand beaches, excellent
year-around scuba and water sport action, choice of dining, exciting
nightlife and, of course, the famous warm hospitality. The best
and one of the favorite travel destinations for tourist around
the world, Cebu offers a relaxing and serene environment with
its pristine white beaches, fine white sands and crystalline waters.
If you think you haven’t been to paradise then definitely you
haven’t been to Cebu. Snorkeling and scuba diving is a breathtaking
attraction in Cebu with a number of marine sanctuaries around
and outskirts of the city. One can jam with fishes, virgin corals
and other colorful sea creatures you could imagine.
Our
hotel there, the 5-star Movenpick (or similar) is on Mactan Island
and features it's own marine sanctuary and nightclub. See more
details below.
ITINERARY
AND TOURS
Thursday,
APRIL 29th
3-ISLAND
HOPPING TOUR
http://www.thehappytrip.com/2017/02/mactan-cebu-island-hopping/
Olango Island
Located about 5-6kms away from Mactan Island. Olango is just a
small island with estimated 920-hectare land area, known for its
Wildlife Sanctuary and a great diving spot in Cebu like Mabini
Point, Baring, and Santa Rosa.
Nalusuan Island
Undoubtedly one of the best well-preserved Marine Sanctuary in
the Philippines. The island was already featured in local TV,
documentary, travel website and shows in the country. In the island
of Nalusuan, you can enjoy the peaceful wide stretch of white
sandbar, you can swim and feed small fishes in the shallow part
of the island. You can rent a jetski, boardwalk, paddle boat,
kayak, banana boat and etc.
Pandanon Island
This island may be far compared to those two above, but once you
arrive at Pandanon the first thing that will welcome you is its
fine white sand beach/sand bar as well its crystal clear water.
In the island, you can just relax and enjoy swimming, snorkel
and get a tan under the heat of the sun.
THIS TOUR IS INCLUDED
FRIDAY,
APRIL 30th
Oslob
Whale Shark Snorkeling/ Watching
Watching of whale sharks in Oslob Cebu is 99% guaranteed. Whale
sharks can be seen in a small barangay Tan-awan, which is 10 km
away from the center town of Oslob. Whale shark watching in Cebu
started last September 2011 and it became popular all over the
world when the news hit. By December 2011, local fishermen's interact
with the whale sharks by feeding them that result to flocking
of tourist to the beach of Tan-awan. Large numbers of tourists
began arriving in Oslob not just to see the whale sharks being
fed but also to snorkel or dive with them.
Swimming with whale sharks and snorkeling package, inclusive of
lunch, snorkel gear, boat, land transport, environmental fees
and guide. Duration: 12 hours. Departs at 6am. Oslob is a 3-1/2
hour drive. COST: $____________ http://www.oslobwhalesharks.com/
AND
Badian
Canyoneering and Kawasan Falls Adventure Canyoning with waterfall
The Canyoning tour at Kawasan Falls is a fun adventure for everybody,
which does not involve abseiling and the use of climbing gears
unlike on our more challenging tours at Montaneza or Tison Falls.We
also over the same tour at Kawasan falls reverse vice than we
call river climbing and it is much more challenging. First our
action truck will bring you to the entrance of the canyoning tour
around 1 hour from Moalboal, After we gear up with safety gears
( helmet and life jacket) we will just have 5 min walk until the
real fun starts, jump into countless fresh water pools up too
10 meter high, swim down rapids, and enjoy the incredible nature
around. After around 3.5 hours we will exit at The Kawasan Badian
National Park and waterfalls. Finishing the trip with a great
BBQ at Matutinao beach.
Package inclusive of lunch, guide, transport, motorbike ride to
jump off point, life jacket and helmet, entrance fees. Duration:
12 hours. COST: $50 http://www.action-philippines.com/canyoning_kawasan.htm
COMBO
TOUR WITH BOTH! This is the way to go as both of these tours
are in the same general area. As long as we have to drive 3-4
hours we might as well get it all in. A super fun day! $________
for both.
OR
Scuba
Diving Nalusuan Island
If you prefer to scuba dive today we have been in contact with
Scyllis divers located a short drive from our hotel. They are
offering us a 2-tank boat dive for just 3,000 php (about $50).
Our dive will be to Nalusuan Island. To get signed up send an
email to Simon Timmins sidiveph@gmail.com
Website: www.sidive.com
COST: __________ You will pay in advance with Paypal
SATURDAY,
MAY 1st
Our next stop will be to El Nido. For our last Philippine
group they said we should have extra days here so that's what
we've done with 5 days with this trip. El Nido is known for white-sand
beaches, coral reefs and as the gateway to the Bacuit archipelago,
a group of islands with steep karst cliffs. Miniloc Island is
famed for the clear waters of its Small and Big lagoons. Nearby
Shimizu Island has fish-filled waters. The area has many dive
sites, including Dilumacad Island’s long tunnel leading to an
underwater cavern. El Nido is renowned as the "Heaven on
Earth", and it comprises 45 islands and islets (Bacuit Archipelago),
many of which are uninhabited. Enjoy your days in El Nido is with
the crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, stunning lagoons,
amazing limestone cliffs, magical marine life, rocky islets, and
perfect weather! You will love our 5-star hotel that we've booked!
SUNDAY,
MAY 2nd
We'll
start the world-class island hopping tour with Miniloc Island,
where you can visit its breathtaking lagoons, including the Big
Lagoon and Secret Lagoon. The Big Lagoon is a must-visit destination
of El Nido in Bacuit Bay. Once inside the lagoon, you will be
awestruck by the stunning natural swimming hole with emerald green
waters, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. The Secret Lagoon
may not be a secret anymore but it remains one of the most photographed
attractions in El Nido. After that, you may have a lunch stop
at Payong-Payong Beach, one of the picturesque white sand beaches
on Miniloc Island.
The
next stop will be Shimizu Island, which is renowned as one of
the top snorkeling spots in El Nido. Here, you'll have the opportunity
to encounter a diverse range of beautiful corals and other marine
life. Typically, you will enjoy a delicious grilled lunch on the
beach, featuring grilled meat and seafood, vegetables, rice, and
fresh fruits for dessert. Finally, you will move to Seven Commando
Beach, which has a fascinating story to tell. According to one
account, seven soldiers got stranded here during World War II.
The beach features a long stretch of white sand lined with coconut
trees, providing the perfect spot to have a sunbath and relax.
You can also enjoy refreshing drinks while taking in the beautiful
ocean scenery. While snorkeling, you may be lucky enough to encounter
a few sea turtles, so keep your eyes peeled. Snorkel gear included.
THIS TOUR IS INCLUDED
MONDAY,
MAY 3rd
After
breakfast, it is time to begin your El Nido Island Hopping Tour
to witness some of Palawan's best islands and caves. This tour
would covers the highlights of Snake Island, Pinagbuyutan Island,
Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, Entalula Island, and Papaya Beach
(if time permit). It is an amazing journey that combines sandbars,
caves, and uniquely-shaped islands.
Your
first stop will be Snake Island (Vigan Island). Known for its
winding sandbar visible only at low tide, Snake Island is one
of the most unique spots in El Nido to experience the feeling
of walking in the middle of the sea. The island gets its name
from its S-shaped sandbar, which connects it to the mainland (Bacuit
Archipelago). At low tide, you can walk on the sand stripe between
the two islands and admire the crystal-clear waters and white-sand
beaches. At high tide, the sandbar is two feet underwater, creating
a beautiful sight. Snake Island also offers a quick hike up to
a stunning viewing point at the top where you can take in a bird's
eye view of the sandbar. Enjoy the views of the white sand stretching
out like a long snake, winding its way along the island.
Next, you'll hop to
Pinagbuyutan Island (Ellis Island), where you'll marvel at the
dramatic towering limestone cliffs that shoot straight up from
the sea, topped off with lush jungle vegetation. This gumdrop-shaped
island is a favorite destination in El Nido. Pinagbuyutan Island
is also known as Survivor Island due to its appearance on the
popular reality TV show, Survivor, and it is said to be the inspiration
for the movie "The Beach", along with other beautiful
attractions in El Nido like the Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon.
Pinagbuyutan Island is perfect for swimming and snorkeling, as
there are some excellent reefs to explore just offshore. Take
in 
the
colorful underwater life beneath the emerald-colored water. It's
also the perfect place for a lunch break, where you can relax
on the long beach and enjoy the breeze under the coconut trees.
After lunch, you'll
head to Cudugnon Cave which offers a unique perspective of El
Nido's islands through an enormous cavern hidden behind an inconspicuous
hole in the limestone wall. During World War II, locals used the
cave as a hiding place from invaders. It is also believed to be
a Neolithic burial site for ancient Palawenos and settlers from
Borneo. Experts have discovered artifacts such as jewelry, pottery,
and human bones dating back to the Chinese Song Dynasty (960-1279
A.D.). To enter Cudugnon Cave, you'll need to squeeze through
a small rocky hole before reaching the well-lit cave with a high
ceiling. Take your time exploring the beautiful limestone and
marble walls inside the cave, and don't forget to search the crevices
of the cave's roof where swallows (swiftlets) and bats reside.
If time permits, you
can make a photo stop at the Cathedral Cave on Pinasil Island.
As your boat approaches the cave, you'll be amazed by the huge
cavern with an opening even higher than the Puerto Princesa Underground
River. This stunning shallow cave features towering walls shaped
like cathedral spires.
You'll also have the
opportunity to visit picturesque Entalula Island, which boasts
a pristine beach and perfect snorkeling and swimming opportunities.
Take in the beauty of the crystal-clear waters and the amazing
rock formations, including the free-standing diamond-shaped rock.
Enjoy the serene and peaceful atmosphere of this beautiful island
before concluding your El Nido Tour. Snorkel gear included, THIS
TOUR IS INCLUDED
TUESDAY,
MAY 4th
Are
you keen to explore the most beautiful beaches in El Nido? If
so, you'll absolutely love today's tour which takes you to the
world-famous beaches of El Nido in Bacuit Bay, Palawan.
Departing from El Nido
Pier, you'll first arrive at Helicopter Island (Dilumacad Island),
named for its rock formations that resemble a helicopter from
a distance. Although some visitors may find it challenging to
see the similarity, the island's towering limestone cliffs covered
in lush vegetation and pristine beaches are a sight to behold.
The island boasts excellent snorkeling spots and underwater tunnels
that advanced divers will appreciate. Viewing the colorful corals
and small fish in the clear waters is a super enjoyable experience.
The island is also one of the nesting grounds for sea turtles
living near the province, so if you visit during the right season,
you might get the chance to see the release of baby turtles into
the waters. With 300 meters of white sand beach, it's an excellent
place to swim, relax, and enjoy the beautiful beachscape.
The next stop will
be Matinloc Island, home to the unique Matinloc Shrine since 1982.
Known as the Shine of Our Lady of Matinloc, this spiritual oasis
provides a stunning panoramic view of Tapiutan Island, which lies
opposite Matinloc Island. These two neighboring islands form the
narrow Tapiutan Strait, home to some of the best snorkeling spots
in the area, such as Talisay Beach and Star Beach (with starfish),
which are fantastic spots to see the beauty of the coral reefs.
After admiring the clear sea and the limestone landscapes and
learning the stories behind the Matinloc Shrine, you may enjoy
a delicious barbecued lunch before heading off to Secret Beach.
Accessing Secret Beach can be a bit of a challenge as you need
to swim through a cave to enter, but your guide help you enter
this little paradise. Once inside, you can relax on the small
beach or snorkel and see some pretty fish at the entrance. It
is said that Alex Garland, author of the novel-turned-film "The
Beach", lived and wrote his bestseller in El Nido, likely
inspired by the Secret Beach's beauty.
Meanwhile, Hidden Beach
is a popular stop perfect for swimming and resting. This small
paradisiac cove concealed by limestone rock and impossible to
see from the open sea. Its powdery white sand and crystal-clear
waters make it a must-visit spot in El Nido. In fact, Hidden Beach
was so beautiful that Survivor Sweden finished their three-month
filming at this beach. The Hidden Beach is also a great spot for
snorkeling, where you can easily see various species of corals
and fish. Snorkel gear included. THIS TOUR IS INCLUDED
WEDNESDAY,
MAY 5th
FREE DAY:
We've
left this day open for now for you to decide how to spend it.
We may end up offering another tour but for now, it's a free day.
THURSDAY,
MAY 6th
Today we fly to the island of Boracay. Boracay
is a small island known for its resorts and beaches. Along the
west coast, White Beach is backed by palm trees, bars and restaurants.
On the east coast, strong winds make Bulabog Beach a hub for water
sports. Nearby, the observation deck on Mount Luho offers panoramic
views over the island. Offshore, coral reefs and shipwrecks are
home to diverse marine life. In 2020, Boracay retains its Top
10 island status alongside other Philippine Islands as it places
6th in the Top 10 list.
FRIDAY,
MAY 7th
Escape
to the nearby unspoiled islands and beaches from Boracay Island
and spend a fun day swimming in pristine waters on this top-rated
island hopping tour.This highly recommended tour in Boracay Island
includes boat transfers to breathtaking islands and beaches, a
delicious barbecue buffet lunch, the use of a snorkeling mask
to see the vibrant marine life, and the unique kawa hot tub experience.
Some
of the spots that we'll visit on this tour include the beautiful
Puka Beach, perfect for relaxing and getting a tan, and Crocodile
Island, known for its incredible snorkeling spots. This tour includes
a buffet lunch at one of the beach stops, which you can enjoy
with a scenic view of the sea. Don't miss the one-of-a-kind experience
of taking a dip in a kawa hot tub, which makes for a perfect photo
opportunity. We'll also visit Crystal Cove Island, where you can
swim in an enchanting cave pool. You can spend the rest of the
day trying other must-try Boracay Island activities, like enjoying
the scenic sunset view while exploring the souvenir shops and
local restaurants found along the stretch of White Beach.
THIS TOUR
IS INCLUDED
SATURDAY,
MAY 8th
It's a free day where you can choose to take
another tour on Boracay or just relax or shop before heading
home.
SUNDAY,
MAY 9th
We leave Boracay and fly back to Manila where we will catch our
return flight back to reality.
SCUBA
DIVERS!
We
are contacting dive shops at all 3 of our locations and will have
dives set up with the best companies.
INCLUDES:
SINGLE
SUPPLEMENT: $_________
SIGN
UP FOR THIS TRIPR
DEPOSIT
TO SIGN UP - $200S
TRIP
INTERNATIONAL
AIR NOT INCLUDED: Individual
air is hundreds of dollars less than what we were offered as
a group so there will be no international group air offered
on this trip. You will need to book
the following non-stop flight to arrive at 5:40am
on the April 28th as we're flying out to Cebu at 8:30pm. The
other choice would be to arrive a day early on any other airline.
We will return to Manilla from Boracay at 11:55am on May 9th.
If you have a different flight home and need to get back to
Manila sooner, let us know and we'll check for other options.
Philippine Airlines
OUTBOUND
FLIGHT ON APRIL 26th
RETURN
FLIGHT ON MAY 9th
SIGN
UP FOR THIS TRIP
OUR HOTELS
Discover
the ultimate Boracay experience at Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay,
where pristine beaches meet luxurious comfort. Situated on the
world-famous White Beach, this resort promises a one-of-a-kind
stay that’s tailored to your island dreams.