Experience overview

Our Simply Philippines holiday moves at a leisurely pace between the islands of Bohol, Palawan and El Nido. Gaze over the Chocolate Hills, cruise through Puerto Princesa National Park and spot diverse wildlife from dolphins to tarsiers, in between plenty of R&R; time on picture-postcard beaches.

At a glance

  

Highlights

  • Soak up Cebu’s unique history
  • Dive Bohol’s coral reefs
  • Spot tarsiers in a forest sanctuary
  • Gaze over the Chocolate Hills
  • Navigate Palawans underground river
  • Snorkel El Nido’s underwater wonders

Cebu, Bohol, Chocolate Hills, Puerto Princesa Underground River, El Nido


Sample Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Cebu

On arrival in the Philippines, you'll be met by your private guide, who will accompany you to your Cebu hotel.

Day 2
Boat to Bohol & Panglao Island

Set off to the port in time for your ferry to Tagbilaran, the capital of the island province of Bohol, where you’ll meet your local guide and head to your hotel on Panglao Island.

Day 3
Relax on Panglao

Spend a day at leisure in Panglao’s picture-perfect paradise, laying on the beach, snorkelling in the shallows or trekking to hidden waterfalls.

Day 4
Tarsier sanctuary, Chocolate Hills, river cruise

Head over the bridge to Bohol, driving through a bucolic landscape of coconut plantations and small villages, to the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella. Wander through a small section of the sanctuary, keeping your eyes peeled for dozing tarsiers, and possibly meeting famous conservationist ‘Tarsier Man’ Carlito Pizzaras. Continue inland to a viewpoint near Carmen, for panoramic views across Bohol’s famous Chocolate Hills. This unique landscape of conical hills, covering an area of 20 square miles, turns brown during winter, making them look like domes of chocolate, but is lush green during summer. Soak up the scenery before driving south to Loboc for a leisurely cruise along a picturesque section of river, with palm trees and jungle foliage lining the banks, enjoying a typical Filipino lunch as you travel.

Day 5
Pamilacan Island

Depart early for Pamilacan island to board a motorised outrigger and spot dolphin and whales offshore. The boat crews are former fishermen who previously made an income hunting the whales, but now safeguard the future of the marine life through tourism. Several cetacean species, including the playful spinner dolphins, can be spotted in these waters year round, and at least six different types of whales are seen between April and June, though these sightings are rarer. Enjoy lunch prepared by the locals on Pamilacan Island, then transfer back to your hotel where the rest of your day will be at leisure.

Day 6
Boat & plane to Puerto Princesa

Transfer to Tagbilaran and board the ferry to Cebu, from where you’ll catch a flight to Puerto Princesa, the capital of the island province of Palawan. Meet your local guide and set off along a winding road to your Sabang hotel where the rest of your day will be at leisure to wander along the town’s calm, pristine shoreline.

Day 7
Underground river cruise & jungle trek

Start out early to avoid the crowds, and spend the morning exploring Puerto Princesa Underground River. After a 45-minute boat ride from Sabang, take a short walk through the jungle to the cave entrance to board a shared paddle boat for your subterranean river journey. Drift through giant caverns and cathedral-sized chambers, full of dramatic geological formations lit only by the boatman’s torch. The caves are home to a complex ecosystem, and several species of crab, giant spider and snake can only be found here (though you’re only likely to spot bats and swallows!) Reunited with your guide at the cave entrance, trek for a couple of hours along a well-worn jungle trail back to your hotel, where the rest of your day will be at leisure to relax in your natural surroundings.

Day 8
Drive north to El Nido

Embark on the drive north to El Nido town at the tip of Palawan, where you’ll board a shared boat to your chosen resort. The rest of your day will be at leisure to relax.

Spend a few days getting to know this stunning region. Take advantage of the varied watersports, including paddleboarding, windsurfing and kayaking to neighbouring deserted islands. If you can tear yourself away from the reefs, there are excellent trekking and hiking trails into the jungle.

Days 9 to 11

Beach time

 

Day 12

Relax until it’s time to fly to Manila for your onward flight.

 

Booking Policy

  • English speaking, local guide
  • All accommodation listed
  • Land transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles
  • Any domestic flights listed (unless marked otherwise)
  • All admission fees at attractions, temples and activities as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All meals listed
  • Entry visas
  • International airport departure taxes
  • Any meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Drinks, other than water on activity days
  • Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, tip...)
  • Travel insurance
  • All other services not listed in 'inclusive'    

Please note: During high season periods (such as Christmas and New Year) hotels often levy a surcharge and these are not included in the above prices. Your consultant will be happy to advise you of these.

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What our clients say about us

Zeev
Dec 2023
star star star star star
We took a 16-day private tour of Vietnam and Cambodia. The tour company suggested a detailed itinerary, and we accepted it with minor changes. We had three domestic flights, and on every landing were met by our local guide on arrival. All guides spoke fluent English and were very knowledgeable. This was a trip of a lifetime. Dont miss the Red Bridge cooking school class in Hoi An - the chef has created a phenomenal program that starts with the tour of the local market and explanation of the vegetables and spices used in local cuisine. Highly recommended!
Daniel
Oct 2023
star star star star star
My family and I completed a 12 day cycling trip with Vietnam Private Tours, and we had a blast. Our route started in Saigon, rode along the Mekong river, discovered Mekong delta, and relaxed on the Phu Quoc beaches is southern Vietnam. We loved the adventurous off-road routes, and we were comfortable the whole way thanks to the excellent support staff. We also loved supporting Vietnam Private Tours because of the amazing work they do with many charities, especially the incredible children’s hospital in Mekong delta.
Richard
July 28, 2023
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We just finished a 14-day cycling tour from Saigon to Siem Reap, spending 7 nights on board the Mekong River. We rode bikes 30k to 70 km daily, to the Mekong Delta rice fields. My Way Travel really understood that not everyone would will to ride, so they already made provision for people who didn’t ride with us. The guides were excellent and so was the trip. We really loved the boat, it had everything we needed on it. A group of 16 people were accommodated in 8 cabins, which means there were 2 people in a cabin. The food and drinks were all in abundance. Free Wi-Fi and laundry service were available too. The local people were amazingly friendly, and the environments really gave us a sense of relief. The hotels at either end of the trip were exemplary. Above all, we have made our minds to always use My Travel on every trip occasion, due to the great experience we had with them.
Ani
Dec 2023
star star star star star
Had an awesome time biking to Mekong Delta from Saigon last week. Beautiful views, peaceful rural paths, and lots of cool stops. The guides took great care of us. Definitely recommend VPT for biking in Mekong Delta and other tours in Vietnam.
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