In the morning depart from Manila for your flight to Tagbilaran, Bohol. Bohol is located east of Cebu is an island province that is naturally beautiful and historically rich. First stop is the Philippine Tarsier Foundation in the town of Corella, which serves as a refuge for the smallest primate in the world, the tarsier. Observe these rare, nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat and be amazed by their agility as they move about, leaping from one tree to the other, and swivel their heads nearly 360 degrees. Then proceed to Baclayon, make a short stop at the historical Blood Compact site, where Spain’s Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna, a native chieftain, sealed their friendship with a symbolic drink. In Baclayon, visit a centuries-old stone church that houses a museum containing a collection of religious art, ecclesiastical vestments, as well as librettos of church music inscribed in Latin on animal skins. Proceed with the tour, passing by Bilar man-made forest, a thick undergrowth of towering mahogany trees grown on the fringes of the highway leading to the Chocolate Hills, the country’s geological wonder. From a distance, these hills look like huge candy drops that change in color with the season, and are aptly named ‘chocolate’ when the hill grasses turn deep brown in summer. Hike up to the viewpoint for a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area before moving on to Loboc River where a cruise downstream on a floating restaurant is made more enjoyable with a delectable lunch served on board. Return to Tagbilaran Airport to catch the late afternoon flight back to Manila.
History, culture and heritage. Cebu City’s reputation as one of the country’s top tourist destinations is due to its all year round warm climate and accessibility. Named as the country’s second international gateway, Cebu is rich in history, and is the oldest city (1565) in the Philippines.
The city tour starts with a visit to the majestic Taoist Temple. Situated six kilometres from the city centre is this impressive and highly ornate temple of the Taoist religious community. Its size and architecture are evidence that a considerable part of Cebu’s population is ethnically Chinese. On the way to the Basilica, pass by Cebu’s Provincial Capital and Carbon Market, where most of the city’s fresh produce is being sold. Stop by the Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino. A short walk away is Magellan’s Cross, the place where Christianity was first planted in Cebu.
You will also be able to see the Ya-Sna Diego Ancestral house and the Heritage of Cebu Monument. Included in the package is a complimentary running tour at Colon Street, Fuente Osmena Circle and Capitol Site. Then return back to the drop off point.
Piérdete en la hermosa campiña de la provincia de Cebú mientras exploras las influencias religiosas de la zona y experimentas el estilo de vida de los habitantes locales en esta entretenida excursión de 6 horas que te da un poco de todo.
La primera parada de la excursión es la iglesia de inspiración gótica en el pueblo de San Fernando, un encantador templo religioso que data del siglo XVI. Continúa por la capilla Theotokos, situada en una ladera, en la ciudad de Carcar. Contempla las extraordinarias estatuas con vistas espectaculares al mar tropical. Tómate un momento para disfrutar del idílico paisaje antes de adentrarte en el campo para conocer la vida rural tradicional de la isla. Deja que tus sentidos se llenen con las vistas y sonidos mientras observas a los habitantes locales cocinar, hacer manualidades y ocuparse de sus quehaceres diarios. Monta en un carabao o búfalo de agua y en un triciclo para acercarte al colorido mercado. Prueba a tejer una cesta mientras aprendes la técnica tradicional de tejido del bambú. Saborea y disfruta de la extraordinaria sensación de beber un vino de coco frío. Después de familiarizarte con la vida de los habitantes locales, visita una casa solariega y la intrigante iglesia de Santa Catalina de Alejandría, antes de regresar a la ciudad para comer en un restaurante local.
No te puedes perder esta excursión por la rica campiña de Cebú, concebida para que aprecies la mezcla de cultura y religión junto con una visión interna del estilo de vida de la gente de la zona.
Con nuestra excursión de día completo por Bahía Honda, el ir de isla en isla cobrará un significado completamente distinto para ti. Partiendo de Puerto Princesa, en la isla Palawan, accederemos a algunas hermosas islas que ofrecen oportunidades espectaculares para hacer esnórquel, nadar o tomar el sol.
La Bahía Honda, situada en pleno mar de Sulú, es un auténtico paraíso para los amantes de la playa. Los remotos bancos de arena deshabitados sobresalen del mar y te ofrecen una experiencia sin precedentes rodeado de aguas azules deslumbrantes. Empezaremos con una parada en la Tabuan Island o ''isla de las Estrellas de Mar''. Las aguas que bañan la costa de esta pequeña isla, que no es más que un pequeño banco de arena, están repletas de estrellas de mar. Túmbate en tu toalla, contempla el mar y disfruta de un almuerzo al aire libre en un entorno increíble. Otra de las paradas en nuestro itinerario es la isla de los Murciélagos, hogar de murciélagos que descansan aquí durante el día y vuelan por la noche hasta tierra firme en busca de alimento. Presencia la formación serpenteante que surge del mar cerca de la isla de las Serpientes. La Isla Pandan, otro trocito de cielo gestionado de manera privada por Legends Hotel Group, ofrece una asombrosa combinación de vegetación frondosa y paisajes de playa.
Al igual que en muchos lugares alrededor de Bahía Honda, la marea alta hace desaparecer estos islotes paradisíacos bajo las aguas. Antes de volver a Puerto Princesa descubre la isla Lulubog-Lilitaw o isla ''Lu-Li'', que se traduce literalmente como ''sube-baja''. Denominada así por el ritmo natural del mar, sus habitantes han construido sus casas sobre pilotes en este lugar idílico que les proporciona una playa de arena durante la marea baja y una masa de agua bajos sus pies durante la marea alta.
El Nido es un municipio filipino en la isla Palawan conocido por sus playas de arenas blancas, sus arrecifes de coral y también por ser la principal entrada al archipiélago de Bacuit, formado por un grupo de islas repletas de empinados acantilados de roca caliza y relieve cárstico.
Día 1
Reúnete con nuestro agente y serás trasladado a la ciudad El Nido en un viaje de cinco horas en un minibús con aire acondicionado.
Aprovecha el día a tu gusto después de hacer el registro en el hotel sobre las 14:00 horas.
Día 2
Desayuna en el hotel y prepárate para un día increíble con un tour con pícnic para almorzar en las maravillas del Nido. Al acabar el tour a las 21:00 horas tendrás la opción de regresar al hotel o quedarte, por tu cuenta, en la costa.
Playa Bukal – lugar que presume de sus maravillo paisaje de playa, aguas tranquilas para nadar y una asombrosa panorámica de su entorno.
Playa Paraíso – hace honor a su nombre, cubierta de finas arenas blancas y aguas cristalinas color esmeralda. Es el lugar perfecto para relajarte en la playa.
Playa Pasandigan – refugio para los amantes de la escalada, repleta de gigantescos y gloriosos acantilados.
Playa Cadlao – a media hora en barco de la bahía de Bacuit se encuentra un sitio mágico, enclavado en medio de una saliente rocosa, llamado la laguna Cadlao. No pierdas la oportunidad de descubrir este sitio encantador.
Playa Natnat – bordeada de bajos acantilados de piedra caliza, esta playa tiene todas las cartas para convertirse en un memorable lugar paradisíaco.
Día 3
Desayuna en el hotel y tómate la mañana libre antes de emprender el viaje de vuelta a Puerto Princesa (con 8 horas de antelación a la hora de salida prevista de tu vuelo)
Day1 – Villa Escudero Coconut Plantation Tour: This convenient, refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life is your chance to recharge your batteries. Enjoy a variety of fun filled activities in the rural setting of the Escudero Coconut Plantation. About a two hour drive south of Metro Manila, this quaint, historic villa is set amidst a pastoral grove inside a coconut plantation, a picturesque showcase of old plantation life. Guests will tour the plantation on board a carabao drawn cart while serenaded by a native band.
This resort villa also has its own museum which houses the family’s vast collection of historic, religious and cultural artifacts, some dating back to pre-Hispanic times. The highlight of the day is sitting down to a sumptuous lunch served beneath a man-made dam. Feel free to immerse your feet in the cool rushing waters from a nearby lagoon. A swim in Villa Escudero’s spring-fed pools will complete this memorable visit.
Day2 - Taal Volcano Trekking Tour: Visit the world’s smallest volcano, Taal Volcano. Located on the edge of a 30 kilometer wide caldera, Tagaytay City is about an hour and half outside of Manila. The volcanic crater was created over 100,000 years ago and the city provides breathtaking panoramic views of Taal Lake. You will enjoy a peaceful picnic on the lake shore before taking quick boat ride to Volcano Island. Riding on horseback along black lava flows, you will reach the spectacular viewpoint overlooking Crater Lake and Vulcan Point.
Get to grips with the History and Heritage on this diverse day. Due to its all-year-round warm climate and its close proximity to the airport, Cebu remains as popular as ever with the tourists. It just goes to show that you don’t really have to venture too far from where you landed in order to be immersed in all things Filipino. Bearing in mind that this is the oldest city in the Philippines, dating all the way back to 1565; you’ll be spoilt for choice with the copious cultural treats just waiting for you to delve into.
HIGHLIGHTS:
* Trek around the terrific Taoist Temple
* Explore the oldest triangular bastion fort in the country: Fort San Pedro
* Meander around The Casa Gorordo Museum
The city tour starts off with a visit to the tremendous Taoist Temple which is based just six kilometres from the centre of the city. The temple towers over everything within its reach as it stands at a mesmerising 300 metres high. Built back in 1972 by a predominantly Chinese community - its ornate structure makes it a must-see Taoist temple! It is open to both worshippers and non-worshippers which certainly works to your advantage as you’ll get the chance to do as the romans do.
On the way to the Basilica we’ll go past The Carbon Market which serves up everything from fresh meat to handicrafts and is loved by locals and tourists alike. We shall also pass by Cebu’s Provincial Capital which houses the provincial government of Cebu in the Philippines.
Stop off at the oldest Catholic Church in all of The Philippines: Basilica Minore de San Agustin where you’ll find a statue of the Infant Jesus. Just a stroll away is Magellan’s Cross which marks the spot where Christianity first made its way to The Philippines almost 500 years ago.
Not far away from there, you’ll stumble across Fort San Pedro which was the first ever built military stronghold in the country. Its walls have been recently renovated so that it could be restored to its former glory. Inside there’s a gorgeous garden in the inner courtyard; this provides a place of rest tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the harbour.
Last but not least, we head to Casa Gorordo. What started out as a mid-19th century house, has become a national historic landmark cherished by all who step foot inside. The museum which is located in The Pari-an district which is better known as today’s downtown area was the home of Cebu’s wealthy at the turn of the century. Of the four houses that still remain, the Gorordo was restored and furnished to best reflect the style of the period in which it was constructed. Asides from its furnishings, there are various porcelain and liturgical pieces, clothes, old photographs and other artefacts from a before now Cebu.
The fastest way to explore the island of Boracay and the small neighbouring islands is by motorboat. Stop at the crocodile island cove, where there is a small cave and watch towers where you could see the whole island of Boracay in a bird's eye view.
Explore the many beautiful beaches of Boracay. White Beach in the west of the island is where most of the hotels and other establishments are located. Puka beach is located at the end of the island where there are few people and almost no hotels in sight, only white sandy beach, tranquil and breathtaking nature. This is the place for those who prefer a relaxing ambience away from hustle and bustle of central Boracay. The Bulabog Beach is the best place for surfers and kite-boarders because the waves and wind in this side of the island are ideal for these water sports.
Meeting point: Hotel pick-up at about 8.30am returning at midday.
Other information: Roundtrip transfers from hotel, use of outrigger boat, service of local guide, masks and snorkels, and all applicable fees are included. This tour is not suitable for children aged five or under.
Vigan and Snake Island - Located near Pangulasian Island, it is also referred to as, "Snake Island," because of the fine natural sand spit (s-shaped sandbar) that "snakes" off its shores. The sand spit is clearly visible only when the tide is low. On both sides of the sand spit are shallow swimming areas. Climbing the hill of the nearby island provide a glimpse of an awe inspiring seascape and a bird's eye view of Bacuit Bay.
Cadugnon Point and Cave - It is an important anthropological site, where jewellery and pottery dating back to the Sung Dynasty (960-1279 BC) were yielded. The anthropologists believe that the cave dwellers were from Borneo, and travelled across the ancient land bridge that connected Palawan from Borneo. A small opening hidden among the rocks near the beach reveals a cathedral like cave inhabited by sea sparrows. Inside you’ll see spectacular rock formations and a way to climb a small limestone hill.
Pinasil Island and Cathedral Cave - The Island has a cathedral-like cavern accessible by dinghy and kayak. Its cool interior is lit at certain times of the day by sunlight coming through an opening at its peak. This one of important sites for the busyadors or the birds' nest gatherers.
El Nido is a Philippine municipality on Palawan island. It’s known for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs and as the gateway to the Bacuit archipelago, a group of islands with steep karst cliffs.
El Nido Tour C - discover the wonders of El Nido Hidden Beaches and Shines with 5 major destinations including Matinloc Shrine, Talisay Beach, Hidden Beach, Helicopter Island, and Secret Beach.
Dilumacad and Helicopter Island - This island has a beautiful white sand beach stretching to some 300 meters that is ideal for picnic lunches during island-hopping trips. There is an underwater tunnel at its northern side and a fringing reef on its southern end. The island is also called Helicopter Island because its limestone cliffs resemble that of a helicopter when it is viewed from a considerable distance.
Tapiutan Island - Further out of the bay facing the South China Sea, Tapiutan's rich marine life provides opportunities for scuba diving and snorkelling. One of the most striking islands in El Nido because of its shape and sheer limestone walls.
Matinloc Island - Matinloc Island, the longest slim island in El Nido, has a secret beach, which is a pocket of white sand beach at the corner of a sinkhole,that is inaccessible by boat and surrounded by steep rock walls. To reach it, divers must swim underwater through a narrow crevice in a rock wall. At noon, the sun streams in through the opening, allowing a play of light and shadow against its limestone walls.
Star Beach - Another fantastic snorkeling spot. Here your guides will prepare a sumptuous lunch by the beach while you discover the wonders and beauty of the coral reefs near this island.
Matinloc Shrine - Hidden among the lush forested island is the Matinloc Shrine (also known as Shrine of Our Lady of Matinloc and Shrine of the Blessed Virgin) a sacred monument built in 1982 to honor the blessed virgin mary.