Philippines Island Hopping
Philippines Island Hopping
Philippines Island Hopping
9 Days Starting in Manila (Phillipines) and ending in El Nido
Visiting: Manila, Puerto Princesa, Underground River, Port Barton, El Nido
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PIPA24
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 50
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Beach Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Island Hopping, Photography, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our Philippines Island Hopping tour, where you'll explore the pristine beauty of Palawan, Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, and El Nido. Soar over the Manila skyline to Palawan, cruise through the serene Subterranean River National Park, and create your own keepsakes in Port Barton. Enjoy traditional Filipino meals, witness breathtaking sunsets at Las Cabanas, and snorkel with sea turtles on a private island-hopping day trip. Experience the vibrant local culture, ride a classic Jeepney, and relax on the golden sands of Nacpan Beach. This eco-conscious tour promises stunning views, delicious food, and unforgettable memories.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Manila To Puerto Princesa
Location: Manila, Puerto Princesa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Acacia Tree Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Breathtaking beaches. Spectacular seafood. Rustic marine rendezvous. Welcome to Asia’s Pearl of the Orient, packed with some of the BEST views of your lifetime! There’s so much to see, and there’s no time to waste. You’ll meet your crew in before we zip through the skies straight to our very first white-sand destination.
Feel the beach vibes hitting you already? Same. Nothing’s better than a free evening to spend on one of the most pristine islands here, Palawan. But first, we feast. Exchange proper hellos with your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner. And for a prime local experience, you can end the night at a Tiki bar with Filipino tunes and cocktails. Today might be over, but this is just beginning…
Day 2: Puerto Princesa To Port Barton Via Underground River
Location: Puerto Princesa, Underground River, Port Barton
Accommodation Name: Ausan Beachfront (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Morning, sunshine lovers! Today’s the first full day on this wonderful island, so you know we’re starting with a bang. You’ll grab some breakfast at the hotel and head straight to the Subterranean River National Park for a fascinating underground endeavour.
Ready? Put on your neon helmets. For your very first adventure, you’ll float through an aquamarine river into one of the most complex cave systems in the world. Surrounded by intricate limestone formations (some of them egg-shaped too!) - you’ll have no doubt about why this glorious landscape is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bet your eyes are pleased with those gorgeous views. Now it's time to please our tummies - as part of a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. You’ll stop by at Nanay Elena’s House for a traditional Filipino meal, made using only the freshest ingredients (that she grows in her own farm!). Afterwards, drop your bags at our beachfront hotel. Relax on the shore. Explore the tiny town. The night is still young, and it’s all yours!
Day 3: Port Barton
Location: Port Barton
Accommodation Name: Ausan Beachfront (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Need your beauty sleep? Or just need to spend some time on the sandy beach? Today’s the day you can do anything you want. Dive into the crystal blue waters. Grab a book and soak in the sun. Go on a morning hike to check out the rocky hills. Or make your own rings & bracelets in a local workshop. Either way, sublime beach vibes are guaranteed here.
Day 4: Port Barton
Location: Port Barton
Accommodation Name: Ausan Beachfront (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Ocean-lovers, unite! Today, we’re going island hopping in our very own private boat. You’ll swim with sea turtles. Snorkel along the vibrant reefs. Grab a scrumptious locally-cooked meal. Dodge waves at the beach. And chill at a starfish sandbar (with your newly-made best friends, of course) as the sun sets over the serene sea. Is this island exploration done right or what?
Day 5: Port Barton To El Nido
Location: Port Barton, El Nido
Accommodation Name: Coral Cliff (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s time to bid farewell to our (now) favourite island stop. But don’t worry, there are plenty more destinations here to give it competition. You’ll start the day with some breakfast at the hotel and with no time to waste, head to the next turquoise-tinted spot.
A free afternoon to spend in another wonderful tropical paradise? How lucky are we? Taste the local street food. Or check out the unique shops around town. Oh, and please don’t forget to charge your camera! This evening, we’ll hop onto a Filipino-classic tricycle to go to Las Cabanas - one of the best sunset points in the ENTIRE country. There’s no better way to end the day, we promise.
Day 6: El Nido
Location: El Nido
Accommodation Name: Coral Cliff (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Rise and shine folks. It’s time to hit the road (just like the locals) in a wonderfully colourful, classic Jeepney. First stop? The beautiful Lio Beach. Enjoy the peaceful views and walk the wooden footpath that leads into the ocean. And it doesn’t end there. Next, we’ll head to Bulalacao Waterfalls. It’s gonna be really hard to stop yourself from taking a plunge into the enigmatic milky-white water. So, don’t! And finally, we’ll end the day on the most popular beach in all of Palawan (and maybe even the Philippines, if you ask us) - Nacpan Beach.
Day 7: El Nido
Location: El Nido
Accommodation Name: Coral Cliff (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s not often you get an entire day in a palm tree paradise to spend just the way you please. But the stars must’ve aligned, because today is one of them! You can explore the pristine white-sand beaches while the sun’s out and spend the night chilling with your crew. It’s a ‘you do you’ kinda day.
Day 8: El Nido To Island Special Stay
Location: El Nido, El Nido
Accommodation Name: The Isla Experience
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mabuhay, travellers! The sun has risen, and so has the opportunity to explore another destination with crystal clear water. Munch on your final El Nido meal before we catch a boat-transfer.
This is what you’ve been waiting for. You’ll drop your bags off at our Special Stay and head to our next MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience where we'll spend time exploring local culture - something straight outta a storybook. Afterwards, you’ll snorkel under the crystal blue water and explore a local shipwreck! We’ll then head to another authentic Filipino experience. Delicious local food served on a long banana leaf across the table devoured with your hands AKA a boodle fight. Finally, we'll light up a soothing bonfire and end the day resting on the shores (next to our rustic beach huts).
Day 9: Island Special Stay To El Nido
Location: El Nido, El Nido
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ah, the final day is here. Make the most of your last meal in this wonderful marine ecstasy. Because we’re heading straight to El Nido.
Our island exploration has come to an end. Goodbyes are due. Contacts are shared. Tears are shed. New friends are tagged on insta stories. And perhaps, plans are made to meet again at another destination to reminisce about these unforgettable island hopping memories (and make some new ones too!)
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation at various hotels including Acacia Tree Hotel, Ausan Beachfront, Coral Cliff, and The Isla Experience.
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Flight to Palawan
An included flight from Manila to Palawan.
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Underground River Tour
A cruise through the Subterranean River National Park.
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Local Workshop in Port Barton
A workshop in Port Barton to make your own rings and bracelets.
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Traditional Meal with Nanay Elena
A traditional meal made from locally-grown ingredients with Nanay Elena.
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Island Hopping Day Trip
A day trip for snorkeling, swimming, and dining, with a chance to swim with turtles.
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Private Jeepney Tour in El Nido
A private Jeepney tour of the beaches and waterfalls in El Nido.
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Meals
Meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner as specified in the itinerary.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from the Philippines are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into the Philippines are not included.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes an included flight from Manila to Palawan, private Jeepney tours, and boat transfers for island hopping.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities are included in the island hopping day trip in Port Barton?
The island hopping day trip in Port Barton includes snorkeling, swimming, dining, and possibly swimming with turtles.
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What unique experience can I expect in Port Barton?
In Port Barton, you can participate in a local workshop to make your own rings and bracelets, and enjoy a traditional meal made from locally-grown ingredients with Nanay Elena.
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What is special about the Underground River tour?
The Underground River tour involves cruising through the Subterranean River National Park, which features complex cave systems and intricate limestone formations, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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What can I expect during the private Jeepney tour in El Nido?
During the private Jeepney tour in El Nido, you will visit beautiful beaches and waterfalls, including Lio Beach, Bulalacao Waterfalls, and the popular Nacpan Beach.
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Are international flights included in the tour package?
No, international flights to and from the Philippines are not included in the tour package.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Acacia Tree Hotel, Ausan Beachfront, Coral Cliff, and The Isla Experience.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes meals such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner as specified in the itinerary.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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What is a 'boodle fight' and where can I experience it during the tour?
A 'boodle fight' is a traditional Filipino meal served on a long banana leaf across the table, eaten with hands. You can experience it during the special stay on the island.
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What is the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience in the tour?
The MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience includes a traditional Filipino meal at Nanay Elena’s House made from fresh ingredients grown on her farm, and exploring local culture during the special stay on the island.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions