Manila and Palawan: Jungle Trekking, Local Eats & Epic Beaches
Manila and Palawan: Jungle Trekking, Local Eats & Epic Beaches
Manila and Palawan: Jungle Trekking, Local Eats & Epic Beaches
9 Days Starting in Manila and ending in El Nido
Visiting: Manila, Mount Purro, Puerto Princesa, El Nido
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26097
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Think nine days isn't enough for an epic adventure in the Philippines? Think again! From Manila to Puerto Princesa to El Nido, this trip is jam-packed with highlights every single day. You'll overnight with an Indigenous community near Manila and learn to cook with your hosts. Explore the famous Underground River, spotting all sorts of mysterious shadowy shapes. Bliss out on a snorkeling trip in El Nido, snapping selfies at Secret Beach. This trip is truly bucket-list gold.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Manila
Location: Manila
Accommodation Name: Lub D Makati
Arrive at anytime and dive right into the bustling city life of Manila. There's nothing planned today until your Welcome Meeting this evening, so spend the day how you'd like. Manila is the biggest, brightest and liveliest city in the Philippines so start your adventure off on a high note by exploring the neighborhood near your hostel.
ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2: Manila/Mount Purro
Location: Manila
Accommodation Name: Nature Reserve Resort Experience
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast in Manila, travel with your group to Mount Purro Nature Reserve, a G for Good project. You'll be greeted by your local hosts for the next 2 days before heading out on an afternoon jungle waterfall hike and swim. In the evening, join the local Dumagat people to cook over the bonfire. Together, learn to make rice and Filipino tom yum soup over the fire in bamboo before sitting down to dig in to the meal together.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Grab your water bottle, a snack and a hiking stick and head out into the jungle. Hike to a beautiful waterfall and swim in the lagoon at the foot of the falls.
ACTIVITY: Join the members of the indigenous community you are staying with, the Calawis people, for a cooking demonstration. Make traditional sinigang, a filipino tom yum soup cooked in bamboo. Then sit down together to enjoy your creation hearing stories from the Calawis members.
ACTIVITY: Join the Mount Purro Nature Reserve and learn about the reforestation efforts of the community. This reforestation organization was formed to protect the greater Manila area from future natural disasters like flash flooding. Immerse yourself with the local community, learn about their initiatives, hike to a waterfall and join a local cooking demonstration.
Day 3: Mount Purro/Manila
Location: Mount Purro
Accommodation Name: Lub D Makati
Meals Included: Breakfast
We know it's early but you don't want to miss this. Wake while it's still dark for a hike up to the peak of Mount Purro for an amazing view of the sunrise. Take it all in, maybe a selfie or two, before hiking back down. Enjoy breakfast at the reserve and enjoy your final jungle moments. Late morning, we'll drive back to Manila and enjoy some free time in the city.
ACTIVITY: Awaken in the dark to hike up Mount Purro. Reach the peak just in time for a perfect sunrise view.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
FREE TIME: Spend the evening free in Manila.
Day 4: Manila
Location: Manila
Accommodation Name: Lub D Makati
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning, choose to join your CEO and visit many must see points around the city like Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral and Postigo del Palacio. Or just take it easy and have a wander around Makati. In the afternoon, hop in a legendary Filipino jeepney and eat your way through Chinatown. It's known as the culinary center of the Philippines, so try their street food - a blend of typical Chinese and Filipino food.
FREE TIME: MORNING Spend the morning exploring Manila.
ACTIVITY: Take a guided tour to explore the historic centre of Manila known as Intramuros (“Within the Walls”). Founded by the Spanish in the late 16th century, the city was enclosed by thick stone walls which still stand today. At the height of its power, Intramuros was feared by Spain’s enemies as the only true European powerhouse in the whole of Asia, but after holding strong against Chinese pirates, Dutch forces, British, American and Japanese occupations, the large majority of the city was destroyed during the month-long brutal Battle of Manila fought between the Japanese and the Allies in the closing days of WWII, a battle which also claimed the lives of 100,000 Filipino civilians. A walk through this area, despite the devastation (or maybe because of it) truly gives you a sense of the history of this area.
ACTIVITY: Ride through Manila's Chinatown in a colorful jeepney. Stop along the way and sample the local street food.
Day 5: Manila/Puerto Princesa
Location: Manila
Accommodation Name: 100% Cafe Moto Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we'll head to the airport and catch a flight to Puerto Princesa. After arriving in the early afternoon, spend a free afternoon in this seaside paradise. Opt to go on the Puerto Princesa City Tour and visit notable spots like Immaculate Conception Cathedral and Baker's Hill.
TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
FREE TIME: Spend the rest of the day how you'd like in Puerto Princesa.
Day 6: Puerto Princesa/El Nido
Location: Puerto Princesa
Accommodation Name: Spin Designer Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, put on your adventure hat, grab your camera and visit the famed underground river on a boat ride through Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. In the afternoon, we'll drive to El Nido. Great ready for the next few days: forecast calls for crystal blue water, karst cliffs, and perfect island life. Not too shabby.
ACTIVITY: Take a boat ride through the famous subterranean river. The underground ecosystem is over 8km (5 mi) long with amazing rock formations, cave systems, wildlife and old growth forest. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park was voted one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 7: El Nido
Location: El Nido
Accommodation Name: Spin Designer Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
If you came to the Philippines for island life, today will be your day. Hop aboard for our very own private island hopping tour. Epic right? We'll cruise, swim and snorkel our way through perfectly clear water, stopping at iconic beaches like Hidden Beach and Secret Beach. A pretty dreamy day if you ask us.
ACTIVITY: Jump on a boat and cruise through some of the most beautiful water in the world. Stop at world class beaches like Secret Beach and Hidden Beach while swimming and snorkeling in the beautiful sea along the way. Gaze at the impressive limestone karsts and view of the sparkling water. Enjoy lunch on board while listening to stories and the history of El Nido.
Day 8: El Nido
Location: El Nido
Accommodation Name: Spin Designer Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend your last day in El Nido doing exactly what you want! There are so many things to do to make for your perfect day! You could hike to the top of Taraw Peak for a gorgeous view or visit Kuyawyaw Falls. Looking for more of a beachy vibe? Opt to kayak through the crystal clear water or relax on the white sand and enjoy a beach day.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Enjoy a free day in this island paradise.
Day 9: El Nido
Location: El Nido
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say goodbye to your fellow Roamies and depart at any time.
What's Included
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Mount Purro Nature Reserve Visit
Enjoy a 2-day, 1-night overnight excursion to Mount Purro Nature Reserve.
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Indigenous Community Cooking Class
Participate in a cooking class led by the indigenous community.
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Chinatown Foodie Tour
Experience a foodie tour of Chinatown in Manila.
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Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Tour
Take a tour of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River.
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El Nido Snorkeling Tour
Enjoy a full day of island hopping and snorkeling in El Nido.
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Accommodation
Stay in multi-share hostels for 7 nights and a multi-share rustic jungle lodge for 1 night.
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Meals
8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners are included.
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Transport
All transport to and from included activities is provided.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Any personal expenses are not included in the tour package.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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International Flights
International flights to and from the Philippines are not included.
Accommodation
Multi-share Hostel (7nts), Multi-share Rustic Jungle Lodge (1nt)
Transport
Plane, Jeepney, Private Vehicle, Boat, Walking
Meals Included
8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
Group Size
Max 22, avg 16
Mode of Transport
Plane, Jeepney, Private Vehicle, Boat, Walking
Check out our Q&As
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What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Mount Purro Nature Reserve, Mount Purro
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. Mount Purro Nature Reserve overnight visit. Hike to and swim at a waterfall. Share stories around the bonfire. Indigenous Community-led Cooking Class. Mount Purro sunrise hike. Free time in Manila. Chinatown foodie tour. Manila Jeepney ride. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River tour. Full day El Nido island hopping boat excursion. Free time in El Nido. Free time in Puerto Princesa. All transport to and from included activities. -
Highlights
2day, 1nt overnight excursion to Mt Purro Reserve, Indigenous community cooking class, Foodie Tour of Chinatown, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River tour, Full day El Nido snorkeling tour
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Group Size Notes
Max 22, avg 16
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Meals Included
8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
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Transport
Plane, Jeepney, Private Vehicle, Boat, Walking
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Accommodation
Multi-share Hostel (7nts), Multi-share Rustic Jungle Lodge (1nt)
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Joining Instructions
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
If you would like to book an airport Arrival transfer for your tour, please contact our Sales Team or your Travel Agent in advance of travel.
If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, a G Adventures representative will be at the airport to meet you. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.
Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.
Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details!
If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day. -
Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
AIRPORT TRANSFER
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:
Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change or flight cancellation within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, please call the emergency contact number to advise of your new arrival flight information. If you do not, we will not be able to rearrange your arrival transfer and you will need to make your own way to the starting hotel at your own expense. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Regional Office
From outside Thailand +66 (0) 92 338 9222
From within Thailand (0) 92 338 9222
If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999 -
Finishing Point Instructions
If you would like to book an airport Departure transfer for your tour, please contact our Sales Team or your Travel Agent in advance of travel.
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Packing List
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear -
Visas and Entry Requirements
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.
Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here -
Optional Activities
Manila
- Intramuros Visit
Puerto Princesa
- Puerto Princesa City Tour
El Nido
- Taraw Peak Hike
- Kuyawyaw Falls -
International Flights
Check-in times and baggage allowances
estrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport. -
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and local guides throughout
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 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 g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions