Solo-ish Philippines
11 Days Starting in Manila, Philippines and ending in El Nido, Philippines
Visiting: Manila, Mount Purro Nature Reserve, Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, El Nido
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26314
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Solo-ish Philippines" adventure, a captivating journey through the vibrant landscapes and rich cultures of the Philippines. Begin in Manila with a foodie walking tour, exploring the city's unique culinary heritage. Venture to Mount Purro Nature Reserve for an immersive experience with the Dumagat Indigenous community, and discover the enchanting Avatar Gorge. Fly to Palawan Island, where you'll marvel at the Iwahig Firefly excursion and the UNESCO-listed Subterranean River. Enjoy island hopping in Port Barton, snorkeling in El Nido's crystal-clear waters, and engaging with the Sibaltan Indigenous community. This small group tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and cultural exploration, with comfortable hotel accommodations and diverse transport options, including flights and private vehicles. Ideal for solo travelers, this trip promises unforgettable experiences and new friendships.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Dinner Party: Manila
Location: Manila
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Manila and the Philippines! After meeting your included arrival transfer at the airport, join your new travel mates and CEO for an exciting and tasty walking tour of Manila. Filipino food is unique with such a global historic influence. Try the vibrant flavors as your explore local neighborhoods while getting to know your new fellow solo-ish travellers.Additional Information: Make sure to arrive no later than 1:00 pm to join your CEO and follow solo-ish travellers on your Manila street food Dinner Party.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.ACTIVITY: Food is a universal language, and there's no better way to get to know a new friend, or a new community, than by breaking bread together and digging in to a delicious meal. Filipino food is a vibrant fusion of indigenous flavors and culinary influences from Spain, China, and the United States, reflecting the Philippines' rich history and cultural diversity. On an epic street food tour, try the local favorites like steamed dumpling, meat skewers, and fried rolls. Along the way, get to know your new fellow solo-ish travellers and the lively city of Manila.
Day 2: We Day: Mount Purro
Location: Mount Purro Nature Reserve
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Get to know your fellow solo-ish companions and local life of the Philippines on a day trip to Mount Purro Nature Reserve. Leaving the city behind, spend a day with the Dumagat Indigenous community, learning more about Indigenous food and culture. Join your CEO for some light hiking to a waterfall, join in an Indigenous cooking demonstration, build the fire for cooking and make sinigang, a traditional pork dish cooked in bamboo. Then dig into the meal while hearing the stories of the locals and getting to know your follow solo-ish mates. In the afternoon, drive back to Manila.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: With your incredible CEO at the helm, get to know the local community and your Solo-ish travel mates on a day packed full of interesting and engaging adventures. Connect with local Filipino culture outside of the city with a day trip to Mount Purro Nature Reserve. This reforestation organization was formed to protect the greater Manila area from future natural disasters like flash flooding. With your follow solo-ish travellers, immerse yourself with the local community, learn about their initiatives, hike to a waterfall and join a local cooking demonstration.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 3: G Day: Avatar Gorge
Location: Manila
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we'll take a day trip to a hidden gem just north of the city of Manila. This stunning wonderland is called Avatar Gorge. Alongside your CEO and solo-ish travel mates, explore this mossy covered canyons, uniquely carved by erosion. This off the beaten path adventure will have you fall in love with The Philippines' natural side while connecting with your group. In the afternoon, travel back to Manila for the night.
ACTIVITY: Part of the indigenous domain of the Aeta people, Avatar Gorge is an incredible natural formation of rock and moss. Take a 4x4 to reach the gorge, and then walk on foot through lush vegetation and gorgeous flora though huge walls of green.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 4: Me Day: Manila
Location: Manila
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Connect with the culture and history of the Philippines today while exploring the stories behind the centuries-old walls of Intramuros. Ride a classic filipino jeepney to the wall to start the walking tour. As you walk through cobblestone streets alongside your other solo-ish travellers, visit iconic landmarks like Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church, engaging with your CEO as they bring the heritage of Manila to life. After the tour, take the jeepney back to your hotel and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Choose to relax at a cafe for some downtime, or join your CEO for a walk through Makati and Chinatown.
ACTIVITY: Join your CEO for an afternoon exploring Manila on foot. Check out some of the cooler rooftops of Makati and check out some of the more interesting spots in Manila's Chinatown that you have have missed.
ACTIVITY: Jump into a local jeepney to the heart of Manila, Intramuros. 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. Then take the jeepney back to the hotel.
Day 5: Manila To Port Barton
Location: Puerto Princesa
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Fly together this morning to Puerto Princesa on Palawan Island. After arrival, spend the afternoon free before coming together for a magical evening under the... fireflies! We'll drive to Iwahig and once its dark, join an expertly guided excursion to watch as the fireflies light up the dark sky.
TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
ACTIVITY: Head out at dusk and go to the mangroves for a magical evening tour. You'll climb into a paddle boat and paddle out into the mangroves to witness 1000's of fireflies light up the sky.
Day 6: Port Barton To Puerto Princesa
Location: Puerto Princesa
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton today. On the way, stop at the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Subterranean River National Park, also known as the Underground River. Take a tour with your fellow solo-ish travellers through the limestone karst formations. Arrive to Port Barton in time for an incredible sunset viewing with your new friends.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
FREE TIME: Spend an evening at leisure in Puerto Princesa.
Day 7: Port Barton
Location: Port Barton
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, we'll load into a boat and spend the day out on the water on an Island Hopping adventure. Relax under the sun, snorkel and look out for sea turtles, and enjoy lunch on board. In the evening, enjoy a free evening in Port Barton.
ACTIVITY: Experience the unspoiled natural beauty of Port Barton with this exciting island-hopping activity. With all your equipment included, jump into the water and snorkel in hopes of swimming alongside sea turtles. Between swims, enjoy lunch on the beach on an island.
Day 8: Port Barton/El Nido
Location: El Nido
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Travel this morning from Port Barton to El Nido. Once in El Nido, visit the Sibaltan Heritage House. After meeting the community, jump in hands on in a cooking demonstration with the local women. Witness the local traditions of the community, learning their local songs, cultural dance and observing the Cuyonon artisan weaving.
ACTIVITY: Meet the local Cuyonon community and learn about their traditions, from a cooking demonstration, artisan weaving, and local song. and dance.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 9: El Nido
Location: El Nido
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Spend the whole day out on the sea today in a private boat island hopping adventure. Cruise, snorkel and swim your way through picturesque beaches, perfect blue water and around krast formations. Make pit stops at gorgeous beaches, like Secret Beach and Hidden Beach, and keep your eyes out for sea turtles, eels and rays in the water.
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 10: El Nido
Location: El Nido
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
A final day of exploring the coastline of El Nido on the water. Snorkel and explore nearby lagoons and beaches with your new travel mates and celebrate an incredible adventure together with a final toast on the beach.
ACTIVITY: Another exciting day at sea awaits. Today, check out a number of additional spots that usually have fewer visitors. Visit Snake Island and Cathedral Cave and have more of these spots to yourself as you explore.
Day 11: El Nido
Location: El Nido
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart at any time.
What's Included
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Welcome Moment
Meet Your CEO and Group in Manila.
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Dinner Party
Enjoy a Dinner Party in Manila.
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Mount Purro Nature Reserve Adventure
Experience the Mount Purro Nature Reserve.
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Avatar Gorge Excursion
Explore the Avatar Gorge in Clark.
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Manila Me Day
Enjoy a day exploring Manila.
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Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Receive a complimentary transfer upon arrival.
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Intramuros Walking Tour
Participate in a walking tour of Intramuros.
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Manila Foodie Walking Tour
Join a foodie walking tour in Manila.
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Jeepney Ride
Experience a ride on a traditional Jeepney.
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Mount Purro Nature Reserve G for Good Experience
Engage in a G for Good experience at Mount Purro Nature Reserve.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses are not included in the tour.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel conveniently with a mix of flights, private vehicles, and walking, ensuring seamless transitions between destinations and activities.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in hotels for 10 nights, providing a relaxing retreat after each day's adventures in the Philippines.
Meals Included
10 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 2 dinners
Group Size
Max 16, avg 14
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Meals
Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. While trekking in remote regions, food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips, please refer to the meals included and budget information.
For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
What to Take
What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 mintues with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures trips! Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) as they need to fit with you in buses or on trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones. If your trip involves overnights in homestays, villages or camping then you usually have the opportunity to rent sleeping bags if need be instead of bringing them with you.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is used during the Solo-ish Philippines tour?
The tour includes transportation by flight, private vehicle, and walking.
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What type of accommodation is provided on the Solo-ish Philippines tour?
The tour provides accommodation in hotels for 10 nights.
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Are meals included in the Solo-ish Philippines tour?
Yes, the tour includes 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 2 dinners.
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Is there a single supplement for solo travelers on the Solo-ish Philippines tour?
No, solo travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex, and there is no single supplement.
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What is the maximum group size for the Solo-ish Philippines tour?
The maximum group size is 16, with an average of 14 participants.
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What activities are included in the Solo-ish Philippines tour?
The tour includes activities such as a Manila Foodie Walking tour, Mount Purro Nature Reserve Experience, Avatar Gorge excursion, Port Barton Island Hopping tour, and two full-day El Nido Snorkeling tours.
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What cultural experiences are part of the Solo-ish Philippines tour?
The tour includes cultural experiences such as visiting the Dumagat Indigenous community, participating in an Indigenous cooking demonstration, and engaging with the Sibaltan Indigenous community.
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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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