Philippines Island Hopping

Philippines Island Hopping

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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:

Contiki

Tour code:

PIPA24

Recommended For:

18-30 somethings

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Are you ready, beach enthusiasts? We’ve got 9 days of ultimate island hopping in store. It’s time to experience this tropical symphony of crystal blue waters, white-sand beaches, awe-inspiring historical sites (and countless insta-worthy spots too). You’ll discover reefs and shipwrecks in Port Barton. Take a boat ride through the jaw-dropping limestone caves at Puerto Princesa. Dine on authentic Filipino food. Catch once-in-a-lifetime sunset views in El Nido. And of course, soak in the blissful beach vibes throughout - all with your new set of fellow island lovers. Grab your swimsuit and let’s go!

Highlights

  • 2 Dinner (D)

  • 8 Breakfast (B)

  • 4 Lunch (L)

  • Puerto Princesa: Soar over the Manila skyline and aquamarine waters to one of the most beautiful islands in the country - Palawan, in an included flight.

  • Underground River: Cruise through the serene Subterranean River National Park into a kaleidoscope of pointy limestone caves. Don't miss the chance to watch the 8.2 km long river flow directly into the ocean.

  • Port Barton: Want some Filipino keepsakes that you’ll never wanna take off? Here you'll have the chance to support a local workshop in Port Barton and learn how to make your own rings and bracelets.

  • Port Barton: Wanna get a taste of Grandma’s home-cooked food the Filipino way? Join Nanay Elena for a traditional meal made from locally-grown ingredients.

  • Port Barton: Cameras at the ready! Be prepared to witness the bewitching beauty of the sunset at Las Cabanas - arguably one of the best sunset spots in the Philippines.

  • Port Barton: Snorkel, swim, and dine - get your ocean fix on this island hopping day trip. You’ll visit two tropical islands, gorge on delicious seafood. And possibly even swim with turtles!

  • El Nido: Take a walk on the perfectly curved Nacpan Beach. Sink your feet into the golden-white sand. Or dip them into the cool water - it's a feast for your eyes, feet and soul.

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Manila To Puerto Princesa

Location: Manila, Puerto Princesa

Accommodation: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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!)

Check out our Q&As

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this Operator

Trusted Customer  

Northern Choice plus Kaikoura

16-Jan-2023

The trip ran so smoothly and was well organised! The extra add ons were amazing and all the services were spot on. Food places were reasonable. I'm definitely booking my next contiki trip again soon!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Sophie  

Exceptional customer service

14-Jan-2023

Contiki were exceptional in providing customer service. They provided me with lots of information and were quick in responding to all my questions. I found that they were super helpful.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

First time traveling with Contiki. Highly recommend! You’ll have a blast

17-Jan-2023

First time traveling internationally since Covid and glad I spent the trip with Contiki. The travel, lodging, meals, activities everything was planned effortlessly. Going to Greece in may with contiki. Highly recommend

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Amazing trip. Made great friends and memories. Can’t wait for my next trip

15-Jan-2023

I had 24 people on my contiki and I think it was the perfect number, we all got to know each other well and got along great. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable, the hotels were nice and in great locations.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Tanner Stokes  

My amazing trip to Africa

13-Jan-2023

Sherif was an excellent tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about every single small detail at each site that we visited. In addition to his great service, he has a glowing spirit that made me feel like I had family with me the entire trip. Anything that I was concerned about, he always had an answer and was there to help. I truly enjoyed my experience and will purchase a tour with him in the future

Feefo Trusted Reviews

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • Low Deposit

    Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 60 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • 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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