Essential Philippines

Set off to the port in time for your ferry to Tagbilaran, the capital of the island province of Bohol, where you’ll meet your local guide and head to your hotel on Panglao Island.

Spend a day at leisure in Panglao’s picture-perfect paradise, laying on the beach, snorkelling in the shallows or trekking to hidden waterfalls.

Head over the bridge to Bohol, driving through a bucolic landscape of coconut plantations and small villages, to the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella. Wander through a small section of the sanctuary, keeping your eyes peeled for dozing tarsiers, and possibly meeting famous conservationist ‘Tarsier Man’ Carlito Pizzaras. Continue inland to a viewpoint near Carmen, for panoramic views across Bohol’s famous Chocolate Hills. This unique landscape of conical hills, covering an area of 20 square miles, turns brown during winter, making them look like domes of chocolate, but is lush green during summer. Soak up the scenery before driving south to Loboc for a leisurely cruise along a picturesque section of river, with palm trees and jungle foliage lining the banks, enjoying a typical Filipino lunch as you travel.

Depart early for Pamilacan island to board a motorised outrigger and spot dolphin and whales offshore. The boat crews are former fishermen who previously made an income hunting the whales, but now safeguard the future of the marine life through tourism. Several cetacean species, including the playful spinner dolphins, can be spotted in these waters year round, and at least six different types of whales are seen between April and June, though these sightings are rarer. Enjoy lunch prepared by the locals on Pamilacan Island, then transfer back to your hotel where the rest of your day will be at leisure.

Transfer to Tagbilaran and board the ferry to Cebu, from where you’ll catch a flight to Puerto Princesa, the capital of the island province of Palawan. Meet your local guide and set off along a winding road to your Sabang hotel where the rest of your day will be at leisure to wander along the town’s calm, pristine shoreline.

Start out early to avoid the crowds, and spend the morning exploring Puerto Princesa Underground River. After a 45-minute boat ride from Sabang, take a short walk through the jungle to the cave entrance to board a shared paddle boat for your subterranean river journey. Drift through giant caverns and cathedral-sized chambers, full of dramatic geological formations lit only by the boatman’s torch. The caves are home to a complex ecosystem, and several species of crab, giant spider and snake can only be found here (though you’re only likely to spot bats and swallows!) Reunited with your guide at the cave entrance, trek for a couple of hours along a well-worn jungle trail back to your hotel, where the rest of your day will be at leisure to relax in your natural surroundings.

Embark on the drive north to El Nido town at the tip of Palawan, where you’ll board a shared boat to your chosen resort. The rest of your day will be at leisure to relax.

Spend a few days getting to know this stunning region. Take advantage of the varied watersports, including paddleboarding, windsurfing and kayaking to neighbouring deserted islands. If you can tear yourself away from the reefs, there are excellent trekking and hiking trails into the jungle.

Beach time

Relax until it’s time to fly to Manila for your onward flight.