Description
Grab. Your. Swimsuits. With the Philippines Island Hopping West with Expedition, You’re about to experience 13 days of irresistible island enigma, surrounded by crystal blue waters, white-sand beaches, awe-inspiring historical sites (and countless insta-worthy spots too). Discover the reefs at Port Barton. Dine on authentic Filipino food. And float through the underground river at Puerto Princesa. But you know we’re divin’ in deeper. On an unforgettable marine safari adventure, you’ll stay in sea-side camps and explore shipwrecks, reefs & marine life. You’ve never experienced island hopping this way, and you’ll never forget it either.
Philippines Island Hopping West with Expedition Highlights:
Departures
- Departs Manila at 8:00am
- Ends in Coron at approx 09:00am
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 12 Breakfast (B)
- 7 Lunch (L)
What’s included
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 12 Breakfast (B)
- 7 Lunch (L)
- Expert Trip Manager, Driver Team, Local Guides
- 23 included experiences
- ALL INTERNAL TRANSPORT
- ALL ACCOMMODATION
What’s not included
- Flights to/from the start/end location
- Travel insurance
- Free-time Add-ons
Included Experience
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- Not riding on the colourfully chaotic Jeepney when in the Philippines? Now that should be considered a crime. Hop onto a private Jeepney for a tour of the wonderful beaches and waterfalls.
- 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.
- Watch the shiny smooth water tearing through the rocky hills of Bulalacao. Don’t forget your swimsuit. This spot is famous for its insta-worthy pictures.
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.
Island Special Stay:
- Support the locals with marine conservation, education and their eco garden while you get irresistible beach-side views. Talk about a win-win!
- Love sea exploration? You’re going to love this shipwreck site that is just off the coast of our island home. Here, you’ll discover the history and secrets of WWII ships.
- It’s time to get dirty (in the best way possible). Join a traditional Kamayan or a boodle fight, where you’ll eat a communal feast served on long banana leaves with your hands.
Island Beach Camp:
- Dive into the brightly colourful world of corals and fishes. It’s an underwater exploration you won’t ever forget!
- Hop on our private boat for a stopover at the white-sand beaches of remote islands. It’s the perfect spot to get bronzed up under the sun.
- Put your bags down at your camp on the beach. Enjoy a sea-side dinner (with a bonfire, of course!). Vibe to local tunes. And end the night stargazing with your crew.
- Put on your swimsuits and dive straight into the cool blue waters of the Turtle Islands. It’s Finding Nemo in real life.
- Explore the underwater life thriving along the white-sand beaches.
- Need to fuel up for some more sea exploration? We’ve got you. Dine on some fresh Filipino food onboard our private boat. Onto the next adventure!
- They come in every shape and size you can imagine. And they’ll keep you wanting more of this geological wonder.
- Test your marine observation skills at a breathtaking reef. Keep your eyes peeled. You might spot the rare ‘sea-cow’, or Dugong if you’re lucky!
- Lay down your footprints (if the tide gods are on our side) on the white sandbar that peeks over the emerald waters.
- Prepared to be absolutely stunned? Visit the crystal blue Kayangan Lake, surrounded by impressive rock formations decorated with green plants.
- Discover the underwater world of blooming corals at the Coral Garden. Clear blue water. Multi-coloured reefs. And a golden opportunity to experience some submarine enigma.
Itinerary
Manila
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 Manila before we zip through the skies straight to our very first white-sand destination.
Puerto Princesa
Feel the beach vibes hiing you already? Same. Nothing’s beer 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…
Meals: Dinner
Included Experiences: Fly to Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa
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.
Underground River
Ready? Put on your neon helmets. 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.
Port Barton
Bet your eyes are pleased with those gorgeous views. Now it’s time to please our tummies. You’ll stop by at Nanay Elena’s House for a traditional Filipino meal, made using only the freshest ingredients (that she grows on her own farm!). Aerwards, 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!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences:
- Explore the Underground River via boat
- Taste traditional food at Nanay Elena’s House
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?
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences: Go on an island hopping day trip
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.
Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences: Join a local jewellery-making workshop
Port Barton
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 turquoisetinted spot.
El Nido
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!
Meals: Breakfast
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 water. The day is not complete yet, we’ll head to the most popular beach in all of Palawan (and maybe even the Philippines, if you ask us) – Nacpan Beach. Finally, we’ll end the day at Las Cabanas – one of the best sunset points in the ENTIRE country.
Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences:
- Ride on a classic Filipino Jeepney
- Visit the spell-binding Nacpan Beach
- Plunge into the Bulalacao waterfalls
- Catch a scenic sunset at Las Cabanas
It’s not oen 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.
Meals: Breakfast
El Nido
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.
Island Special Stay
This is what you’ve been waiting for. You’ll drop your bags off at our Special Stay, our next MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience where we’ll spend time exploring local culture. You’ll snorkel under the crystal blue water and explore a local shipwreck! We’ll then enjoy 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).
*Please note: On some departures the Isla Experience Special Stay will occur before the stay in El Nido. This will be reflected in the hotel list.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences:
- Stay at the Isla Experience on Darocotan Island MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® Experience
- Snorkel through a shipwreck site
- Take part in a local boodle fight
Island Special Stay
Are ya ready, sea-seekers? Our adventure is about to get wilder. Dine on a wholesome breakfast and bid your farewells, before we set out to our first destination of the marine safari.
Island Beach Camp
The next 3 days are packed with rustic adventures. You’ll be visiting close to 15 islands on a private boat. Camping on whitesand beaches. And watching the sunset from the most tranquil spots in the Philippines. Today, you’ll be visiting reefs and watching the breathtaking corals that are home to hundreds of fish (let’s hope the weather gods are on our side). Next, you’ll head to a remote island to get a spectacular view of the white sandbars over turquoise waters. Then, we’ll end the night with a campfire, dinner and music (and a wondrous view of the sparkling galaxy decorating the night sky).
Note: The actual itinerary today will be confirmed once on board the boat as it is dependent on weather & sea conditions, the above is a guide only.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences:
- Snorkel along a thriving reef
- Visit remote islands in the Philippines
- Enjoy shore-side camping & dinner
Another day, another adventure. Today, we’ll continue exploring the sapphire seas. You’ll start the day with some snorkelling. Who knows? You might just spot some turtles (and occasionally sting rays too). If thriving coral reefs and breathtaking beaches are your thing, you’re going to love our next stop. And finally, you’ll explore mind-boggling rock formations.
Note: The actual itinerary today will be confirmed once on board the boat as it is dependent on weather & sea conditions, the above is a guide only.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences:
- Swim with Turtles and Stingrays
- Swim along the vibrant corals
- Gorge on a luscious island feast
- Explore mind-boggling rock formations
Island Beach Camp
If you thought yesterday was the end of our island exploration, you’re in for a surprise. You can start the day by heading to another fringing reef. Keep your eyes peeled – you might spot some Giant Groupers and the occasional Dugongs too. All that snorkelling calls for some relaxation, so you’ll stop by for some lunch and drinks next to a sandbar. Then, we’ll head to (probably) the most clear lake you’ve ever seen. And finally, end the afternoon with some more snorkelling (can you ever get enough?)
Coron
What a long (but satisfying) day it’s been! There are plenty of places around town to grab some dinner. You’ll then head back to the hotel to finally rest those travel-tired limbs.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences:
- Spot Giant Groupers and Dugongs
- Walk over a pristine white sandbar
- Capture one of the Philippines’ clearest lakes
- Snorkel along the vibrant Coral Garden
It’s our last full day in this land of serene seas. And guess what? How you spend it is all up to you! Fancy a scuba dive? It’s your lucky day. Coron is known around the world for its intriguing Japanese World War II shipwrecks. Or you could choose to take a tricycle ride to the many beautiful beaches. And if you’re feeling like ditching the cool ocean water for something extra relaxing – the hot springs nearby might just be exactly what you need. Praying this day doesn’t end? Same.
Meals: Breakfast
After many enticing days of sea, sun, dining and snorkelling – it’s time to say goodbye. Make the most of your last free meal in this wonderful marine ecstasy. Don’t forget to exchange deets with your new best friends. After all, no one can keep away from exciting sea adventures (with amazing company) for too long.
Meals: Breakfast
Important Info
- TRAVELLERS WITH A MIDDLE NAME PLEASE CONTACT RESERVATIONS TO PROVIDE AS SERVICES CANNOT BE BOOKED WITOUT THIS INFORMATION. Trip starts in Manila at 8:00am and ends in Coron at approx 09:00am. Full Passport Information (inclusive of middle name) is required at time of booking as services cannot be booked without this information. Single and twin chargeable arrival and departure transfers are available. Twin transfers can only be booked when two passengers are traveling together on the same reference number and same arrival flight. Full Flight Information must be provided if transfers are required to be booked. Travellers are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of the trip.
Please ensure that your name is correct on your ticket, as per your passport. Name changes or amendments may incur Contiki and/or Airline fees. It is the passenger’s responsibility to have a valid passport and all visas, permits and certificates required for their selected holiday as well as any necessary vaccinations. It is compulsory for travellers to take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and evacuation expenses before travelling on a Contiki holiday. We strongly recommend insurance also covers cancellation, personal liability and loss of personal property, and is arranged at time of deposit. Contiki has the right to refuse travellers without the required insurance cover to join our trips. For full details please visit www.contiki.com/booking-conditions. As Contiki trips are specifically designed for likeminded 18-35 year old travellers, to confirm space on the trip each travellers date of birth must be provided. Full payment must be received no later than 60 days before the trip start date.
