Starting from:

2699 USD

per Adult

Tailor-made Philippines island hopping trip

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Design your own Philippines island hopping trip and step into a world of jade seas, ancient forests, and stories carried through generations of island life. Wake to the sound of church bells and rustling palms. Spend your days exploring coral gardens and rice terraces, then ease into evenings shaped by slow meals and warm local welcomes.

Each journey is crafted around your pace, your interests, and your sense of discovery. This is not a fixed itinerary, but a carefully designed experience that reflects how you want to travel. With the guidance of a dedicated specialist, every detail is thoughtfully arranged while leaving space for spontaneity.

From hidden coves to quiet coastal villages, our Philippines trips reveal places far from the usual routes. If you are ready for travel that feels personal, unhurried, and deeply connected to its surroundings, this trip offers a meaningful way to experience the islands.

Philippines island hopping trip highlights

  • Intimate island-hopping routes away from the crowds: Sail between handpicked islands and secluded coves, avoiding the usual tourist crush.
  • Authentic encounters with local coastal communities: Share meals with fishing families, learn age‑old traditions, and see daily island life up close.
  • Custom snorkeling and diving in pristine marine sanctuaries: Explore vibrant reefs, WWII wrecks, and turtle hotspots chosen for your skill level.
  • Handpicked stays from beach bungalows to boutique resorts: Sleep in characterful beachfront hideaways selected for charm, soul, and sustainability.
  • Flexible, tailor-made itinerary with private guides: Enjoy a thoughtfully crafted route refined around your interests. Local experts adjust plans daily for a truly bespoke journey.
DayLocationActivityOvernight
1Manila

• Arrival and private transfer

• Hotel check-in and time to unwind

• Free time to explore nearby streets

• Local food or café experience

Manila
2Manila

• Rizal Park visit

• Intramuros walking tour

• Fort Santiago and historic landmarks

• Optional guided running tour

• Sky Deck views at Bayleaf Hotel

Manila
3Manila / Dumaguete

• Morning at leisure

• Flight to Dumaguete

• Private transfer to the hotel

• Seaside promenade walk

• Local dining and coastal exploration

Dumaguete
4Dumaguete

• Silliman University and museum

• Hikaban Cooperative and Claytown Pottery

• Freedom Park and public market

• Cathedral Bell Tower visit

• Bacong Church and NOAH

• Calesa ride and seaside dinner

Dumaguete
5Dumaguete

• Leisure time in town

• Optional Pulangbato Falls visit

• Optional Apo Island snorkeling

• Optional dolphin watching in Bais

Dumaguete
6Dumaguete / Bohol

• Ferry to Bohol

• Scenic coastal views

• Transfer to the hotel

• Leisure time by pool or beach

Bohol
7Bohol

• Chocolate Hills viewpoint

• Tarsier Sanctuary visit

• Loboc River lunch cruise

• Cultural performances on board

Bohol
8Bohol

• Whale and dolphin watching tour

• Pamilacan Island visit

• Picnic lunch by the sea

• Village walk or snorkeling

Bohol
9Bohol / Cebu

• Ferry to Cebu

• Sea views during crossing

• Transfer to the hotel

• Free time and local exploration

Cebu
10Cebu

• Magellan’s Cross and Fort San Pedro

• Casa Gorordo Museum

• Basilica del Sto. Niño

• Taoist Temple visit

• Mactan Island highlights

• Guitar factory and local market

Cebu
11Cebu

• Beach leisure time

• Optional island hopping tour

• Snorkeling and marine sanctuaries

• Hidden coves exploration

Cebu
12Cebu

• Morning at leisure

• Last-minute shopping or stroll

• Airport transfer

• Departure

Places you'll visit

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Day01

Arrival in Manila

Begin your Philippines travel experience in the lively capital of Manila. On arrival, meet your local guide in the arrivals hall and enjoy a private transfer to your carefully selected accommodation. Take time to settle in and unwind after your flight.

Later, head out to explore at your own pace. Wander through nearby streets, sample Filipino cuisine in a local eatery, or simply take in the rhythm of the city. It is a relaxed introduction that sets the tone for a personal and thoughtfully designed journey ahead.

Manila
Day02

Intramuros and Rizal Park experience

Begin your journey into Manila’s rich past at Rizal Park, a landmark dedicated to national hero Jose Rizal. From here, step into the historic walled city of Intramuros, where cobblestone streets lead you through centuries of Spanish colonial heritage. Discover iconic sites such as Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, Casa Manila, San Agustin Church, and Baluarte de Dilao, each offering a glimpse into the city’s layered history.

For a more active perspective, consider a guided run along the old city walls, tracing the same paths that once protected the capital. End your experience with sweeping views from the Bayleaf Hotel Sky Deck, where you can relax with light refreshments while taking in the skyline.

Rizal Park
Day03

Arrival in Dumaguete and coastal exploration

Start your day with a relaxed morning, then head to Manila Airport for your flight to Dumaguete in the Central Visayas. On arrival, meet your private driver and transfer to your hotel, where you can settle in and unwind.

Later, step out to explore at your own pace. Stroll along the seaside promenade, sample local dishes, and take in Dumaguete’s easygoing atmosphere, shaped by its coastal setting and vibrant university life.

Dumaguete
Day04

Dumaguete city tour and cultural highlights

Immerse yourself in the spirit of the Philippines with a full-day exploration of Dumaguete. Begin at Silliman University and its Anthropological Museum, then discover local craftsmanship at Hikaban Cooperative and Claytown Pottery. Continue through the city with visits to Freedom Park, the Aqua Sports Center, the lively public market, and the historic Cathedral Bell Tower.

Travel south to Bacong to explore Negros Oriental Arts and Heritage and visit the centuries-old Bacong Church. Back in Dumaguete, enjoy a scenic calesa ride along Rizal Boulevard, browse for souvenirs, and end the day with a relaxed seaside dinner at The Lab before returning to your hotel.

Bell Tower
Day05

Leisure day or island adventures in Dumaguete

Enjoy a slow-paced day in Dumaguete, with the freedom to follow your Philippines itinerary at your own rhythm. Unwind in town, explore local cafés, or take in the relaxed coastal atmosphere.

For those seeking adventure, choose from a range of memorable experiences. Visit Pulangbato Falls and cool off beside its striking red rock formations, or head to Apo Island to snorkel above vibrant coral gardens while sea turtles glide through clear waters.

Another option is a boat trip to Bais, where dolphin watching offers an unforgettable glimpse into the region’s marine life, adding a special moment to your journey.

Dumaguete
Day06

Ferry to Bohol and time to unwind

After breakfast, head to the seaport and board a scenic ferry to Bohol, one of the best places to visit in the Philippines. The journey takes around two hours, offering relaxing coastal views and opportunities to capture photos along the way.

On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, unwinding by the pool or taking a gentle stroll through nearby streets and beaches. It is a calm introduction that lets you ease into the island’s laid-back rhythm.

Ferry to Bohol
Day07

Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, and Loboc River cruise

After breakfast, travel to the viewing deck for sweeping views of Bohol’s iconic Chocolate Hills. This striking landscape features more than 1,300 cone-shaped limestone mounds that shift in color through the seasons, creating a truly memorable scene.

Continue to the Tarsier Sanctuary, where you can quietly observe one of the world’s smallest primates. Known for their large eyes and delicate nature, these creatures are protected within a carefully managed natural habitat.

Later, enjoy a leisurely lunch cruise along the Loboc River aboard a shared covered raft. As you drift through lush jungle scenery, savor freshly prepared local dishes and take in live cultural performances that bring the experience to life.

Chocolate Hills
Day08

Pamilacan Island wildlife and coastal experience

Today, set out on a locally guided whale and dolphin watching tour by motorized outrigger boat to the rich waters around Pamilacan Island. This area is known for its diverse marine life, with the chance to spot dolphins, whales, and even whale sharks in their natural habitat.

Spend time with your local crew, many of whom are former whale hunters, and hear their stories as they share a deeper connection to these waters. On the island, enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch by the shore.

In the afternoon, choose how to spend your time. Take a gentle walking tour to experience daily island life, or simply unwind with swimming and snorkeling in the clear, inviting sea.

Whale watching
Day09

Ferry to Cebu and time at leisure

After breakfast and check out, board a scenic ferry to Cebu and take in the wide open sea views along the way. The journey offers a relaxed transition between islands, with plenty of time to enjoy the coastal scenery.

On arrival, meet your local host and transfer to your hotel. Receive personalized tips on hidden food spots and scenic coastal walks that match your interests. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, settling in and exploring Cebu at your own pace.

Cebu
Day10

Cebu heritage and Mactan Island highlights

Today, discover Cebu’s rich heritage through a guided exploration of its most iconic landmarks. Visit Magellan’s Cross, Fort San Pedro, Casa Gorordo Museum, and the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, then continue up to the hilltop Taoist Temple for sweeping views and a peaceful atmosphere.

Later, browse a popular mall showcasing local crafts and premium goods that reflect Cebuano creativity. Continue to Mactan Island to visit the Monument of Lapu Lapu, explore the lively public market, and see skilled artisans at work in a traditional guitar and ukulele factory. End the day by soaking up the coastal energy at the vibrant Mactan Shrine.

Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino
Day11

Leisure day in Cebu or island hopping adventure

Enjoy a relaxed day in Cebu, with time to unwind by the beach, savor fresh seafood, and take in the island’s easygoing atmosphere. It is the perfect moment to slow down and enjoy the coastal setting at your own pace.

For a more active experience, join an optional island-hopping tour around Mactan and its nearby marine sanctuaries. Snorkel among colorful fish, swim in clear tropical waters, and explore hidden coves with a knowledgeable local guide, adding a memorable touch to your day.

Cebu
Day12

Departure from Cebu

After breakfast, enjoy your final moments in Cebu with a relaxed morning. Take a quiet stroll, browse for last-minute souvenirs, or simply soak in the island atmosphere one last time.

At the arranged time, transfer to the airport for your journey home. Leave with lasting memories of clear waters, warm hospitality, and island experiences that may inspire your next tailor-made escape.

departure flight