Philippines Highlights Tour: From Manila to Siargao - 7 Days

Highlights

• Taste Filipino classics such as adobo on a Manila street food tour
• Visit Tagaytay to see the otherworldly summit of Taal, a volcano within a volcano
• Grab on a board on the island of Siargao, the surfing capital of the Philippines
• At Naked Island, take in the 360-degree view of the Philippine Sea

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Manila, Afternoon Food Tour

Welcome to the Philippines! After you land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, your driver will transport you to your hotel in Manila. This crowded, humid, lively capital is famous for year-round festivals, Spanish colonial architecture, giant shopping malls, artisan markets, and world-class restaurants. Must-visit sites include historically significant landmarks such as Fort Santiago, a military prison, and Intramuros, the former walled old city.

After you settle into your hotel, join a knowledgeable local guide for a deep dive into the food culture of Manila. Hop onto a motorcycle taxi to try Filipino classics at small neighborhood gems and sample authentic street eats such as siapao (steamed dumplings), inihaw (grilled pork on skewers), or adobo (Filipino meat stew). If you're a particularly adventurous eater, try Manila's famous delicacy, balut (steamed fertilized duck egg). Wrap up the tour with a traditional dessert, such as halo-halo (shaved ice with condensed milk and assorted toppings) or taho (cold tofu in syrup).

Day 2: City Tour: Explore Old Town Manila & Modern Makati

Today you'll explore two of Manila's most famous districts: the historical Intramuros and the modern, cosmopolitan Makati. Begin in Intramuros, the "Walled City," one of the oldest districts in the city and a large section of Old Manila. Visit Casa Manila, a living museum of a 17th-century house, and the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site of San Agustin Church. Take a calesa, a traditional horse-drawn carriage still used as public transport, to the Manila Cathedral, which is on its eighth rebuild after being destroyed by several wars.

From there, walk to Fort Santiago, once the seat of the Spanish government, a military prison, and one of the oldest fortifications in Manila. Continue the tour to see one of Manila's quirkiest sights, the Chinese Cemetery, lined with otherworldly mansions, some complete with air-conditioning and flushing toilets. From there, head to Quiapo, the oldest district of Manila, known as "Old Downtown," now a rough area famous for bargain markets. Walk on to the vibrant Binondo district, the oldest Chinatown in the world.

Take a short breather at your hotel before heading to the skyscrapers of Makati, the financial center of the Philippines. This hip, bustling district is home to world-renowned museums, quirky galleries, rooftop bars, giant shopping malls, and artisan markets. Visit the Ayala Museum for Filipino history, or see contemporary art at The Drawing Room. Shop at the sleek mall, Galleria, or purchase gourmet specialties at the Salcedo Saturday Market. Nearby is the Bonifacio Global City, a military fort turned bustling urbanized area.

Day 3: Tagaytay Tour with Taal Volcano & Taal Town

Today, you'll take a leisurely 37-mile (60 km) ride south of Manila through the countryside to the resort town of Tagaytay, located on a ridge 2,250 feet (685 m) above sea level. From the heights of Tagaytay, enjoy the breathtaking sight of one of the world's strangest wonders: the Taal stratovolcano, home to a volcano within a volcano and a lake within a lake. Enjoy a lunch of Filipino cuisine coupled with a panoramic view of the lake and volcano. 

After lunch, proceed to the historic town of Taal, home to some of the oldest stone structures, residences, and landmarks in the country. Begin at Casa Punzalan, an ancestral home, before riding carts through the town to the Basilica of St. Martin of Tours. Built in 1575, the giant church is a fusion of architectural styles and the villagers' refuge from natural disasters and invasions. Visit the coral-hewn Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay, noted for the healing waters of its Santa Lucia Well.

A guided walk through town includes beautifully preserved homes of prominent families, a panocha (sugar cane/coconut delicacy) factory, and Taal's thriving embroidery and balisong (knife) making industries. After the tour, head back to Manila for the night. 

Day 4: Fly to Siargao Island, Free Time to Explore

Meet your private driver at the hotel lobby this morning and proceed to the airport for your two-hour flight to Siargao. After transferring to your hotel for check-in, use the rest of the day to discover this island paradise at your own pace. Considered the surfing capital of the Philippines, Siargao's gentle swells are ideal for beginners and seasoned surfers alike. For beginner-friendly waves, consider the beaches of Jacking Horse, Guiuan, and Quicksilver. The more experienced will want to test the waters at the famous Cloud 9, where international surf competitions are often held.

Outside of surfing, you can swim in the cool waters of the Sugba Lagoon, a peaceful, turquoise lake surrounded by verdant mountains. Rent a standup paddleboard or wood raft to take in the views from another perspective. If you're craving some chill beach time, soak up the sun on the white sands and in the clear waters of Alegria Beach or Pacifico Beach.

Day 5: Discover Siargao: Tide Pools, Coconut Trees & Caves

Discover some of Siargao's most beautiful places on this day trip around the islands, accompanied by a friendly and experienced local guide. Your first stop will be the Magpupungko Rock Pools, tidal pools that resurface at low tide, ideal swimming holes, with many coves and caves to explore. 

Then, move on to the observation deck of the Instagram-famous Coconut Mountain View. On a clear day, you can see the lush coconut tree forest extending as far as the horizon. Your next stop will be at the Maasin River to swing into the water from the famous swimming rope, the Bent Palm Tree. Head to Tak Tak Falls next, the only waterfall on the island, stopping at several beaches along the way, such as Alegria or Pacifico.

To finish the day, take in the ocean panorama from Million Dollar View and walk along the boardwalk into Danjug Cave for bats, turtles, and maybe even pirate treasure (so the legend goes). If time permits, visit Tayangban Cave, which features a partially underground grotto for swimming, and Paghungawan Marsh to spot the endangered Philippine crocodile.

Day 6: Island-Hopping Tour: Guyam, Daku, Naked & Corregidor Islands

The penultimate day of your vacation is devoted to a thrilling island-hopping day trip, which takes you to four islands near Siargao. Hop on the boat for your first stop, the small island of Guyam, with its soft beaches, swaying coconut trees, and abundant marine life. Next, you'll visit Daku Island, known for its relatively untouched beauty. Sunbathe on the white sandy shores and swim in the sparkling blue water.

Move on to Naked Island, a tiny sandbar in the middle of the ocean devoid of trees (hence the name). Appreciate the 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding Philippine Sea, and kick back on his sliver of land. End the day at the idyllic Corregidor Island (also called Casolian), a picture-perfect place featuring grassy hills, endless beaches, and hidden coves. You can walk up the hills for more spectacular views of islands, palm trees, and the ocean.

Day 7: Fly to Manila, Depart 

It's time to say goodbye to the Philippines! Today, you'll fly back to Manila, where you'll catch your flight home at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Safe travels!

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