Philippines Island Adventure: Manila & El Nido - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Manila, Free Time

Welcome to the Philippines! After landing at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, you'll take a private 30-minute transfer into the country's capital: Manila. Situated on the eastern shore of Luzon, Manila is a busy, bustling place with a big population and an eclectic mix of old and new. It has a historic walled section dating back to colonial times, along with sleek modern skyscrapers and attractions.

Check into your hotel, drop off your bags, and take some time to relax before deciding what to do next. Today is a free day. So, if you're feeling up to it, you can set off and explore the city, heading into popular touristic areas like the historic Intramuros district, with its distinctive Spanish colonial architecture, before sampling some traditional food at one of the many local restaurants.

Day 2: Manila Heritage Tour

Today, you'll be able to take a much deeper dive into Manila's culture and history with a guided heritage tour. Your guide and driver will pick you up right from the hotel for a full-day touring experience. You'll start off at the famed Fort Santiago, constructed centuries ago during the height of the Spanish Empire. Your expert guide will teach you all about the fort's past, as well as the history of the surrounding Intramuros, or "Walled City" part of Manila, which was tough enough to withstand attacks from the Dutch, Portuguese, and Chinese over the years.

Next, you'll be taken to the Rizal Museum to discover the story of the Philippines national hero, Jose Rizal, a writer and activist who inspired the Philippine revolution. Then, head to Casa Manila, a near-perfect replica of a 19th-century Spanish colonial mansion filled from top to bottom with period furniture and decor. Your tour will also take you to one of the city's prettiest religious buildings, the UNESCO-listed San Agustin Church, before finishing with a walk along the Intramuros walls and into Rizal Park.

Day 3: Pagsanjan Falls Day Trip

With the Philippines' capital thoroughly explored, it's time to dive into the country's natural side. Your guide and driver will collect you bright and early for a 2.5-hour ride to the old town of Pagsanjan, famed for its beautiful waterfalls and once used as a filming location for the classic war movie, "Apocalypse Now."

Upon arrival, you'll be guided on board a canoe, ready to travel to the falls. Admire the lush green surroundings and dramatic cliffs as your guide rows you along the river, skillfully evading the harsh rapids and large boulders that dot your path. You can even (for an extra fee) take a separate bamboo raft ride below the falls themselves before heading back to Pagsanjan and returning to Manila at the end of the day.

Day 4: Fly to El Nido, Visit Darocotan Island

Day four begins with a 90-minute flight from Manila to El Nido. El Nido is a municipality at the northern tip of Palawan Island, renowned for its white-sand coastline and prime snorkeling opportunities. It's also the gateway to the many surrounding islands of the Bacuit archipelago.

Upon arrival, you'll drop off your bags and check in at your local El Nido hotel before setting sail for the paradise island of Darocotan. Located just off the northeast edge of El Nido, this island is beloved by many for its pristine setting, crystal-clear blue waters, and silky-smooth sands. Spend time basking on the beach and soaking up the sun, or take a dip below the waves to snorkel with the local tropical fish among their coral reef home, a mere 164 feet (50 m) from the shore.

Day 5: Bacuit Bay Island-Hopping Tour

Bacuit Bay, just off the west coast of El Nido, is a hive of charming islands and scenic islets. Today, you'll take a guided outrigger boat tour to some of the best examples. Your private guide will escort you to several famous natural landmarks, like the vast Big Lagoon and the secluded Secret Lagoon, for swimming and diving.

You'll also visit a multitude of beautiful beaches, like the snorkeling haven of Shimizu, the sugary-white sands of Payong-Payong, and the turquoise waters of Seven Commandos Beach, so-called due to a legend about seven soldiers who got lost there during World War II. You'll enjoy a seafood barbecue on the beach before heading back to your hotel for a peaceful rest.

Day 6: El Nido Island-Hopping Tour

On the last full day of your trip, you'll enjoy another private boat tour of the El Nido islands. Your guide will be happy to take you all around the Bacuit archipelago to your favorite spots, whether that be Payong-Payong Beach, the Secret Lagoon, or the Big Lagoon. You'll once more get to see some of the area's spectacular scenery of dark cliffs, distinctive rock formations, and beautiful blue lagoons as you swim, sunbathe, sail, and explore, with more delicious seafood on the menu for lunch.

Day 7: Fly to Manila, Depart

It's time to head home. You'll begin the day with a 1.5-hour flight from El Nido back to Manila. From there, you may have a little time left over to head out and revisit some of the city's best landmarks or grab a few souvenirs before catching your next flight home out of Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Safe travels!

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