11 Days Philippine Island Tour: Boracay & EI Nido from Manila

Kumusta! Welcome to Manila, the capital of the Philippines! Upon your arrival at the airport in Manila, the tour guide and driver will meet you at the exit, and then escort you to the hotel . You can have a good rest for the jet leg in your hotel or visit around to explore for more on your own.

Known as the “Pearl of the Orient”, Manila is often the jump-off point to the country's incredible beaches, stunning islands, and unique natural wonders. Manila is an excellent hub for experiencing Philippine culture, history, shopping, and nightlife. Take your time to explore its lively streets, buildings, and people, who are full of energy.

Arrival Ideas：
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), originally known as Manila International Airport (MIA), is the largest airport in the Philippines. Currently, there are over 30 direct flights to Manila from various parts of the world, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Taipei, Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Dubai, Doha, Sydney, Melbourne, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Abu Dhabi, Denpasar, Riyadh, Guam, Los Angeles, Hanoi, and more. You can fly direct to Manila from almost every major city in Asia. Otherwise, you may need a layover in Hong Kong, Singapore, or Dubai, with most major airlines in the region offering regular flights to Manila. Philippine Airlines is the only carrier that offers nonstop flights to Manila from the United States. Other airlines that fly to Manila include Delta, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Korean Air, ANA, KLM, EVA Air, and Qantas. If you need help with Philippines flight tickets booking, feel free to contact us.

According to your flight schedule, your guide will pick you up and bring you to Manila Airport, where you will board your domestic flight to Caticlan. Caticlan Airport, also known as Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, is located in Caticlan and is the main transportation hub to the paradise island of Boracay.

Upon arrival at the airport, your guide will pick you up to bring you to the Jetty port for your 15-minute boat crossing to Boracay. And then you will be transported from portto your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Boracay Island, located in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines, is one of the country's most famous tourist destinations. The island is shaped like a dumbbell and is only 7 kilometers long, but it boasts a 4-kilometer stretch of white sand beach known as the "finest beach in the world". The island features powdery white sand beaches, abundant marine life, and various water sports activities. With hotels, resorts, restaurants, and nightclubs that offer a range of services and entertainment for tourists, Boracay attracts visitors from around the world.

Discover the natural attractions of Boracay Island with our island-hopping tour. This is perfect for travelers who want to visit the beautiful beaches in the area without having to worry about arranging everything, as our island-hopping tour already comes with boat transfers, entrance fees to each island, snorkeling fees, and sunset sailing fees.

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you to Ilig-Iligan Beach for snorkeling. This lesser-known beach is located in the northern part of Boracay and offers stunning views of the ocean and a more secluded atmosphere.

Then you’ll head to Puka Beach. This serene beach features soft, white sand made up of small crushed puka shells, which is how it got its name. You can just quietly enjoy the beach or try some water sports (optional) such as parasailing, sea walking, diving, etc. Note: Additional activities are optional, and if you're interested in participating, you can pay the fee on-site.

Afterwards, take you to Crocodile Island. Crocodile Island is known for its crystal-clear waters and its shape looks like a giant crocodile’s head. Then you will savor a delicious lunch at Kawa Beach.

After lunch, you’ll then head to Crystal Cove Island, which is an artificial private island. There are two natural caves on this small island, and the water under the cave is very clear, and when the sun shines, the inside of the cave is shining like crystal, which is very beautiful. Note: the sandy beach of the island is coarse and it is not recommended to play barefoot.

After enjoying the beautiful scenery of Crystal Island, cliff diving in Magic Island is not to be missed, the 3-10 meter jumping platform allows you to show off and jump, and the friends who are afraid of diving are also good to enjoy listening to the exciting cheers on the side.

As dusk approaches, you'll get to experience the final activity of your tour - sunset sailing on Friday Beach. This traditional water sport in Boracay is a cool and romantic way to ride the waves during sunset. (Note: sailing fee is based on 8 people sharing one boat, additional fee required for a private boat).

Kindly remind that some activities may be subject to change due to weather conditions. Your safety is our top priority, and we may need to reschedule or cancel activities in case of unfavorable weather conditions such as strong wind.etc. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we ensure a safely and enjoyable island-hopping experience.

Today, you can enjoy the beach freely! There are many beaches to choose from: White Beach, Diniwid Beach and Bulabog Beach (Yapak Beach), etc. Build a sandcastle or relax under the shade of a coconut tree. Take a stroll on the beautiful and quiet white sand, and don't miss the sunset! As the night falls, the beach transforms into a huge bar with colorful lights and music, offering a variety of leisure and entertainment facilities.

Recommended Beaches:

1.White Beach - The sand is made up of large ground-up coral pieces, the sand is white and delicate, with a long beach stretch, complete with various leisure and entertainment facilities.

2.Bulabog Beach - Located opposite to White Beach, Bulabog Beach is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. The suitable winds and waves make it an ideal spot for activities like windsurfing, kitesurfing, and paddleboarding.

3.Diniwid Beach - A small and peaceful beach located in the northwest of the island, Diniwid Beach has relatively few tourists and is mainly used by hotel guests. There are no vendors here, making it a quiet place to relax.

Today, you can enjoy the beach freely! Or you can try your hand at a broad range of outdoor activities. There are many activities (optional) you could be doing: scuba diving, kite-surfing, parasailing, daily games of football, volleyball and ultimate Frisbee kick off late afternoon on White Beach or a boat trip to explore the surroundings, and many more. Note: Additional activities are optional, and if you're interested in participating, you can pay the fee on-site.

You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the port for your 15-minute crossing to Caticlan. In Caticlan, you will board your domestic flight to EI Nido.

Upon arrival in EI Nido , you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel. Lio Airport is located approximately 7 kilometers north of El Nido town in Palawan.

As one of the most popular tropical paradises on Palawan Island, El Nido is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and adventure of the Philippines. This coastal town is home to an abundance of stunning white sandy beaches and incredible lagoons waiting for you to explore. Besides, El Nido is renowned for its stunning sunsets, which are considered by many to be among the best in the world.

El Nido got its name from the Spanish phrase for “the nest” because of the edible bird nests made by swiftlets that can be found in the crevices of its limestone cliffs. This destination is renowned as the “Heaven on Earth”, and it comprises 45 islands and islets (Bacuit Archipelago), many of which are uninhabited. Enjoy your days in El Nido is with the crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, stunning lagoons, amazing limestone cliffs, magical marine life, rocky islets, and perfect weather!

For the first El Nido Island Hopping tour in the Bacuit Bay (El Nido Tour A), you will have fun in the tropical dreamland by hoping to Miniloc Island for lagoons, Shimizu island for snorkeling, and Seven Commando Beach for relaxation.

You will start the world-class island hopping tour in El Nido by a boat ride to Miniloc Island, where you can visit its breathtaking lagoons, including the Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon. The Big Lagoon is a must-visit destination of El Nido in Bacuit Bay. You can access it by outrigger boat, and during low tide, you can walk or kayak through the channel. Once inside the lagoon, you will be awestruck by the stunning natural swimming hole with emerald green waters, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. Depending on the tide, you may need to scramble or swim through a small crevice on the rock's surface to reach the Secret Lagoon. Although the Secret Lagoon may not be a secret anymore, it remains one of the most photographed attractions in El Nido, offering a hidden world waiting to be explored. After that, you may have a lunch stop at Payong-Payong Beach, one of the picturesque white sand beaches on Miniloc Island. Here, you can either experience the thrill of swimming amidst the strong waves or savor the chill vibe of splashing around in gentle waves.

Your next stop on Tour A will be Shimizu Island, which is renowned as one of the top snorkeling spots in El Nido. Here, you'll have the opportunity to encounter a diverse range of beautiful corals and other marine life. Thanks to its stunning limestone cliffs covered with vegetation, Shimizu Island is considered a representative of the geological beauty of El Nido. Legend has it that the island was named after a diver whose last name was Shimizu. However, it can get a bit crowded during midday as it is also an alternative stopover spot for lunch. Typically, you will enjoy a delicious grilled lunch on the beach, featuring grilled meat and seafood, vegetables, rice, and fresh fruits for dessert.

Finally, you will move to Seven Commando Beach, which has a fascinating story to tell. According to one account, seven soldiers got stranded here during World War II. The beach features a long stretch of white sand lined with coconut trees, providing the perfect spot to have a sunbath and relax. You can also enjoy refreshing drinks while taking in the beautiful ocean scenery. While snorkeling, you may be lucky enough to encounter a few sea turtles, so keep your eyes peeled. After your El Nido Tour A, head back to overnight in El Nido Town.

After breakfast, it is time to begin your El Nido Island Hopping Tour (El Nido Tour B) to witness some of Palawan’s best islands and caves. This tour would covers the highlights of Snake Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, Entalula Island, and Papaya Beach (if time permit). It is an amazing journey that combines sandbars, caves, and uniquely-shaped islands. Furthermore, your El Nido Island Hopping today (tour B) is often less crowded than tour A.

Your first stop on El Nido Island Hopping Tour B will be Snake Island (Vigan Island). Known for its winding sandbar visible only at low tide, Snake Island is one of the most unique spots in El Nido to experience the feeling of walking in the middle of the sea. The island gets its name from its S-shaped sandbar, which connects it to the mainland (Bacuit Archipelago). At low tide, you can walk on the sand stripe between the two islands and admire the crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches. At high tide, the sandbar is two feet underwater, creating a beautiful sight. Snake Island also offers a quick hike up to a stunning viewing point at the top where you can take in a bird's eye view of the sandbar. Enjoy the views of the white sand stretching out like a long snake, winding its way along the island.

Next, you'll hop to Pinagbuyutan Island (Ellis Island), where you'll marvel at the dramatic towering limestone cliffs that shoot straight up from the sea, topped off with lush jungle vegetation. This gumdrop-shaped island is a favorite destination in El Nido. Pinagbuyutan Island is also known as Survivor Island due to its appearance on the popular reality TV show, Survivor, and it is said to be the inspiration for the movie “The Beach”, along with other beautiful attractions in El Nido like the Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon. Pinagbuyutan Island is perfect for swimming and snorkeling, as there are some excellent reefs to explore just offshore. Take in the colorful underwater life beneath the emerald-colored water. It's also the perfect place for a lunch break, where you can relax on the long beach and enjoy the breeze under the coconut trees.

After lunch, you'll head to Cudugnon Cave which offers a unique perspective of El Nido's islands through an enormous cavern hidden behind an inconspicuous hole in the limestone wall. During World War II, locals used the cave as a hiding place from invaders. It is also believed to be a Neolithic burial site for ancient Palawenos and settlers from Borneo. Experts have discovered artifacts such as jewelry, pottery, and human bones dating back to the Chinese Song Dynasty (960-1279 A.D.). To enter Cudugnon Cave, you'll need to squeeze through a small rocky hole before reaching the well-lit cave with a high ceiling. Take your time exploring the beautiful limestone and marble walls inside the cave, and don't forget to search the crevices of the cave's roof where swallows (swiftlets) and bats reside. You know that El Nido got its name from the Spanish phrase "the nest", and the swiftlets are the owners of these nests. After the cave exploration tour, you can relax on the secluded white sand beach near the cave's entrance.

If time permits, you can make a photo stop at the Cathedral Cave on Pinasil Island. As your boat approaches the cave, you'll be amazed by the huge cavern with an opening even higher than the Puerto Princesa Underground River. This stunning shallow cave features towering walls shaped like cathedral spires. It's also an important nesting site for swiftlets, whose nests made of dried saliva are the main ingredient in the exotic bird’s nest soup.

You'll also have the opportunity to visit picturesque Entalula Island, which boasts a pristine beach and perfect snorkeling and swimming opportunities. Take in the beauty of the crystal-clear waters and the amazing rock formations, including the free-standing diamond-shaped rock. Enjoy the serene and peaceful atmosphere of this beautiful island before concluding your El Nido Tour B today.

Are you keen to explore the most beautiful beaches in El Nido? If so, you'll absolutely love Island Hopping Tour C, which takes you to the world-famous beaches of El Nido in Bacuit Bay, Palawan. Today's tour is even more popular than Tour A and has captivated the attention of Hollywood blockbuster filmmakers. Exciting stops at Helicopter Island, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Tapiutan Island, and Hidden Beach cover beautiful islands, beaches, snorkeling spots, and the uncanny Matinloc Shrine.

Departing from El Nido Pier, you'll first arrive at Helicopter Island (Dilumacad Island), named for its rock formations that resemble a helicopter from a distance. Although some visitors may find it challenging to see the similarity, the island's towering limestone cliffs covered in lush vegetation and pristine beaches are a sight to behold. The island boasts excellent snorkeling spots and underwater tunnels that advanced divers will appreciate. Viewing the colorful corals and small fish in the clear waters is a super enjoyable experience. The island is also one of the nesting grounds for sea turtles living near the province, so if you visit during the right season, you might get the chance to see the release of baby turtles into the waters. With 300 meters of white sand beach, it's an excellent place to swim, relax, and enjoy the beautiful beachscape.

The next stop will be Matinloc Island, home to the unique Matinloc Shrine since 1982. Known as the Shine of Our Lady of Matinloc, this spiritual oasis provides a stunning panoramic view of Tapiutan Island, which lies opposite Matinloc Island. These two neighboring islands form the narrow Tapiutan Strait, home to some of the best snorkeling spots in the area, such as Talisay Beach and Star Beach (with starfish), which are fantastic spots to see the beauty of the coral reefs. After admiring the clear sea and the limestone landscapes and learning the stories behind the Matinloc Shrine, you may enjoy a delicious barbecued lunch before heading off to Secret Beach. Accessing Secret Beach can be a bit of a challenge as you need to swim through a cave to enter, but your guide help you enter this little paradise. Once inside, you can relax on the small beach or snorkel and see some pretty fish at the entrance. It is said that Alex Garland, author of the novel-turned-film "The Beach", lived and wrote his bestseller in El Nido, likely inspired by the Secret Beach's beauty.

Meanwhile, Hidden Beach is a popular stop perfect for swimming and resting. This small paradisiac cove concealed by limestone rock and impossible to see from the open sea. Its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters make it a must-visit spot in El Nido. In fact, Hidden Beach was so beautiful that Survivor Sweden finished their three-month filming at this beach. The Hidden Beach is also a great spot for snorkeling, where you can easily see various species of corals and fish.

After exploring the hidden beaches and shrines on El Nido Tour C, it is time to go back to El Nido town for overnight.

On this day, you will have some free time in EI Nido until your guide and driver will escort you to the airport for your flight back to Manila (about 1.5 hours). Upon arrival in Manila, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel.

In this afternoon, you will enjoy a half-day tour in Manila. You will first arrive at the historical Rizal Park (Luneta Park), considered one of the largest urban parks in Asia. Here, you can see the statue of the Philippines' national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. after whom the park is named. After a brief photo stop, you will proceed to the Spanish colonial-era walled city of Intramuros, where you will learn about the history of Manila over the last 400 years, tracing its history from Malay to Spanish, Japanese, and Filipino.

In Intramuros, you won't miss the top attractions, such as San Agustin Church, Casa Manila, Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila Cathedral, and Fort Santiago. Completed in 1607, San Augustin Church is the oldest church in the country, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a National Historical Landmark.It is a Roman Catholic church under the auspices of the Order of St. Augustine, and you can view its wide collection of ecclesiastical icons, vestments, and other religious articles. Crossing the street, you'll reach Casa Manila, a museum that depicts the colonial lifestyle during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. It is a copy of an 1850s San Nicolas House that was once located in Calle Jaboneros and is equipped with oriental and European décor, as well as Philippine antique furniture. If time permits, you can also visit the American Cemetery and Memorial, a beautifully maintained cemetery that pays tribute to the veterans of World War II, with 17,206 graves. Alternatively, you can stop at Manila Cathedral, which is the first cathedral of the Philippines dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, the principal patroness of the country. It also serves as the episcopal see of the Archbishop of Manila.

Finally, you will continue to Fort Santiago, an old Spanish fortress located at the mouth of the Pasig River and one of Manila's most important historical sites. Built by the Spanish in late 1593, it is also the site of a notorious prison where Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal wrote his famous poem ‘My Last Farewell’ and was executed by the Spanish in 1896. Overnight in Manila.

According to your flight schedule, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and bring you to the Manila international airport. It's time to say goodbye to the Philippines and leave Manila for your flight back home.

Thank you for choosing Philippines Discovery for your vacation. We are always here to serve you and look forward to welcoming you back for your next trip to the Philippines!