The Philippines is truly an unbeatable destination, if you’re into authentic experiences in the world’s most incredible tropical islands, then this is the trip for you.
We are incredibly proud of this action packed tour as it was the very first destination we ran our trips in! Since then we’ve curated the ultimate 10 day Philippines tour that will see you explore a UNESCO World Heritage Underground River, visit some of the world’s most breathtaking island hopping destinations, cook with locals, climb coconut trees and even stay overnight at a private beach camp. Relax under the stars and snorkel with turtles in Port Barton, float in the crystal clear emerald waters & find yourself in awe of the majestic limestone cliffs in El Nido.
ARRIVE IN MANILA! LETS GO!
Arrive at any time in Manila and we will meet you at the airport. We take you through the winding streets to our boutique hostel in central Manila. Settle into your accommodation and in the evening join the rest of the group for a delicious welcome meal in a local venue. After dinner, head up to the rooftop terrace and enjoy a few drinks overlooking the Manila skyline. For those looking to party, you will get the option to check out some famous Manila nightlife spots and have good times at our favourite bars
DAY 2 – PALAWAN HERE WE COME!
Palawan here we come! Today we take a short flight to Puerto Princesa in Palawan. We check in to our awesome boutique hotel and relax by the pool for a while. In the afternoon we visit the Iwahig Prison, where the inmates govern themselves and learn new skills such as farming and dancing to Michael Jackson. Truly a bizarre experience! In the evening, get your seafood fix with dinner option in a local restaurant in this coastal city.
DAY 3 – UNDERGROUND RIVER TIME!
We have an early start today and after our delicious breakfast, we head out to the UNESCO listed Underground River. We explore the 5-miles of rivers and caves by boat before driving over dirt roads to the remote and stunning fishing village of Port Barton. This is when you will truly feel like you’ve arrived in paradise but trust us, it gets better! Spend the afternoon sipping fresh coconuts on golden sand while listening to some island reggae in the background. Tonight we will sleep in traditional Filipino style beach bungalows listening to the sound of the ocean outside your door.
THE ISLANDER EXPERIENCE – PRIVATE BEACH CAMP!
For the next 2 days we get to experience the local island way of life, with our Islander Experience. After breakfast, we join our local guides on their boat for 2 days of exploring islands and the surrounding areas of Port Barton. Snorkel around coral reefs & alongside turtles, shower in jungle waterfalls, explore tiny islands and just take it all in. In the evening we get together around the fire by our own little beach bar and watch the spectacular sunset that this area is famous for. Perfect! Don’t worry about food either as our local guides will have everything covered with feasts of grilled fish, pork, rice, vegetables and fruit. Tonight you will sleep in tents directly on the beach in paradise.
DAY 6 – BOUND FOR EL NIDO
After breakfast, take some time to appreciate your spectacular surroundings before we then hop into a van and head up on our way to El Nido. When we arrive you will see why Palawan was named the most beautiful island group in the world. Surrounded by islands and towering cliffs, El Nido is a secret paradise we are lucky enough to share. Once you pick your jaws up off the ground, we will check in to the funkiest hostel in Palawan. Exclusive to One Life, this slick hostel looks more like a boutique hotel than a backpackers! Settle in, then head to our favourite beach restaurant in the evening for food and fun with your One Life family.
DAY 7 – CULTURAL DAY
It’s time to experience and immerse ourselves in unique Filipino culture. We’ll take a short jungle hike to learn about the flora and fauna that grows in the lush rainforest before arriving at our exclusive beach hut for a fun-filled day. Today we have activities ranging from cooking authentic Filipino food, climbing coconut trees, traditional Filipino stick fighting, coconut shaving, learning Filipino dances and children’s games, coconut leaf weaving and more. Afterwards, we lounge on the stunning Las Cabanas Beach to take in the incredible sunset where you can take the optional Zip Line. An exhilarating adventure of flying between two islands over the ocean. A day you’re not likely to forget!
DAY 8 – ISLAND HOPPING
This morning we board our boat to take us around all the spectacular, tiny islands in the bay. You will explore the most beautiful islands and the bluest waters you have ever seen. Snorkel with your new friends and feast on the freshly prepared food on board. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
DAY 9 – EL NIDO TOWN
Today we do a short canopy walk up to the famous cliffs overlooking El Nido to get the best view of incredible bay and Cadlao Island. After all that exercise, you’ll need some chill-out time! That’s why we include a traditional Filipino massage near the beach to help ease those muscles. Take your time today to relax and enjoy your surroundings. Explore the town and meet some friendly locals.
THE ISLANDER EXPERIENCE – PRIVATE BEACH CAMP!
For the next 2 days we get to experience the local island way of life, with our Islander Experience. After breakfast, we join our local guides on their boat for 2 days of exploring islands and the surrounding areas of Port Barton. Snorkel around coral reefs & alongside turtles, shower in jungle waterfalls, explore tiny islands and just take it all in. In the evening we get together around the fire by our own little beach bar and watch the spectacular sunset that this area is famous for. Perfect! Don’t worry about food either as our local guides will have everything covered with feasts of grilled fish, pork, rice, vegetables and fruit. Tonight you will sleep in tents directly on the beach in paradise.
BOUND FOR EL NIDO
After breakfast, take some time to appreciate your spectacular surroundings before we then hop into a van and head up on our way to El Nido. When we arrive you will see why Palawan was named the most beautiful island group in the world. Surrounded by islands and towering cliffs, El Nido is a secret paradise we are lucky enough to share. Once you pick your jaws up off the ground, we will check in to the funkiest hostel in Palawan. Exclusive to One Life, this slick hostel looks more like a boutique hotel than a backpackers! Settle in, then head to our favourite beach restaurant in the evening for food and fun with your One Life family.
CULTURAL DAY
It’s time to experience and immerse ourselves in unique Filipino culture. We’ll take a short jungle hike to learn about the flora and fauna that grows in the lush rainforest before arriving at our exclusive beach hut for a fun-filled day. Today we have activities ranging from cooking authentic Filipino food, climbing coconut trees, traditional Filipino stick fighting, coconut shaving, learning Filipino dances and children’s games, coconut leaf weaving and more. Afterwards, we lounge on the stunning Las Cabanas Beach to take in the incredible sunset where you can take the optional Zip Line. An exhilarating adventure of flying between two islands over the ocean. A day you’re not likely to forget!
ISLAND HOPPING
This morning we board our boat to take us around all the spectacular, tiny islands in the bay. You will explore the most beautiful islands and the bluest waters you have ever seen. Snorkel with your new friends and feast on the freshly prepared food on board. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
DAY 9 – EL NIDO TOWN
Today we do a short canopy walk up to the famous cliffs overlooking El Nido to get the best view of incredible bay and Cadlao Island. After all that exercise, you’ll need some chill-out time! That’s why we include a traditional Filipino massage near the beach to help ease those muscles. Take your time today to relax and enjoy your surroundings. Explore the town and meet some friendly locals.
TIME TO SAY GOODBYE!
Sadly all good things must come to an end! For those of you who booked their onward journey, this is where we must say our goodbyes. The rest of us jump in a minivan back to Puerto Princesa where we finish our trip. You can also fly back to Manila from a small airport in El Nido. It’s a little bit more expensive, but it means you won’t have to travel back to Puerto for your flight.
