Trip to the Phillipines

Tue 07 January 2025

I decided to book a trip with a new tour company, Do you travel via TourRadar.com. Since I was flying so far, it seemed like a good time to plan a shorter excursion at the end of the 18 day tour, to visit Brian at his Thailand house for a few days.

The trip was to explore small group travel, but I got a Christmas surprise. The tour was guarenteed to go, but they sent me that only 2 people booked. I was given the chance to convert to a similar 10-day trip leaving 2 days later. But, that is too late to update flights. Both in Asiana to Manilla and the excursion flight to Phuket. They are runnig the trip as 'independent', and I may or may not see the other traveler. So this could be single, indie trip with just local guides or a trip with 2 of us.

For now, here's a list of days (and trips) with 'local' guide and marking events that a 'tour guide' would host the group. Description from Tour in italics, then below is updated arrangements made because this is independant travel

Day 1

Monday, Jan 6th: Arrival day. Plan is to meet tour guide and go for drinks and dinner.

Arrive Flight OZ-701 at 10:35am 3YWHMN (missed named) Car Tourist Driver Manila (KLOOK) +63 998 882 0211

Z Hostel; Checkin is 2pm (w Breakfast) 5660 Don Pedro Street, Makati, Philippines Confirm #132965160 (2 nights)

See dining in day 2 for possible.

Activity, probaly only dinner and sunset of Manila Bay. Sunset is ~5:30pm

Day 2

After breakfast, tour Manilla with bamboo bike tour of historic Intramuros Manila. This is lead by a 'local guide' so I expect it to go with 1 or 2 people. The afternoon is a short flight to Palawan. Again, after arrival would be a group meetup for drinks and dinner with a the 'tour guide', probably unlikely and it will be dinner on our own.

After breakfast, means 3:30pm :(. Bring water bottle. Includes entrance fee, an ice cream and cool towell at the end.

Does not have hotel pick-up/drop-off Meet at Bambike Ecotours Intramuros, General Luna Street, Intramuros, +63 977 781 5322

So, with free morning, walking the Intramuros (walled city) best option. Stop by Fort Santiago. This is best choice as Rizal Park, Fortress, etc are all near the bike place and about 10km from the hostel. Probably best to try Grab to the Musuem of Natural History (Teodoro F. Valencia Cir, Ermita, Manila 1000 Metro Manila

Lunch break in Rizal Park

  • Mabuhay Restop
  • Emerald Garden Restaurant
  • Ocean Park Bistro
  • Pantalan ng Naynila

Will need Grab back to the hostel after sunset

Day 3 - Jan 8th

Transfer to Palawan

Transfer to Hotel and flight Ninoy Aquino (MNL) to Palawan 7am with pickup +63988820211

Flight PR 2785 to Palawan Terminal 2 9:40am->11:10am

Hotel Transfer Palawonderful +639269295012

to hotel Acacia Tree Garden Puerto Princesa Confirm #72995727452674 Standard Deluxe Room

This is a 25 room hotel and a garden for rest and relax.

With free afternoon:

  1. Iwahig River Firefly Tour.
  2. Bay Walk Stroll.
  3. Check out nightlife - especially in area near Rizal Avenue

Viator: Firefly Joiners. 5:30pm (also outside pickup area) $55 (with Meal) Kitu-KITo D'Makarlos Firefly watching place 2hrs Booked Firefly tour Puerto Princesa Jungle River Firefly Watching w Dinner. Pick up is 5:30 However, outside their pickup area, they will send more details - hopefully.

Viator: Joiners Puerto Princesa City Tour. 8am (plus extra for pickup) $30. Baker's Hill 45 min Admission Included Mitra's Ranch 30 min Palawan Butterfly Ecologoical Garden 45 min City Baywalk 30 min Plaze Cuartel 20 min Cathedral (pass by) Palawan Crocodile Farm (optional? ticket not included)

Day 4 - Jan 9th

One event I've been looking forward to the most. The Puerto Princesa Undergroup River. After breakfast, I should be guided through the national park and the undergroup river system on a bamboo raft. The afternoon is a transfer to Port Barton. This is planned beach time (and rustic camping on the beach)

Palawonderful Adventures +639269295012

  • Explore the Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park, UNESCO
  • See one of the New 7-wonders of the world

Hotel pickup and dropoff included (pickup 7am, pickup from end of river tour, question luggage?

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, also known as Puerto Princesa Underground River, is located around 76 km northwest of Puerto Princesa in the Saint Paul Mountain Range. Named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it houses a “mountain to sea” ecosystem with some of the most significant and intact old-growth forests in Asia, featuring the spectacular limestone karst landscape and the globally significant habitat for biodiversity conservation and threatened species of wildlife.

A day tour of this breathtaking location will take you through what is now named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. After an early morning pick-up, you'll drive to Sabang Wharf before transferring by boat to the Palawan Underground River. This location is not merely the access to the river, it's also a famous birdwatching site and a haven for a plethora of plant species and some endemic wildlife in the Philippines.

Transfer to Port Barton with Van

Palawonderful Adventures +63 926 929 5012

Picked at Underground River Tour and transfer to Port Barton. Check in a My Green Hostel My Green is a youth hostel, this is dormitory room with shared bath. Bonifacio Street, Port Barton

Confirm # 133067220 +63 945 120 3648

Day 5

Snorkeling day at Port Barton. This continues with beachfront camping. Not sure how dinner and drink in the evening will work without a tour guide

8 AM Island Hoping for 7 hours

Palawonderful Adventures (again)

Embark on an unforgettable island-hopping adventure in Port Barton, where pristine beaches and stunning marine landscapes await. This tour takes you to enchanting destinations such as the secluded Cowrie Island and the picturesque Turtle Island, where you can bask in the sun, snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life, and indulge in a delicious picnic on the shore. With expert guides leading the way, you'll also have the chance to explore hidden lagoons and serene coves, making this an ideal experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Philippines and create lasting memories on this idyllic journey through Port Barton's tropical paradise.

Islands Visited

  • Turtle Place
  • lagoon
  • Maxima Paradise
  • Twin Reef
  • Star Fish
  • Sand Bar

Inclusions:

  • Port Barton Island Hopping Tours
  • Applicable fees and boat transportation
  • Island entrances
  • Tour guide
  • Lunch
  • Mask and snorkel

Bring towel, change of clothes, sunscreen and hat

Dinner in Port Barton: need a search

Day 6 - Jan 11th

Set off by van to El Nido. This day ends with group dinner and drinks. Again, how does this work with only 1 or 2 of us

Check out from Hostel and transfer by van to El Nido. Lexxus Palawan KLK9505871648 +63 917 686 1118

One day before deparute date, they will send email to confirm pickup Drop off is El Nido Bus Terminal Drop off is only Bus Terminal and get Tricycle to hotel

Hotel is Bulskamp Inn. Osmena Street, 5313 El Nido; 2 nights

Day 7 - Sunday Jan 12th

National Park with 3 waterfalls and afternoon at the beach. Enjoy nightlife of El Nido at leisure

El Nido Free Day

Suggested Things to do

  1. Taraw Cliff

    This one is for the thrill-seekers who are not afraid of heights and not afraid to break a sweat, for you will experience both of these things when embarking on the 45-minute hike to Taraw Peak, but the view from the top is totally worth it. You can find guides that will take you up, which is definitely recommended as it can be quite a dangerous hike. The company used for the Taraw Cliff El Nido Canopy Walk is called ‘El Nido Taraw Via Ferrata’. Their office is located within walking distance of El Nido town and bookings may be made in advance or you can just turn up on the day.

  2. Nacpan Beach

    Nacpan Beach is regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia and it’s no surprise why. It’s 4 KM long of beautiful sand and stunning clear blue water. And it’s got a backdrop of miles of coconut trees. You can easily find a whole stretch of the beach to yourself and enjoy a romantic sunset. There are also some restaurants and bars on the beach with cheap food and drink, so it’s a perfect place to spend a few hours.

    You can get a tricycle to the beach, or you can rent a moped and drive yourself (it’s about 45 minutes from main El Nido town).

  3. Nagcalit Waterfalls

    Located between Nacpan Beach and El Nido proper town, the Nagkalit-Kalit Waterfalls are a popular place to visit in El Nido. From the road, you’ll have to take a 20 minutes walk through the jungle before arriving to this refreshing place!

    Once arrived at the Nagkalit-Kalit Waterfalls, you will see that there are actually two waterfalls: the big and the small one. The first one forms a natural pool where you can swim. It’s a nice place to relax and enjoy a refreshing air!

  4. Ziplining

    Las Cabanas Beach is famous for its spectacular sunsets, so time your zipline adventure to take in the incredible sunset as you zip through the sky. The zipline is open until 5:30pm, so aim to get there just before it closes and then debrief over dinner and drinks on the sand below. Ziplining at Las Cabanas Beach will cost you between 500 to 1,100 PHP (approx. AUD$13-AUD$30). The zipline is open 9am- 5:30pm.

  5. Rent a moped and discover the island

    One of the best things to do in El Nido, is definitely renting a moped and just driving around the island discovering your own unique places. You can easily spend a full day driving around the whole island and finding your own waterfalls and beaches where no one else will be! Rental is around 500 pesos for the day, or if you’re only renting it for half a day it’s usually 250-300. Make sure you wear a helmet.

  6. El Nido Canopy Walk

    The company used for the Taraw Cliff El Nido Canopy Walk is called ‘El Nido Taraw Via Ferrata’. Their office is located within walking distance of El Nido town and bookings may be made in advance or you can just turn up on the day. The ‘climb’ is not tough at all and is more of a short walk up safe stairs and secure scaffolding. We’ve pin pointed the canopy walk starting point below.

Day 8

Start 3-day Expedition. Quote: "You simply cannot have this experience traveling on your own" :). 3 days cruising on a giant 2 level boat through the islands. Swimming, snorkelling, dancing, sunbathing and relaxing. Beachfront glamping for hotel.

Checkout from Bulskamp Inn (time unknown) Looks like common pickup at 7:30 in the Keelooma Office, Lio Villa Libertad

This is the Keelooma sub-tour. Coron Expedition 3D/2N

Meeting point: Keelooma Office, Lio Viaa Libertad (tell Tricycle driver next tot the Yahama Shop :)

Time 0745am (assume travel time at least 15min, tricycle fare should be ~300PHP, light breakfast served in office.

Coron Day 1

Head to Linapacan islands, for swimming and snorkeling. Camp on the island.

Day 9

Day 2 of the boat touring of Linapacan islands. Bonfire? unlikely without group

Coron Day 2

Turtle watching day. Then Culion island for next campsite

Day 10 - Jan 15th

Continue the sailing up north. Sandbar in Palawan, Ditaytayan and then Coron.

Coron Day 3

Itaytayan island with long beach and sandbar. Boat will arrive in town's port around 4:30pm

Self transfer to Coron Accomodation

From pier grab a 5 minute tricycle ride to accomodation. Hotel Casa Coron: Calle Real Poblacion 2, Coron 5316. +63 915 7630086. Booked in a 'family' room

Day 11 Jan 16th

Today is flight to Cebu and van to Cebu city. Free day for leisure.

Check out of the Hotel Casa Coron

Transfer to airport with Ellen's Travel and Tours, +63 917 8915205.

For hotel pickups, please wait in hotel lobby for driver at least 10 minutes before scheduled pickup time. They will update on depature flight the day before. Pickup scheduled for 13:30.

Flight PR2681 V2FSKE 1630 -> 1750

Arrive Mactan-Cebu (CEB) airport

Transfer to hotel with Peridot Travel +63 926 633 7722. Driver will be waiting with sign. Pickup 5:50pm, CUX847453. Driver can wait up to 30 minutes from scheduled flight time, contact them if delayed?

Check-in Toyoko Inn Cebu. 165 A S Fortuna Street, Jcentre Mall, Cebu +63 32 255 1045. Single room. Reserved for Greg Houlder EXP-387341895 . !! Jan 18th-20th

Day 12 Jan 17th

Whale shark and Kawasan Falls. Second most anticipated event on the tour. Hopefully, local guide to do the whale sharks and the Falls. This was some canyoneering, scramble up the falls and natural pools. Again, nightlife explorer not likely to be done with a guide

Mcrich Travel and Tours #63 917 677 0302

Accomodation pick up at *2 AM8

Oslob Cuartel, oslob Old CHurches and Ruins, Whaleshark snorkeling, Lunch (Kawasan Resort self expense), Kawasoan Falls, Full Course Canyoneering w/Meal, Accomodation Drop off

Day 13 - Jan 18th

9:40am Transfer to Airport. Island Trek Tours +63 922 822 5648

12:40 Flight PR 2355 to Sayak Airport (IAO)

Transfer to hotel with Siargao Island Hopping + 63 917 174 5705

Hotel Lubihan Siargao, located in General Luna (Cabuntog)

Afternoon flight to Siargao, the final flight of the tour. Only activity is group dinner and nightlife.

Day 14 - Sunday Jan 19th

Surf and Chill. Sleep-in and head to cloud 9 to work with local instructor to learn to surf

Free Day: Suggested

  1. Book Tri-Island Hopping Tour
  2. Surf
  3. Land tour + Sugba lagoon tour
  4. Snorkeling Corregidor Isalnd & Mam-on island. Must see hill little batanes, 30 min hike
  5. Book tour in Shohoton Bucas Grande. Super worth it (expensive? as it is far; 2 hours by boat).

Restaurant suggestions:

  • Cove Food Park (front of the Cherinicole Resort)
  • Kurvada
  • Catangnan Barbecue
  • Harana
  • Hapag

Nightlife

  • Harana (on Saturday)
  • El Lobo
  • Sibol
  • Fire Dance @ the Cove
  • bed & brew
  • Mad Monkey
  • Mama Coco / Hola Bar

Day 15 - Jan 20th

Visit 3 islands off the Siargao coast. Snorkeling and finish with night 'on your own'

3 Island Hopping with Siargao Island Tour +63 923 3488333

Explore Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island in one day. Swim, take photos, enjoy fresh seafood and sundset. Play for a day. Includes boat, local guide, lunch, drinks, cottage, docking fees, entrance fees, hotel pick up and drop off by tricycle

Day 16 - Tuesday Jan 21th

Free day. Spend day as I like

Could book surfing lesson beginner package.

Day 17 - Jan 22nd

Flight back to Manilla. Accomodations booked in Manilla with airport transfer.

Check out from Lubihan Siargao and tour ends

Flight to Manilla on PAL Express Bookign PAYS3U

IAO to MNL 1255->1450 0792533328734 Seat 2C (comfort class!)

In Manilla, booked at Kingston Hotel, Bagong Nayong Pilipino Entertainment Tambo, Paranaque, 1701 Manila +63 917 859 5307 checkin #271-3937189.

Hotel is supposed to have airport transport, email them a couple days before about how to request transfer. 2 nights

Day 18

Free day in Manila.

Day 19 1/24

Phuket flight:

1/24
Manila->Bangkok Thai Airways TG621 1310 -> 1545
Bangkok->Phuket TG217 1730 -> 1900

Day 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25

Time in Phuket with Brian

Jan 24th - Jan 31st

1/31
Phuket->Bangok TG204 1025 -> 1155
Bangkok->Manila TG624 1415 -> 1825
Manila->ICN Asiana OZ-704 2350->500 (feb 1st)
ICN->LAX OZ-202 2:40pm -> 8:40am (feb 1st)
LAX->DEN OZ-6250 1115 -> 1444 (still Feb 1st)

Day 26 Feb 1st

Landline pickup at 4pm AAHSR6

Tags: international | cycling |