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Peregrine Travel Centre

Essential Philippines

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Essential Philippines

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Description

Get to know the popular spots and the local favourites in the beautiful Philippines. Over 10 days, you and your new friends will start in the city of Cebu, where you’ll see all the highlights on a city tour. Then, travel to Bohol where you’ll align the mind and body with some morning yoga on your stand-up paddleboard on Loboc River. Then, meet the local community and see what life’s like on the river. Visit the iconic Chocolate Hills for a sunrise breakfast, then take in the natural beauty of Can-umantad Falls and the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces. Chill out under the palms, go hiking or explore at your own pace on Panglao Island, then hop over to Siquijor to discover the caves, falls and sunsets of another slice of heaven. If you want landscapes, local insights and the ability to customise your adventure how you want – this is the trip for you!

Trip Name
Essential Philippines
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
10
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Watch the sun rise over the Chocolate Hills – these odd geological formations turn brown in the dry season, contrasting with the surrounding greenery of the jungle – and tuck into breakfast for a meal to remember.
  • Stretch it out with a spot of morning yoga during your stand-up paddleboarding session on the Loboc River among the lush jungle scenery and birdlife.
  • Take a day tour of beautiful Siquijor – known for its waterfalls, white beaches and thriving bars. See the highlights and local, lesser-known spots, ending with a swim in the three-tiered Cambugahey Falls and a beach visit to watch the sun go down.
  • Explore Bohol on a tour that will take you to all the most beautiful spots, including the 60-m-high Can-umantad Falls and the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces. 
  • Go your own way – this trip has tonnes of free time so you can relax on the beach, go snorkelling, find the best hikes on the island or just unwind with a good book under the swaying palms.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Cebu
Maligayang pagdating! Welcome to the Philippines. Your adventure begins in the city of Cebu with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, you might like to wander around the 16th-century landmarks that show the city’s Spanish influence and history. Maybe visit the Cebu Taoist Temple or get sweeping views over the city at Tops – a popular observation deck on Mt Busay.
Day 2 - Bohol
This morning, you’ll head out on a city tour of Cebu with your leader. See the popular spots of Cebu’s history, like Magellan's Cross, Fort San Pedro, Casa Gorordo Museum and the Basilica del Santo Nino (the oldest Roman Catholic church in the country!). Learn some local knowledge from your guide while you soak in the city’s island atmosphere, then head to an optional lunch of lechon (a whole roasted pig cooked over an open flame, typically served for special occasions) – popularly deemed the ‘best pig ever’ by chef Anthony Bourdain. After lunch, take the ferry to Bohol – known for its coral reefs and the unusual Chocolate Hills. Arrive in the capital of Tagbilaran, then transfer to your hotel for the night.
Day 3 - Bohol
Have breakfast this morning, then head out on the Loboc River. Take a yoga lesson on stand-up paddleboards, surrounded by lush jungle (what better way to start the day?) then have some lunch on the riverbank. After, follow your local leader for a community tour of this quiet, rural town, learning what life is like by the river. First, you’ll have the chance to make your own ‘nipa’ roof, from harvesting the indigenous materials to seeing the finished product. Taste some coconut wine, walk through the rice paddies and spot some carabao (water buffalo). Learn the kuradang (the traditional dance of the area), then open your own coconut and cheers to an authentic look into the culture of this part of the Philippines. 
Day 4 - Bohol
Rise very early today for a sunrise breakfast at Chocolate Hills – don't forget your camera today! These 1200 unusual geological formations are symmetrical mounds that jut up from the jungle. In the dry season, they turn brown, in stark contrast to the surrounding greenery (hence the name). Over pastries, fruits and a glass of sikwate (the Boholano chocolate drink), watch this strange landscape light up with the day’s sunshine, then take a tour of the best local spots. First is Can-umantad Falls – these 60 m high cascades are the tallest in Bohol and have been coined ‘Bohol’s best kept secret.’ Carry on to the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces and take in the lush landscape. Later, you’ll have a free evening to maybe go firefly spotting on canoes after the sun dips below the horizon.
Day 5 - Panglao Island
Drive to Panglao Island today. Just off Bohol Island, Panglao is known for its gorgeously white beaches, swaying palm trees and calm atmosphere. When you arrive, the rest of the day is free for you to relax, crack your book on the white stretches of sand or find a good local restaurant to lounge in.
Day 6 - Panglao Island
Today is a free day to discover the island at your own pace. Maybe spend the day on an optional Pamilacan Island marine tour and try to spot the resident whales and dolphins with the crew of your outrigger boat. After trying to spot spinner dolphins and some of the six species of whale that pass through here, you’ll head to the marine sanctuary where you can go snorkelling to spot some more wildlife up close! Then, take a walking tour of the island and sit down under the sun for a local seafood lunch made by the women’s association. Learn about the local culture, including how they harvest sea urchins and work to preserve the natural resources. Alternatively, you can just find the perfect beach spot under a palm tree and spend the afternoon with a cocktail in hand.
Day 7 - Siquijor Island
Get prepped for a little bit of travel this morning as you make your way to Siquijor (known as ‘the island of fire’ due to the swarms of fireflies that nestle in the molave trees). You’ll first head back to Bohol, where you’ll take the ferry to the island – home to many scenic waterfalls, caves, gorgeous beaches and bars. When you arrive, your afternoon is wide open to explore. If you need help planning activities, just ask your leader.
Day 8 - Siquijor Island
Set out on a day tour today of the beautiful island and its surroundings. See the St Francis de Assisi Bell Tower of Roman design and the Capilay Spring Park. Visit the Balete Tree (some people believe that balete trees are dwelling places for supernatural beings or engkanto, like diwata, kapre or tikbalang) and the century-old San Isidro de Labrador Church and its convent. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the hike down 300 steps to the three-tiered Cambugahey Falls where you can go for a dip. Today, you’ll also have the chance to visit a local shaman or the bolo bolo healers who will teach you about their practise. Drive on to Triad for lunch, watching the views of the sea and neighbouring islands as you go. When you arrive, head to Paliton Beach, lined with coconut trees, before heading back for the night.
Day 9 - Cebu
Take the ferry and wave goodbye to Siquijor Island as you make your way back to Cebu. When you arrive, your afternoon is free to explore anything in Cebu city that you didn’t get to last time or just rest and relax before an optional final dinner with your group to celebrate a beautiful trip in the Philippines!
Day 10 - Cebu
There are no activities planned this morning and you’re free to depart any time after check-out. If you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
03-04-202612-04-2026AUD $ 1,606-
21-11-202630-11-2026AUD $ 2,295-
05-12-202614-12-2026AUD $ 2,380-
19-12-202628-12-2026AUD $ 2,380-
26-12-202604-01-2027AUD $ 2,380-
23-01-202701-02-2027AUD $ 2,400-
30-01-202708-02-2027AUD $ 2,400-
06-02-202715-02-2027AUD $ 2,400-
20-02-202701-03-2027AUD $ 2,400-
06-03-202715-03-2027AUD $ 2,400-
20-03-202729-03-2027AUD $ 2,400-
26-03-202704-04-2027AUD $ 2,400-
17-04-202726-04-2027AUD $ 2,400-
20-11-202729-11-2027AUD $ 2,400-
04-12-202713-12-2027AUD $ 2,470-
18-12-202727-12-2027AUD $ 2,470-
25-12-202703-01-2028AUD $ 2,470-

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights)

Transport

Ferry, Private Vehicle

Map

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