Start in Manila and end in Siargao on this 16 Day Philippines tour package with Do You Travel. Perfect for backpackers and adventure travellers, The Philippines Discovery is an independent island hopping tour of the Philippines that includes accommodation in a perfect mix of hostels, hotels and beach front cabins.
The Philippines Discovery takes you from the bustling city of Manila to the Islands of Palawan, Cebu and Siargao. On this 16 Day independent tour you will take a sunset bike tour through the streets of Manila. Visit Puerto Princesa and the Underground River. See the beautiful islands of El Nido, Port Barton and Coron. Swim with the gigantic but very friendly whale sharks in Oslob and visit the jaw dropping Kawasan Falls! Then head south to Siargao Island, the surfing capital of the Philippines to top off your epic Philippines adventure!
The Philippines Discovery is an independent island hopping tour of the Philippines that includes accommodation in a perfect mix of hostels, hotels, and beachfront cabins, all internal flights, expert local guides, some meals, transportation and all activities. This is the complete Philippines tour package and if you’d like to learn a little more about us before you book, check out who we are here.
For another great option, check out the itinerary on our other fantastic 16-day island-hopping tour of the Philippines or our shorter 13 days Philippines package.
16
2B 3L
Adventure | Independent
Singles | Couples | Families | Groups
Your trip includes airport pick up. Just let us know your flight details into Manila so that we can arrange this for you.
Your trip finishes on the beautiful island of Siargao. If you’re staying on longer in the Philippines, we can help organise any onward travel ( including our add-on trips). If you’re just doing the 16-day Philippines trip and then going home and need to get back to Manila then it’s a short van ride to Siargao airport, with a 1h 45m flight to Manila. There are one or two direct flights per day from Siargao arriving in Manila at around 5:30PM and 6:30PM. The earliest we can recommend booking an onward flight out of Manila is around 9 pm on day 16 of your tour.
Travel insurance is highly recommended for this tour, but not compulsory.
Most nationalities including Australia, UK, Europe, NZ, Canada, and the US do not need a visa to enter the Philippines. If you plan to stay in the Philippines for longer than 30 days you will need to extend your visa for a fee of approximately $80 AUD. We recommend checking with your local Philippines consulate for up to date visa requirements and costs. If you need any further help with visas just contact us.
All of your internal flights, activities, accommodation, transport and some meals are included throughout the duration of the tour, so you’ll just need money for any extra meals, drinks, shopping, and any onward travel. We recommend you bring at least $400 AUD spending money for the trip.
We always recommend traveling with a backpack and packing light! 10-20kgs of stuff should be plenty. It’s usually pretty hot in the Philippines so it’s not that much fun dragging around a huge suitcase!
Mabuhay and welcome to the Philippines!
Arrive in Manila and be transferred to your hostel.
The rest of the night is free to enjoy as you wish. You may wish to enjoy a drink on the sun deck overlooking the city or head out to red light district Makati for a night you will never forget!
Meals included: N/A
Accommodation: Boutique Hostel in the heart of Makati – Dorms (upgrade to private room is available in checkout)
Enjoy the day in Manila at leisure before heading off in the evening on a 2-hour historical sunset bamboo bike tour. Enjoy a view of the sunset, a buffet of Spanish Filipino food in a heritage restaurant, and a live Filipino cultural show with this Sunset experience! You will be leisurely toured around the historic walled city of Intramuros Manila using bamboo bikes (Bambikes). Our local tour guide will share with you stories of Intramuros and the Philippines while you enjoy the sightseeing. Just before the sun sets, we will lead you to the sky-deck of The Bayleaf Hotel where they will serve you a complimentary drink as you watch the sunset over Manila Bay. When you’ve finished your refreshing drink, it’s almost time for dinner. We will make our way to Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant where an eat-all-you-can buffet of Filipino food is waiting. A live Philippine cultural show will play as you dine.
Meals included: Dinner
Accommodation: Boutique Hostel in the heart of Makati – Dorms (upgrade to private room is available in checkout)
After breakfast, check out and be transferred back to Manila airport for flight to Palawan. The flight time is approximately an hour and a half.
When you arrive in Palawan you will be picked up and taken to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to do as you wish.
Meals included: N/A
Accommodation: Hotel in the centre of Puerto Princesa City
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel to head over to the Puerto Princesa Underground River – one of the seven natural wonders of the world! Have an absolutely incredible experience being guided through the national park, exploring the underground cave systems aboard a bamboo raft. This is an absolute must-do while in the Philippines.
In the afternoon you will be transported by van to your beachfront home in Port Barton.
Meals included: N/A
Accommodation: Beach front cabin
Spend your day tucked away on a secluded beach. Choose to Snorkel with turtles, explore the island or lay in a hammock and read a good book. This is your time to truly experience idyllic island life.
Meals included: N/A
Accommodation: Beach front cabin
In the morning you will be transported to El Nido! When you arrive, you will see why Palawan was named the most beautiful island group in the world. Surrounded by islands and cliffs, El Nido is a secret paradise we are lucky enough to share. Check in to the hostel. Settle in, and head out to check out the restaurants and bars that line the beach.
Meals included: N/A
Accommodation: Funky hostel in the centre of El Nido town – Dorms (upgrade to private room is available in checkout)
Today is all about experiencing what El Nido is famous for- and that is the island hopping. Set sail to enjoy the emerald waters, snorkel incredible reefs and try and spot some unique wildlife on a shared El Nido Island Hopping Tour.
Discover the clear waters of Miniloc Island, where you will find three breathtaking lagoons -Soak up the sun and relax on the white sand beaches of Shimizu island -Relish a delicious grilled lunch on the beach -Snorkel in the pristine waters of Seven Commando beach, and get a chance to see a few sea turtles!
Meals included: Lunch
Accommodation: Funky hostel in the centre of El Nido town – Dorms (upgrade to private room is available in checkout)
Today is your chance to explore this beautiful island however you wish. You may choose to take another Island hopping tour, flag down a tricycle driver to drive you to one of the many waterfalls or explore the town and have lunch on the beach.
Meals included: N/A
Accommodation: Funky hostel in the centre of El Nido town – Dorms (upgrade to private room is available in checkout)
This morning you hop on the ferry from El Nido town and cruise across the sea to the small fishing village of Coron. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the town.
Meals included: N/A
Accommodation: Boutique hotel
Today you’ll set off on an island-hopping adventure to visit the stunning lagoons and lakes in the area. Cool off in the clear blue sea and take in the rays.
Get a picture-perfect view of Kayangan Lake, the cleanest lake in the Philippines
Discover the Barracuda Lake, a natural wonder that’s famous for its layers of cold, warm, and hot water
Explore Siete Pecados Marine Park where you can observe vibrant tropical fish and admire coral gardens
Experience this tour with a delicious lunch at Beach 91 which you will indulge in along with the views of the ocean
Meals included: Lunch
Accommodation: Boutique hotel
This morning you will be picked up and transferred to the airport where you will board your flight to Cebu. Flight time is approximately 1.5 hours. Once you arrive you will be transferred to your accommodation in Cebu. The night is yours to do as you please but you may want to rest as tomorrow is a big day!
Meals included: N/A
Accommodation: Hotel in the centre of Cebu City
Ready for an adrenaline rush? Travel via private car charter to Oslob where you’ll get up close to the friendly whale sharks. This slow-moving filter-feeding carpet shark is one of the largest known fish species – and a true sight to behold. On the trip, you will not only get to snorkel and swim with the whale sharks, but also participate in the feeding. You will need to wake up bright and early for this adventure and get to your hotel lobby in time for your 3:00am-4:00am pick up. The trip starts with a scenic drive along the Southern Cebu coastline. Once you arrive in Oslob, get your snorkelling gear and swimming attire on before hopping in the water for your whale shark encounter – make sure to capture your moments with the whale sharks with your GoPro!
Head next to Kawasan Falls, a pristine natural paradise nestled near the Badian mountains. Up the Matutinao River. Equip your canyoneering gear and set out on a slippery and exciting path. Scramble, hike, climb, and jump your way through a trail that takes you through ravines, across gorges and waterfalls, and into natural pools. Part of your journey follows the Kanlaob River, famed for its blue water. Pause for lunch midway through your canyoneering journey, replenishing your energy before wrapping up your afternoon with more swimming below the Kawasan Falls and the drive back to your hotel.
Meals included: N/A
Accommodation: Hotel in the centre of Cebu City
This morning you will be picked up and transported to the airport to take your flight to Siargao. Flight time is approximately 1 hour. Once you arrive in Siargao take a short van ride to your beach front accommodation. The rest of the day is yours to do as you please.
Meals included: N/A
Accommodation: Beachfront hostel – Dorms (upgrade to private room is available in checkout)
Siargao Island is surrounded by colourful reefs and charming islets. On this full-day island-hopping adventures, visit four of those isolated islands – Naked Island, Daku Island, Guyam Island and Corregidor Island. Spend your time at each island doing what you want to do, whether it’s snorkeling, sunbathing or exploring the islands. Once back on land spend the evening however you please.
Meals included: Lunch
Accommodation: Beachfront hostel – Dorms (upgrade to private room is available in checkout)
Today is yours to enjoy Siargao for all of its awesomeness! There is so much to do in Siargao, you are spoilt for choice. You could try your hand at more surfing, visit the Magpupungko Tide Pools, hire a scooter and visit the Tayangban Cave Pools, Tak Tak Falls or spend the day exploring the various shops, bars, and restaurants along Tourism road.
If you’ree keen to check out the nightlife this is your chance! With an entire strip of restaurants and bars in Siargao, there is never a dull moment or lack of entertainment. The bars in Siargao have a cool system that makes the Siargao Nightlife busy every night. Each night is a different venue and the bars share the nights of the week. If you feel like partying just ask anyone where the party is at that night. They will give you the pre-pre location, pre-location and the actual party, which will kick off around 11 pm.
Meals included: N/A
Accommodation: Beachfront hostel – Dorms (upgrade to private room is available in checkout)
Sadly all good things must come to an end.. This is the final day of the tour. There are no more activities or inclusions today.
Meals included: N/A
Accommodation: N/A
This tour has been fantastic. !!!Thanks to you SARAH LINSAY. !! Well -organised,,Exciting’’Sarah made sure I had the best possible experience ever .This trip has been way better than I could’ve expected!!!!!! Thanks vor every thing . J B
The overall experience was incredible. The transportation and accommodation (especially the beach front resort in Boracay) was fantastic and all taken care of and our days were filled with activities. The Philippines is so beautiful and DYTRAVEL ensures that you see the absolute best parts of this country! I would recommend this trip to anyone instantly.
I actually added on Bohol to this tour & glad I did, so tour was 18days. Well paced, with at least 2 days in each place. The transport drivers were always on time & friendly. The Filpino people always smiling & very welcoming & have a real respect for their land & oceans. Enironmentally aware.