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 beachfront 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, head on over to our About Us page.
Would you prefer to travel with a group? Check out our 16-day group tour of the Philippines or our shorter 10-day Philippines Group Tour.
16
Adventure | Independent
Singles | Couples | Families | Groups
Are you ready to pack your bags and start discovering the Philippines? Learn what to expect when you book your excursion with us. Let us break it down day by day.
Mabuhay, and welcome to the Philippines!
Set down in Manila and be transferred to your hostel. Then, the rest of the night is free to enjoy! You may wish to enjoy a drink on the sun deck overlooking the city or head out to the red-light district Makati for a night on the town.
Meals included: N/A
Accommodation: Boutique Hostel in the heart of Makati – Dorms (private room upgrade available at time of booking).
Enjoy the day in Manila at leisure before heading off in the evening on a 2-hour historical sunset bamboo bike tour. This 2-hour bamboo bike tour in Intramuros, Manila, gives you a good taste of what Intramuros has to offer in the cool dusk afternoon. You will be taken to the Bayleaf Hotel to catch the sunset while being served a complimentary drink. Here 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 seeing the sites. Finally, just before the sun sets, we will lead you to the Skydeck of The Bayleaf Hotel, where they will serve you a complimentary drink for you to enjoy while you watch the sunset over Manila Bay.
In addition, we can provide alternative modes of transport for those who can’t bike. Furthermore, a Bambike bamboo sidecar that can fit one person is only PHP 1,000 (US$20) for this type of tour, and it comes with a trained operator. A Bambike with a child seat is also available, seating one child between 1-5 years of age.
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Total Biking Distance: 5 KM
Meals included: N/A
Accommodation: Boutique Hostel in the heart of Makati – Dorms (private room upgrade available at time of booking)
After breakfast, check out and be transferred back to Manila Airport for a short hour-and-a-half flight to Palawan. When you arrive in Palawan, you will be picked up and taken to your hotel, where you’ll be free to enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
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, we’ll transport you by van to your beachfront home in Port Barton.
Meals included: N/A
Accommodation: Beachfront 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: Beachfront 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 with locals and tourists. Check in to the hostel, settle in, and head out to experience the restaurants and bars that line the beach.
Meals included: N/A
Accommodation: Funky hostel in the centre of El Nido town – Dorms (private room upgrade available at time of booking)
Today is all about experiencing what El Nido is famous for — 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 (private room upgrade available at time of booking).
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 (private room upgrade available at time of booking).
This morning you hop on the ferry from El Nido town and cruise across the sea to the small fishing village of Coron. Here, you get to spend the rest of the day exploring the town at your leisure.
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, and discover the Barracuda Lake, a natural wonder famous for its layers of cold, warm, and hot water.
You’ll also explore Siete Pecados Marine Park, where you can observe vibrant tropical fish and admire coral gardens. Finally, 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 1.5-hour flight to Cebu. Once you arrive, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Cebu, where you can enjoy the night doing whatever you please. Tomorrow will be a big day, though, so make sure you get plenty of rest!
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, where the tour will start with a scenic drive along the Southern Cebu coastline.
Upon arrival, you’ll 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, and 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. Then, we’ll take you 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 1-hour flight to Siargao. Once you arrive, take a short van ride to your Siargao accommodation, right on the beachfront, where you can take the rest of the day to do as your please.
Meals included: N/A
Accommodation: Beachfront hostel – Dorms (private room upgrade available at time of booking).
Siargao Island is surrounded by colourful reefs and charming islets. On this full-day of 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 snorkelling, sunbathing, or exploring the islands. Once back on land, spend the evening doing whatever you like!
Meals included: Lunch
Accommodation: Beachfront hostel – Dorms (private room upgrade available at time of booking).
Today is yours to enjoy Siargao for all of its awesomeness! There is so much to do in Siargao, which means you’re 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’re 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. The locals 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 (private room upgrade available at time of booking).
Sadly, all good things must come to an end. This is the final day of the tour, and there are no more activities or inclusions today.
Meals included: N/A
Accommodation: N/A
Thinking of booking the Discover the Phillippines Tour? Here are some things you should know.
You will need to arrange for your flight to Manila. However, we’ll coordinate an airport pickup for you upon arrival. Just tell us your flight details beforehand, and we’ll make it happen for you.
At the end of your 16-day booking, you’ll enjoy Siargao Island. For those who don’t wish to leave right away, our team can help you organise additional travel. You can also book one of our add-on trips. If you’re only staying for your booking, we can help with your journey back to Manila.
A quick van ride gets you to the Siargao airport, where a flight to Manila – of just under two hours – awaits. Flights typically land in Manila between 5:30 and 6:30 pm daily. We don’t recommend booking a flight onward from Manila for earlier than 9 pm on your final day.
We highly recommend buying travel insurance for this holiday. However, it is not required when making a booking.
There are typically no visa requirements for travellers from Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada, the US, or the European Union. However, if you plan to stay in the Philippines for over 30 days, you will need a visa extension costing approximately $80. Check with your local consulate in the Philippines for more information.
We suggest you bring at least $400 AUD spending money for the trip. All your internal flights, accommodation, activities, and some of your meals are included in the cost of your booking. Extra meals, drinks, souvenir shopping, etc., are discretionary spending.
Pack light! We recommend that travellers bring a rucksack or backpack and limit their belongings to between 10 and 20 kilograms. Remember, it is hot and humid in the Philippines. Carrying a lightweight pack on your back is much more pleasant than lugging around a massive suitcase.
Do You Travel enables you to explore the world on your terms. With the convenience of pre-arranged activities, transportation, and opportunities to sightsee freely, you can “do you”. What are you waiting for? Book your 16-Day Phillippines Discovery with Siargao today!
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.