Philippines Island Hopping with Contiki (with boat expedition)

Breathtaking beaches. Spectacular seafood. Rustic marine rendezvous. Welcome to Asia’s Pearl of the Orient, packed with some of the BEST views of your lifetime! There’s so much to see, and there’s no time to waste. You’ll meet your crew before we zip through the skies straight to our very first white-sand destination. Puerto Princesa Feel the beach vibes hitting you already? Same. Nothing’s better than a free evening to spend on one of the most pristine islands here, Palawan. But first, we feast. Exchange proper hellos with your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner. And for a prime local experience, you can end the night at a Tiki bar with Filipino tunes and cocktails. Today might be over, but this is just beginning… Accommodation: Acacia Tree Hotel (or similar) Included Meals: Dinner Included Experience: Fly to Puerto Princesa Soar over the Manila skyline and aquamarine waters to one of the most beautiful islands in the country - Palawan, in an included flight.

Puerto Princesa Morning, sunshine lovers! Today’s the first full day on this wonderful island, so you know we’re starting with a bang. You’ll grab some breakfast at the hotel and head straight to the Subterranean River National Park for a fascinating underground endeavour. Underground River Ready? Put on your neon helmets. For your very first adventure, you’ll float through an aquamarine river into one of the most complex cave systems in the world. Surrounded by intricate limestone formations (some of them egg-shaped too!) - you’ll have no doubt about why this glorious landscape is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Port Barton Bet your eyes are pleased with those gorgeous views. Now it's time to please our tummies - as part of a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. You’ll stop by at Nanay Elena’s House for a traditional Filipino meal, made using only the freshest ingredients (that she grows in her own farm!). Afterwards, drop your bags at our beachfront hotel. Relax on the shore. Explore the tiny town. Or make your own rings & bracelets in a local workshop. The night is still young, and it’s all yours! Accommodation: Ausan Beachfront (or similar) Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Included Experience: Explore the Underground River via boat. Cruise through the serene Subterranean River National Park into a kaleidoscope of pointy limestone caves. Don't miss the chance to watch the 8.2 km long river flow directly into the ocean. Included Experience: Taste traditional food at Nanay Elena's House Included Experience: Join a local jewellery-making workshop

Need your beauty sleep? Or just need to spend some time on the sandy beach? Today’s the day you can do anything you want. Dive into the crystal blue waters. Grab a book and soak in the sun. Or go on a morning hike to check out the rocky hills. Either way, sublime beach vibes are guaranteed here. Accommodation: Ausan Beachfront (or similar) Included Meals: Breakfast

Port Barton Ocean-lovers, unite! Today, we’re going island hopping in our very own private boat. You’ll swim with sea turtles. Snorkel along the vibrant reefs. Grab a scrumptious locally-cooked meal. Dodge waves at the beach. And chill at a starfish sandbar (with your newly-made best friends, of course) as the sun sets over the serene sea. Is this island exploration done right or what? Accommodation: Ausan Beachfront (or similar) Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

It’s time to bid farewell to our (now) favourite island stop. But don’t worry, there are plenty more destinations here to give it competition. You’ll start the day with some breakfast at the hotel and with no time to waste, head to the next turquoise-tinted spot. El Nido A free afternoon to spend in another wonderful tropical paradise? How lucky are we? Taste the local street food. Or check out the unique shops around town. Oh, and please don’t forget to charge your camera! This evening, we’ll hop onto a Filipino-classic tricycle to go to Las Cabanas - one of the best sunset points in the ENTIRE country. There’s no better way to end the day, we promise. Accommdodation: Coral Cliff (or similar) Included Meals: Breakfast Included Experience: Catch a scenic sunset at Las Cabanas

Rise and shine folks. It’s time to hit the road (just like the locals) in a wonderfully colourful, classic Jeepney. First stop? The beautiful Lio Beach. Enjoy the peaceful views and walk the wooden footpath that leads into the ocean. And it doesn’t end there. Next, we’ll head to Bulalacao Waterfalls. It’s gonna be really hard to stop yourself from taking a plunge into the enigmatic milky-white water. So, don’t! And finally, we’ll end the day on the most popular beach in all of Palawan (and maybe even the Philippines, if you ask us) - Nacpan Beach. Accommodation: Coral Cliff (or similar) Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Included Experience: Ride on a classic Filipino Jeepney Included Experience: Visit the spell-binding Nacpan Beach Included Experience: Plunge into the Bulalacao waterfalls

It’s not often you get an entire day in a palm tree paradise to spend just the way you please. But the stars must’ve aligned, because today is one of them! You can explore the pristine white-sand beaches while the sun’s out and spend the night chilling with your crew. It’s a ‘you do you’ kinda day. Accommodation: Coral Cliff (or similar) Included Meals: Breakfast

Mabuhay, travellers! The sun has risen, and so has the opportunity to explore another destination with crystal clear water. Munch on your final El Nido meal before we catch a boat-transfer. Accommodation: Island Special Stay This is what you’ve been waiting for. You’ll drop your bags off at our Special Stay and head to our next MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience where we'll spend time exploring local culture - something straight outta a storybook. Afterwards, you’ll snorkel under the crystal blue water and explore a local shipwreck! We’ll then head to another authentic Filipino experience. Delicious local food served on a long banana leaf across the table devoured with your hands AKA a boodle fight. Finally, we'll light up a soothing bonfire and end the day resting on the shores (next to our rustic beach huts). The Isla Experience Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included Experience: Stay at the Isla Experience on Darocotan Island

Island Special Stay Are ya ready, sea-seekers? Our adventure is about to get wilder. Dine on a wholesome breakfast at the hotel and bid your farewells, before we set out to our first destination of the marine safari. Island Beach Camp The next 3 days are packed with rustic adventures. You’ll be visiting close to 15 islands on a private boat. Camping on white-sand beaches. And watching the sunset from the most tranquil spots in the Philippines. Today, you’ll be visiting reefs and watching the breathtaking corals that are home to hundreds of fish (let’s hope the weather gods are on our side). Next, you’ll head to a remote island to get a spectacular view of the white sandbars over turquoise waters. Then, we’ll end the night with a campfire, dinner and music (and a wondrous view of the sparkling galaxy decorating the night sky). Accommodation: Island Beach Camp Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included Experience: Snorkel along a thriving reef Included Experience: Visit remote islands in the Philippines Included Experience: Enjoy shore-side camping & dinner

Another day, another adventure. Today, we'll continue exploring the sapphire seas. You’ll start the day with some snorkelling. Who knows? You might just spot some turtles (and occasionally sting rays too). If thriving coral reefs and breathtaking beaches are your thing, you're going to love our next stop. And finally, you’ll explore mind-boggling rock formations & visit secret caves that used to be Japanese hiding spots during World War II. Accommodation: Island Beach Camp Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included Experience: Swim with turtles and sting-rays Included Experience: Swim along the vibrant corals Included Experience: Gorge on a luscious island feast Included Experience: Explore mind-boggling rock formations Included Experience: Hike to a Secret Cave

Island Beach Camp If you thought yesterday was the end of our island exploration, you’re in for a surprise. You can start the day with a scenic walk through the dense tropical mangroves and then head to another fringing reef. Keep your eyes peeled - you might spot some Giant Groupers and the occasional Dugongs too. All that diving calls for some relaxation, so you’ll stop by for some lunch and drinks next to a sandbar. Then, we’ll head to (probably) the most clear lake you’ve ever seen. And finally, end the evening with some more snorkelling (can you ever get enough?) Coron What a long (but satisfying) day it’s been! Hungry after all that diving? There are plenty of places around town to grab some dinner. You’ll then head back to the basecamp to finally rest those travel-tired limbs. Accommodation: Vienna Hotel (or similar) Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Included Experiences: Take a scenic walk through mangroves Spot Giant Groupers and Dugongs Walk over a pristine white sandbar Capture one of the Philippines’ clearest lakes Dive along the vibrant Coral Garden

It’s our last full day in this land of serene seas. And guess what? How you spend it is all up to you! Fancy another scuba dive? It’s your lucky day. Coron is known around the world for its intriguing Japanese World War II shipwrecks. Or you could choose to take a tricycle ride to the many beautiful beaches. And if you’re feeling like ditching the cool ocean water for something extra relaxing - the hot springs nearby might just be exactly what you need. Praying this day doesn’t end? Same. Accommodation: Vienna Hotel (or similar) Included Meals: Breakfast

After 13 enticing days of sea, sun, dining and diving - it’s time to say goodbye. Make the most of your last free meal in this wonderful marine ecstasy. Don’t forget to exchange deets with your new best friends. After all, no one can keep away from exciting sea adventures (with amazing company) for too long. Included Meals: Breakfast