Philippines: Island Hopping Adventure

Kumusta, and welcome to the Philippines! After a private transfer to the hotel, we’ll begin at 6PM with a Group Meeting followed by a Welcome Dinner at a hip Filipino restaurant. Afterwards, we’ll have the option to return to the hotel or go out for drinks at one of Manila’s friendly gay bars.

Magandang umaga (good morning), Manila! Today is all about delving into the city’s fascinating history, culture, and cuisine. We’ll begin with a ferry ride along the Pasig River before strolling through quaint streets with multicultural influences. Along the way, we’ll graze on unique street foods and visit top foodie destinations like Wai Ying and The Original Shanghai Fried Siopao. Later, we’ll visit the historical enclave of Intramuros, a well-preserved colonial area with landmarks such as Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church & Museum, and Casa Manila. Afterwards, we’ll indulge in Manila’s modern side by riding the iconic Jeepney to the trendy BGC area for a tour of its hotspots. Tonight, we’re in for a treat as we’ve arranged a swanky cocktail hour and dinner with several high-profile LGBTQ+ locals including the resident architect of the Henry Hotel (where we’re staying), as well as a fashion designer, an art curator, and a few friendly locals from our neighborhood.

Rise and shine! Today begins early with breakfast before our first included island hop flight to Bohol. Upon landing and a quick stop for lunch, we’ll enjoy the tropical views on our way to a tarsier sanctuary, where we’ll gaze upon these adorable tiny primates and learn about their habits as well as conservation efforts to protect them. This afternoon, we’ll check into our sprawling riverside resort built in harmony with nature. Explore along the banks of the serene Loboc River, take a dip in the pool, or kick back with a libation and soak up some sun. Tonight, we’ll gather for an included dinner designed to welcome us to this idyllic resort.

Today features an early but worthwhile start as we’re off to catch the sun rising over Bohol’s most famous natural wonder, the Chocolate Hills. From an elevated viewing deck, we’ll greet the day while enjoying a picnic breakfast of pastries, fruit, breads, and assorted meats. Our guide will also demonstrate how to make the traditional Boholano chocolate drink, sikwate. Later, we’ll head to the Loboc River camp for a zen morning of instructor-led yoga lessons while floating on stand-up paddleboards. Our included lunch may be enjoyed by the riverbank or at the camp’s farm-to-table restaurant. This afternoon, we’ll visit a local community to gain insight into their farming practices and daily life before we return to the resort for free time. Tonight’s dinner is at our leisure.

Waking up in paradise never felt so good! This morning is completely free for us to relax, swim, or stroll the grounds of the utopic resort. Midway through the day, we’ll wave goodbye and transfer to the airport for our included hop to El Nido on beautiful Palawan Island, home to some of the most breathtaking seascapes in the world. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our beach resort before gathering for sunset cocktails followed by an included dinner at the resort.

Fuel up on an included breakfast, because today’s swashbuckling adventure is when the real island-hopping begins! We’ll start by setting sail for Secret Lagoon, a secluded spot on an island surrounded by limestone karst cliffs. Upon accessing the lagoon through its narrow opening, we’ll marvel at a stunning caldera encircled by towering cliffs. From there, we’ll head to Shimizu Island, known for the swiftlets that build nests along its cliffs. Here, we’ll enjoy a hearty meal prepared by our guides, then snorkel over colorful coral reefs teeming with diverse marine life. Later, we’ll sail to Big Lagoon, known for its crystal-clear waters and majestic limestone formations. Our day wraps up at Seven Commandos Beach, named after the seven Japanese soldiers who hid there after World War II. The pristine white beach, lined with swaying palm trees, provides a picture-perfect ending to our sun-kissed day on the seas. Tonight, we return to the resort and dinner will be at our leisure. 

Note: All island-hopping days feature loose itineraries that may change based on weather, winds and other conditions outside of our control.

After an included breakfast, we’ll check out of our beach resort with overnight bags in hand, and transfer across the island to Dipnay port to board our boat and begin our island castaway experience! For this one-of-a-kind excursion, we’ll set sail to several rarely-visited islands, finally arriving at Ginto Island where we’ll spend the night camping by the sea in single-person mesh tents underneath an endlessly starry sky. Activities include a demonstration on how to make ceviche, massage and hat weaving lessons, mixology, and fire-dancing. Our boat crew will handle all meal preparations and ensure our comfort, however there is no electricity on the island, so remember to bring portable chargers and flashlights, and note that there will be no outlets for C-PAP machines. A permanent structure will provide shelter in case of rain, a bonfire can be lit after dark, and there is a clean manual flush toilet. As evening sets in, we’ll gather around the fire, disconnected from the world, with only the sounds of exotic birds and crashing waves lulling us to sleep. This off-the-grid escape is sure to be one of the most unique and memorable experiences of the trip, and worth the discomfort!

This morning, we’ll awaken to a tropical soundscape and a freshly-prepared breakfast courtesy of our boat crew. After some free time to explore at our leisure, we’ll board our trusty boat and set off for Cauayan Island. En route we’ll stop at Darocotan Island for a swim, snorkel and to have lunch on the boat. This afternoon, we’re free to wander our luxury resort, relax in one of the infinity pools overlooking the pristine beach, hike to the top of the surrounding cliffs, kayak through the bay, snorkel with the abundant marine life, or enjoy some downtime in our spacious beach villas. Tonight’s dinner is at our leisure.

Since we’ve had a few big days in a row, today is completely free to enjoy the resort’s amenities and activities. After an included breakfast, we recommend strolling along the picturesque beaches, scheduling a massage, or traversing the wooden walkways that offer dramatic views of the soaring cliffs surrounding the resort. Lunch will be at your leisure with the opportunity to dine beachside, in a private water villa, or in other special spots around the resort, and we’ll reconvene for an optional dinner.

After breakfast, we’ll board a ferry to El Nido and then a transfer to the airport for our quick included hop to LGBTQ-welcoming Boracay, a renowned island that boasts over 20 beaches and coves including the iconic White Beach, a 2.5 mile (4 km) stretch of powdery white sand celebrated as one of the top beaches in the world. Upon arrival, we’ll check in to our resort and have the evening at our leisure to enjoy Boracay’s wide array of cuisine ranging from gourmet restaurants to local street food, as well as its lively nightlife that includes gastropubs, bars, and clubs.

This morning, we’ll enjoy an included breakfast before we choose our own adventure. While White Beach is Boracay’s main draw, the island also offers a range of activities such as watersports, beach volleyball, diving, snorkeling, mountain biking, hiking, or simply soaking up the sun with a fruity libation. Those seeking a bit more exhilaration may join our optional paraw-sailing excursion aboard hobiecats (small sailboats) made of bamboo. We’ll set sail around the island, taking in spectacular views before landing at Puka Beach to experience a “boodle lunch” of barbecued meats, grilled fish, shellfish, shrimp, salads, tropical fruits, and rice served on banana leaves and eaten Filipino-style with your hands. Following lunch, we’ll wrap up our optional tour with a tricycle ride to White Beach. At sunset, we’ll gather on the beach near the resort for a cocktail. Tonight, to perfectly wind down our island hopping adventure, we’ll share stories over an included Farewell Dinner at a stylish restaurant.

There are no activities planned today. Enjoy a complimentary departure transfer and safe travels home!

Note: today’s transfer is on a shared basis, and includes a ferry and land transfer.