City Stopp Manila & Inselhopping Bohol, Cebu & Palawan

About the destination: Manila is the largest city and the financial and commercial capital of the Philippines. It is located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay on Luzon, the country's largest island. Manila is a modern metropolis with Filipino heritage and Spanish, Chinese and American cultures creating a unique atmosphere. Spread throughout the city there are many temples and places of worship of different religions. Baroque colonial churches, Buddhist and Taoist temples and the beautiful Golden Mosque are an example of the city’s multi-cultural heritage. Rizal Park, also known as the Luneta, is the city’s main attraction. Inside the park there are many important sites to explore such as the Chinese and Japanese Gardens, the National Museum of the Philippines, The National Library of the Philippines, the Planetarium, an Orchidarium, an open-air auditorium for cultural performances, and the monument and final resting place of the country’s hero, José Rizal. At the northern end of Manila Bay lies the old walled Spanish settlement of Manila, Intramuros, meaning within the walls. Sadly much of it was destroyed during the war but it still contains some of the city's most interesting museums, ruins, and churches including the Manila Cathedral, the most important church in the country. Colorful and energetic, Manila is a city full of history, edgy galleries, exciting nightlife, delicious restaurants and modern shopping malls. Once known as the Pearl of the Orient, Manila still is a tourist attraction all by itself.

About the destination: Bohol is a island province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region, consisting of the island itself and 75 minor surrounding islands. Its capital is Tagbilaran City, it is the tenth largest island of the Philippines. The province is a popular tourist destination with its beaches and resorts. The Chocolate Hills, numerous mounds of limestone formations, are the most popular attractions. The formations can be seen by land or by air via ultralight airplane tours. Panglao Island, located just southwest of Tagbilaran City, is famous for its diving locations and is routinely listed as one of the top ten diving locations in the world. Numerous tourist resorts and dive centers dot the southern beaches. The Philippine tarsier, amongst the world's smallest primates, is indigenous to the island. The Philippine Tarsier Foundation has acquired 7.4 hectares of land in Corella, Bohol for a Tarsier sanctuary. The Chocolate Hills are probably Bohol's most famous tourist attraction. The hills, which look like giant mole hill, are considered unusual geological formation that consists of at least 1,268 individual mounds that are scattered throughout the municipalities of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan. The hills range from 30 to 50m high and are covered in green grass, which turns to brown during the dry season, making them look like chocolate mounds.

About the destination: Cebu, often called the “Queen City of the South,” is a vibrant blend of urban energy, historic charm, and island paradise. Its capital, Cebu City, is one of the Philippines’ oldest settlements, where centuries‑old churches, Spanish‑era fortifications, and lively markets stand alongside malls, cafés, and skyscrapers. This contrast makes Cebu an ideal base for travelers who want both cultural immersion and modern comforts, with plenty of accommodation options ranging from budget hostels to luxury seaside resorts. History lovers can explore landmarks like Magellan’s Cross and the Basilica del Santo Niño, both central to the country’s Christian heritage. Nearby, Fort San Pedro and the heritage sites in Colon Street and the downtown area reveal layers of Spanish and American colonial influence. For a local flavor, visit the buzzing Carbon Market or try “puso” (hanging rice) and Cebu’s iconic roasted pig, lechon, widely considered among the best in the Philippines. Beyond the city, Cebu’s coastline and surrounding islands are its greatest treasures. Head south to Oslob and Tanawan for whale shark encounters, to Moalboal for sardine runs and turtles, or to Badian for canyoneering through turquoise waters to Kawasan Falls. On the northwestern side, Malapascua Island lures divers with the chance to see elusive thresher sharks, while Bantayan Island offers long white‑sand beaches, quiet fishing villages, and slower island rhythms perfect for unwinding. Getting around Cebu is relatively straightforward, with a major international airport in Mactan and a network of buses and ferries connecting different towns and islands. While traffic in Cebu City can be heavy, especially at rush hour, planning day trips early in the morning and staying a few nights outside the city can maximize your time. Whether you’re here for underwater adventures, rich history, or beachside relaxation, Cebu delivers a diverse and memorable Philippine experience.

About the destination: Coron is a municipality in the province of Palawan, Philippines, comprising the eastern half of Busuanga Island, all of Coron Island and about 50 other minor islets stretching as far as Tara Island in the northeast and Canipo Island in the south. All these islands are part of the Calamian Archipelago in Northern Palawan that separates the South China Sea from the Sulu Sea. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Mangroves, natural mangroves are abundant, with magnificent kayak paddling trails. • Kayangan Lake. • Twin Lagoon. • Barracuda Lake. • CYC Island is nice but gets very busy. It's the only free beach in the area. • Banol is very picturesque with its flower trees set against the rocky island. It has sugary fine white sand in its beachline.

About the destination: El Nido, officially the Municipality of El Nido (Cuyonon: Banwa i'ang El Nido, Tagalog: Bayan ng El Nido), is a 1st class municipality in the province of Palawan, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 41,606 people.  It is about 420 kilometres (260 mi) south-west of Manila, and about 238 kilometres (148 mi) north-east of Puerto Princesa, Palawan's capital. A managed resource protected area, it is known for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs, limestone cliffs and as the gateway to the Bacuit archipelago. El Nido is currently ranked #4 in Condé Nast Traveler's list of "20 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World." [8] CNNgo has called it the Best Beach and Island destination in the Philippines for its "extraordinary natural splendor and ecosystem. From the towering marble cliffs and lagoons to its 100 white sandy beaches, jungle and mangrove forest, prehistoric caves and waterfalls, El Nido is one of the top tourist destinations in Palawan, which is often referred to as the "Philippines' Last Frontier". In the November–December 2007 issue of the National Geographic Traveler's magazine, Palawan was chosen as one of the best travel destinations in the world, and particularly, it recommended El Nido and the Calamianes Islands. In 2012, CNNGo, the travel news website of the international news agency Cable News Network, declared El Nido as the Philippines' Best Beach and Island destination.

About the destination: Puerto Princesa, officially City of Puerto Princesa is a city located in the western rovincial island of Palawan, Philippines. Puerto Princesa is the location of the Philippines' Western Command headquarters. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. With its crystalline waters and spectacular cave formations, the Underground River is possibly Puerto Princesa's most popular attraction. The site was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. The winding path of the river is navigable via small boats that depart from Sabang Beach. • Honda Bay. Consisting of several islets with beautiful beaches, Honda Bay is the place to go to for swimming, snorkeling as well as beach and island hopping. • Iwahig Penal Colony. A good example of a true correctional institute, the Iwahig Penal Colony is more of a farming community rather than a prison. • Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center. • Butterfly Garden. • Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. A very beautiful church that is decorated in blue and white. • Palawan Museum. • PSU Museum. This is a one room museum located inside a university building.