The Ultimate Island Hopping Adventure in The Philippines

Your adventure begins as soon as you land in Manila – the vibrant gateway to the 7,000+ islands of the Philippines. Your local host will meet you at the airport and transfer you through the bustling city to The Henry Hotel, a boutique retreat tucked away from the hustle and bustle. With its heritage-inspired architecture, leafy grounds, and stylish interiors, it’s a calm and characterful base for your first night in the capital. After some time to freshen up and relax, you’ll meet your host and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, sampling classic Filipino dishes while getting to know the group. Return to the hotel for a good night’s sleep, ready to start exploring Manila (and beyond) tomorrow.

This morning you’ll explore the heart of Manila’s old city, Intramuros – its name means 'within the walls'. The day starts at Bambike, a social enterprise that trains and employs local workers from the Gawad Kalinga community to handcraft sustainable bamboo bicycles. Hopping on one of these unique bikes, you’ll ride through Intramuros’ cobblestone streets and historic landmarks, taking in the city’s heritage and colonial architecture in a way that feels both authentic and impactful. After refuelling over a hearty Filipino lunch, it’s time to head to the airport for a short 1.5-hour flight south to Puerto Princesa, the gateway to Palawan. From here, a coastal drive brings you to the laid-back village of Port Barton. Once a backpacker secret, it has grown in popularity but still keeps its small-town charm. With limited infrastructure, golden beaches and a welcoming community, it’s the perfect place to unplug and ease into island life.

Fuel up on breakfast before setting off on a kayaking adventure around the islands of Port Barton. Start with a briefing from your guide, who’ll run through paddling techniques and safety. Once settled into your two-person kayaks, you’ll head out to explore Twin Reef, Fantastic Reef, Exotic Island, Maxima Island, Turtle Sanctuary and Starfish Island Sandbar – each stop with clear waters, vibrant marine life and white-sand beaches. Pause for a picnic lunch, with time to swim or stretch out on the sand. In the afternoon, paddle back to Port Barton’s main beach and round off the day watching the sun set over the bay.

After breakfast, head out early to Pamuayan Falls, 6km northeast of Port Barton. A short tricycle ride takes you to the trailhead, where a jungle path winds through forest, bamboo groves and small streams. The trail is well-marked and makes for a refreshing start to the day. At the end, you’ll find a 30-metre cascade dropping into a clear, cool pool – perfect for a swim. Take time to relax in the water or simply enjoy the jungle setting. From here, continue to the secluded NaoNao Beach, a peaceful stretch of sand where you’ll stop for lunch by the sea. In the afternoon, settle in for the drive north to El Nido – often described as one of the most beautiful corners of the planet. With its 19 islands draped in primary jungle and black marble cliffs rising above turquoise bays, it’s an unforgettable first impression. Your base for the next two nights is a boutique hideaway on El Nido’s east coast – a quiet spot away from the crowds, ideal for unwinding after your island adventures.

Today you’ll set out on a traditional banca boat to explore El Nido’s hidden beaches, turquoise lagoons and dramatic limestone cliffs. Begin at the Secret Lagoon, where you’ll switch into a kayak and paddle through a narrow opening in the rock to reach a vast, caldera-like interior – a serene world tucked away behind the cliffs. Continue to Shimizu Island, known for its striking limestone formations, before enjoying a Filipino lunch prepared by your guides. Afterwards, snorkel among coral gardens, spotting tropical fish and perhaps a sea turtle gliding past. The adventure carries on at the Big Lagoon, an expanse of emerald water framed by towering cliffs. End the day at Seven Commandos Beach – a stretch of white sand shaded by palms and named after the seven Japanese commandos who lived here after World War II.

This morning you’ll board a boat for an island expedition around Linapacan, a group of 52 islands known for clear waters and vibrant marine life. Spend the day snorkelling reefs, swimming from secluded beaches and kayaking quiet bays. You’ll also visit the million-year-old Seniora Caves, explore an old Spanish fortress, follow jungle trails and stop at lesser-known islands such as Magransing, Pikal, Kakayatan, Manligad and Cagdanao. By late afternoon you’ll arrive at a remote off-grid island in the Sulu Sea, where you’ll camp overnight beside the ocean. With no electricity and no light pollution, it’s a perfect spot for stargazing. Bring a torch and a power bank – but be ready to switch off and sink into the stillness of island life.

Wake with the sunrise and the sounds of nature before tucking into a hearty island breakfast of eggs and fresh fruit. Continue your island-hopping journey, gliding past bays and islands en route to Coron. Along the way, stop at Culion Island to explore its history and take a short hike through its incredible natural beauty. By late afternoon, you’ll dock in Coron and check in to your boutique hotel, with time for a swim in the pool before a relaxed local dinner.

This morning you’ll explore the seaside town of Coron, visiting its landmarks and local market. Climb the 700 steps to the Mount Tapyas viewing deck for sweeping views of the town and surrounding hills. Afterwards, unwind in the natural thermal waters of Maquinit Hot Springs on the southern coast. One of the few saltwater hot springs in the world, its waters are heated by an underground volcano and rise into a two-tiered circular pool. In the afternoon, you’ll have some free time – relax by the pool, explore more of the island or, if you’d like to go diving, you can book a scuba session (see FAQs and ask your host for details).

Today you’ll hit the water to explore Coron and the natural beauty of northern Palawan. Travelling by banca, you’ll visit lakes and lagoons where you can hop on a paddleboard or take a dip in the water. Break for lunch at Calachuchi Beach before continuing to Kayangan Lake, hailed as the cleanest lake in the Philippines. A short uphill trek leads to a viewpoint over its glassy emerald waters, before you descend to the lakeshore for a swim. Next, explore the Twin Lagoons – one of which is hidden, reached only by either a bridge, or a thrilling swim beneath a rock. Snorkel over Skeleton Wreck, a Japanese ship from World War II now covered in coral and alive with tropical fish. In the evening, head out for a group dinner to share stories and toast your final night in Palawan.

Tuck into an early breakfast before checking out and making your way to the domestic airport at Busuanga, travelling by land and boat. From Busuanga, you’ll catch a short flight back to Manila, where a member of your host’s team will be waiting to transfer you to the international airport. It’s the end of your Philippines adventure – bags a little sandier, but with plenty of memories to take home.