Essential Philippines

Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Get to know the popular spots and the local favourites in the beautiful Philippines. Over 10 days, you and your new friends will start in the city of Cebu, where you’ll see all the highlights on a city tour.

Highlights

Watch the sun rise over the Chocolate Hills – these odd geological formations turn brown in the dry season, contrasting with the surrounding greenery of the jungle – and tuck into breakfast for a meal to remember.
Stretch it out with a spot of morning yoga during your stand-up paddleboarding session on the Loboc River among the lush jungle scenery and birdlife.
Take a day tour of beautiful Siquijor – known for its waterfalls, white beaches and thriving bars. See the highlights and local, lesser-known spots, ending with a swim in the three-tiered Cambugahey Falls and a beach visit to watch the sun go down.
Explore Bohol on a tour that will take you to all the most beautiful spots, including the 60-m-high Can-umantad Falls and the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces.
Go your own way – this trip has tonnes of free time so you can relax on the beach, go snorkelling, find the best hikes on the island or just unwind with a good book under the swaying palms.

Trip Details

Duration

10 days

Transportation

Ferry,Private Vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Cebu, Philippines

Finishes

Cebu, Philippines

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Cebu

Maligayang pagdating! Welcome to the Philippines. Your adventure begins in the city of Cebu with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, you might like to wander around the 16th-century landmarks that show the city’s Spanish influence and history. Maybe visit the Cebu Taoist Temple or get sweeping views over the city at Tops – a popular observation deck on Mt Busay.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Cebu - Bohol

This morning, you’ll head out on a city tour of Cebu with your leader. See the popular spots of Cebu’s history, like Magellan's Cross, Fort San Pedro, Casa Gorordo Museum and the Basilica del Santo Nino (the oldest Roman Catholic church in the country!). Learn some local knowledge from your guide while you soak in the city’s island atmosphere, then head to an optional lunch of lechon (a whole roasted pig cooked over an open flame, typically served for special occasions) – popularly deemed the ‘best pig ever’ by chef Anthony Bourdain. After lunch, take the ferry to Bohol – known for its coral reefs and the unusual Chocolate Hills. Arrive in the capital of Tagbilaran, then transfer to your riverside lodge for the night – sitting right on Loboc River and surrounded by lush greenery, this sustainable tourism sanctuary prioritises the preservation of its natural landscape and operates in harmony with the environment.

Included Activities:

Cebu - Morning City Tour

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Bohol

Have breakfast this morning, then head out on the Loboc River. Take a yoga lesson on stand-up paddleboards, surrounded by lush jungle (what better way to start the day?) then have some lunch on the riverbank. After, follow your local leader for a community tour of this quiet, rural town, learning what life is like by the river. First, you’ll have the chance to make your own ‘nipa’ roof, from harvesting the indigenous materials to seeing the finished product. Taste some coconut wine, walk through the rice paddies and spot some carabao (water buffalo). Learn the kuradang (the traditional dance of the area), then open your own coconut and cheers to an authentic look into the culture of this part of the Philippines. This afternoon you have free time, so maybe go kayaking or just hang out by the river.

Included Activities:

Bohol - Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga
Bohol - Loboc River Village Tour

Optional Activities:

Bohol - Firefly Tour via Canoe (min. 8 participants) (9 USD)
Bohol - Kayak Hire (1 hour) (7 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Bohol

Rise very early today for a sunrise breakfast at Chocolate Hills – don't forget your camera today! These 1200 unusual geological formations are symmetrical mounds that jut up from the jungle. In the dry season, they turn brown, in stark contrast to the surrounding greenery (hence the name). Over pastries, fruits and a glass of sikwate (the Boholano chocolate drink), watch this strange landscape light up with the day’s sunshine, then take a tour of the best local spots. First is Can-umantad Falls – these 60 m high cascades are the tallest in Bohol and have been coined ‘Bohol’s best kept secret.’ Carry on to the Cadapdapan Rice Terraces and take in the lush landscape. Later, you’ll have a free evening to maybe go firefly spotting on canoes after the sun dips below the horizon.

Included Activities:

Bohol - Sunrise Breakfast at Chocolate Hills
Bohol - Can-umantad Falls
Bohol - Cadapdapan Rice Terraces

Optional Activities:

Bohol - Firefly Tour via Canoe (min. 8 participants) (9 USD)
Bohol - Kayak Hire (1 hour) (7 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Panglao Island

Drive to Panglao Island today. Just off Bohol Island, Panglao is known for its gorgeously white beaches, swaying palm trees and calm atmosphere. When you arrive, the rest of the day is free for you to relax, crack your book on the white stretches of sand or find a good local restaurant to lounge in.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Panglao Island

Today is a free day to discover the island at your own pace. Maybe spend the day on an optional Pamilacan Island marine tour and try to spot the resident whales and dolphins with the crew of your outrigger boat. After trying to spot spinner dolphins and some of the six species of whale that pass through here, you’ll head to the marine sanctuary where you can go snorkelling to spot some more wildlife up close! Then, take a walking tour of the island and sit down under the sun for a local seafood lunch made by the women’s association. Learn about the local culture, including how they harvest sea urchins and work to preserve the natural resources. Alternatively, you can just find the perfect beach spot under a palm tree and spend the afternoon with a cocktail in hand.

Optional Activities:

Pamilacan Island - Marine Life Tour (based off 4 participants) (135 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Siquijor Island

Get prepped for a little bit of travel this morning as you make your way to Siquijor (known as ‘the island of fire’ due to the swarms of fireflies that nestle in the molave trees). You’ll first head back to Bohol, where you’ll take the ferry to the island – home to many scenic waterfalls, caves, gorgeous beaches and bars. When you arrive, your afternoon is wide open to explore. If you need help planning activities, just ask your leader.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Siquijor Island

Set out on a day tour today of the beautiful island and its surroundings. See the St Francis de Assisi Bell Tower of Roman design and the Capilay Spring Park. Visit the Balete Tree (some people believe that balete trees are dwelling places for supernatural beings or engkanto, like diwata, kapre or tikbalang) and the century-old San Isidro de Labrador Church and its convent. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the hike down 300 steps to the three-tiered Cambugahey Falls where you can go for a dip. Today, you’ll also have the chance to visit a local shaman or the bolo bolo healers who will teach you about their practise. Drive on to Triad for lunch, watching the views of the sea and neighbouring islands as you go. When you arrive, head to Paliton Beach, lined with coconut trees, before heading back for the night.

Included Activities:

Siquijor Island - Day Tour

Optional Activities:

Siquijor Island - Shaman Visit (8 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Siquijor Island - Cebu

Take the ferry and wave goodbye to Siquijor Island as you make your way back to Cebu. When you arrive, your afternoon is free to explore anything in Cebu city that you didn’t get to last time or just rest and relax before an optional final dinner with your group to celebrate a beautiful trip in the Philippines!

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Cebu

There are no activities planned this morning and you’re free to depart any time after check-out. If you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $2,285

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 10 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 10 Jan 2026

View Map

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

Book Now