Example Itinerary

From the Relaxing Philippines to Fast-Paced Hong Kong

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Romance
Destinations
Hong Kong, Philippines

Embrace both the laid-back island life in the Philippines and the hustle and bustle of business-focused Hong Kong. This 12-day itinerary is the perfect balance of adventure, culture and relaxation. Travel from Manila to Corregidor, Vigan, Laoag and Bohol in the postcard perfect island nation of the Philippines. Next, finish your adventure with a bang as you explore exciting Hong Kong. 

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Chocolate Hills: The Chocolate Hills of Bohol are one of the most famous sites in the Philippines, so named for the peculiar shape given to these karst mountains, which once lay on the bottom of the ocean. One legend claims these grassy hills are the aftermath of a battle between ancient giants hurling boulders.
  • History in Corregidor: An important site in WWII’s Pacific theater. Heavily bombarded and an important symbol of invasion and liberation, the ruins serve as a military memorial to American, Filipino, and Japanese soldiers.
  • Hong Kong in Style: Leave the tropical pleasures of the Philippines for the fast-paced capital of commerce: Hong Kong. Here, attractions include the climb to Victoria Peak and the delicious flavors of Cantonese cuisine.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Manila

Arrive in the lush Philippines - an archipelago of 7,000 incredible tropical islands. Fly into the capital city of Manila. With a population of 12 million, this is no small island town, but is indeed actually an amalgamation of many cities in one. There are several fantastic hotel options in the area. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Outstanding Service: Guests rave about the staff at Fairmont Makati, from the front desk, concierge, and housekeeping professionals to the expert bartenders and chefs.

Fitness Forward: The hotel’s fitness and spa facilities are especially well-equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and creatively planned classes. The spacious fitness center alone occupies some 928 square feet.

Indulgent Cuisine: Fairmont Makati’s culinary offerings include “live culinary theater,” handcrafted pastries, and artisan cocktails.

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Fairmont Makati Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: The Peninsula Manila is the most centrally located five-star hotel in Manila.

Dining: Four world-class dining and drinking options including a modern French restaurant, a restaurant serving exotic Asian fare, a 1930s Shanghai mansion style bar and an ostentatious lobby lounge.

Health and Fitness: The Peninsula Manila boasts a host of luxury well-being facilities including a spa, swimming pool, gym, steam and sauna rooms.

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The Peninsula Manila Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Manila

Enjoy an extensive tour of the pulsating city. Begin where Manila began - Intramuros, the walled city where Manila was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century. Continue onto the charming residential district of Quiapo. Here you will find numerous shopping bazaars with unrivaled bargains. The 1981 Coconut Palace warrants a visit - the octagonal building is made entirely of local hardwoods and coconut shells.

Manila
Manila

Day 3

Manila

Spend the day on an excursion to Corregidor Island. The island sits at the entrance to Manila Bay. The island is a goldmine for history-lovers. Learn about Corregidor’s role in World War II. Return to Manila in the evening and relax back at your hotel, or head out into the city to check out the buzzing nightlife.

Day 4

Vigan

Take a step back in time, to the cobblestone streets of Vigan. The historic city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although Vigan is separated from Luzon by the Mestizo River, it’s officially part of Luzon. 

Hotel Options
About

Step back in time with a stay at Hotel Luna, a unique hybrid of hotel and museum located in the city of Vigan in the Philippines. Nestled in the heart of the incredible architecture and intangible history of Vigan, a classified Heritage Village, Hotel Luna itself is a sight to be seen.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Vigan
Vigan

Day 5

Vigan

Begin the morning with a tour of this heritage city. Make sure to ride a horse-drawn carriage, also known as a kalesa, a popular mode of transportation on the romantic cobblestone. The area’s pottery makes for fantastic souvenirs. There are several UNESCO sites in the area to explore.

Day 6

Vigan

Enjoy an excursion to Laoag in the sand dunes of Suba, just outside the city. Peruse the elegant baroque Church of Saint Augustine. Next, visit the oldest working lighthouse in Asia as well as several other architectural sites. Paoay is the next stop. The northernmost coastal town is filled with natural wonder. Return to Vigan in the evening and retire to your hotel.

Vigan
Vigan

Day 7

Bohol

Travel to intriguing Bohol, where you will check in to the luxurious Eskaya Hotel. Visit Bohol’s Tarsier Sanctuary, where you can see the darling creatures at play. Gain an incredible view of the stunning natural terrain that is the Chocolate Hills, so named due to their resemblance to large Hershey’s Kisses. Cruise down the Loboc River and peruse a local butterfly farm. Relax in style at your beach resort this evening.

Hotel Options
About

Secluded atop a limestone cliff on the southern edge of Bohol's Panglao Island, Amorita is a tranquil seaside retreat that marries world-class service with signature Filipino hospitality. The luxury resort overlooks the azure-colored Bohol Sea and elegantly punctuates the vibrant tropical landscape along Alona Beach.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

The intimate Eskaya Resort is located on Panglao Island, which is at the southernmost tip of Bohol. The resort has a 40-acre property fronted by fine, white-sand beach, but only 15 well-appointed, thatched-roof villas, two of which have two bedrooms.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 8

Bohol

Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and whales as you gaze upon the crystal-clear waters surrounding today’s destination: Panglao Island. Enjoy the views from the comfort of your luxury vessel. This evening, enjoy fine dining at your resort and a quality night’s sleep.

Bohol
Bohol

Day 9

Bohol

Today take a tour of the dense mangroves surrounding Bohol’s Abatan River. This is the perfect spot to check out local wildlife. Climb into a kayak to glide across the water, passing local river communities. The people are friendly and will treat you to your own special cultural demonstration. After viewing incredible cultural aspects, return to your hotel for your last night on the island.

Day 10

Hong Kong

Leave island life behind for the fast-paced business capital of Southeast Asia - exciting Hong Kong. After getting settled, take a half-day walking tour of the city. Climb Victoria Peak on the steep tram to catch unrivaled views of the island. Take a ride on the longest escalator system in the world, and make sure to fit in some shopping before calling it a night.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Perfect Views: The Rosewood Hong Kong is in a prime location, offering views of The Peak, Victoria Harbor, and Kowloon. Choose a room based on your view preference, or take a trip up to the 40th floor and the Manor Club, for wraparound panoramas of all angles.

Pampered Pets: A rarity for luxury hotels in Hong Kong, the Rosewood is pet-friendly and ideal if you're traveling with a furry friend. Special pet services include welcome treats, a sumptuous bed, recommendations of local pet-friendly bars and restaurants, as well as an in-house pet menu by Director of Culinary Operations, Chef Sandro Gamba.

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Rosewood Hong Kong Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

History: Andre Fu's design showcases the works of some of Asia's best contemporary and ageless artists.

Service: Guests are provided round-the-clock service with a focus on efficiency and sustainability that begins with paperless check-in.

Location: Located above Pacific Place on the Queensway, Upper House is convenient to Admiralty MRT station and offers spectacular views of Victoria Harbor.

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The Upper House Preferred Hotel
Kowloon
Kowloon

Day 11

Hong Kong

Enjoy a gourmet breakfast at your hotel and then take a tour of Hong Kong’s artistic scene. The galleries feature a wide variety of art. Check out the wet markets and sample fresh, delicious market food. Take an authentic Chinese cooking class and learn to make the favorites yourself! Finish the day by taking a Feng Shui lesson with an expert in the art.

Day 12

Departure

Relax this morning and enjoy a final dim sum breakfast before your transfer to the airport for your flight onward.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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