Example Itinerary

Adventure and Relaxation in Batanes and El Nido

Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Beaches, Open Spaces, Post-Covid Wellness
Destinations
Philippines

Sand, sea, sun and adventure are ready to be enjoyed on this 13-day luxurious adventure. Begin by trekking volcanoes and exploring the Philippines stunning natural geological formations, cultural sites and historical buildings. Then, continue to El Nido, a small island picturesque for seaside relaxing, before returning back to the busy real world. Make sure to try the area’s fantastic cuisine, including the famous edible nest soup in El Nido! This is the perfect tour of the Philippines’ tropical chain with the ideal balance of adventure and relaxation. 

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

  • Volcano in a Volcano: Just south of the capital of Manila sits a 15-mile-long volcano caldera forming Taal Lake, and inside that is Taal Volcano. Travelers will take a boat to the island and climb to the rim.
  • Shoot the Rapids: Learn from expert boatmen in Pagsanjan in Laguna Province to navigate the turbulent waters in a wooden canoe all the way to Cavinti Falls — and the cave hidden behind the falls.
  • Palawan Beaches: Palawan has become one of the most impressive beach destinations in Southeast Asia, particularly those in the north of El Nido. Travelers can lounge, snorkel, and eat their way through tropical paradise.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

Tagaytay

Fly into the lively capital of Manila. Upon arrival, you will be met by your friendly guide and transferred to Tagaytay. Enjoy the scenic drive, as you pass bright green rice plantations and colorful fruit plantations. Once you reach Taal Ridge, pause and catch a breathtaking view of the looming Taal Volcano. The volcano is inside another volcano and also contains a lake within a lake. Spend the night in Tagaytay.

Hotel Options

Day 2

Map

Tagaytay

Get an early start on the day as you are transferred to the Taal lakeside and step aboard the local outrigger boat - a “banca.” Your banca takes you to the crater island. Hike for an hour to reach the crater. Next, return to town, where you will have lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the sustainable Taal Heritage Town for a full tour.

Day 3

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Pagsanjan

The natural town of Pagsanjan in the Laguna Province is on the menu for today. Along the way, you visit the eerie Underground Cemetery of Nagcarlan, a burial ground that serviced Spanish friars and society’s elite Once you reach the riverbank resort, dugout canoes will take you to the cascading falls. Expert boatmen will teach you to “shoot the rapids” and travel between the turbulent waters in a friendly competition. Spend the night in the quaint town.

Hotel Options

Day 4

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Batanes Archipelago

Take an early morning flight to the Batanes archipeligo. Upon arrival in Basco on Batan Island, transfer to your comfortable hotel in the scenic province as you are greeted by the friendly locals. Next, enjoy a Batan Northern Part Tour, stopping at the Tukon Radar Station, the Valugan Boulder Beach, Naidi Hills and the Vayang Ranch.

Hotel Options
Batanes Archipelago
Batanes Archipelago

Day 5

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Batanes Archipelago

Begin the day with an early morning drive to San Vicente port to reach your next destination, Sabtang Island, by way of a quick 45-minute boat ride. The area has beautiful Savidug Vernacular houses, which are lined with green plants coming out of every crevasse. The Savidug Ruins is a great place to see the damage done by tropical storms. Next, visit the tranquil community of Chavayan before making your way to Nakabuang Beach for a relaxing afternoon. Return to Batan Island and overnight at the hotel.

Day 6

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Batanes Archipelago

Today it’s time for a tour of Batan’s southern region. Enjoy a scenic, winding drive along the coastal road, stopping at the Chawa View Deck for a stunning photo opportunity. Visit the Mahatao town proper to explore the historical old church, the Spanish Lighthouse and Breateria. Continue along to the House of Dakay, a beautiful 18th-century building and now a UNESCO Heritage Site. Stop by the unique Honesty Coffee Shop for a caffeine boost before visiting your last few remaining stops of the day. Stops include the Ruins of Song Song and “Marlboro Country.” Return to your hotel this evening.

Day 7

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Batanes Archipelago

The day is entirely yours to explore the lush natural surroundings. Immerse yourself in the island’s rich culture as you roam the area. It’s the perfect spot for biking and you can cover much more ground this way.

Batanes Archipelago
Batanes Archipelago

Day 8

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El Nido

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to fly back to Manila. From Manila, you will transfer to the hangar to fly to El Nido - the northern tip of Palawan Island, named for its’ edible nests. We recommend staying at El Nido resorts whose properties are its own islands, reachable by speedboat from the mainland.

Hotel Options

Day 9

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El Nido

You are able to choose your activities today, or you can simply lounge on the soft, white sand beaches. The island’s corals are full of tropical fish, much to a snorkeler's delight. The dense forest is home to over 100 different species if you care for a scenic hike.

El Nido
El Nido

Day 10

Map

El Nido

Enjoy the day at your leisure or engage in one of the many activities available in the area. You can choose from island-hopping, cave investigation, lagoon exploration, snorkeling or even try your hand at diving! There’s plenty to do on the sunny island - or it’s a fantastic environment if you prefer to simply relax and live on island time.

Day 11

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El Nido

Today is another day to enjoy at your leisure. Keep your eyes peeled to spot endangered sea turtles crawling across the plush sand. If you haven’t tried “nido,” the region’s famous soup, today is the perfect day to try the exotic local favorite. The soup's’ main ingredient is the famous edible nest.

Day 12

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El Nido

Swim, sun, read or explore on your final full day in the tropical paradise. Snorkel through the animated corals or hike through the lively forest in search of rare animal sightings. Enjoy a last indulgent sunset dinner at your resort.

El Nido
El Nido

Day 13

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Departure »

After breakfast at the resort, take one last look at the sparkling sea. You are transferred to the small airport to begin making your way home. From here, you will fly to Manila where you can connect to the international airport for your journey homewards.

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.

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, 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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