Example Itinerary
Adventure and Relaxation in Batanes and El Nido
- Duration
- 13 days / 12 nights
- Price Per Person
-
Terms & Conditions
Price is based on double or twin hotel room occupancy and includes accommodation, transfers, car/driver, English-speaking guide, activities and entrance fees, breakfasts and some casual lunches while touring. Flights and optional special activities will be quoted separately. Most personal expenses, including dinners, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments and gratuities can be paid on the spot while traveling. Prices may vary depending on season, choice of accommodation and other factors.
- 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. For an adventure you will explore waterfalls and trek volcanoes, exploring the Philippines stunning natural geological formations, cultural sites and historical buildings. While also experiencing relaxation exploring Batanes, finishing the trip 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
- Mt. Pinatubo: Trek to one of the most powerful active volcanoes from the 20th century.
- 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
MapManila
Fly into the capital city of Manila. Arrive in the lush Philippines, an archipelago of 7,000 incredible tropical islands. Meet your guide and private transfer to your hotel spending the rest of the day at your own leisure.
Hotel Options
Day 2
MapManila
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. Return to Manila to your hotel and leisure time for the rest of the day.

Day 3
MapBatanes 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
Day 4
MapBatanes 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 5
MapBatanes 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 6
MapBatanes 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.
Day 7
MapPampanga
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to fly back to Manila. From Manila, you drive to Pampanga. After checking into your hotel spend the day at your leisure.
Hotel Options
Day 8
MapPampanga
Depart early this morning as you drive to Mt. Pinatubo, one of the most powerful active volcanoes from the 20th century, and now one of the country's top hiking destinations. The climb is not difficult, with minimal steep ascends, and enjoyable for seasoned and new trekkers alike. The first 1.5 hours of the trek is fairly flat over rocky ground, through lahar valleys and small streams - the last 20 minutes is a steeper climb on a single trail to the summit of the Crater Lake. After your trek, return to your hotel for leisure time for the rest of the day.
Day 9
MapEl Nido
Today you will 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 10
MapEl 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
MapEl 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
MapEl 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.


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.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
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The Adorable Wildlife of the Philippines Above and Below the Water
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What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.

A couple from Guangzhou, China - Aman Jet Expedition 2017
We will still remember every beautiful and remarkable moment you created for us during the trip for years to come.

Jessika and David, Los Angeles
There was an authenticity to the type of experience set up for us that made every city we visited special and gave us countless moments we will never forget.

A couple from Florida - Aman Jet Expedition, Spring 2016
As the trip progressed strangers became friends. Particularly special was the effortlessness: perfect logistics, never having to worry about anything, and, of course, the charming and thoughtful way you organised everything.