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Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Romance, Beaches, Island Retreats
Destinations
Philippines

When traveling to somewhere as beautiful as the Philippines, it can be difficult to pick a single island to visit. With this 12-day Island-Hopping in the Central Philippines itinerary, you don’t have to pick! The trip takes you through Manila, Bohol and Panglao, Siquijor, Dumaguete and Dauin. Get ready for plenty of sunshine, picturesque beaches, and the perfect dose of culture. 

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.
  • Island of Fire: When the Spaniards first visited Siquijor, they called it “Isla del Fuego” due to the populations of fireflies lighting up the night. During the day, travelers can explore the isle's beaches and Cambugahay Falls.
  • Sea Turtles: In Dauin, sea turtles hatch throughout the year, though their birthing period is highest in summer. Even if travelers don’t spot them hatching, they can drop in the water at Apo Island to look for adults.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Manila

Arrive in Manila, the capital of the Philippines and an ancient city with a rich history. Settle in to your hotel in the city center. Spend the rest of the day exploring the lively area. You will see the heavy Spanish influence in the quaint architecture.

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

Spend the day immersed in the oldest district of the city - Intramuros. In the 16th century, the Spanish constructed their citadel, Fort Santiago, and the city walls to guard their stronghold from foreign invaders. When the Spanish were in power, everything outside the walled area was called “outside the walls.” The structures became a National Historic Monument in 1951. 

Manila
Manila

Day 3

Bohol

Take a short flight to the much more southern, pristine island of Bohol. You will be met at the airport by a guide and taken to a luxury hotel, where you can spend the day relaxing poolside or seaside. You will see the famous aquamarine water and dig your toes into the soft, white sand. The island is the tenth-largest in the Philippines and considered a naturally beautiful haven.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Just 10 minutes away from newly opened Bohol-Panglao International Airport, this resort is perfect for discerning travelers looking for a tranquil haven away from Alona Beach’s hustle and bustle.

Water Activities: The area where this hotel is located is known as one of the last ecological frontiers of the Philippines, and still retains much of its rustic, natural charm. The resort offers kayaks, paddleboards, and a variety of other gear to enjoy water activities.

Beaches: Experience some of the world’s most spectacular white sandy beaches and clear, warm ocean water at the resort’s private beach and secret cove.

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Amorita Resort Preferred Hotel
About

Situated on the southern tip of Bohol’s small Panglao island, this beachside resort provides excellent access to the sparkling waters of the Bohol Sea. Its 88 rooms and suites are warmly decorated with dark wood furnishings and feature private verandas.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 4

Bohol

Enjoy a full-day tour of the island today. Bohol is home to several beautiful sights. Climb up the gorgeous Chocolate Hills that resemble giant mole hills. Pay a visit to the tarsier sanctuary, where you can see several of the world’s smallest monkey species relaxing and at play. You will see several quaint Spanish churches and charming villages along the way.

Bohol
Bohol

Day 5

Bohol

It’s time to relax! Spend the day lounging seaside. Walk along the island’s several islets. Snorkel the crystal waters, looking at the active marine life weaving in and out of the corals. The water is warm and inviting for a leisurely swim.

Day 6

Siquijor

Take a short ferry to Siquijor, known to the Spaniards as “isla del fuego” (island of fire) from the soft orange glow produced by the island’s active firefly population. The island has a mystical feel. The Filipinos believe the island possesses certain magical powers. There are several local healers living and working on the island - feel free to check it out for yourself!

Hotel Options
About

Experience paradise at the Coco Grove Beach Resort, a beautiful beachfront hotel situated on the island of Siquijor. Here, guests will enjoy an endless stretch of pristine beach and relax in the beautiful surroundings of tropical gardens.

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.

Siquijor
Siquijor

Day 7

Siquijor

Take a complete island tour today. Enjoy the relaxed attitude of your surroundings. This beautiful mountainous island is known for its welcoming vibe. Chat with the local villagers and stock up on artisanal goods. Stroll among the lush greenery. Spend some time on the beaches, world-renowned for diving.

Day 8

Siquijor

There’s no place quite like Siquijor to relax. Lounge comfortably on the fine sand or by your hotel’s pool. Explore the area’s waterfalls - Cambugahay Falls does not disappoint. There are hundreds of butterflies floating throughout the island - the butterfly sanctuary holds the largest concentrated population. Relax and enjoy a serene day in a tropical atmosphere.

Siquijor
Siquijor

Day 9

Dauin

Enjoy a boat cruise as you travel from Siquijor to Dumaguete. Dumaguete is the largest and capital city of Negros Oriental. Continue on to Dauin - an island named for the supernatural beings once thought to occupy its magical shores. Check into your hotel and go for a swim in the pool to stretch your legs after a day spent traveling in the sea.

Hotel Options
About

Atmosphere Resorts & Spa in Dauin features a delightful selection of garden apartments and luxury penthouses, all at a stunning coastal location. Inside, and the rooms are hard to beat - both in terms of their style and their comfort.

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 10

Dauin

Today you have the rare opportunity to see turtles in their natural habitat. Seaturtles hatch throughout the year, although their birthing period is highest in the summer months. You may be lucky enough to see turtles hatching and making their birth journey to the sea. Enjoy a snorkeling excursion to Apo island and dive into the sea with the massive seaturtles. They love playing among the pristine reefs.

Dauin
Dauin

Day 11

Dauin

It’s your last day on island time. Make the most of the sunshine and seawater. Snorkel through the colorful reefs in search of exotic marine life in the underwater garden. If you need a break from salt water, check out the area’s hot springs. The Mt. Talinis Geothermal Reserve is a gorgeous area in the inland of the island.

Day 12

Departure

After 11 full days of adventure, culture, seawater and sunshine, it’s time to say goodbye to the beautiful islands of the Philippines. Begin your journey back to Manila through Dumaguete. Upon reaching Manila, you have the option to either continue on to other adventures in the Philippines or return home. 

Suggested Hotels For Days 1–2

Fairmont Makati
Preferred Hotel

Fairmont Makati

Manila’s Fairmont Makati is located at the heart of the Philippines’ premier art and business district of Makati, which ranks among the world’s busiest centers of commerce and culture. Although directly connected to Manila, Makati is typically considered a highly modernized, cosmopolitan city of its own thanks to its dense population, as well as its ample concentration of multinational and local businesses. Fairmont Makati has cemented a place among the capital’s finest five-star hotels thanks to its classy amenities and top-flight hospitality team. In terms of dining, the hotel’s unique offerings promise to satisfy the gastronomic desires of even the most discerning guests. And what’s more, the hotel is located within walking distance of some of Manila’s most sought-after attractions, including the Zuellig Building, 6750, Ayala Museum, the Glorietta Shopping Complex, and Greenbelt – one of the country’s most fashionable shopping malls. The sprawling metropolis of Manila beckons with a little bit of something for everyone, from culturally immersive explorations into the city’s music and art scenes to day trips adventuring among the country’s 7,100 islands. Whatever the journey, Fairmont Makati welcomes guests with a safe haven of five-star luxury and relaxation amid the urban landscape of the capital city.
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The Peninsula Manila
Preferred Hotel

The Peninsula Manila

Strategically placed on the corners of Ayala and Makati Avenues, The Peninsula Manila is close to premier shopping facilities and within easy access of Manila's numerous attractions. The hotel is a nine kilometers drive from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) and just six kilometers from Manila's domestic airport. Elegantly furnished in classic style, the hotel's 351 rooms and suites provide modern, technologically advanced conveniences, including complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access. The Gallery Club Lounge is available 24 hours a day, providing live musical entertainment and all-day refreshments and nibbles, including a breakfast buffet, The Peninsula Afternoon Tea, gourmet canapés and an open bar with a curated selection of spirits and sommelier-selected wines. The thoughtfully-designed private lounge is enhanced with custom-designed tables and soft furnishings arranged in an intimate lounge setting. Continental and Pan-Asian cuisine is served at The Peninsula's many restaurants, including Old Manila and Spices, which are two of the top restaurants in the city. Salon de Ning, the hotel's quirky lounge, features musical entertainment on most evenings.

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Suggested Hotels For Days 3–5

Amorita Resort
Preferred Hotel

Amorita Resort

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. Embodying the natural treasures of Bohol - limestone, shimmering blue waters, pristine white sand, and lush tracts of greenery - Amorita integrates key elements of the surrounding environment to create a distinct island ambience and organic modern aesthetic. Amorita Resort features 82 suites and 14 villas, with upgraded quarters adding balconies, bathtubs, and sea views. Resort facilities include a private beach, spa, gym, as well as two infinity pools. There are two world class restaurants on the property, Saffron and Tomar Tapas x Bar. Amorita Resort is only a 40-minute drive from Bohol's Tagbilaran Airport, and Bohol is only an 80-minute flight from Metro Manila.
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Bohol Beach Club

Bohol Beach Club

Situated on the southern tip of Bohol’s small Panglao island, this beachside resort provides excellent access to the sparkling waters of the Bohol Sea. Its 88 rooms and suites are warmly decorated with dark wood furnishings and feature private verandas. The in-house, pavilion-style restaurant, Agotata, is open for all mealtimes, serving both Filipino and international cuisine. Resort facilities include an outdoor swimming pool. Bohol Beach Club is approximately 15 minutes by car from Bohol Panglao International Airport (TAG).

Suggested Hotel For Days 6–8

Coco Grove Beach Resort

Coco Grove Beach Resort


Experience paradise at the Coco Grove Beach Resort, a beautiful beachfront hotel situated on the island of Siquijor. Here, guests will enjoy an endless stretch of pristine beach and relax in the beautiful surroundings of tropical gardens. The resort offers 42 native-style cottages and villas, just steps away from white sandy beaches. Each spacious suite is equipped with a flat-screen TV, rain shower, mini-bar, air-conditioning and kitchenette. After checking in, guests can take a dip in the two outdoor swimming pools, sip cocktails at the garden or pool bars, learn to dive at the dive center on site, book island-hopping tours, and more. Other services include WiFi, spa and massage center, dry cleaning, a game room and a souvenir store. The establishment also offers two oceanfront restaurants. Enjoy a delicious dinner at the Sunset Restaurant and see local musicians serenade diners with Filipino folk songs.


Suggested Hotel For Days 9–11

Atmosphere Resorts & Spa

Atmosphere Resorts & Spa


Atmosphere Resorts & Spa in Dauin features a delightful selection of garden apartments and luxury penthouses, all at a stunning coastal location. Inside, and the rooms are hard to beat - both in terms of their style and their comfort. Guests can enjoy king-size beds, crisp white linens, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi and complimentary toiletries, fruit and coffee. Set in a stunning backdrop with white soft sands, palm trees and clear turquoise water, the location of Atmosphere Resorts & Spa really quite special. The huge private swimming pool also takes advantage of the setting, as guest can swim, relax and dine whilst taking in the 180-degree panoramic ocean view. As well as providing fine rooms and an idyllic location, this hotel also excels when it comes to eating. ‘Blue’, their fine dining restaurant, has a great choice of freshly-caught seafood and guests have the option of dining in or outside – on the beach, that is. 


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