Example Itinerary

Manila, Boracay & Pamalican: Cities & Beaches of the Philippines

Duration
16 days / 15 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Beaches, Amazing Landscapes
Destinations
Philippines

For more than two weeks, lose yourself to the considerable charms of The Philippines. From history and culture to breathtaking natural beauty, this delightful collection of islands has it all. Start in the metropolis of Manila where you’ll tour the old town, taste the delights of Chinatown and hike across the volcanic mountains just a short drive away from all the bustle. Next, hit the country’s finest beaches, from world-famous Boracay to remote and peaceful Amanpulo, not forgetting gorgeous and exotic El Nido whose cliffs and bays await with activities and adventures. 

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

  • Manila in Style: Visit the 19th-Century Casa Manila, shop and eat in Chinatown, and take a day to visit the 15-mile-long volcano caldera forming Taal Lake.
  • Palawan Beaches: Palawan has become one of the most impressive beaches in Southeast Asia, and those of El Nido in the north are the best. A stay here offers kayaking, snorkeling, and lounging on postcard-perfect beaches.
  • Private Island: Take a private plane to Amanpulo on Pamalican Island, undoubtedly the most luxurious island accommodations of anywhere in the Philippines. On this private island, travelers unwind in the plush surrounds of crystal clear water and lush tropical scenery.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Manila

Welcome to the Philippines, as you touch down at the international airport, you’ll be whisked into the bustling, exciting city of Manila to your luxurious hotel. Here you’ll check in, get comfortable and enjoy a relaxing night’s stay.

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 breakfast at your hotel before you head into the old town for a fascinating tour of Intramuros. Explore within the old city walls, visiting the reconstructed 19th-Century Casa Manila and San Agustin Church. Grab a light lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Chinatown for a food tour, sampling all the delights. After checking out more architectural points of interest, you’ll head back to the hotel for a relaxing evening.

Manila
Manila

Day 3

Manila

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll head for the volcanic province of Batangas for a discovery tour of Taal heritage and natural beauty. Boat across Taal lake to reach the starting point of your trek up the mountainous ridge to the rim of the volcano. After a tasty local lunch, you’ll head down into the pretty town of Taal. Wander through the narrow streets lined with restored houses and snap some pictures before heading back to Manila for the night.

Day 4

Boracay

After breakfast, it’s time to say ‘au revoir’ to Manila as you transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Caticlan, a small airport near to the wharf. Hop aboard your boat and speed across to beautiful Boracay. Check in at your opulent beachside hotel and savor the gorgeous views out to sea.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Beach: Quiet and clean private beach with clear warm water and soft sand.

Hospitality: Highly trained and welcoming staff.

Food: 7 restaurants and bars serving Mediterranean, Japanese, western and Filipino cuisine alongside great cocktails and wines.

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Shangri-La's Boracay Resort & Spa Preferred Hotel

Day 5

Boracay

Relax and indulge with three sun-soaked days on one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. Take a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, lounge by the pool or on the beach, swim in crystal waters and sample some of the best mangoes in the world. By night, join the beach party with drinks and breathtaking fire shows on the sand.

Boracay
Boracay

Day 6

Boracay

Enjoy more precious beach time on Boracay today. Sink your toes into the soft white sand as you walk down the beach towards Boat Station 3 and back again. If the temptation strikes, head off-beach for an off-roading adventure - the local viewpoint is simply not to be missed. Just make sure you’re back in time for another of Boracay’s famous blood-orange sunsets.

Day 7

Boracay

It’s another day of lazing by the pool or beachside today. Sit back with a cocktail in hand, or venture out into the crystal waters for an aquatic adventure, snorkel-gear in hand, to get a first-hand glimpse of the vibrant underwater life.

Day 8

El Nido

It’s time to leave Boracay behind but you’re not saying goodbye to the beach just yet. Retrace your steps to Manila and then it’s on to your flight to El Nido. From here take the 45-minute boat ride over to Pangulasian Island where you’ll check in to your gorgeous island resort in Bacuit Bay. With views of the sunrise and sunset, it’s completely idyllic.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Getting to and from the beautiful Pangulasian Island Resort is a relatively simple process, with an airport only a 25 minute boat ride away from the hotel.

History: The Palawan 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.

Service: The Pangulasian Island Resort combines its five-star service with the traditionally warm and friendly hospitality for which the Philippines is known.

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El Nido Pangulasian Preferred Hotel
El Nido
El Nido

Day 9

El Nido

Wake up to your first full day in paradise, to spend utterly at your own leisure. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at your hotel before heading out to explore the gorgeous Pangalusian Island with its soft sand beaches and transparent waters.

Day 10

El Nido

After breakfast today, you may wish to take a hike around the craggy, dramatic clifftops to catch the amazing panoramas from Viewing Deck. Pack a picnic and make a day of it as you snap pictures and enjoy the scenery.

Day 11

El Nido

Before you continue on your adventure, it would be a crime to miss out on all the aquatic action to be had in El Nido. Go island hopping and tour the lagoons that surround the area. Get out on the water on a pedal boat, paddle board, or kayak or get under the waves with some snorkel gear.

El Nido
El Nido

Day 12

Pamalican Island

After breakfast, make your way back to the mainland, but only briefly, as you transfer back to Manila and onwards by private plane to the private airstrip on the gorgeous island retreat of Amanpulo. Relax in luxury, surrounded by turquoise waters.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Peace: Amanpulo is located on a private, remote and tranquil island far from tourist crowds

Snorkeling: Go snorkeling in the pristine waters that surround Amanpulo for unbeatable marine life and visibility

Beaches: Experience some of the world’s most spectacular white sandy beaches and clear, warm ocean water

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Amanpulo Preferred Hotel

Day 13

Pamalican Island

At this, the final stop on your Filipino beach tour, you have three full days to simply relax in utter comfort, surrounded by natural beauty. Swim, sunbathe and sample the delicious local food, indulge in a spa treatment or two and utterly unwind.

Pamalican Island
Pamalican Island

Day 14

Pamalican Island

Enjoy another exotic beach day at your luxury resort. If the mood strikes, venture out and explore the nearby beaches, perhaps taking a walk off-road into the lush jungles. Let the lively local wildlife bring out the intrepid explorer in you!

Day 15

Pamalican Island

Today, your final full day of your exciting Philippines adventure, you may wish to kick back and indulge at your luxury hotel. Treat yourself to a relaxing massage at the on-site spa, or take a dip in the refreshing pool. Today is all about you!

Day 16

Departure

After breakfast in Amanpulo, it’s time to head back to the international airport in Manila, where you’ll wave goodbye to the gorgeous and hospitable Philippines as you depart on your onward flight.

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