Listing ID: 50557
10 Day Bright Lights, Big Islands (Philippines)
This adventure combines the best of the Philippines' two largest islands, Luzon and Palawan. From the bright lights of Manila to the stunning wilderness of the "last frontier" this trip offers some of the most incredible sights in SE Asia. Duration: 240 Hours (approx.)Easy Cancellation - Cancel 3 days before for a full refund
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Our 10 Day Bright Lights, Big Islands adventure offers up some of the best experiences on two of the largest islands in the Philippines, Luzon and Palawan. We start our trip off under the bright lights of the capital city of Manila on the island of Luzon, before making our way across one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Palawan.
A city that long hasn’t received the same consideration from travelers as some other SE Asian capitals, Manila is a city waiting to explode into the backpacking scene. Here you can enjoy some of the best shopping, dining and nightlife in SE Asia. Manila is hip city on the up, with plenty of stunning natural scenery within arms reach. Raw, rugged, and largely unpopulated Palawan is referred to nationally as “the last frontier”. Here you will see lush tropical jungles, beautiful waterfalls, underground rivers and some of the very best beaches and island hopping to be found anywhere in the world. Your camera will be smoking after this trip, as we hit up an ensemble of some of the most stunningly scenic landscapes in Asia.
- What Will You Do
You will arrive at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino Airport late on night 1. We meet you at the airport and take you back to our awesome accommodations in Makati. The group meets for welcome drinks and a little information the first night, but day 2 is when the action starts. We embark on our first group activity, an unforgettable day trip to the remarkable Masungi Geo Reserve. Day 3 is yours to explore some of the many options Manila has to offer. Hike the Taal volcano, shred up the wakeboard park in Lagunas, or go for an incredible yacht trip in Batangas. These are only a few of the options in this lively city.Early day 4 a private minibus takes us to the airport and we are in the sky and on our way to “the last frontier”, Palawan. We arrive early in the afternoon in Puerto Princesa, the capital city of this remote and sparsely populated island on the westernmost fringes of the country. After a free day for exploring, the group hits the emerald waters of Honda Bay on day 5 for a day of island hoping and snorkelling. Day 6 is a free day for you to explore before we head north to El Nido.
Day 7 takes a travel day and turns it into an awesome experience. On our way from Puerto Princesa to El Nido in our private minibus, we make a stop in Sabang to soak up the dramatic landscapes and visit one of the “7 Natural Wonders of The World”, the Puerto Princesa Underground River. After a delicious Filipino style buffet lunch, we continue on to the magnificent El Nido arriving late in the evening on day 7. Day 8 the group embarks on the legendary “Tour A”, an island-hopping adventure through some of El Nido’s most stunning islands. We give you day 9 and 10 to explore this tropical wonderland, because there is so much to see and nobody really wants to leave. Day 10 is our last night in town, so we have a little send off celebration planned. Say goodbye to your awesome group of new friends and prepare for your onward journey*. At this point though, like many, you may just be having so much fun you want to stay and hang with us for another 10 days on our Island Explorer adventure.
- What To Expect
Manila - Located on the largest island of Luzon, Manila is the capital of the Philippines and the main arrival point for international travelers. Manila is a rapidly developing city with a very unique history and mixture of cultures and a whole lot on offer to those willing to stay and hang out for a while. You can hit up the hip pubs and clubs, or enjoy the world class shopping and dining in Makati. Play in the incredible jungles of the Masungi Geo Reserve. Climb to the crater lake of the Taal Volcano, or shred up the cable wake park in Laguna. Manila is a big city that keep the options coming, with a tonne of hidden gems in every direction. We have some amazing hosts here who know how to show a guest a good time and will help you see the best of this exciting and lively capital city.Puerto Princesa - Within the Philippines the island of Palawan is commonly referred to as the last frontier, because it is one of the last largely unsettled areas in the country. Palawan is wild, raw, untouched and absolutely positively one of the most beautiful islands you could ever lay eyes on. Most travelers start their Palawan adventure in the capital city of Puerto Princesa, a small city on the Sulu Sea. Puerto Princesa spreads its thin population deep inland across a large area of lush rain forest all the way to the western side of the island and the South China Sea.
Spend a day snorkeling, swimming and hopping from island to beautiful island in the emerald waters of Honda Bay. Stare in amazement at the stunning and raw beach landscape of Sabang as we make our way to the famous Puerto Princesa Underground River, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. Take a load off in the evening at one of the many charming Filipino bars and restaurants that line main drag, Rizal Ave. Puerto Princesa is a super friendly and fun place and a great introduction to a province that never fails to impress.
El Nido - Largely credited as the cause of all the excitement, El Nido is the crown jewel of Palawan and is hands down one of the most beautiful places on the planet. What was just a small, remote fishing village in the early 2000’s is now one of the hottest destinations in all of SE Asia. Shimmering waters with impossibly vibrant combinations of blues and greens are surrounded by dramatic jagged limestone cliffs covered in plants and trees so green they look neon in the sun, which always seems to be shining in El Nido. Underwater the scenery gets even more impressive for snorkelers and divers, with an ocean teeming with beautiful untouched corals and an impressive variety of sea life. Island Hopping is the name of the game here and it is without a doubt world class, with hundreds of beautiful islands, beaches, and hidden lagoons within a short boat trip from town.
- What Is Included
IncludedWelcome Dinner
Far Out Welcome Package: There’s a trip information guide, a welcome dinner, and a few welcome gifts to keep you comfortable on your Far Out Adventure.
Not one, but TWO knowledgeable and fun leaders who know the lay of the land and will help make sure you’re having the time of your life, every day of your trip.
All accommodations during your trip. We’ve scoured our destinations for the best group accommodations available. We always look for the perfect combination of environment, comfort, fun, friendly service and safety.
All transportation between trip destinations and to included activities.
At least one Far Out Activity in each destination we visit, an assortment of “must do” activities. The 20 Day Philippine Adventure includes the following activities.
Masungi Geo Reserve
Honda Bay Island Hopping (lunch incl)
Underground River Tour (lunch incl)
El Nido Island Hopping (lunch incl)
- What Is Not Included
Spending Money: For budgeting tips visit www.faroutadventures.ca/about/your-travel-budgetAdditional/optional activities
Travel Visas (30 visa on arrival available for most nationalities arriving by air. Please contact your local Filipino consulate or embassy for more information.)
Food and beverages (except those mentioned above)
Transportation for personal/optional activities not included in the tour.