Pure Philippines: Self-Launched 17-Day Island Adventure

Arrive at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). Skip the included transfer and take the official airport taxi or a Grab ride to your hostel in Makati or Intramuros — expect to pay around £5–8. Spend the afternoon exploring the capital at your own pace. Head out for a cheap Filipino dinner; try a local turo-turo (point-point canteen) for under £3.

🚌Grab or metered airport taxi to central Manila (~£5–8)

🛏Wanderers Guest House (Makati) or Mad Monkey Manila — dorm from £8–12/night, private twin from £18–25/night

• →Grab/taxi from MNL to central Manila (~£5–8)
• →Explore Intramuros or Makati on foot
• →Welcome dinner at a local turo-turo canteen (~£3–5)

Book a budget flight from Manila to Cebu (Mactan-Cebu International Airport) independently via Cebu Pacific or AirAsia — book well in advance for fares around £25–40. From the airport, take a Ceres bus south towards Moalboal (~2.5 hrs, £2–3). En route or on arrival, hire a local habal-habal (motorbike taxi) to visit nearby waterfalls such as Aguinid Falls (~£5 guide fee). Check in to your beachfront guesthouse at Panagsama Beach.

🚌Ceres bus from Cebu airport to Moalboal (~£2–3)

🛏Hannah's Beach Resort or Savedra Dive Center guesthouses, Panagsama Beach — from £12–18/night for a twin room

• →Budget flight Manila–Cebu (Cebu Pacific/AirAsia, book in advance ~£25–40)
• →Ceres bus Cebu City to Moalboal (~£2–3)
• →Habal-habal hire to local waterfalls (~£5–8 including guide)
• →Swim in waterfall pools

Book a canyoneering tour at Kawasan Falls directly with local operators at the trailhead in Badian — prices are fixed at around £25–30 per person and include a life jacket, helmet, and guide. It's one of the Philippines' most thrilling experiences: jumping off cliffs, sliding down natural rock chutes, and swimming through that iconic Gatorade-blue water. You can book via Klook in advance or just show up early (start by 7am to beat crowds). Return to Panagsama Beach for the evening.

🚌Habal-habal or tricycle from Moalboal to Badian (~£3–5 each way)

🛏Hannah's Beach Resort or Savedra Dive Center guesthouses — from £12–18/night

• →Kawasan Falls canyoneering tour (book via Klook or direct at Badian, ~£25–30)
• →Cliff jumping and natural waterslides through three tiered falls
• →Evening at Panagsama Beach bars

The Moalboal sardine run is one of nature's great spectacles — a million sardines swirling in a massive bait ball just metres from the shore. Rent snorkel gear from any of the dive shops on Panagsama Beach (~£3–5) and simply swim out — no boat needed, the sardines are that close to the beach. Many shops also offer turtle-spotting snorkel trips. Spend the afternoon exploring Panagsama Beach, beach bars, and the local town at your leisure.

🚌On foot / local tricycle (~£1–2)

🛏Hannah's Beach Resort or Savedra Dive Center guesthouses — from £12–18/night

• →Sardine Run snorkelling (snorkel gear rental ~£3–5, no boat needed)
• →Turtle-spotting snorkel trip (optional, bookable via local dive shops ~£10–15)
• →Explore Panagsama Beach and beach bars

Take a morning Ceres bus north from Moalboal towards Cebu City, stopping at Sibonga for the fairy-tale Simala Church (~£2 bus, free entry). This extraordinary hilltop shrine is one of the most dramatic buildings in the Philippines. Continue to Cebu City and catch an afternoon budget flight to Busuanga Airport (serving Coron) — Cebu Pacific flies this route for around £30–50. Check in to your hotel in Coron Town.

🚌Ceres bus Moalboal–Cebu City (~£2–3), airport bus/jeepney (~£1), flight Cebu–Busuanga (~£30–50), tricycle from Busuanga airport to Coron Town (~£5)

🛏Coron Hilltop Hotel or Sea Horse Beach Resort — twin room from £18–25/night

• →Visit Simala Shrine, Sibonga (free entry)
• →Budget flight Cebu to Busuanga/Coron (~£30–50, book via Cebu Pacific)

Book a full-day island hopping and snorkelling tour directly through one of the many local boat operators on the Coron Town pier — these typically cost £20–30 per person and include Siete Pecados Marine Park (coral gardens and turtles), Kayangan Lake, and CYC Beach. Bargain with multiple operators for the best rate. Return to Coron Town for the evening and explore the lively Coron nightlife scene.

🚌Tricycle around Coron Town (~£1–2)

🛏Coron Hilltop Hotel or Sea Horse Beach Resort — from £18–25/night

• →Full-day Coron island hopping and snorkelling tour (book direct at pier, ~£20–30)
• →Snorkelling at Siete Pecados Marine Park (coral & turtles)
• →Swim at Kayangan Lake and CYC Beach
• →Coron Town nightlife — bar hop along the main strip

Take a relaxed morning before tackling the 724 steps up Mount Tapyas for sweeping panoramic views over Coron Bay (free, ~30 min climb). The famous 'CORON' sign at the summit makes for an iconic photo. In the late afternoon, hire a tricycle out to Maquinit Hot Springs (~£4–5 entry) — one of the only saltwater hot springs in the world — and soak in the 40°C pools while watching the sunset. Book a tricycle for a return trip (~£5–8).

🚌Tricycle to/from Maquinit Hot Springs (~£5–8 return)

🛏Coron Hilltop Hotel or Sea Horse Beach Resort — from £18–25/night

• →Hike Mount Tapyas for panoramic bay views (free)
• →Photo at the CORON summit sign
• →Maquinit Hot Springs sunset soak (~£4–5 entry fee)
• →Local dinner in Coron Town (~£4–6)

Join a multi-day island hopping boat trip from Coron to El Nido — these 'Coron to El Nido' live-aboard bangka trips take 2–3 days and stop at secluded, near-deserted islands in the Linapacan Strait. Book in advance via Tao Philippines, the original operator (around £120–150 for 3 days all-in), or cheaper local alternatives (£60–90) found via guesthouses or Facebook groups. Today you set sail and anchor at your first remote island.

🚌Bangka boat from Coron heading towards El Nido (included in package)

🛏Overnight on boat or basic island huts (included in boat trip price)

• →Board Coron–El Nido multi-day island hopping bangka boat (~£60–150, book in advance)
• →Snorkelling at remote reef stops en route
• →Sunset on deck as you anchor at a secluded island

Wake up on a near-deserted island with nothing but white sand and turquoise sea around you. Today is entirely free for swimming, snorkelling, beach combing, and stargazing. Your basic beach hut accommodation strips things back beautifully — no WiFi, no crowds, pure Philippines. Meals are typically provided by the boat crew and included in your package price. Make the most of the pristine coral reefs just off the beach.

🚌Continued bangka island hopping (included in package)

🛏Basic island beach huts or sleeping on deck (included in boat trip)

• →Free swimming and snorkelling off deserted beaches
• →Beach combing and relaxation
• →Stargazing from the beach at night
• →Meals provided by boat crew (included in package)

Your bangka boat arrives in El Nido — the jewel of Palawan. Check in to your guesthouse and spend the afternoon exploring the extraordinary limestone karst landscape on foot. Grab a late lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants (local dishes from £2–4). This evening, El Nido's famous beach bar scene kicks into gear — follow the string lights along Corong-Corong Beach and bar-hop into the night.

🚌Bangka boat arrival in El Nido (included in previous package)

🛏Spin Designer Hostel or Entalula Beach Cottages — twin room from £15–22/night

• →Arrive in El Nido by bangka boat
• →Explore the El Nido beachfront and town on foot
• →Beach bar-hopping on Corong-Corong Beach
• →Try local kare-kare or fresh seafood (~£3–5)

Recover with a well-deserved traditional Filipino massage — easily booked at any of the numerous massage shops in El Nido Town (~£8–12 for 1 hour). In the afternoon, book a guided jungle canopy walk to Taraw Cliff via local operators or your guesthouse (~£8–12 including guide). The climb is steep but the 360° panoramic views over El Nido Bay and the limestone towers are absolutely worth it. Free evening to explore at your own pace.

🚌On foot within El Nido Town

🛏Spin Designer Hostel or Entalula Beach Cottages — from £15–22/night

• →Traditional Filipino massage in El Nido Town (~£8–12 for 1 hr)
• →Guided Taraw Cliff jungle canopy walk (~£8–12, book via local operators or GetYourGuide)
• →Panoramic views over El Nido Bay from the clifftop
• →Free evening — explore town or relax

Hire a private Jeepney for the day with other travellers from your guesthouse — these can be shared between 8–10 people for around £5–8 per person. Head to an organic farm for a beach lunch (many guesthouses can arrange this for ~£8–12 including food and transport). Then continue to Nacpan Beach — consistently rated one of the Philippines' most beautiful and uncrowded beaches. Spend the afternoon swimming and starfishing on the 3km stretch of golden sand backed by palm trees.

🚌Shared Jeepney (arrange via guesthouse, ~£5–8pp return to Nacpan)

🛏Spin Designer Hostel or Entalula Beach Cottages — from £15–22/night

• →Shared Jeepney tour around El Nido area (~£5–8pp)
• →Lunch at an organic beach farm (~£8–12 including food)
• →Afternoon at Nacpan Beach — swimming and relaxing
• →Optional: Twin Beaches walk at Nacpan (free)

Take the shared van (UV Express) or boat from El Nido to Port Barton (~3–4 hrs, £8–12). This quieter fishing village is a world away from El Nido's busier scene. Afternoon is yours to explore the sleepy main street, lounge on the beach, and watch what locals claim is the best sunset in Palawan. Grab a sundowner at one of the rustic beach bars — San Miguel beers cost around £1.

🚌Shared UV Express van or bangka boat El Nido–Port Barton (~£8–12, ~3–4 hrs)

🛏El Nido Cove or Summer Homes Port Barton — guesthouse with pool from £12–20/night

• →Shared van or boat transfer El Nido to Port Barton (~£8–12)
• →Explore Port Barton village and beachfront on foot
• →Sunset drinks at a beach bar (~£3–5)
• →Fresh seafood dinner at a local restaurant (~£5–8)

Your last proper beach day! Book a morning island-hopping boat trip directly with local bangka operators on the beach (~£12–18 per person) — they'll take you to nearby snorkelling spots, Hidden Beach, and Exotic Island. Spend the afternoon as you please — nap on the beach, snorkel in the Coral Triangle one final time, or simply read a book under a palm tree.

🚌Bangka boat trip (included in activity cost)

🛏El Nido Cove or Summer Homes Port Barton — from £12–20/night

• →Local island-hopping and snorkelling boat trip (~£12–18, book direct at beach)
• →Snorkelling at Hidden Beach and Exotic Island
• →Lazy afternoon on Port Barton beach
• →Optional: paddle boarding or kayak rental (~£5–8/hr)

Take the morning shared van from Port Barton to Sabang (~2 hrs, £6–8) or direct to Puerto Princesa (~3 hrs, £8–10). Book a boat cruise through the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in advance — this UNESCO World Heritage Site and New 7 Wonder of Nature costs around £10–12 for the boat permit, plus ~£3 for the mandatory banca across to the cave entrance. Book well ahead as numbers are capped. After the cruise, head into Puerto Princesa city to check in.

🚌Shared van Port Barton–Puerto Princesa (~£8–10) or via Sabang

🛏Casa Linda Inn or Almeria Hotel Puerto Princesa — from £15–22/night

• →Shared van Port Barton to Sabang or Puerto Princesa (~£6–10)
• →Puerto Princesa Subterranean River boat cruise (~£10–15 total including permits, book via tourism office or Klook)
• →Walk through the cathedral cave with ancient limestone formations
• →Check in and dinner in Puerto Princesa (~£4–6)

Spend the morning exploring Puerto Princesa — visit the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre (crocodile farm, ~£3), the colourful Immaculate Conception Cathedral, and the lively Colosseum Night Market for your final Filipino street food feast. Then grab a Grab or tricycle to Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS) for your budget flight back to Manila (~£30–50, book with Cebu Pacific or AirAsia in advance). Celebrate your last evening in Manila with a dinner out in BGC or Poblacion.

🚌Tricycle to Puerto Princesa airport (~£3–5), flight PPS–Manila (~£30–50), Grab to hotel (~£5–8)

🛏Mad Monkey Manila or Wanderers Guest House — from £8–18/night

• →Visit Palawan Wildlife Rescue Centre (~£3)
• →Explore Puerto Princesa Cathedral and city centre
• →Street food at Colosseum Night Market (~£4–6)
• →Budget flight Puerto Princesa–Manila (~£30–50)
• →Celebratory farewell dinner in Manila (~£8–12)

Your adventure ends today. Head to Ninoy Aquino International Airport via Grab or taxi (~£5–8). If your flight is late, store your luggage at the hotel and spend a final few hours in Manila — Rizal Park and the Intramuros walled city are both free and close to most central hostels. Safe travels!

🚌Grab or metered taxi to Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (~£5–8)

• →Final morning stroll in Intramuros or Rizal Park (free)
• →Grab or taxi to MNL airport (~£5–8)
• →Optional: duty-free shopping at the airport