Ultimate Philippines Island Hopping | Without Boat Expedition | Summer 2027/2028 - 16 Oct 2027 to 06 May 2028

Welcome to Asia’s Pearl of the Orient, packed with some of the BEST views of your lifetime! There’s so much to see, and there’s no time to waste. You’ll meet your crew here in Cebu. Drop your bags off & join us for your very first meal of the trip (it’s our treat!).

It’s the first full day, so we’re diving straight into the culture. We’ll leave Cebu City behind and make our way to the impressive Simala Church, where your Trip Manager will share the story behind one of the region’s most visited pilgrimage sites. Take some time to admire the intricate architecture and peaceful surroundings before continuing south through the island’s scenic landscapes. This afternoon, we’ll arrive in Moalboal and settle into this laidback coastal town. After checking into the hotel, join your Trip Manager for an orientation walk and get your bearings as you explore the local streets and seaside atmosphere. The rest of the evening is yours to soak up the relaxed vibe and start discovering what makes Moalboal such a popular stop on Cebu’s southwest coast.

Yes, we know. You can't wait to witness the fascinating sardine run IRL. After breakfast, get ready for a snorkelling adventure here in this picturesque coastal town. Hit the white-sand beach, play volleyball with the locals. And then head into the water for snorkelling, turtles and ofc, the super rare sardine run!

It’s time to say goodbye to the oh-so-beautiful Moalboal. Don’t worry, our next stop is giving those turquoise waters some serious competition. Along the way, we’ll stop for an included lunch featuring one of the Philippines' most famous dishes: Lechon. Then we’ll board a ferry and continue our journey across the water. Once checked into our hotel, there's just enough time to settle in before tonight’s main event. As darkness falls, we’ll head out on a boat ride along the river, where thousands of tiny fireflies light up the mangroves like nature’s own fairy lights.

Wakey wakey, grab your brekkie. Today we’re jumping on a tuk tuk (just like the locals!) for a full day of exploring all the countryside sights here. Think: hills that look like chocolate, and a visit to Tarsier Sanctuary with cute tree-hugging monkeys... And for lunch? Oh, not much, just a delicious 8-course farm to table meal of the freshest-ever Filipino food.

Wake up beside the peaceful Loboc River and enjoy breakfast before we switch things up. This morning, we'll make our way across the island to Panglao, heading straight back out to sea. Today, you've got the option to hop on a boat and head to the best snorkelling spots chosen by the crew and coastguard on the day. Expect bright corals, tropical fish and — if we’re lucky — a turtle or two gliding past. After we’re back on shore, the rest of the day is yours to soak up those beachy Pangalo feels.

All good things in life are free — just like this day. Unwind on the white-sand beach, get pampered with a massage, sample local eats or snorkel in the sparkling sea. And if you’re craving something deeper, you can opt for a scuba dive (whether you’re certified or trying it out for the first time). Rest and relaxation never looked this good…

Shh, no need to shed tears just yet. After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to Panglao and make our way onwards. Today marks the end of the Philippines East adventure, with a journey back to Cebu and an arrival at Cebu Airport around noon. For travellers finishing their trip, it’s time to swap stories, exchange socials and say your goodbyes after an unforgettable week exploring the Philippines’ eastern islands. If you're continuing on the Ultimate Philippines trip, the adventure rolls on. We’ll catch a flight to Puerto Princesa to join up with the Philippines West crew, ready for the next chapter of island discoveries when the trip kicks off this evening.

Morning, sunshine lovers! Today’s the first full day on this wonderful island, so you know we’re starting with a bang. You’ll grab some breakfast at the hotel and head straight to the Subterranean River National Park for a fascinating underground endeavour. Ready? Put on your neon helmets. You’ll float through an aquamarine river into one of the most complex cave systems in the world. Surrounded by intricate limestone formations (some of them egg-shaped too!) - you’ll have no doubt about why this glorious landscape is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bet your eyes are pleased with those gorgeous views. Now it's time to please our tummies. We'll drive until Port Barton to stop by at Nanay Elena’s House for a traditional Filipino meal, made using only the freshest ingredients. Afterwards, we continue the drive to Port Barton. Relax on the shore. Explore the tiny town. The night is still young, and it’s all yours!

Ocean-lovers, unite! Today, we’re going island hopping in our very own private boat. You may have the chance swim with sea turtles. Snorkel along the vibrant reefs. Grab a scrumptious locally-cooked meal. Dodge waves at the beach. And chill at a starfish sandbar (with your newly-made best friends, of course) as the sun sets over the serene sea. Is this island exploration done right or what?

Need your beauty sleep? Or just need to spend some time on the sandy beach? Today’s the day you can do anything you want. Dive into the crystal blue waters. Grab a book and soak in the sun. Go on a morning hike to check out the rocky hills. Or make your own rings & bracelets in a local workshop. Either way, sublime beach vibes are guaranteed here.

It’s time to bid farewell to our (now) favourite island stop. But don’t worry, there are plenty more destinations here to give it competition. You’ll start the day with some breakfast at the hotel and with no time to waste, head to the next turquoise-tinted spot. A free afternoon to spend in another wonderful tropical paradise? How lucky are we? Taste the local street food. Or check out the unique shops around town. Oh, and please don’t forget to charge your camera!

Rise and shine folks. It’s time to hit the road (just like the locals) in a wonderfully colourful, classic Jeepney. First stop? The beautiful Lio Beach. Enjoy the peaceful views and walk the wooden footpath that leads into the ocean. And it doesn’t end there. Next, we’ll head to Bulalacao Waterfalls. It’s gonna be really hard to stop yourself from taking a plunge into the water. The day is not complete yet, we’ll head to the most popular beach in all of Palawan (and maybe even the Philippines, if you ask us) - Nacpan Beach. Finally, we'll end the day at Las Cabanas - one of the best sunset points in the ENTIRE country.

It’s not often you get an entire day in a palm tree paradise to spend just the way you please. But the stars must’ve aligned, because today is one of them! You can explore the pristine white-sand beaches while the sun’s out and spend the night chilling with your crew. It’s a ‘you do you’ kinda day.

Mabuhay, travellers! The sun has risen, and so has the opportunity to explore another destination with crystal clear water. Munch on your final El Nido meal before we take a drive to the pier and catch a boat-transfer. This is what you’ve been waiting for. You’ll drop your bags off at our Special Stay, our next MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where we'll spend time exploring local culture. You’ll snorkel in crystal-clear waters and explore a local shipwreck before settling in for the evening. Later, we'll tuck into a buffet-style dinner packed with local flavours, then gather around a soothing bonfire on the beach. For some travellers, tonight's the final night of their trip, so make the most of it. Finally, we'll end the day resting on the shores beside our rustic beach huts.*Please note: On some departures the Isla Experience Special Stay will occur before the stay in El Nido. This will be reflected in the hotel list.

Ah, the final day is here. Make the most of your last meal in this wonderful marine ecstasy. Because we’re heading straight to El Nido. Our island exploration has come to an end. Goodbyes are due. Contacts are shared. Tears are shed. New friends are tagged on insta stories. And perhaps, plans are made to meet again at another destination to reminisce about these unforgettable island hopping memories (and make some new ones too!)