SHORTLIST

Philippines Island Hopping

Are you ready, beach enthusiasts? We’ve got 9 days of ultimate island hopping in store. It’s time to experience this tropical symphony of crystal blue waters, white-sand beaches, awe-inspiring historical sites (and countless insta-worthy spots too). You’ll discover reefs and shipwrecks in Port Barton. Take a boat ride through the jaw-dropping limestone caves at Puerto Princesa. Dine on authentic Filipino food. Catch once-in-a-lifetime sunset views in El Nido. And of course, soak in the blissful beach vibes throughout - all with your new set of fellow island lovers. Grab your swimsuit and let’s go!
Tour details
Tour Provider Contiki
Price From
$2,186
Number of Days
9
Start Location
Manila, Philippines
End Location
El Nido, Philippines
Age Range
18 to 35
Group Size
20 to 45
Tour Style
Standard
Tour Themes
No specific theme
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate
Itinerary Open all
Manila to Puerto Princesa
Breathtaking beaches. Spectacular seafood. Rustic marine rendezvous. 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 in before we zip through the skies straight to our very first white-sand destination.
Feel the beach vibes hitting you already? Same. Nothing’s better than a free evening to spend on one of the most pristine islands here, Palawan. But first, we feast. Exchange proper hellos with your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner. And for a prime local experience, you can end the night at a Tiki bar with Filipino tunes and cocktails. Today might be over, but this is just beginning…
Puerto Princesa to Port Barton via Underground River
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. For your very first adventure, 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 - as part of a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. You’ll stop by at Nanay Elena’s House for a traditional Filipino meal, made using only the freshest ingredients (that she grows in her own farm!). Afterwards, drop your bags at our beachfront hotel. Relax on the shore. Explore the tiny town. The night is still young, and it’s all yours!
Port Barton
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.
Port Barton
Ocean-lovers, unite! Today, we’re going island hopping in our very own private boat. You’ll 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?
Port Barton to El Nido
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! This evening, we’ll hop onto a Filipino-classic tricycle to go to Las Cabanas - one of the best sunset points in the ENTIRE country. There’s no better way to end the day, we promise.
El Nido
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 dsn’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 enigmatic milky-white water. So, don’t! And finally, we’ll end the day on the most popular beach in all of Palawan (and maybe even the Philippines, if you ask us) - Nacpan Beach.
El Nido
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.
El Nido to Island Special Stay
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 catch a boat-transfer.

This is what you’ve been waiting for. You’ll drop your bags off at our Special Stay and head to our next MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience where we'll spend time exploring local culture - something straight outta a storybook. Afterwards, you’ll snorkel under the crystal blue water and explore a local shipwreck! We’ll then head to another authentic Filipino experience. Delicious local food served on a long banana leaf across the table devoured with your hands AKA a boodle fight. Finally, we'll light up a soothing bonfire and end the day resting on the shores (next to our rustic beach huts).
Island Special Stay to El Nido
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!)
Inclusions
  • 2 Dinner (D)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)
  • 4 Lunch (L)
Departure dates
Start End Availability Price NZD
09 Nov 2024 17 Nov 2024 Available $2,768
13 Nov 2024 21 Nov 2024 Available $2,186
30 Nov 2024 08 Dec 2024 Available $2,186
07 Dec 2024 15 Dec 2024 Available $2,768
11 Dec 2024 19 Dec 2024 Available $2,186
21 Dec 2024 29 Dec 2024 Available $2,768
28 Dec 2024 05 Jan 2025 Available $2,186
04 Jan 2025 12 Jan 2025 Available $2,768
11 Jan 2025 19 Jan 2025 Available $2,419
22 Jan 2025 30 Jan 2025 Available $2,186
29 Jan 2025 06 Feb 2025 Available $2,186
01 Feb 2025 09 Feb 2025 Available $2,768
15 Feb 2025 23 Feb 2025 Available $2,768
22 Feb 2025 02 Mar 2025 Available $2,186
08 Mar 2025 16 Mar 2025 Available $2,186
15 Mar 2025 23 Mar 2025 Available $2,419
29 Mar 2025 06 Apr 2025 Available $2,186
12 Apr 2025 20 Apr 2025 Available $2,186
26 Apr 2025 04 May 2025 Available $2,186
10 May 2025 18 May 2025 Available $2,186