Eco Sanctuary Islands of El Nido Palawan 8 days

Manila - the city throbs with pulsating energy that the minute you step out of the airport and into a waiting car, you are caught in the confusing maze of people, cars, jeepneys and buses as they juggle for space on the highway. Acquire a deeper understanding of the country’s culture and learn to appreciation it in all its diversity. Experience and observe local color and be like the locals as you venture out on a commuter river boat ride on Pasig River, wander around Intramuros in a calesa, jostle for a ride with the crowd in a train and tricycle, and discover Manila in the raw as you go along.

Early morning departure for Guadalupe Station where we catch the Pasig River Ferry that leaves at 0900h in the morning. Inside the twin-hulled, double engine passenger boat pick a good spot where you may get ample views of the cities and municipalities as we cruise along the riverbank. Pasig River is 25 kilometers long and was once the economic hub and lifeline of Manilenos during the Spanish times. In the early eras of Philippine history, prominent cities of Tondo, Maynila and Namayan came to life along the riverbanks and drew its wealth from it; at the southern bank near the mouth of the of the river, the Spaniards built the walled city of Intramuros; and on its northern bank stands Malacanang Palace, the official residence of the President of the Philippines. As we glide along, we pass by gleaming skyscrapers standing cheek by jowl with less than distinguished looking structures. Chance upon children diving into the river from a makeshift diving board underneath a bridge, old folks lolling in pocket gardens, fishermen trying their luck with their poles and basketball games played out in the heat of the sun.

Disembark at Plaza Mexico Station, located just a stone’s throw away from Fort Santiago. Walk towards Fort Santiago and stroll along its ramparts, reliving history as you go along, then board a Bamboo Bike for a 1.5 hours tour of Intramuros.

Hop on a calesa and cross MacArthur Bridge and alight at Sta. Cruz Church, then cross towards Chinatown in Ongpin Street and walk the whole length of the road where a full gamut of Chinese herbal stores, jewelry shops and other oriental knick-knacks are being sold. Drop by an authentic Chinese tea house for some refreshments before finally hailing a ‘trisikad’ to bring you on to the Philippine National Railway Station, the country’s oldest commuter rail service that was established in 1892. End the tour with a train ride back to Buendia Station, passing through one of the country’s most densely populated areas. Get off to grab a jeepney or a taxi back to your hotel.

Inclusions: Private transfers from hotel to Pasig River Ferry Terminal, public transfers as per itinerary, refreshments, entrance fees and services of an accompanying English-speaking guide.

Note: Except for the drop off from hotel to Guadalupe ferry station, the tour entails taking public commuter vehicles to reach from one destination to the other. As such, the tour may be daunting for some who hates cramped spaces and large crowds but the more adventurous ones may find in it the opportunity to know more about the country and its people.

Return to the hotel and enjoy the hotel lobby’s ambiance. Opt to sample Halo-halo a popular cold dessert in the Philippines made up of crushed ice, evaporated milk or coconut milk, and various ingredients including ube jam (ube halaya), sweetened kidney or garbanzo beans, coconut strips, sago, gulaman (agar), pinipig, boiled taro or soft yams in cubes, flan, slices or portions of fruit preserves and other root crop preserves. The dessert is topped with a scoop of ube ice cream. It is usually prepared in a tall clear glass and served with a long spoon.

Meal included:

Breakfast at the hotel

Take a morning flight to the island of Bohol Palawan, the narrow group of islands found in the western part of the Philippines, is the largest province in the country. Consisting of several islands that have been gaining popular tourist ground because of the breathtaking natural beauty, Palawan is a big treasure trove of immaculate beaches, unexplored coral reefs, diving and mountain sites.

Upon arrival transfer to the resort. Rest of the day at leisure.

Meal included:

Breakfast at the hotel

Star the day early and visit the big or small lagoon, they say you have not really gone to El Nido if you haven’t seen the iconic Big and Small Lagoons. Return to the resort for lunch before proceeding with the Island Tour. Find out how Snake Island got its name, climb into Cudugnon Cave, and see the cathedral-like formation of Pinasil. Our guides will give you fun facts and interesting stories as you discover the famous spots of El Nido.

Lunch will be served in one of the islands before returning to the resort.

Meal included:

Breakfast at the hotel Picnic

Lunch in an Island / in resort

Start your El Nido journey and revel in the remarkable beauty of the famous lagoons and beaches. Marvel at the mysterious limestone walls towering over you while enclosing the crystal water of the Big Lagoon. Discover the Secret Lagoon and its white sand beach, concealed by cliffs, accessible through a narrow crevice. Cap off the epic tour with a view of the scenic-shaped sandbar in Snake Island.

At dinner time a romantic dinner by the beach setup awaits you.

Meal included:

Breakfast at the hotel Lunch in an island / in resort Dinner by the beach

After breakfast proceed to fishing with the community where you will learn from fishing folks who willingly share their knowledge in traditional bottom-fishing. This activity generates a greater economic opportunity as earnings in a few hours is even more than what could take whole day to catch. Their first-hand experience with the guests also makes them appreciate the need to protect Bactuit Bay.

Meal included:

Breakfast at the hotel

Day at leisure, to explore other parts of the island or simply laze by the beach and bask under the sun. Enjoy other complimentary activities by the resort like use of non-motorized watersports equipment (kayak, paddle boards) within the resort and beach clubs. House reef snorkeling with complimentary use of snorkel, mask & fins.

Meal included:

Breakfast at the hotel

Take the flight back to Manila or onward destination.

Meal included:

Breakfast at the hotel