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Best of the Philippines

10 day small group tour, Manila to El Nido

The Philippines offers a bit of everything, from forests to seaside villages and pristine beaches. This 10-day adventure takes you from lush jungles to idyllic islands. Spend a day with a local Indigenous community, exploring their land and sharing a meal. Sample bold flavors in Manila’s Chinatown, then let Palawan dazzle you with the Underground River and El Nido’s turquoise waters. This is the Philippines trip you’ve been dreaming of. Ready to dive in?

Your tour highlights

  • Your G for Good Moment: Mount Purro Nature Reserve, Mount Purro
  • Your G for Good Moment: Sibaltan Heritage Community, El Nido
  • Intramuros walking tour
  • Manila Street Food & Jeepney Tour
  • Mount Purro Nature Reserve G for Good Experience
  • Iwahig Firefly Excursion
  • Puerto Princesa Subterranean River tour
  • Full day Port Barton Island Hopping tour
  • Sibaltan Indigenous community experience
  • Full day El Nido Snorkeling tour

Tour itinerary

Day
1
Manila

Arrive at any time.

Day
2
Manila

Day 2Manila
Spend today touring through the best parts of Manila. Start with a walking tour of the heart of Manila, the walled city of Intramuros. Walk under Fort Santiago, admire the architecture of Manila Cathedral, visit Casa Manila, and more. In the afternoon, we’ll hop in a classic Filipino Jeepney and ride through through Binondo, Manila’s Chinatown, known as Manila’s culinary hub. Come hungry and sample the delicious and unique Filipino and Chinese fusion street food along the way.

Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner

Day
3
Manila

Today we’ll leave the bustling city behind and head to the jungle of Mount Purro Nature Reserve to spend a day with the Dumagat Indigenous community, learning more about Indigenous food and culture. An adventure filled day, you’ll do some light hiking, join in an Indigenous cooking demonstration, build the fire for cooking and make sinigang, a traditional pork dish cooked in bamboo. Then dig into the meal while hearing the stories of the locals. In the afternoon, return back to Manila.

Exclusive Inclusions: Your G for Good Moment Mount Purro Nature Reserve
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Day
4
Manila/Puerto Princesa

Depart the big city this morning and fly to Puerto Princesa. After arriving, spend the afternoon at leisure. Opt to take a tour of the seaside town with visits to Baker’s Hill and Plaza Cuartel. This evening, we are venturing out into the mangroves to see the night sky illuminate full of fireflies on the Iwahig Firefly Watching Tour.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day
5
Puerto Princesa/Port Barton

This morning, visit the famous underground river at the UNESCO World Heritage site, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Hop into a boat and cruise through the cave. In the afternoon, drive to Port Barton.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Day
6
Port Barton

Port Barton
This morning, we’ll load into a boat and spend the day out on the water on an Island Hopping adventure. Relax under the sun, snorkel and look out for sea turtles, and enjoy lunch on board. In the evening, enjoy a free evening in Port Barton.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Day
7
Port Barton/El Nido

Travel this morning from Port Barton to El Nido. Once in El Nido, visit the Sibaltan Heritage House. After meeting the community, jump in with a hands-on in a cooking demonstration and tasting with the local women. Then witness the local traditions of the community, learning their local songs and cultural dances, and observe the Cuyonon artisan weaving.

Exclusive Inclusions: Your G for Good Moment Sibaltan Heritage Community
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Day
8
El Nido

Spend the whole day out on the sea today in a private boat island hopping adventure. Cruise, snorkel and swim your way through picturesque beaches, perfect blue water and around krast formations. Make pit stops at gorgeous beaches, like Secret Beach and Hidden Beach, and keep your eyes out for sea turtles, eels and rays in the water.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Day
9
El Nido

On your last full day in El Nido and the Philippines, spend the day however you’d like. Opt to relax on a beach, take a day trip to Kuyawyaw Falls or hike Mt Taraw.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day
10
El Nido

Depart any time

Meals included: Breakfast

 

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Tour pricing:

from $2,444

per person twin/double share*

To secure your place now:

Phone: 03 364 3400 or 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]

Contact Us for details

Tour Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment: Mount Purro Nature Reserve, Mount Purro
Your G for Good Moment: Sibaltan Heritage Community, El Nido
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Intramuros walking tour
Manila Street Food & Jeepney Tour
Mount Purro Nature Reserve G for Good Experience
Iwahig Firefly Excursion
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River tour
Full day Port Barton Island Hopping tour
Sibaltan Indigenous community experience
Full day El Nido Snorkeling tour
All transport to and from included activities
Accommodations
Hotel (9nts).

Meals
9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinner

Staff & experts
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and local guides throughout

Not included:

Allow USD125-165 for meals not included.

Conditions:

Travel Style: Classic All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price. Service Level: Standard Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport. Physical Rating: 2 - Light Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging. Trip Type: Small Group Small group experience; Max 16, avg 14 Age requirement: 12+ All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
What a trip! The whole trip was amazing and I have come away with my preconceived ideas about the region changed in a positive way. Most young people have some English. Many young ones wanted to engage in conversation to practice their English. They seemed genuinely interested in us. It was very surprising to see NZ wines on the list of many books the hotels we stayed in and also in a remote very small dairy type store. Many of our hotels were outstanding. The odd accommodation we had in more remote areas were not so salubrious but considering where we were I was very happy. They were all clean and tidy. Lyndon was a great tour leader. Both Kylie and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and feel privileged to be able to visit these countries at an early stage in their tourism journey.
Silk Road Odyssey, May2025, Karen & Kylie
We would like to thank you for organising our Japan trip, everything about it was perfect. Our guided activities struck a good balance between history, both ancient and more recent, as well as just the right amount of opportunity to experience daily Japan life. Our accommodations struck the right balance and the private vehicles with drivers were super prompt and most comfortable. The Toyota Alphard limousines with Lazy Boy style seats were quite something! All our guides were excellent.
Japan, Tim & Malin
We have had an amazing time in China and our guide was superb. There was just so much to see and do as the country is huge. A very relaxing Yangtze River Cruise and then jam-packed days exploring many highlights of China. So, thanks for your help and support.
China, Elizabeth & Keith
We had an amazing time in India, loved it. Thank you for your recommendation and for making all the arrangements for us. Our Intrepid guide was fantastic - I think he won best Intrepid guide for India in 2023.
India, Paul & Sheila
Our trip was fabulous!! Every aspect was extremely well organised and so easy. GAdventures and our tour guide, Tam, had a well planned and great itinerary so while we got to see some amazing sights, it was still really well paced and relaxing. The timing for everything that you and the GAdventures tour organised for us was perfect. We had no glitches at all and would highly recommend all of the options to others. Thanks so much for all of your efforts for us; they were much appreciated. Hopefully we can arrange another wonderful trip with you again in the not too distant future.
Vietnam & Cambodia, Chris & Robyn
We have had an excellent holiday and a much-needed break. Thank you for your part in making our holiday a success.
Indonesia, Jane & Richard
Our trip was outstanding, our guide was great and we had a whole lot of optional extras that we took the opportunity to enjoy. Everything was seamless and well organised, we had a fantastic group that was just 11 people through Vietnam and 1 extra joined us through Cambodia. I couldn't speak highly enough of G Adventures and their staff. It was a truly memorable experience and I would certainly recommend. Many thanks for all your help and yes we are slowly readjusting to the freezing weather here!
Vietnam & Cambodia, Robyn
My trip to India was fabulous and went without any issues. Thank You!
India, Janine