Oslob: Whaleshark Watching, Sumilon Island & Monkey Viewing

Oslob: Whaleshark Watching, Sumilon Island & Monkey Viewing - Whale shark watching at Oslob

Whale sharks, white sand, and monkeys fill one long day. This Southern Cebu tour packs several of Oslob’s best-known stops into a single outing, with private round-trip transport from Cebu or Mactan. I like the easy combination of whale shark watching and Sumilon Island, and I also like that a driver-guide handles the long roads. … Read more

Cebu City: Best of Cebu Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

Cebu City: Best of Cebu Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour - Sirao Garden starts the day with flowers and mountain views

Cebu packs centuries into one day. This eight-hour guided tour links the city’s major landmarks with mountain viewpoints, local food, markets, and a glowing seaside café, making it a handy introduction if you have limited time. I like the broad mix: you get Magellan’s Cross and Santo Niño Basilica for Cebu’s Spanish-era and Catholic story, … Read more

From Manila: 2-Day Buscalan Tour with Apo Whang-od

From Manila: 2-Day Buscalan Tour with Apo Whang-od - Mountain viewpoints before the trek

Come for the tattoo, stay for the mountains. This two-day trip from Manila takes you into Kalinga for a rare meeting with Apo Whang-Od, the legendary mambabatok, or traditional hand-tapped tattoo artist. I like the chance to see Buscalan beyond its famous name, with a homestay, a local guide, a trek through the mountains, and … Read more

Palawan: Private Sailing Yacht Cruise in El Nido

Palawan: Private Sailing Yacht Cruise in El Nido - Starting at 10 a.m. in Corong Corong

Trade the tour boats for a sail. This private El Nido cruise gives you a quieter way to see Bacuit Bay, with a 43-foot Beneteau Oceanis 430, two island stops, snorkeling, lunch, and a sunset return. I especially like the small group limit of five and the chance to visit beaches beyond the usual island-hopping … Read more

From Manila: Tagaytay Countryside Wonders: A Half-Day Tour

From Manila: Tagaytay Countryside Wonders: A Half-Day Tour - Starting from Manila’s hotel districts

Cool air, volcano views, and fruit stalls await. This five-hour outing gives you a simple break from Manila without requiring a full day away. I like the chance to see Taal Volcano from several viewpoints, and I like that the tour pairs famous scenery with a stop at a local fruit market and pineapple field. … Read more

Palawan: Honda Bay Island Hopping Cruise

Palawan: Honda Bay Island Hopping Cruise - The morning pickup and 13-person van

Honda Bay keeps island hopping simple. This nine-hour trip from Puerto Princesa combines three popular stops, a motorized boat, a Filipino lunch, and hotel transport for $40. I like the easy all-in setup and the chance to share the day with a small group, usually 13 people in the van. The biggest catch is that … Read more

Cebu: Dao, Inambakan, Kawasan and Mantayupan Waterfalls Trip

Cebu: Dao, Inambakan, Kawasan and Mantayupan Waterfalls Trip - The early ride to Samboan and Dao Falls

Four waterfalls, one very long day. This Cebu road trip links Dao, Inambakan, Kawasan, and Mantayupan Falls, giving you a broad look at the island’s forest pools, tall cascades, and swimming spots. I like the variety, and I like that a private vehicle, local guide, entrance fees, hotel transport, and drinking water are included. The … Read more

From Puerto Princesa: Day Trip to El Nido and Island Hopping

From Puerto Princesa: Day Trip to El Nido and Island Hopping - Secret Lagoon: a short entrance with a big payoff

El Nido is worth the long road north. I like the chance to see Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commandos Beach in one packed day, and the included kayak and snorkel gear make the boat portion easy to enjoy. The catch is serious: you may spend more than 10 hours in a van for … Read more

PORT BARTON: Full-day Shared Island Hopping Tour A

PORT BARTON: Full-day Shared Island Hopping Tour A - Meeting at Happy Bar and setting out

Port Barton’s best day is spent offshore. This seven-hour boat trip links quiet beaches, sandbars, reefs, and a turtle sanctuary for $34 per person. I like the good-value package, which includes boat transport, a guide, lunch, water, snorkeling gear, and a life vest. I also like the mix of beach time and marine life, especially … Read more