Bohol: Boat Tour to Sandbar and Snorkeling with Turtles

Bohol: Boat Tour to Sandbar and Snorkeling with Turtles - Getting from Panglao to the open sea

Turtles make this Bohol morning memorable. I like the mix of Balicasag snorkeling and dolphin watching, plus the fact that lunch, drinks, boat transport, and environmental fees are already covered. I also like the crew’s helpful attitude, especially when guides such as Mark, Anthony, and Daniel take extra care with children and less confident swimmers. … Read more

Coron: Barracuda Lake, Skeleton Wreck, Twin Lagoon Boat Tour

Coron: Barracuda Lake, Skeleton Wreck, Twin Lagoon Boat Tour - Skeleton Wreck: an easy first look beneath the surface

Coron’s best water stops fit into one long day. This boat trip brings you to Skeleton Wreck, Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoon, Reef Garden, and Smith Beach, with a Filipino-style lunch served by the crew along the way. I especially like the warm and cool water layers at Barracuda Lake and the generous time allowed for … Read more

From El Nido: to Coron 3-Day 2-Night Island-Hopping Tour

From El Nido: to Coron 3-Day 2-Night Island-Hopping Tour - Day one: leaving El Nido for remote islands

Three days can change your route. This El Nido to Coron expedition swaps a simple transfer for remote beaches, coral reefs, village visits, bonfires, and nights in nipa huts. I like the freedom to adjust the route for weather, tides, and the group’s mood, and I like that meals, snorkeling gear, kayaking, water, guides, and … Read more

Puerto Princesa: Firefly Watching Bay Cruise with Dinner

Puerto Princesa: Firefly Watching Bay Cruise with Dinner - Hotel pickup and the first boat transfer

Magic appears after sunset. This four-hour Puerto Princesa firefly cruise combines a bay outing, a local-style dinner, and a quiet trip into a mangrove estuary where fireflies blink in the trees. I like the hotel pickup and drop-off, which removes much of the evening’s transport fuss, and I like the chance to see both fireflies … Read more

Canyoneering Experience in Kawasan Falls with Lunch

Canyoneering Experience in Kawasan Falls with Lunch - The optional zip line and the walk to the river

Kawasan Falls rewards a little nerve. This half-day trip combines river swimming, rock scrambling, cliff jumps, a Tarzan swing, and a generous Filipino lunch, with guides handling the tricky parts. I especially like the hands-on guides and the fact that they take photos and videos while you keep both hands free. The homemade meal is … Read more

Spectacular Manila to Tagaytay: Full-Day Sightseeing Tour

Spectacular Manila to Tagaytay: Full-Day Sightseeing Tour - Tagaytay Point and the change of pace

One day, two very different worlds. This $105 tour takes you from Manila’s crowded streets to cool Tagaytay, then back into the old stone walls of Intramuros. I like the People’s Park in the Sky views and the way the tour adds major Manila sights without making you arrange several separate rides. I also like … Read more

Boracay: Island Boat Tour with Crystal Cove Entry

Boracay: Island Boat Tour with Crystal Cove Entry - Cruising past Boracay’s beaches

Five hours covers a lot of coastline. This join-in boat tour gives you a useful taste of Boracay beyond White Beach, with swimming stops, snorkeling, a grilled lunch, and time at Crystal Cove. I especially like the mix of water time and shore visits, plus the cheerful guides, including the frequently praised Jessie. I also … Read more

Coron: Coastal Cliffs, Beach & Malcapuya Island Hopping Tour

Coron: Coastal Cliffs, Beach & Malcapuya Island Hopping Tour - Setting out from downtown Coron

Three picture-perfect islands, one long day at sea. This Coron trip is appealing because it joins Banana Island, Malcapuya Island, and Bulog Dos Island in a single banca boat outing, with lunch, boat transfers, entrance fees, and hotel pickup listed in the price. I especially like the chance to see Malcapuya’s white sand and clear … Read more

From Manila: Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour

From Manila: Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour - The Los Baños trolley and coconut pie stop

Bring your swimsuit, then hold on tight. This $97 day trip from Manila combines a quirky wooden trolley ride in Los Baños with a thrilling canoe journey through river rapids to Pagsanjan Falls. I especially like the local transport experience and the chance to eat Laguna’s famous coconut pie in a simple, local setting. The … Read more

Puerto Princesa: Half-Day City Tour with Optional Massage

Puerto Princesa: Half-Day City Tour with Optional Massage - Immaculate Conception Cathedral and Plaza Cuartel

Puerto Princesa rewards a closer look. This tour gives you a practical introduction to the city, mixing local history, food, wildlife, views, and everyday life rather than focusing only on one attraction. I especially like the wide range of stops, from the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and Plaza Cuartel to a crocodile rescue center and weaving … Read more