Coron’s best water stops fit into one busy day. This eight-hour island-hopping trip links Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoons, Reef Garden, Skeleton Wreck, and Smith Beach, with hotel pickup, a boat, guide, permits, and buffet lunch included. I like the mix of freshwater swimming and saltwater snorkeling, and I also like that the route includes both … Read more
Nighttime Palawan has its own light show. At Iwahig River, you travel by boat through dark mangroves while fireflies flicker in the trees. I like the quiet river setting and the boat guide’s lively, funny way of spotting the insects. The main drawback is value: at $38 per person, the 45-minute cruise may feel short … Read more
The sea looks best from above. El Nido’s zipline sends you from a forested hillside toward an island, with clear water, limestone cliffs, and Las Cabanas Beach spread below. I like the spectacular position and the choice between a seated ride and the more exciting Superman pose. I also like that the activity is short, … Read more
Comfort changes the whole island day. This Coron trimaran tour combines famous lagoons and beaches with space to rest, a barbecue buffet, and free kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. I especially like the onboard chef and attentive crew, plus the upper deck, hammocks, shower, toilet, and lounges. The main catch is price: at $187 per person, … Read more
Nature does the heavy lifting here. The Puerto Princesa Underground River tour takes you from the city to a limestone coast, then into a dark cave where an underground river runs straight toward the sea. I like the well-organized transport, which includes city pickup, air-conditioning, boat transfers, and the return trip. I also like the … Read more
Sun, sea, and a plate of Filipino food make a fine Palawan day. This Honda Bay tour combines small-group boat travel with swimming, snorkeling, and unhurried time on Lu-Li and Cowrie islands. I like the included lunch and the chance to avoid arranging your own boat, especially if you want a simple day outside Puerto … Read more
History feels close here. This three-hour walk through Intramuros links Fort Santiago, the Jose Rizal Museum, Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, and Casa Manila in one focused route. I like the way Russell Leyco explains difficult chapters of Philippine history in clear English, and I like that admission fees are included rather than added at … Read more
Whale sharks make a very big first impression. This 10-hour Oslob outing pairs a 30-minute snorkel with these enormous fish, a light Filipino breakfast, and private hotel transport from Cebu City, Mactan, or Mandaue. I like the door-to-door service and the careful timing, especially since the drive to Oslob is long. I also like that … Read more
Bohol packs a lot into one day. This 8-hour tour links the island’s best-known sights with older churches, local crafts, a river cruise, and the famous Chocolate Hills. I like the mix of scenery and culture, especially the Loboc River lunch cruise and the chance to see places beyond the main viewpoints. I also like … Read more
Puerto Princesa reveals itself in small, tasty stops. I like the mix of butterflies, bay views, and local history, and the chance to try hopia filled with monggo, ube, or pastillas at Bakers Hill. The $14 price also includes transport, a guide, entrance fees, and light snacks. The main tradeoff is the brisk pace: with … Read more
