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TOUR C - The Heart of the Philippines
Guides/Assistance
Our tours could be organized in two different ways:
A- Self-guided version, with English assistance
We'll organize your trip, then you and your companions will travel by yourself, supported (in English language) by experienced local operators in each destination. Before the start of the tour, you will received a Travel Handbook with your itinerary in full detail along with travel documents and tickets, passes and vouchers, so you'll be able to travel around the Philippines in a smooth and organized way. This solution is advised for those that have some travel experience and can communicate using the English language (a bit, at least!). Of course, it's also a good solution for those who want privacy or choose a rather simpler / not too complex tour.
B- Fully guided version, with an English-speaking tour leader
Alternatively you could choose to have a private tour escort appointed by Tropical Experience, who will coordinate all your activities and transfer, to offer the most comfortable way to travel around. We offer privacy and a professional approach. This option is ideal for bigger groups, people who are not comfortable speaking in English and/or have too little or zero travel experience. It can also be an advised solution for certain destinations that may have complicated logistics. Surely, it is also a service that fits those who need prime-level guide services.
Other "combinations" or different options can be discussed by E-mail.
General Description
Are you searching for a tour of the Philippines combining both famous places and hidden gems? This exciting tour is just the answer! This unforgettable trip will take you straight to the heart of the Philippines, discovering the centre of this wonderful archipelago while enjoying a lot of different experiences.
We’re focused on the seas of the Visayas region, combining celebrated destinations – such as Cebu Province and Boracay Island – and well-kept secrets like the wide Panay Island where the Iloilo Province is.
This tour of the Philippines is ideal for those who want to discover the most thrilling landscapes of the Philippines, dedicating time to experiencing the local seas, yet also witnessing its local traditions and the stratified local culture.
This alternates adventurous activities and moments of pure relaxation, with full contact with the people and the local culture, doing it in a natural and authentic way.
The trip starts in Cebu Province, which gets its name from its capital city, the vibrant second biggest metropolitan area of the country. However, the modern urban landscape of Cebu City will be quickly left behind, as you will move to its countryside. Leaving the city, you’ll find yourself in an environment characterized by lush nature, where the simple local life unfolds slowly. Here you will have a unique chance: in Oslob, you will be able to jump into the sea and admire closely the “gentle giants of the sea”, the whale sharks. These animals get close to the coastline early in the morning where they interact with the local fishermen. Then, you will also have time to chill by the clear water, enjoying the beautiful local beaches in Sumilon Island.
One of the best places for snorkelling in Cebu surely is Moalboal, with its tiny Pescador Island, an exceptional marine sanctuary full of life. Here’s where will encounter the picturesquely famous sardine runs yet also other exciting marine animals such as sea turtles, dolphins and multiple species of colourful fishes.
To complete the picture of the charming Cebu Province, you will also visit the fairy-tale like scenery in the Kawasan Falls.
It's then time to move to the province of Iloilo, in the central Philippines. Because of its geographical location, this province is often referred to as the "heart of the Philippines". You'll first visit to the northern part of Iloilo province, in the town of Carles, one of the region's most important fishing centers, nestled in a rural setting. Here, you'll find a few beaches and small, simple hotels. Carles is also a perfect starting point for reaching the Gigantes Islands. The Gigantes Islands (or Isla de Gigantes) is a charming archipelago of ten islands where you can admire white beaches, picturesque rock formations, lagoons, and stunning seascapes, such as the iconic Cabugao Gamay and the splendid Tangke Saltwater Lagoon. All this in a pleasant and hospitable setting, in an area only marginally crossed by international tourist routes.
These areas are also highly prized for their abundance of inexpensive fish and seafood, particularly shellfish. You'll then transfer to Iloilo City, where you'll experience the local culture and history. The city of Iloilo and its surroundings were deeply influenced by the colonial presence and by the trade of what was for a long time the country's most important port.
From Iloilo, you'll travel to the neighboring province of Negros Occidental, commonly known as Bacolod. This entire area is known as the "Sugarland" of the Philippines: sugarcane is the driving force of the local economy, and its plantations dominate the landscape. Visiting the cities of Bacolod (the "city of smiles"), Talisay, and Silay, you'll encounter a series of opulent mansions owned by families who made their fortunes thanks to sugar. Although most are private residences, some are open to the public.
Bacolod is also an excellent destination for experiencing local cuisine: the most famous dish is the flavorful "Chicken Inasal" (literally, chicken on a stick). If you prefer fish and seafood, Bacolod is the place for you: seafood is plentiful, tasty, and affordable. Save room for dessert: we're in the land of sugar, and there's no shortage of pastry shops. Moving on to the beaches, the most famous destination is widely considered Sipalay. One of its most famous beaches is called—guess what!—Sugar Beach. This beach is about 1 kilometer long and features shallow, transparent waters. Just behind the beach you'll observe beautiful conical limestone rocks covered in lush green vegetation. In the bays of Tinagong Dagat ("hidden sea"), the typical local conical hills emerge from the water like numerous small islets surrounded by emerald waters.
This trip will also give you the opportunity to explore the wonderful Danjugan Island Sanctuary: in a natural setting of great environmental value, you will discover this hidden paradise in a sustainable way. You can wander through its forests, beaches, and lagoons, and enjoy exceptional snorkeling, accompanied by expert staff who will also provide environmental education activities to fully understand the local ecosystem.
It will then be time to go back to Manila where you will end an unforgettable trip, that will have been both adventurous and restoring.
What Kind of Tour
This tour will allow you to discover the nature, culture and the seas of the Philippines with varied perspectives and scenarios. It was specifically prepared for those that want to enjoy hidden gems of the Philippines and go a bit off-the-beaten-track, discovering also some more iconic and known places of the country. The tour alternates adventure and relaxation, always staying close to the beaches that surround the 7641 Philippine Islands.
The duration of the trip as shown in the Program below is the minimum advised: if you want to add more days for more rest or more adventure, you can extend this trip easily. It is packed with a good number of active experiences, though it is generally fitting for all kind of travellers and all ages. It though require several transfers as it is an articulated yet well-balanced tour.
Transfers
The routes Manila-Cebu, Cebu-Iloilo and Bacolod City-Manila will be covered with short domestic flights.
To transfer within Cebu Province, as well as within Iloilo and Negros Occidental provinces, private vehicles with drivers will be provided.
For day tours and transfers on the sea, you will have motorized boat transfers. For day tours and transfers by land, you will have a van or a car with driver service will be provided (gasoline, parking fees and driver’s meals already included). You could also use small tricycle (known also as “tuk tuk”) for short transfers in small towns.
Meals
Grassroots travel means that you try to do the local way, and that means eating at local restaurants. The food is always freshly made and delicious, and there is generally a great variety on offer. If in case one or some of the guests has allergies or other issues or diet preferences linked to food, please let us know in advance so we’ll make necessary adaptations.
Accommodation
We make efforts to provide traditional accommodation that are clean and comfortable - with local touch and Western standards. You'll mainly stay in small to medium, locally- run hotels, resorts and guesthouses that reflect the character of the area.
We can, however, also arrange different levels of accommodation on most of our trips, depending on budget and preferred kind of services.
Generally, we propose the following hotel levels (consider that available levels may also change depending on the chosen destinations)
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Basic Level: overnight in small guesthouse-type budget hotels, with no frills but providing the basic comforts and services (private room, private toilet and bath, hot/cold shower, air-conditioning , cleaning service, breakfast, Wi-Fi at least in common areas)
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Comfort Level: pleasantly - selected medium-level establishments with good level of services and typical/local atmosphere and personality. Generally preferring good hotels of medium-small size.
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Superior Level: medium-high budget hotels with great level of services, for travelers who want to be sure to have all the modern comforts and convenience but not necessarily luxurious.
Luxury level accommodation is also available for those who prefer it.
Note: for this tour, not all levels are available in all destinations. Tell us your favourite range and we will provide you with the closest hotel level available.
Tour Program
Day 1 – Arrival in Manila, time to rest
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Arrival at the airport. Transfer to the hotel. Time to rest.
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Meals and other independent activities are not included.
Note: the tour can be started as well with international arrival/departure in/from Cebu.
Day 2 – Transfer near Oslob, in the southernmost part of Cebu Province
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Transfer to Manila Airport with transfer service. Flight Manila-Cebu.
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Arrival in Cebu and meeting with driver at the airport. Transfer to Oslob with private vehicle with driver.
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During the transfer, stop-over at Kawasan Falls, that you will visit after a short walk surrounded by nature.
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Back to the vehicle. Arrival near Oslob and check-in at the hotel. Free time.
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Free evening. Dinner not included.
Day 3 – The magical encounter with the whale sharks + Sumilon Island
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Departure in the early morning from the hotel. Transfer to the area where the whale sharks get near the coast. After the instructions of the local stuff, you’ll be able to snorkel around these beautiful animals.
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Next, transfer to Sumilon Island, where you can spend time until the afternoon. On the island you’ll have time to chill, snorkel, walk and do other activities on your own.
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Lunch included on the island.
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Follows trip back to the hotel.
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Free evening. Dinner not included.
Day 4 – Moalboal, Pescador Island and transfer to Iloilo
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Transfer to the beach of Moalboal – located in another area of the south of Cebu Province – and discovery of the near tiny Pesador Island, that you will reach with a private boat. Here you’ll be able to admire the colourful and peculiar marine fauna, by snorkelling.
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The lunch is not included and it can be purchased on the spot.
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Follows transfer to the vehicle and transfer to the city of Cebu.
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Flight Cebu-Iloilo.
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Arrival in Iloilo City and transfer to the hotel. Free time, dinner not included.
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The transfers for this day will be provided with a private vehicle with driver.
Day 5 – Transfer to Carles, in the Northern Part of the Province + Chilling by the Sea
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After breakfast, meeting with your driver and transfer towards the Northernmost part of Iloilo (the transfer takes around 3 hours).
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Lunch (not included) autonomously during one of the stops or upon arrival.
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Arrival in Carles, check-in at local beach resort.
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Free time to chill and relax. Dinner not included.
Day 6 – The marvellous Gigantes Islands archipelago
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This day is dedicated to a boat tour exploring the best beauties of this small and big archipelago of Visayas Region. You will visit Cabugao Gamaly Island, Lantagan Beach, the Tangke Saltwater Lagoon and other destinations.
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For this day, you will be provided with a private boat with crew.
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Lunch is included, tasting the fresh local seafood.
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Back to the hotel in the afternoon. Free evening. Dinner not included.
Day 7 – Free morning, then traditional lunch and local countryside
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Free morning to chill and enjoy the beach.
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At lunch time, you will transfer to the town of Estancia where you will enjoy a typical lunch in a small informal restaurant that prepares dishes that follow the local traditions. Lunch included (pre-arranged set).
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Next, you will be taken to a local lake to enjoy the calm landscapes of the picturesque inland side of Iloilo Province.
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Back to the hotel. Free night. DInner not included.
The activities described for the lunch and the rest of the afternoon have limited availabilty. At the moment of the reservation, you will be told if these are actually available. Alternatively, the day can be dedicated to enjoy the sea or to do other autonomous activity: the Travel Handbook will provide tips and instructions.
Day 8 – Discovering Iloilo City and its History
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You will transfer back to Iloilo City and will spend your day discovering the “Ilonggo” culture and the history of Iloilo City and its surroundings. You will discover the heritage mansions of some of the most affluent families of the past (Balay Na Bato, Molo Mansion), the unique church of Miag-ao (UNESCO Heritage). You will familiarize with the local history and with the culinary traditions of the place, including sweets (the city is a capital of the commerce of sugar) and the famous seafood.
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Lunch (not included) during the activities.
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Back to the hotel in the afternoon. Free evening and autonomous dinner (not included).
Day 9 – Discovering Bacolod City, the Capital of Sugarland, Silay and Sipalay
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In the morning, transfer to Iloilo seaport. Follows transfer Iloilo City-Bacolod City with a short ferry trip.
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At the seaport, meeting with driver to visit the most significant places in the the 3 cities of Bacolod, Talisay and Silay. You will discover the famous "ruins" of the beautiful villa of the Lacson Family, the Jalandoni House and museum, the Hofileña Museum.
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You will get to try the local sweets and you will try to witness the making of the local delicacies in the local laboratories (this activity depends on the schedule).
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Lunch (not included) trying the bountiful local seafoods and/or the famous Bacolod Chicken Inasal.
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Back to the hotel in the afternoon.
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Free night. Dinner not included.
Day 10 – Moving South, Exploring Sipalay and Sugar Beach
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Departure with a private vehicle with driver from Bacolod City. It will be time to travel south passing through the endless sugar plantation that characterized the local landscape (3-4 hours transfer time).
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Arrival in Sugar Beach (Sipalay) and check-in at hotel near the beach.
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Free time to enjoy the beach and the sea.
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There are no meals nor activities included for this day.
Day 11 – Visit of the Wonderful Natural Reserve of the Danjugan Island Sanctuary
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Transfer from Sugar Beach to local seaport. You'll meet with the staff of Danjugan Island and will transfer to the island using a boat.
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On the island you will be able to do snorkeling, walk in nature and go around by kayak. The activities will be done with the support of a local guide that will take you around the most beautiful spots of the island and will show the activities conducted for the environmental preservation of this wonderful natural reserve.
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Lunch included on the island.
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Back to Sugar Beach in the afternoon.
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Free evening. Dinner not included.
Day 12 – Free day to Enjoy the Chilling Environment of Sugar Beach
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Free day to relax and chill by the beach.
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There are no meals nor activities included during this day.
Day 13 – Back to Manila
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Transfer back to Bacolod City with private vehicle with driver (around 3-4 hours of travel). Flight Bacolod-Manila.
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Lunch (not included) during the transfer.
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Arrival in Manila and transfer to the hotel with transfer service.
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Free time and dinner (not included) on your own.
Day 14 – See you!
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Check-out dall’albergo.
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Segue trasferimento all’aeroporto di Manila con servizio shuttle. Fine del vostro viaggio nelle Filippine.
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Non ci sono pasti o attività incluse per questa giornata.
Price
For a free quotation, write an e-mail to experiencetropical@gmail.com
How to modify or extend my trip to the Philippines?
If you have some extra time and you want to stay within the same area, from Iloilo you may reach the nearby Bacolod (Negros Occidental Province), a not-so-visited and genuine place, with an interesting history linked to sugarcane plantations, beautiful natural landscapes and beaches. A great place for a quiet escape.
If you want to know more famous places in the Philippines while still staying in the Visayas Region, you may add Bohol with its famous Chocolate Hills, the Tarsier Sanctuary and much more. Or, if you want to fully change scenario, you may visit Palawan Province and the beauties of El Nido and/or Puerto Princesa Underground River.
Terms and conditions
Before booking this tour, please read the page Terms and Conditions on our website. The present itinerary should be considered as general. It may still vary due to weather, unavoidable obstacles, booking availability or other variables that are not under our control. Please inform us as well about physical obstacles or particular health conditions of a guest so the logistical flow and/or activities will be adjusted accordingly.
For inquiries, you can also use the Contact Form below. You will receive an answer by E-mail as soon as possible!
Some of our videos around these places