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Tropical Experience Travel Services - Tours of the Philippines
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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 will then be time to transfer to Iloilo Province, in the centre of the Philippines. Specifically for its geographical location, this province is often referred as the “heart of the Philippines”. Before discovering the wonderful local seas, you will have a glimpse of the local history and culture, moulded by the Spanish colonial period and the activities of an exceptionally thriving local port. The local commerce boomed thanks to the very florid agricultural economy, strictly connected to the sugar cane plantations.
You will then transfer to Sicogon, a tranquil and mostly wild island, lived by a community prevalently dedicated to fishing and agriculture. The Mount Opao majestically dominates the small island, a territory of green nature that is just rarely interrupted by small villages. Here you will enjoy the tranquil local sea in a laidback and genuine setting.
Alternatively, you may sleep in the municipality of Carles, located in the main island of Panay, one of the main fishing towns of the area as well as a place with few beaches where simple hotels are located. Carles is – like Sicogon – a perfect jumping point to explore the Gigantes Islands.
Gigantes Islands (or Isla de Gigantes) is a charming group of 10 islands where you’ll be able to admire white beaches, picturesque rock formations, lagoons and marine landscapes of great value. All this in a pleasant and welcoming scenario, within an area that is just barely touched by the international tourists. This unspoiled heaven is also greatly appreciated for the bountiful seafood available and affordable, especially for molluscs and crustaceans.
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After this “wilder” parenthesis, it will be time for a grand finale with lots of relaxation and beach bliss: the tour continues with Boracay, which is among the most famous islands of the Philippines, thanks to its unmistakable blue and emerald waters. The most beautiful beach of Boracay undoubtedly is White Beach, a 4-km long white-sand and wide shore. It is the perfect place for those who want to regenerate, enjoying the beach and the sea breeze, as well as for those that search for fun and an active stay.
Boracay is also considered a very romantic destination thanks to the wonderful sunset the sun paints on the horizon, right in front of White Beach.
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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.
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What Kind of Tour
This tour will allow you to discover the nature and the seas of the Philippines with varied perspectives and scenarios. It was specifically prepared for those that want to enjoy some of the most famous places of the country, while also going off-the-beaten-track, discovering some more wild and alternative places in the Philippines. 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.
Transfers
The routes Manila-Cebu, Cebu-Iloilo and Boracay-Manila will be covered with short domestic flights.
To transfer within Cebu Province, as well as within Iloilo Province and to reach Caticlan (where the port to reach Boracay is located), 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.
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​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.
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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.
Tour Program
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 – Discovering Iloilo City and its history
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Day dedicated to 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) at a place you will agree with the guide.
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Back to the hotel in the afternoon. Free evening and autonomous dinner (not included).
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Day 6 – Transfer to Sicogon Island: time to chill and familiarize with the local environment
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After breakfast, meeting with driver and transfer to Estancia port with a private vehicle. The transfer will take around 2.5 to 3 hours.
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At Estancia Port, you’ll get a private boat that will take you to Sicogon Island.
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Check-in at the hotel. Free time.
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There are no meals or activities included for this day.
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Day 7 – 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 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 8 – A free and easy day in Sicogon
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Free day for relaxation and activities on your own.
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There are no meals nor activities included for this day.
This day is planned for you to spend some free time and enjoy the beach. It is still possible to organize some (not included) activities autonomously. Your Travel Handbook will have suggestions and advices to do so.
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Day 9 – New tropical paradise: Boracay Island
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Transfer by boat from Sicogon Island to the main Panay Island.
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Follows land transfer to reach the port of Caticlan (around 4-hour transfer time). From Caticlan you will briefly reach the island of Boracay with a boat.
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Arrival on the island and transfer to the hotel.
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Free time to enjoy White Beach.
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There are no activities nor meals included for this day.
​Day 10 – Free day: Enjoy Boracay
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Free day for relaxation or autonomous activities.
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There are no activities nor meals included for this day.
Note: Boracay and its White Beach are the ideal places to enjoy the beach and just relax. Anyway, the Travel Handbook will contain tips to organize autonomous activities or to reach other parts of the island on your own.
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Day 11 – Free day: Enjoy Boracay more!
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Free day for relaxation or autonomous activities.
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There are no activities nor meals included for this day.
Day 12 – Back to Manila. Time to rest or to visit the city
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Transfer from Boracay Island to Caticlan Airport.
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Flight Boracay-Manila.
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Arrival in Manila and transfer to the hotel with transfer service.
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Free time*.
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There are no activities nor meals included for this day.
*The Travel Handbook will provide tips and information to go around the most famous places in the city. If you wish to have an organized day tour of Manila, let us know.
Day 13 – Goodbye!
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Check-out from the hotel.
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Transfer to the airport of Manila with transfer service.
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End of your trip to the Philippines, see you again!
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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.
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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