Philippines Christmas & New Year Adventure (Dec 24 2025 – Jan 6 2026)

Day 1: Dec 24 – Arrival in Cebu (Evening)

Evening: After landing at Mactan‑Cebu International Airport, transfer to your hotel in downtown Cebu. Enjoy a relaxed walk along the harbor and a welcome dinner featuring fresh seafood.

Day 2: Dec 25 – Cebu City & Coastal Highlights

Morning: Explore historic Magellan’s Cross and the iconic Fort San Pedro, then stroll through the bustling Carbon Market.

Afternoon: Head to Moalboal for a snorkeling session at Pescador Island, famous for its vibrant reef walls and sardine run.

Evening: Dine at a seaside restaurant in Moalboal and watch the sunset over the western coast.

Day 3: Dec 26 – Trekking & Marine Life in Cebu

Morning: Drive to Osmeña Peak for a moderate trek that rewards you with panoramic views of the island’s rolling hills.

Afternoon: Return to Moalboal for a relaxed snorkel at Panagsama Beach, where you can spot sea turtles and colorful macro critters.

Evening: Enjoy a quiet night in Cebu, perhaps trying the local specialty “lechon kawali”.

Day 4: Dec 27 – Fly to Boracay

Morning: Take a short flight from Cebu to Caticlan and a ferry ride to Boracay Island. Check‑in and settle into your beachfront resort.

Afternoon: Unwind on the famous White Beach, strolling the powder‑white sand and dipping your toes in the crystal‑clear water.

Evening: Savor a beachfront dinner and watch the vibrant nightlife along Station 1.

Day 5: Dec 28 – Snorkeling Adventure

Morning: Board a boat to Crocodile Island for a guided snorkel among thriving coral gardens and occasional reef sharks.

Afternoon: Return to Boracay for a leisurely lunch and optional paddle‑boarding around Bulabog Beach.

Evening: Relax with a sunset cocktail at a beachfront bar and enjoy a low‑key dinner.

Day 6: Dec 29 – Island Trekking

Morning: Hike up to Mount Luho, the island’s highest point, for sweeping views of the archipelago and the sea.

Afternoon: Explore the quieter northern side of the island, visiting the secluded Puka Shell Beach for a peaceful swim.

Evening: Attend a small, local celebration for Christmas Eve on the beach, featuring acoustic music and lanterns.

Day 7: Dec 30 – Free Day / Optional Excursion

Morning: Choose a relaxed start with a yoga session on the beach or a spa treatment at your resort.

Afternoon: Optional day trip to nearby Carabao Island, a less‑crowded spot known for pristine sands and clear waters.

Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner at a local eatery, tasting authentic Aklan cuisine.

Day 8: Dec 31 – New Year’s Eve Celebration

Morning: Take a leisurely bike ride along the shoreline, stopping at the iconic Willy’s Rock for photos.

Afternoon: Prepare for the night’s festivities; consider a sunset cruise that offers a front‑row view of the fireworks.

Evening: Celebrate New Year’s Eve on White Beach with live music, a countdown, and a spectacular fireworks display over the ocean.

Day 9: Jan 1 – Fly to Coron (Palawan)

Morning: Catch an early flight from Caticlan to Busuanga Airport, then transfer to your resort in Coron Town.

Afternoon: Settle in and enjoy a gentle snorkel around the calm waters of Coron Bay, spotting colorful reef fish.

Evening: Dine at a local restaurant and relax after the travel day.

Day 10: Jan 2 – World‑Class Diving

Morning: Embark on a scuba dive at the famed Barracuda Lake, renowned for its thermocline and surreal underwater scenery.

Afternoon: Continue diving at Siete Pecados, a group of small islands offering abundant marine life and vibrant corals.

Evening: Share dive stories over dinner and enjoy a quiet night under the stars.

Day 11: Jan 3 – Lagoon & Lake Exploration

Morning: Visit the iconic Kayangan Lake, often called the “cleanest lake in Asia,” for a short hike and a refreshing swim.

Afternoon: Explore the stunning Twin Lagoon, where you can snorkel through turquoise waters and hidden caves.

Evening: Return to town for a relaxed dinner and a stroll along the waterfront promenade.

Day 12: Jan 4 – Trekking & Hidden Beaches

Morning: Hike up to Mount Tapyas for panoramic views of the archipelago and the surrounding sea.

Afternoon: Take a boat to the secluded Malcapuya Island, offering powdery white sand and excellent snorkeling away from the crowds.

Evening: Enjoy a beachside BBQ on the island before heading back to your resort.

Day 13: Jan 5 – Transfer to Manila

Morning: Fly from Busuanga to Manila and check into a centrally located hotel in Intramuros.

Afternoon: Explore the historic walled city, visiting Fort Santiago and the San Agustin Church.

Evening: Savor a farewell dinner in the bustling Roxas Boulevard area, with views of Manila Bay.

Day 14: Jan 6 – Departure

Early Morning: Transfer to Ninoy Aquino International Airport for your early flight home, carrying memories of a festive island adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Magellan’s Cross & Fort San Pedro – 3 hrs – $15
• Moalboal (Pescador Island snorkeling) – 4 hrs – $30
• Osmeña Peak trek – 5 hrs – $20
• White Beach (Boracay) – 4 hrs – $0
• Crocodile Island snorkeling – 3 hrs – $25
• Mount Luho hike – 4 hrs – $10
• Puka Shell Beach – 3 hrs – $20
• Carabao Island optional trip – 3 hrs – $20
• Barracuda Lake dive – 2 hrs – $100
• Siete Pecados snorkeling – 2 hrs – $30
• Twin Lagoon – 2 hrs – $20
• Kayangan Lake – 2 hrs – $15
• Malcapuya Island – 4 hrs – $30
• Mount Tapyas hike – 2 hrs – $10
• Intramuros (Fort Santiago & San Agustin) – 3 hrs – $15
• Total Estimated Cost: $350

Tips

If you need to shorten the trip, consider dropping the optional Carabao Island excursion and the free day in Boracay, which will reduce travel time by two days while still covering the main highlights. To extend the adventure, add a few days on the Camotes Islands after Cebu for secluded beaches and additional snorkeling, or include a brief stop in Siargao for world‑class surfing and island hopping with excellent flight connections from Manila.