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Philippines Island Adventure – 19 Dec 2025 to 3 Jan 2026

Viewed by 153 travelers

Day 1 – 19 Dec: Arrival in Manila

Morning: Land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Manila. Rest and refresh after the long flight.

Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll around Rizal Park to stretch your legs and enjoy the sunset over Manila Bay.

Evening: Dine at a local restaurant in Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, sampling Filipino‑Chinese delicacies.

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Day 2 – 20 Dec: Manila City Highlights

Morning: Explore historic Intramuros, visiting Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church.

Afternoon: Visit the National Museum to learn about Philippine art and heritage, followed by a coffee break in Roxas Boulevard.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner cruise on Manila Bay, watching the famous light‑and‑sound show.

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Day 3 – 21 Dec: Manila → Puerto Princesa

Morning: Fly to Puerto Princesa (≈ 1 h 15 min) and check into a beachfront resort.

Afternoon: Take a guided walk along the Puerto Princesa Baywalk and sample fresh seafood at the market.

Evening: Relax on Sabang Beach and enjoy a quiet dinner by the sea.

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Day 4 – 22 Dec: Underground River Adventure

Morning: Depart early for the UNESCO‑listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

Afternoon: Cruise through the stunning limestone cavern, spotting unique stalactites and a thriving mangrove ecosystem.

Evening: Return to town for a relaxing soak in a local spa and dinner at a riverside restaurant.

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Day 5 – 23 Dec: Honda Bay Island Hopping

Morning: Board a boat for a half‑day tour of Honda Bay, visiting Starfish Island and Luli Island.

Afternoon: Snorkel over vibrant coral reefs, then enjoy a beachside barbecue lunch.

Evening: Stroll through the night market in Puerto Princesa City, picking up souvenirs.

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Day 6 – 24 Dec: Travel to El Nido

Morning: Private van transfer to El Nido (≈ 5‑6 h), checking into a boutique resort.

Afternoon: Explore the charming town, visit the El Nido Public Market, and relax on Nacpan Beach.

Evening: Enjoy fresh grilled fish at a beachfront restaurant while watching the sunset over Coron Bay.

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Day 7 – 25 Dec: El Nido Island Hopping – Tour A

Morning: Sail to the iconic Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon, kayaking through crystal‑clear waters.

Afternoon: Swim at Secret Beach and relax on the white sands of Shimizu Island.

Evening: Return to town for a casual dinner and a nightcap at a beachfront bar.

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Day 8 – 26 Dec: El Nido Island Hopping – Tour C

Morning: Visit Hidden Beach and Matinloc Shrine for stunning cliff‑side views.

Afternoon: Snorkel at Helicopter Island, spotting colorful reef fish and sea turtles.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset cocktail on the resort’s deck, followed by a romantic dinner.

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Day 9 – 27 Dec: Free Day in El Nido

Morning: Relax at the resort’s pool or take a leisurely walk along Cala Luna Beach.

Afternoon: Optional activities: paddle‑boarding, a cooking class, or a local island trek.

Evening: Dine at Artcafe, known for its live music and eclectic menu.

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Day 10 – 28 Dec: El Nido → Cebu → Moalboal

Morning: Fly from El Nido (via Puerto Princesa) to Cebu City, then a 2‑hour drive to Moalboal.

Afternoon: Check into a beachfront inn and explore Panagsama Beach, famous for its vibrant marine life.

Evening: Sample local Cebuano dishes at a seaside eatery.

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Day 11 – 29 Dec: Moalboal – Sardine Run & Pescador Island

Morning: Dive or snorkel with the spectacular Sardine Run at Panagsama Beach.

Afternoon: Take a boat to Pescador Island for more snorkeling and a chance to see sea turtles.

Evening: Relax with a sunset walk along the shoreline and enjoy fresh grilled squid.

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Day 12 – 30 Dec: Kawasan Falls Day Trip

Morning: Travel to Kawasan Falls (≈ 2 h) and begin a canyoneering adventure through turquoise pools.

Afternoon: Swim under waterfalls and relax on the riverbank, then return to Moalboal.

Evening: Unwind with a soothing foot massage and dinner at the resort.

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Day 13 – 31 Dec: Moalboal → Romblon

Morning: Early drive to Cebu Port and board a ferry to Tablas Island, then a short boat ride to Romblon.

Afternoon: Check into a boutique hotel and explore the historic Romblon Town Plaza.

Evening: Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a beachfront BBQ and fireworks over Marcos Beach.

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Day 14 – 1 Jan: Romblon Marble & Beach Day

Morning: Tour the famous Romblon Marble Quarries and learn about the island’s stonecraft heritage.

Afternoon: Relax on the pristine Bonbon Beach, swimming in crystal‑clear waters.

Evening: Dine on fresh lobsters at a local seaside restaurant.

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Day 15 – 2 Jan: Romblon – Leisure & Preparation

Morning: Optional island‑hopping to nearby Carabao Island for snorkeling.

Afternoon: Pack and enjoy a leisurely lunch at the hotel, reflecting on the trip.

Evening: Transfer back to Cebu by ferry (overnight) to catch the flight home.

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Day 16 – 3 Jan: Departure from Cebu

Morning: Arrive in Cebu City, have a quick breakfast, and head to the airport.

Afternoon: Fly from Cebu to Chennai, concluding the adventure.

Evening: Arrive home with lasting memories of the Philippines.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • International Flight (Chennai → Manila): 1 day travel, approx ₹18,000 (~₱13,000)
  • International Flight (Cebu → Chennai): 1 day travel, approx ₹20,000 (~₱14,500)
  • Domestic Flight (Manila → Puerto Princesa): 0.5 day, approx ₱3,000 (~₹4,200)
  • Domestic Flight (Manila → Cebu): 0.5 day, approx ₱3,500 (~₹4,900)
  • Ferry & Boat Transfers (El Nido ↔ Cebu ↔ Romblon): 1 day total, approx ₱4,500 (~₹6,300)
  • Accommodation (15 nights, mid‑range): 15 days, approx ₱45,000 (~₹63,000)
  • Food & Drinks (couple, 16 days): 16 days, approx ₱37,500 (~₹52,500)
  • Underground River Tour: 0.5 day, approx ₱1,500 (~₹2,100)
  • Island Hopping (El Nido Tours A & C): 1 day, approx ₱4,000 (~₹5,600)
  • Honda Bay Island Hopping: 0.5 day, approx ₱1,200 (~₹1,680)
  • Sardine Run & Pescador Island Snorkel: 1 day, approx ₱2,200 (~₹3,080)
  • Kawasan Falls Canyoneering: 0.5 day, approx ₱2,500 (~₹3,500)
  • Romblon Marble Quarry Tour: 0.5 day, approx ₱800 (~₹1,120)
  • Miscellaneous (entrance fees, tips, souvenirs): 2 days, approx ₱3,000 (~₹4,200)
  • Total Estimated Cost: ₱126,000 (~₹176,000)

Tips

For a more relaxed pace, add an extra day in El Nido or Romblon to explore hidden coves and enjoy additional beach time. If you need to shorten the trip, consider skipping the Romblon leg and flying directly from Cebu to Manila for the return, which reduces travel time and costs while still covering the main island highlights.

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