The Philippines is a Southeast Asian country in the Western Pacific, comprising more than 7,000 islands. Its capital, Manila, is famous for its waterfront promenade and centuries-old Chinatown, Binondo. Intramuros, a walled city in colonial times, is the heart of Old Manila.
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Day | Itinerary |
Day 1 | Arrive in Manila |
Day 2 | Manila City Tour |
Day 3 | Arrive in Bohol |
Day 4 | Bohol Tour |
Day 5 | Free at Leisure |
Day 6 | Departure |
Upon arrival in Manila, take your transfer from International Airport to your hotel. Check-in and overnight at the hotel.
Commence the tour from the financial district of Makati including Fort Bonifacio and the American Cemetery, then move on to the city of Manila, the country’s capital. Arrive at Rizal Park, named in honour of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. After a brief picture stop, proceed to the historic Walled City of Intramuros. Travel through the cobbled streets of San Agustin Church, the country’s oldest stone church and view its wide collection of ecclesiastical icons, vestments and other religious articles. Across it is Casa Manila, a reproduction of 19th century house equipped with Oriental and European decor, as well as Philippine antique furniture. Continue on to Fort Santiago, Manila’s main line of defense against invaders from the sea. The stone fort
guards the entrance to the city from Manila Bay and the site of many tragic moments in Philippine History. From the Fort, drive to Quiapo, Manila’s central district, often referred to as the heart of Manila with its market, pilgrimage church of the Black Nazarene, jeepney terminals and bazaars. Then proceed to the Chinese Cemetery, where the mausoleums are as big and as elaborate as houses and where Buddhist and Christian religions are very much in evidence. Return back to the hotel at the end of the
tour.
Private transfer from your hotel to the Domestic Airport for your flight to Bohol. Upon your arrival in Bohol, take a joint transfer to the beach resort. Rest of the day is free at leisure.
Leave your resort early in the morning for a day trip that will introduce you to the wonders of Bohol. First stop is the Philippine Tarsier Foundation in the town of Corella, which serves as a refuge for the smallest primate in the world, the tarsier. Observe these rare, nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat and be amazed by their agility as they move about, leaping from one tree to the other, and swivel their heads nearly 360 degrees. Then proceed to Baclayon, make a short stop at the historical Blood Compact site, where Spain’s Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna, a native chieftain, sealed their friendship with a
symbolic drink. Just nearby is Baclayon Church, one of the many stone churches in Bohol. Having lost only its bell tower and portico recently to a strong earthquake, the church still maintains a museum containing a vast collection of religious art, ecclesiastical vestments, as well as librettos of church music inscribed in Latin on animal skins. Proceed with the tour, passing by Bilar man-made forest, a thick undergrowth of towering mahogany trees grown on the fringes of the highway leading to the Chocolate Hills, the country’s geological wonder. Stop at the drop off area to admire the view of the hills which change in color with the season. In summer, the hill grasses turn deep brown that they resemble chocolate candy drops, hence the name, ‘Chocolate Hills’. Move on to Loboc River where a cruise upstream on a floating restaurant is made more enjoyable with a delectable lunch served on board. Return to the hotel by late afternoon.
Breakfast at the hotel and day free at leisure.
Breakfast at the hotel. Shared transfer from your hotel to the Airport for your flight to Manila. Upon your arrival in Manila, take a private transfer to your hotel or airport.