Philippines

Itinerary:

 

Day 1 - Arrival + Manila (Luzon)

Program:

Arrival to Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport

Order 
Grab transportation from the mobile app

Check-In at the 
ZEN Rooms Sun Star Manila hotel

Accomodation:

ZEN Rooms Sun Star Manila (980PHP/429CZK/16.56EUR/18.54USD/room/night)

Comfortable, clean and spacious hotel room in hotel with security service in the markets area. In walkable distance from the historical center.

Transport:

Flights Prague-Munich-Muscat-Manila with 
Oman Air (23230/10166CZK/392EUR/438USD/person/return ticket)

Grab taxi Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport - 
ZEN Rooms Sun Star Manila hotel (323PHP/142CZK/5.5EUR/6.2)

Food:

Beers, water, chips and sandwiches at 7-Eleven 3 minutes walk from the 
ZEN Rooms Sun Star Manila hotel (395PHP/173CZK/6.7EUR/7.6USD)

Comment:

The area that we stayed in is close to the historical center, but basically in the middle of a huge market place so it’s a bit dirty and crowded during the day. There are no street lights so we recommend to get to the hotel before it’s dark or hire taxi, 
Grab or tricycle even though receptionist at the hotel told us it’s safe to go out at midnight.

Tips:

Download 
Grab app (Philippines’ alternative to Uber) 

Buy data SIM card at the airport from 
Smart or 
Globe 

Drink only bottled water bought in trustful shops. Might be also good to use it for teeth brushing.

Buy some hard alcohol (in your home country or at the airport - something like grappa or Czech slivovice/hruškovice and drink it every day in the morning as prevention against digestions issues.

 

Day 2 - Manila (Luzon) + Cebu City (Cebu)

Program: 

On foot walk through the historical center of Manila and visit of following places:

• Quiapo markets

• Chinatown

• Minor Basilica of Black Nazarene

• Intramuros

• Fort Santiago (entrance fee 75PHP/33CZK/1.3EUR/1.5USD/person)

• Aduana Building

• Katedral Ng Maynila

• Plaza Moriones

• Plaza de Roma

• Arcibishop’s Palace of Manila

• Puerta de Santa Lucia

• Baluarte de San Diego

• Japanese Garden

• Rizal Park

• Statue of the Sentinel of Freedom

• National Museum of Anthropology

• National Museum of Fine Arts (free entrance)

• Manila City Hall

• SM City shopping center

Flight to Cebu City

Accomodation: 

Fuente Oro Business Suites in Cebu City (1417PHP/620CZK/24EUR/27USD/room with breakfast/night)

Clean small room with private bathroom and ok breakfast served on the top floor.

25 minutes walk from the South Bus Terminal.

Transport:

Manila center tour by foot on our own without a guide.

Grab from the center to the hotel to pick up luggage

Grab from the hotel to Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (645PHP/283CZK/11EUR/12USD)

Flight from Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Mactan-Cebu International Airport with 
Philippine Airlines (2571PHP/1125CZK/44EUR/49USD/one way ticket/person)

Grab from the airport to the hotel (332PHP/146CZK/5.5EUR/6.5USD)

Food:

Pork and shrimps dim sum dumplings and noodles with beef in China Town at Chuan Kee Chinese Fast Food (494PHP/217CZK/8.5EUR/9.5USD)

Shabu Shabu soup in the SM City shopping center food court (80PHP/35CZK/1.3EUR/1.5USD)

Stir fried beef noodles in the SM City shopping center food court (80PHP/35CZK/1.3EUR/1.5USD)

Mini gyros in the SM City shopping center food court (76PHP/33CZK/1.3EUR/1.5USD)

Comment:

Historical center of Manila is nice, reminds you a lot of Spanish colonization. But the city itself looks like other Asian cities. One day was absolutely enough to spend there and even skipping it completely wouldn’t hurt. 

Tips:

Have big time reserve when going to the airport - traffic in Manila is crazy.

Be careful about personal valuable belongings like mobile phones, wallet or cameras. Don’t wear them visible to provocate Pickpockets.

The hot weather makes it a bit tiring though, make sure you have enough bottled water with you all the time, don’t forget your sunscreen and try to walk in shadow. Or hide in a museum.

 

Day 3 -  Cebu City (Cebu) + Alcoy (Cebu)

Program: 

Walk to Cebu City South Bus Terminal

Public bus to Alcoy (160PHP/71CZK/2.7EUR/3USD/person)

Tingko White Beach in Alcoy (entrance fee 20PHP/9CZK/0.3EUR/0.4USD/person)

Rent a scooter for the next day early morning (700PHP/306CZK/12EUR/13.5USD/24hours)

Accomodation:

Divepoint Alcoy in Alcoy (4153PHP/1817CZK/70EUR/79USD/room/night)

Nice bungalows in a garden with swimming pool and restaurant/bar that is closing quite early though (around 8pm). 5-10 minutes walk to Tingko White Beach. The place is nice but falling apart as no one seems to really take care of it and renovate it.

Transport:

25 minutes walk from hotel in Cebu City to the South Bus Terminal 

Direct public bus Ceres Liner with air conditioning from Cebu City South Bus Terminal to Alcoy (160PHP/71CZK/2.7EUR/3USD/person)

Food:

Burgers and Club Sandwich in hotel restaurant (500PHP/219CZK/8.5EUR/9.5USD)

Local stall buffet - chicken, fish, rice, etc. (156PHP/69CZK/2.6EUR/3USD)

Comment:

Tingko beach is nice but pretty crowded with locals. Sea is clean. The sand is white, but of course Google photos look a bit differently than the reality. One afternoon at the beach was enough.

Tips:

It’s the easiest to ask for the scooter rental directly at the hotel reception, they order it for you and a guy will just bring the scooter to the hotel. If helmets are not automatically included, definitely ask for them, they don’t have any problem with it. 

 

Day 4 - Alcoy (Cebu) + Oslob (Cebu) + southeast Cebu waterfalls

Program:

Whole day scooter trip from Alcoy to the south of Cebu island

Oslob Whale Shark Watching (1009PHP/442CZK/17EUR/19USD/person)

Tumalog Falls (free entrance)

Dayhag Falls and rice terraces (20PHP/9CZK/0.3EUR/0.4USD/person)

Obong Cold Springs (parking for 15PHP/6CZK/0.25EUR/0.3USD)

Swimming pool in the hotel in the evening

Accomodation:

Divepoint Alcoy in Alcoy (4152PHP/1817CZK/70EUR/79USD/room/night)

Nice bungalows in a garden with swimming pool and restaurant/bar that is closing quite early though (around 8pm). 5-10 minutes walk to Tingko White Beach. The place is nice but falling apart as no one seems to really take care of it and renovate it.

Transport: 

Rented scooter for 2 persons for 24 hours (1000PHP/442CZK/17EUR/19USD)

Food:

Grilled shrimps with rice and meatballs in Oslob 

Chicken with vegetables, squids, noodles and rice at Whale Sharks Watching’s site (116PHP/51CZK/2EUR/2.2USD)

Meat skewers at the Obong Cold Springs (61PHP/27CZK/1EUR/1.2USD/6 pieces)

Burgers and Club Sandwich in hotel restaurant (500PHP/219CZK/8.5EUR/9.5USD)

Comment:

Dayhag Falls are a bit further in the inland, hidden in the mountains, but they are definitely worth it. They are not discovered by the tourists yet, so we were the only ones there and enjoyed nice swimming and cliff jumping in the middle of a jungle.

Obong Cold Springs are really cold and not that nice. Locals are having barbecue about the “pool” and it’s quite crowded.

Tips:

Wake up really early and go to Whale Sharks Watching before it opens = at 6am, they operate only in the morning and it’s super crowded and you are gonna wait quite long. Also, it’s very touristic and not really ethical - the sharks are fed so that they stay at the boats, people are kicking and touching them. Some of the people can’t swim so they are kicking all the people around. We wouldn’t go again.

Take leggins and long sleeves, there might be small jellyfish in the water.

 

 

 

Day 5 - Alcoy (Cebu) + Moalboal (Cebu)

Program:

Morning at the swimming pool in the hotel before check out

Public bus to Bato and then change to the public bus to Moalboal

Afternoon in the Sea Turtle House and walk in the surroundings

Rent scooter for two next days to have it early in the morning

Accomodation: 

Sea Turtle House in Moalboal (3149PHP/1379CZK/53.4EUR/60USD/room/night)

Little comfortable room with private bathroom and terrace. Restaurant in the hotel. Family environment. Table football and volleyball. Directly at the sea with coral reefs, great for snorkelling. No beach at the hotel, but few minutes scooter ride to Moalboal White Beach. 15 minutes tricycle or scooter ride to the Moalboal center and sardine runs area.

Transport:

Public bus Ceres Liner with air conditioning from Alcoy to Bato and from Bato to Moalboal (160PHP/70CZK/2.7EUR/3USD/person)

15 minutes tricycle from Moalboal center to the hotel Sea Turtle House (150PHP/66CZK/2.5EUR/2.9USD)

Food:

Banana smoothie and milkshake at the hotel 

Chicharrón (fried pork skin) in the bus (35PHP/15CZK/0.6EUR/0.7USD)

Apple pie in the bus (10PHP/4.4CZK/0.1EUR/0.2USD)

Chicken and pork adobo with rice at Sea Turtle House in Moalboal (390PHP/170CZK/6.6EUR/7.5USD)

Comment:

Public buses Ceres Liner with air conditioning are nice and comfortable and are going cca every hour. They might be crowded from some cities, but after few stops you definitely find a seat. The prices are very cheap. They are stopping anywhere you tell them or wave at them when passing by.

Tips:

There are small jellyfish in Moalboal, they are not dangerous, but it might be uncomfortable for someone. Leggins and long sleeves shirt are sufficient to protect yourself.

 

Day 6 - Moalboal (Cebu) + Kawasan Falls + Kabutongan Falls

Program:

Whole day scooter trip to Kawasan Falls, Ginatilan beach and Kabutongan Falls 

Kawasan Falls canyoneering (1300PHP/575CZK/22EUR/25USD/person incl. tip for the guide) - contact the guide Ollibert Baldivino Capio via Facebook

Kabutongan Falls canyoneering (350PHP/153CZK/6EUR/6.7USD/person incl. tip for the guide)

Sardine run at the white stone beach in Ginatilan

Moalboal shopping center

Accomodation:

Sea Turtle House in Moalboal (3149PHP/1379CZK/53.4EUR/60USD/room/night)

Little comfortable room with private bathroom and terrace. Restaurant in the hotel. Family environment. Table football and volleyball. Directly at the sea with coral reefs, great for snorkelling. No beach at the hotel, but few minutes scooter ride to Moalboal White Beach. 15 minutes tricycle or scooter ride to the Moalboal center and sardine runs area.

Transport:

Rented scooter for 2 days (1000PHP/438CZK/17EUR/19USD/2 people/2 days)

Short motorcycle and tricycle ride as a part of Kawasan Falls canyoneering trip 

Food:

Breakfast that looks more like a lunch (different kind of meats or seafood with rice or noodles + soft drink) is included in the tour at its end

Chicken feet, dim sum dumplings, fried chicken with spaghetti bolognese in the shopping center in Moalboal (210PHP/92CZK/3.6EUR/4USD)

Comment:

Kawasan Falls canyoneering is quite famous and gets very touristic and crowded over the day. Kabutongan Falls are more hidden and not that well known, so you hardly meet tourists there. It’s worth it too.

Tips:

Wake up early and take private tour with a guide at 6-7 am at the Kawasan Falls so that you avoid tourists’ crowds. We were alone in there.

Avoid agencies when booking the Kawasan Falls canyoneering.

 

Day 7 - Moalboal (Cebu) 

Program:

Snorkelling at the hotel

Sardine run in Moalboal

Moalboal White Beach

Accomodation:

Sea Turtle House in Moalboal (3149PHP/1379CZK/53.4EUR/60USD/room/night)

Little comfortable room with private bathroom and terrace. Restaurant in the hotel. Family environment. Table football and volleyball. Directly at the sea with coral reefs, great for snorkelling. No beach at the hotel, but few minutes scooter ride to Moalboal White Beach. 15 minutes tricycle or scooter ride to the Moalboal center and sardine runs area.

Transport:

Rented scooter for 2 days (1000PHP/438CZK/17EUR/19USD/2 days)

Food:

Lunch in Veranda Kitchen & Bar in Moalboal (580PHP/254CZK/10EUR/11USD) 

Chicken adobo in the hotel’s restaurant (390PHP/170CZK/6.6EUR/7.5USD)

Comment:

Sardine run can be seen right in front of the beach at SeaQuest Dive Center, definitely do not pay for a sardine run tour with an agency.

White beach is accessible from the HK Beach Resort.

Tips:

There are small jellyfish in Moalboal, they are not dangerous, but it might be uncomfortable for someone. Leggins and long sleeves shirt are sufficient to protect yourself.

 

Day 8 - Nacpan Beach (Palawan)

Program:

Tricycle from the hotel to Moalboal centre

Public bus Ceres Liner from Moalboal to Cebu City

Lunch in Elizabeth Mall in Cebu City

Flight from Cebu City (Cebu) to El Nido (Palawan)

Transport from El Nido to Nacpan Beach

Check in and dinner at Mad Monkey Hostel restaurant

Party in Mad Monkey Hostel bar (open bar 7:30-8:00pm)

Accomodation:

Franswa Inn in Nacpan (2538PHP/1111CZK/43EUR/48USD/room/night)

Small room with private bathroom in a resort that is currently under development. Looks like a big construction site. Bad mobile net signal and wifi only at the reception. Right at the Nacpan Twin Beach.

Transport:

Tricycle from the hotel to Moalboal centre (150PHP/66CZK/2.5EUR/2.9USD)

Public bus Ceres Liner from Moalboal to Cebu City (160PHP/71CZK/2.7EUR/3USD/person)

Flight from Cebu City (Cebu) to El Nido (Palawan) with 
Air Swift (6335PHP/2774CZK/108EUR/122USD/person)

Tricycle from El Nido airport to Lio Beach (for free)

Van transport from Lio Beach to Nacpan Beach (350PHP/155CZK/6EUR/6.7USD/person)

Food:

Lechon (roasted pork belly) at Cebu’s Original Lechon Belly in the shopping center Elizabeth Mall in Cebu City (288PHP/126CZK/4.9EUR/5.5USD/2 portions)

Burgers and beers at Mad Monkey Hostel at Nacpan Beach (1049PHP/416CZK/17.9EUR/20USD)

Comment:

The road from El Nido is in very bad conditions so be ready for a very bumpy ride.

The prices in Nacpan Beach are a bit higher and there are not that many places to stay and eat, wouldn’t wait with hotel booking too long, it might be booked out then.

Tips:

There is super weak or no mobile signal in Nacpan beach and wifi is also very rare. If you want to book some trips or transfers for upcoming day, do it before coming to Nacpan Beach.

 

Day 9 - Nacpan Beach (Palawan)

Program:

Nacpan beach relax

Party in Mad Monkey Hostel bar (open bar 7:30-8:00 pm)

Accomodation:

Franswa Inn in Nacpan (2538PHP/1111CZK/43EUR/48USD/room/night)

Small room with private bathroom in a resort that is currently under development. Looks like a big construction site. Bad mobile net signal and wifi only at the reception. Right at the Nacpan Twin Beach.

Transport:

none

Food:

Chicken Adobo at Sunmai Sunset Restaurant (827PHP/362CZK/14EUR/15.9USD)

Burgers and chicken nuggets at Mad Monkey Hostel restaurant (1200PHP/526CZK/20.5EUR/23USD)

Comment:

The beach is really beautiful and huge, the water is crystal clear. Even if the weather is not perfect and it rains, it’s still ok to spend the day at the beach, the rains are quick and water in the sea is warm anyway.

Tips:

If you don’t mind hostels, Mad Monkey Hostel seems like a perfect place to stay. It’s directly on the Nacpan beach, it has beautiful bamboo bar and restaurant with the beach view. The food is delicious and every night there is a party and various program like for example pub quiz or drinks discounts. And also every day between 7:30 pm and 8pm the bar is open and you can drink for free.

 

Day 10 - Nacpan Beach (Palawan) + El Nido (Palawan)

Program:

Nacpan beach relax

Check out

Tricycle transport to El Nido (800PHP/350CZK/13.5EUR/15.5USD)

Afternoon at the swimming pool in Cadlao Resort

Evening walk and dinner in El Nido downtown

Accomodation:

Cadlao Resort and Restaurant in El Nido (8170PHP/

3577CZK/138.5EUR/155USD/room with breakfast/night)

Beautiful resort with bungalows, green garden and 2 swimming pools. It’s directly at the sea, but the beach is not really nice. There is also a restaurant, but it’s a bit more pricey. The service is amazing. Perfect place to relax, quite luxurious. It’s 15 minutes walk on the beach to El Nido downtown or the hotel offers free tricycle transport.

Transport:

Tricycle from Nacpan beach to El Nido downtown (800PHP)

Walking

Food:

Breakfast at Mad Monkey Hostel restaurant - beans con carne and eggs (615PHP/270CZK/10.5EUR/11.8USD)

Welcome drink - fresh mango juice at the Cadlao resort (for free)

Grilled shrimps and mussels with rice and grilled pork and beers at Angel Wish restaurant in El Nido (1210PHP/531CZK/20.6EUR/23USD) - TOP restaurant with fresh seafood!!!

Comment:

There are also much cheaper hotel and places to stay, we wanted something nice and comfortable to relax at the end of the journey and it was definitely worth it. They even let us stay there at the swimming pool the whole afternoon after the check out at 11am.

Tips:

Keep plastic bottles, you can refill them at the hotel (reception and restaurant) from the barrel for free and save plastics. In some areas of Palawan the plastic bottles are already forbidden. 

 

Day 11 - El Nido (Palawan) + Island Hopping Tour

Program:

Island Hopping tour C in El Nido - snorkelling stops, Helicopter island, Cadlao island, secret lagoon and beach - kayaking, Matinloc Shrine (1040PHP/455CZK/17.5EUR/20USD/person + 200PHP/88CZK/3.4EUR/3.8USD/person eco tax)

Late afternoon at the swimming pool in the hotel

Dinner and evening walk in El Nido downtown

Accomodation:

Cadlao Resort and Restaurant in El Nido (8170PHP/3577CZK/138.5EUR/155USD/room with breakfast/night)

Beautiful resort with bungalows, green garden and 2 swimming pools. It’s directly at the sea, but the beach is not really nice. There is also a restaurant, but it’s a bit more pricey. The service is amazing. Perfect place to relax, quite luxurious. It’s 15 minutes walk on the beach to El Nido downtown or the hotel offers free tricycle transport. 

Transport:

Walking

Boat - as part of the island hopping tour

Food:

Brekfast in the Cadlao resort

Huge buffet lunch on the boat - grilled shrimps, pork, chicken, exotic fruit, rice, eggplant salad, vegetables, etc. as part of the island hopping tour

Sizzling shrimps with rice and chicken nuggets at Angel Wish restaurant in El Nido (600PHP/263CZK/10.2EUR/11.5USD) - TOP restaurant with fresh seafood!!!

Comment:

There are 3 types of the island hopping tours in El Nido - A, B, C. All of them have different stops. You can do it with a group or pay extra money for private tour. The private tours are not really worth it - you are just the only ones on the boat but at all the stops there are tourist anyway and the guides won’t adjust the tour itinerary based on your request. We decided for the tour C because of the snorkelling with sea turtles and indeed we were lucky to see three of them. To compare the tour A, B and C, you can check this blog: 
https://www.journeyera.com/el-nido-island-hopping-palawan/ All tours have drinking water and delicious lunch included. It is forbidden to bring plastic bottles with you. You can pay extra 250PHP to rent a kayak in the secret lagoon on the Cadlao island at the end of the tour.

Tips:

If you don’t like snorkelling, don’t pick the tour C, it will be pretty boring for you.

You will get wet - from the waves and it might also rain. So it’s handy to bring a waterproof bag for your mobile phone, camera, etc.

 

Day 12 - El Nido (Palawan) + Puerto Princesa (Palawan)

Program:

Relax at the swimming pool in the Cadlao resort

Van tranfer from El Nido to Puerto Princesa

Accomodation:

Puerto Pension Inn in Puerto Princesa (959CZK/37EUR/41.5USD/room/night)

Small comfortable room in a bamboo/wooden house with private bathroom. Unfortunately by that time they had issue with lack of water in Puerto Princesa and therefore the water wasn’t running in the hotel and we couldn’t take shower.

Transport:

Tricycle from the Cadlao Resort to El Nido Corong Corong Bus Terminal

4,5 hours van transfer from El Nido Corong Corong Bus Terminal to the hotel in Puerto Princesa (1000PHP/452CZK/17EUR/19USD) 

Food:

Breakfast in Cadlao Resort hotel - eggs, fruit, etc. (included in the hotel price)

Fruits

Cashew nuts

Comment:

The van ride from El Nido to Puerto Princesa wasn’t really comfortable, the driver was driving like crazy, switching off lights in the dark and the road was bumpy. If you don’t mind spending more money, I would rather fly next time.

Tips:

If you book your flights enough time in advance, they won’t be that expensive and you can skip Puerto Princesa and fly directly from El Nido to Manila.

If you have more time, you can spend 2 or 3 extra days in Puerto Princesa - there are popular tourist activities like island hopping in the Honda Bay or Subterranean River.

 

Day 13 - Manila (Luzon)

Program:

Aseana Business Park walk

SM Mall of Asia shopping center

Ice Skating in SM Mall of Asia shopping center (429PHP/210CZK/8EUR/9USD/person - entrance fee, skates rent and locker)

Accomodation: 

Red Planet Aseana Hotel in Manila (840CZK/32.5EUR/36.4USD/room/night)

Nice modern hotel in a skyscraper with beautiful view and especially sunsets and sunrises. Small, comfortable and clean room with windows. 15 minutes walk from the SM Mall of Asia shopping center. Close to the airport, so perfect if you are spending just one night there. It’s quite distant from the historical center though, so if you want to see that, rather get another hotel.

Transport:

Flight Puerto Princesa - Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport with 
Air Asia (1187CZK/46EUR/52USD/person)

Grab from the airport to the hotel (150PHP/66CZK/2.5EUR/2.9USD) 

Food:

Soya chicken with noodles and wonton soup at Hawker Chan in SM Mall of Asia 

Pho Bo and summer rolls at Pho Hoa in SM Mall of Asia (474PHP/208CZK/8EUR/9USD) 

Fruits and vegetables from supermarket in SM Mall of Asia 

Ramen and sushi at Kuroda Ramen (504PHP/221CZK/8.6EUR/9.6USD) 

Beers from 7-eleven next to the hotel

Comment:

This day in Manila was not really needed. If you find better flight connections, you can skip it.

Tips:

It’s a good opportunity for souvenirs shopping. The shopping center is really huge.

In the shopping center SM Mall of Asia there is a indoor ice skating rink and you can rent the skates there. It’s a nice cool down when there are 40 degrees Celsius outside.

 

Day 14 - Manila (Luzon) + return flight

Program: 

Grab from the hotel to the Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (150PHP/66CZK/2.5EUR/2.9USD) 

Return flight

Accomodation: 

x

Transport:

Return flight Manila-Muscat-Munich with 
Oman Air (23223PHP/10166CZK/392EUR/438USD/person/return ticket)

Flixbus Munich-Prague (932PHP/408CZK/16EUR/18USD/person)

Food:

On-flight meal

Comment:

The hotel is cca 10-15 mins from the airport, so you won’t lose that much time to be there enough in advance.

Tips:

x