Manila - Bohol - Loboc - Cebu - Palawan - Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park - El Nido
December 6 - 17, 2025
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| Assorted Photos from the Philippines |
This was my first time in the Philippines. I had always wanted to visit it and I finally got my chance. The Philippines is a great travel destination due to its stunning beaches, diverse nature, rich culture, and friendly locals. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural experiences, all while being relatively budget-friendly. I got a wonderful dose of history, nature, and culture while experiencing interesting sights, amazing scenery, decent weather, friendly people, great food, and comfortable accommodations.
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Gate1Travel - 13-Day Philippines Tour
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How Long Was Your Trip? When Did You Go? Where Did You Go? The tour lasted 12 days from December 6-17, 2025. I spent:
- 3 days in Manila
- 2 days in Bohol
- 2 days in Cebu
- 2 days in Palawan
- 2 days in El Nido
- 1 day flying back and forth from the US
Did You Do This on Your Own or with a Tour Company? I traveled with
Gate1Travel on its "13-Day Philippines Culture and Adventure" tour. Considering how much the cost of foreign travel has gone up over the past 4 years, this tour was quite affordable by any standard. The tour included a nice mix of the big cities, historic sites, and natural beauty. It was was
nicely paced and hit all the major highlights of the country.
I can't express enough how wonderful our tour director
[Insert Name & Link] was, as well as our motorcoach driver and assistant, Abdil and Rashid. All were the consummate professionals. They make or break a tour. The hotels and food were also great, though I won't eating tajine for the foreseeable future since I overdosed on it while there.
My tour group had 20 people. All were from the US, hailing from NJ, FL, CO, TX, IL, CA and WI (me). We were a seasoned group of travelers and got along well.
[Insert Guide Pic]
[Insert Tour Group Pic]
How Did You Get There and Back? I flew from my home in Milwaukee to Houston, where I stayed for 2 days before traveling to Taipei, Taiwan. I toured Taiwan for a week before taking a short flight to Manila. My route back home was the same but in reverse.
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| Air Travel Map - 19,300 Miles |
Once on the ground in the Philippines, I traveled another 1,500+ miles between islands by plane, motor coach and ferry boat.
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| Ground Travel Map - 1,500+ Miles |
Was It Easy Navigating Your Way Around? Yes, because we were largely situated either in the heart of each town within walking distance to most everything, or shuttled by motorcoach to each of our destinations.
[Insert Motor Coach Pic]
The bus was quite comfortable and had more seats than people. [The WiFi was also good. However, there was no bathroom. And there were no charging outlets for phones so I relied on my portable power pack while traveling.]
Gate1 has a seat rotation policy so that the same people don't always have the coveted front seats. As usual, I sat in the back behind the rotation zone with a few others so we could talk without interrupting the others.
Where Did You Stay? We stayed in a number of 4-star and 5-star hotels. Most were in or close to the center of town. All hotels were modern, clean, and comfortable, with excellent restaurants and great WiFi. All had fitness centers. While all had AC, every hotel had shut it down for winter. Since the outdoor temperatures were mild during the day, we really didn't need AC that much.
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| Gate1 Hotels - Awesome Accommodations |
In the Philippines,
power plugs and outlets of type A, B and C are used. A and B are the same as the US, and C is the typical European rounded peg plug. Note that the standard voltage is 220 V at a frequency of 60 Hz. US standard voltage is 110 V so you may need a voltage adapter for US devices that don't operate at 220 V. You will also need a type C plug adapter if you encounter type C outlets.
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| Philippines Electric Outlets - 220V/60Hz |
Meals? Half of our meals were included in the price of the tour. Breakfast was included every morning and about half of our lunches and dinners. All meals included healthy options to suit all tastes and dietary needs, as did the options provided when we dined on our own. I got a good dose of Philippine food ranging from hearty stews and grilled meats to flavorful noodle dishes and sweet desserts. Some popular examples include Adobo, Sinigang, Lechon, Kare-Kare, and Pancit. Filipino cuisine is also known for its street food, like lumpia (spring rolls), isaw (grilled chicken intestines), and balut (boiled duck eggs eaten from the shell).
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| Most Popular Food in the Philippines |
How Was the Weather? I traveled in December. The weather was mild at night (upper 60's F) and warm during the day (mid 80's F). The days were mostly sunny. When it rained, it was mostly at night when we were not touring.
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| Philippines Weather in December - Bearable |
What Clothing Did You Pack? I packed very light--about 4 days worth of clothes--mostly shorts and t-shirts, swimsuit, light jacket, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellant. I brought one pair of long pants and a sweatshirt. As usual, shirts, socks and underlayers were all "Dri-Fit" material that could be washed every few days in the hotel sink.
[Insert Luggage Photo]
What was the Time Difference? The Philippines are 14 hours ahead of my home time zone in Milwaukee (US, Central Time, GMT/UTC −06:00). Fortunately, I had been in nearby Taiwan for several days prior to the trip so the time difference did not affect me much.
What Was the Currency? What Were Prices Like? The Philippines uses the Philippine Peso as its official currency. In December 2025, the exchange rate was $1 = about 57 PHPs. You can get pesos at a major bank in the US. But I usually tap a bank ATM upon arrival. It seems exchange fees are high everywhere. You'll pay a fee of around 250 PHP ($4.25 US) plus 2-3% from your home bank for overseas withdrawals from a bank ATM. I typically withdraw a sizable amount get more if I need it. The standard of living is much lower than the US so everything was quite inexpensive.
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| Philippine Peso - $1 = 57 Pesos |
What Did This Whole Trip Cost You? The cost of living in the Philippines is significantly lower than in the United States so it's a great travel bargain. I spent $4,500 in total, or about $375 per day. I paid 92% of the trip cost ($4,100) before leaving the US. Once on the ground, I spent another $400 on items not included in the tour cost, such as tips, lunches and dinners on my own, and international mobile phone/internet charges.
[Insert Trip Cost Pic]
Special Trip Considerations.
- Safety. The Philippines are generally safe. The most dangerous areas are not tourist destinations. Petty theft is the most common issue you might encounter, but terrorism and kidnapping, though less frequent, are also concerns. In addition, certain travelers, namely women, may need to take certain precautions during their travels. You can get the latest US Dept of State Travel Advisories here.
- Air Quality. Air quality was generally quite good everywhere. At times, the leaded gas exhaust in Casablanca and Marrakesh irritated my throat, but not enough to warrant wearing a mask.
- Insects. While December might be part of the "dry season" in some areas of the Philippines, mosquitos are a concern year-round due to the country's tropical climate. It's wise to take precautions against mosquitoes due to the risk of dengue and other illnesses. You can find health information concerning travel in the Philippines here.
- Physical Condition. We traversed a lot of steps, uneven surfaces, and steep grades absent high temperatures and humidity. If you have mobility or heat issues, this is probably not the tour for you.
Any Parting Comments? Travel is an adventure. It’s an opportunity to experience, learn and appreciate how people around the world live. While I’m always happy to come home at the end, I never come back the same person.
Following is a day-by-day account of my trip. Each day starts with an overview of what we did, followed by my daily journal. I stopped giving history lessons in my posts but added links you can click on to read more about the places I visited. You can just read on from here or go back up to the Table of Contents above and jump to a specific day or topic of interest.
Enjoy!
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| Gate1Travel - 13-Day Philippines Tour |
Itinerary: Welcome to the Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,000 islands. Arrive in Manila on the island of Luzon, the vibrant capital city, and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure.
Daily Journal
Summary: Today we flew to Manila, Philippines after a week in Taipei, Taiwan.
Weather: 85F and dark
We checked out of our Taipei hotel around 9:30 am and headed to the airport very early via the express train, arriving around 11:15 am. We hung out for several hours. Because the inbound flight was late, we left an hour behind schedule at 4:30 pm, arriving at almost 7 pm in Manila rather than 6 pm.
Upon arrival, we breezed through immigration and customs and were met outside the arrival hall by a Gate1 representative, Cleo, and our driver. We drove 30 minutes to our hotel in the Makati District, the New World Makati.
Once inside, we met our tour director, Lany, then went exploring the hotel. It was a really first class hotel. There will be 19 in our group, mostly women. We will be on tour with them all day tomorrow and have a chance to get to know them better.
My foot was a little sore so I rested in the roof and went to bed early.
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Gate1Travel - 13-Day Philippines Tour
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Itinerary: Begin the day with a visit to Ayala Museum, where you'll explore the cultural heritage of the Philippines through its art collections and historical exhibits. Continue to the lively Legazpi Market, known for its fresh local produce, unique crafts, and street food. Savor traditional Filipino dishes for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, discover the rich history and cultural treasures of Manila with a city tour. Start in the heart of the historic Intramuros, the walled city built during the Spanish colonial era. Visit Manila Cathedral and explore the ancient San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the oldest stone church in the Philippines. Step back in time at Fort Santiago, a historic citadel that played a pivotal role in Manila's history. Stroll through Rizal Park, dedicated to national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. This evening, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM, followed by dinner.
Daily Journal
Summary: Manila touring including Legazpi Market, a tour of the historic district of Manila, and the Ayala Museum.
Weather: 80F and overcast
Our first stop was the lively Legazpi Market, known for its fresh local produce, unique crafts, and street food. We strolled the market and neighboring Washington Sycip Park marveling at the abundance of flora and stray cats. The security guard patrolling the park was enamored with our foreign tour group and snapped a lot of pictures of us. Some of the women in the group also posed with him.
After the park, we got on our bus and went across town. Along the way, we saw an ambulance vs Jitney (small passenger bus) accident with the Jitney on its side and the ambulance's front end laying in pieces on the street. Jitneys are the cheapest transportation in Manila. They reminded me of the chicken buses in Latin America.
We also passed by the slums of Manila. Scary place.
Reaching the Central City, we disembarked the bus and enjoyed a tour of Manila's historic district to enjoy the rich history and cultural treasures of Manila.
Our first stop was Rizal Park, dedicated to national hero Dr. Jose Rizal (1861–1896), who was a Filipino writer, doctor, and national hero whose ideas helped inspire the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. He wrote two famous novels—Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo—which exposed social injustices and abuses under Spanish rule. We saw statues and the Site with a Spanish executed him for sedition. I ran into a group of 7th graders who wanted to practice their English.
We then went to the heart of the historic Intramuros, the walled city built during the Spanish colonial era. We toured the grounds and visited the dungeons where 600 Filipinos were found following a massacre by the Spanish.
We then walked down the street to the Manila Cathedral. Since it was the celebration of the Virgin Mary, the church was all decorated.
Just before lunch, we explored the ancient San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the oldest stone church in the Philippines.
We then took a break for lunch where we sampled traditional Filipino dishes at a local restaurant called Ilustrado. Wonderful.
Our last stop was the
Ayala Museum, where we explored the cultural heritage of the Philippines through its art collections and historical exhibits. We toured the enormous gold exhibit containing artifacts created by indigenous Filipino tribes hundreds of years ago. We then went to the fourth floor where we walked through 60. Dioramas depicting the history of the Philippines.
We then walk back to the hotel but stopped at the mall across the street to get some local currency out of an ATM, buy a pair of aqua shoes for the beaches later in the week, buy some ibuprofen for my foot, which has been aching for several days. I'm not sure if it's gout or strain from walking so much. Either way, the relief was almost instantaneous.
In the early evening, we attended an orientation meeting with our Tour Manager followed by dinner.
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Gate1Travel - 13-Day Philippines Tour
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Itinerary: This morning, head to the airport for your flight to the island of Bohol, known for its stunning natural beauty. On arrival, take a tour of Asin Tibuok Manufacturing facility and discover the traditional methods behind salt production. Later in the afternoon, travel to the Chocolate Hills, a geological formation comprising over 1,200 conical mounts. These hills are covered in green grass that turns brown during the dry season, giving them their name. Stroll along the viewing deck for panoramic vistas. Experience the beauty of the hills during sunset. Next, proceed to the hotel, check into your room, and have time to settle in before dinner.
Daily Journal
Summary: Today we had an early morning flight to the island of Bohol 1-1/2 hours south of Manila by plane. Unfortunately, the flight was canceled and we had to return to our hotel and spend most of the day back in Manila. However, we had a lively lunch and made it to our hotel in Bohol by 7:00 pm on a late afternoon flight.
Weather: 85F and partly sunny
I got up early around 5 am. I showered, packed my suitcase, and at 5:30 am, I went downstairs for breakfast. The hotel was nice enough to open at 5:45 am so we could have a full breakfast.
At 6:30 am, we loaded up the bus and made the 20-minute drive to the airport. Upon arrival, We learned that our flight was canceled and that we were being rebooked on at 4:00 flight. We went back to the hotel for a few hours and returned to the airport around 2:00.
Before going back to the airport, we stopped at a local restaurant for another traditional Philippine meal, but this time it came with singing cooks and waiters who put on a rather impressive floor show while we had lunch.
At 4:20 pm, our Philippines Air A320-200 jet departed Manila for the island of Bohol. We arrived around 6:20 pm, collected our bags and headed to our waiting bus and local guide Jojie.
The Philippines has 7,600 islands. Bohol is 10th largest and most religious. Bohol also has the most tourists in all of the Philippines.
We checked into our fabulous beach front resort hotel around 7 pm, had a late buffet dinner at 730 pm by the beach, and then it was straight to bed.
Tomorrow we will be starting at 6 am to make up for all of the things we missed today due to the flight cancellation
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| Gate1Travel - 13-Day Philippines Tour |
Itinerary: Explore the region's rich history, traditions, and local way of life with a Bohol cultural tour. Visit Baclayon Church, an example of Spanish colonial architecture, dating back to the 16th century. Continue to Tarsier Sanctuary, where you'll encounter the world's smallest primates in the natural habitat, and learn about the conservation efforts to protect these creatures. Next, experience the serene beauty of Bohol with a scenic cruise along the Loboc River. Glide through the emerald waters surrounded by lush tropical landscapes and have a delicious lunch on board. Later, visit the village of Loboc, nestled along the Loboc River. The village is home to traditional bamboo houses and offers a glimpse into local life and culture. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Daily Journal
Summary: Today we combined two days of touring on Bohol Island into one because of yesterday's flight cancellation. We visited the Chocolate Hills, a Tarsier Primate Sanctuary, a traditional Loboc Village, and an Asin Tibouk salt-making operation. In between we enjoyed a lunch cruise down the Loboc River.
Weather: 85F and sunny
After a quick breakfast at the restaurant overlooking the beach and ocean, we boarded the bus and headed out for a full day of sightseeing.
We drove to the Kinaiynan Forest Park to visit the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, a breathtaking geological wonder made up of 1,776 perfectly rounded limestone mounds a UNESCO World Heritage site. They turn a rich brown color during the dry season, giving them the signature “chocolate” look that makes the landscape feel almost otherworldly. We climbed a couple hundred steps up to an observation platform for some breathtaking pictures. The mountain road to get there and back was just as breathtaking with numerous switchbacks and steep hills themselves. It wound through numerous switchbacks winding through lush palm tree forests dotted with small villages and rice paddies.
The Chocolate Hills were once an underwater coral reef. When the water dropped they turned to limestone and then carved by the wind and rain into what we see today.
We then visited a Tarsier Sanctuary, home to the world's smallest primate..about the size of a fist. They only live here in the Philippines and are protected because they are threatened with extinction. We took a golf cart from the parking room area up to the sanctuary. Along the way we met the founder of sanctuary, Carlito Pizarras. I called him the "tarsier whisperer.". We broke up into smaller groups to walk through the sanctuary. Our guides pointed out the tarciers hiding up in the trees and helped us take pictures. They are nocturnal so difficult to find during the day.
For lunch, we boarded a boat and cruised down the emerald waters of the Loboc River enjoying the scenery. Like yesterday there was a lot of onboard entertainment.
After the boat ride, we walked over to St. Peter Apostle Church. St. Peter the Apostle Church in Loboc is one of Bohol’s oldest and most historic churches, known for its centuries-old stone architecture and beautifully preserved interior. Located beside the Loboc River, it reflects the town’s deep Catholic heritage and resilience, having been rebuilt after significant earthquake damage.
We then drove to a native Loboc Village to explore the region's rich history, traditions, and local way of life. As we strolled through the small village, we witnessed how coconut wine is made, how rice is harvested and poundedi into pink rice, and enjoyed a coconut milk beverage before boarding our bus heading to our last stop of the day.
Loboc mean pounding.
We then visited the Asin Tibuok manufacturing site to see how this rare and very expensive Bohol sea salt is made. Asin Tibuok is known for its round “dinosaur egg” shape and smoky flavor, and only a few families—like the Manongas—still practice this traditional, labor-intensive craft.
We then went back to the hotel for a break. Some of the group went into town on a 3-wheeled tricycles to nearby Alina Center, a touristy area by the beach with shops, restaurants, clubs and a nice vibe. Those had been a long day for me so I stayed back at the hotel and enjoyed pool and other amenities.:
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| Gate1Travel - 13-Day Philippines Tour |
Itinerary: This morning head to the port to board the ferry to Cebu Island. After lunch, visit the Alegre Guitar Factory, a family-owned workshop producing handmade guitars. Learn about the history of Cebu's guitar making industry. Next, tour the historic Mactan Shrine, a tribute to the battle of Mactan and the legendary warrior Lapu-Lapu. Engage in an interactive session with local students for a meaningful cultural exchange. Afterward, transfer to the hotel and check into your room. Tonight, savor a barbecue dinner set on the beach.
Daily Journal
Weather: 66F and sunny.
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Gate1Travel - 13-Day Philippines Tour
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Itinerary: Embark on a tour of Cebu City that takes you through its iconic landmarks. View Fort San Pedro, built by the Spanish to defend against pirate attacks, and Plaza Independencia. Continue to the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, home to the revered Santo Nino de Cebu statue, and admire the historic Magellan's Cross, marking the arrival of Christianity. Proceed to the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House, a beautifully preserved Chinese Filipino heritage home, before concluding at the Heritage of Cebu Monument. For lunch, savor delectable Filipino cuisine. Later, take a tour of Carbon Market, Cebu's oldest and largest public market. Wander through stalls filled with fresh produce, local delicacies, and handmade crafts. Take a catamaran cruise from Cebu City back to your hotel on Mactan Island and spend the balance of the day at leisure.
Daily Journal
Weather: 65F and sunny
Summary:
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Gate1Travel - 13-Day Philippines Tour
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Itinerary: Head to the airport this morning for your flight to Palawan Island, a tropical paradise, often called "the Last Frontier." Arrive in Puerto Princesa, the gateway to Palawan's natural wonders and enjoy an authentic home-hosted "merienda" experience. Savor traditional Filipino snacks, while connecting with your hosts and learning about local customs. Afterward, transfer to your resort hotel and check into your room with free time to settle in before dinner.
Daily Journal
Weather: 65F and sunny
Summary :
[Insert Daily Journal - Merienda is a cherished cultural tradition and a social experience. It's a time for families and friends to gather, share food, and enjoy each other's company. The term itself, derived from the Spanish "merendar" (to snack), has been embraced and adapted by Filipinos, becoming a unique ritual.]
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| Gate1Travel - 13-Day Philippines Tour |
Itinerary: Your day of exploration begins with an unforgettable journey through the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The underground river, stretching over 5 miles beneath a dramatic limestone karst landscape, is among the longest navigable underground rivers in the world. Board a small boat and venture into the mystical cave. Marvel at towering stalactites and stalagmites, unique rock formations, and cathedral-like chambers. As you navigate the calm waters, learn about the cave's geology, ecology, and history. Next, head to the Cacaoyan Forest Park for lunch at the open-air restaurant. Have a delicious meal of regional dishes, prepared using locally sourced fresh ingredients. In the afternoon, head back to the hotel and unwind with free time before dinner.
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About Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park from Lonely Planet
Daily Journal
Weather: 65F and sunny
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| Gate1Travel - 13-Day Philippines Tour |
Itinerary: Today, travel north toward El Nido, a tropical paradise renowned for its awe-inspiring natural beauty and marine biodiversity. Along the way, stop in Roxas to visit a cashew nut production site, where you can observe the harvesting, drying, and processing of cashews. Next, proceed to Taytay and have lunch at a local restaurant offering scenic views of the Fort of Taytay. Afterward, continue the drive to El Nido. On arrival, check into the hotel with time to settle in. Tonight, dinner is at a local restaurant.
Daily Journal
Weather: 92F and sunny
Summary:
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| Gate1Travel - 13-Day Philippines Tour |
Itinerary: Embark on an unforgettable island hopping tour in El Nido. Explore pristine beaches, hidden lagoons, and crystal-clear waters surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs. Visit iconic spots like Bacuit Bay, Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, and Secret Beach, each offering breathtaking scenery and opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing. Midway through your adventure, savor a delectable farm-to-table lunch. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and spend the evening at leisure.
Daily Journal
Weather: 72F and sunny
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Gate1Travel - 13-Day Philippines Tour
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Itinerary: Early morning transfer to the airport for your flight back to Manila. On arrival, head to your hotel, and spend the afternoon at leisure. Tonight, at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager.
Daily Journal
Weather: 71F and sunny
Summary:
[Insert Daily Journal]
Go to Table of Contents |
| Gate1Travel - 13-Day Philippines Tour |
Itinerary: Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Daily Journal
Weather: 68F and sunny.
Summary:
[Insert Daily Journal]
