Luzon - Bohol - Cebu - Palawan
Manila - Loboc - Chocolate Hills - Asin Tibuok - Cebu City - Mactan Island - Puerto Princesa - Subterranean River National Park - El Nido Islands
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 - 12-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
Mellany "Lany" Melendez was, as well as our motorcoach drivers and local guides. All were the consummate professionals. They make or break a tour. The hotels and food were also great. The only issue was all the people we had to tip. I don't mind tipping but they should just add it to the tour price as I was always short on small bills and constantly breaking larger bills.
My tour group had 21 people. All were from the US. Two people were Filipino but came on the tour to see more of their home country. We were a seasoned group of travelers and got along well.
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| Gate1 Tour Group - All 21 of Us |
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.
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| Gate1 Motor Coach - Comfy with AC, WiFi & Toilet |
The bus was quite comfortable and had more seats than people. The AC worked great, the WiFi was a plus, and it had a toilet nobody used. However, there were no charging outlets or ports for phones so I had to rely on my portable power pack.
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 others.
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| Gate1 - Daily Motor Coach Seat Rotation |
Where Did You Stay? We stayed in a number of 4-star and 5-star hotels. In the cities, they were always centrally located. In El Nido, which is more rustic and less inhabited, all the hotels were on the beach. All hotels were modern, clean, and comfortable, with excellent restaurants, AC and WiFi. All had fitness centers.
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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. I only saw the Type C outlet once the entire trip.
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| Philippines Electric Outlets - 220V/60Hz |
Meals? Most of our meals were included in the price of the tour since it was a Small Group Discovery branded trip. Breakfast was included every morning and about most 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 (mid 70s F) and warm during the day (mid to upper 80's F). The days were mostly sunny. It hardly rained at all.
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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.
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| Trip Luggage - 4 Days Worth |
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 59 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 = 59 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 $4,058 in total, or about $338 per day. I paid 89% of the trip cost ($3,611) before leaving the US. Once on the ground, I spent another $447 on items not included in the tour cost, such as tips, lunches and dinners on my own, and international mobile phone/internet charges.
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| Philippines Trip Cost |
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. On occasion, diesel fumes 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. Insects really weren't a problem where we traveled though.
- Physical Condition. We did a lot of walking and traversed a lot of steps, uneven surfaces, and steep grades in the heat 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
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.
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| Today's Touring Map |
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| Taipei - Our EVA Air Plane to Manila |
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| So Long Taipei and Taiwan |
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| Hello Manila |
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.
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| Manila - New World Hotel Makati |
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| Manila - New World Hotel Makati |
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| Manila - New World Hotel Makati - View from Room |
Once inside, we met our Gate1 tour director, Lany, then went exploring the hotel. It was a really first class hotel. There will be 21 in our group. We will be on tour with them all day tomorrow and have a chance to get to know them better then.
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.
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| Today's Touring Map |
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| Today's Gate1 Itinerary |
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| Manila - Legazpi Market |
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| Manila - Legazpi Market |
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| Manila - Legazpi Market |
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| Manila - Legazpi Market |
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| Manila - Legazpi Market |
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| Manila - Legazpi Market |
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| Manila - Legazpi Market |
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| Manila - Legazpi Market |
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| Manila - Washington Sycip Park |
After the park, we got on our bus and went across town. Along the way, we saw an ambulance vs Jeepney (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.
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| Manila - Jeepney vs Ambulance Accident |
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| Manila - Different Transportation Options |
We also passed by the slums of Manila. Depressing and scary.
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| Manila Slums |
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| Manila Slums |
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.
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| Manila - Rizal Memorial Park |
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| Manila - Rizal Memorial Park |
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| Manila - Rizal Memorial Park |
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| Manila - Rizal Memorial Park |
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| Manila - Rizal Memorial Park |
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| Manila - Rizal Memorial Park |
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| Manila - Rizal Memorial Park |
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| Manila - Rizal Memorial Park |
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| Manila - Rizal Memorial Park |
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| Manila - Rizal Memorial Park |
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| Manila - Rizal Memorial Park |
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| Manila - Rizal Memorial Park |
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.
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| Manila - Intramuros & Fort Santiago |
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| Manila - Intramuros & Fort Santiago |
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| Manila - Intramuros & Fort Santiago |
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| Manila - Intramuros & Fort Santiago |
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| Manila - Intramuros & Fort Santiago |
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| Manila - Intramuros & Fort Santiago |
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| Manila - Intramuros & Fort Santiago |
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| Manila - Intramuros & Fort Santiago |
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| Manila - Intramuros & Fort Santiago |
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| Manila - Intramuros & Fort Santiago |
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| Manila - Intramuros & Fort Santiago |
We then walked down the street to the
Manila Cathedral. Since it was the celebration of the Virgin Mary, the church was all decorated.
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| Manila Cathedral |
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| Manila Cathedral |
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| Manila Cathedral |
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| Manila Cathedral |
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| Manila Cathedral |
Just before lunch, we explored the ancient
San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the oldest stone church in the Philippines.
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| Manila - San Agustin Church |
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| Manila - San Agustin Church |
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| Manila - San Agustin Church |
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| Manila - San Agustin Church |
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| Manila - San Agustin Church |
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| Manila - San Agustin Church |
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. The Ayala's are an extremely wealthy Filipino family.
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| Manila - Ayala Museum |
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| Manila - Ayala Museum |
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| Manila - Ayala Museum - Gold Collection |
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| Manila - Ayala Museum - Gold Collection |
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| Manila - Ayala Museum - Gold Collection |
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| Manila - Ayala Museum - Philippines History In Dioramas |
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| Manila - Ayala Museum - Philippines History In Dioramas |
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| Manila - Ayala Museum - Philippines History In Dioramas |
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| Manila - Ayala Museum - Philippines History In Dioramas |
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| Manila - Ayala Museum - Philippines History In Dioramas |
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| Manila - Ayala Museum - Philippines History In Dioramas |
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| Manila - Ayala Museum - Philippines History In Dioramas |
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| Manila - Ayala Museum - Philippines History In Dioramas |
We then walked 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. Turns out it was a gout attack. Ouch! 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.
Daily Journal
Summary: Today we were supposed to have 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 in Manila. However, we had a lively lunch, got rebooked on an afternoon flight, and made it to our hotel in Bohol by 7:00 pm. We made up for all the sites we missed in Bohol today the following day, starting very early and ending later than usual.
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.
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| Today's Tour Map |
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| Gate1 Itinerary (Not) |
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| Gate1 - Breakfast at New World Makati Hotel |
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.
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| Manila - Typical Telephone Pole |
Before going back to the hotel, we stopped at a local restaurant called The Singing Cooks and Waiters 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.
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| Manila - The Singing Cooks & Waiters Restaurant - Fun! |
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| Manila - The Singing Cooks & Waiters Restaurant - Fun! |
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| Manila - The Singing Cooks & Waiters Restaurant - Pam Joins In |
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| Manila - The Singing Cooks & Waiters Restaurant - Fun! |
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| Manila - The Singing Cooks & Waiters Restaurant - Tour Group |
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| Manila - The Singing Cooks & Waiters Restaurant - I Need to Work Out More |
We went back to the hotel for a few hours and returned to the airport around 2:00. Before going back to the airport, I ran over to the wonderful Greenbelt Mall across from the hotel to browse and get some cat food and treats for all the strays. Little did I know, strays are well cared for by the public and didn't need much help.
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Manila - Greenbelt Mall - Christmas Decorations
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| Manila - Greenbelt Mall - Stocking Up on Cat Food and Treats |
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| Manila - Greenbelt Mall - Don't Feed the Cats |
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| Manila - Greenbelt Mall - Philippines Answer to McDonald's |
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| Manila - Greenbelt Mall |
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 ("Georgy").
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| Manila Airport - Heading to Bohol Island |
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| Manila Airport - Our Plane to Bohol |
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| Bohol Airport - Made It |
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| Bohol Island - Our Gate1 Local Guide - Jojie |
We learned that the Philippines has over 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.
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| Bohol - Tagbilaran City - Bluewater Panglao Hotel |
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| Bohol - Tagbilaran City - Bluewater Panglao Hotel - Outdoors Dinner |
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: Start the day by traveling 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. 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. Afterwards, experience the serene beauty of Bohol with a scenic lunch cruise along the Loboc River. After lunch, 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. Finally, take a tour of Asin Tibuok Manufacturing facility and discover the traditional methods behind salt production. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Summary: Today we combined two days of touring on Bohol Island into one because of yesterday's flight cancellation. We visited the Chocolate Hills, the Tarsier Primate Sanctuary, a traditional Loboc Village, and Asin Tibuok salt-making facility. In between we enjoyed a lunch cruise down emerald waters of Loboc River with lively entertainment.
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.
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| Today's Tour Map |
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| Gate1 Itinerary |
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| Bohol - Bluewater Panglao Resort - Dining and Pool by the Beach |
We drove to the Kinaiyahan 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. The hills 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 to an observation platform for some breathtaking pictures. The Chocolate Hills were once an underwater coral reef. When the water dropped they turned to limestone and were then carved by the wind and rain into what we see today. The mountain road to get to the Chocolate Hills was just as breathtaking with numerous switchbacks and steep hills winding through lush palm tree forests dotted with small villages and rice paddies.
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| Bohol - On Way to Chocolate Hills |
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| Bohol - On Way to Chocolate Hills - Up, Up We Go! |
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| Bohol - On Way to Chocolate Hills - Rice Paddy |
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| Bohol - Chocolate Hills - UNESCO World Heritage Site |
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| Bohol - Chocolate Hills - UNESCO World Heritage Site |
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| Bohol - Chocolate Hills - Got to Climb Steps for the Best View |
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| Bohol - Chocolate Hills - Got to Climb Steps for the Best View |
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| Bohol - Chocolate Hills |
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| Bohol - Chocolate Hills |
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| Bohol - Chocolate Hills |
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| Bohol - Chocolate Hills |
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| Bohol - Chocolate Hills |
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| Bohol - Chocolate Hills |
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| Bohol - Chocolate Hills |
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| Bohol - Chocolate Hills |
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| Bohol - Chocolate Hills - I Do! |
After Chocolate Hills, we 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 area up to the sanctuary. Along the way we met the founder of sanctuary, Carlito Pizarras. I called him the "tarsier whisperer." We split up into smaller groups to walk through the sanctuary. Our guides pointed out the tarsiers hiding up in the trees and helped us take pictures. They are nocturnal so are difficult to find during the day.
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| Bohol - Tarsier Sanctuary |
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| Bohol - Tarsier Sanctuary |
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| Bohol - Tarsier Sanctuary - Able-Bodied Walked to Entrance |
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| Bohol - Tarsier Sanctuary |
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| Bohol - Tarsier Sanctuary - Nocturnal Critters Hard to Find in Daytime |
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| Bohol - Tarsier Sanctuary - Nocturnal Critters Hard to Find in Daytime |
For lunch, we boarded a boat, more like a barge, and cruised down the emerald waters of the Loboc River enjoying the scenery and floor show, both on the boat and on stages along the river banks.
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| Bohol - Loboc Town - River Cruise with Lunch |
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| Bohol - Loboc Town - River Cruise with Lunch |
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| Bohol - Loboc Town - River Cruise with Lunch |
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| Bohol - Loboc Town - River Cruise with Lunch |
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| Bohol - Loboc Town - River Cruise with Lunch |
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| Bohol - Loboc Town - River Cruise with Lunch |
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| Bohol - Loboc Town - River Cruise with Lunch |
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| Bohol - Loboc Town - River Cruise Entertainment |
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| Bohol - Loboc Town - River Cruise Entertainment |
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| Bohol - Loboc Town - River Cruise Entertainment |
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| Bohol - Loboc Town - Definitely NOT FOR HIRE |
After the boat ride, we walked over to St. Peter Apostle Church, 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.
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| Bohol - Loboc Town - St Peter Apostle Church |
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| Bohol - Loboc Town - St Peter Apostle Church |
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| Bohol - Loboc Town - St Peter Apostle Church |
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| Bohol - Loboc Town - St Peter Apostle Church - Recent Flood |
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 leaves are woven into a variety of products, and how rice is crushed and sifted to produce pink rice. At the end, we enjoyed a coconut milk. Despite earthquakes, flooding, financial hardships, the people are still very happy.
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| Bohol - Loboc Community - Cultural Immersion |
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| Bohol - Loboc Community - Cultural Immersion |
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| Bohol - Loboc Community - Cultural Immersion - Rice Wine Making |
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| Bohol - Loboc Community - Cultural Immersion - Nicer Home |
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| Bohol - Loboc Community - Cultural Immersion - Rice Wine Making |
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| Bohol - Loboc Community - Cultural Immersion - Small Store |
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| Bohol - Loboc Community - Cultural Immersion - Weaving |
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| Bohol - Loboc Community - Cultural Immersion - Weaving |
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| Bohol - Loboc Community - Cultural Immersion - Another Typical Home |
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| Bohol - Loboc Community - Cultural Immersion - Coconut & Rice Harvesting |
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| Bohol - Loboc Community - Cultural Immersion - Coconut & Rice Harvesting |
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| Bohol - Loboc Community - Cultural Immersion - Coconut & Rice Harvesting |
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| Bohol - Loboc Community - Cultural Immersion - Making Pink Rice |
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| Bohol - Loboc Community - Cultural Immersion - Rice Paddy |
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| Bohol - Loboc Community - Cultural Immersion - Skinny Stray Dogs |
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| Bohol - Loboc Community - Cultural Immersion - Coconut Milk Refreshment |
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| Bohol - Loboc Community - Cultural Immersion - Coconut Milk Refreshment |
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| Bohol - Loboc Community - Cultural Immersion - Coconut Milk Refreshment |
Our last stop was the Asin Tibuok manufacturing facility to learn 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. Coconut husks are soaked in seawater then dried in firepits. The salt embedded in the dried husks is then separated from the husk through a 3-state filtering process that produces a salty brine that is them poured layer by layer into rounded clay pots over a slow fire. The end product looks like a snow globe and sells for a hefty price. We learned a day later that the site was just approve to become a UNESCO World Heritage site!
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| Bohol - Asin Tibuok - Salt Making Facility |
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| Bohol - Asin Tibuok - Saltwater Soaked Coconuts |
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| Bohol - Asin Tibuok - Burning Soaked Coconuts (Infuses Smoky Flavor) |
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Bohol - Asin Tibuok - Filtering Salt Brine from Coconut Husks
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| Bohol - Asin Tibuok - Distilling Salt from Brine Over Heat |
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| Bohol - Asin Tibuok - Pouring Brine in Layers over Heat in Clay Vessels |
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| Bohol - Asin Tibuok - Pouring Brine in Layers over Heat in Clay Vessels |
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| Bohol - Asin Tibuok - Pouring Brine in Layers over Heat in Clay Vessels |
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| Bohol - Asin Tibuok - Finished Salt Product |
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| Bohol - Asin Tibuok - Ready for Sale |
We then went back to the hotel for a break. Some of the group went into town on 3-wheeled tricycles to nearby Alona Beach, a touristy area by the beach with shops, restaurants, clubs and a nice vibe. It had been a long day for me so I stayed back at the hotel and enjoyed the pool bar with a nice view of the ocean.
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| Bohol - Bluewater Panglao Resort - Our Room |
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| Bohol - Bluewater Panglao Resort - Walking to Dining and Beach |
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| Bohol - Bluewater Panglao Resort - Enjoying a Beer at the Bar |
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| Bohol - Bluewater Panglao Resort - Walking Back to the Room |
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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
Summary: Today, we took the jet ferry about 2 hours from the island of Bohol to the neighboring island of Cebu. We visited the National History Museum of Bohol on our way out of town. Once reaching Cebu, we visited the Alegre Guitar factory and the Mactan Shrine before settling in to our hotel for the rest of the day.
Weather: 85F and sunny.
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| Our Talented Gate1 Tour Manager Lany Plays Guitar |
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| Cebu - Mactan Island - Alegre Guitars |
We then drove a short distance to Mactan Shrine commemorating the victory of tribal chieftain Lapu-Lapu and his army over the Spanish army led by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan on April 27, 1521. Magellan was working for the Spanish, who were attempting to colonize Southeast Asia, and was killed in the clash. The battle put an immediate end to colonization but the Spanish would ultimately colonize the islands and control it for 300 years. Lapu-Lapu is a national symbol of courage and independence, with monuments, cities, and even currency honoring his legacy.
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| Cebu - Mactan Island - Mactan Shrine |
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| Cebu - Mactan Island - Mactan Shrine - Magellan Died in Battle Here |
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| Cebu - Mactan Island - Mactan Shrine - Magellan Died in Battle Here |
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| Cebu - Mactan Island - Mactan Shrine - Magellan Died in Battle Here |
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| Cebu - Mactan Island - Mactan Shrine - Magellan Died in Battle Here |
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| Cebu - Mactan Island - Mactan Shrine - Lapu-Lapu |
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| Cebu - Mactan Island - Mactan Shrine - Magellan Died in Battle Here |
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| Cebu - Mactan Island - I Do! |
We then proceeded to our fabulous seaside resort hotel. We had witnessed a great sunset and dinner on the ocean front. Then it was off to bed.
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| Cebu - Mactan Island - Hotel Dusit Thani - Wow! |
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| Cebu - Mactan Island - Hotel Dusit Thani - Wow! |
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| Cebu - Mactan Island - Hotel Dusit Thani - Wow! |
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| Cebu - Mactan Island - Hotel Dusit Thani - Wow! |
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| Cebu - Mactan Island - Hotel Dusit Thani - Wow! |
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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
Summary: Today we took a morning tour of Cebu City to visit a number of famous landmarks. In the afternoon, we visited the Carbon Market, Cebu's largest and oldest market. In the late afternoon, we took a boat cruise across the Cebu City bay back to our hotel at Mactan Island.
Weather: 87F and sunny
Before leaving the hotel, I made an excursion to Hello Kitty Beach down the road from the hotel. It was not what I was expecting. The road there and back was rough with shacks, people hanging out, stray pets and subject poverty. I had to go through a gate with a forboding "no trespassing" sign and a woman collecting a 25¢ fee to get in. Just before reaching Hello Kitty Beach, I noticed a field where there was a pile of pink boards and a half-concealed "Hello Kitty Beach" sign. Once past the entrance, there were several pink buildings with picnic tables and Hello Kitty paraphernalia leading down to a stairwell which led to the beach. There was trash, broken bottles and straight animals wandering around the property which told me right away that this was probably a place where the kids and adults hung out to drink and enjoy the beach. Definitely not a tourist sight.
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| Today's Tour Map |
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| Cebu - Mactan Island - Hello Kitty Beach |
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| Cebu - Mactan Island - Hello Kitty Beach |
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| Cebu - Mactan Island - Hello Kitty Beach |
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| Cebu - Mactan Island - Hello Kitty Beach - For Cock Fights |
We left the hotel around 8:45 am for a Cebu City Tour that took us to iconic landmarks. Our first stop was the triangular Fort San Pedro, built by the Spanish to defend against pirate attacks, and Plaza Independencia. It is the oldest triangular bastion fort in the Philippines, first built in 1565 under Miguel López de Legazpi as a wooden defensive structure. It was later rebuilt in stone, with the present fort completed around 1738 to protect the early Spanish settlement from coastal attacks and local uprisings. During the Spanish colonial period, it served as a military garrison, prison, and hub of administration. The Americans, and later the Japanese during World War II, repurposed the fort as barracks, a prison camp, and even a temporary hospital. We walked around the top of the fortress walls. I even saw a plant that curls up when you touch it.
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| Cebu - Mactan Island - Heading to Cebu City Via Mactan Island Bridge |
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| Cebu - Cebu City from Mactan Island Bridge |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Fort San Pedro |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Fort San Pedro |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Fort San Pedro |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Fort San Pedro |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Fort San Pedro |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Fort San Pedro - Up on the Fort Walls |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Fort San Pedro - Up on the Fort Walls |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Fort San Pedro - Up on the Fort Walls |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Fort San Pedro - Up on the Fort Walls |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Fort San Pedro - Up on the Fort Walls |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Fort San Pedro - Mary Shrine |
After Fort San Pedro, we drove to Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, home to the revered Santo Nino de Cebu statue and the historic Magellan's Cross, marking the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines.
Before going in the Basilica grounds, we admired Magellan's Cross. Magellan’s Cross marks the spot where Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan ordered a wooden cross planted in 1521 to symbolize the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines. The cross on display today is encased in a protective tindalo-wood shell to preserve the original relic inside. It sits beneath a colorful ceiling mural depicting the first Catholic baptism and the introduction of the new faith to the island. Our guide made a donation to a woman who then did a a little prayer and dance ceremony wishing our tour group safe travels and success in all that we aspire to.
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Magellan's Cross |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Magellan's Cross |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Magellan's Cross - Lady Saying Prayer for Group |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - City Hall Opposite Magellan's Cross |
After Magellan's Cross, we tour the Basilica. The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu City is the oldest Roman Catholic church in the Philippines, founded in 1565 on the site where the image of the Santo Niño was discovered. It houses the revered Santo Niño de Cebu, the country’s oldest Christian relic and a symbol of the beginning of Christianity in the Philippines. The present stone church, built between 1735 and 1740, showcases a blend of Earthquake Baroque and Spanish colonial architectural styles. Through centuries of fires, rebuilding, and devotion, the basilica has remained the spiritual heart of Cebu. Today, it is the center of the annual Sinulog Festival and a major pilgrimage destination for millions of devotees. We entered the courtyard and walked through the church dropping off candles at the altar and viewing the little Jesus statue that Magellan gave to the natives when he arrived.
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Basilica Minore del Santo Nino - Strict Dress Code |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Basilica Minore del Santo Nino |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Basilica Minore del Santo Nino |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Basilica Minore del Santo Nino |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Basilica Minore del Santo Nino |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Basilica Minore del Santo Nino |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Basilica Minore del Santo Nino |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Basilica Minore del Santo Nino |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Basilica Minore del Santo Nino |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Basilica Minore del Santo Nino |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Basilica Minore del Santo Nino |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Basilica Minore del Santo Nino |
Our next stop was the Cebu Heritage Monument, a dramatic visual timeline in stone, brass, and steel sculptures that narrate key events in Cebu’s history, from pre-colonial times to the Spanish era and beyond. Created by local artist Eduardo Castrillo, it features dynamic figures of explorers, defenders, saints, and historical landmarks intertwined in a single sweeping structure.
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Cebu Heritage Monument |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Cebu Heritage Monument |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Cebu Heritage Monument |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Cebu Heritage Monument |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Cebu Heritage Monument |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Cebu Heritage Monument |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Cebu Heritage Monument |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Cebu Heritage Monument - I Do! |
After the Cebu Heritage Monument, we crossed the street to visit the Yap-Sandiego Heritage House, a beautifully preserved Chinese Filipino heritage home and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the oldest surviving residential homes in the Philippines, dating back to the late 17th century. Built from coral stone and hardwood, it reflects the traditional Spanish-era bahay-na-bato style blended with local craftsmanship. The house once belonged to the affluent Yap and Sandiego families, prominent Chinese-Filipino merchants during the Spanish colonial period. Inside, it is filled with antique furniture, religious icons, and heirlooms that offer a glimpse into Cebu’s domestic life centuries ago. Today, it operates as a museum and cultural treasure, carefully preserved by the Sandiego family for public viewing. The 11th generation owner of the house, Val Sandiego, happened to be visiting that day and I posed for a picture with him on the way out.
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Yap-Sandiego Heritage House |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Yap-Sandiego Heritage House |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Yap-Sandiego Heritage House |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Yap-Sandiego Heritage House |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Yap-Sandiego Heritage House |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Yap-Sandiego Heritage House |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Yap-Sandiego Heritage House |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Yap-Sandiego Heritage House |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Yap-Sandiego Heritage House |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Yap-Sandiego Heritage House |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Yap-Sandiego Heritage House |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Yap-Sandiego Heritage House |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Yap-Sandiego Heritage House |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Yap-Sandiego Heritage House - Birthing Chair Not Rocking Chair |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Yap-Sandiego Heritage House - Current Owner |
For lunch, we went to a local restaurant, La Casa Vieja, to savor more Filipino cuisine. Although it was pretty much the same fare we had had at all the other places, it was quite nice. As we approached the restaurant, we turned down a really sketchy road, drove through a rundown neighborhood, and eventually came to the restaurant about a quarter mile down the road across from a church. Like usual, I was asking myself how Gate1 finds these places.
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| Cebu - Cebu City - On Way to La Casa Vieja for Lunch |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - La Casa Vieja |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - La Casa Vieja |
After lunch, we toured the Carbon Market, Cebu's oldest and largest public market. The market is believed to date back over a century — originally named after a coal depot (from the old railway system) that once stood in that area. It has long been a bustling hub of commerce, with thousands of vendors selling a wide variety of goods: fresh produce, seafood, meat, fruits, handicrafts, household items, clothing, and more. In recent years, the market has undergone a major redevelopment under a public–private partnership aiming to modernize its facilities while preserving its heritage — with new buildings, better infrastructure, and organized spaces for both vendors and customers. Despite modernization efforts, Carbon Market continues to retain its vibrant local-market atmosphere and remains a vital part of Cebu’s daily life and culture. We got dropped off at street level across from the two-story carbon Market building. The area was teaming with people talking all kinds of wares from a bank of stalls stretching as far as the eye could see. There was food, fruits and vegetables, crafts, just about anything else you might want to buy. We wandered through the stalls and then went into the carbon Market building. The first floor had fruits and vegetables and a variety of flowers. Upstairs is where all the crafts were. There was a lot of wicker. Reminded me of my youth working for the Webers up in Door County during the summer.
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Carbon Market |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Carbon Market |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Carbon Market |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Carbon Market |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Carbon Market |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Carbon Market |
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| Cebu - Cebu City - Carbon Market |
Following the Carbon Market, we drove to the city pier where we had arrived yesterday from Bohol and boarded a small cruise boat with a seven-man crew and took a leisurely 2-hour cruise across the Cebu harbor to our hotel on Mactan Island. The tour was operated fantastically by Jokai Marine. We enjoyed snacks, beverages and music (a lot of American 70's and 80's music). I was impressed that a group this old had so much energy to dance. Everything was going great until the very end when we had to get off the boat. The floating dock that we had to walk on to get off the boat was bobbing up and down and back and forth in the big waves and many people very nervous getting off the boat safely. But with the help of the crew, and me going first for inspiration, everybody got off safely.
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| Cebu - Cebu City to Hotel on Mactan Island Cruise |
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| Cebu - Cebu City to Hotel on Mactan Island Cruise |
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| Cebu - Cebu City to Hotel on Mactan Island Cruise |
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| Cebu - Cebu City to Hotel on Mactan Island Cruise |
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| Cebu - Cebu City to Hotel on Mactan Island Cruise |
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| Cebu - Cebu City to Hotel on Mactan Island Cruise |
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| Cebu - Cebu City to Hotel on Mactan Island Cruise |
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| Cebu - Cebu City to Hotel on Mactan Island Cruise |
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| Cebu - Cebu City to Hotel on Mactan Island Cruise |
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| Cebu - Cebu City to Hotel on Mactan Island Cruise |
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| Cebu - Cebu City to Hotel on Mactan Island Cruise - Typhoon Casualty |
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| Cebu - Cebu City to Hotel on Mactan Island Cruise - Our Hotel |
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| Cebu - Cebu City to Hotel on Mactan Island Cruise - Our Hotel |
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| Cebu - Cebu City to Hotel on Mactan Island Cruise - Rough Seas Getting Off |
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| Cebu - Cebu City to Hotel on Mactan Island Cruise - Rough Seas Getting Off |
After the boat ride we went back to the room and donned our swimming gear and went down to the pool for an hour. It was our last night at the hotel and we wanted to make use of the fabulous amenities at least once.
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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
Summary: Today we flew from Cebu City to Palawan Island. After arrival, drove to Puerto Princess and enjoyed a midday gathering with a local family to learn more about life on the island before checking into our fabulous resort hotel.
Weather: 88F and sunny
We had the morning to enjoy a leisurely breakfast and poke around the hotel. At 11 am, we headed to the airport for our flight to Palawan Island, a tropical paradise, often called "The Last Frontier."
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| Today's Tour Map |
Our Philippine Airlines A320-200 took off at 2:35 pm for the 1-1/2 hour flight to Palawan.
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| Cebu - Airport - Jollibee Dining Experience |
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| Cebu - Airport - Our Plane to Palawan Island |
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| Cebu - Leaving Cebu City - There's the Hotel |
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| Palawan - Arriving in Palawan - My Luggage Arrives (Red Strap) |
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| Palawan - Welcome to Puerto Princesa |
Upon arrival in Puerto Princesa, we visited a B&B called The Lokal Hut to enjoy an authentic home-hosted "merienda" experience. The Lokal Hut is a B&B. We enjoyed traditional Filipino snacks, while connecting with our hosts and learning about local customs. We learned to make banana spring rolls (Turon).
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| Palawan - Puerto Princesa - The Lokal Hut "Merienda" Experience |
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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
Summary: Visit to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, one of the longest navigable underground waterways in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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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
Summary: Today we made the 5-hour drive from our hotel in the middle of Palawan Island to El Nido in the very northern tip of Palawan Island. Along the way, we stopped to tour a cashew nut factory in the town Roxas and lunch in the town of Taytay with its stellar view of the ocean and Fort Santa Isabella.
Weather: 92F and sunny
Today, we traveled north to El Nido, a tropical paradise renowned for its awe-inspiring natural beauty and marine biodiversity. It was the longest driving day of the tour. We departed around 9 am and made a few stops along the way.
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| Today's Tour Map |
Our first stop was the small town of Roxas where we visited a
cashew nut production facility where we learned how cashews are harvested, dried and processed for market. The Philippines are one of the largest exporters of cashews. The whole process was very interesting.
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| Palawan - Roxas - Cashew Facility |
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| Palawan - Roxas - Cashew Facility |
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| Palawan - Roxas - Cashew Facility |
We then proceeded to the town of Taytay where we had lunch at a local restaurant called
Casa Rosa with scenic views of the fort of Taytay.
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| Palawan - Taytay - Lunch Stop |
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| Palawan - Taytay - Lunch Stop - Casa Rosa |
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| Palawan - Taytay - View of Town and Fort from Casa Rosa |
I skipped dessert and ran 5 minutes down to
Fort Santa Isabella to take a few pictures. It is a 17th-century Spanish fort built to protect the area from raids and foreign threats. It later served as a colonial administrative center and today stands as a historic landmark overlooking Taytay Bay.
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| Palawan - Taytay - View of Town and Fort from Casa Rosa |
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| Palawan - Taytay - Fort Santa Isabella |
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| Palawan - Taytay - Fort Santa Isabella |
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| Palawan - Taytay - Fort Santa Isabella |
Afterward, we continued to El Nido and checked into our hotel, the Seda Lio. The motorcoach was too big so the hotel met us and transported us to the hotel in open air electric cars. The hotel was right on the beach with a nice pool and outdoor bar and restaurant. Very nice.
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| Palawan - El Nido - Seda Lio Hotel |
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| Palawan - El Nido - Seda Lio Hotel |
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| Palawan - El Nido - Seda Lio Hotel |
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| Palawan - El Nido - Seda Lio Hotel |
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| Palawan - El Nido - Seda Lio Hotel |
In the evening, we enjoyed dinner at the hotel.
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| Palawan - El Nido - Seda Lio Hotel |
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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
Summary: Today we did a daylong island hopping cruise on a catamaran to several islands with lunch on the beach in the El Nido area.
Weather: 84F and sunny
We got up early and had breakfast downstairs, then packed our boat bag for the things we'd need today on our island hopping cruise.
We didn't know where to meet, but we found the group on the beach at 9:00 am and boarded a catamaran with a 5-man crew for a deluxe cruise.
We waded into the crashing waves or a kayak to get on. Then they started the motor with the five guys pulling a rope like a lawn mower and we were off.
We cruised on the open water for about an hour before reaching Bacuit Island with tower mountains and caves. We boarded waiting kayaks and paddled deep into the mountains and a nice cave in Big Lagoon.
We then paddled back to the boat and motored over to another island with a large reef. We donned our masks and snorkels and swam over the reef admiring the beautiful corals and fish.
We then motored to Entalula Island where they had a table waiting with our lunch. The waves crashing on the beach with all the sailboats parked in the lagoon was a wonderful sight.
After lunch, we motored over to Snake Island. The tide was high so we didn't get to see the huge sandbar but it was nice swimming in the shallow, clear turquoise waters.
We then motored an hour back to the hotel arriving around 4 pm. It was a wonderful day.
After showering off all the sand, sun tax lotion and salt, we went to the hotel's poolside bar for a beer and dinner before heading back to the room for the night.
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Gate1Travel - 13-Day Philippines Tour
|
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
Summary: Fly to Manila. Rest of day at leisure. Farewell dinner in the evening
Weather: 84F and partly cloudy
Today our trip was coming to a close as we took an 11:45 am flight from El Nido back to Manila.
We went down for breakfast early, came back to the room and finished packing our bags, and met the group at 9:45 am for the 10:00 am departure for the airport.
The hotel shuttle dropped us off at the El Nido airport around 10:15 am. Since you aren't allowed to take shells or coral out of the country, there were boxes of shells and coral at the airport security line.
By 11:45 am, our Cebu Pacific ATR 72-600 turboprop was on its way to Manila 1-1/2 hours away.
We landed on time at 1:20 pm and went to our hotel for the night in the Bonifacio High Street district of Manila. I preferred this neighborhood much more than the Makati neighborhood we stayed in at the beginning of the tour since the neighborhood was far more vibrant.
On the way to the hotel, we stopped at the Manila America Cemetery, which is the largest American military cemetery outside of the United States. This World War II cemetery contains the graves of nearly 17,100 war dead, and nearly 36,300 names on the Walls of the Missing.
After checking into our hotel, we went across the street to shop at Market! Market!, which is a huge indoor and outdoor shopping mall stretching for several blocks. It was a madhouse with all the Christmas shoppers.
At 6 pm, we gathered at the hotel for a farewell dinner. Our guide gave a gift to each member of the tour group. The women got a pair of Philippine pearl earrings and the men received a set of mother of pearl coasters. One of the group members had a birthday (Nancy from Phoenix), so we had birthday cake for dessert. I have to say that this was one of the best Gate1 groups I have travelled with.
After dinner, we returned to our room and packed our bags for the trip home the following day.
Go to Table of Contents |
| Gate1Travel - 13-Day Philippines Tour |
Itinerary: Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Daily Journal
Summary: Fly Manila to Houston USA via Taipei
Weather: 84F and sunny.
Today we made the long journey home. After breakfast, we shuttled to the Manila airport at 9 am.
By 9:15 am we were standing in line for over an hour to get our boarding passes. I tried to download them before we left for the airport but the Manila airport does not support that at this time.
Once getting our boarding passes, passport and immigration control were rather quick.
Our EVA Air 777-300ER departed on time at 12:50 pm and arrived in Taipei 2 hours and 25 minutes later around 3:15 pm. We then had roughly a 6-hour layover until our next flight.
Our EVA Air 777-300ER departed Taipei on schedule at 9:20 pm. We arrived early at 8:10 pm, 50 minutes before we left Taipei. Got to love that International Dateline. I slept quite a bit.
I collected my luggage at baggage claim and went to an airport hotel for the night. I had a flight to Milwaukee the following morning.
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