Manila
Our journey begins in Manila.
You can clearly see the Spanish influences dating back to colonial times in the city, and you’ll find plenty of historical fortifications, like Fort Santiago for example. The National Museum and the Catholic San Augustin Church, the oldest stone church in the country, are also worth seeing.
You can get a bed in a 6-person dorm for €11 a night in one of the local hostels.
Bohol
You can reach the port city of Tagbilaran on the island of Bohol by plane, with flights starting for as little as €40.
An absolute must-see is the Chocolate Hills, one of the most extraordinary geological formations in the world. Try and wake up early so you can admire the sun rising above the 1,250 hills composing the natural monument.
You can then relax on the beach on the Panglao Peninsula, go to the best snorkeling spots in the area, or go dolphin watching.
Panglao is also home to the Bohol Coco Farm, which provides a wide range of home-grown food, a great atmosphere, and delicious fresh coconut shakes.
In Bohol, you can get a bed in a 6-person dorm for €6.
Siquijor
You can reach the small island of Siquijor from Bohol by ferry for about €10. It’s especially popular with the locals and is still quite undiscovered by tourists.
Rent a scooter to explore the picturesque beaches, numerous waterfalls and caves present inland, and sample some street food barbecues on the roadside.
In Cliff Garden, you can sleep right on the beach in tents under the stars and let the sound of the waves lull you to sleep. Those who prefer a solid roof over their head can get a bed in a dorm for €6 a night.
From Siquijor, you can fly with a small propeller plane to Cebu from where you can travel to Palawan. Flights are available from as little as €50 – great views included.
Port Barton
You’ll fly from Cebu to Puerto Princesa for about €50. From there, you can head to Port Barton with a minivan for about €15.
The small fishing village is located in the northwestern part of Palawan. If you're looking for pure relaxation, you've come to the right place as you won't find overcrowded luxury hotels, lively beach clubs, or annoying beach vendors here.
Instead, you’ll find deserted dream beaches, a fascinating underwater world, jungle, mountains, and a lot of untouched nature to discover. The offshore islands like German Island, Cacnipa Island and Paradise Island are ideal for relaxed day trips as well as diving and snorkeling tours.
The small village also has few sandy roads, some restaurants, fishermen's cabins, cottages, and a few bungalow complexes directly on the beach – simple but beautiful. You can stay overnight in a dorm for €7 a night.
Tapik
Continue from Port Barton to El Nido for €12, then take one of the many motorcycle taxis to get to Tapik Beach. The trip should cost you about €5 and last an hour.
The beach on the north-east coast of Palawan is a real insider's tip, where you can relax far away from the crowds of tourists and get to know the real, original Palawan. Make friends with the locals, take a canoe trip, explore the nearby islands or the colorful underwater world while diving and snorkeling.
El Nido
You’ll take one of the motorcycle taxis once again from Tapik, which will bring you back to the city of El Nido for about €5.
There’s so much to discover around the city in the picturesque north of Palawan. Explore the countless beaches, tropical forests, hidden bays and steep rock formations are best explored by motorbike.
Coron
And if you thought it couldn't get any more paradisical, wait until you see Coron.
You will have a breathtaking view over Coron during a hike to Mt. Tapyas – especially during sunset. Swing by the Maquinit Springs, where you can take a bath in natural hot springs in the middle of the jungle.
It’s also worth seeing Waling Waling Island, also called 'Mini Maldives', and Malcapula Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines. You can visit the most beautiful attractions in this paradise island (Twin Lagoon, Kayanga Lake, Skeleton Wreck, Bamboo Beach, and Siete Pecados) with the Coron Highlights Tour for €25 per person.
You can get a bed in a 5-person dorm for €6 a night.
