Itinerary Details
Alexander+Roberts
Philippines Luxury Island Hopping
Day 1: Welcome to Manila, Philippines
On arrival at the airport, you'll be warmly greeted and chauffeured to the luxurious Raffles Makati Hotel, ideally situated in the heart of Manila's central financial district, close to cultural institutions like the Ayala Museum. The rest of this day is yours to explore on your own or simply relax.
Day 2: Discover Manila
Step into poignant chapters of Manila's history during World War II on this privately guided tour that honors courage, resilience, and legacy. Begin at the Manila American Cemetery, the largest of its kind in the Pacific, where sweeping memorial grounds commemorate over 17,000 American and Allied soldiers. Continue to Fort Santiago, a 16th-century citadel nestled within the cobbled streets of Intramuros, Manila's historic Walled City. Once used as a military prison during the Japanese occupation, the site offers powerful insights into the courage of Filipinos, like Dr. José Rizal, a revered national hero. Continue your sightseeing with a visit to the MacArthur Suite and Gallery at the iconic Manila Hotel; this is where General Douglas MacArthur lived from 1935 to 1941 during his tenure as the Military Advisor to the Commonwealth Government of the Philippines. For lunch, we'll take you to the landmark Café Ilang-Ilang, known for its refined ambiance and tempting dishes inspired by Asian, Mediterranean and European cuisines. Back at your luxury hotel, the rest of this day is yours to relax and explore as you wish. Meals B+L
Day 3: Tailor Your Day in Manila
After breakfast, you can tailor this day to your own personal interests and style. Choose one of these included activities, each offering a unique way to connect with Manila's culture and heritage: Flavors and Heritage: A Manila City Tour with Binondo Food Crawl: After breakfast, you will be met at the hotel lobby for an old Manila city tour visiting the walled-city of Intramuros, San Agustin Church, Quiapo Market, and Black Nazarene Church. The journey will continue with ane exciting food crawl - Binondo is the oldest Chinatown outside mainland China, and guests will experience a foodie walk where they will be able to taste Chinese delicacies and passing through the typical communities. Chasing Cascades: A Thrilling Adventure to Pagsanjan Falls: Pagsanjan Falls is one of the country's most famous waterfalls, located in Laguna which is accessible via a scenit boat ride or an adventurous trek. It is approximately 3 hours drive from Manila hotels. You will pass through lush gorges, rivers, and roc formations along the riverbanks leading to the falls. Take a dip or a ride a bamboo raft under the falls for an exhilarating shower. A Breath of Fresh Air: Discovering the Charm of Tagaytay City: Tagaytay, located just 2 hours from Manila, is a popular destination for its cool climate, breathtaking views of Taal Volcano and serene ambiance. It is perfect for a quick escape from the city. Enjoy your lunch while enjoying the views of Taal Lake and Volcano from your restaurant. You will also have a stop at Mahogany Market and have a quick look at the fresh fruits, meats, and other local produce of the town. Luxury Spa Treatment: The elegant 13,000-square-foot spa at the sophisticated Raffles Makati is one of the most luxurious retreats in the capital, offering a curated collection of natural therapies and signature treatments designed to promote inner peace and serenity. Whether you choose an invigorating massage or an indulgent facial, you will emerge restored and renewed. However you spend it, this day is yours—luxurious, personal, and entirely unforgettable. Meals B
Day 4: Fly to Panglao Island + Cooking Demonstration + Corella Tarsier Sanctuary
Take a short, scenic flight to Panglao Island, your gateway to the natural and cultural treasures of Bohol Province. Upon arrival, journey to the tranquil town of Corella for a hands-on culinary experience. At the Corella Green Thumb, enjoy a farm-to-table cooking demonstration that highlights the region's fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially mushrooms—followed by lunch in a lush garden setting. In the afternoon, continue to the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary, a serene forest reserve dedicated to the protection of one of the world's most ancient primates, with an evolutionary lineage dating back over 45 million years. The tarsiers are tiny, wide-eyed creatures no larger than a human hand; they are notoriously shy, making sightings both rare and unforgettable. Enjoy a guided walk through the sanctuary's verdant forest and a rare chance to observe these extraordinary animals up close. The encounter is designed to be respectful and non-intrusive, supporting conservation while offering meaningful insight into this fascinating species. End your day at the 5-star Bellevue Resort, set on a glorious stretch of sandy beach on Panglao Island. Settle in to your spacious accommodations with a free evening to relax, explore and dine as you wish. Meals B+L
Day 5: Discover the Chocolate Hills
With your chauffeured car and driver, today's privately guided excursion explores the captivating landscapes and cultural treasures of Bohol. Your journey begins with a visit to the iconic Chocolate Hills—one of the Philippines' most remarkable natural wonders. Spread across nearly 20 square miles, this surreal geological formation features over 1,200 symmetrical limestone hills. Blanketed by grass in the rainy season, they turn a rich cocoa-brown during the dry season. Visitors have compared them to an enormous buffet of Hershey's Kisses, giving this natural wonder its intriguing name. Next, travel to the town of Loboc for a leisurely river cruise. Step aboard for a traditional Filipino buffet lunch as you drift along the scenic Loboc River, surrounded by lush jungle scenery. The journey is enhanced by live performances of local music and folk dancing, offering a joyful glimpse into Boholano culture. Before returning to your luxury beach resort, stop at Baclayon Church, one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines. Built in the 18th century, this Spanish-era landmark stands as a testament to the island's rich colonial history and enduring faith. The balance of this day is free to enjoy the idyllic setting and amenities of the Bellevue Resort. Meals B+L
Day 6: Onward to Cebu + Colonial City Tour
After breakfast and check-out, you'll be chauffeured to the pier to board the ferry bound for Cebu, the oldest city in the Philippines and a vibrant crossroads of history, culture, and modern life. Upon arrival, your privately guided tour delves into both the island's rich colonial past and dynamic present. Begin with a visit to Magellan's Cross, planted in 1521 to mark the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines, and continue to the Lapu-Lapu Monument in Mactan, honoring the local hero who resisted Spanish conquest. Next up is Casa Gorordo, a world-class cultural heritage museum set in a beautifully preserved 19th-century home. Then, visit a local guitar workshop, where master craftsmen continue a centuries-old tradition. Guitars hold a special place in Cebuano culture—particularly in courtship rituals and folk serenades—and you'll see how this beloved instrument continues to shape local identity. Stroll through a lively native market bursting with color, flavor, and artisanal goods, before concluding your experience with a ride on a traditional "jeepney," the Philippines' iconic public transport. For lunch, enjoy Cebu's most celebrated culinary offering: succulent, slow-roasted lechon. Delight in a 2-night stay at the luxury Shangri-La Mactan Hotel. Meals B+L
Day 7: Free Day in Cebu
Enjoy a full day at leisure to experience our luxury seaside resort, where every moment can be tailored to your interests and style. Whether you seek relaxation, creative expression, or outdoor exploration, the resort offers a thoughtfully curated selection of experiences to suit your mood. Unwind with a signature treatment at CHI, The Spa, where therapies are rooted in ancient Asian healing traditions. Join a hands-on arts and crafts session that celebrates local Filipino materials and design, or enjoy a casual round at the resort's scenic 6-hole golf park—perfect for practicing your short game amid tropical greenery. Nature lovers may choose a guided walk along the resort's Eco Trail, a serene and educational journey through native coastal flora that reflects Shangri-La's commitment to sustainability. For those looking for a truly extraordinary experience, a helicopter excursion to Oslob offers the rare chance to encounter gentle whale sharks in their natural habitat. Meals B+L
Day 8: Fly to El Nido, Palawan
Your private car and driver will take you to the airport for your included one-hour flight to El Nido, the northern gateway to Palawan—an island province known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and unspoiled natural beauty. Upon arrival, transfer by boat to Cauayan Island Resort, our exclusive retreat set on a private island just off the coast. After check-in, enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. Whether you choose to relax in your spacious villa, unwind by the pool, or take a quiet walk along the shore, the setting is ideal for rest and rejuvenation. In the early evening, delight in a relaxing sunset cruise. Sip cocktails as you sail across calm waters, with panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the sun dipping below the horizon. It's a picture-perfect start to your stay in one of the most stunning corners of the Philippines. Meals B+L
Day 9: Day at Leisure on Our Private Island
Ease into island life with a day entirely at your leisure at Cauayan Island Resort, a secluded tropical paradise nestled in El Nido's Bacuit Archipelago. Surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise waters, the resort offers a serene setting to unwind or explore. Maybe start your morning with a rejuvenating yoga session by the sea, followed by a massage or treatment at the island's spa, where native ingredients and traditional techniques restore balance and calm. For the adventurous, take to the water with a kayak or paddleboard, or snorkel just off the shore to discover vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. The calm pace allows you to unwind or stay active—whichever suits your style. Meals B
Day 10: Explore or Relax: It’s Your Choice
Embrace the freedom to curate your own perfect day in paradise. Our luxury resort offers a range of immersive experiences—whether that means setting off on a hike along lush jungle trails to spot exotic birds and flora, or simply lounging by the resort's infinity pool with breathtaking views of sand and sea. Snorkeling enthusiasts can explore coral gardens rich with biodiversity, while those seeking rejuvenation may prefer a full-body Swedish massage or the resort's signature Chocolate Facial Treatment. Consider an island-hopping boat excursion to nearby hidden coves and uninhabited beaches, where you can bask in nature's solitude. Whether active or at ease, you can tailor this day to your interests and own personal style. Meals B
Day 11: Final Day in Paradise
Your final day on Cauayan Island invites you to soak in its beauty and charm one last time. Greet the morning with a leisurely breakfast overlooking the bay, then choose how you'd like to enjoy your last full day in paradise. Glide across crystal-clear waters by paddleboard or kayak, or dive beneath the surface to mingle with reef fish and sea turtles. Wildlife lovers can opt for a quiet fauna-watching walk, while those looking to unwind may indulge in a final spa ritual inspired by local healing traditions. As the sun begins to set, you might raise a toast to your journey at the Infinity Bar—where the views are as memorable as the experience. Meals B
Day 12: Return to Manila
After breakfast and check out, transfer to the airport for you included flight to Manila where you can connect to your homeward journey. Meals B
