One Week in the Philippines

This morning, your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel and accompany you on an exploration of Manila to start this Philippines best tour. Our first stop is the Makati CBD, one of Manila’s busiest areas and the country’s financial center since the 1960s, which boasts Ayala Avenue, known as the “Wall Street of the Philippines,” and SM Mall of Asia, one of the world’s top 10 shopping malls. However, the Philippines has a significant wealth gap between the wealthy and the poor. In contrast to the skyscrapers and bustling shoppers in Makati, the adjacent slums are marked by densely packed iron houses and spiderweb-like wires, where millions eke out a living from garbage. Half a month’s income for the poor is enough for only one lunch in the rich zone.

Nestled between the prosperous CBD and the crowded slums lies the peaceful, spacious, and well-maintained Manila American Cemetery and Memorial - the world’s largest American cemetery, with over 17,000 graves. Why is an American cemetery in the Philippines? During World War II (1939-1945 AD), the Philippines was a crucial theater in the Pacific, where the American military fought fiercely against the Japanese army. Therefore, the Philippine government specifically gifted this land to the United States to commemorate the fallen soldiers.

Next, let’s head to Intramuros Old Town, the historic center of Manila, which still preserves ancient buildings, city walls, and weathered cobblestone streets after 300 years of Spanish colonial influence. San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the oldest stone Baroque church in the Philippines. It survived the gunfire of both world wars and has witnessed over 400 years of conflict and peace in Manila. Stroll along the church’s ancient corridor and see sunlight shining through the stained-glass arched windows, casting a glow on the faded icons. We will also explore Fort Santiago, built in 1571 AD, including the Dungeons and the Jose Rizal Museum, to learn about the complex historical events that have unfolded here over the centuries. Finally, you will enjoy a scenic ride via the seaside Roxas Boulevard before your guide and driver escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Seda Bonifacio Global City, Manila (4 stars) or similar

This morning, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and escort you to Tagaytay in 2 hours. Unlike Manila’s hustle and bustle, Tagaytay is quiet and simple, with a cooler climate and beautiful natural scenery. As we pass through coconut, pineapple, coffee, mango, and orchid farms along the way, you can fully enjoy the scenery of the Philippine countryside. Upon arrival, let’s have lunch at Tagaytay Ridge and then start our visit.

★ Overlook Taal Lake and Taal Volcano from People’s Park in the Sky

The park is situated at the highest point in Tagaytay, overlooking the city and its surroundings. From its viewing platform, the most notable feature is Taal Volcano, the world’s smallest active volcano, standing only 300 meters (984 ft.) above sea level. Despite its size, Taal Volcano is among the most active in the Philippines, with more than 600 recorded minor eruptions in recent years. The volcano sits in the middle of the vast Taal Lake, and within its crater is a small lake, creating a rare landscape of “a lake within a lake.” From a distance, you may see white smoke puffing from the crater.
► Tips: Due to the high altitude, the mountain’s temperature will be lower than in the city, and it may rain at any time. We recommend bringing a waterproof jacket.

After enjoying the scenery along Tagaytay Ridge by car, your guide and driver will finally escort you back to your hotel in Manila.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Seda Bonifacio Global City, Manila (4 stars) or similar

This morning, you will enjoy a private car transfer from your hotel to Manila Airport for a one-hour flight to Caticlan. Upon arrival, a local driver will pick you up and escort you to your hotel in Boracay. The rest of the day is free for you. 

Boracay is one of the Philippines’ most beautiful islands, with its White Beach, hailed as “the finest white sand in the world,” turquoise waters, and swaying coconut palms that enhance the tropical atmosphere. You can relax at the hotel or explore the surrounding beaches as you like, enjoying the sea breeze and watching the sunset.

► Recommended Restaurant for Dinner (at your own expense)
A 15-minute walk northwest from your hotel leads you to Nameet Bar and Restaurant, where you can enjoy both Western dishes and authentic Filipino cuisine. The pork barbecue and mango shake are top picks. 
Average Cost per Person: USD 8
Address: Sitio Hagdan, Malay, Aklan, Philippines

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Fairways & Bluewater Boracay (4 stars) or similar

In the morning, your driver and guide will accompany you on the Boracay island-hopping tour. Get ready to indulge in Boracay’s incomparable natural beauty and its attractive beaches. Follow your guide to collect adorable seashells at Puka Beach and overlook the crocodile-shaped Crocodile Island from Tambisaan Beach. Then, snorkel at Coral Garden or swim near Bolabog Beach, and discover vibrant corals, fish, anemones, and seaweed in the crystal-clear water. If the weather permits, we’ll also head to Balinghai Beach to explore caves or Magic Island for a cliff-diving adventure.

Around noon, we will enjoy a delicious seafood barbecue on the beach, after which your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel. For the rest of the day, you’ll be free to relax at the hotel, attend a beach party, or bar hop in the evening.

► Tips
1. The snorkeling equipment provided on the boat may be old or ill-fitting, so we highly recommend that you bring your own snorkeling gear for better comfort and a better snorkeling experience.
2. It is recommended to bring a waterproof bag so that you can keep your valuables, such as your mobile phone, camera, and cash, with you without getting wet. 
3. The sun can be very strong on the island, so make sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, etc., to prevent sunburn.

► Why You Need Our Guided Tour in Boracay
As a charming island, Boracay offers countless island-hopping activities, but not all local operators are reliable and professional. Independent travelers often encounter tourist traps, such as visiting a fake Puka Beach and having a bad experience. We can provide you with the most suitable itinerary and hassle-free service, ensuring you have a better experience of Boracay’s beauty.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Fairways & Bluewater Boracay (4 stars) or similar

The arrangements for today are up to you! If you’d like to enjoy a leisurely day on the island, you can unwind in the hotel’s infinity pool or admire the sea views from the private beach. The nearby Ilig-Iligan Beach is one of Boracay’s most breathtaking and less tourist-crowded beaches, where you can lie on the sand undisturbed.

If you want to experience adrenaline-pumping water activities, you can try parasailing or jet skiing in the morning. For your safety, we recommend selecting qualified operators and carefully assess your physical condition before participating in water sports. In the afternoon, consider participating in an exciting beach volleyball match. Around dusk, don’t miss the Paraw boat sunset sailing, one of Boracay’s most worthwhile activities. After that, you could head to D’Talipapa, the island’s largest seafood market, to sample seafood and Filipino dishes, or enjoy a Filipino massage to relieve fatigue and rejuvenate.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Fairways & Bluewater Boracay (4 stars) or similar

On the last day of your 7 days best Philippines tours, you will enjoy a private transfer from your hotel to Caticlan Airport, followed by a 1-hour flight back to Manila, where your tour ends.

Given the driving and flight time for the first half of the journey, we recommend booking a late-departure flight from Manila to your next destination. Hope you have a smooth journey!

If you’d like to further explore the Philippines’ historical gem, Cebu, or the island paradise, Palawan, or extend your tour to other Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, or Malaysia, please contact us to customize your itinerary.

Meals: Breakfast