Philippines Island Hopping West

  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • What's Included
  • FAQ
  • Dates

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "Philippines Island Hopping West" tour, where you'll explore the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of the Philippines. Begin your journey in Manila, savoring breathtaking beaches and delectable seafood, before flying to the picturesque island of Palawan. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Subterranean River National Park, and enjoy island hopping and snorkeling with sea turtles in Port Barton. Experience authentic Filipino hospitality with a traditional meal at Nanay Elena's House and a unique Jeepney tour in El Nido. Visit the pristine Nacpan Beach and Bulalacao Waterfalls, and uncover the secrets of a WWII shipwreck. With seamless transport and charming accommodations, this tour promises a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in paradise.

Highlights
  • Breathtaking beaches and seafood in Manila and Puerto Princesa.
  • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Subterranean River National Park.
  • Island hopping and snorkeling with sea turtles in Port Barton.
  • Ride a classic Jeepney to explore El Nido's beaches and waterfalls.
  • Visit the stunning Nacpan Beach and Bulalacao Waterfalls in El Nido.
  • Discover a WWII shipwreck and enjoy a traditional boodle fight at Island Special Stay.
  • Witness the bewitching beauty of the sunset at Las Cabanas.
Mode of Transport
Travel seamlessly with included flights from Manila to Puerto Princesa, private boat transfers for island hopping, and a classic Jeepney tour in El Nido. Enjoy the convenience of organized transport, allowing you to focus on the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of the Philippines.
Accommodation
Experience a variety of accommodations including the Palawan Uno Hotel, Ferellee Beachfront Inn, Coral Cliff, and The Isla Experience. Enjoy beachfront stays, rustic beach huts, and comfortable hotels, each offering unique local charm and amenities for a memorable island hopping adventure.
Personal Expenses
Any personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
Optional Activities
Any optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
Visa Fees
Visa fees and any related travel documentation are not included.
Dining Summary
  • 2 Dinner (D)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)
  • 4 Lunch (L)
FAQs
  • Bangkok: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
Included Experience
  • Puerto Princesa: Soar over the Manila skyline and aquamarine waters to one of the most beautiful islands in the country - Palawan, in an included flight.
  • Underground River: Cruise through the serene Subterranean River National Park into a kaleidoscope of pointy limestone caves. Don't miss the chance to watch the 8.2 km long river flow directly into the ocean.
  • Port Barton: Wanna get a taste of Grandma’s home-cooked food the Filipino way? Join Nanay Elena for a traditional meal made from locally-grown ingredients.
  • Port Barton: Want some Filipino keepsakes that you’ll never wanna take off? Here you'll have the chance to support a local workshop in Port Barton and learn how to make your own rings and bracelets.
  • Port Barton: Snorkel, swim, and dine - get your ocean fix on this island hopping day trip. You’ll visit two tropical islands, gorge on delicious seafood. And possibly even swim with turtles!
  • El Nido: Not riding on the colourfully chaotic Jeepney when in the Philippines? Now that should be considered a crime. Hop onto a private Jeepney for a tour of the wonderful beaches and waterfalls.
  • El Nido: Take a walk on the perfectly curved Nacpan Beach. Sink your feet into the golden-white sand. Or dip them into the cool water - it's a feast for your eyes, feet and soul.
  • El Nido: Watch the shiny smooth water tearing through the rocky hills of Bulalacao. Don’t forget your swimsuit. This spot is famous for its insta-worthy pictures.
  • Port Barton: Cameras at the ready! Be prepared to witness the bewitching beauty of the sunset at Las Cabanas - arguably one of the best sunset spots in the Philippines.
  • Island Special Stay: Support the locals with marine conservation, education and their eco garden while you get irresistible beach-side views. Talk about a win-win!
  • Island Special Stay: Love sea exploration? You're going to love this shipwreck site that is just off the coast of our island home. Here, you'll discover the history and secrets of WWII ships.
  • Island Special Stay: It’s time to get dirty (in the best way possible). Join a traditional Kamayan or a boodle fight, where you'll eat a communal feast served on long banana leaves with your hands.
Destinations
  • Philippines
  • South East Asia
Tour Types
  • Snorkeling
  • Beach Tours
  • Wildlife Tours
  • Cultural
  • Sightseeing
  • Sailing

Location: Manila, Puerto Princesa

Breathtaking beaches. Spectacular seafood. Rustic marine rendezvous. Welcome to Asia’s Pearl of the Orient, packed with some of the BEST views of your lifetime! There’s so much to see, and there’s no time to waste. You’ll meet your crew in Manila before we zip through the skies straight to our very first white-sand destination. Feel the beach vibes hitting you already? Same. Nothing’s better than a free evening to spend on one of the most pristine islands here, Palawan. But first, we feast. Exchange proper hellos with your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner. And for a prime local experience, you can end the night at a Tiki bar with Filipino tunes and cocktails. Today might be over, but this is just beginning…

Accommodation Name: Palawan Uno Hotel (or similar)

Meals: Dinner

Location: Puerto Princesa, Subterranean River National Park, Port Barton

Morning, sunshine lovers! Today’s the first full day on this wonderful island, so you know we’re starting with a bang. You’ll grab some breakfast at the hotel and head straight to the Subterranean River National Park for a fascinating underground endeavour. Ready? Put on your neon helmets. For your very first adventure, you’ll float through an aquamarine river into one of the most complex cave systems in the world. Surrounded by intricate limestone formations (some of them egg-shaped too!) - you’ll have no doubt about why this glorious landscape is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bet your eyes are pleased with those gorgeous views. Now it's time to please our tummies. You’ll stop by at Nanay Elena’s House for a traditional Filipino meal, made using only the freshest ingredients (that she grows on her own farm!). Afterwards, drop your bags at our beachfront hotel. Relax on the shore. Explore the tiny town. The night is still young, and it’s all yours!

Accommodation Name: Ferellee Beachfront Inn (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Location: Port Barton

Need your beauty sleep? Or just need to spend some time on the sandy beach? Today’s the day you can do anything you want. Dive into the crystal blue waters. Grab a book and soak in the sun. Go on a morning hike to check out the rocky hills. Or make your own rings & bracelets in a local workshop. Either way, sublime beach vibes are guaranteed here.<br/>

Accommodation Name: Ferellee Beachfront Inn (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Location: Port Barton

Ocean-lovers, unite! Today, we’re going island hopping in our very own private boat. You’ll swim with sea turtles. Snorkel along the vibrant reefs. Grab a scrumptious locally-cooked meal. Dodge waves at the beach. And chill at a starfish sandbar (with your newly-made best friends, of course) as the sun sets over the serene sea. Is this island exploration done right or what?<br/>

Accommodation Name: Ferellee Beachfront Inn (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Location: El Nido

It’s time to bid farewell to our (now) favourite island stop. But don’t worry, there are plenty more destinations here to give it competition. You’ll start the day with some breakfast at the hotel and with no time to waste, head to the next turquoise-tinted spot. A free afternoon to spend in another wonderful tropical paradise? How lucky are we? Taste the local street food. Or check out the unique shops around town. Oh, and please don’t forget to charge your camera!

Accommodation Name: Coral Cliff (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Location: El Nido

Rise and shine folks. It’s time to hit the road (just like the locals) in a wonderfully colourful, classic Jeepney. First stop? The beautiful Lio Beach. Enjoy the peaceful views and walk the wooden footpath that leads into the ocean. And it doesn’t end there. Next, we’ll head to Bulalacao Waterfalls. It’s gonna be really hard to stop yourself from taking a plunge into the enigmatic milky-white water. The day is not complete yet, we’ll head to the most popular beach in all of Palawan (and maybe even the Philippines, if you ask us) - Nacpan Beach. Finally, we'll end the day at Las Cabanas - one of the best sunset points in the ENTIRE country.<br/>

Accommodation Name: Coral Cliff (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Location: El Nido

It’s not often you get an entire day in a palm tree paradise to spend just the way you please. But the stars must’ve aligned, because today is one of them! You can explore the pristine white-sand beaches while the sun’s out and spend the night chilling with your crew. It’s a ‘you do you’ kinda day.<br/>

Accommodation Name: Coral Cliff (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Location: El Nido

Mabuhay, travellers! The sun has risen, and so has the opportunity to explore another destination with crystal clear water. Munch on your final El Nido meal before we catch a boat-transfer. This is what you’ve been waiting for. You’ll drop your bags off at our Special Stay, our next MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience where we'll spend time exploring local culture - something straight outta a storybook. Afterwards, you’ll snorkel under the crystal blue water and explore a local shipwreck! We’ll then head to another authentic Filipino experience. Delicious local food served on a long banana leaf across the table devoured with your hands AKA a boodle fight. Finally, we'll light up a soothing bonfire and end the day resting on the shores (next to our rustic beach huts).

Accommodation Name: The Isla Experience

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: El Nido

Ah, the final day is here. Make the most of your last meal in this wonderful marine ecstasy. Because we’re heading straight to El Nido. Our island exploration has come to an end. Goodbyes are due. Contacts are shared. Tears are shed. New friends are tagged on insta stories. And perhaps, plans are made to meet again at another destination to reminisce about these unforgettable island hopping memories (and make some new ones too!)

Meals: Breakfast

Included
  • Included Flight to Palawan
    -Soar over the Manila skyline and aquamarine waters to one of the most beautiful islands in the country - Palawan, in an included flight.
  • Subterranean River National Park Tour
    -Cruise through the serene Subterranean River National Park into a kaleidoscope of pointy limestone caves.
  • Traditional Filipino Meal with Nanay Elena
    -Join Nanay Elena for a traditional meal made from locally-grown ingredients.
  • Local Workshop in Port Barton
    -Support a local workshop in Port Barton and learn how to make your own rings and bracelets.
  • Island Hopping Day Trip
    -Snorkel, swim, and dine on this island hopping day trip, visiting two tropical islands and possibly swimming with turtles.
  • Private Jeepney Tour in El Nido
    -Hop onto a private Jeepney for a tour of the wonderful beaches and waterfalls.
  • Nacpan Beach Walk
    -Take a walk on the perfectly curved Nacpan Beach, sinking your feet into the golden-white sand.
  • Bulalacao Waterfalls Visit
    -Watch the shiny smooth water tearing through the rocky hills of Bulalacao.
  • Sunset at Las Cabanas
    -Witness the bewitching beauty of the sunset at Las Cabanas, one of the best sunset spots in the Philippines.
  • Island Special Stay
    -Support the locals with marine conservation, education, and their eco garden while enjoying beach-side views.
  • Shipwreck Exploration
    -Discover the history and secrets of WWII ships at a shipwreck site just off the coast of our island home.
  • Traditional Kamayan or Boodle Fight
    -Join a traditional Kamayan or a boodle fight, where you'll eat a communal feast served on long banana leaves with your hands.
  • Transport
    -Travel seamlessly with included flights from Manila to Puerto Princesa, private boat transfers for island hopping, and a classic Jeepney tour in El Nido.

Not Included
  • Personal Expenses
    -Any personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
  • Travel Insurance
    -Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
  • Optional Activities
    -Any optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
  • Visa Fees
    -Visa fees and any related travel documentation are not included.
Yes, you can support local communities by participating in a workshop in Port Barton to make rings and bracelets, and by engaging in marine conservation and education activities at the Island Special Stay.
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
During the island hopping day trip, you can snorkel, swim, dine on delicious seafood, visit two tropical islands, and possibly swim with sea turtles.
You will cruise through the serene Subterranean River National Park, exploring a complex cave system with intricate limestone formations, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
A boodle fight is a traditional Filipino communal feast served on long banana leaves, where you eat with your hands. It is included as part of the Island Special Stay experience.
The tour includes flights from Manila to Puerto Princesa, private boat transfers for island hopping, and a classic Jeepney tour in El Nido.
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Accommodations include stays at the Palawan Uno Hotel, Ferellee Beachfront Inn, Coral Cliff, and The Isla Experience, offering a mix of beachfront stays, rustic beach huts, and comfortable hotels.
The tour includes a visit to the Subterranean River National Park, a traditional Filipino meal at Nanay Elena's House, a local workshop in Port Barton, island hopping with snorkeling, a private Jeepney tour in El Nido, and a traditional boodle fight at the Island Special Stay.
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.

Dates Price Availability
25-Oct-2025
for 0 Nights
Single £1900.00
25-Oct-2025
for 0 Nights
Twin £1335.00
25-Oct-2025
for 0 Nights
Twin Share £1335.00
22-Nov-2025
for 0 Nights
Single £1900.00
22-Nov-2025
for 0 Nights
Twin £1335.00
22-Nov-2025
for 0 Nights
Twin Share £1335.00
20-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights
Single £1900.00
20-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights
Twin £1335.00
20-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights
Twin Share £1335.00
03-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights
Single £2160.00
03-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights
Twin £1595.00
03-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights
Twin Share £1595.00
10-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights
Single £2160.00
10-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights
Twin £1595.00
10-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights
Twin Share £1595.00
31-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights
Single £2160.00
31-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights
Twin £1595.00
31-Jan-2026
for 0 Nights
Twin Share £1595.00
28-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights
Single £2160.00
28-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights
Twin £1595.00
28-Feb-2026
for 0 Nights
Twin Share £1595.00
14-Mar-2026
for 0 Nights
Single £2160.00
14-Mar-2026
for 0 Nights
Twin £1595.00
14-Mar-2026
for 0 Nights
Twin Share £1595.00
21-Mar-2026
for 0 Nights
Single £2160.00
21-Mar-2026
for 0 Nights
Twin £1595.00
21-Mar-2026
for 0 Nights
Twin Share £1595.00
28-Mar-2026
for 0 Nights
Single £2160.00
28-Mar-2026
for 0 Nights
Twin £1595.00
28-Mar-2026
for 0 Nights
Twin Share £1595.00
04-Apr-2026
for 0 Nights
Single £2160.00
04-Apr-2026
for 0 Nights
Twin £1595.00
04-Apr-2026
for 0 Nights
Twin Share £1595.00
11-Apr-2026
for 0 Nights
Single £2160.00
11-Apr-2026
for 0 Nights
Twin £1595.00
11-Apr-2026
for 0 Nights
Twin Share £1595.00
18-Apr-2026
for 0 Nights
Single £2160.00
18-Apr-2026
for 0 Nights
Twin £1595.00
18-Apr-2026
for 0 Nights
Twin Share £1595.00
25-Apr-2026
for 0 Nights
Single £2160.00
25-Apr-2026
for 0 Nights
Twin £1595.00
25-Apr-2026
for 0 Nights
Twin Share £1595.00
02-May-2026
for 0 Nights
Single £2160.00
02-May-2026
for 0 Nights
Twin £1595.00
02-May-2026
for 0 Nights
Twin Share £1595.00

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This tour is operated by Contiki

9 days from £1335 pp exc.flights; Enquire
Start:Manila, Philippines
Finish:El Nido, Philippines
Suitable for: 18-35
Physical rating:Low
Diets:Vegetarians
Tour operated in: English
Tour Reference: PIPA25
Contact us
1 Email enquiry {{formText}}
Thank you for your enquiry, one of our specialists will be in touch shortly.
2 Call directly 0203 7939446