Public travel plan

The Grand Philippine Expedition: A 21-Day Island-Hopping & Adventure Odyssey

This comprehensive expedition is designed for the ultimate adventure and nature explorer, spanning the three major island groups of the Philippines: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Pack lightweight, quick-dry clothing, hi…

21 daysUpdated 35 highlights
Travel inspiration for The Grand Philippine Expedition: A 21-Day Island-Hopping & Adventure Odyssey

Source videos

Travel inspiration behind this plan

Itinerary highlights

What is in this plan

Days 1-3: Manila & Southern Luzon Volcanic Gateway

Begin your journey in the historic capital before heading south to explore the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Batangas and the pristine marine life of Mindoro.

  1. IntramurosIntramuros, Manila, Philippines

    Explore the historic walled city of Intramuros, the only preserved area of Spanish colonial architecture in Manila. Walk along the massive 22-foot stone walls built in the 16th century to withstand foreign invasions.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗
  2. Fort SantiagoFort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila, Philippines

    Visit Fort Santiago, the most notable landmark within Intramuros. This military fortification was the site of the 1896 trial and execution of the national hero and writer, José Rizal.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗
  3. Taal VolcanoTaal Volcano, Batangas, Philippines

    Witness the unique geological wonder of Taal Volcano, one of the world's most active volcanoes. It features a stunning crater lake containing its own tiny island, Vulcan Point.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗
  4. Batangas CoastBatangas, Calabarzon, Philippines

    Indulge in fresh local seafood along the Batangas coast. If visiting during the right season, you might witness the bustling scene of massive migratory anchovies being harvested.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗
  5. Batangas CoastBatangas, Calabarzon, Philippines

    Sample the highly unique local specialty of Batangas: garlic wine. This rare regional beverage is seldom found outside the province.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗
  6. Puerto GaleraPuerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines

    Cross over to Mindoro to dive the world-renowned coral reefs of Puerto Galera. The area is famous for its rare white sand beaches formed by limestone erosion and magical nighttime bioluminescence.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗
  7. Mayon VolcanoMayon Volcano, Albay, Philippines

    Travel southeast to Albay to view the majestic Mayon Volcano, famous for its near-perfect cone shape. Be sure to visit the historic Cagsawa Ruins, where only the church bell tower remains standing after the devastating 1814 eruption.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗

Days 4-7: Northern Luzon Highlands & Pangasinan

Head north into the rugged Cordillera mountains to experience ancient indigenous engineering, cool mountain climates, and unique coastal formations.

  1. Hundred Islands National ParkHundred Islands National Park, Alaminos, Pangasinan, Philippines

    Explore the shifting sandbars and ancient limestone structures of the Hundred Islands National Park. Out of the 124 islands, 21 are developed for eco-tourism.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗
  2. Banaue Rice TerracesBanaue Rice Terraces, Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines

    Marvel at the 2,000-year-old Banaue Rice Terraces, carved into the steep mountain slopes by the Ifugao people using organic irrigation systems to prevent soil erosion.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗
  3. Sagada Hanging CoffinsHanging Coffins of Sagada, Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines

    Visit the chilly mountain town of Sagada to witness the unique cultural tradition of the hanging coffins, suspended high on the cliffsides to protect them from wild animals.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗
  4. Bomod-ok FallsBomod-ok Falls, Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines

    Trek through the cool mountain air to the spectacular 50-foot-tall Bomod-ok Falls, a popular natural landmark nestled deep in the Sagada Valley.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗
  5. Paoay ChurchPaoay Church, Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

    Travel further north to Ilocos Norte to admire the stunning UNESCO-recognized Baroque-style churches, which showcase the province's rich Spanish-era architectural heritage.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗
  6. Bangui Wind FarmBangui Wind Farm, Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

    Visit the massive wind farms along the coast of Ilocos Norte, which produce about 80% of the wind energy in the Philippines and stand as a symbol of sustainable development.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗

Days 8-11: Palawan's Aquatic Wonders

Fly to Palawan, consistently voted among the world's best islands, to dive historic shipwrecks, explore hidden lagoons, and relax on pristine curving beaches.

  1. Cayangan LakeKayangan Lake, Coron, Palawan, Philippines

    Swim in the crystal-clear freshwater of Cayangan Lake near Coron, renowned for its dramatic limestone cliffs and underwater visibility of up to 50 meters.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗
  2. Maquinit Hot SpringMaquinit Hot Spring, Coron, Palawan, Philippines

    Soak in the therapeutic saltwater of Maquinit Hot Spring, where natural geothermal waters reach a blissfully soothing temperature of up to 108°F.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗
  3. Coron ShipwrecksCoron Bay, Palawan, Philippines

    Dive among the 11 historic World War II Japanese shipwrecks preserved in the waters around Coron, a world-class destination for wreck diving.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗
  4. Secret LagoonSecret Lagoon, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

    Take a boat to El Nido to discover the Secret Lagoon, a world-renowned hidden beach tucked behind towering limestone walls.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗
  5. Nacpan BeachNacpan Beach, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

    Relax on the uniquely curving 2.5-mile stretch of Nacpan Beach. During the summer, enjoy excellent surfing and kayaking with waves reaching up to 8 feet.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗
  6. Tubataha Reefs Natural ParkTubataha Reefs Natural Park, Palawan, Philippines

    For dedicated divers, arrange an expedition to the remote Tubataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site home to over 600 marine species and famous for its monsoon-season blackwater membrane phenomenon.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗

Days 12-14: Visayas Island Hopping & Marine Sanctuaries

Explore the central Visayas, hopping between world-famous white sand beaches, quiet eco-islands, and premier shark diving locations.

  1. White BeachWhite Beach, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines

    Walk along the powdery white sand of Boracay's famous 3.5-mile White Beach. If visiting during a full moon in June, look out for the pinkish hue caused by bioluminescent algae.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗
  2. Tablas IslandTablas Island, Romblon, Philippines

    Escape the crowds on Tablas Island in Romblon, the province's largest island, featuring pristine white sand beaches and Romblon's largest freshwater lake.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗
  3. Malapascua IslandMalapascua Island, Daanbantayan, Cebu, Philippines

    Dive deep in Malapascua Island, one of the few places in the world where divers can regularly observe rare thresher sharks at depths of 70 to 100 feet.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗
  4. Apo IslandApo Island, Dauin, Negros Oriental, Philippines

    Explore the highly biodiverse waters of Apo Island, a model for community-led marine conservation home to over 400 species of fish and 300 species of coral.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗
  5. Apo IslandApo Island, Dauin, Negros Oriental, Philippines

    Walk along Apo Island's unique black sand beach, a striking natural phenomenon formed by volcanic lava from the island's geological past.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗

Days 15-17: Bohol & Siquijor Mystique

Discover the geological wonders of Bohol and cross the sea to Siquijor, an island steeped in folklore, traditional healing, and thrilling cliff jumps.

  1. Chocolate HillsChocolate Hills Complex, Carmen, Bohol

    View the iconic Chocolate Hills of Bohol, a geological formation of up to 1,776 limestone hills that turn a rich chocolate brown during the dry season.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗
  2. Balicasag IslandBalicasag Island, Bohol, Philippines

    Take a boat to Balicasag Island and swim at Turtle Point, which offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see sea turtles up close in their natural habitat.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗
  3. SiquijorSiquijor, Philippines

    Explore Siquijor, the 'island of magic,' where folklore around witchcraft persists and traditional healers utilize hundreds of native medicinal plants.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗
  4. Salagdong BeachSalagdong Beach, Maria, Siquijor, Philippines

    Leap off the thrilling 35-foot-tall cliffs at Salagdong Beach into the clear turquoise waters below.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗

Days 18-21: Mindanao's Wild Frontiers & Surf

Conclude your journey in Mindanao, surfing world-class breaks, exploring volcanic islands, and immersing yourself in indigenous lake cultures.

  1. Cloud 9 Surfing AreaCloud 9 Surfing Area, General Luna, Siargao, Philippines

    Surf the powerful, challenging waves of Cloud 9 Beach in Siargao, widely recognized as the surfing capital of the Philippines.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗
  2. Mount VulcanMount Vulcan, Camiguin, Philippines

    Visit Camiguin, the 'island of volcanoes,' dominated by seven volcanoes including Mount Vulcan, which created a new island during its 1950 eruption.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗
  3. Mount VulcanMount Vulcan, Camiguin, Philippines

    Sample the unique local blood clams along the coast of Camiguin, which fascinatingly change color due to the influence of seawater during the rainy season.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗
  4. Tinago FallsTinago Falls, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines

    Trek to the hidden 240-foot-tall Tinago Falls, tucked away in a deep ravine on Tinago Island, Lanao del Norte.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗
  5. Punta Diwata WaterfallLake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines

    Visit Lake Sebu, a high-altitude freshwater lake home to the indigenous T'boli and Manobo tribes. Marvel at the spectacular 360-foot-tall Punta Diwata Waterfall.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗
  6. Punta Diwata WaterfallLake Sebu, South Cotabato, Philippines

    Explore the local food stalls around Lake Sebu to sample some of the 150 different kinds of street food and regional specialties, including fresh Arapaima fish dishes.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗
  7. Pac FallsZamboanga City, Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines

    Conclude your journey at the picturesque 50-foot-tall Pac Falls, located in the culturally rich Zamboanga Peninsula.

    Watch the source moment on YouTube ↗