Escapism in the Philippines
Pristine tropical beaches, warm locals, a vibrant culture and technicolour marine life – The Philippines know how to do castaway bliss. Can’t you be marooned here forever?
What's included
- Accommodation in twin rooms
- All activities mentioned on the itinerary
- 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
About your trip
The Philippines boasts over 7,000 islands, each as idyllic as the last. Where does one even begin?
Right here, with Flash Pack.
From Manila to Bohol, prepare to have every beach bum craving you’ve ever had satisfied. We’re talking beach camping beneath the stars on a privately owned island. There’ll be days spent on private boats island hopping from one coral-rich lagoon to yet another sugar-white sand beach (honestly, they’re everywhere), as well as just the right amount of adrenaline as you quad bike through the Chocolate Hills and SUP your way along the emerald waters of the Loboc River.
Endless fresh Filipino food, dramatic scenery, the right kind of people to enjoy it with – there may be over 7,000 islands, but there’s only one way to do the Philippines.
- Welcome to the bright lights of Manila, a glittering gateway to the Philippines’ archipelago. Hop into your private transfer and check into a downtown boutique hotel
- Get to know your soon-to-be Flashpacker friends over authentic Filipino food (plus cocktails at one of the city’s best rooftop bars)
- Travel on a small propeller plane to reach turquoise ocean and virgin rainforest – and a privately owned island with your name on it
- Enjoy lunch at the colourful Art Cafe before boarding your private boat to Ginto Island, where your room – a transparent mesh tent ideal for stargazing – is set up right on the sand
- The afternoon is yours, but be ready for sunset cocktails, bonfires and dinner served waterside by your private chef
- Last night you fell asleep to the sound of gently lapping waves. This morning, you’ll have the chance to catch the sunrise on the other side of the island (tea and coffee is waiting)
- Board your private boat – it’s stocked with snorkelling gear, sea kayaks and a BBQ lunch to enjoy on your island of choice. Dive in wherever you choose…
- Relax in the afternoon with a massage from a professional therapist, who’ll work away any remaining tension from your day-to-day life back home
- This morning, learn the ancient Filipino art of healing with a private Hilot massage lesson – you’ll learn how to manipulate and massage any stresses away
- Sail back to El Nido, stopping by a few islands along the way and pausing for lunch at Tacling Island – it may well be your favourite
- Check into your beautiful beach resort in El Nido, which is just steps away from the sea
- It’s an early start for island-hopping, this time at the most serene time of day, hours before other tourists hit the waters
- Coast smoothly between El Nido’s famed big and small lagoons
- Back on dry land, take the opportunity to head out with your group for dinner and drinks
- A welcome day of ‘nothing’ in paradise lies before you
- Feeling active? There are endless diving opportunities, or you can embark on a sky-grazing canopy walk for incredible views
- Witness the changing colors of sunset over cocktails and fresh seafood with a Filipino twist over this evening’s group dinner
- Today you’ll fly to Cebu before taking a ferry to Bohol, a breathtaking island for beach-lovers, adrenaline junkies and nature enthusiasts
- Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant, before checking into your remote resort, in a forested location right on the Loboc River
- Savour a traditional dinner, then relax on your terrace or take a shower in your outdoor bathroom, listening only to the wildlife in the trees around you
- Today’s adventure will take place on the Loboc River, an emerald waterway snaking through the wilderness of Bohol Island
- Enjoy the serenity of stand-up paddleboard (SUP) yoga before lunch on the water’s edge
- Take a walk through a picturesque village, where you’ll get to taste fresh coconut wine, learn how to plant rice in view of water buffalo and how to open your own coconut (essential in the Philippines)
- Witness the thousand Chocolate Hills at sunrise, their colours changing with dawn
- Hop on to your quad bike for a little dose of adrenaline, flying across dramatic landscapes, before travelling on to Panglao
- Your hotel sits pretty atop the island’s very best beach. Sink into the infinity pools or hit the beach bars
- Pedal along Panglao Island’s stunning (and wonderfully flat) coastal roads on a gentle bike tour this morning. A real haven for cycling with a view
- Join a local chef to choose your catch of the day, before they teach you each how to prepare deliciously fresh ceviche in three different ways (with tastings, of course)
- Tonight’s after-dinner aperitif will come via a private cocktail masterclass, led by a trained mixologist
- Today is all about serenity. Relax at the resort, or laze on the perfect beach, just a few steps away
- Regroup with your fellow Flashpackers for a special farewell dinner, illuminated by your last sunset in the glorious Philippines
- After breakfast at the hotel and some sad goodbyes with new friends, it’s over to you to make your own way to your next destination
- How could you not return home feeling sunkissed and refreshed? This has been the ultimate in beach escapism. There aren’t many guarantees in life, but the calming effect of the Philippines is one of them
Where you'll be staying
We often feature these unique hotels on this trip, with final options confirmed a month before departure. We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.
Ginto Island Camp
Bed down on the untouched Ginto Island in unique mesh tents (ideal for stargazing) on the secluded beach Linapacan, miles away from civilisation. A true off-grid experience that lets you experience wild living with the added touch of a private boat and chef.
Loboc River Resort
Nestled beside a placid river in breathtaking natural surroundings, these gorgeous indigenous-inspired huts are built on stilts and connected by wooden bridges. During high tide summer floods, the whole resort feel like it’s floating. Enjoy typical Boholano cuisine and sundowners at the open-air riverside restaurant.
Seda Lio Resort, El Nido
Steps away from the beach and surrounded by lush greenery, the sunset views here are pure magic. You’ll have access to a beautiful pool in the heart of a tropical garden (complete with its own bar, of course), a relaxing spa, and a restaurant famous for its delicious catch of the day. It’s no wonder this resort is an El Nido favourite…
Adventure FAQs
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Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code
Fly into Manila International Airport (MNL).
The trip ends on Day 12 on Bohol Island. From here, a ferry transfer is included to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) on Cebu Island, which has many international connections.
Alternatively, you can choose to finish the trip on Bohol Island and make your own way to Bohol-Pangloa International Airport (TAG), which has regular flights to Manila. Please note there is no reduction in price if you decide not to take the ferry transfer.
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What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?
Before 3 pm ideally. The welcome meeting and dinner will be from 5 pm onwards starting at the hotel, which is located approximately 15 minutes away from the airport.
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What time should my flight depart on the last day?
If you take the ferry transfer to Cebu on your last morning, we advise only booking flights that depart from Cebu airport after 3 pm, to account for travel and check-in time.
If you decide to fly from Bohol airport, the journey from your hotel is 10 minutes by taxi.
Check-out time from the hotel is 12 pm. If you would like to extend your stay by a day or two, please get in touch with our team who can help arrange this for you.
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If I book extra nights at the end of my trip, which location will this be?
If you’d like to stay for some extra nights after your trip has finished, our Customer Experience team can book this for you at the hotel on Bohol Island.
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Are airport transfers included?
If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.
Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.
A departure is included from your final hotel to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) for your international fight home.
If you choose to fly from Bohol airport to Manila, we can offer support with arranging a local taxi.
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Are tips included?
Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:
- Pack Leader: 3-5 USD per day
- Drivers: 3 USD per day
- Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, restaurants, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty (approximately 3 USD per day) at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.
However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.
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How much should I budget per day for extras?
2,000 Philippine peso, the equivalent of 30 GBP.
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What fitness levels do I need for this trip?
Overall, the trip is very relaxed so no real level of fitness is needed. However, there is a good amount of walking and biking (at your own pace).
We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.
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Do I need a visa?
Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.
You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
- Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.
Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.
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What are the mandatory entry requirements for the Philippines?
You will need:
- Passport with at least six months validity from arrival date in the Philippines
- International outbound ticket
- All travellers must fill in the eArrival Card
Requirements can change frequently so please check online for updates ahead of your travels.
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What vaccinations and medication will I need?
While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
1. Consult with a healthcare professional
We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.
2. Up-to-date medical advice
- UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
- US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
- Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.
3. Government travel advice
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
4. Medication tips
If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.
We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.
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Will this itinerary change?
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.
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