Welcome to the bright lights of Manila, a glittering gateway to the Philippines’ archipelago. Having been taken by private transfer to your hotel, you’ll meet your fellow travelers and dedicated guide. Settled, briefed and ready to see more of the city you glimpsed on your way in, you’ll head out into the vibrant streets of Makati City. With its gleaming high-rises and colonial Spanish architecture, you’ll find a mix of old and new influences at play. Your first night’s agenda will be getting to know your soon-to-be friends over authentic Filipino food like fresh ceviche and the country’s take on Tom Yum soup. There’ll also be time for delicious cocktails at one of the city’s best rooftop bars. Let the fun officially begin.

You’ve had a taste of Manila’s energy, now it’s time for what you really came for: pure beach bliss. Even the flight out to El Nido will set the wilderness scene, since you’ll be traveling on a small propeller plane to reach this region of turquoise ocean and virgin rainforest. You won’t be in El Nido for too long this time, there’s a private island with your name on, so enjoy lunch at the colorful Art Cafe before boarding your private boat to Ginto Island. You’ll get serious castaway vibes as your boat approaches this white-sand beauty, and the excitement will really set in when you see your transparent mesh tent being set up right on the sand. The rest of the afternoon is yours, just 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, stars twinkling down from a deep black sky. This morning, you’ll have the chance to catch the sunrise on the other side of the island. Tea and coffee will already be waiting for you, so settle in and look on as the sun eases up over the horizon and begins to bathe the sea and your island in light. Afterwards, having enjoyed breakfast back at camp, it’ll then be time to board your private boat once more. Fully stocked with snorkeling gear, sea kayaks and a BBQ lunch to enjoy on your island of choice, you’ll spend a leisurely day at sea, diving into the water whenever you choose or soaking up the sun with a beer in hand. Back at camp, you’ll be greeted by professional massage therapists who’ve arrived to add another layer of relaxation to your stay. If Flash Pack rewrote The Beach…

After breakfast, savor a slow morning sailing back to El Nido, stopping by a few islands along the way. We’d be willing to hedge our bets that Tacling Island (where you stop for lunch) will be your favorite. Try to resist the temptation to Google this one, seeing it for the first time in real life is a special moment. You’ve embraced the shipwreck lifestyle – now you can return to the charming island town of El Nido. You’ll be staying at a beautiful beach resort, which is just steps away from the sea. Enjoy the pool surrounded by lush greenery, the relaxing spa and the on-site restaurant and bar (make sure you try the ‘catch of the day’), and then pop down to the water’s edge to catch the sunset. Pure magic.

For those who’d like to do some more island exploring, another early start awaits, but for good reason. You’ll be island hopping once more, but at the most serene time of day, hours before other tourists hit the waters. The stillness of the morning will be a welcome tonic as you coast smoothly between El Nido’s famed big and small lagoons. Rather relax? No problem. Later on, you’ll be treated to a private Hilot massage lesson. The ancient Filipino art of healing, you’ll learn how to manipulate and massage any stresses away. Feeling refreshed and undeniably zen, afterwards you’ll have the opportunity to head out with your group for dinner and drinks. 

A welcome day of ‘nothing’ in paradise lies before you. It’s been pretty full on so far, so take it easy, beach-hop and explore El Nido’s vibrant shops. If you’re feeling particularly active, there are endless diving opportunities, or you can hike to the top of Taraw Peak for incredible views of Bacuit Bay. As the sun sets on your perfect day of leisure, you’ll be whisked off to The View restaurant for a group dinner. Boasting views that overlook the dramatic landscapes of El Nido, you’ll be in a prime position to witness the changing colors of sunset over cocktails and fresh seafood with a Filipino twist.

This morning you’ll be up early to catch a 90-minute direct flight to Bohol, a breathtaking island for beach-lovers, adrenaline junkies and nature enthusiasts. Think pristine white sands and offshore coral, jungle-fringed rivers perfect for paddleboarding, and a unique landscape of conical mountains begging to be explored. After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll transfer to your resort in a remote forested location right on the Loboc River. After a traditional dinner, 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. Far from the tourists, you’ll enjoy the serenity of stand-up paddleboard (SUP) yoga. Alongside the tricky yoga poses, there’ll also be swimming, racing and competitive fun, and of course, a chance to simply just paddle amongst such lush scenery. As you pull back to the riverbank, you’ll notice that lunch has been set up for you on the bank within view of the water. After lunch, you’ll have the chance to visit a working farm, 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). Tonight you’ll dine at the hotel, making the most of your traditional wilderness retreat in the trees.

This morning you’ll head inland to Carmen, where you’ll encounter the thousand Chocolate Hills stretching out to the horizon. An early start means you’ll be there for a spectacular sunrise from our panoramic viewpoint. With the sun risen, you’ll hop on to a quad bike for a little dose of adrenaline. At this hour you’ll feel like the only people around as you fly across these dramatic landscapes. Then, having freshened up after an active morning, it’ll be time to travel onwards to Panglao. You’ll find your hotel for the next three nights perched on the edge of a limestone cliff on the south of the island, with the Bohol Sea shimmering beneath you. With a free afternoon ahead, sink into the hotel’s infinity pools (you’ll be spoilt for choice) or take advantage of the island’s many bars on Alona Beach. 

You’ll have until late afternoon to relax at your resort, or on the beach that lies just a few steps from the hotel. At around 4pm, you’ll be led by your private chef down to the beach to choose the fresh catch of the day. This isn’t for a regular meal, however. Fish chosen and back at the resort, your chef will teach you each how to prepare deliciously fresh ceviche in three different ways (which you’ll of course get to feast on at the end). The fun doesn’t stop there, either. Tonight’s after-dinner aperitif will come via a private cocktail masterclass, led by a trained mixologist. You’ll certainly be working for your fare this evening, but it’ll be so worth it.

Panglao Island was made for leisurely bike rides. With flat, well-paved coastal roads, a gentle morning cycling tour is a must before you leave. You’ll stumble upon local schools, picturesque churches and ancestral houses, with paths leading off to hidden caves and quiet beaches lined with fishing boats. Back at the resort, this afternoon will be another stretch of leisure time in the sun (you earned it with all that pedalling). Then, as the sun begins to dip below the horizon, you’ll regroup with your fellow Flashpackers for a special farewell dinner, illuminated by your last sunset in the glorious Philippines.

And just like that, it’s all over. 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. If Southeast Asia continues to call, why not extend your adventure with our Alternative Thailand experience…