Philippines Tours

The Philippines archipelago beckons travellers with its stunning collection of over 7,000 islands, each offering unique experiences that range from pristine beaches to vibrant coral reefs. This tropical paradise presents countless opportunities for unforgettable adventures, whether you're seeking relaxation on powder-white sand beaches or thrilling encounters with diverse marine life. From the emerald rice terraces of Luzon to the underground rivers of Palawan, the Philippines delivers extraordinary destinations that captivate visitors from around the globe.

Planning a journey to this Southeast Asian gem requires careful consideration of the diverse experiences available across different regions. Each island cluster offers distinct attractions, from world-class diving spots to cultural heritage sites that showcase centuries of rich history. The country's warm hospitality, combined with its natural wonders and affordable travel costs, makes it an ideal destination for both budget-conscious backpackers and luxury travellers seeking exclusive experiences.

The Most Beautiful Philippines Tours with Voyage Privé

1. 10-Night Tour of the Philippines

This spectacular 10-night journey unveils the Philippines' most treasured destinations, beginning with an exciting arrival in Manila where guests receive a traditional Filipino welcome complete with fresh mango juice, refreshing towels, and welcome gifts. The adventure continues to the enchanting island of Coron, famous for its pristine lagoons and World War II shipwrecks that have been beautifully reclaimed by nature. Here, travellers can explore Lake Kayangan's crystal-clear waters and venture to the mysterious Skeleton Wreck, where marine life has transformed a sunken warship into an underwater paradise.

The tour progresses to El Nido in Palawan, widely regarded as one of the world's most beautiful destinations. Dramatic limestone cliffs rise majestically from turquoise waters, creating hidden lagoons and secret beaches accessible only by traditional bangka boats. Days are filled with island-hopping adventures, snorkelling among vibrant coral reefs, and discovering secluded coves where powdery white sand meets crystal-clear waters. The journey concludes in Bohol, home to the famous Chocolate Hills - 1,200 perfectly cone-shaped hills that turn golden-brown during the dry season, creating one of the Philippines' most iconic landscapes.

Throughout the tour, guests stay in carefully selected accommodations including the Diamond Hotel in Manila, Asia Grand View Hotel in Coron, El Nido Lime Resort, and Modala Beach Resort in Bohol. Each property has been chosen for its exceptional location and authentic Filipino character, ensuring travellers experience the very best of island hospitality whilst maintaining modern comfort standards.

What we love: The perfect blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty, from Manila's historic charm to El Nido's breathtaking lagoons, combined with unique experiences like visiting the Tarsier Sanctuary and exploring underwater shipwrecks in Coron.

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2. 9-14 Night Tour: The Philippines

This extraordinary multi-island adventure offers flexibility with durations ranging from 9 to 14 nights, allowing travellers to customise their Philippine experience according to their preferences. The journey begins with Manila's vibrant energy before island-hopping to Bohol, where the famous Chocolate Hills create an otherworldly landscape of perfectly formed conical peaks. The Tarsier Sanctuary provides intimate encounters with the world's smallest primates, whilst the emerald waters of Loboc River offer tranquil cruise experiences through lush tropical vegetation.

The tour includes an optional Singapore extension at the luxurious Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore 5*, situated within the prestigious Laguna National Golf Resort Club. This sophisticated addition allows guests to experience Singapore's multicultural cuisine, modern architecture, and efficient urban planning before continuing to the Philippines' pristine islands. The Singapore portion includes nightly free-flowing drinks, dining credits, spa discounts, and access to championship golf courses, creating a perfect urban-tropical combination.

Puerto Princesa showcases the UNESCO-listed Underground River, where guests glide through limestone caves sculpted over millennia, surrounded by stalactites, stalagmites, and exotic wildlife. The journey culminates in El Nido, where dramatic limestone cliffs frame hidden lagoons and secret beaches. Multiple tour options allow exploration of the Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commandos Beach, each offering unique snorkelling opportunities and pristine natural beauty.

What we love: The incredible flexibility to extend stays in El Nido for up to 5 additional nights, plus the optional Singapore experience that adds urban sophistication to tropical island adventures, creating the perfect blend of city and beach.

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3. Amazing Philippines Tour 4*

This comprehensive 14-day private tour delivers authentic Asian experiences across the Philippines' most celebrated destinations, combining bustling urban energy with tropical paradise relaxation. Manila serves as the cultural gateway, where Spanish colonial architecture meets modern skyscrapers in the historic Intramuros district. Traditional horse carriages transport guests through cobblestone streets past centuries-old churches, colonial mansions, and Fort Santiago, providing intimate glimpses into the Philippines' rich colonial heritage.

Puerto Princesa reveals one of the world's natural wonders with the Underground River, provisionally chosen as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. This remarkable limestone cave system features dramatic formations and several large chambers accessible by paddle boat, creating an unforgettable subterranean adventure. The journey continues to Cebu, where historic landmarks including Magellan's Cross, Fort San Pedro, and the Basilica del Santo Niño showcase the island's pivotal role in Philippine history and Christianity's introduction to the archipelago.

The tour's crown jewel is Boracay, home to the world-famous White Beach - a 4-kilometre stretch of pristine white sand consistently ranked among the globe's finest beaches. Despite measuring only 7 kilometres long and 1 kilometre wide, this tropical paradise boasts over 30 distinct beaches, each offering unique characteristics from tranquil coves to vibrant waterfront dining. The tour concludes with Tagaytay's mesmerising views over Lake Taal, where a volcano within a lake creates one of the Philippines' most photographed landscapes.

What we love: The exclusive private tour format with English-speaking guides, combined with Boracay's legendary White Beach and the unique Underground River experience, plus traditional cultural immersion through horse carriage tours in historic Intramuros.

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4. Private Tour: 10-14 Nights Tour of Philippines

This exceptional private tour ventures beyond conventional routes to explore the mystical island of Siquijor, often called the "Island of Fire" due to the ethereal glow of fireflies illuminating ancient molave trees during tropical nights. The journey begins in Manila's dynamic urban landscape before island-hopping to discover some of the Philippines' most enchanting and lesser-known destinations. Siquijor captivates visitors with its pristine beaches, cascading waterfalls like Cambugahay Falls, and centuries-old churches steeped in folklore and healing traditions.

Negros Island provides authentic encounters with Philippine marine biodiversity at Apo Island, renowned as one of the country's premier turtle-watching destinations. Here, guests snorkel in protected marine sanctuaries alongside endangered green turtles, tropical fish, and vibrant coral formations. The island's conservation efforts have transformed it into a model eco-tourism destination where former fishing communities now serve as marine sanctuary guardians, sharing their knowledge of local ecosystems with visitors.

Bohol showcases the Philippines' geological wonders with the iconic Chocolate Hills, complemented by encounters with the Philippine tarsier at dedicated sanctuaries. These tiny primates, among the world's smallest, captivate visitors with their enormous eyes and gentle nature whilst highlighting the importance of conservation efforts throughout the archipelago. The tour includes authentic cultural experiences such as tuk-tuk exploration through Siquijor's mystical landscapes and traditional hot spring bathing, providing intimate connections with local traditions and natural healing practices.

What we love: The exclusive focus on mystical Siquijor Island with its magical folklore and pristine beaches, combined with Apo Island's exceptional marine biodiversity and the flexibility to extend stays for up to 4 additional nights in this enchanting destination.

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Island Hopping Adventures

Island hopping represents the quintessential Philippines experience, allowing visitors to explore multiple tropical paradises within a single journey. The country's geography naturally lends itself to boat-based exploration, with traditional bancas and modern speedboats connecting remote islands that would otherwise remain inaccessible. Popular island hopping routes include the Bacuit Archipelago near El Nido, where towering limestone cliffs emerge dramatically from crystal-clear waters, creating some of the most photographed landscapes in Southeast Asia.

Coron offers another spectacular island hopping experience, featuring hidden lagoons accessible only through narrow openings in ancient limestone formations. The area's pristine lakes, such as Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon, provide swimming opportunities in waters so clear they seem almost surreal. Meanwhile, the Siargao region attracts visitors with its unique combination of surfing culture and untouched island chains, where coconut groves meet endless stretches of white sand beaches.

Bohol's Panglao Island serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby coral gardens and sandbar formations that appear and disappear with the tides. The dolphin watching opportunities in these waters add another dimension to island hopping experiences, as playful pods often accompany boats during morning excursions. Each region offers different seasonal advantages, with calmer seas during the dry season providing optimal conditions for exploring remote islets and hidden coves.

Diving and Snorkelling Expeditions

The Philippines marine environment ranks among the world's most biodiverse, hosting an incredible array of coral species, tropical fish, and larger marine creatures that make diving here truly exceptional. Palawan's Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracts serious divers with its pristine coral formations and encounters with whale sharks, manta rays, and various shark species. The remote location requires liveaboard expeditions, but the untouched underwater landscapes justify the effort required to reach these waters.

Bohol's Balicasag Island provides excellent diving opportunities for all skill levels, with gentle slopes covered in soft corals gradually descending to dramatic wall formations. The area's marine sanctuaries protect diverse ecosystems where sea turtles glide peacefully alongside colourful reef fish, creating magical underwater encounters. Night diving here reveals a completely different world, as nocturnal creatures emerge from their hiding places to hunt in the darkness.

Apo Island, off the coast of Negros, demonstrates successful marine conservation efforts where protected waters have allowed coral reefs to flourish and fish populations to recover dramatically. The island's turtle sanctuary offers reliable encounters with hawksbill and green sea turtles, while the surrounding reefs showcase healthy coral formations that serve as nurseries for countless marine species. Snorkelling here proves equally rewarding, with shallow reefs accessible directly from the beach providing intimate encounters with tropical marine life.

Cultural Heritage Tours

Philippine cultural heritage reflects a fascinating blend of indigenous traditions, Spanish colonial influence, and modern Asian dynamics that create unique cultural experiences throughout the archipelago. Vigan in northern Luzon preserves Spanish colonial architecture remarkably well, with cobblestone streets and ancestral houses providing glimpses into centuries past. Traditional kalesa horse-drawn carriages still transport visitors through these historic districts, while local artisans continue practising traditional crafts passed down through generations.

Ifugao province showcases indigenous engineering marvels through its ancient rice terraces, carved into mountainsides over 2,000 years ago using traditional methods that remain unchanged today. These living cultural landscapes demonstrate sustainable farming practices developed by indigenous communities, while local villages maintain traditional customs and ceremonies that celebrate their connection to the land. Staying in traditional houses allows visitors to experience authentic mountain culture while supporting local communities directly.

Cebu's historical significance as the Philippines' oldest city provides insights into the country's colonial period and religious heritage. Magellan's Cross and the Basilica del Santo Niño represent important religious sites that continue attracting pilgrims from across the region. Local festivals, particularly the Sinulog celebration, showcase vibrant cultural expressions through traditional dances, colourful costumes, and religious processions that fill the streets with music and celebration.

Adventure Activities and Outdoor Pursuits

Beyond its marine attractions, the Philippines offers diverse terrestrial adventures that showcase the country's volcanic landscapes, dense rainforests, and dramatic mountain ranges. Volcano hiking provides thrilling experiences across multiple islands, from the perfect cone shape of Mayon Volcano in Albay to the active crater lake of Taal Volcano in Batangas. Each volcanic region offers different challenges and rewards, with sunrise hikes revealing panoramic views across island chains and neighbouring provinces.

Canyoneering in Cebu's Kawasan Falls area combines hiking, swimming, and cliff jumping into adrenaline-pumping adventures through tropical gorges and turquoise pools. The multi-level waterfall system creates natural water slides and jumping platforms that provide excitement for thrill-seekers while maintaining the natural beauty of the forest environment. Professional guides ensure safety while sharing knowledge about local flora and fauna encountered along the routes.

Underground river exploration in Palawan's Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park offers unique adventures through limestone cave systems that extend for kilometres beneath ancient rainforests. These guided boat tours reveal spectacular rock formations, underground chambers, and the remarkable ecosystem that exists within these protected cave environments. The experience combines natural wonder with environmental education, highlighting conservation efforts protecting these unique geological features.

Beach and Resort Experiences

Philippine beaches consistently rank among the world's most beautiful, offering diverse coastal experiences from lively resort areas to secluded tropical hideaways. Boracay's White Beach remains famous for its powdery white sand and vibrant sunset celebrations, while also providing water sports opportunities and beachfront dining experiences. The island's rehabilitation has improved environmental standards while maintaining its appeal as a premier beach destination with world-class amenities.

Siargao's Cloud 9 attracts surfers from around the globe with its perfect barrels and consistent waves, but the island also offers pristine beaches for relaxation between surf sessions. The laid-back island atmosphere contrasts sharply with more developed destinations, providing authentic tropical experiences where coconut palms reach directly to the water's edge. Local fishing villages maintain traditional ways of life while welcoming visitors with warm Filipino hospitality.

Palawan's beaches, particularly around El Nido and Coron, showcase dramatic settings where towering limestone cliffs create protected bays with calm, clear waters perfect for swimming and kayaking. These locations offer luxury resort experiences as well as budget-friendly accommodation options, allowing visitors to choose their preferred level of comfort while enjoying some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Southeast Asia.

Wildlife and Nature Tours

The Philippines' isolated island geography has created unique ecosystems hosting endemic species found nowhere else on Earth, making wildlife tours particularly rewarding for nature enthusiasts. Bohol's tarsier sanctuaries protect the world's smallest primates, allowing visitors to observe these nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat while learning about conservation efforts protecting endangered species. The Philippine tarsier's enormous eyes and tiny fingers make encounters with these creatures truly memorable experiences.

Palawan's pristine rainforests harbour diverse wildlife including the endangered Philippine cockatoo, monitor lizards, and various endemic bird species that attract birdwatchers from around the world. Guided forest walks reveal the incredible biodiversity within these protected areas while supporting local conservation initiatives through eco-tourism revenue. Night walks often provide opportunities to spot nocturnal animals that remain hidden during daylight hours.

Whale watching off the coasts of various islands provides seasonal opportunities to observe migrating marine mammals, including sperm whales, pilot whales, and several dolphin species. The waters around Bohol and Palawan offer particularly good chances for whale encounters during migration periods, while dolphin watching tours operate year-round in many coastal areas. These marine wildlife tours combine adventure with environmental education, highlighting the importance of marine conservation efforts.

Planning Your Philippines Tour

Successful Philippines tour planning requires understanding the country's distinct seasons and regional variations that affect travel conditions and available activities. The dry season from December to May provides optimal conditions for most outdoor activities, while the wet season offers lower prices and fewer crowds, though some remote areas may become inaccessible during heavy rains. Inter-island flights and ferry connections require advance planning, particularly during peak holiday periods when transport fills rapidly.

Accommodation options range from luxury resorts and boutique hotels to budget hostels and traditional homestays, allowing visitors to match their preferences with available budgets. Booking accommodation in advance becomes essential during peak seasons and in remote areas where options remain limited. Many islands offer day tour packages that combine multiple activities, providing efficient ways to experience highlights without extensive independent planning.

Travel insurance becomes particularly important given the adventure activities and remote locations involved in most Philippines tours, while proper equipment and appropriate clothing ensure comfort and safety during various activities. Local tour operators provide expertise and equipment for specialised activities like diving and trekking, often offering better value and safety standards than attempting independent exploration of unfamiliar areas.