Tour philippines
Philippines -
11th November to 25th November 2024
14 days of Tropical Paradise and Eclectic Culture: Three islands in fourteen days forming memories of a lifetime!
Experiencing the atmosphere, history and diversity of Manila, the beauty, culture and people of Cebu, plus the unrivalled & exotic scenes of the tropical paradise of Bohol. Bohol is renown worldwide for it’s beauty and variety of scenery; stunning beaches with impressive volcanic rock formations, the Chocolate Hills, and it’s also the only place on the planet that is home to the tiny Tarsier, second smallest primate in the world – an absolute “must see” for anyone who likes to look at life through the lens!
This whole tour is buzzing with city life along with the culture of the traditional province – night markets, classic architecture spanning the centuries – as well as being adorned with impressive waterfalls with crystal pools, oceans teeming with wildlife, mountain sunsets and so much more.
Tour size: limited to a maximum of ten people.
Price includes: Fourteen nights accommodation, ferry/boat/land transportation, internal flights, main meals.
Fitness level: Most places can be easily managed by those with a reasonable degree of fitness but some of the locations do include some slightly more challenging terrain. We always try to ensure there are alternatives for those with any difficulty at the most arduous parts of the tour but if you are not sure please just send us a message via the contact page – we will be very happy to advise.
Typically our itinerary will include – but not be limited to:
Day 1: We meet you from your flights at Manila International Airport to make sure you each have a warm welcome and smooth transfer to the hotel for the night. Later in the day we meet for introductions, a few little bits of “housekeeping” information, and to familiarise everyone with more of what to expect on the tour. Out for dinner and then back to the hotel for our overnight in Manila.
Manila:
Days 2 & 3: Always plenty to do on a varied tour around Manila and we will include stops such as Intramuros with a wealth of history including Fort Santiago which was the Spanish Headquarters during their occupation of Philippines, San Agustin Church, the world renown Chinese Cemetery with it’s avenue of millionaires, known especially for it’s mix of grandiose architectural styles along with an equally peculiar blend of religions, and a wet market for plenty of colour and culture. We also look at some of the more diverse sights like the Venice Grand Canal Mall – complete with its own canal and gondoliers along with a possible visit to the American war Cemetery. For the evenings we may choose to dine at a rooftop restaurant or a little street café – both of which are known for their unique atmosphere and popularity with locals and visitors alike.
Cebu City:
Days 4 &5: We leave Manila behind us and get the flight from NAIA Terminal 2 to Cebu Mactan. After check in at our hotel we will make the first stage of our tour of Cebu City – a tour which will cover both days – taking in the city culture and visiting the Temple of Leah, the contrasting architecture of the well known Taoist Temple, Fort San Pedro, Magellan’s Cross and possibly even catching the unloading of the days catch of colourful fish at the pier along with other local customs. A very eclectic mix of worldwide foods along with the finest of traditional local foods can be found at the most impressive night market on Cebu Island so we may well make that a dining experience (needless to say, another perfect photo opportunity) for our evenings here.
Bohol:
Day 6: After Breakfast we leave Cebu by boat (or, if conditions are favourable, we may even enjoy breakfast on the boat), arriving at the ferry port on Bohol Island approximately two hours later. Our driver will meet us at the port and take us on our drive of approximately two hours through the eclectic scenery of the northern part of Bohol to our overnight accommodation near to Alicia. After lunch an afternoon of Rice Terraces and a Waterfall complete with its turquoise pool. If time permits and conditions are right we may be fortunate enough to catch one of the stunning sunsets over the terraces at the end of the day.
Days 7 & 8: Over the next days we will complete our 360 degree tour of Bohol at a steady pace to take in as much as we can – For the early risers day 7 will begin with a trek up to the top of the Binabaje Hills. The hills are renown for spectacular sunrises and, although conditions cannot be guaranteed the walk is exhilarating! During the remainder of the day we will stop to visit waterfalls in idyllic canyons, as we meander our way to the stunning beaches of Panglao where we will spend the night. We anticipate a more restful (but opportunity packed) day 8 as we sample the culture of the province and explore the beaches of Panglao – as vibrant with wildlife at low tide as it is at high tide and sunset! During our time on Bohol there will be plenty to fill our evenings too, possibly even a night scene with a remarkable array of food options and a floating restaurant with live music.
Day 9: From the very southern tip of Bohol we will make our way northwards towards our boat back to Cebu Island, making sure to stop along the way at the National Tarsier Centre and some remarkable cave structures which have been one of Bohol’s best kept secrets! By nightfall we will be eating dinner at Moalboal after visiting sights along the way.
Southern Cebu:
Days 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14: Moalboal is beautifully positioned for the best sights of Cebu Island. Our days will take us to the highest mountain peak on the island for spectacular views over land and sea, a unique and stunning shrine built in the style of a castle, an ‘off the beaten track’ market which takes all the harvests of the local provinces, a local fish market with colours to delight any photographer and the friendliest of local people, Toda rides through the countryside & to stunning beaches, and sunsets over sea and mountains that are unequalled worldwide! If time permits there may even be some time off for walking with sea turtles, swimming with the sardine run and even microlight flights over the most beautiful part of the island.
Day 15: Our tour is nearly over and we begin our journeys back to Manila ready for our final dinner together and feedback in the fine atmosphere of a rooftop or waterside restaurant or street café.
Philippines -
24th January to 7th February 2025
Philippines, often called the Pearl of the Orient, becoming a firm favourite with travellers from all over the world but still largely unspoilt and unique in it’s cultural diversity has so much to offer to photographers and sightseers alike. For this tour we will visit three islands over 14 days: Luzon, which is the capital of Philippines, Cebu with sunsets over craggy mountains, temples and seas full of ocean life including Whale Sharks and enormous Turtles plus Siquijor with it’s striking waterfalls and crystal pools.
Tour size: limited to a maximum of ten people.
Price includes: Fourteen nights accommodation, ferry/boat/land transportation, internal flights, main meals.
Fitness level: Most places can be easily managed by those with a reasonable degree of fitness but some of the locations do include some slightly more challenging terrain. We always try to ensure there are alternatives for those with any difficulty at the most arduous parts of the tour but if you are not sure please just send us a message via the contact page – we will be very happy to advise.
Total Cost £3,999
Itinerary:
Day 1: We meet you at Manila International Airport to make sure you have a warm welcome and smooth transfer to the hotel for the night. Later in the day we meet for introductions, a few little bits of “housekeeping” information, and to familiarise everyone with more of what to expect on the tour. Overnight in Manila.
Days 2: Always plenty to do on a varied tour around Manila and we will include stops such as local churches and other architectural treasures of significant interest, Intramuros with a wealth of history including Fort Santiago which was the Spanish Headquarters during their occupation of Philippines, the world renown Chinese Cemetery with it’s avenue of millionaires, known especially for it’s mix of grandiose architectural styles along with an equally peculiar blend of religions, and a wet market for plenty of colour and culture. In the evening we may choose to dine at a rooftop restaurant or a little street cafe – both of which are known for their unique atmosphere and popularity with locals and visitors alike.
Day 3: We leave Manila for the first leg of our journey towards the Mountain Province with it’s impressive, extensive rice terraces and the Ifugao people who still farm and live in the traditions of centuries! Today we will travel as far as Baguio, famous for an impressive culture of colour, strawberries and local crafts, along with varied city life. After an afternoon of enjoying the culture we will overnight in Baguio and wake for a reasonably early start.
Day 4, we push on through La Union, stops will include a visit to a Taoist Temple and Philippines only commercial vineyard – the wine is quite exquisite – plenty of opportunity to play with depth of field there and also, for those who may be interested, to dabble a little with some portraiture against quite unique backgrounds. We will overnight in the area ready for a morning shoot on a local beach.
Day 5: Arrive at Banaue and familiarise ourselves with the area and culture in the late afternoon and evening. This is where we will stay to relax, rest a little, enjoy the tranquility overnight near to a local stream on the mountainside.
Day 6: In the morning we will visit the viewing platforms for the impressive view of the rice terraces – some amazing landscape captures here. Some time with the Ifugao people and then descending down through the terraces – it can be a little challenging so we take our time, stopping along the way, enjoying the views, the smiles of the people and the many varied perspectives for our photos as we go. The waterfall at the bottom can be particularly rewarding so it’s worth the walk. We will overnight at the same accommodation as last night.
Day 7: We set off for Vigan City – a beautifully unique coastal town, cobbled throughout and with a mix of Spanish, Chinese and traditional Philippines architecture. With the horse drawn carriages and slow ways you could be forgiven for thinking the world stopped for a while! If we arrive early enough we can enjoy some time in the evening to take some long exposure captures around the most interesting parts of the city so it’s worth bringing your tripod.
Day 8: After an overnight in Vigan we will begin reasonably early and explore the city for all of it’s delights. Again, we will overnight in Vigan so we can make the most of the city.
Day 9: we leave Vigan early for our flight to Cebu, followed by the drive down to Moalboal. In the evening we can enjoy good food in one of the many restaurants surrounding our accommodation.
Day 10: A little bit of freedom of choice today – For the early risers in the group there will be an early morning trip to the local fish market – if we are fortunate there will be plenty of activity from the boats coming in as well as the guaranteed colour and variety of exotic fish and other sea harvests. Alternatively, for the swimmers we can arrange quality local guides for a trip to snorkel with the Turtles and to see the spectacular Sardine Run. Or, for those who like to lay in a little longer a guided walk around the town, cameras in hand, will always produce some good results. After lunch we will head off to Osmena Peak for a gentle climb to one of the most amazing views Cebu Island has to offer. We choose the afternoon in the hope of catching one of the very best sunsets too.
Day 11: Simala Shrine – we will make a few stops along the way to photograph some of the prettier parts and culture, but this will certainly be the highlight of the day. The delightful and unique architecture of this renown place of pilgrimage is one of the richest for photographers. Later we will return to Moalboal for our overnight stay.
Day 12: The stunning scenery as we drive from Moalboal to Oslob includes mountain, forest, untouched coastline and intriguing little villages. An afternoon close up to the Whale Sharks in their natural environment is quite an experience. These peaceful giants are well protected and happy to be quite close to humans taking photos or using action cams for video! We will take the ferry to Siquijor island in the late afternoon and overnight there.
Day 13: The Visayas region of Philippines is renown for it’s waterfalls and there are none better than on the island of Siquijor. It’s a firm favourite with professional models so there can be exceptional portrait opportunities here too. Today we will visit these and also the exotic beaches of the island before catching the ferry back and the return drive to Moalboal.
Day 14: The return trip to Cebu City at a sensible time in the morning, with an afternoon at the Temple of Leah: a beautifully ornate structure in classical Roman style, so it is quite a surprise to realise that it was actually built as recently as 2012. It’s a great photo opportunity and a must see for any visitor to Cebu. Afterwards we will visit the Taoist Temple for a completely different architectural style. We will take a look at the portfolios in the evening and make sure everyone has all the information you may want for any online discussion, gallery access and tuition after the tour has ended We will overnight in Cebu City.
Day 15: Today we make our leisurely journey back to Manila where the tour ends.
Philippines -
October 2025
Manila, Davao and Siargao Island
It’s coming! – A brand new tour itinerary with plenty of new sights and experiences is under construction right now.
It takes a little time for us to perfect it and we only want the very best, so please bear with us. Look back here from time to time or just drop us a message via the contact page if you would like to know more.
