8 Days Philippines Ultimate Visayas Island-Hopping Tour

On this day, arrive in Cebu by flight according to your schedule. Upon arrival, your guide and driver will meet you at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA). From there, you will enjoy a half-day Cebu tour to visit Magellan's Cross, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, and Fort San Pedro. Your first stop is Magellan's Cross, a historic wooden cross believed to have been planted by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. This iconic landmark symbolizes the introduction of Christianity to the Philippines. Take photos, learn about the site's history, and admire the local architecture. Next, visit the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, a Roman Catholic basilica built in 1565. It is renowned for housing the revered Santo Niño de Cebu, believed to be one of the oldest Christian relics in the Philippines. Explore the basilica's stunning architecture and admire this treasured religious icon. Finally, head to Fort San Pedro, a Spanish colonial fort built in 1738 to protect the island from pirates and invaders. Wander through its well-preserved walls, cannons, and exhibits that showcase Cebu’s rich history. Enjoy the fort’s panoramic views of Cebu City. After the tour, be transferred to the port for a ferry to Bohol (about 2 hours). Upon arrival, our driver will meet you and your group at the pier and take you to your hotel on Panglao Island. Bohol is the heart of the Central Visayas island group. This unique destination offers travelers a rare opportunity to explore the 1,200 cone-shaped Chocolate Hills and get up close with the Tarsier, one of the smallest primates in the world, known for its distinctive large eyes. Enjoy exciting activities such as exploring nearby islands with coral reefs, sea turtles, dolphin watching, whale sharks, and the Sardine Run. It's a place of natural wonders and thrilling adventures. On Day 1, during your free time, you can relax on the stunning beaches or explore the island at your own pace.

After breakfast, your local guide and driver will pick up your group from the hotel. Your first stop is Napaling Reef, located on the northern side of Panglao Island. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the breathtaking sardine run. Dive into the water and witness thousands of sardines swimming in mesmerizing, synchronized patterns. You’ll swim among them and capture stunning photos and videos. (Tip: 1. The best time to visit is between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM. 2. Our team will provide a GoPro for your group to capture amazing underwater footage of the sardine run. You’re free to keep all the unedited photos and videos.) After that, enjoy a Bohol countryside tour and board a traditionally decorated cruise floating on the Loboc River. You will enjoy a buffet lunch onboard. The Loboc River flows through the town of Loboc, 24 kilometers east of Tagbilaran City. Relax on the leisure boat as it glides through calm, green waters, surrounded by dense tropical forests, coconut palms, and mangroves. Experience local life and cultural performances along the riverbanks. Later, you'll visit the Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area to see Philippine Tarsier. It is a protected area for the Philippine tarsier (Carlito syrichta), one of the smallest primates in the world. Get up close to these adorable creatures, known for their small size, large eyes, and long tails. You'll be amazed at how tiny and delicate the tarsiers are as you observe their unique behaviors, such as clinging to branches or tree trunks and rotating their heads almost 180 degrees. Our guide will provide more information about the tarsiers' unique behaviors and biology. (Please remember: no touching, no loud noises, and no flash photography.) The last stop is the iconic Chocolate Hills in Bohol. During the dry season, the grass covering these hills turns brown, giving them the appearance of chocolate mounds - hence the name "Chocolate Hills." To reach the viewing decks at the Chocolate Hills Complex, you’ll need to climb a few stairs. From here, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Chocolate Hills. There are between 1,268 and 1,776 hills in total. Let the beauty of the Chocolate Hills embrace you as you take in the symmetrical, cone-shaped formations, each ranging in height from 30 to 50 meters. Enjoy your time here and capture stunning panoramic photos. After the tour, you and your group will be escorted back to your hotel. Enjoy a good rest tonight!

This morning, your guide will pick you up from your hotel to begin an exciting island-hopping tour focused on dolphin watching. You'll be transferred to the boat docking area and board a boat bound for Balicasag Island. En route, you'll have a fantastic opportunity to observe dolphins in their natural habitat. This area is teeming with diverse marine wildlife, including at least seven different species of wild whales and countless wild dolphins. With patience, you might witness a group of dolphins leaping gracefully from the water, their shiny, gray bodies glistening in the sunlight as they twist and spin before diving back into the clear sea. Dolphin Watching Tips: It's advisable to start early in the morning, just after sunrise, as dolphins are most active during this time Keep in mind that dolphins are wild animals, so sightings are not guaranteed. Enjoy the boat ride and the beauty of the sea while waiting for them to appear. After that, you'll stop at Balicasag Island for further exploration. Located about 6 km from Panglao Island, Balicasag is easily accessible by boat. The island features a stunning 3,000-foot-deep fault, known as the deepest and most beautiful underwater cliff in Asia. It's a marine paradise renowned for its thriving coral reefs and vibrant marine life, and is part of a protected marine sanctuary. Here, you can see vibrant coral reefs and a variety of tropical fish species, such as clownfish, parrotfish, lionfish, butterflyfish, and schools of jackfish. On the southeast side, you can visit the turtle point, where there's a high chance of seeing sea turtles grazing on seagrass or swimming gracefully. Alternatively, relax on the white sand beaches for some peaceful time. Subject to Change: Please note that some activities may be subject to change due to weather conditions. Your safety is our top priority, and we may need to reschedule or cancel activities in case of unfavorable weather, such as strong winds. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we ensure a safe and enjoyable island-hopping experience. After the tour, you will be transferred to the port in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. Here, you will board an OceanJet ferry to Siquijor (about 2 hours). Upon arrival at the port in Siquijor Island, you will be escorted to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

On this day, your group will fully explore Siquijor, often referred to as the "Island of Fire." You will visit 7 small spots on this mystical island. This peaceful and less-crowded island is known for its natural beauty, pristine beaches, waterfalls, and mystical healing traditions. It's also renowned for its faith healers, herbal medicines, and rich folklore. Enjoy swimming, diving, and leisurely strolls here. Capilay Spring Park: Start your day with a visit to this natural spring-fed pool. The cool, clean water flows directly from an underground spring, making it ideal for a refreshing morning swim. Tubod Beach: Next, take a relaxing stroll along Tubod Beach, home to the famous Coco Grove Beach Resort. Enjoy the gentle breeze and the view of the turquoise waters. Lugnason Falls: Continue to Lugnason Falls, a tranquil and lesser-known waterfall surrounded by dense jungle. The single cascade flows into a natural pool, perfect for swimming in the cool, clear water beneath the falls. Old Enchanted Balete Tree: Visit the 400+-year-old Balete tree, surrounded by myths and legends. At its base, a natural spring has been developed into a small fish spa pool. Sit on the edge and let the tiny fish gently nibble away dead skin. Lazi Convent: Explore Lazi Convent, one of the most significant historical landmarks on the island. This two-story Spanish colonial architecture is considered one of the largest and oldest convents in Asia. The lower floor is made of coral stones, while the upper floor is built from hardwood. Walk through the museum for a glimpse into Siquijor’s history and religious traditions. Kagusuan Beach: Head to Kagusuan Beach on the southeastern coast of Siquijor Island. Enjoy the secluded and peaceful atmosphere, the sound of the waves, and a walk on the soft sand. Cambugahay Falls: The highlight of your day is a visit to Cambugahay Falls. This three-tiered waterfall is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, surrounded by lush greenery. It's perfect for swimming and adventurous activities like rope swinging. Descend approximately 135 steps to reach the waterfalls, where you can swim in the pools or try the rope swing, plunging into the water below. For thrill-seekers, some areas of the falls are suitable for cliff jumping. Tip: Ensure the water depth is safe and seek guidance from your guide before jumping. After the tour, you'll be transferred to the ferry port to take the OceanJet Ferry to Dumaguete (about 40 min). Stay overnight in Dumaguete.

In the early morning, your group will be picked up from your hotel in Dumaguete and transferred to the Dauin Jetty Port to board a boat to Apo Island (about 30 minutes). Apo Island is a small volcanic island renowned for its thriving coral reefs and diverse marine life, making it one of the world's premier snorkeling and diving destinations. The island is home to over 650 species of fish and 400 species of coral. Apo Island is also a haven for sea turtles. The island's shallow waters provide an ideal environment for snorkeling with these gentle creatures. Green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles are frequently spotted, often grazing on seagrass in the shallow waters. (Tip: Do not touch or disturb the turtles. Maintain a distance of at least 3 meters when observing them.) Also, you'll explore the Coral Garden, a snorkeler's paradise known for its lush coral formations and an array of vibrant sea life, including turtles, clownfish, and perhaps even a passing manta ray. After your snorkeling adventure, enjoy lunch on the beach. Following lunch, take some leisure time to walk around the island at your own pace. You'll be greeted by the warm local residents and have the opportunity to learn about their simple way of life. There's also a viewing deck at the southern tip where you can enjoy a beautiful sea view. After the tour, you'll be escorted back by ferry to Dumaguete. Enjoy your leisure time in this "City of Gentle People." Dumaguete City, the capital of Negros Oriental, is known for the warm and welcoming nature of its residents. Stay overnight in Dumaguete.

On this day, you will be transferred to the pier in Dumaguete for a short ferry ride to Liloan Fastcraft Port on Cebu Island. Upon arrival, you will begin an exciting journey to Oslob in southern Cebu for a Whale Shark Watching Tour. Upon arrival, you’ll register at the Whale Shark Watching Briefing Area, where you'll receive a short presentation on the rules, safety tips, and eco-friendly practices for your encounter. Then, dive into an unforgettable experience as you swim alongside the gentle whale sharks. Tips & Rules for Whale Shark Watching: No Touching: Avoid touching or riding the whale sharks. Maintain a distance of at least 4 meters (13 feet). No Flash Photography: Flash can stress the whale sharks. No Sunscreen: Refrain from using sunscreen as it can harm the marine ecosystem. No Feeding: Only trained guides should feed the whale sharks with krill. Follow Instructions: Listen carefully to your guide and boat operator for safety and proper interaction. Afterward, you have the option to explore the hidden gem of Tumalog Falls and enjoy lunch before heading back to Cebu City. Overnight stay in Cebu.

Enjoy your breakfast at your hotel in Cebu. Afterward, you'll have some free time to explore the city at your own pace. Later, your group will be transferred to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) or the ferry pier for your flight or ferry to your next destination. (Tips: Flights are available from Cebu to Manila, with a flight duration of about 1 hour and 20 minutes.) Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your journey through Asia. We are committed to enhancing your travel experiences and look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure in Asia. Have a safe and pleasant journey home!