An active adventure through some of the most idyllic scenery of the Philippines
The Visayas is hailed as one of the most biologically diverse group of islands in the world. We embark on an island hopping adventure exploring the natural wonders and indigenous traditions that fire the imagination and make the Visayas so distinctive and captivating. This itinerary offers something special for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike from kayaking and snorkelling in turquoise waters to exploring the stunning white sand beaches, scenic waterways, lush jungles and unspolit forests with endemic flora and fauna species, spectacular rice terraces and rugged mountains of the national parks by foot, bike and canoe. The trip concludes on a couple of the Philippines most beautiful islands, Bohol and Panglao, famed for the picturesque Chocolate Hills and as the habitat of the endangered Tarsier, the world's smallest primate.
Highlights
- Kayaking and snorkeling in turquoise waters
- Day walks in unspoilt forests and lush jungles
- Spectacular rice terraces and rugged mountain views by bike
- Island hopping adventures, experience varied landscapes rich with biodiversity
- Explore, and relax on, stunning white sand beaches
- Search for the endangered Tarsier, the world's smallest primate
- Experience the famous picturesque Chocolate Hills
Itinerary
Day 1 Join Cebu
Today our group will arrive throughout the day and you will need to make your own way to the hotel. Energetic Cebu is the hub of the Visayas and offers spectacular white sand beaches and a long central mountain range. We will meet in the evening for a group briefing, to get to know one another, and for our first taste of Visayan cuisine!
Days 2-5 Transfer to White Beach, hiking/cycling/canoeing
This morning we’ll drive across the island’s central mountain range, visiting some impressive waterfalls before reaching beautiful White Beach, our base for the next few days. Enjoy clear, turquoise waters and dazzling white-sand beaches! During our time here we’ll have the chance to enjoy the underwater wonders as we snorkel around the island column of Pescador, hopefully catching sight of its famed swirling schools of sardines. We canoe in a lush tropical river, and ride bikes through picture-perfect rice terraces meals: B, D (day 2), B, L (day 3), B (day 4), B, D (day 5)
Day 6 Ferry to Dumaguete on Negros Oriental
This morning we’ll transfer to the southern tip of Cebu (approx. 2 hour drive) to make the short ferry trip (approx. 30 minutes) across to Dumaguete, the attractive and laid-back capital of Negros Oriental. Picturesque Dumaguete city is known as ‘The City of Gentle People’ and the Philippines in general is famous for its hospitality. The first sight to welcome us is the waterfront Rizal Boulevard popular with walkers, picnic enthusiasts and it offers oceanfront cafes. This pleasant town is also an easy distance for our sightseeing to come.
Day 7 Hike to Twin Lakes
Today we’ll hike through the lost-world jungle scenery of the mountains surrounding Dumaguete, passing tribal settlements on our way up to the volcanic Twin Lakes. Tucked away in the remote hills of Sibulan are the Twin Lakes of Lake Balinsasayao and Lake Danao. Twin Lakes National Park offers some of the most scenic hiking in the Visayas. This forested area is rich in wildlife so it is worth the effort to be on the look out while we walk. Our hike today will take us approximately 4-6 hours.
Days 8-9 Ferry to Tagbilaran on Bohol, transfer to Panglao, kayaking/sightseeing
Our final boat trip (approx. 2 hours) brings us to the lush island province of Bohol, home of the sun-kissed Chocolate Hills, a sea of grassy humps stretching as far as the horizon. The Chocolate Hills get their name from the lawn like vegetation that roasts to chocolate brown in the dry season and have become an icon for Bohol. Bohol is a tropical sanctuary of natural beauty and is also home to the world's smallest primate, the tarsier. The bug-eyed, crazy but cuddly looking, little tarsier is an endangered species. As well as taking in some of the sights, we’ll spend half-a-day exploring the island’s coastline by kayak. meals: B, L (day 8), B, D (day 9)
Day 10 In Panglao, trip concludes
Our tour ends today after breakfast in Panglao. From Panglao it’s just a 30-minute drive to Tagbilaran, from where there are fast ferries to Cebu and flights to Manila.
Additional Information
Inclusions
- 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 dinners
- comfortable accommodation on a twin share basis
- ferry Cebu/Dumaguete and Dumaguete/Tagbilaran
- private vehicles
- sightseeing and entry fees as listed in itinerary
- western tour leader
- medical kit
Summary
- 10 day trip
- 9 nights hotel
- 1 day cycle
- 2 days kayak/canoe
- 2 days hike
Trip Main Activities
- Cycling
- Day Walks
- Kayaking
Group Size Min
5
Group Size Max
13
Accommodation Summary
Equipment Required
A comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking.
What You Carry
You will carry your small day pack with essential items such as rainjacket, water bottle, camera, valuables and personal items i.e. sunscreen, lip-eze, etc.
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