Western Visayas
Palawan (El Nido & Coron)
Soaring limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and premier island-hopping in the Coral Triangle.
All Destinations
Southeast AsiaCountry Guide & Tailor-Made Journeys
Philippines Holidays & Tours
Book flights to Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB), and discover the Philippines’ 7,000+ islands with private boat charters through El Nido’s limestone lagoons, Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, and Boracay’s powdery white beaches.
Emerald waters and dramatic limestone karst cliffs of Palawan, Philippines
A Guide to Philippines
Scattered across the western Pacific, the Philippine archipelago is renowned for some of the world’s most pristine turquoise lagoons, coral gardens, and warm, welcoming hospitality.
Pair the Spanish colonial heritage of Manila with the dramatic karst cliffs of El Nido and Coron in Palawan, the tarsier sanctuaries of Bohol, and world-class island resorts in Boracay and Siargao.
Key Cities & RegionsBoracay, Palawan, Cebu, Bohol & Manila.
Best Time to VisitDecember to May
Primary GatewaysManila Ninoy Aquino (MNL), Cebu Mactan (CEB), Clark (CRK)
Cities & Regions
Places to go in Philippines
Essential cities, cultural heartlands, and coastal regions
Aklan
Boracay Island
Four kilometres of powdery White Beach, vibrant beachfront dining, and sunset sailing paraws.
Central Visayas
Cebu & Bohol
Mactan dive resorts, Chocolate Hills geological marvels, and historic Spanish watchtowers.
Luzon
Manila & Historic Intramuros
Walled colonial city, vibrant modern BGC and Makati dining, and cultural museums.
Mindanao Coast
Siargao Island
Laid-back surfing capital with coconut palm forests, Sugba Lagoon, and tidal rock pools.
Curated Experiences
Things to do in Philippines
Tailor-made excursions and private local touring
01.
Private Lagoon Hopping in El Nido
Kayak through the Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon surrounded by towering sheer limestone cliffs.
02.
Bohol Chocolate Hills & River Lunch
Take in panoramic views of over 1,200 symmetrical hills and enjoy a floating river lunch on the Loboc River.
03.
Sunset Paraw Sailing on Boracay
Glide along Boracay’s calm turquoise waters on a traditional outrigger sailboat as the sun sets over the horizon.
04.
Intramuros Historic Walking Tour in Manila
Explore the 16th-century Spanish stone fortress of Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, and cobblestone plazas with a private guide.
Itinerary Styles
Island HoppingBeach & Lagoon StaysDiving & Coral ReefsFamily Island Holidays
Curated Journeys
Sample Philippines Itineraries
Tailor-made routes crafted by NZ travel specialists
Every itinerary is handcrafted to fit your preferred pace, accommodation style, and flight schedule from Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch. Explore our popular route frameworks below, or customise them in our interactive studio.
12 DaysBalanced Cultural & Scenic Pace
Option 1: 12-Day Philippines Signature Highlights & Culture
Covers Palawan (El Nido & Coron), Boracay Island, Cebu & Bohol, Manila & Historic Intramuros with private local guides
Indicative Trip InvestmentFrom $4,200 NZDper person (flights + land)
Journey Progression
Palawan➔Boracay Island➔Cebu & Bohol➔Manila & Historic Intramuros
Curated Inclusions & Style
•Coordinated international flights from Auckland (AKL) into Manila Ninoy Aquino (MNL), Cebu Mactan (CEB), Clark (CRK)
•4-Star Premium Comfort stays with daily breakfast
•Private airport transfers, inter-city rail or domestic flights, and English-speaking local specialists
•Ideal seasonal window: December to May
Day-by-Day Overview
Days 1 to 3Palawan (El Nido & Coron) (Western Visayas)
Arrive in Palawan (El Nido & Coron) & Private Cultural Introduction
Arrive from Auckland (AKL) and transfer privately to your hotel in Palawan (El Nido & Coron). Soaring limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and premier island-hopping in the Coral Triangle. Includes private lagoon hopping in el nido.
Days 4 to 6Boracay Island (Aklan)
Discover Boracay Island: Bohol Chocolate Hills & River Lunch
Four kilometres of powdery White Beach, vibrant beachfront dining, and sunset sailing paraws. Enjoy bohol chocolate hills & river lunch with time tailored for private specialist-guided monument, palace, and temple visits and evening street-food walks, market tastings, and regional dining.
Days 7 to 9Cebu & Bohol (Central Visayas)
Discover Cebu & Bohol: Sunset Paraw Sailing on Boracay
Mactan dive resorts, Chocolate Hills geological marvels, and historic Spanish watchtowers. Enjoy sunset paraw sailing on boracay with time tailored for private specialist-guided monument, palace, and temple visits and evening street-food walks, market tastings, and regional dining.
Days 10 to 12Manila & Historic Intramuros (Luzon)
Manila & Historic Intramuros Signature Sights & Departure
Walled colonial city, vibrant modern BGC and Makati dining, and cultural museums. Enjoy intramuros historic walking tour in manila with time tailored for private specialist-guided monument, palace, and temple visits and evening street-food walks, market tastings, and regional dining.
12 DaysRelaxed Pace with Free Afternoons
Option 2: 12-Day Philippines Boutique, Culinary & Leisure Journey
Slower-paced stays across Palawan (El Nido & Coron), Boracay Island, Cebu & Bohol, Manila & Historic Intramuros
Indicative Trip InvestmentFrom $5,600 NZDper person (flights + land)
Journey Progression
Palawan➔Boracay Island➔Cebu & Bohol➔Manila & Historic Intramuros
Curated Inclusions & Style
•Coordinated international flights from Auckland (AKL) into Manila Ninoy Aquino (MNL), Cebu Mactan (CEB), Clark (CRK)
•Boutique & heritage properties selected for $4,000 to $6,500 NZD / person
•Curated culinary walks, scenic excursions, and dedicated Wellington support desk care
•Planned for departure: Flexible dates
Day-by-Day Overview
Days 1 to 3Palawan (El Nido & Coron) (Western Visayas)
Welcome to Palawan (El Nido & Coron) & Neighbourhood Dining Walk
Touch down from Auckland (AKL) with a private transfer to a boutique property in Palawan (El Nido & Coron). Settle in at an easy pace before bohol chocolate hills & river lunch.
Days 4 to 6Boracay Island (Aklan)
Boutique Stay in Boracay Island & Local Experiences
Spend 3 nights based in Boracay Island with flexible mornings, glide along Boracay’s calm turquoise waters on a traditional outrigger sailboat as the sun sets over the horizon.
Days 7 to 9Cebu & Bohol (Central Visayas)
Boutique Stay in Cebu & Bohol & Local Experiences
Spend 3 nights based in Cebu & Bohol with flexible mornings, explore the 16th-century Spanish stone fortress of Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, and cobblestone plazas with a private guide.
Days 10 to 12Manila & Historic Intramuros (Luzon)
Unrushed Manila & Historic Intramuros Stay & Homeward Connection
Spend 3 nights based in Manila & Historic Intramuros with flexible mornings, kayak through the Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon surrounded by towering sheer limestone cliffs.
Seasonal Planning
Best time to visit Philippines
Best months: December to May
Dry season with calm seas, abundant sunshine, and excellent visibility for island-hopping and diving.
December to February
Cool Dry Season
Mildest temperatures, calm waters, and ideal conditions for beach relaxation across the Visayas.
March to May
Peak Summer Season
Warmest and clearest months, ideal for diving, snorkelling, and visiting remote islands like Siargao and Coron.
June to November
Tropical Green Season
Lush tropical foliage with fewer crowds; ideal for surfing in Siargao and city exploration.
International Airfares
Compare Philippines FaresFlights from New Zealand to Philippines
One-stop flights from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch via Sydney, Singapore, or Hong Kong.
Arrival hubs: Manila Ninoy Aquino (MNL), Cebu Mactan (CEB), Clark (CRK)
Combine with Neighbouring Destinations
View all 12 destinations
Philippines • 15 Days (14 Nights)
Choose Your Highlights in PhilippinesToggle places to visit and allocate nights per stop
5 Stops • 14 Nights3n
2n
3n
3n
3n
Best time: December to May
Calculated return: 2026-12-02
Transparent Cost EstimateNZD $4,995 / person
Total for Party (2 adults):NZD $9,990 (GST incl.)
Return Airfares
~NZD $1,450 / person from AucklandHandpicked Stays
~NZD $1,820 (14 nights 4-Star)Private Transport & Guides
~NZD $1,725(AC chauffeur & daily sights)SuperGold Cardholders receive $20 discount on booking service fee.
Bespoke Proposed Itinerary
Option 1: 15-Day Philippines Signature Highlights & Culture
Covers Palawan (El Nido & Coron), Boracay Island, Cebu & Bohol, Manila & Historic Intramuros, Siargao Island with private local guides
Day-by-Day Schedule & Local Experiences:
Days 1 to 3
Palawan (El Nido & Coron) (Western Visayas)B / L / D
Arrive in Palawan (El Nido & Coron) & Private Cultural Introduction
Arrive from Auckland (AKL) and transfer privately to your hotel in Palawan (El Nido & Coron). Soaring limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and premier island-hopping in the Coral Triangle. Includes private lagoon hopping in el nido.
Handpicked Stay: 4-Star Heritage BoutiquePrivate Chauffeur & Local Specialist Guide
Days 4 to 6
Boracay Island (Aklan)B / L / D
Discover Boracay Island: Bohol Chocolate Hills & River Lunch
Four kilometres of powdery White Beach, vibrant beachfront dining, and sunset sailing paraws. Enjoy bohol chocolate hills & river lunch with time tailored for private specialist-guided monument, palace, and temple visits and evening street-food walks, market tastings, and regional dining.
Handpicked Stay: 4-Star Heritage BoutiquePrivate Chauffeur & Local Specialist Guide
Days 7 to 9
Cebu & Bohol (Central Visayas)B / L / D
Discover Cebu & Bohol: Sunset Paraw Sailing on Boracay
Mactan dive resorts, Chocolate Hills geological marvels, and historic Spanish watchtowers. Enjoy sunset paraw sailing on boracay with time tailored for private specialist-guided monument, palace, and temple visits and evening street-food walks, market tastings, and regional dining.
Handpicked Stay: 4-Star Heritage BoutiquePrivate Chauffeur & Local Specialist Guide
Days 10 to 12
Manila & Historic Intramuros (Luzon)B / L / D
Discover Manila & Historic Intramuros: Intramuros Historic Walking Tour in Manila
Walled colonial city, vibrant modern BGC and Makati dining, and cultural museums. Enjoy intramuros historic walking tour in manila with time tailored for private specialist-guided monument, palace, and temple visits and evening street-food walks, market tastings, and regional dining.
Handpicked Stay: 4-Star Heritage BoutiquePrivate Chauffeur & Local Specialist Guide
Days 13 to 15
Siargao Island (Mindanao Coast)B / L / D
Siargao Island Signature Sights & Departure
Laid-back surfing capital with coconut palm forests, Sugba Lagoon, and tidal rock pools. Enjoy private lagoon hopping in el nido with time tailored for private specialist-guided monument, palace, and temple visits and evening street-food walks, market tastings, and regional dining.
Handpicked Stay: 4-Star Heritage BoutiquePrivate Chauffeur & Local Specialist Guide