Philippines Island Hopper: Cebu, Palawan, El Nido & Coron

Duration:8 night & 9 days
  • Destination:
  • Pickup/Drop:
    Mactan-Cebu International AirportCoron
Philippines Island Hopper: Cebu, Palawan, El Nido & Coron
Philippines Island Hopper: Cebu, Palawan, El Nido & Coron

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Cebu → Moalboal

  • Land at Mactan-Cebu International Airport and meet your trip captain and the group
  • Group transfer by private minibus to Moalboal on Cebu's south-west coast (about 3 hours)
  • Check in to a beach resort and cool off in the pool
  • Evening briefing on the adventure days ahead, then a welcome get-together with the group
  • Overnight: Moalboal (beach resort)

Day 2: Kawasan Canyoneering

  • Early breakfast and a short drive to the canyoneering starting point at Badian
  • Trek through the jungle, then jump, slide and swim down the turquoise river canyon with a life jacket and helmet on – guided by trained local instructors
  • Jumps are optional – there is always an easy way down for anyone who prefers it
  • Finish at the famous three-tiered Kawasan Falls
  • Lunch back at the resort, then sunset by the sea
  • Optional: a village pub or beach bar in the evening
  • Overnight: Moalboal (beach resort) · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Moalboal Sardine Run & Sea Turtles

  • Snorkel just off the shore at Panagsama Beach, among millions of sardines moving like one giant silver cloud
  • Look out for sea turtles and colourful coral reefs on the same swim
  • Afternoon free – relax at the resort or by the pool
  • Evening at Moalboal's lively beach village with the group
  • Overnight: Moalboal (beach resort) · Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Fly to Puerto Princesa, Palawan

  • Check out after breakfast and transfer to Cebu airport
  • Fly from Cebu to Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan
  • Check in to the hotel by evening
  • Free evening – try the local seafood and the city's famous baywalk
  • Overnight: Puerto Princesa · Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Underground River → El Nido

  • Early drive to Sabang for the Puerto Princesa Underground River – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature
  • Paddleboat ride into the river cave, past huge limestone halls, stalactites and bats
  • Lunch after the tour
  • Scenic drive north to El Nido (about 5 hours) and check in
  • Overnight: El Nido · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: El Nido Island Hopping

  • Full-day boat tour around Bacuit Bay with the group
  • Kayak into the Big and Small Lagoons, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs
  • Snorkel the coral gardens and swim at hidden beaches
  • Lunch on board or on a beach
  • Evening in El Nido town – one of the best little party towns in the Philippines
  • Overnight: El Nido · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: El Nido → Coron by Speed Ferry

  • Relaxed morning in El Nido, then check out after breakfast
  • Afternoon speed ferry to Coron (about 4 hours) across the island-dotted sea
  • Transfer to the hotel in Coron town
  • Free evening – walk up Mount Tapyas for sunset if you have the energy
  • Overnight: Coron · Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Super Ultimate Coron Island Tour

  • Full-day island tour of Coron's lagoons and snorkelling reefs
  • Kayangan Lake – often called the cleanest lake in the Philippines, with its famous viewpoint
  • Barracuda Lake – swim through layers of cold, warm and hot water
  • Lunch at Beach 91
  • Optional crystal-kayak ride for the photos
  • Farewell dinner and a last night out with the group
  • Overnight: Coron · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Fly Back to India

  • Breakfast and check out, depending on your flight time
  • Group drop at Coron (Busuanga) airport for your flight home via Manila
  • Say goodbye to the gang – with a camera full of island memories
  • Meals: Breakfast

Includes:

  • 8 nights' stay on twin sharing: beach resort in Moalboal (3 nights), centrally located hotels in Puerto Princesa (1 night), El Nido (2 nights) and Coron (2 nights)
  • Daily breakfast
  • 4 lunches: Kawasan canyoneering day, Underground River day, El Nido island hopping and the Coron island tour
  • Domestic flight: Cebu → Puerto Princesa
  • Speed ferry: El Nido → Coron
  • Group airport pickup in Cebu on Day 1 and group airport drop in Coron on Day 9
  • All transfers by private group vehicle as per the itinerary (Cebu – Moalboal – Cebu airport, Puerto Princesa – Sabang – El Nido)
  • Kawasan canyoneering with guide, helmet and life jacket
  • Moalboal sardine run snorkelling trip with gear
  • Puerto Princesa Underground River tour with permit and entry fees
  • El Nido island-hopping boat tour (lagoons tour) with eco-tourism fee
  • Super Ultimate Coron island tour with entry fees, including Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake
  • Trip captain from India throughout the trip
  • Local taxes where applicable

Excludes:

  • International flights: India → Cebu, and Coron → Manila → India
  • 5% GST and 2% TCS (TCS is adjustable against your income tax)
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Lunches and dinners not listed under inclusions
  • Optional activities: Oslob whale-shark watching, crystal kayak in Coron, extra island tours, spa and massages
  • Early check-in, late check-out and airport transfers outside the group pickup and drop times
  • Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, shopping and tips
  • Extra costs from flight delays, weather or sea conditions that cancel boat trips
  • Anything not listed under Inclusions

Available Batches

12 Feb - 20 Feb

5 Mar - 13 Mar

Important Notes

  • Visa: Indian passport holders can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 14 days (not extendable) – carry a passport valid 6+ months, a confirmed return ticket, hotel bookings and proof of funds. If you hold a valid US, UK, Schengen, Japan, Australia, Canada or Singapore visa or residence permit, you can stay up to 30 days visa-free.
  • Flights: there are no direct flights from India to Cebu – most routes connect via Manila, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong. Book early, as fares rise quickly. Book your return from Coron (Busuanga) via Manila.
  • February and March are the dry season in the Philippines – calm seas and sunny days, perfect for island-hopping.
  • Boat trips and the ferry depend on sea conditions; if one is cancelled, we move it to another day or arrange an alternative.
  • Canyoneering and snorkelling: no experience needed, but you should be comfortable in water with a life jacket. All jumps are optional.
  • We don't include Oslob whale-shark watching because the sharks are fed to keep them there.
  • Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP). Carry some cash – ATMs in El Nido and Coron can run out.

About the Trip

Discover the Philippines: An Island-Hopping Adventure

Explore the Philippines through a 9-day island-hopping journey that combines tropical beaches, marine life, adventure, and some of Palawan's most striking natural landscapes. Travel from Cebu and Moalboal to Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron, bringing together experiences that are difficult to fit into a single-destination holiday.

Go canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, snorkel alongside the famous sardine run in Moalboal, explore an underground river, kayak through El Nido's limestone lagoons, and discover Coron's beautiful lakes. With accommodation, key transfers, selected meals, and major excursions arranged, you can focus on experiencing the islands rather than managing every travel detail yourself.

Designed for solo travelers and friends, this group trip also includes a trip captain from India to accompany the group throughout the journey.

What Makes This Group Trip Special?

  • Kawasan Falls canyoneering: Follow a guided route through turquoise pools, rocky passages, and waterfalls. Jumps are optional, so you can participate at a pace that suits your comfort level.
  • Moalboal sardine run: Snorkel near Panagsama Beach, where huge schools of sardines move through the water. You may also spot sea turtles during your time in the area.
  • Puerto Princesa Underground River: Take a guided paddleboat ride through an impressive cave system surrounded by limestone formations and forest.
  • El Nido island hopping: Explore Bacuit Bay, with its dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, clear water, and opportunities for kayaking and snorkelling.
  • Coron's lakes and island scenery: Visit highlights such as Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake on a boat tour that showcases the region's distinctive landscapes.
  • A group-travel experience: Travel with other explorers and a trip captain from India, making this a practical option for solo travelers who want company on an international adventure.

El Nido and Coron: Explore the Best of Palawan

El Nido and Coron are two of the main highlights of this itinerary, each offering a different way to experience Palawan.

In El Nido, explore the limestone formations and lagoons of Bacuit Bay. The island-hopping excursion includes time for kayaking, snorkelling, and enjoying the surrounding beaches. You then travel by speed ferry to Coron, where the landscape shifts to striking lakes, rocky islands, and clear coastal waters.

Combining both destinations means you do not have to choose between El Nido's lagoon scenery and Coron's lake and island experiences. With Puerto Princesa's Underground River included as well, the itinerary offers a broader introduction to Palawan's natural attractions.

Who Is This Trip For?

This trip is a good fit for solo travelers, friends, and adventure seekers who want to explore several Philippine destinations in one journey without organizing every transfer and excursion independently.

It is particularly suited to travelers who enjoy a mix of activities rather than spending the entire holiday at one beach resort. Expect a fairly active itinerary, multiple accommodation changes, a domestic flight, a speed-ferry journey, and several boat excursions.

You do not need prior canyoneering experience, but you should be comfortable following your local guides' instructions. Snorkelling and water-based activities are important parts of the trip, so being comfortable in the water will help you get more out of the experience. Specific activities may also be affected by weather, sea conditions, or local safety decisions.

When Is the Best Time for This Island-Hopping Trip?

The drier months, generally from November to May in many parts of the Philippines, are often popular for island hopping and outdoor activities. February and March are commonly considered favorable months for visiting Cebu and Palawan.

However, tropical weather can change, and favorable seasonal conditions do not guarantee calm seas or uninterrupted excursions. Boat tours, ferry crossings, and water activities may be adjusted, delayed, or cancelled if conditions are unsuitable.

What Should You Know Before Booking?

  • Accommodation: The trip includes eight nights of twin-sharing accommodation across Moalboal, Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron.
  • Transport: A domestic flight from Cebu to Puerto Princesa, a speed ferry from El Nido to Coron, and the specified group transfers are included.
  • Meals: Daily breakfast and selected lunches are included. Other lunches and dinners are not included unless specified in the package.
  • International flights: Flights from India to Cebu and from Coron via Manila back to India are not included. Plan your international flights around the group's arrival and departure arrangements.
  • Optional experiences: Activities outside the listed itinerary, including optional whale-shark watching or a crystal-kayak experience, cost extra.
  • Weather and sea conditions: The itinerary may need adjustments if weather, ferry operations, or local safety conditions affect planned activities.
  • Entry requirements: Check the latest Philippine entry requirements for your passport before booking flights. Ensure your travel documents, return or onward ticket, and accommodation details meet the applicable requirements.

From thrilling waterfalls and underwater encounters to hidden lagoons and beautiful island landscapes, this journey brings Cebu, Moalboal, El Nido, and Coron together in one organized group adventure.

    Key Points

    Booking amounts are non-refundable for cancellations.

    Trip date changes have specific conditions (see below).

    Cancellation Charges

    • 30+ days before: 50% of trip cost
    • 15-30 days before: 75% of trip cost
    • 0-15 days before: 100% of trip cost

    Rescheduling

    • Within 30 days: No date changes allowed
    • Before 30 days: Free for domestic trips

    Force Majeure

    No refunds for weather/government issues - alternate activities may be offered.

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