Cruise & water
El Nido Island Hopping
El Nido, Palawan
Boat trips around Bacuit Bay’s limestone islands, with kayaking in hidden lagoons, snorkelling and lunch on a white-sand beach.
Discover : El Nido Island Hopping
Southeast Asia
Philippines
Island hopping, hidden lagoons and powder-white sand
Overview
Why visit Philippines?
The Philippines is made up of more than seven thousand islands, and the best of them rank among the most beautiful in Asia. In Palawan, El Nido and Coron hide turquoise lagoons among sheer limestone cliffs; Boracay’s White Beach is famous for its fine sand and sunset sailing; and Bohol adds the curious Chocolate Hills and gentle river cruises.
It is a wonderful choice for honeymooners and for families who love the sea, with island-hopping boat trips, snorkelling straight from the beach and a warm, English-speaking welcome everywhere. Indian restaurants are found in Manila, Cebu and Boracay, and resorts on the smaller islands can usually prepare vegetarian meals with notice.
Because the islands are spread out, we plan the domestic flights carefully and usually suggest two island bases rather than four. Seven to nine days allows for Manila or Cebu, then Palawan and either Boracay or Bohol, without losing too much of the holiday to transfers.
Things to see
Top attractions in Philippines
The sights we build itineraries around. Tell us which ones you want, and we will plan the days for you.
Beach & island
Boracay White Beach
Boracay
A long sweep of powdery white sand on Boracay’s west coast, known for its clear water, sunset sailing and beachfront dining.
Discover : Boracay White Beach
Nature & scenery
Chocolate Hills, Bohol
Bohol
More than a thousand rounded, grass-covered hills across the interior of Bohol, turning chocolate-brown in the dry season.
Discover : Chocolate Hills, Bohol
Nature & scenery
Kayangan Lake, Coron
Coron, Palawan
A clear, rock-ringed lake on Coron Island, reached by a short climb past one of the most photographed viewpoints in the Philippines.
Discover : Kayangan Lake, Coron
Nature & scenery
Kawasan Falls, Cebu
Badian, Cebu
A tiered turquoise waterfall in the jungle of southern Cebu, with bamboo rafts under the falls and canyoneering for the adventurous.
Discover : Kawasan Falls, Cebu
Culture & heritage
Intramuros, Manila
Manila
The old Spanish walled city at the heart of Manila, with Fort Santiago, stone churches and cobbled streets to explore by horse-drawn carriage.
Discover : Intramuros, ManilaGood to know
Planning a trip to Philippines
Do Indian citizens need a visa for the Philippines?
Indian passport holders can currently enter visa-free for a short stay of up to 14 days, with a longer visa-free stay for those holding certain valid visas, such as for the US or the Schengen area. For longer trips an e-Visa is available online, and we confirm the latest rules when we quote.
Which islands should we choose?
For lagoons and limestone scenery, El Nido or Coron in Palawan; for an easy beach holiday with plenty of restaurants, Boracay; for families who like sightseeing with their beach time, Bohol. Most travellers combine two.
Is vegetarian food available in the Philippines?
Manila, Cebu and Boracay have Indian restaurants, and hotels everywhere can prepare vegetarian dishes. For island-hopping trips, tell us in advance and we arrange vegetarian lunches with the boat crew.
Is the Philippines suitable for families?
Yes. Calm, shallow beaches, short boat trips and friendly, English-speaking people make it easy with children. We avoid long road transfers and keep domestic flights to a sensible minimum.
Let's plan your next holiday
Plan your Philippines holiday
Fill in the form and we'll use your details to prepare a suitable itinerary and quotation.
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- Email: info@hccholidays.in