trip overview

Discover the Philippines Island Paradise with private guided adventures from Bohol’s Chocolate Hills to El Nido’s turquoise lagoons.

It’s stylish. It’s meaningful. It’s unforgettable.

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7 & 8
Day 9

Day 1

Welcome to the Philippines

Mabuhay, and welcome to Manila — the vibrant capital of the Philippines!

Upon arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, your private English-speaking driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name. You’ll be transferred in air-conditioned comfort to your handpicked boutique hotel — available in Comfort, Deluxe, or Indulgence styles.

Before check-in, our local representative will personally welcome you, answer any last-minute questions, and ensure you feel at ease for the days ahead.

Take the evening to unwind after your flight — perhaps sip a cool drink as the city lights begin to sparkle.

1 night in Manila – stay in the hotel standard you choose
Breakfast included

Day 2

Flight to Bohol and Time to Unwind

Awake refreshed and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before meeting your driver for your private transfer to the airport. A short domestic flight brings you to Bohol, where your guide awaits to escort you to the powdery white sands of Panglao Island.

Here, your hotel – whether Comfort, Deluxe, or Indulgence – offers a serene base just steps from the beach. Spend the afternoon exactly as you wish: reclining by the pool, dipping your toes in the ocean, or exploring the charming cafés and shops nearby.

Breakfast included
3 nights in Panglao Island – stay in the hotel standard you choose

 

Day 3

Chocolate Hills, Hidden Waterfalls and Tiny Tarsiers

This morning, set off with your private driver-guide to explore Bohol’s most captivating landscapes. Begin at the Chocolate Hills, an otherworldly stretch of more than 1,260 grassy mounds that turn rich cocoa-brown in the dry season. Here, you’ll hop on a quad bike for a thrilling ride through the countryside, passing rice fields, traditional homes, and perhaps the occasional Carabao, the Philippines’ gentle water buffalo.

Continue to Pangas Waterfalls, reached by a scenic walk through emerald paddies and peaceful villages. Cool off in its refreshing pools before heading to a riverside spot along the Loboc River for a laid-back lunch surrounded by lush tropical scenery.

The afternoon brings a visit to the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary. In this tranquil forest reserve, you’ll meet the wide-eyed, palm-sized primates that call Bohol home – your guide ensuring the visit supports ethical conservation.

Breakfast and lunch included

Day 4

Snorkelling in Balicasag and Virgin Island Bliss

Today, the turquoise waters beckon. A private boat takes you to Balicasag Marine Sanctuary, where crystal-clear shallows brim with vibrant coral gardens and schools of rainbow-coloured fish. Snorkel at Turtle Point for the chance to swim alongside graceful sea turtles gliding through the blue.

Your guide prepares a light beach brunch before you sail onward to Virgin Island, a pristine sandbar that seems to float between sea and sky. At low tide, stroll its powdery arc of sand; at high tide, it transforms into a surreal floating dining spot. The afternoon is yours to relax on the boat ride back to Panglao, the salt air tangling in your hair.

Breakfast and light brunch included

Day 5

From Bohol to El Nido

After breakfast, journey by ferry and private car to Cebu, where you’ll catch your flight to El Nido – a destination often named among the most beautiful in the world.

Your guide welcomes you at the airport before transferring you to your boutique accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, wander through El Nido’s lively streets, stop for a chilled calamansi juice, or head straight to the shore to watch the sunset blush across Bacuit Bay.

Breakfast included
4 nights in El Nido – stay in the hotel standard you choose

 

Day 6

Island-Hopping the Bacuit Archipelago

Today’s adventure unveils the Bacuit Archipelago, a necklace of limestone cliffs, hidden coves, and shimmering lagoons. After breakfast, your private guide takes you aboard a traditional outrigger boat or kayak for an exclusive island-hopping experience.

First stop: Big Lagoon, its glassy waters framed by towering cliffs. Because permits are pre-arranged, you’ll arrive before the crowds, paddling peacefully through its emerald channels.

Continue to Hidden Beach on Matinloc Island, sheltered by dramatic rock walls, then snorkel at Kalmong Beach while the crew prepares a freshly cooked island lunch. After a feast of local flavours, explore the coral at North Rock before ending the day at Cadlao Island, where the water gleams in dazzling shades of turquoise. Return to El Nido as the sun dips low, tired yet exhilarated.

Breakfast and lunch are included

Day 7 & 8

Island Days at Leisure

These two days in El Nido are yours to enjoy entirely at your own pace — a chance to slow down and savour the beauty of the Philippines Island Paradise. Begin your mornings with a relaxed breakfast and the sound of gentle waves, then choose how you wish to spend your time.

You might stretch out beside your resort’s infinity pool, indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment, or wander barefoot along powdery white sands as the sea breeze carries the scent of salt and frangipani. For those seeking a little adventure, we’ll provide insider tips for discovering secluded beaches, snorkelling spots, scenic coastal walks, and colourful local markets.

With no set schedule, you’re free to simply follow the rhythm of the islands — whether that means sipping a fresh calamansi juice in a shaded café or watching the sky shift through shades of gold and rose as the sun dips into the horizon.

Breakfast included

Day 9

Farewell to the Philippines Island Paradise

Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast with ocean views before your private driver transfers you to El Nido Airport for your return flight to Manila. On arrival, you’ll be met at the domestic terminal and taken to the international terminal for your onward journey home – carrying with you a camera roll and heart full of memories.

Breakfast included

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Trip Highlights

Included in This Journey

  • Overnight in Manila
  • 3 Nights in Bohol
  • 4 Nights in El Nido
  • Daily Breakfast, two lunches and one light brunch
  • Private car and English-speaking driver for transfers
  • All sightseeing as described in the program
  • Domestic flights from Manila-Bohol, Cebu-El-Nido and El-Nido-Manila
  • Business class ferry tickets from Bohol – Cebu
  • Private qualified licensed English-speaking local guide in each city
  • In destination local representative or trip coordinator
  • Local sim card with data
  • All administrations

Choose your standard

*We try to include these hotel examples where available. If a selected hotel is unavailable over your requested dates, we will provide you with an alternative option that has been reviewed and rated similarly to the original property.

Need to Know Before You Go

  • A 20% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking.
  • Final payment is due 60 days before departure.
  • As of August 2025, the exchange rate is 1 AUD = 37.17 Philippine Peso.
  • Most Australian passport holders do not require a visa for stays of 30 days or less with a return or onward ticket.
  • Passports must have at least six months’ validity beyond the date of departure from the Philippines.
  • International travel insurance is strongly recommended for all guests.
  • Weather is warm year-round; December to May offers the driest and sunniest conditions — ideal for this itinerary.
  • Some activities involve walking on uneven terrain, boat transfers, and swimming; a moderate level of mobility is recommended.
  • Tipping is appreciated: budget around AUD $5–10 per day for guides and drivers, given directly at your discretion.
  • Cancellations made 40+ days before arrival incur a 50% fee plus airline charges; 39 days or less are 100% non-refundable.

What Our Travellers Say

Your Questions Answered

A privately guided holiday means your trip is crafted exclusively for you and your chosen travel companions — no strangers, no fixed group pace, no crowded buses. From the moment you arrive in Manila to your final day in El Nido, you’ll have private drivers, handpicked local guides, and boutique accommodation chosen to match your preferred standard: Comfort, Deluxe, or Indulgence. Every detail is arranged for you, so you can relax and enjoy the Philippines at your own pace.

We’re a Brisbane-based boutique travel agency specialising in private journeys with a personal touch. Our itineraries blend world-famous sights — like Bohol’s Chocolate Hills and El Nido’s Big Lagoon — with authentic experiences most travellers miss. We partner with trusted in-destination experts to ensure seamless service, while our Australian team provides 24/7 support from the first enquiry to your final airport transfer.

Absolutely. Many of our guests choose to experience the Philippines Island Paradise solo. You’ll enjoy the same inclusions — private guides, secure transfers, and boutique stays — along with the safety and comfort of having our local team and Australian support with you every step of the way. A solo supplement applies, but the reward is complete flexibility and the joy of having every experience tailored to your own pace and interests.

Yes — this itinerary is ideal for honeymooners, anniversary celebrations, and families looking for adventure with none of the stress. Couples can enjoy secluded beaches, romantic sunset moments, and private dining experiences. Families can benefit from flexible scheduling, spacious rooms, and activities for all ages — from gentle snorkelling to leisurely island picnics.

This itinerary showcases two of the Philippines’ most breathtaking regions: Bohol and El Nido. In Bohol, you’ll explore the surreal Chocolate Hills, swim in hidden waterfalls, and meet the world’s smallest primate at the Tarsier Sanctuary. In El Nido, you’ll sail through the Bacuit Archipelago’s turquoise lagoons, snorkel vibrant coral reefs, and relax on pristine beaches that feel worlds away from everyday life.

We keep international flights flexible so you can use points, choose your favourite airline, or start your trip from anywhere in the world. From Australia, most travellers fly into Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). Popular carriers include Qantas, Philippine Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Cebu Pacific. If you’d like, we can recommend the best flight options to suit this itinerary.

This journey is perfect for those who want the magic of the Philippines without the stress of planning every detail themselves. It suits first-time visitors, snorkelling and beach lovers, culture seekers, and travellers who want to combine iconic sights with hidden treasures. If you picture yourself gliding across emerald lagoons, spotting sea turtles in the wild, and enjoying boutique stays in spectacular locations — this trip is for you.

Yes. The destinations featured in this itinerary — Manila, Bohol, and El Nido — are among the most visited and traveller-friendly in the Philippines. With Click and Trip, you’ll never travel alone — your private driver, trusted guides, and our Australian team ensure every experience is safe, smooth, and carefully curated for quality.

We offer two carefully vetted boutique accommodation levels:

  • Comfort – 3-star stays offering great value and charm.

  • Deluxe – 4-star boutique hotels with enhanced amenities.
    You can select your preferred level for the entire trip or mix standards between destinations.

Absolutely. Every Philippines Island Paradise journey with Click and Trip begins with a conversation — not a checkout cart. To start, simply click the “Tailor This Trip” button at the top of the page. You’ll be taken to our Contact Us page, where you can reach out in the way that suits you best.
Call our Brisbane-based team on 1300 833 149, email us at contact@clickandtrip.com.au, start a live chat, or fill out a short enquiry form. We’ll walk you through your options — from accommodation choices to optional activities like diving, cultural add-ons, or extra days in your favourite spot — and refine the itinerary until it’s exactly right for you.
We believe every unforgettable journey begins with a human touch. This one is no exception.

Start Your The Philippines Adventure Today!

TAILOR THIS TRIP