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Fast Contact:
Email
Ph: 03 9384 1299
Fax: 03 9383 6226
For Travel Agents Only:
1300 478687
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Sights & Sounds of Manila
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MANILA CITY SIGHTSEEING TOUR (4 hours)
Discover Manila, the Philippines' capital city and premier gateway to the country. The tour starts with a visit to historic Rizal Park and heads on to the old walled city of Intramuros built during the Spanish colonial period. Within the walls of Intramuros reside the centuries-old San Agustin Church, Fort Santiago, a restored Spanish garrison and the Casa Manila Museum. Tour then proceeds to the financial center of Makati, passing through the plush residential village of Forbes Park en route to the American Memorial Cemetery. The return trip takes you down Roxas Boulevard by the fabled Manila Bay.
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INTRAMUROS EXPERIENCE
(3 hours)
Take a step back in time as you experience Old Manila within the walled city of Intramuros. The first stop of the walking tour is Fort Santiago which served as headquarters of the military might of the Spanish, American and Japanese colonizers until its destruction in 1945. The tour then proceeds past the Manila Cathedral, a
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magnificent architectural feat with its intricate stone carvings, stained glass mosaics and rosette windows then to the San Agustin Church, the oldest structure in the Philippines which dates back to 1571. Then, walk across the street to the Casa Manila, a reconstructed 19th century mansion replete with 16th to 19th century furniture and furnishings. Tour ends with an optional lunch at nearby Ilustrado Restaurant.
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NAYONG PILIPINO TOUR (3 hours)
A tour of Nayong Pilipino is a stimulating preface to an enticing country of 7,107 islands. On this 46-hectare of parkland, you can breeze through the country in its entirety - the diverse cultures, the people's traditional arts and crafts and a many-chaptered history.
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VILLA ESCUDERO TOUR (9 hours)
A pleasant 2-hour drive through the scenic countryside south of Manila brings you to a colonial coconut plantation dating back to thel800's. A guided tour of the famous "Escudero Private Museum" takes you through one of the largest collections in the country, unmatched in its diversity. Main feature is its trove of religious art consisting of silver altars, gilded carrozas, ivory headed santos and other objects dating back to the Spanish era. From the museum, visitors board a carabao-drawn cart and are ferried to the nearby resort where they are treated for lunch with the sparkling waterfalls as a background and cool clear spring water running around their feet.
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TAGAYTAY TOUR (5 hours)
A leisurely 1-hour and 15-minute drive through the countryside passing through coastal villages, ricefields, fruit orchards and coconut plantations shall take you to the cool clime of Tagaytay. Rising 2,250 feet above sea level, Tagaytay offers a panoramic view of one of the rarest known sights in the world - the smallest Taal Volcano. After an irresistible "buco" ice cream, tour returns to Manila with brief stopovers at Bamboo Organ and the jeepney factory.
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many "silent guns" and historical landmarks. The stirring Light and Sound Show inside the cavernous Malinta Tunnel which served as General Douglas McArthur's headquarters during the siege should not be missed. Return to Manila after lunch.
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HIDDEN VALLEY SPRINGS
(9 hours)
Situated some 300 feet inside a 110-acre extinct volcano crater is Hidden Valley Springs. Only 2 hours drive south of Manila, Hidden Valley is a place blessed with nature's invigorating gifts of hidden waterfalls and natural springs and pools, wild flowers, and ancient trees.
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PAGSANJAN FALLS TOUR (9 hours)
For a 2-hour drive southeast of Manila passing through quaint provincial towns, ricefields and coconut plantations, you will reach one of the country's prime attractions, the town of Pagsanjan. The highlight of the tour is the boatride on dug-out canoe up the river, amidst rising gorges and steep canyons covered with lush tropical vegetation, to a large waterfall and the thrill of a lifetime experience of "shooting the rapids" in breakneck downriver descent, expertly steered through swirling waters and tricky passes by brawny boatmen. Tour includes lunch and boatride.
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CORREGIDOR ISLAND TOUR
(8 hours)
Corregidor, the island-fortress, is a 1-hour ferryboat ride. Located 26 miles west of Manila, "The Rock" as it became known during World War II, was the last Filipino-American bastion to fall to the Japanese. Tour includes a guided visit to the island's
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MOUNTAIN EXPLORER
(5 days/4 nights)
The mystic Cordillera ranges beckon you to discover life and culture in the northern highlands of the Philippines.
Day 1 Manila/Baguio
The first day takes you from Manila to Baguio City by air-conditioned transport.
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Early afternoon arrival in Baguio. Check-in at hotel. In the afternoon, a tour of Baguio City is in order. Visit the Mines View Park, St. Louis Silver School, Easter Weaving School and the public market.
Day 2 Baguio/Mt. Data
On board a private air-conditioned transportation, drive to Mt. Data via the rugged and winding "Mountain Trail" (travelling
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time is approximately 4-5 hours). Early afternoon arrival at Mt. Data Lodge.
Day 3 Mt. Data/Sagada/Bontoc/Banaue
Early morning departure for Banaue. Enroute, visit the ancient burial caves in the village of Sagada. Then follow the trail to Bontoc town to visit the Museum of the Mountain Culture. Late afternoon arrival in Banaue.
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Day 4 Banaue
Using private jeepneys, drive through the trail and trek down the terraces to Hapao Village. Then, return to the Banaue Town Center proceeding to the viewpoint of the world-famous Banaue Rice Terraces.
Day 5 Banaue/Manila
Morning departure for Manila via Nueva Vizcaya. The return trip to Manila gets down to the eastern side of Cordillera Mountain Range passing through the historic Dalton Pass and finally to the Central Plains of Luzon.
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BAGUIO (3 days/2 nights)
Situated in the mountain ranges of Cordillera is Baguio, the summer capital of the Philippines. It is also the home of the Igorots, a collective name of the various tribes that inhabit the highlands. The cool mountain clime and expansive sceneries of mountain flora makes Baguio conducive to walking tours and taking in nature. Among the sights to be visited is the Mines View Park, a promontory which overlooks the gold mines abundant in the area. Stop by
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the Mansion House which is the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines. Shopping is also in the itinerary as you visit the St. Louis Silver School, where exquisite silver jewelry can be found, and the Easter Weaving School where the colorful native handwoven fabrics are available. Finally, there is the public
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market with its wide array of mountain produce and local crafts.
The second day is free for exploration or shopping. Optional tours to Bauang Beach in La Union or Hundred Islands in Pangasinan may be arranged. The tour returns to Manila the following day.
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BANAUE RICE TERRACES
(3 days/2 nights)
Depart Manila for Banaue via Nueva Ecija passing through several towns rich in agricultural plantation of rice, vegetable, tobacco and sugarcane. Travelling time is approximately 8-9 hours. Arrive Banaue late in the afternoon.
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The second day brings you to Hapao Village by jeepney. There, one must walk down the rice terraces to reach the village. This affords a close view of the native life and culture. The tour then proceeds to the vantage point to view the breathtaking "rice terraces", a masterpiece of the hardy Ifugaos who used bare hands in building this over 2,000 years ago. This was once acclaimed
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as the 8th Wonder of the World. Pass by local markets on the way back to the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free for exploration of nearby villages by foot.
The tour returns to Manila the following day and should be back in your hotel by mid-afternoon. Or, you may opt to extend for another night to see other villages.
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Cebu
The original landing site in the Philippines of Magellan's expedition, Mactan in Cebu is now a beach lover's paradise, boasting a stretch of white sandy beaches, crystal blue waters, swaying palms and of course, lots of sun. Only a 50-minute trip by air from Manila, Mactan offers a wide choice of resorts from the quaint native thatched roofed bungalows or the luxurious rooms of a 5-star resort, all while enjoying the modern comforts of world-class properties.
In and Around Cebu
CEBU CITY TOUR (3 hours)
Visit Cebu's historical sites and landmarks. Fort San Pedro, the oldest triangular fortress in the country built in 1565. Magellan's Cross, planted in April 14, 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan. Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, built by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1565, now housing the Statuette of Santo Nino. Casa Gorordo
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Museum, former house of the first bishop of Cebu. The Taoist Temple, located at Beverly Hills overlooking the city of Cebu and Mactan.
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NORTH CEBU COUNTRYSIDE TOUR (4 hours)
Cebu's northern countryside boasts of a few cottage industries like ceramics, bamboo crafts, rattan furnitures, ropes and potteries. It is also the site of Danao City, known for its stately Spanish-style church and scenic coastline. The drive takes you along some interesting but busy towns and villages.
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ISLAND-HOPPING (7 hours)
A visit to Cebu is not complete without cruising the islands off Mactan on board a local motorized banca. Swim or snorkel off the islands of Hilutungan and Nalusuan. Have a barbeque lunch at Nalusuan Island. It is recommended that rubber slippers or booties be worn.
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MACTAN BEACH TOUR (7 hours)
Enjoy a day at one of Mactan's finest resort where white sand beaches and clear blue waters await. Go swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing or avail of a multitude of aquasport equipment available. On weekdays, a visit to a guitar factory is included on the way back to the hotel.
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GOLF TOUR (Half-day)
Test the fairways at the Cebu Golf and Country Club or Alta Vista Golf and Country Club. Cebu Golf and Country Club is a par 71 golf course with 6,571 yards. It is located in Banilad, some 10 minutes drive from uptown Cebu. Alta Vista Golf and Country Club is a par 72 golf course with 6,203 yards. Its hilly terrain requires the use of golf carts. It is located in Pardo, some 30 minutes drive from uptown Cebu.
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Day 1 Cebu/Bohol
Depart Cebu for Bohol via fast craft ferry (travelling time takes approximately 1 1/2 hours). Upon arrival at Tagbilaran City, you will be met and transferred to your resort. Rest of the day free at leisure.
Day 2 Full day Chocolate Hills Tour
The Chocolate Hills are the island's famous landmark. Over a thousand in number, the hills are from 40 to 120 meters high and covered with grass. During the dry season, the grass turns chocolate-colored brown, hence the name. En route to the Chocolate Hills, visit the Legaspi-Sikatuna Blood Compact Marker in Bool and Baclayon
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Church in Baclayon, one of the oldest in the country. Make a stop to see live tarsiers, the smallest monkeys in the world. Then to the Chocolate Hills Complex where you can have an unlimited panoramic view of the hills that cover a wide expanse of the countryside. Return via the same route to Loboc. The trip will take you along the scenic Loboc-Loay River. Lunch on board a floating restaurant. After lunch, proceed to Tagbilaran City for some shopping of local handicrafts and delicacies before returning to your resort.
Day 3 Bohol/Cebu
Return to Cebu via fast craft ferry.
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Beyond Cebu
BOHOL (3 Days/2 Nights)
Bohol, home to the famous Chocolate Hills, is situated southeast of Cebu. It is the country's 10th largest island with 72 smaller islands surrounding it. Rich in agriculture and fishing, Bohol exudes a simple charm that has been attracting both local and foreign visitors. From its excellent diving sites to picturesque sceneries, Bohol will make your visit unforgettable.
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BOHOL & DUMAGUETE
(5 Days/4 Nights)
Day 1 Cebu/Bohol
Depart Cebu for Bohol via fast craft ferry (travelling time takes approximately 1 1/2 hours). Upon arrival at Tagbilaran City, you will be met and transferred to your resort. Rest of the day free at leisure.
Day 2 Full day Chocolate Hills Tour
The Chocolate Hills are the island's famous landmark. Over a thousand in number, the hills are from 40 to 120 meters high and covered with grass. During the dry season, the grass turns chocolate-colored brown, hence the name. En route to the Chocolate Hills, visit the Legaspi-Sikatuna Blood Compact Marker in Bool and Baclayon Church in Baclayon, one of the oldest in the country. Make a stop to see live tarsiers, the smallest monkeys in the world. Then to the Chocolate Hills Complex where you can have an unlimited
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panoramic view of the hills that cover a wide expanse of the countryside. Return via the same route to Loboc. The trip will take you along the scenic Loboc-Loay River. Lunch on board a floating restaurant. After lunch, proceed to Tagbilaran City for some shopping of local handicrafts and delicacies before returning to your resort.
Day 3 Bohol/Dumaguete
Spend the morning at leisure. In the afternoon, depart Tagbilaran City for Dumaguete via fast craft ferry (travelling time takes approximately 1 1/2 hours). Upon arrival at Dumaguete City, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Dumaguete is a pleasant little city by the sea. It is the capital of Negros Oriental and well known as the site of Silliman University. Stroll along its seaside boulevard or take a ride on local tricycles to see the sights. At night, you will find a lot of sidewalk cafes and barbeque eateries in many of the streets especially along the
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seaside boulevard.
Day 4 Full day Apo Island Tour
Apo Island is southeast of Dumaguete City. It is reached by a 20-minute drive and another 20-minute ride by motorbanca. It has a five-meter deep lagoon which has been declared a "fish sanctuary". It offers excellent diving and snorkelling. Spend the day swimming or snorkelling. Lunch at a seaside resort.
Day 5 Dumaguete City Sightseeing Tour
The tour will take you to Silliman University's Anthropological Museum and the breeding center of the Philippine spotted deer. Visit the city's colorful market and the Sidlakang Negros, a center where native products produced in Negros Oriental are found. Drive along the seaside boulevard before returning to your hotel.
Return to Cebu in the afternoon via fast craft ferry.
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DUMAGUETE & SIQUIJOR ISLAND (5 Days/4 Nights)
Day 1 Cebu/Dumaguete
Depart Cebu for Dumaguete via fast craft ferry (travelling time takes approximately 2 1/2 hours). Upon arrival at Dumaguete City, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
In the afternoon, proceed with an orientation tour of the city. The tour will take you to Silliman University's Anthropological Museum and the breeding center of the Philippine spotted deer. Visit the city's colorful market and the Sidlakang Negros, a center where native products produced in Negros Oriental are found. Drive along the seaside boulevard before returning to your hotel.
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Day 2 Full day Apo Island Tour
Apo Island is southeast of Dumaguete City. It is reached by a 20-minute drive and another 20-minute ride by motorbanca. It has a five-meter deep lagoon which has been declared a "fish sanctuary". It offers excellent diving and snorkelling. Spend the day swimming or snorkelling. Lunch at a seaside resort.
Day 3 Dumaguete/Siquijor
Spend the morning at leisure. In the afternoon, depart Dumaguete for Siquijor via fast craft ferry (travelling time takes approximately 45 minutes). Upon arrival at Siquijor, you will be met and transferred to your resort. After check-in, proceed for a tour of the island.
Siquijor Island is about 20 kms east of
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Dumaguete. When the Spaniards discovered the island, they called it "Isla del Fuego" which means Island of Fire. It suggests that when they sailed to the island at night, it was aglow as if on fire. The tour of the island will take you to Lazi town with its Church and Convent. Then to San Antonio, famous for its medicinemen also known as "mananambals". Have a panoramic view of the island on top of Mt. Bandila-an.
Day 4 Siquijor/Dumaguete
Day at leisure. For the adventurous, a caving) trip can be arranged. The island abounds with some beautiful caves easily accessible.
Return to Dumaguete via fast craft ferry in the afternoon.
Day 5 Dumaguete/Cebu
Depart for Cebu via fast craft ferry.
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Named as one of the best beaches in the world, Boracay is a small 7-km long and 1-km wide island in the southern Philippines that boasts of powdery white-sand beaches, azure waters, stretches of coconut palms and all the makings of a tropical paradise. One can enjoy the tastefully designed thatched-roof resorts as well as the wide variety of cuisine available on the island. The clear waters invite swimmers, divers and snorkelers alike to enjoy the exquisite marine life that abounds. Definitely a place for sun-worshippers. From Manila, one can catch a direct flight to the town of Caticlan where a 20-minute ferry ride to the island awaits or fly to Kalibo where one embarks on a 90-minute scenic drive to Caticlan to catch the ferry.
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In and Around Davao
DAVAO CITY TOUR (3-4 hours)
This fascinating tour first takes you to Lumad Arts & Crafts where handpainted wood and bamboo novelties designs are made, then proceeds to the Puentespina Orchid Garden to see varieties of the flower that Davao is famous for. The tour then proceeds to the Madrazo Fruit Center where one can sample Davao's tropical harvest including the pungent but delicious durian. Then on to the San Pedro Cathedral which is a Roman Catholic Church with Muslim architecture, meant to promote brotherhood
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Davao beckons you with its multitude of cultures and colors, wide expanses of sand and sea and experiences of a lifetime. Samal Island, a 45-minute boatride from the Santa Ana Pier in Davao, features Pearl Farm Beach Resort where colorful bougain villas, verdant coconut palms, white sandy beaches, clear blue waters and great diving give you a taste of tropical paradise. Air-conditioned accommodations range from houses on stilts by the water or hilltop rooms which combine modern and Muslim styles. Davao City is accessible from Manila or Cebu.
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If you're looking for a special hideaway tucked in a place far south of the Philippines where life is leisurely slow and time seems to last longer, Dakak is the place for you. The resort is set in a private cove with a fine, white-sand beach, clear waters and gently rolling hills. Native-style cottages with modern conveniences are spread out over a large area, some close to the beach and other touching hillside. Dakak is located in Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte and is accessible by air from Manila.
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and friendship between two pre-dominant peoples. Next up is the Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague atop Matina Hill which gives a breathtaking view of the city below as well as distant Mt. Apo. Finally, you visit the Aldevinco Shopping Center, a Showcase of Muslim batiks, brasswares, antiques, ethnic materials and gift items.
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DAVAO COUNTRYSIDE TOUR
(5 hours)
Take in the unique Davao countryside starting with the High Ponds Prawn Farm where mountain meets the sea and where tiny prawns are grown to succulent proportions. Drive up the slopes of Calinan to find the majestic Philippine Eagles at a sanctuary close to their natural habitat. Then wander along the exotic fruit plantations of durian, pomelo and giant bananas. The last stop is at the Yuhico Orchard Farm, Davao's largest, where rows upon rows of orchids are planted in the terrace-like arrangement. Lunch is included.
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TALIKUD ISLAND TOUR (7 hours)
A 45-minute boatride takes you to the island paradise of Talikud, with its swaying palm trees and excellent swimming and diving areas. Have a picnic lunch, then visit the Coral Islands, a haven of marine life and breathing corals.
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Zamboanga
The early Malay settlers called the region" Samboangan". On one of the earliest Spanish maps, "Samboangan" meant "docking point", from the word "sabuan", the wooden pole used by the Samals and Badjaos in pushing their vintas on shallow waters. Known as the premier city of flowers, it is situated on the southernmost tip of Zamboanga Peninsula, on the island
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of Mindanao,. It is only an hour and a half by jet from Manila. Zamboanga has a naturally mild climate, without a pronounced dry or wet season. Tropical cyclones or typhoons rarely affect it because the city is outside of the typhoon belt. One will surely enjoy swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving and get the feel of the pristine coral island and its fine pinkish sand.
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In and Around Zamboanga
ZAMBOANGA CITY TOUR
(3 hours)
Discover exotic Zamboanga, the city of flowers. Visit the Spanish colonial Fort Pilar, now a miraculous shrine to the Virgin Mary. On to Rio Hondo, an indigenous village of houses on stilts. Stroll through Pasonanca Park with its tree house and
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natural pools. At the Yakan Village, see traditional weaving styles and marvel at the Rocan shell collection.
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TALUKSANGAY VILLAGE (3 hours)
A Samal Village where the picturesque is made majestic by its roddish minarets towering over a lagoon and brushland of luxuriant groon. The villagers are engaged in fishing and firewood gathering from the vast swamplands nearby. A most interesting site is its "Floating Village" made up of little houses on stilts above the water. On the way to the village one can view the rolling hills and green ricefields where farmers plant their rice or plow their fields with their carabaos otherwise known as water buffalos.
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SANTA CRUZ ISLAND (5 hours)
Known for its pinkish sand beach because of the washed corals from the bottom of the sea. On the island is a fishing village, lagoon and an old muslim burial ground. There is an extensive and varied underwater life coral heads and rocks which support a great variety of tropical fish. The place is ideal for swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, beach combing and sunbathing.
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THE LAST FRONTIER
(8 days/7 nights)
Palawan beckons you to discover its natural wonders, diverse wildlife, rich marine life and beautiful islands.
Day 1. This morning takes you to an early transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan. After arriving and checking in at your hotel, proceed for an orientation tour of the city. Visit Crocodile Farming Institute, a joint project of the Japanese and the Philippine Government to preserve the endangered crocodile specie. Then to Ihawig penal farm, the only "Prison without Walls". The colony is self-sufficient, with its own rice plantation, herds of cows, goats, and planted with mangoes, coconut and other fruit bearing trees. Tour also includes visit to museum, port, cathedral, sports complex and city hall.
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Day 2. A five-hour jeepney ride takes you to Port Barton, a bayside village with a lovely white sand beach. After checking in at your hotel, the afternoon is at leisure.
Day 3. Visit the charming islands on the bay where you can swim, snorkel or sunbathe.
Day 4. This morning takes you to a two-and-a-half hour boat ride from Port Barton to the St. Paul's Underground River, the world's longest known underground river. You proceed through several enormous domed areas and past some interesting rock formations to a turn in the river beyond which the boat cannot go. After lunch, return to Port Barton.
Day 5. Depart by jeepney to Taytay, the old Spanish capital of Palawan. The remains of the Spanish fortress still guard the town. After lunch, you'll proceed to Embarcadero where you can catch a boat ride to El Nido Miniloc Resort.
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Day 6-7. Enjoy the excellent facilities of the resort. Explore the rich marine life by diving in some of the best diving areas in the world. Non-divers can go island-hopping or simply while the time away on the beach.
Day 8. Fly back to Manila on El Nido's Twin Otter Island aircraft.
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