Are you ready to experience the adventure of a lifetime with our jam packed Flashpacker tour? This is the Philippines Dream! Travel in comfort and style as we take backpacking to the next level. Indulge in local foodie experiences, feel the rush of zip-lining, and explore the underwater world as we scuba dive and snorkel alongside diverse marine life and jaw-dropping eco systems. But wait, there's more… experience the thrill of island hopping, slip and slide in aqua blue waterfalls canyoneering and learn to ride the waves with a surf lesson in Siargao. Dive into local culture through immersive weaving sessions and dance the night away at beach clubs and open air bars as we see the best of the Philippines by day and night. Sip colourful cocktails and watch orange and purple sunsets as we take in the breathtaking views on our boujee flashpacking adventure. We told you it was going to be a dream!
Our Flashpacker style is for those who want to experience our bucket list activities, but with a little more comfort and style. We've included all the best bits of our Classic tours but with higher standards of accommodation, transport and activities. Done the hostel vibe? Then this is your natural progression. It still has the epic backpacker vibe, but a bit more boujee. We like to call it ballin’ on a budget. From backpacker to Flashpacker.
Welcome to Paradise aka The Philippines! Fly into Manila International Airport where our awesome team will be there ready to meet you at arrivals and transfer you straight to our hotel where we'll start of your epic 12 day adventure. It's our first day so we’ll take it easy and brush off the jet leg with a drink on the rooftop whilst you get to know your TruFam before heading out for our welcome dinner and a few cocktails at one of our favourite spots in Manilla! This is only just the start... The Philippines, you are going to bea dreamy!
It’s our first day and an early start as we fly to the beautiful island of Palawan. So pack your bags and grab your breakfast before we head to the airport. It's only a short flight so once we arrive and are all checked in, we’ll spend the afternoon exploring the town of El Nido where our adventure begins with a ziplining experience! We’ll spend the evening watching the first of many stunning sunsets, grab some dinner by the beachfront and even hit some clubs! The best way to kick start our trip if we do say so ourselves.
Today’s our first island hopping experience together! Spend the day kayaking aqua blue waters, exploring hidden caves, hiking stunning viewpoints and sunbathing on white sandy beaches. After a fun day of activities and an A La Carte style BBQ, we’ll end the day with DELICIOUS vegan food in the sky. We hope you’ve got a head for heights as we're heading to the very top floor of the hotel for an unparalleled dining experience. Breathtaking views, quite literally.
We’ll start the day off right with a chilled morning, a breakfast buffet and even a swim if you’re up to it before heading to Lio Beach to explore the area and for our activity of the day. First stop we have a traditional cooking class! We’ll roll up our sleeves and get ready to work learning how to slice and dice in the Filipino way - your taste buds will be tingling big time! In the afternoon, we have some free time to explore before hitting the beach for some delicious local food and 1 too many colourful cocktails.
It’s our last morning in El Nido! We’ll head to the beach bright and early for one last dip, have a lie-in, or do whatever we fancy before heading to the airport for our next flight. After a quick pit stop in Cebu City, we’ll head straight to Moalboal where we’ll live the tropical dream. We'll lay on the beach, have a complimentary massage, and enjoy a hearty dinner together with the TruFam. Is there a better way to end the day? We don’t think so!
It’s scuba diving time! We’ve got a PADI scuba diving session for all you first timers, but if you don’t fancy it we’ve got snorkels on hand, either way we’ll be getting up and close and swimming with turtles! Get your pen ready to put a big old tick on your bucket list as today, we also experience the famous sardine run (if you don't know then get to know)! This phenomenon only happens in 2 places in the world, so keep your eyes peeled as thousands of sardines swim together in a gigantic school. This is a ‘you have to see it, to believe it’ moment for sure!
Start your day by whizzing through the valley on a zipline or taking a scenic stroll through the jungle to start today’s activity that is canyoneering! Get your adrenaline pumping by jumping into the aqua blue waters, slipping and sliding through the waterfalls and bobbing along with the current. An unforgettable day in paradise, that's for sure! It's our final evening in Moalboal so we're ending our time here with an incredible dinner at an ocean-inspired restaurant with the TruFam as we look back at all the amazing memories we have made so far!
First things first, grab your bags as today we head back to the airport and take a short flight to Siargao, the surfing capital of the Philippines... Things are about to get wavy, trust us. Picture this: Pristine beaches, thriving coconut forests, and jaw dropping scenery, sounds like paradise right?! Once checked in, in the afternoon, we’ll catch yet another beautiful sunset and end the day with a traditional Filipino dinner!
Rise and shine! You know what's coming right? We already know that Siargao is known for its incredible surfing sports so it’s only right we start off the day with a surfing lesson on cloud 9 (literally)! Live your best life learning some top skills, spending the day together in the sunshine, riding those waves like pros and experiencing some seriously epic total wipeouts... we told you things would get wavy! It's been an amazing but busy day so take some time to chill in the afternoon, explore the town or relax by the beach before we meet back in time for drinks and dinner later in the evening!
Enjoy a free morning relaxing, sunbathing and taking one too many insta shots of the idyllic views surrounding you before we head up north to explore the hidden gems of Siargao! We’ll head to Ihayas, a local farm where you’ll meet the weaving ladies who will teach you all about traditional weaving techniques and where you’ll give a go at making your own basket or mat. It's a Tru Exclusive afterall! After a great afternoon of learning new skills, enjoying a seriously incredible fresh lunch made with ingredients hand picked on the farm and exploring the area, we head to the Tigasao lighthouse for a dip in the waters of beach Pacifico! We’ll end the evening watching the sun go down on another day in paradise.
Start the morning peacefully with the option of taking part in a yoga and meditation class at Harana, before boarding on a boat to explore Naked Island and Corregidor. Take in the beauty as the locals prepare a traditional feast presented to you on banana leaves. It's a local Filipino delicacy for a reason! Here, we’ll spend the rest of the afternoon wakeboarding, swimming the crystal clear waters and checking out the local town. It's our last evening together, so it's only right that we catch one final sunset and reminisce on the INCREDIBLE memories we have made, over a DELICIOUS dinner and cheeky glass of wine or two... or three! It's our last night with the TruFam so we'll end the evening with bang!
The day has finally come. It’s time to say our goodbyes (wipes a tear or two). What an incredible 12 days it has been living the ultimate dream on these stunning islands! Today we have a chilled check out so take your time as you prepare to head home or continue with your travels. As always our team will be happy to help with any onward travel plans you may have so don’t be shy, ask away if you need any advice! Until next time TruFam!
Where does the trip start & finish?
The trip begins in Manila and ends in Siargao
Which airport do I need to fly into?
You will need to fly into Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). Please note that in order to enter the Philippines you need an onward ticket exiting the country within 30 days or you may not be allowed to board your flight and enter the country.
What is the closest airport to the end destination?
Sayak Airport (IAO) commonly known as Siargao Airport, is the main airport serving Siargao Island located in Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte, Philippines.
How do I get back to the start destination?
You will need to book an internal flight from Siargao to Manila.
How much is my baggage allowance for the included flight?
All our included flights come with a free 20kg check-in bag. If you have oversize and additional bags to check in you will need to pay for them yourself.
What kind of accomodation is included in this trip?
All rooms are twin share rooms.
HOW MUCH IS A PRE NIGHT’S ACCOMMODATION?
If you would like to arrange a pre-night please email info@trutravels.com.
WHAT IS THE CURRENCY?
The currency in the Philippines are Philippine Peso (PHP).
Is my money protected?
Yep! You will never lose your money. You’re protected. TruTravels is both ABTA and ATOL registered meaning your money is safe. We also offer 1 free date change before 60 days of your departure date.