Our Adventures in the Philippines
Our twenty-seven day odyssey through the Philippines was a journey of rhythmic transitions, where the emerald canopy of the highlands met the crystalline depths of the Pacific. From the surf-sculpted shores of Siargao to the limestone cathedrals of El Nido, every island revealed a distinct soul and a spirit of hospitality that felt like a homecoming. This is a reflection of our midlife adventure across an archipelago that continues to capture the heart long after the return flight to London.
Day 1: Arrival in Manila
As we touched down at Manila International Airport for our midlife adventures in the Philippines, the excitement of our journey ahead buzzed in the air. This was the start of an incredible journey, from island hopping in Siargao to discovering the wonders of Bohol.
Day 3: Land Tour of Siargao
Our adventure led us on a captivating land tour of Siargao. We marvelled at the panoramic views from the Coconut View Deck, soaked in the serene beauty of the Maasin River, and explored the enchanting Magpupungko Rock Pools. Our journey culminated with a visit to the breathtaking Sugba Lagoon.
Day 5: Exploring on Scooters
We rented scooters to explore the island’s hidden gems. Our first destination was the legendary Secret Beach, where we were greeted by crystal-clear waters - a tropical paradise. After a local lunch, we headed back to the Coconut View Deck to soak in the stunning vistas before dining at Kermit Restaurant.
Day 7: Three Island Tour
Today we embarked on the stunning Three Island Tour. We began at Guyam Island, a small, palm-covered gem perfect for snorkelling.
Day 2: Arrival in Siargao
Touching down at the charming Siargao airport, we were warmly greeted by our driver, who was ready to whisk us away to our island retreat. Our home for this adventure was the delightful Camanolo Homestay. Eager to explore, we wandered through the vibrant area, enjoyed a coffee at a local café, and booked our excursion for the following day.
Day 4: Sohoton Cove
We embarked on an exhilarating boat trip to Sohoton Cove. After a scenic two-hour journey, we reached the magical Jellyfish Sanctuary. We navigated the cove before exploring the Snoring Cave and the daring Cliff Diving Cave. The tranquil Tiktikan Lagoon provided a peaceful interlude before we visited Corregidor Island and the pristine sands of Naked Island.
Day 6: Relaxation at Kermit Resort
We enjoyed a relaxing day by the pool at the Kermit Resort, where the staff went above and beyond to make our experience unforgettable.
Day 8: Farewell to Siargao
After six incredible days at Camanolo Homestay, it was time to say goodbye. We set off for the airport to catch our CebuGo flight to Cebu Island, eager for new adventures.
Day 9: Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls
Today we geared up for one of the most epic experiences yet: canyoneering at Kawasan Falls! The trail wound through lush jungle, guiding us along turquoise waters, slippery rocks, and stunning waterfalls. The grand finale was the iconic Kawasan Falls, where we celebrated with a swim under the powerful falls.
Day 11: Fun in Oslob
We left the laid-back vibe of Moalboal for Oslob, checking into New Village Lodge. The day was all about unwinding with the locals through karaoke - a vibrant part of the culture here. We finished the day with a relaxing Thai massage.
Day 10: The Sardine Run
In the afternoon, it was time for the main event: snorkelling the famous Sardine Run! Off Panagsama Beach, millions of shimmering sardines swam in mesmerising formations right beneath us. We even spotted sea turtles gracefully gliding through the water, completely unfazed by the activity.
Day 12: Journey to Bohol
We journeyed from Oslob to the beautiful island of Bohol via ferry. We arrived at Momo Beach and travelled up to Loboc to check into The Stefanie Grace Paradise Inn, a peaceful riverside spot with gorgeous views of the Loboc River.
Day 14: Whale Shark Watching
We kicked off bright and early with Taug Whale Shark Watching. Seeing these gentle giants in their natural habitat was awe-inspiring. In the evening, we drifted along the Loboc River for a magical firefly watching tour under the starlit sky.
Day 16: Arrival in Panglao
We moved from Loboc to Panglao and checked into Bohol Cattleya Resort. After a relaxing dip in the pool, we ventured into town for dinner at Moonlit, where the food and staff were incredible.
Day 13: Sightseeing in Bohol
We started in the magical Man-Made Forest, where towering mahogany trees create a tunnel of green. Next, we visited the Tarsier Conservation Area to meet these unique creatures before heading to the iconic Chocolate Hills. We ended the day on the Loboc River Cruise, floating along with local food and live music.
Day 15: Relaxation Day
A chill day around the pool and the Loboc River. For our last evening in Loboc, we enjoyed a fantastic meal at the Fox and Firefly Restaurant - the perfect send-off before moving to the coast.
Days 17-20: Unwinding in Panglao
These days were all about soaking up the sun and exploring the local beaches. A highlight was Hinagdanan Cave, a natural limestone wonder where we took a refreshing swim in the turquoise subterranean water.
Day 21: Journey to El Nido
Today, we traded the beaches of Bohol for the stunning landscapes of El Nido! We caught an Air Swift flight from Bohol, and soon we were descending into paradise. After arriving, we made our way to our new home base, the Cuna Hotel. The hotel is beautiful, and the best part? It has an incredible rooftop bar and restaurant! We spent our first evening enjoying the breathtaking views of El Nido, tasting delicious food, and soaking up the relaxed rooftop vibe.
Day 23: El Nido Town
A day to soak up the local vibes. We relaxed at the rooftop bar before exploring the charming local shops, bustling street markets, and beach bars that give El Nido its laid-back character.
Day 25: Ziplining in El Nido
We experienced a true adrenaline rush tackling the zip line. Soaring high above the lush green hills and the crystal-clear sea felt like flying - a must-do adventure in El Nido!
Day 27: Farewell to the Philippines
We said our bittersweet goodbyes as we flew back to Manila. Reflecting on our journey, we carry memories of the incredible landscapes and the amazing people we met. The Philippines has captured our hearts as we head back to London Heathrow.
Day 22: Tour A in El Nido
We set off with Leatherback Tours for an iconic day. We navigated the turquoise waters of Big Lagoon, slipped into Secret Lagoon, and snorkelled at Shimizu Island. We finished with a beachside feast at Seven Commandos Beach.
Day 24: Tour C in El Nido
Tour C offered incredible landscapes, starting at Helicopter Island. We swam to the secluded Secret Beach and climbed the viewpoint at Matinloc Shrine. The day finished with a visit to Hidden Beach and a feast at Talisay Beach.
Day 26: Nacpan Beach
We headed to the stunning Nacpan Beach for powdery white sand and turquoise waters. We lounged under the sun and hiked to a viewpoint for breathtaking panoramas of the coastline.
