The Philippines
Feb. 10 - Feb. 16, 2024 (7D6N): After years of anticipation and a postponed trip initially planned for April 2020, I finally made it to the Philippines. This vibrant archipelago became our first stop in Asia before continuing to Taiwan to visit family and Thailand for the UCLA reunion. With limited time, I decided to skip Manila (MNL) on this journey. Instead, I focused on exploring two stunning islands—Coron and Cebu—as gateways to the Philippines’ renowned underwater wonders. With over 7,600 islands, this country offers endless opportunities to craft a trip perfectly tailored to your interests.
*Highly Recommended food
Day 1 (Coron):
MNL:
Noon arrival in MNL from JFK (via Turkish Airlines + Thai Airways Business Class)
Taxi from International Terminal to T2 (Domestic)
2:55 - 3:55 pm: Flight to USU via Philippine Airlines (Need to pay PHP 200pp Environmental fee upon exiting the airport
Check-in @ Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel (RT Shuttle pick-up from the hotel for 1400p)
Sunset & HH @ Hotel pool
Day 2 (Island Hopping)
Breakfast @ Hotel
8 am - 5:30 pm: Ultimate Island Hopping (Organized by the hotel; 3200p)
Coron Dock
Snorkeling @ Siete Pecados Marine Park
Snorkeling @ Skeleton Wreck
Kayak @ Twin Lagoon (Skip the glass bottom kayak and go with the regular one; the glass bottom kayak is difficult to navigate, and the glass is not very clear)
Seafood lunch on the boat
Swim @ Barracuda Lake
Coconut water & sunset @ Banul Beach
Sunset & HH @ Hotel pool
Dinner @ Bam Bar*
Day 3 (Coron):
Breakfast @ Hotel
Coron (DIY Motorcycle Tour, motorcycle rental through the hotel):
Massage @ Nature and Nurture Spa
Lunch @ Hermanos Tapas and Wine Bar*
5 pm @ Maquinit Hot Springs (300p; suggested duration 1 hr)
Sunset & HH @ Hotel pool
Dinner @ Baya Restro Lounge* at Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel (Best lengua sigsig)
Day 4 (Cebu - Moalboal):
Breakfast @ Hotel
9:20-10:10 am: Flight to CEB via Philippine Airlines
Pick-up rental @ Avis (Located outside the airport about 5 mins away, would not recommend)
Drive to Maolboal (~3.5 hrs):
Lunch @ Scooby’s Cafe*
Maoboal:
2pm: Check-in @ IL SOGNO Bed & Breakfast
Snorkeling
Massage @ Eva’s Haven Thai Body And Foot Massage
Day 5 (Oslob/ Samboan/ Ginatilan/ Moalboal):
Breakfast @ Hotel
DIY morning snorkeling
Oslob:
Park @ La Terrasse (Grab a beer here so you can park at the restaurant lot)
Oslob Whale Shark (2 hrs drive; 1000p entrance fee + 1500p cash for 30-mins Scuba Diving)
Aguinid Falls (350p; guided tour 2 hr)
Lunch @ Happy Bowl + Cafe*
Inambakan Falls (70p entrance fee + 50p parking; suggested duration 1 hr)
Maoboal:
Massage @ Heavenly Sparadise Message
Dinner @ Besty’s Grill and Restobar* & Manang Fe
Day 6 (Moalboal - Cebu):
DIY Sardine Run (Magnificent view; we focused on the sardines, not the turtles)
Breakfast @ Hotel
White Beach (parking fee 50p):
On the drive there, we were asked to pay 25p/person Environmental Fee
Snorkeling
Fresh sea urchins on the beach
Coconut water
Drive to Cebu:
Gas @ Petron (takes credit card)
Lunch @ Delicio’z*
Viewpoint @ GCH
Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (beautiful bridge)
3pm: Check-in @ Cube9 Resort & Spa
Paddle Boat
Pool
Shuttle bus from the resort to Shangs Island Town Center:
Dinner @ The Ace Crab*
Ice cream @ Halomango*
Day 7 (Cebu- Mactan/Taipei):
Return car rental @ Airport
Priority Pass @ Plaza Premium Lounge
7:25 am-8:55 am: Flight to MNL via Cebu Airlines
MNL:
Taxi from T3 to T1
10:55 am- 1:05 pm: Flight to TPE via China Airlines
Other points of interest & food:
Coron:
Cebu:
Hike @ Casino Peak
Eat @ Theo Street
Tips:
Traveling during the dry season (December to May) is best.
The international terminal and domestic terminals at MNL are not connected; you can take an airport shuttle (which doesn’t operate frequently) or hire a taxi. Be sure to budget extra time for the transfer.
While credit cards are accepted at most restaurants, cash is preferred for travel agencies/spas/local attractions.
Filipino and English are the official languages.
