11-Days in Philippines: Cebu-Bohol-Camiguin-Palawan-El Nido

If possible get the Morning Flight to enjoy the afternoon free hour or have some city tour upon Arrival

If possible get the Morning Ferry to enjoy the afternoon free hour or have some City tour upon Arrival

7:30 am Whaleshark Encounter -This is the Destination Area upon Pick up from your Hotel/ Resort or Bed and Breakfast

1:00 PM Lunch - 2:00 PM Swimming Kawasan Falls - 4:00 PM Depart Going back to Hotel - 7:00 - 7:30 PM Hotel

The Temple of Leah is located in Barangay Busay in Cebu City. It is built as a symbol of undying love and never ending devotion of Teodorico Adarna to his wife Leah Villa Albino-Adarna. This Roman inspired edifice showcases not only a labyrinthine and sophisticated architecture but also an astounding view of the whole city. There is also an art gallery and museum that features books and other valuable collectibles.

In Cebu, Philippines, a so-called “Mini Amsterdam” is attracting tourists from all over the country and even foreigners. It is the famous “Sirao Flower Farm” located in a mountain barangay just few minutes from JY, Lahug, Cebu City. -It all started when a couple planted flowering plants to be harvested and sold on All Soul’s Day. They then noticed that their garden is attracting visitors so they decided not to cut them at all. The incursion of tourists encouraged them to plant more. The more plants and flowers in the garden meant more visitors too. Since tulips and hyacinths are hard to grow in a hot climate, celosia flowers are grown in Sirao Flower Farm instead. These flowers are as colorful and attractive as the tulips.

Cebu is famous for its otap – a crisp, flaky and saccharine-coated biscuit perfected only by Shamrock. The perfection comes only from its original recipe since pre-WarCebu, traditional baking techniques and exacting quality which make Shamrock the most reputed and sought-after otap brand by loyal customers from here and around the world. Shamrock has also expanded its take-home delicacies to include hojaldres, galletas de huevo, baked polvoron, lady’s finger, patatas, rosquillos and other baked specialties such as raisin bread, potato bread, pan de sal and meatroll.

ch , built in 1565 by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi as the San Augustin Church. It was made of hard wood, mud and nipa Destroyed by fire it was rebuilt twice in 1602 and in 1735. Between 1735 and 1737 by the orders of Cebu Governor Fernando Valdes Y Tamon it was constructed out of hard stone materials. Now the Church is known as the Basilica of Santo Nino because its conversion ordered by the Pope in 1965 in recognition of its importance and that of Cebu City as the cradle of Christianity in the East. Inside of the Basilica del Santo Nino is the most famous religious icon in the Philippines, a statue of the Santo Nino. The statue was given to Queen Juana of Cebu by Magellan.

It is believed to be a Christian cross planted by the Portuguese and Spanish explorers headed by Ferdinand Magellan. It was planted upon their arrival in Cebu on March 15, 1521. That day also marked the birth of Christianity in the land.

It was built by the Spaniards under the command of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the first governor of Captaincy General of the Philippines. The original fort built right after the arrival of Legaspi and his expedition was made of wood. It was then replaced in the 17th century with a stone fort to repel Muslim raiders. Today’s fort was built in 1738. It is the oldest triangular bastion fort in the country. It served as the embryo of the very first Spanish settlement in the Philippines. At the end of the 19th century during the Philippine Revolution, the fort was attacked and taken by the Filipino Revolutionaries who used it as a stronghold.

uilding that was Cebu's provincial jail from 1870 to 2004. Rooms are dedicated to eras in Cebu's history. The American-era gallery contains an interesting collection of letters and memorabilia from Thomas Sharpe, one of 1065 teachers known as Thomasites who arrived in the early days of the American period to fulfil President McKinley's pledge to 'educate the Filipinos'.

This temple is composed of two different temples: one is the Phu Sian Temple, built by another Chinese community, which is not open to the public; another is the main temple which is 270 meters above sea level. The Taoist temple, a place for meditation, is located in Beverly Hills Subdivision, Lahug, Cebu. The taoist which is built on a hillside has a towering multi-tiered attraction. Because the temple is open to both worshipers and non-worshipers, it has now become a tourist attraction in Cebu.

the busiest and most famous markets in Cebu, and its popularity can be blamed on all the danggit that Cebuano vendors diligently sell here. Danggit is a thin kind of salted dried fish that is also referred to as rabbitfish or spinefoot fish in English. It’s coined by many as a “poor man’s food”, but truth is lots of rich people, whether local or foreigner, also crave for such a delicacy. This Cebuano pride is best eaten when freshly fried and paired with some hot rice. Don’t forget to dip it into spicy vinegar and use your own hands while eating to have a great danggit dining experience!

In addition to joining novenas and procession, devotees from around the globe are visiting chapels and structures dedicated to the first saint from the Visayas. What makes the chapel unique is that it boasts of 100 walls, each standing at different heights and with varying widths. The walls face one direction so that when viewed on one side it appears solid and yet transparent on the other side. Incidentally, the church pews are spaced such that they follow the same grid as the walls.

e, brass and steel showing scenes about events and structures related to the history of Cebu. The construction of the monument began in July 1997 and it was finished in December 2000.

It was built during the country’s Spanish colonial era where the Chinese were required to live in the Parians of a city. Cebu’s Parian was founded in 1590 after the arrival of Chinese traders. Often referred as “Balay nga Bato ug Kahoy” by the locals, the ancestral house is constructed out of coral stones and wood. It was built sometime between 1675 and 1700 and was originally owned by a Chinese merchant named Don Juan Yap together with his wife, Doña Maria Florido.

Someone will pick you up in the Sea port just look for your name as u arrived in the waiting area.

This particular site was made in honor of a very important event in the Philippine history done between Miguel Lopez de Legazpi of Spain and Rajah Sikatuna of Bohol. This Sikatuna-Legaspi blood compact is considered as the First Treaty of Friendship between two different races, religions, cultures and civilizations. It was a treaty of friendship based on respect and equality. This event is commonly known as “Sandugo”. The Bohol Blood Compactsculpture was made by the National Artist, Napoleon Abueva, a Boholano himself. It is placed on an open and raised dais portraying five (5) life-sized images of men gathered around a table with Legazpi and Sikatuna supposedly making a toast. Standing on the dais, visitors are treated to a good view of the Bohol Sea and the contour of that particular side of the island of Bohol.

Construction began in 1717 where some 200 native forced laborers (obras pias) cut and dragged coral blocks from the sea, using only bamboos in moving and lifting the stones in position. Millions of white eggs were said to have been used as cement. The current building was completed in 1727. In the 19th century, the Augustinian Recollects added a new facade- pictured here- and a number of stone buildings that now surround the church. Old broken glasses no longer can be replaced. The colored panes locally available now are different- pattern is limited only to the basic quatrefoil "florentine" patterns and color choices are only 3: amber, green and blue. The original ones which date back to 16th century are thicker and deeper in color. the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Baclayon is one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines and is located in Bohol, in the Visayas region. The construction was started by the Jesuits in 1596. As is happening in most grand historical structures in the country, the church is in partial disrepair.

Over 100 of these territorial primates hang out in the immediate vicinity of the centre, though only eight are in the viewing area. The guides will bring you right to them via a short jungle trail; no flash photography is permitted. The visitors centre includes good information boards and the whole forested sanctuary is well managed and a pleasure to visit. The simultaneously crazy and cuddly looking tarsier can fit in the palm of your hand yet leap 5m, rotate its head almost 360 degrees and move its ears in the direction of sound. It has huge imploring eyes, 150 times bigger than a human's in relation to its body size. The tarsier is not only one of the world's smallest primates and the oldest surviving member of the primate group at 45 million years old, it is also an endangered species. The main threats to its survival are habitat destruction, introduced species, hunting and the pet trade. While also found in Samar, Leyte and parts of Mindanao, Bohol is the province that is doing the most to promote awareness of the tarsier and attempting to ensure its survival. Keen hikers can arrange longer guided walks in the surrounding wildlife sanctuary, although you are unlikely to spot tarsiers outside the immediate vicinity of the visitors centre.

to the relaxing splash of the water and the welcoming songs of Boholanos. This river in Bohol is known to be one of the cleanest rivers in the country. Tourists take an hour-long cruise along the river while enjoying food, drinks and music. Local musicians play native and novelty music. There are days when guests can request songs, too. The cruise will stop in the middle of the river for souvenir shopping and some native dancing. Once the cruise ends, you will see the refreshing sight of the Loboc Falls. Those who wish to can take a quick dip into the waters. If you are not prepared for swimming, though, you can take photos of the very scenic Loboc River, everyone’s favorite hobby.

etch of densely planted Mahogany trees located in the border of Loboc and Bilar towns. Before and after this man-made forest are the naturally grown forests of Loboc and Bilar which are thick with a kaleidoscope of green foliage, different species of trees and giant ferns lining the road. The man-made forest stands out because of the uniformity in height of the big trees, the spread of its branches, thickness and design of leaves. Seedlings abound around the older trees. Trunks, some thick and others just a few months old, grow resplendently straight up towards the sky which is obscured by the branches and the thick leaves.

Its main goal is to protect and strengthen the natural environment of the butterflies through plant research, breeding and releasing. Aiming to raise the butterfly population in Bohol, the Center also seeks ways and means to bring money into the local economy using butterflies and butterfly by-products. Local town folks have been taught how to breed butterflies and at present, a community of paid breeders has been formed. Likewise, the Center is into the study, research, and preservation of host plants which are dwindling due to illegal poaching and deforestation. The breeding of common butterflies for export plus their by-products help to fund host-plant research, development and the breeding of rare butterflies. Only hand bred sources, not those captured from the wild, are used by the center to protect the butterfly population. A large number of hand bred butterflies are also released into the wild from time to time thus increasing local population. Only the surplus from these hand bred butterflies are used for making by-products for both the local and foreign markets.

They look like giant mole hills, or as some say, women's breasts, and remind us of the hills in a small child's drawing. Most people who first see pictures of this landscape can hardly believe that these hills are not a man-made artifact. However, this idea is quickly abandoned, as the effort would surely surpass the construction of the pyramids in Egypt. The chocolate hills consist of are no less than 1268 hills (some claim this to be the exact number). They are very uniform in shape and mostly between 30 and 50 meters high. They are covered with grass, which, at the end of the dry season, turns chocolate brown. From this color, the hills derive their name. At other times, the hills are green, and the association may be a bit difficult to make. Legend has it that the hills came into existence when two giants threw stones and sand at each other in a fight that lasted for days. When they were finally exhausted, they made friends and left the island, but left behind the mess they made. For the more romantically inclined is the tale of Arogo, a young and very strong giant who fell in love with an ordinary mortal girl called Aloya. After she died, the giant Arogo cried bitterly. His tears then turned into hills, as a lasting proof of his grief. However, up to this day, even geologists have not reached consensus on how they where formed. The most commonly accept theory is that they are the weathered formations of a kind of marine limestone on top of a impermeable layer of clay. If you climb the 214 steps to the top of the observation hill near the complex, you can read this explanation on a bronze plaque.

TV (All-Terrain Vehicle) Eco-Adventure Tour. Get ready to get down and dirty with your family, friends, and loved ones and have an exhilarating experience through an ATV ride. The ATV Eco-Adventure Tour is located in Brgy. Buenos Aires, Carmen, Bohol. Prior to the tour, tourists will be given a quick briefing and short orientation regarding the fundamentals of ATV 4-wheeler control and safety and required to sign a waiver indicating that you are agreeing to the proposed rules of safety before the start of the tour. Test run your ATV on this rocky backyard before making your way around the hills. Enjoy the spectacular view. Grab your cameras or gadgets and take some selfie with the hills as your background. So are you ready to get down and dirty?

an in the native language, is found in Bohol. Prony, a female baksan named after its owner Sofronio Salibay, measures 27 feet (8.23 metres) and weighs more than 300 kg according to a Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) estimate. If the measurement is indeed true, Prony is longer than Fluffy, current titleholder of Guinness Records 2011's longest captive snake. Fluffy, also a reticulated python, lives in Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Powell, Ohio, USA. When measured in 2009, she was found to be over 24 feet (7.23 metres) long. Prony was captured in 1996 in Upper Sta Filomena in the town of Albur, where she also lives for more than a decade. Prony lived in an animal sanctuary built by the tripartite partnership of PepsiCo, Animal Kingdom Foundation Inc and the Municipal Tourism Council of Alburquerque (Albur's full name). When Prony was younger she was fed live chickens and then cats and dogs. Nowadays, Prony's diet consist of a white pig or two goat fed after Prony molts. Although Prony is still the main attraction in the mini-zoo, tourists will also be able to see some of Bohol's endemic wildcats like the Malay civet cat, Philippine mongoose and a flying lemur. There is also a cage for Brahminy Kite, Green Heron, hornbill, crakes and rails and a few orioles.

Panglao is a famous tourist destination for its white sand beaches and world-class diving sites. Panglao is very accessible to other natural wonders of Bohol such as the Chocolate Hills, the countless springs, rivers, falls and caves and the ever cute tarsier, the smallest primate in the world.

Snorkling in Balicasa Island Shores. Balicasag Island is where you will find a 400 meter Marine Sanctuary of healthy corals with plenty of pelagic visitors characterized by vertical walls over deep waters with strong currents. In this Balicasag Island Diving in December or January can offer treats of Dumaluna:Hammerhead Sharks and sometimes Whale Sharks.

Its main draw: a lengthy sandbar that curls and fades into the sea like the tail of a mischievous tadpole (or a sperm cell; there, we said it). The sandy runway makes for a postcard perfect backdrop! The surrounding areas are mostly grassy, though.

n thousand square meter privately owned island off the coast of Panglao. It's named after Francesco Forgione, widely known as Padre Pio. The island was conceived by the owners to serve the growing number of Padre Pio devotees in Bohol and promote devotion to the Italian Capuchin monk who is the first stigmatized priest in the history of the Church. The island is also known by the locals as the “Hidden oasis”.

of the tourism highlights in Camiguin Island! Located approximately 10 minutes away from the tourist beaches of Agoho and Yumbing, in the mountainside of the famous Mt. Hibok-Hibok volcano, which supplies the hot and crystal clear water. The volcanically naturally heated water comes right out of the forest with a temperature of just above 40°C. It is then mixed with colder water and guided into 4 separate pools which are beautifully arranged in cascades. The highest pool has the highest temperature at 40°C while the second pool which is the biggest is at about 35°C and perfect for swimming. The water in the remaining pools is colder and offer some refreshment after a hot bath.

bout 10 minutes, off the coast of Mambajao, the capital and the largest municipality of Camiguin. It is the province’s most popular tourist attraction. Powdery white sand make up this glittery bend, surrounded by sea grass. Although it usually resembles a boomerang, it changes shape according to the tides. A naked island, it is uninhabited — no houses, no huts, no trees — but umbrellas are available for rent.

Located just 5 kilometers southeast of Central Mambajao at the foot of Mt. Timpoong is the Katibawasan Falls. Measuring about 250 feet high, the falls is a lovely clear stream of cool waters rushing down to a green rock pool surrounded by ground orchids, wild ferns, trees and boulders. Ideal for a refreshing swim, its ice-cold water is the perfect antidote to the heat and humidity of the tropical heat. Katibawasan Falls is one of the treasured gifts nature has blessed the island of Camiguin. According to the locals, Katibawasan Falls measures about 250 feet high, cascades to a rock pool surrounded by ground orchids, wild ferns, trees and boulders.The falls rushes down into its green pool that is really refreshing for a good swim. Tourist are welcome to swim. It is an ideal place to cool off during hot and humid days. Giant ferns decorate the surrounding land, carpeting the spaces and huge trees and dropping vines provides the backdrop the falls.

Devotees and tourists alike climb a series of steps which eventually becomes a mildly difficult hike. Along the way are statues depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross. These figures are about life-size and painted white, very easy to spot. Although the start of the trail was under the canopy of trees skirting the walk way, there were parts where they disappeared and we had to face the heat of the sun. It got tiring as we went on but the view from the top was simply breathtaking and was worth every step.

Also known as the Old Volcano, Mt. Vulcan erupted in 1827 and 1862, which claimed hundreds of lives. In 1871, it had another eruption, this time causing the island’s old capital (during the Spanish era) sink underwater. One of the places that got soaked was the old community cemetery, which still emerged when the tide was low in the years following the disaster. But the story doesn’t end there yet. In 1948 and 1953, the old volcano demonstrated its immense power again, sinking the cemetery deeper under the sea. Today, it lies 20 feet below the surface. Corals has grown on and around tombstones and marine life has flourished, making it a unique and extraordinary diving destination. Marking the spot is a giant cross built on hardened lava in 1982.

Its stone-rich and imposing renaissance architectural style will bring you to an era that was dominated by muskets and cannons fighting against swords and spears. It also paints a picture of a peaceful settlement and the rapid spread of faith that brought about the community’s aspiration to have a grand structure of worship. May 13, 1871, is the date of the cataclysmic event that trembled the entire island. The eruption of Mount Volcan wreaked havoc mercilessly. Plenty of houses were immediately destroyed by the falling rocks and lava. The town’s most prized Guiob Church was no exception to the destruction. Despite the explosion’s magnitude, a big trace of the church’s once grand beauty is still standing proudly to share its legend to many generations.

n the earth, in the form of volcanic activity. The result can be either cold water coming from underground or flowing water at elevated temperature such as a hot spring. Since Camiguin is a volcanic island with four stratovolcanoes within the island, one would expect that there will always be hot springs all over the island. Actually the hot springs are concentrated at the east side of Camiguin and the west side is filled with cold springs. A luke warm spring which combines both spring sources is yet to be discovered – which would be great specially for aging folks.

Bura Soda Water Swimming Pool is the only soda water pool in the country which is filled with soda water. The volcanic springs of Bura fill two pools with fresh, clear soda water. Located in Bura, Catarman in the beautiful tourism island of Camiguin, the pool boasts a scenic beauty of fields and green rolling hills. Two large pools are available for both adults and kids. The water in the pool is cold, clear and clean and is maintained on regular basis. The soda water swimming pool is very inviting, refreshing and good for swimming. Picnic area is available for rent in a very cheap rate and barbecue grilling is permitted. It has great scenery over the fields and the seas as its cold water provides a refreshing splash to bathers and picnickers.

Philippines located about 80 kilometres (50 mi) north of the city centre of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The river is also called Puerto Princesa Underground River. The national park is located in the Saint Paul Mountain Range on the western coast of the island. It is bordered by St. Paul Bay to the north and the Babuyan River to the east. The City Government of Puerto Princesa has managed the National Park since 1992. The entrance to the subterranean river is a short hike or boat ride from the town Sabang. In 2010, a group of environmentalists and geologists discovered that the underground river has a second floor, which means that there are small waterfalls inside the cave. They also found a cave dome measuring 300 m (980 ft) above the underground river, rock formations, large bats, a deep water hole in the river, more river channels, and another deep cave, as well as marine creatures and more. Deeper areas of the underground river are almost impossible to explore due to oxygen deprivation. On November 11, 2011, Puerto Princesa Underground River was provisionally chosen as one of the New7Wonders of Nature. This selection was officially confirmed on January 28, 2012.

approaching the lagoon in the middle of karst limestone formations you are welcomed by water so clear and full of marine life. Big lagoon is a breeding ground for fishes and crustaceans.

As you enter into a small hole, you will see a massive caldera that was once a cave which collapsed and now is surrounded by karst cliffs. In the middle is a lagoon.

and produce the much sought after bird's nest soup, believed by Asians to have healing powers. Here the guides will prepare for you a sumptuous meal while you snorkel in the nearby coral reef.

Seven Commandos is named after the 7 remaining Japanese commandos who lived in the island as stragglers after World War II. The island has a long white sandy beach lined with palms trees.

Usually the first stop of El Nido Island Hopping Tour A, this lagoon is surely a good place to kick-start this tour. Small Lagoon is not too intimidating, although it can still overwhelm, and is a welcoming sight for nature revelers.

he Crocodile Farm and Nature Park or Crocodile Farming Institute, is a national research institute devoted for the protection of wildlife and for research studies on endangered species under the supervision and management of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (DENR-PAWB). It is located in Puerto Princesa City, the capital of the island province of Palawan in the Philippines.

Today it is the residence of Baham Mitra, son and heir of the former senator. The ranch has a great view of Palawan. The wooden, triangular-shaped mansion is built on a highland surrounded with greeneries and spacious picnic grounds. From the porch of the house, visitors have a panoramic view of the Sulu Sea and Honda Bay.

d goodies like hopia, munchies and crinkles. It is located on top of a hill overlooking the city. Built like a theme park, the place is surrounded by life-sized statues and figures. At the entrance stood the castle-like mansion with its elaborate garden and colorful designs. Farther back is a recreational area for children, caged exotic animals and a greenhouse housing different types of flowers and plants. There are a also variety of food stands and a restaurant inside Baker's Hill, along with souvenir shops offering different trinkets for all ages.

hat manufactures handloom woven products utilizing Palawan’s indigenous fibers.

It is located along Rizal Avenue in Barangay Liwanag (located across Plaza Cuartel). This cathedral is very historic. This used to be a small church during the Spanish occupation (circa 1872). In 1961, it was developed to become a cathedral. Although there were developments made, the church edifice was preserved. Its design, as you may have noticed, have angular structures. The arches inside and outside the church are pointed.

This is most evident in a small park in Barangay Liwanag called Plaza Cuartel. Plaza Cuartel looks like your ordinary city park with concrete pavements, towering trees and benches. The ruins of an old garrison and tunnels are proof of its grim past. Plaza Cuartel is the site of Palawan Massacre. The tunnels were where 150 American prisoners of war were kept during World War II. But on December 14, 1944, the Japanese decided to kill them all by burning them alive. Many perished but eleven prisoners were able to survive and escape the mass execution.

The beautiful sprawl of the new city baywalk is located just beside the port area that has generous space for strolling and biking. There are seahorse-shaped waiting sheds there. The bay side is a safe and refreshing place to unwind while looking at the still-blue waters that lap against the walls. You can sit back, enjoy the mild sun and feel the fresh sea breeze. One notable attraction in the park is the peacock, the symbol of Puerto Princesa City which is a part of the city’s official seal. The symbol was probably chosen because of the Palawan Peacock Pheasant which is an endangered species and is endemic to Palawan. A promenade around the Baywalk of Puerto Princesa is best to experience in the morning when the sun rise over the sea or just before the sunset where you can capture a very magical scene. City Baywalk Park is one of the best places to spend leisure time with family and friends and designed for you to appreciate the other wonderfully-made creations of God.