THE PHILIPPINES
LUXURY PHILIPPINES TOURS, TAILORED AROUND THE RIGHT ISLANDS
WHY TRAVEL TO THE PHILIPPINES WITH WAVE HOLIDAYS?
The right islands matter more than the longest list.
The Philippines rewards selectivity. Manila brings food and history; Palawan is for limestone islands and boat days; Bohol balances the coast with inland landscapes; Siargao suits a slower, surf-led rhythm.
Domestic flights and ferries shape what is realistic, so we build the journey around time on the ground — not around how many islands can be added.
PLAN YOUR PHILIPPINES JOURNEY
Tell us which islands interest you, and we’ll shape the route, stays and pace around them.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN THE PHILIPPINES
The best route comes from choosing islands that add something different.
AN ARCHIPELAGO THAT CHANGES WITH EACH FLIGHT
The Philippines is best understood as a sequence of distinct places. Manila brings history and food culture; Bohol pairs the coast with the Chocolate Hills and tarsier conservation sites; Palawan is shaped by limestone bays, lagoons and boat days; Siargao slows the pace with surf, mangroves and island life.
Because each move takes time, strong itineraries choose fewer places that contrast well, then give each enough room to feel different from the last.
PALAWAN, BETWEEN LIMESTONE AND OPEN WATER
Palawan is one of the most visually dramatic parts of a first Philippines journey: limestone cliffs, clear lagoons, small beaches and long horizons across Bacuit Bay.
El Nido suits travellers who want boat days and time on the water. Puerto Princesa can make sense when its flight connections fit the wider route more naturally.
The important decision is not how many excursions to add, but how much usable time remains between arrival, weather-dependent boat days and onward travel.
LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION?
MANILA THROUGH ITS FOOD AND HISTORY
Manila rewards travellers who look beyond the first impression. Explore Intramuros and Binondo, then give the city time for markets, local kitchens and contemporary dining before continuing to the islands.
KAYAKING BETWEEN PALAWAN’S LIMESTONE WALLS
In El Nido, an early start can open quieter stretches between limestone walls. Kayak into lagoons, stop at smaller beaches and leave enough flexibility for sea and weather conditions to shape the day.
BOHOL BEYOND THE BEACH
Bohol works best when Panglao is only one part of the stay. Pair the coast with the Chocolate Hills and responsible tarsier viewing, then return to the beach for a slower evening.
FAQs
The Philippines can work year-round, but conditions vary by region. For many first-time routes combining Manila, Palawan and Bohol, December to April often brings easier weather for island travel. Siargao and eastern islands follow different patterns, so timing should match the route.
Allow 8 to 14 nights for a first journey combining Manila with two island regions. Shorter trips work better when focused on one major island group rather than adding extra domestic connections.
Yes. They contrast well: Palawan for limestone seascapes and boat days, Bohol for coast, countryside and inland nature. The key is allowing enough time for the domestic connection rather than squeezing both into a short trip.
They often decide the route. Flights and ferries can turn a simple map into a time-heavy journey, so we check connection days first and then decide how many islands belong in the itinerary.
Manila, Palawan and Bohol make a strong first combination of city, coastal scenery and inland nature. Boracay suits travellers wanting an easier beach finish, while Siargao suits a slower, more surf-led rhythm.