Island Wonders of the Visayas

Once you have arrived at Panglao Airport or Tagbilaran Pier, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at leisure, giving you time to settle in. You may choose to relax on Panglao’s white-sand beaches, take a swim in the clear waters, or enjoy a walk along the shoreline. If you prefer to explore, you could visit the lively Alona Beach area with its cafés and restaurants, or simply unwind at your hotel.

Please note: Some remote areas have limited facilities, and the programme may be adjusted if road or weather conditions require.

Early this morning, you begin your full-day tour of Bohol’s most famous sights. Your first stop is the Philippine Tarsier Foundation in Corella, where you can see the world’s smallest primate in its natural setting. These tiny, nocturnal creatures are fascinating to watch as they leap between branches and swivel their heads almost 360 degrees.

You then continue to Baclayon, stopping at the Blood Compact site where Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi and local chieftain Datu Sikatuna sealed a historic pact of friendship. In Baclayon, you visit one of the country’s oldest stone churches, where your museum stop reveals a collection of religious art, centuries-old vestments, and manuscripts of church music written in Latin on animal skin.

Your journey takes you through the cool shade of the Bilar man-made forest before reaching the iconic Chocolate Hills. Here, you climb to the viewpoint for sweeping views of the unique mounds, which turn brown in the dry season and resemble giant chocolate drops. Finally, you enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Loboc River, where your freshly prepared lunch is served on board, before you return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Bohol - Siquijor. Today you transfer to Tagbilaran Seaport to board the ferry to Larena, Siquijor. On arrival at Larena Seaport, you are met and taken to Coco Grove Resort, set among coconut palms along a white-sand beach. After checking in, you have the rest of the afternoon free to relax by the sea, enjoy a swim, or simply unwind in the resort’s tranquil surroundings.

After breakfast, you begin your day with a visit to the centuries-old Balete Tree, believed by locals to be inhabited by spirits and known for providing fresh spring water to the surrounding village. You then continue to Lazi to see St. Isidore Church and Convent, built in 1884 by Spanish priests. This remarkable structure is the largest convent in Asia and has been declared a National Historical Landmark.

Your journey continues to Cambugahay Falls, a three-tiered waterfall where you can take a refreshing swim in the clear waters. You also stop at the Shell Museum, which displays an impressive collection of seashells found across Siquijor’s shores. Later, you witness a traditional bolo-bolo healing ritual, where a healer uses water, stone, and pipe in a cleansing practice believed to remove impurities from the body.

In the afternoon, you visit St. Francis of Assisi Church and Bell Tower, the first church built on the island in 1783 and the first landmark to greet travellers arriving at the pier. Your final stop is Capilay Spring Park in San Juan, where natural spring water fills a lake that serves as a popular gathering and picnic spot for locals.

Siquijor - Dumaguete. This morning, you make your way to Siquijor Seaport for the fast ferry crossing to Dumaguete. On arrival, you begin a guided tour that introduces you to the city’s relaxed character and rich history. Your first stop is Silliman University, one of the country’s most respected institutions of learning, founded by American missionaries in 1901. Within its grounds, you visit the Anthropology Museum, where collections of artefacts and ethnographic displays showcase the heritage of indigenous communities across the Philippines.

You then explore more of Dumaguete as you pass civic landmarks such as the Provincial Capitol and take in the sea views along Rizal Boulevard. A highlight of the morning is a stop at Sans Rival Bistro, where you can enjoy coffee and sample Sylvannas, the city’s signature sweet treat. You also visit the historic Bell Tower, built in the 18th century, before heading to the busy public market for a glimpse of local daily life.

In the afternoon, you travel just outside the city to Bacong. Here you learn about Pantaleon Villegas, remembered as Leon Kilat, a revolutionary leader in the struggle for independence. Your visit also includes Bacong Church, where a Spanish-era pipe organ installed in 1894 still remains, offering a final insight into the region’s colonial past before returning to our hotel.

Please note: When the Silliman University Museum is closed on weekends and public holidays, you will instead visit the National Museum of the Philippines in Dumaguete, which is open from Tuesdays to Sunday.

Today, you have the day at leisure to enjoy the Dauin region at your own pace. You may choose to stroll along the shoreline of Dauin Beach, relax by the water, or join an optional excursion to Apo Island.

If you opt for the island tour, you travel south to Malatapay where you board an outrigger boat for the 40-minute journey across to Apo Island. This small community-managed sanctuary, covering around seven hectares, is home to rich coral gardens, colourful reef fish, and sea turtles that often swim close to shore.

Once on the island, you can spend your time snorkelling across the reef flats and coral formations, with the chance to spot turtles gliding gracefully through the water. A picnic lunch is served during your visit, after which you enjoy more time in the water before returning to the mainland in the afternoon.

Dumaguete - Sumilon Island. You depart from Dumaguete and make your way to Sibulan Seaport, beginning a journey of around 2–3 hours to reach Sumilon Island. From Sibulan, you board the ferry to Lilo-an on the southern tip of Cebu, where you can enjoy coastal views during the short crossing. You then continue by road to Sumilon Wharf and board a shared boat transfer that takes you across clear waters to the island.

Today, you have the day at leisure to make the most of Sumilon Island. You may choose to relax on the white-sand beach, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or snorkel to discover the island’s surrounding marine life. For those who prefer to stay on land, you can walk one of the island’s nature trails, kayak on the lagoon, or simply unwind by the pool.

In the late afternoon, you join the Sumilon Sunset Cruise, which runs from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM and allows you to enjoy stunning views of the island and the sea as the sun dips below the horizon.

Please note: that this activity is subject to weather conditions and availability.

Sumilon Island - Cebu or Dumaguete. After your final breakfast, you will be transferred to either Cebu or Dumaguete for your onward journey. If you are travelling to Cebu, you will take a 4–5 hour drive to reach Mactan International Airport. If you are departing from Dumaguete, your journey involves around 2 hours of combined land and boat transfers to reach Dumaguete Airport for your departure flight.