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View of a Palawan bay with bright blue water and lush tree covered islands.
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View of a Palawan bay with bright blue water and lush tree covered islands.

Philippines tours

Travel your way

Group travel in the Philippines

Vibrant marine life. Classic karaoke. Canopy walks. Historic sites. A tranquil place you’ve seen on your fyp and thought ‘that can’t be real... can it?’ We’re here to tell you: it can. Schmooze with the locals. Gaze at the stars. Hop between Philippines islands on private boat tours and uncover hidden gems. Get a taste of all the local eats, too. Philippines food is mainly chicken and rice (dw veggies, there’s goodies like adobo and lumpia you can feast on, too). Protein guys and gals know how good that’s gonna feel for your body, especially when you’re adventuring on some sweet as activities. Think: scuba diving, canopy walking, ziplining and swimming in the bluest of blue seas. If you’re more of a chill person, lounging across crisp Philippines beaches works too.

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4.8

Philippines: Snorkel & Stargaze

10 days
18 guests (max)
Philippines

From $1,199

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Beaut places in the Philippines

Resort near the beach with a wooden structure and lush tropical surroundings with palm trees.

Port Barton

Think you've seen heaven on earth? Think again. Port Barton is bliss with a capital B. Just look at Port Barton beach for three seconds to reset your brain. What to do in Port Barton? Quickfire edition. Spot turtles underwater. Swim in nearby waterfalls. Check out starfish sandbar.

 People standing on the beach near large limestone rock formations.

El Nido

Hidden beaches. Island vibes. Cliff walks. There are PLENTY of things to do in El Nido. Don't forget the BIG Lagoon El Nido! With its blue-green waters, white sands and towering limestone cliffs, you'll forget everything but what's right in front of you. There's no better feeling. 

 Person wearing snorkel takes an underwater selfie with a large turtle.

Coron

If all the sea gods fused together, Coron Island would be the result. Scattered with shipwrecks. 

Swimming in lagoons. Surrounded by turtles. You might think you've entered another dimension where the rest of the world doesn't even exist. Things to do in Coron? Climb, float, and dive around the island. 

Things to do in the Philippines

Multiple pools at Maquinit Hot Spring in Coron with a few people soaking in the hot water.

Float, wander and unwind at Maquinit Hot Springs

Looking for things to do in Coron, Palawan? Match tranquil waters with tranquil energy during an optional visit to Maquinit Hot Springs. One of the only saltwater springs in the world, this place is a sweet haven to relax those muscles (and that mind) in waters heated by an active, underwater volcano. If you get tired of the water (not likely), there are dry places you can chill and wander with the gang too. 

Balcony overlooking limestone cliffs and bright blue ocean.

See new heights in El Nido

Canopy walks. Treetop walkways. Panoramic views. El Nido looks awesome on the ground, but from above? Next level. Get the 360 experience during an optional canopy walk. Feast your eyes on never-ending waters. Skim your fingers across vibrant leaves. Point out distant treasures. Want more? El Nido, Philippines is home to a zipline too. Imagine: heart pumping as you walk up to the top. Eyes bulging at Philippines islands. That adrenaline setting your skin on fire? Unforgettable. 

Your Philippines Qs answered 

Anything that’ll keep you cool. Swimmers, thongs, hats, t-shirts and shorts etc. Some parts of the Philippines are conservative in their religious attitudes so anything that covers your shoulders is always a win. For times you’re trekking through jungles, sturdy shoes are the way to go. For everything else, see your trip notes! 

Tropical with an average temperature of 27°C. 

It depends! You’ll need to budget for spending money, meals (only the ones which aren’t included, obvs) and those immense optional activities. Go through your itinerary and think about the optionals you’re keen to experience – it’s all part of the fun! 

Philippine peso (PHP). 

Bonus questions... 

Dry season, particularly February, March and April. Temperatures are warm. The sun is high in the sky. There’s little rain. It’s the best time of year for allll the outdoor adventures, boat trips and beach lounges. 

You must have comprehensive travel insurance to participate in a Topdeck trip to the Philippines. You will be unable to join us without it.  

It’s your responsibility to obtain the correct visas for your trip. Ask your travel agent or check with the relevant embassies before you depart.  

Find travel advice for Australia citizens here, for New Zealand citizens here for US citizens here, for Canadian citizens here and for British citizens here. If you’re travelling from a country not listed here, head to the relevant government website for more information. 

 

We recommend you consult your doctor about health and vaccination requirements before you travel to the Philippines.  

For current travel safety advice, please check your home country’s travel advisories. 

Mobile phone reception in the Philippines varies. Signal is likely to be better in cities and towns than in rural areas. Remember to check your network provider’s roaming fees to avoid any nasty surprises on your next bill! 

The plug types in the Philippines are Type A, B and C. Croatia operates on a 220V supply voltage and 60Hz.  

We recommend you bring a universal plug adapter – airports usually sell them, but it’s cheaper to buy one before you go. 

 

#1. Embrace the local bayanihan spirit! Community is everything in the Philippines – you might even get roped into building a house (kidding, but you get the idea). If you’ve got their back, they’ve got yours. #2. Respect your elders. Goes without saying, right? In the Philippines, it’s a big deal. The easy way to do this is to add ‘po’ to the end of your sentence when speaking directly to the elderly. #3. Watch out for hidden fees. Whilst you don’t need to worry about your Topdeck trip being covered, hidden fees might crop up at airports and ATMs. Bonus! Cash is king here so make sure you’ve got plenty of it just in case. 

Hello = Kamusta  

Please = Paki  

Thank you = Salamat  

Good morning = Magandang umaga  

Good afternoon = Magandang hapon  

See you later = Kita tayo mamaya  

How are you? = Kamutsa ka?  

How much? = Magkano? 

 

Other sh*t hot destinations

People sitting on a rock lookout while the sun comes up over the Phi Phi islands in Thailand.

Thailand

Sparkling waters. Golden temples. Crazy cities. When you travel Thailand, it's defo an experience you'll never forget. And how could you? From street food stands filled with local eats to mist-filled jungles like Khao Sok National Park, every second in Thailand will imprint on your brain forever. 

Houses along the river in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Vietnam

A place where island life meets city vibes. And then some. Ready for the list? Floating markets. Turquoise waters. Colonial buildings. Egg coffee. Golden bridges. Boho beaches... Throw in a local Tour Leader who knows all the juicy deets and that Vietnam travel list quadruples. See it for yourself. 

Two people sitting in a small pool with breakfast items on a floating tray.

Bali

That Bali trip you've been craving? It's within reach. Sea life filled with pops of colour. Beaches that stretch for days. Jungles filled with every shade of green. Skim the surface. Then, delve in deeper. Think: sari crafting, eco paddleboarding, traditional cooking, and MORE. 

View of Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul.

South Korea

Wanna be bombarded with culture? You got it. Zen meditations, atmospheric history, colourful style and buddhas so big you're not gonna know where to look first. Travel South Korea like never before. Go where the locals go, eat where the locals eat and do what the locals do - on the trip of a lifetime. 

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