Discover the Philippines 2027
Experience the best of the Philippines on a curated 9-day journey through historic Manila, beautiful Tagaytay, and tropical Cebu. This group tour blends culture, cuisine, island views, and free time to relax at two exceptional resorts.
Read our Philippines Blog
Trip Highlights
- Explore the historic heart of Old Manila and Intramuros
- Taste your way through Binondo, the world's oldest Chinatown
- Enjoy the cool mountain air and scenic views of Tagaytay
- Discover the heritage and landmarks of Cebu City
- Swim, snorkel, and unwind on the Hilutungan & Nalusuan Island Hopping Tour
- Enjoy a balanced itinerary with guided touring and leisure time
Trip Price
- $2,845 per person
- Single room supplement: $1,120
- Nonrefundable Deposit: $750 due October 1
- Final payment due: December 1
Group Details
- Minimum travelers: 10
- Maximum travelers: 20
Included in Your Tour
- 4 nights at a 5-star hotel in metro Manila, based on twin share
- 4 nights at a 5-star luxury resort in Cebu in a Deluxe Room, based on twin share
- Private air-conditioned coach transportation
- One group airport transfer on arrival and departure, meeting one flight only
- Arrival and departure meet-and-greet assistance
- Local English-speaking guides in each city
Guided Tours and Activities
- Half-day Charms of Old Manila Tour
- Half-day Binondo Food Crawl
- Full-day Cebu City Tour
- Full-day Hilutungan & Nalusuan Island Hopping Tour
Meals
- 8 breakfasts
- 4 lunches
- 1 farewell dinner
Additional Inclusions
- Local accommodation and sightseeing taxes at current rates
- Roundtrip Manila–Cebu–Manila economy airfare with 20 kg (44 pounds) baggage allowance
Not Included
- International airfare
- Departure taxes and fuel surcharges
- Seat selection
- Extra transfers for travelers arriving or departing on different flights
- Future fuel surcharges or additional COVID-related costs
- Personal expenses
- Optional tours
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Increases in local tax rates
- Early check-in and late check-out
- Travel insurance
- Visa/passport handling fees
Payment and Cancellation Policy
- Nonrefundable Deposit: $750 due October 1
- Final payment: Due December 1
Travel Penalties
- More than 91 days before departure: loss of non-refundable deposits
- 90–61 days before departure: 75% of gross tour price
- 60 days or less before departure: 100% non-refundable
Daily Itinerary
| Date | City | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 8 | Manila | Arrive in Manila | Mabuhay, welcome to Manila. Upon arrival, you'll be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. Standard check-in time is 2:00 PM. |
| March 9 | Manila | Charms of Old Manila & Binondo Food Crawl | Guided exploration of Manila's historic highlights — Rizal Park, Intramuros, Fort Santiago, and San Agustin Church. Afternoon Binondo Food Crawl through the world's oldest Chinatown. |
| March 10 | Tagaytay | Full Day Tagaytay Tour | Travel to the cool highlands of Tagaytay for panoramic views of Taal Volcano and the natural beauty of the surrounding area before returning to Manila. |
| March 11 | Manila | Free at Leisure | A relaxed day at your own pace. Explore, shop, rest, or simply enjoy your surroundings. |
| March 12 | Cebu | Manila ↔ Cebu | After breakfast, check out and fly to Cebu City. Transfer to resort upon arrival. Rest of day at leisure. |
| March 13 | Cebu | Full Day Cebu City Tour | Visit Fort San Pedro, Magellan's Cross, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Cebu Heritage Monument, and Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House. Lunch at a local restaurant. |
| March 14 | Cebu | Hilutungan & Nalusuan Island Hopping | Full-day island adventure with swimming, snorkeling, fish feeding, and beach relaxation. Visit Hilutungan Island Marine Sanctuary and Nalusuan Island. Lunch served on the island. |
| March 15 | Cebu | Free at Leisure | Spend the day enjoying your Cebu resort — beachfront access, swimming pools, and tropical surroundings. |
| March 16 | Manila | Depart Cebu to Manila | After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your included return flight to Manila. |
Trip Map
Join RNR Travel for a memorable Philippines group tour featuring Manila, Tagaytay, and Cebu. Enjoy guided sightseeing, island hopping, great food, and relaxing resort stays from March 8–16, 2027.
Ready to Join Us?
How long does it take to get to the Philippines from the US?
- Flight LAX to Manila: The average flight time is approximately 14 to 16 hours for a nonstop flight.
Do I need a visa or entry form to enter the Philippines?
- Visas: Citizens of over 150 countries (including the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and EU nations) can enter visa-free for up to 30 days.
- Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
- Onward Ticket: You must present proof of a return or onward flight leaving the Philippines.
- eTravel Registration: All foreign travelers must register on the official eTravel portal within 72 hours before arrival. Registration is 100% free—be cautious of scam websites charging a fee. Save or screenshot the generated QR code to present at check-in.
What is the weather like in March?
March marks the official transition into the Philippine summer.
- Temperatures: Average daily highs hover around 30°C to 34°C (86°F–93°F) with high humidity, while evenings remain warm at around 21°C to 24°C (70°F to 75°F).
- Rainfall: Minimal. Waters in island destinations like Palawan and Cebu are calm and glassy, ideal for boat tours.
- UV Index: Very high. Midday sun gets intense fast.
What are the essential items to pack?
Because of the heat and humidity, pack light, breathable fabrics like linen and cotton:
- Clothing: Swimsuits, rash guard, shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, and loose trousers or dresses. Bring a light long-sleeve layer or linen shirt for evenings to protect against mosquito bites.
- Footwear: Comfortable walking sandals, flip-flops, and a pair of sneakers or water shoes for hiking and boat tours. Leave high heels at home.
- Gear: Sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, a high-SPF reef-safe sunscreen (which can be expensive on the islands), insect repellent, universal power adapter (Type A, B, and C plugs (220V, 60Hz)), and a dry (waterproof) bag for water activities.
How should I handle money?
The Philippines is still largely a cash-reliant economy, especially outside of major cities like Manila or Cebu. While high-end resorts and restaurants accept credit cards, smaller local eateries, tricycles, market vendors, and island tour operators require cash (Philippine Pesos - PHP). ATMs are readily available in Manila, Cebu, and major tourist bugs, but can sometimes run out of cash or have low transaction limits on remote islands, so it’s wise to withdraw sufficient cash in major hubs before heading to smaller islands.
Mobile Payments: GCash is widely used locally, but cash remains the most reliable option for international tourists.
How do I stay connected?
- eSIM / Local SIM: You can purchase an eSIM online before departure (via Airalo, Maya, Holafly) or buy a physical prepaid SIM (Globe or Smart) upon arrival at Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB) airports.
- SIM Registration: Note that Philippine law requires all physical local SIM cards to be registered online with your passport details before they work. eSIMs usually streamline this process.
Is the tap water safe to drink?
Multiple sources advise against it. Russ has never had an issue with tap water, but here is the advice we have gathered: Do not drink tap water. Use bottled or purified water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Most hotels and dive shops provide free water refill stations. Stick to ice that is explicitly made from purified water (usually cylindrical tubes with holes in the middle), which is standard in most restaurants and bars.
Do I need any special vaccinations?
- Standard routine vaccines (Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid) are recommended.
- No mandatory vaccines (like Yellow Fever) are required unless arriving from an endemic zone.
Is tipping expected?
Tipping is not strictly required in the Philippines, but it is deeply appreciated.
- Restaurants: A 10% tip is standard if a service charge isn't already included on the bill.
- Tour Guides / Boatmen: Tipping ₱200–₱500 ($4–$9 USD) per group for a day tour goes a long way for local crew members.
Safety
While the Philippines is generally safe for tourists, it's essential to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying valuable items, and be cautious in crowded places.
Local Customs
Bargaining is a common practice in local markets, so don't hesitate to negotiate prices, especially in street markets and with tricycle or jeepney drivers. Respect local customs. Filipinos are warm and friendly people. Show respect by covering up when visiting religious sites, taking off your shoes before entering someone's home, and addressing people with "sir" or "ma'am."
Transportation
The Philippines has a range of transportation options, including jeepneys, tricycles, and ferries. Familiarize yourself with local transportation to get around efficiently.
Language
Filipino (Tagalog) is the official language of the nation, although English is also spoken. Most Filipinos speak some English, but you shouldn’t assume that people will understand you, especially outside of the major tourist centers. Brush up on your Tagalog to be able to get better deals while bargaining and have a nicer experience with the locals.
Here are some key words you might want to learn:
- Oo—Yes (say Oh Oh), Hindi—No
- Magandang umaga—Good morning (hapon—afternoon, gabi—evening)
- Salamat—Thank you
- Ang init—It's hot (because, well, it gets hot)
- Po—a word they are using for “you,” but to show respect. They tack it on the end of lots of words, so Salamat Po would be a respectful thank you or O Po a respectful yes.
- Kamusta Ka—How are you? Mabuti—fine