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Introducing Philippines

When is the best time to visit?
Weather is most pleasant from December-February. This is the dry season and the high season—with the mild and sunny days, you can expect lots of fellow travelers, especially around Christmas and the New Year. That said, you can escape the throngs by avoiding the most popular tourist areas—ask your specialist for their recommendations. 

March through mid-May is also typically dry, with rising temperatures as the months go by. International travelers are replaced by vacationing locals, with crowds peaking again during Holy Week. The rest of the year is considered the wet season—rainy days are common and typhoons are possible, but this is a good time to avoid crowds and find deals if you feel like taking your chances. Cebu, Bohol, and Palawan tend to be sheltered from big storms, making them good bets for this time of year.

Where should you go?
Made up of a dizzying number of islands—more than 7,000 in all—the Philippines offers its fair share of brilliant beaches along with all the tropical trappings you've been daydreaming about. Palawan is a crowd pleaser, with stretches of untouched coast to laze on, fantastical limestone formations to kayak around, and brilliant reefs with great snorkeling visibility. Divers will head to Visayas, hikers and bikers will revel in the mountainous Cordillera, and Luzon offers luxe resorts and excellent windsurfing on the northern side. 

How many days do you need?
Five days in the Philippines makes for a sweet but very short trip—you'll want to maximize your time by focusing on one region. For example, stick to Palawan and you can snorkel the coral reefs of Ulugan Bay, kayak around limestone formations in El Nido, and explore multiple islands in a very limited timeframe.

With more than a week to spend, you can combine Palawan with time in the Cordillera: see the famous Banaue Rice Terraces, spend a night in Batad, a village within an amphitheater of rice terraces, check out the bizarre hanging coffins of Sagada, and more. If you plan to spend 2 weeks or more in the Philippines, you'll be able to see it all at a relaxed pace and time to spare—if you're feeling bold, why not add a side trip to swim with whale sharks in Donsol?

Philippines Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Beautiful islands of Palawan
Map of Highlights of the Philippines: Sand, Sea & Mountains - 15 Days
Highlights of the Philippines: Sand, Sea & Mountains - 15 Days

Discover the best of the Philippines on this comprehensive15-day tour as you paddle, snorkel, hike, and fly across the country. Begin in Manila, working your way north to the Banaue Rice Terraces before flying south to Bohol, Cebu, and Mactan islands. Continue west and end the adventure in Puerto Princesa and the ever-popular El Nido.

Hidden Lagoon in Coron
Map of Philippine Honeymoon: Boracay, El Nido & Coron - 11 Days
Philippine Honeymoon: Boracay, El Nido & Coron - 11 Days

Covering some of the Philippines' most desirable beaches, this 11-day tour offers the perfect romantic getaway for couples. Stay in luxury resorts in exotic locations from private islands to jungle hideaways. Enjoy customized private tours of nearby islands, snorkel shipwrecks, and lounge beachside with a cocktail in hand.

Puka Beach, Boracay
Map of Philippines Beaches, Waterfalls & Lagoons - 15 Days
Philippines Beaches, Waterfalls & Lagoons - 15 Days

This 15-day itinerary offers the perfect combination of adventurous and relaxing activities. You will snorkel shipwrecks and aquamarine lagoons, visit secluded beaches, and climb and rappel slippery trails. Enjoy the Philippines as you island hop your way across the country, ending on the white sandy beaches of Boracay.

The Batad rice terraces with local Ifugao men
Map of The Cordillera: Banaue, Batad & Sagada - 6 Days
The Cordillera: Banaue, Batad & Sagada - 6 Days

Trek through the Philippines' Cordillera and marvel at its natural and cultural heritage. Discover famous rice terraces, quaint villages, sacred waterfalls and rivers, extensive cave systems, and the hanging coffins of Echo Valley.

El Nido, Palawan
Map of Island Hopping in the Philippines: Manila, Donsol, Cebu & Palawan - 20 Days
Island Hopping in the Philippines: Manila, Donsol, Cebu & Palawan - 20 Days

Spend 20 days island hopping in the Philippines, hitting some of the country's major highlights. You'll begin in Manila, the country's busy capital. Then, you'll swim with whale sharks, and snorkel in Donsol. Next, you'll fly to beautiful Cebu, where you'll swim in pristine waterfalls, see the famous chocolate hills, and look for marine turtles. Finally, you'll arrive in Palawan, the country's largest province. Adventures include visiting shipwrecks, exploring an underground river, and hiking to hidden lakes.

Discover the tropical beauty of Palawan
Map of Palawan: Adventure in Paradise - 6 Days
Palawan: Adventure in Paradise - 6 Days

Palawan's exotic geography and diverse vegetation are exceptional in a country that already has its fair share of awe-inspiring sights. This six-day adventure will have you snorkeling, seeking out wildlife, riding an underground river, and kayaking the El Nido islands. Discover why Palawan is in a league of its own when it comes to tropical destinations.

Philippines Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Our Latest Philippines Content

Discover Palawan's Snake Island at low tide in the dry season
Best Time of Year to Visit the Philippines

The dry season (December to May) is the best time to visit the Philippines as the sun is shining, the sea is calm and clear, and the conditions are perfect for a range of outdoor activities. There are also advantages of traveling in the wet season (June to November), including lower prices and fewer crowds, as well as pockets of the country that remain pretty dry.

Colonial-era building, "the Ruins" in Bacolod (photo courtesy of Brian Kairuz)
The Philippines in October: Travel Tips, Weather & More

October is the end of the rainy season in the Philippines, and although travelers should expect some showers, there's less rain than in the previous few months. This is the shoulder season for travel and is an excellent time to visit if you want to take advantage of lower prices, thinner crowds, and fair weather. There are also many great festivals you can take part in during October. Read on to learn more about travel to the Philippines in October.

Diving buddies scope out the coral gardens of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
The Philippines in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More

December is the peak season for travel to the Philippines: the weather is fine and clear, and so are the seas. Swimming and diving are excellent this month, as are island-hopping itineraries—there are over 7,000 islands in the Philippines, after all! Read on to find out more about travel to the Philippines in December.

Philippines Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Philippines map: The Philippines Highlights: Sand, Sea & Mountains  - 15 Days
The Philippines Highlights: Sand, Sea & Mountains - 15 Days
View article
Philippines map: Philippine Honeymoon: Boracay, El Nido & Coron - 11 Days
Philippine Honeymoon: Boracay, El Nido & Coron - 11 Days
View article
Philippines map: Philippines Beaches, Waterfalls & Lagoons - 15 Days
Philippines Beaches, Waterfalls & Lagoons - 15 Days
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Philippines
Travel specialist Cami Sarmiento
active 5 days ago

Cami Sarmiento

I'm the vice president of Uncharted Earth, an adventure travel company that specializes in lesser known and relatively undeveloped travel destinations. We seek out unspoiled nature destinations and...

read more...
Travel specialist Leo Cuesta
active 4 days ago

Leo Cuesta

I'm the founder and president of Uncharted Earth, an adventure travel company that specializes in lesser known and relatively undeveloped travel destinations. We seek out unspoiled nature...

read more...
Travel specialist Terry Zhang
active 1 day ago

Terry Zhang

I was lucky enough to grow up around travel, and experience some amazing places, from China to Vietnam to Thailand. Travel is my passion and I’m always dreaming of my next trip. After traveling...

read more...
Travel specialist Thao Huynh
active 18 hours ago

Thao Huynh

I'm Thao, a seasoned travel specialist with over 8 years of experience in the industry. I am passionate about helping clients plan and book the perfect vacation, whether it's a romantic getaway, a...

read more...

Why travelers love kimkim

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Trip Reviews for Philippines

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Whale Sharks in Donsol Philippines
Philippines | May 9 - May 12, 2023

Bianca
Bianca R.
Australia | Reviewed on May 21, 2023

After a lot of research, my family and I booked this trip to Donsol for an ethical experience with whale sharks and we are so grateful that we did. I highly recommend this trip as it does not have a negative impact on the natural behaviour and environment of the whale sharks.

Our overall experience from the booking process to the trip itself was positive and enjoyable. Cami, our local specialist was very professional and organised meaning that we could relax and have a great time.... read more

After a lot of research, my family and I booked this trip to Donsol for an ethical experience with whale sharks and we are so grateful that we did. I highly recommend this trip as it does not have a negative impact on the natural behaviour and environment of the whale sharks.

Our overall experience from the booking process to the trip itself was positive and enjoyable. Cami, our local specialist was very professional and organised meaning that we could relax and have a great time.

Our guide Arisa was absolutely fantastic. She was very kind, thoughtful, helpful and friendly. She made us all feel very welcome.

Our accommodation at Elysia Beach Resort was serene and peaceful and the staff were so lovely and accommodating. My family and I are vegan and they went above and beyond to make sure we had food that we could eat which was much appreciated.

I loved how flexible this trip was. As scuba divers, we wanted to incorporate some dives into the trip and Cami easily organised this for us. Our dive master Bobby was fantastic and made sure we had a great day of diving. We did three incredible dives. One at Bobby’s Wall at San Miguel Islands followed by two drift dives at Manta Bowl Ticao Pass where we were lucky enough to see three giant oceanic manta rays!

We were very excited to see whale sharks in a natural calm environment and we were not disappointed. Our guide Joseph and the rest of his team were very experienced and we were lucky enough to swim alongside a beautiful whale shark, an experience we will never forget!

Thank you to everyone who made this trip possible!

Hotel Review
Elysia Beach Resort
Donsol

Elysia Beach Resort is absolutely stunning! I felt very relaxed and peaceful during my stay. The staff were so lovely, friendly and accommodating. My family and I are vegan and they went above and beyond to ensure we had suitable food to eat during our stay. I actually didn’t want to leave! I highly recommend them if you travel to Donsol!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Diving & Snorkeling in Ticao Island
Philippines

Diving Bobby’s Wall at San Miguel Islands and Manta Bowl at Ticao Pass was incredible! Our dive master Bobby was professional and he ensured we had a fantastic day of diving. We saw a lot of beautiful corals and marine life including three giant oceanic manta rays! The non divers also had a great time and were able to snorkel, relax and enjoy the beautiful weather. Overall it was an awesome experience!

Quality of Experience
Beautiful weather, wonderful dive master and crew, amazing dive sites and an incredible encounter with giant oceanic manta rays!
Food
We really appreciated the effort to accommodate us as vegans. We had rice and some eggplant but we were still a little hungry as it was a big day out diving and the portions were a little small. We also needed more drinking water.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our dive master Bobby was fantastic. I felt safe diving with him and he ensured our dives were fun and positive. The rest of the crew were also great.
Transport
The boat ride was fun and we felt safe getting from one dive site to another.
Whale Sharks
Donsol

Swimming alongside a whale shark has long been a dream of mine. But for me, the most important thing is to engage in positive experiences with wildlife to ensure we do not negatively impact their environment and natural behaviours. This experience fulfilled my lifelong dream and it was incredible. Our guide Joseph and his team were professional and very experienced. There were only me and my family on the boat and when we finally found a whale shark, it was just us in the water so the experience was calm and stress free. Seeing the whale shark swim on the surface alongside us for about a minute before descending into the deep is a memory that will always stay with me!

Quality of Experience
Although there were other boats also looking for whale sharks, there were not huge groups of people in the water and the number of boats were limited. What made this experience special was the fact that it was a natural encounter.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide Joseph was very calm and relaxed. It was clear that he and his team were experienced.
Transport
Fireflies
Donsol

This was a nice addition to our trip to Donsol. Seeing the fireflies was a magical experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Cami Sarmiento

Árisa our guide was the most beautiful person...
Philippines | May 9 - May 12, 2023

I
Ingrid R.
Australia | Reviewed on May 13, 2023

Árisa our guide was the most beautiful person
She went out of her way to make sure everything was perfect for us.
Both our tour guides for our whale shark experience and firefly experience were
Lovely too and very knowledgeable.
Overall we had an amazing time read more

Árisa our guide was the most beautiful person
She went out of her way to make sure everything was perfect for us.
Both our tour guides for our whale shark experience and firefly experience were
Lovely too and very knowledgeable.
Overall we had an amazing time

Local specialist: Cami Sarmiento
Cami
Cami Sarmiento
Local specialist in Las Vegas, NV | Replied on May 15, 2023

Thank you for your wonderful review Ingrid! I'm very happy to hear that you had an amazing trip, and that you enjoyed the activities planned for you.
Thank you again for choosing to travel with us. It was a pleasure to organize your trip and I look forward to helping you plan another unforgettable adventure in the future!

A WONDERFUL TRIP TO THE PHILIPPINES
Philippines | Apr 22 - May 6, 2023

Terry
Terry A.
Metairie, LA | Reviewed on May 11, 2023

Our experience with Kim Kim and our travel advisor, Cami was beyond our expectations. Cami customized our trip for us and provided guidance based on her experience all along the way. She was in touch from the first day of our trip planning almost daily and in the days after our trip wanting to make sure we were reminded of flights, government registration, transportation pickups, names of local guides, emergency contacts, and general information to make our tours and overall trip a great... read more

Our experience with Kim Kim and our travel advisor, Cami was beyond our expectations. Cami customized our trip for us and provided guidance based on her experience all along the way. She was in touch from the first day of our trip planning almost daily and in the days after our trip wanting to make sure we were reminded of flights, government registration, transportation pickups, names of local guides, emergency contacts, and general information to make our tours and overall trip a great experience.
Our arrival in Manila was uneventful and the Belmont Hotel was ok but not great. While the proximity to the airport was great, the customer service was lacking; it was crowded and they handled overflow by placing dining tables in the lobby. On Sunday, we had a major problem with our flight from Manila to Legazpi on Sunday on Cebu Pacific Airlines. Our flight was diverted mid-air to return to Manila due to a problem with the landing gear. We had to stay in the air to burn off fuel which was a little disconcerting. Flight announcements were not made so many onboard were nervous to say the least. Upon our safe landing in Manila (Sunday evening), none of the emergency contacts answered the phone numbers which was very frustrating. I finally was able to get through to Carmel with WhatsApp. We were directed to an area near the baggage claim where we were given vouchers from Cebu Pacific. After more than an hour and a half, they took us by bus to a cheap and disgusting hotel (Royal Bellagio Hotel). There were prostitutes on the street soliciting passengers (including our husbands) and men trying to sell Cialis. We had to wait in line for over an hour to get on the elevator (maximum capacity of 2-3) to register on the 3rd floor. We were all lined up on the outside steps and through a restaurant to board the elevator. At approximately 8:00 p.m., we finally checked in and were promised dinner that did not arrive until 11:00 pm and it was inedible. We had to be ready to leave at 4:00 a.m. to depart on bus for the airport where there was no one there to meet us and let us know our flight number – we were directed all over the airport before finally getting our boarding passes. I would highly recommend any other airline other than this one.
We let Carmel know our flight number on Monday morning and she arranged for our airport transport to Donsol. Cami was back in touch to help us rearrange our itinerary so that we didn't miss out on anything. After a really rough beginning, our visit to Donsol was wonderful. The Elysia Resort was good but clearly our most “rustic” stay. While this was on the beach, the beach left much to be desired. It was dirty and there were dogs everywhere. They barked all night long. It was difficult to adjust the room temperature, the towels were pretty bare, the beds were only okay, but the food was good in the restaurant.
In Donsol, we were taken care of by Carmel and Ariza with Bicol Beyond; both were very accommodating, but Ariza was beyond our expectations. She was personable and very hands on. We really appreciated the rearrangement of our day to Busay Falls and the ability to switch it out with a second whale shark outing – all at no additional cost. Our first rearranged outing was our dive trip to Ticao Island and the Manta Bowl. Junery Azupardo (Jun) was our divemaster and he was assisted by July. They were both very, very good and experienced divers and we felt confident we were in good hands. Our first dive was a wall off Ticao Island and it was magnificent with colorful coral. Jun took photos and videos for us and hand delivered them to us on a thumb drive at our hotel in Legazpi – that is what I call “over and beyond” service. Jun and Ariza are both very good representatives for Bicol Beyond.
Because we arrived late, Cami worked with Bicol Beyond and Ariza was on the job. She rearranged our schedule for a second whale shark outing that was staffed with a great crew (including her husband who is a Butanding Interaction Officer [BIO]) and a university student, Aldwyn Calaguing, who was researching whale sharks also was onboard. Aldwyn was able to provide us so much information about whale sharks. Both BIOs on the boat were in the water with us and pushing us along to get the best from our swim with two different whale sharks; one was approximately 6 meters long (nicknamed Notchie due to a notch in his tail) and the other nicknamed Biggie because he was between 9 and 10 meters long. It was awesome! Ariza then arranged a special lunch for us. Her husband had hand-selected two large fresh crabs and she paired them with vegetables and rice. WOW! Our tricycle drivers (Mark) were so much fun and we enjoyed them so much. This company and the entire staff was wonderful!
The firefly river was fun and relaxing and our guide, Laura was good. We were able to see a couple trees where they were swarming so that was neat to see.
Our transfer from Donsol to Legazpi was uneventful and The Marison Hotel was very nice and the staff was very welcoming. We enjoyed our trip to Camalig province and the cooking demonstration was great – I must learn how to make that dish! I think it was Pinangat? It was delicious.
Our flight to Cebu City was uneventful despite a delay on Cebu Pacific airlines. We enjoyed the Marco Polo Hotel – the breakfast buffet was great and there were dining options. Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls was great and it was strenuous. I would suggest you have your clients watch a video of the trekking. We were by far the oldest people there but we had a great time- take that, you young ones!!. Justin and Vincent were our guides. When one of our group struggled with asthma and some of the climbs, Vincent and Justin he stuck by her side, holding her hand, and floating her through some of the river areas while we went forward and jumped all the cliffs – It was great fun!!
We enjoyed our trip to Bohol. It was a nice and relaxing day scheduled after a few days of very active tours. Both our tour guides were very nice. Christine accompanied us to the seaport and was there after our day to get us back to our hotel. Marichu (she gave her name as Sarah) was wonderful giving us a lot of information about Bohol, the Targsier Sanctuary, the Chocolate Hills, and the town. It was a very nice day aided by great tour guides who were clearly very interested in our comfort and needs.
The flight from Cebu City to Puerto Princesa on Philippines Airways was uneventful and it was a better airline experience. The Hue Hotel was good-clean and comfortable, and the location close to the Robinson Mall was nice. When we got in, we decided to chill by the pool and were seated but the bar staff asked us to move while they prepared for a private party. We moved to where we were directed and after 5 minutes, they approached us again and asked us to move. They suggested a location in the sun and after finishing our drinks, we decided to leave. The way this was handled was very poor. Later, we visited the pool which is badly in need of repairs. Many tiles were missing and the edges of the plaster were sharp.
The underground river was a nice experience. Rich is a very good tour guide who clearly knows the area well. Like all our guides, he offered to take group pictures for us and we got a really good guide for the mangroves who sang to us. It was quite entertaining.
Our trip to El Nido was interesting. We had someone pick us up but were taken to a gas station where our driver and van were switched. The driver didn’t appear too engaged or interested.
El Nido was great and the Funny Lion is a great hotel. We were greeted by the hotel manager who welcomed us and offered his assistance with anything we needed. He checked on us daily. The rooms were clean and beds and pillows were great. The pool was wonderful. Our island hopping was good but we were shocked at the amount of coral that is dead or dying. I know some of this is due to Typhoon Odette but this was not the best for snorkeling. The boat crew was wonderful and attentive and they prepared two great lunches on the boat. It was great, great fun.
Overall, we really enjoyed our trip and all of the transfers, guides, and details were attended to very well by Cami who continually checked in on us.

On a scale of 1-5 with 5 being the best, we rated the hotels:
• Belmont Hotel – “3”
• Elysia Beach Resort – “2.5 to 3.0”
• Marison Hotel – “4”
• Marco Polo Hotel – “4.5”
• Funny Lion Hotel – “5” – this staff went way and beyond. The rooms were nice. The linens and towels were great. Food was good. Pool was wonderful and the outside showers, bathrooms and foot wash was really convenient and useful.

For publication (here is a condensed review but feel free to use specific information about the tour guides, tour companies and the individuals as you feel appropriate). Most of this is designed to be helpful to you in further trip planning.
We planned a trip to the Philippines with KimKim Travel and were very pleased with their services. Our agent, Cami, helped us to customize a trip specific to our wants and needs. She provided guidance based on her experience. After a couple of months in getting the itinerary finalized, flights confirmed, submittal of needed documents, and answering our many questions, she sent a comprehensive summary of our trip with emergency contacts, tour guide names, details about transfers, and suggestions for restaurants, shopping, and additional activities. She kept in touch with us almost daily and made recommendations throughout our vacation. She sent us reminders throughout our trip and provided troubleshooting when we had a canceled flight that disrupted our schedule. She and the tour companies and guides in the Philippines rearranged things for us so we were able to regroup and continue our trip with very little problem. We highly recommend KimKim and Cami Sarmiento.

Hotel Reviews
Belmont Hotel Manila
Pasay City

Belmont Hotel was ok but not great. While the proximity to the airport was great, the customer service was lacking; it was crowded and they handled overflow by placing dining tables in the lobby. A special request to use the pool in the afternoon on our last day was a major issue as check-out was at noon. After escalating our request to a manager, we were allowed to use the pool.

Authenticity & Character
The service was "so-so" and staff was not customer-centric. Rooms were clean, dining was okay, phones did not work, some electrical outlets did not work, and the air-conditioning could not be adjusted. Overall, I would choose a different hotel with some character and better service.
Location
Staff
Not interested in helping or accommodating anything out of the ordinary.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable but maintenance was needed for phones and electrical outlets.
Elysia Beach Resort
Donsol

The Elysia Resort was good but clearly our most “rustic” stay. While this was on the beach, the beach left much to be desired. It was dirty and there were dogs everywhere. They barked all night long. It was difficult to adjust the room temperature, the towels were pretty bare, the beds were only okay, but the food was good in the restaurant.

Authenticity & Character
A little more luxury would be nice. It did appear that the management of the hotel was interested in cost controls more than guest comfort. A rating of 2.5 is more appropriate
Location
Proximity to our tours was great.
Staff
Staff was polite and helpful but not over the top on service.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds were a little hard, towels were pretty thread-bare, linens were clean. A little 'up-grade' would go a long way.
The Marison Hotel
Legazpi

The Marison Hotel was very nice and the staff was very welcoming as we checked in. The rooms were comfortable and had everything we needed. The restaurant was good and all staff from bell staff, to desk clerks, to restaurant servers were all very, very good. Great view of the volcano - wish it hadn't been so cloudy!

Authenticity & Character
Very nice - standard character.
Location
Great view of the volcano.
Staff
Everyone was great.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms were very clean and the beds were super comfy.
Marco Polo Plaza Cebu
Cebu City

We would rate this a "4.5". All staff was very welcoming and helpful. There were multiple dining options. The pool area was a nice place to have a late meal. Breakfast was really good and plentiful with food and selection.

Authenticity & Character
It's a large and more luxurious hotel. The dining areas were really nice.
Location
With the city being so large, it is hard to rate the location but it was close to a lot of shopping.
Staff
Service was fast and easy.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were comfortable.
Hue Hotels and Resorts Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa

The Hue Hotel was good-clean and comfortable, and the location close to the Robinson Mall was nice. When we got in, we decided to chill by the pool and were seated but the bar staff asked us to move while they prepared for a private party. We moved to where we were directed and after 5 minutes, they approached us again and asked us to move. They suggested a location in the sun and after finishing our drinks, we decided to leave. The way this was handled was very poor. We had ordered beer - San Miguel Light but got the wrong beer. We approached the bar and they provided the correct beer but we watched one of the servers putting caps back on the beers we returned - that was a little alarming! Later, we visited the pool which is badly in need of repairs. Many tiles were missing and the edges of the plaster were sharp.

Authenticity & Character
Facility needs maintenance.
Location
Great location to road and next door to a mall.
Staff
Pool bar staff needs training. All other staff was good.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Maintenance was needed.
The Funny Lion El Nido
El Nido

The Funny Lion-El Nido is a great hotel. The rating we gave was primarily due to the over-the-top service we received. From the management staff to every single employee there, it was clear we were the number one priority. We were greeted by the hotel manager who welcomed us and offered his assistance with anything we needed. We were provided with welcome and departure gifts - they weren't much but the thought was lovely. The manager checked on us daily. The Food and Beverage Manager was very attentive and was present in the restaurant and breakfast area each day. Like his manager, he was very focused on our satisfaction. The rooms were clean and beds and pillows were great. The pool was wonderful.

Authenticity & Character
The design of this hotel is really great. The pool was the center of the hotel and was beautiful. All facilities were open to the pool and fans kept everything cool and comfortable. There is a large bathroom at the end of the restaurant with showers and toilets if you want to use them as you come in from the ocean.
Location
Close to town. New facility on road where transportation was readily available.
Staff
If we could rate them a "10", we would. Their attention to our every need was just wonderful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were clean, towels were fluffy. Bedding and beds were very comfortable. Drying areas for beach clothing were available out of the front door and on the balconies.
Activity Reviews
Diving in Ticao Island
Philippines

Junery Azupardo (Jun) was our divemaster and he was assisted by July. They were both very, very good and experienced divers and we felt confident we were in good hands. Our first dive was a wall off Ticao Island and it was magnificent with colorful coral. The manta bowl was a challenging dive with some strong down currents but Jun and July made sure we were safe and taken care of. When our first dive had to be cut short, we went to the other side of the bowl, and were able to see a large manta. Jun took photos and videos for us and hand delivered them to us on a thumb drive at our hotel in Legazpi – that is what I call “over and beyond” service. Jun, July and Ariza are both very good representatives for Bicol Beyond.

Quality of Experience
The wall was beautiful and our dive team was really attentive. They went above and beyond.
Food
Wow! We really didn't expect such a great meal.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Jun and July - you have to have good dive masters - they were familiar with the locations and our safety and comfort was their priority.
Transport
Boat crew was very helpful.
Whale Sharks
Donsol

Ariza arranged our schedule for a second whale shark outing that was staffed with a great crew (including her husband who is a Butanding Interaction Officer [BIO]) and a university student, Aldwyn Calaguing, who was researching whale sharks also was onboard. Aldwyn was able to provide us so much information about whale sharks. Both BIOs on the boat were in the water with us and pushing us along to get the best from our swim with two different whale sharks; one was approximately 6 meters long (nicknamed Notchie due to a notch in his tail) and the other nicknamed Biggie because he was between 9 and 10 meters long. It was awesome! Ariza then arranged a special lunch for us. Her husband had hand-selected two large fresh crabs and she paired them with vegetables and rice. WOW! Our tricycle drivers (Mark) were so much fun and we enjoyed them so much. This company and the entire staff was wonderful!

Quality of Experience
An experienced crew focused on giving us the best experience possible.
Food
Ariza arranged for a fresh crab lunch - it was delicious!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Staffed by licensed Butanding Interaction Officers [BIO]) and a university student, Aldwyn Calaguing, who was researching whale sharks. Arranged by Ariza with Bicol Beyond who was so hands on and arranged for a fantastic lunch for us.
Transport
Boat and crew were great!
Fireflies
Donsol

Fun and relaxing. We found an area where the fireflies were swarming and it was interesting to see the synchronization.

Quality of Experience
Pretty and relaxing
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Laura was very nice.
Transport
Picked up on time; back to hotel afterward. Easy and close.
Busay Waterfalls Adventure
Philippines

Not applicable - we canceled this tour.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls
Cebu City

Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls was great and it was strenuous. I would suggest you have your clients watch a video of the trekking. We were by far the oldest people there but we had a great time- take that, you young ones!!. Justin and Vincent were our guides. When one of our group struggled with asthma and some of the climbs, Vincent and Justin he stuck by her side, holding her hand, and floating her through some of the river areas while we went forward and jumped all the cliffs – It was great fun!!

Quality of Experience
Great scenery, good exercise, fun!
Food
Freshly prepared - healthy
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Justin and Vincent were great.
Transport
Bohol Island Day Tour from Cebu
Philippines

We enjoyed our trip to Bohol. It was a nice and relaxing day scheduled after a few days of very active tours. Both our tour guides were very nice. Christine accompanied us to the seaport and was there after our day to get us back to our hotel. Marichu (she gave her name as Sarah) was wonderful giving us a lot of information about Bohol, the Tarsier Sanctuary, the Chocolate Hills, and the town. It was a very nice day aided by great tour guides who were clearly very interested in our comfort and needs.

Quality of Experience
Relaxing day following a very physical prior several days.
Food
Very good food, nice restaurant!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
All tour guides were knowledgeable and very customer oriented
Transport
Puerto Princesa Underground River Day Tour
Philippines

The underground river was a nice experience. Rich is a very good tour guide who clearly knows the area well. Like all our guides, he offered to take group pictures for us and we got a really good guide for the mangroves who sang to us. It was quite entertaining.

Quality of Experience
The caves were beautiful
Food
Variety
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Rich was a great guide! Friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable.
Transport
Island Hopping in El Nido - Tour B
El Nido

Our island hopping was good but we were shocked at the amount of coral that is dead or dying. I know some of this is due to Typhoon Odette but this was not the best for snorkeling. The boat crew was wonderful and attentive and they prepared two great lunches on the boat. It was great, great fun.

Quality of Experience
Mike was really a great guide and he and the boat crew were very attentive.
Food
It was delicious and freshly prepared just for us. What a spread they put on.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
So very nice - all of them.
Transport
Boat crew was great
Island hopping in El Nido - Tour A
El Nido

Our island hopping was good but we were shocked at the amount of coral that is dead or dying. I know some of this is due to Typhoon Odette but this was not the best for snorkeling. The boat crew was wonderful and attentive and they prepared two great lunches on the boat. It was great, great fun.

Quality of Experience
Food
Awesome lunch prepared fresh on the boat. We even had fruit carved beautifully.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Mike and the boat crew were great!
Transport
Local specialist: Cami Sarmiento
Cami
Cami Sarmiento
Local specialist in Las Vegas, NV | Replied on May 12, 2023

Thank you very much for your review Terry! I’m very happy to hear you enjoyed your trip and the time spent with our trip leaders. It was a pleasure organizing the trip for you, John, Danny and Debbie.
Thank you for choosing to travel with us. Looking forward to taking you on another unforgettable adventure!
Cami