Dates: January 11 – 19, 2027

The route connects with our Philippines expedition January 3–12, 2027 (Bohol, Cebu, and Siargao islands)

Duration: 9 days / 8 nights

Group size: 6 – 12 participants

Price per person (double occupancy):

— USD 3,690 for a group of 12, or
— USD 3,790 for a group of 10 – 11, or
— USD 3,890 for a group of 9, or
— USD 4,050 for a group of 7 – 8, or
— USD 4,250 for a group of 6.

Early booking discount of 10% (for bookings made before August 11, 2027)

All-inclusive (including the domestic flight El Nido – Caticlan), except for:

• international round-trip flights to Puerto Princesa and from Caticlan (Boracay),
• overseas travel medical insurance,
• Philippine visa (not required for Russian citizens),
• some lunches and dinners.

Estimated cost of a Moscow – Puerto Princesa and Caticlan – Moscow flight via Manila: USD 1,000 – 1,200.

Single supplement: USD 1,330 (applicable across the entire itinerary)


TRAVEL PROGRAM:Tour of the Philippines

DAY 1. JANUARY 11, 2027. ARRIVAL IN PUERTO PRINCESA - SABANG - BATAK TRIBE

Arrival in Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan, the westernmost island in the Philippine archipelago. January marks the height of the dry season here, so clear skies and calm seas await us throughout the island. Meet and greet at the airport.
On the way to Sabang, we stop to visit the Batak tribe — one of the oldest and smallest indigenous communities in the Philippines, whose roots are believed by scholars to trace back to the very first waves of human migration out of Africa. The Batak were once a nomadic people, but government orders forced them to settle in small villages. Nevertheless, they still often venture into the forest for several days at a time to gather food, a practice that holds both economic and spiritual value for them. Their belief system is rooted in animism — the belief in spirits that inhabit nature. They divide spirits into "panyaen," who are malevolent, and "diwata," who are generally benevolent but temperamental. The Batak regularly make offerings to these spirits, and their shamans undergo spiritual possession in order to communicate with the spirits and heal the sick.

We will witness this firsthand, not as a staged performance: learning how fire is made by bamboo friction, discovering the knowledge of medicinal plants passed down through generations, observing the gathering of wild forest food, and listening to music played on traditional bamboo instruments. Today the Batak number only a few hundred people, so every visit directly supports a programme that helps the community preserve its way of life.
We then continue north to Sabang — the drive takes about two hours, climbing over the St. Paul Mountain Range through dense jungle, one of Palawan's most biologically diverse forest ecosystems. We arrive in Sabang by late evening.

Meals included: -
Accommodation included: Four Points by Sheraton Palawan or similar

Recommended international flights to Manila:

• Etihad Airways, flight EY-446, departing Abu Dhabi January 10 at 8:55 AM, arriving Manila January 10 at 9:10 PM,
• Turkish Airlines, flight TK-84, departing Istanbul January 10 at 2:10 AM, arriving Manila January 10 at 6:10 PM,
• or any other flight arriving in Manila on January 11 with a connection to Puerto Princesa.

Recommended flights to Puerto Princesa:

• AirAsia Zest, flight Z2-430, departing Manila January 11 at 1:35 PM, arriving Puerto Princesa January 12 at 3:00 PM,
• Philippine Airlines, flight PR-2787, departing Manila January 11 at 6:05 PM, arriving Puerto Princesa January 11 at 7:20 PM,
• Cebu Pacific, flight 5J-645, departing Manila January 11 at 10:40 AM, arriving Puerto Princesa January 11 at 12:10 PM,
• or any other flight arriving in Puerto Princesa at any time on January 11.

DAY 2. JANUARY 12, 2027. PUERTO PRINCESA SUBTERRANEAN RIVER NATIONAL PARK
Today, Day 2, is devoted to one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature — a journey along the underground river in Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. This is the world's longest navigable underground river, stretching over 8 kilometres beneath cathedral-sized limestone chambers.

A motorised outrigger boat takes us from Sabang Beach to the cave entrance, where monitor lizards can be spotted along the shore and macaques move through the treetops above. From there, we transfer into a narrow paddleboat and glide into near-total darkness — for 45 minutes, our boatman's headlamp sweeps across stalactites and stalagmites of extraordinary scale: frozen calcite waterfalls, columns as thick as ancient tree trunks, and chambers larger than any concert hall. Flash photography is prohibited — the cave's acoustics are remarkable and call for silence.

The afternoon is free. You may choose to take an outrigger trip along the hidden coves and small beaches near the limestone headland, try the 800-metre zipline soaring 150 feet above the jungle canopy with sea views on both sides, or take a gentle paddleboat ride through pristine mangrove forest (payable separately).
The day closes with a sunset bangka cruise — we round the limestone cliffs at golden hour, as the South China Sea turns shades of orange (payable separately).

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Four Points by Sheraton Palawan or similar


DAY 3. JANUARY 13, 2027. SABANG – EL NIDO – BACUIT

The morning begins at a relaxed pace on Sabang Beach. Low tide offers an excellent opportunity for a swim, and the village comes alive early as the fishing boats return.
We then head north to El Nido — the journey takes about 3–4 hours through the scenic mountainous jungle of Palawan's interior. The winding road is strikingly beautiful: rice terraces, coconut groves, and small coastal towns alternate with stretches of untouched forest. In the final hour, El Nido's distinctive limestone cliffs come into view as we enter Bacuit Bay. We arrive in the late afternoon.
We check in at Seda Lio. The resort's beach faces west, offering exceptional sunsets over the karst islands of Bacuit Bay.
In the evening, you may choose to take a tricycle into El Nido town for dinner (payable separately) — the Calle Hama seafood strip is known for its excellent fresh catch restaurants. In January, the town is lively and relaxed without being overcrowded.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Seda Lio or similar


DAY 4. JANUARY 14, 2027. THE ISLANDS OF EL NIDO

Today is a big day out on the water. Our first stop is Big Lagoon — the most iconic spot in El Nido. For environmental reasons, boats can no longer enter — only kayaks and swimmers are permitted — so we continue by paddle between walls of ancient limestone, as the water beneath us shifts from deep blue to luminous jade green. The scale of the karst cliffs, the stillness of the lagoon, and the quality of the light here are unlike anywhere else in the Philippines.

Next, we visit Secret Lagoon — swimming through a narrow crack in a towering limestone wall to discover a completely enclosed turquoise pool, invisible from the sea and surrounded on all sides by sheer rock. Only those who know where to look can find it — one of the most striking hidden spaces in Asia.

Then it's time for snorkelling at Shimizu Island, named after a Japanese diver who died exploring its caves. It boasts some of the finest coral cover in the entire Bacuit archipelago, and in January, at the peak of the dry season, underwater visibility is exceptional.

We continue snorkelling at Helicopter Island, named for its distinctive silhouette when viewed from the sea. The reef surrounding the island teems with tropical fish and patches of staghorn coral, and the crystal-clear water with minimal current makes it an ideal spot for snorkelling.

We climb up to Matinloc Shrine — an abandoned hilltop chapel overlooking a sweeping bay. It's reached via a short rocky scramble, and its crumbling walls and arched windows frame a view that many travellers describe as the single most beautiful moment of their entire stay in El Nido.

Lunch is served on Seven Commandos Beach — a long stretch of white sand fringed with coconut palms, where a beachside barbecue awaits us.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Accommodation included: Seda Lio or similar


DAY 5. JANUARY 15, 2027. EL NIDO – CATICLAN – KALIBO

In the morning, a short transfer takes us from the hotel to Lio Airport — just about 15 minutes, as the airport sits right next to the resort.

We then take a direct AirSWIFT flight from El Nido to Caticlan — Boracay's airport. The flight takes about 45 minutes, and Caticlan brings us directly into Aklan province — the home of the Ati-Atihan Festival.

From Caticlan Airport, we head east through the Aklan countryside to Kalibo — about 55 kilometres of flat road through rice fields, coconut groves, and small market towns. By the time we arrive, the festival atmosphere in Kalibo is already palpable: streets are decorated, drum groups are rehearsing, and the air is filled with the aromas of street food.

Our first evening in Kalibo is best spent strolling the streets after dinner. The festival atmosphere has been building all week — dance groups rehearse in full costume, vendors set up their stalls, and the rhythm of the Ati-Atihan drums carries across the town square. This is no distant tourist spectacle — the entire town is transformed.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: GQ Plaza Hotel or Hotel Simone Kalibo or Discover Boracay or similar


DAY 6. JANUARY 16, 2027. KALIBO – THE ATI TRIBE

In the morning, before the street festival takes over the whole town, we visit one of the Ati communities in the area around Kalibo.

The Ati are the indigenous inhabitants of Panay Island, and it is in their honour that the Ati-Atihan Festival was created — to commemorate how, in the 13th century, they warmly welcomed Malay settlers arriving from Borneo.

Time permitting, we continue to Bakhawan Eco-Park — an impressive mangrove reforestation project in Kalibo, recognised with numerous awards as a model of environmental excellence in the Asia-Pacific region, spanning 200 hectares. We'll walk along a one-kilometre elevated timber walkway through dense mangrove canopy above the tidal flats of the Aklan River, watching birds, mudskippers, and the astonishing density of roots below — a beautiful, meditative counterpoint to the festival's energy.

The afternoon and evening are devoted to the pre-festival Sadsad. The programme includes tribal costume competitions, the Higante contest — featuring giant papier-mâché figures — evening processions, and the extraordinary sight of the entire population of Kalibo in costume and body paint.
The drumbeat — a distinctive, hypnotic rhythm unique to Ati-Atihan — fills the streets from midday onward. Join in the Sadsad: anyone can dance. The festival's rallying cry is "Hala Bira, Viva kay Señor Sto. Niño" — and by evening, you'll know it by heart.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: GQ Plaza Hotel or Hotel Simone Kalibo or Discover Boracay or similar


DAY 7. JANUARY 17, 2027. THE ATI-ATIHAN FESTIVAL

Today is the culmination of the oldest and liveliest festival in the Philippines. From early morning, the streets of Kalibo fill with competing tribal groups in elaborately crafted costumes and full body paint, performing the Sadsad — a distinctive dance marked by shuffling footwork set to relentless drumming. Groups representing different barangays dance for hours, competing for prizes and recognition, while the crowd cheers on without pause.

Following a solemn Mass at Kalibo Cathedral, the religious procession bearing the image of Santo Niño begins, and the streets are open to everyone — you can find a spot along the route and simply let the parade sweep you up, or join the dancers yourself. The celebration continues throughout the day. Toward evening, we begin making our way to Caticlan.

From there, we travel from Kalibo to Caticlan — a journey of about ninety minutes.
A short, 15-minute boat crossing from Caticlan brings us to Boracay Island, and from there a tricycle takes us to our hotel. White Beach at night, after all the intensity of Ati-Atihan, offers a deep sense of calm.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Discovery Shores or Movenpick or similar


DAY 8. JANUARY 18, 2027. BORACAY

Today, Boracay reveals itself in full splendour. A four-kilometre arc of powdery white sand and calm, brilliantly turquoise water — exactly what's needed after a full week of UNESCO caves, island lagoons, and a festival that filled an entire Philippine town with drums and colour.

In the morning, take a swim in glassy-still water; by midday, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a beachfront restaurant; in the afternoon, treat yourself to a spa session. There's no set agenda today.

If you wish, in the morning or afternoon, you may visit the Ati community at Sitio Ati on Boracay.

Toward evening, also optional, you can take a sunset sail aboard a traditional double-outrigger paraw boat, powered entirely by the wind — perhaps Boracay's single most iconic experience (payable separately). The boat glides along White Beach at golden hour, as the sky turns shades of amber and violet and the sun sets into the South China Sea. Departure is around 5:00 PM, timed to golden hour.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: Discovery Shores or Movenpick or similar


DAY 9. JANUARY 19, 2027. DEPARTURE FROM BORACAY

Our final transfer begins at the hotel in Boracay: a tricycle takes us to the jetty, a boat crossing brings us to Caticlan, and from there we're driven directly to the airport. Allow at least 90 minutes for this logistics chain before your domestic flight departure.

With this, our journey comes to an end. We hope that Palawan's underground world and the lagoons of El Nido, the 800-year-old energy of Ati-Atihan, and the warmth of the Philippines itself have given you exactly the journey they promised.
Meals included: breakfast Accommodation included: none

Recommended flights from Caticlan Airport, Boracay:
– AirAsia Zest, flight Z2-222, departing Caticlan January 19 at 12:35 PM, arriving Manila January 19 at 1:45 PM,
– Philippine Airlines, flight PR-2038, departing Caticlan January 19 at 11:35 AM, arriving Manila January 20 at 12:50 PM,
– Cebu Pacific, flight 5J-898, departing Caticlan January 19 at 12:15 PM, arriving Manila January 19 at 1:25 PM. – or any other flight departing Caticlan Airport on January 20.

Recommended international flights from Manila:
– Etihad Airways, flight EY-441, departing Manila January 19 at 6:45 PM, arriving Abu Dhabi January 20 at 12:15 AM,
– Emirates, flight EK-333, departing Manila January 19 at 5:30 PM, arriving Dubai January 19 at 11:05 PM,
– Qatar Airways, flight QR-933, departing Manila January 19 at 6:30 PM, arriving Doha January 19 at 11:20 PM,
– Turkish Airlines, flight TK-85, departing Manila January 19 at 9:35 PM, arriving Istanbul January 20 at 5:55 AM, – or any other flight departing Manila that connects with the January 19 flight from Caticlan Airport.

*The tour operator does not take responsibility for any changes in the schedule of local airlines that may occur after booking. The operator will make every effort to minimize potential disruptions to the approved itinerary. Route changes may occur due to force majeure circumstances, current schedules, the availability of domestic flights, and the possibility of charter flights. It is recommended to obtain insurance for full coverage of possible risks and inconveniences during the trip.