Unwind in a Philippines paradise

Escape the tourists and go island-hopping through the hidden lagoons and beaches of Bacuit Archipelago. Explore the caves and coral reefs of this spectacular ocean wilderness, before camping out on a secret beach. Dine beneath the stars with a beach BBQ conjured up by a private chef

An epic day of island-hopping lies ahead today. Step aboard your private boat and prepare to go off-radar to explore the tropical islands of Bacuit Archipelago; a labyrinth of limestone karsts, caves and hidden lagoons lying off the coast of Palawan. Your captain knows the best and quietest islands for you Flashpackers to savour all to yourselves, complete with idyllic beaches, coral reefs and crystal-clear waters. Channel your inner Robinson Crusoe as you boat between inlets and coves, passing by palm trees, powdery-white sands and pristine turquoise seas. Feel the spray of the ocean as you cruise from island to island; nothing else matters aside from which beach looks the most inviting. This evening, we’ll wash up on a secret island, where we’ll be camping for the next two nights in unique one-man mesh tents; perfect for star-gazing. A private chef will be waiting to conjure up a beach barbecue by the waves. Dine beneath the stars and savour your remote beach-side sanctuary.

Spend another day in paradise, exploring the serene turquoise wonderland of the Bacuit Archipelago by private boat (with a generous supply of ice-cold beers). Snorkel and sea kayak the warm tropical waters and find a cove that takes your fancy for a picnic lunch. Head back to your secret beach for another delicious BBQ and a night beneath the stars

Wake up to the irresistible sound of the ocean lapping on the shore, your powdery beach paradise stretching out before you. Today, the island-hopping dream continues aboard your private boat, all stocked with snorkelling gear, sea kayaks and a picnic lunch to tuck into on any island of your choice. In this paradise playground, you can admire shoals of tropical fish in the rich marine world, kayak between hidden coves or swim to the shore for fresh coconuts. All this fresh air and sunshine is thirsty work, so kick back with a few cold beers on-deck, as a refreshing refuel. Dock up once more on your secret beach this evening, for another delicious barbecue as the sun fades to moonlight. Sometimes, all you need in life is to be marooned on a picture-perfect desert island, far from the cry of civilisation (well, apart from the personal chef, of course).

Head back to your splendid hotel in El Nido. Soak in the sunshine vibes of the best island in the world, and make the most of the town’s lively beach bars

Enjoy breakfast in the palm-shaded shores of your beach camp, and drink up these last few hours on your own island haven. That hammock’s got your name on… Then, catch the boat back to El Nido, where you can retreat to the same lovely hotel that you stayed in a few days ago. You’ve embraced the shipwrecked lifestyle but now it’s time to return to the land of hot showers and air conditioning. This afternoon is yours to do as you please in El Nido. There’s some great beach-side bars nearby, as well as an emerging foodie scene, with Filipino and international cuisine up for grabs. So, go immerse yourselves in sunset views, live reggae and some delicious fresh fruit cocktails.

Drink up a day of freedom to do as you please in idyllic El Nido, be it kayaking the lagoons or brushing up on your beach volleyball skills

After breakfast in your hotel, drink in a day of sun-soaked leisure in and around El Nido. We suggest more snorkelling (take advantage of the clearest waters known to man) or polishing up your beach volleyball skills. You might also want to join locally-run kayak expeditions to nearby lagoons, or if you’re feeling particularly active, you could hike to the top of Taraw Peak for sweeping views of Bacuit Bay. Then again, you can always simply sprawl out on one of the many glorious beaches with a beer and a captivating book for company. In the evening, re-familiarise yourself with a string of laid-back beach bars, your Flash Pack pals in tow.

Catch a flight to Cebu and a ferry to Bohol’s Panglao island, before checking in at a truly gorgeous hotel. Perched on the clifftops overlooking a picture-perfect sea, Amorita Resort comes with two infinity pools, a luxury spa and access to its own marine sanctuary. Settle into your sublime new home, and grab sundowners on Alona Beach with your Flash Pack pals

Bid adieu to El Nido because today we’re catching a flight to Cebu, the happenin’ hub of the south. From here, we’ll catch a two-hour ferry to Bohol, another in the Philippines’ epic line-up of enchanting islands. Be sure to pack well for all this island-hopping; we’re talking good books, games and top-notch tunes. Bohol is a treasure trove of white sand beaches, lush tropical forest and symmetrical hills. Our hotel here is a true beauty, and a soaring testimony to the delights of Filipino hospitality. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the retreat perches on the edge of a limestone cliff on the south of Bohol’s Panglao island, overlooking the azure Bohol sea. Wallow in two pristine infinity pools, or pop by the luxurious spa with a range of therapeutic treatments. There’s also a marine sanctuary that you can snorkel around off a nearby beach cove. Take advantage of the island’s effusive bars (think easygoing beach crowds and visiting DJs) on Alona Beach with your Flash Pack buddies.

Quad bike through the iconic Chocolate Hills of Bohol, and rev your way around this spectacular geological landscape. Visit a tarsier sanctuary to see tiny monkeys in their native habitat, before returning to your boutique hotels, for sundowners on the shimmering beach

Fuel up on a hearty breakfast, because this morning we’re heading out for an exhilarating an off-road adventure.  You’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken inland to Carmen, and the home of an extraordinary geological formation. More than a thousand green grass Chocolate Hills stretch across this reason, turning brown in the dry season (hence the name). Hop on-board a fleet of quad bikes to rev your way around these awesome mounds. Sadly, there’s no actual chocolate to be had, but legend suggests these rolling hills are the teardrops of a heartbroken giant. After moseying around on our quads, we’ll drive to the top of a great vantage point, for an amazing panoramic view of the island terrain. Afterwards, it’s time for another of Bohol’s main attractions, this time on a smaller scale and a lot cuter! We’re heading to the Tarsier Sanctuary to see these tiny monkeys with their distinctive huge eyes. If time is on our side, we’ll then pay a quick visit to the centuries-old Baclayon Church, made from coral stone cut from the sea. This beautiful church was damaged by the 2013 earthquake, yet it still remains standing – despite being of the oldest in the region. We’ll then take you back to your hotel, where you can hit up the beach bars for another round of moreish sundowners. Trust us, this lifestyle never gets old…

Go off the beaten track with stand-up paddle boarding on Loboc River. Get to know the wild interior of Bohol island, as you navigate your way through the dense tropical jungle – far from the call of tourists. Have lunch back at Panglao island, before an afternoon of beach-based leisure

Get set for another day of venturing into the Great Unknown. Today, we’re whisking you off to Loboc River, an emerald-green waterway that snakes through the remote tropical interior of Bohol island. Tucked away from the crowds, get to know this serene and magical landscape by with a spot of stand-up paddle boarding. Splash your way through a remote world of wild river banks, with villages and waterfalls here and there. Your unspoiled surroundings of lush greens and abundant wildlife will have you feeling like you’ve stepped into Jurassic Park (minus the dinosaurs). Take time to wind down and reflect in the dense jungle terrain. Once you’ve floated along to your heart’s content, we’ll head back to Panglao island for lunch. Spend the afternoon soaking up some rays, snorkelling or doing whatever else your beach-side self desires. You’re getting good at this now.

Spend a day doing as you please in this glorious corner of the Philippines. Head to a nearby island to snorkel with turtles, unwind by the hotel pools or book in for a massage. This is a life of paradise, so soak up every last minute

Spend today relaxing in the sun and enjoying your picture-perfect setting. We recommend checking out the nearby Balicasag Island, where there’s loads of turtles to swim with, alongside shoals of colourful fish. Virgin Island is another dreamy neighbouring island to explore, with white strips of sand stretching invitingly into the ocean. Back at the hotel, you can bike around the tropical gardens, or grab a cocktail by one of the pools. Pop by the free morning yoga sessions, or book into for a soothing massage at the spa. There are also plenty of beach coves and warm, shallow waters to explore nearby. Unwind and dial down to nature; mango shakes all round.

Cruise onwards to Mactan Island, for a farewell feast on a beautiful floating restaurant

Savour breakfast and a leisurely morning before heading to the seaport for an afternoon ferry back to Cebu. Here, your transfer awaits to take you to your next hotel on Mactan Island. Cue: more white sand beaches and gently swaying palm trees. Check in and freshen up for your farewell dinner with your Flashpacking gang. Such an amazing 12 days deserves a fitting finale, so you’ll be wined and dined in style on the Lantaw Native Floating Restaurant. You have mastered your sea legs, after all. Tuck into a seafood feast amid breath-taking views of the ocean, and toast your Flash Pack squad of sun-worshippers.

Bid farewell to your fellow Flashpackers and soar into the skies.

The time has come to leave this blissful paradise. But before you get emotional, think of all the AMAZING experiences you’re going home with. You’ve cruised through the capital on bamboo bikes, stayed on the best island in the world and glamped out on a secret beach. You’ve snorkelled through coral reefs, quad-biked across the legendary Chocolate Hills and gone paddle-boarding down a remote jungle river. You’ve had your fill of sizzling beach BBQs, street food and sundowners. You’ve wallowed in turquoise seas and infinity pools, fuelling your soul with shady hammocks and tropical sunsets. And you’ve hung out in a string of decadent beach hotels, bonding with a brand new crew of solo travellers along the way. It’s been one island-hopping whirlwind of pure, sun-kissed escapism. So, return home a glowing version of your former self. Or, you could just paddle away into the fiery sunset – who would blame you?