Mabuhay! Welcome to the start of your adventure to the Phillippines! A country made up of 7,641 islands (with only 2,000 of these inhabited), 200 volcanoes, and a population of 112 million people all within stunning landscapes from the lush jungle tropics to azure waters on white sands to the mightiest water falls cascading from volcanic rock, come explore this hidden gem of Asia with ECC Adventures this winter.

After flying the country’s capital of Manila, we begin our journey with a short flight to the South Western region of Palawan. Known for its stunning islands and sugar-like sand beaches, the arcadia of Coron will leave you with a tropical adventure that’s hard to forget.

Coron Island Tour

Part of the Calamian Archipelago in Northern Palawan, this cluster of islands has become most well-known for a handful of WWII shipwrecks that are permanently stranded off the shores of Coron. Many of the islands cradle clear blue lagoons, being a mix of fresh and salt water with magnificent limestone towers jutting high above you over the speedboats as you fast approach. The first day of the tour brings you to Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Atwayan Beach, Coral Garden, Twin Lagoon, and finally, snorkeling in the Skeleton Wreck. Take some of the most stunning photos or simply marvel at this geological wonder and the sheer beauty these islands bestow.

The second day will run in a more relaxed rhythm, with longer swimming sessions and beach leisure time at Malcapuya Island, Ditaytayan Sand Bar, and Coco Beach. Have photo sessions with the horizons that blur to infinity as your backdrop, where tide greets shore as far as the eye can see. Once back in the mainland, take the rest of the day exploring the renowned street food and other island attractions of Coron.

Cebu Adventure Time: Chasing Waterfalls and Deep Dives

Done cruising about and want to get a bit more adrenaline? This is where we go to Cebu, “the Queen City of the South”, the oldest city and first capital of the Philippines. Here, we begin our next leg with a canyoning adventure through the cerulean waters of Kawasan Falls.

This set of multi-tier waterfalls is surrounded by massive jungle canyons and steep limestone canyon walls. The water from the top of Kawasan comes from the Kandayvic Spring. It then eventually finds its way into the Matutinao River and the Tañon Strait. Expect to climb, swim and jump in helmets and life jackets for this adventure and we will end the day with a bang with a swim (optional) at Oslob, amongst its seasonal Whale Shark visitors.

The second day begins with an early short mountain trek to Osmena Peak, a dive between the swirling clouds of sardines, with a bit of underwater turtle chasing.

The third day will find us chasing waterfalls at a more leisurely pace, where your tour will stop at three sisters: Inambakan Falls, Agunid Falls, and Binalayan Falls. Finish your adventure with some of the most picturesque places in all of Asia.