What should I explore during my first day in Manila before starting the tour?

Manila's historic Intramuros district offers essential first-day stops at Fort Santiago Rizal Park Manila Cathedral and San Augustin Church. The Casa Manila museum provides context about colonial life while the Sky Deck at Bayleaf Hotel offers city views especially at sunset. A TourRadar traveler notes: "The historical sites in Intramuros were fascinating and gave us a great introduction to Filipino culture before heading to the islands."

What's the average length of tours starting in Manila?

Most Manila-based tours run 8-13 days combining city exploration with destinations like El Nido Bohol and Coron. Tours often start at the City Garden Grand Hotel before moving to beachfront properties such as El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The tour length was perfect - enough time to see everything without feeling rushed."

What are the most common starting points within Manila for tours?

Tour departures cluster in three main areas: the Makati district near Z Hostel and upscale hotels the historic Intramuros area by The Bayleaf Hotel and Bonifacio Global City close to Seda BGC. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Starting from Makati was ideal - it's safe central and has great access to Manila's main attractions."

What type of accommodation can I expect in Manila?

Tour accommodations in Manila typically include 4-5 star properties like the City Garden Grand Hotel in Makati or The Henry Hotel Manila. These properties provide well-appointed rooms modern conveniences and strategic locations for city exploration. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The City Garden Grand Hotel was a perfect starting point - great location and facilities to recover from the long flight."

What's the best time of year to start a tour from Manila?

The dry season from November through April provides optimal conditions for Manila tours and island activities. The months of December to February bring cooler temperatures ideal for exploring sites like Intramuros. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "We started in Manila in February - perfect weather for both city exploring and beach time."

How long do most tours spend in Manila before heading to other destinations?

Tours generally allocate 2-3 days to Manila allowing visitors to explore landmarks like Manila Cathedral Rizal Park and the Muslim Quarter before continuing to places like Palawan or Bohol. According to a TourRadar traveler: "Having two full days in Manila was perfect - enough time to see the main attractions and get oriented before heading to the islands."

Philippines Tours from Manila

Manila's your Philippine gateway, helping you explore Intramuros' Spanish heritage, visit Rizal Park, discover Makati's modern towers, tour local markets, and fly to stunning islands. See Spanish colonial mixed with American influence, taste Filipino fusion foods, experience that legendary traffic and soak up everything this stunning region has to offer.

10 best Philippines tour packages from Manila

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Island Hopping
Solo-ish Philippines
4.0 (1 traveler review)
"great to see all the hidden gems philippines has to offer"
Brian, traveled in April
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Manila, Intramuros, Makati, Puerto Princesa,Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park,Port Barton,El Nido+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Islands
Luzon Island
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% Off
From $2,649
US$2,119per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Island Hopping
PhiIippines in a Week
3.3 (20 traveler reviews)
"Philippines is such a beautiful country and friendly people. The food is diverse, delicious and very affordable."
mary, traveled in March
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Manila, Boracay, Cebu City, Moalboal, Badian,Puerto Princesa,Sabang,Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park,Intramuros+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
CTPH TOUR
20% Off
From
US$1,188per person
+$7 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
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Island Hopping
Philippine Islands: Visayas & El Nido_Flash Sales
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Manila, El Nido, Puerto Princesa, Cebu City, Bohol
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Vio Travel
20% Off
From
US$1,748per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Island Hopping
The Beauty of the Philippines 10 Days
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Manila, Intramuros, Bohol, Tagbilaran City, Anda,Panglao Island,Baclayon,Corella,Loboc,Balicasag Island,Oslob,Cebu City,Boracay,Caticlan+9 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Vio Travel
20% Off
From
US$2,183per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Island Hopping
12 Days Ultimate Manila and Cebu - Philippines Island Hopping (Independent Tour)
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"The trip was amazing and recommended, but for future travelers, we recommend the following changes to the itinerary."
Nahman, traveled in February
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Manila, Cebu City, Bohol, Dumaguete, Siquijor, Moalboal
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Do You Travel
20% Off
From
US$3,259per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
Northern Philippines Highlights
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Manila, Intramuros, Mount Pinatubo, Banaue, Batad, Sagada,Bontoc,Baguio+2 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Islands
Luzon Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From
US$2,930per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Island Hopping
8 Days Cebu & Siargao: Ultimate Island Getaway
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Manila, Cebu City, Moalboal, Badian, Siargao Island
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Cebu Island
Operated in
English
Operator
CTPH TOUR
20% Off
From
US$1,298per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
From Manila to the White Beaches of Bohol - 6 Days Package
3.0 (2 traveler reviews)
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Manila, Bohol, Panglao Island, Loboc
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Abraham Tours Philippines
20% Off
From
US$445per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Island Hopping
The Iconic Visayas: Peaks to Beaches
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Manila, Bohol, Cebu City, Boracay
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Vio Travel
20% Off
From
US$1,199per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Island Hopping
10 Days of Palawan’s Finest
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Manila, Puerto Princesa, El Nido, Coron
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Luzon IslandPalawan Island+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
H AND H HOLIDAYS TRAVEL AND TOURS
20% Off
From
US$1,888per person
+$19 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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Handpicked adventures loved by our team
TourRadar Curated
Island Hopping
Philippines West
4.8 (762 traveler reviews)
"All was great: itinerary, accommodation, transports."
Raffaele, traveled in May
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Manila, Makati, Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, El Nido,Coron,Darocotan Island+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Islands
Luzon IslandPalawan Island+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
TruTravels
25% Off
From $1,550
US$1,163per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Island Hopping
West Philippines Adventure 10 Day
4.8 (3,432 traveler reviews) award winner
"This tour was amazing!!! Couldn't think of a better way to have experienced just a small part of this beautiful country."
Clay, traveled in May
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Manila, Puerto Princesa,Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park,Port Barton,El Nido+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18-59
Islands
Luzon IslandPalawan Island+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
One Life Adventures
15% Off
From $1,675
US$1,424per person
Price based on Shared Room
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City & Culture
Filipino Beaches and Chocolate Hills
4.4 (8 traveler reviews)
"Transportation, communications and the Vio Teams response to any of our requests and needs was excellent."
Vandana, traveled in March
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Manila, Boracay, Cebu City, Panglao Island,Balicasag Island,Tagbilaran City,Baclayon,Corella,Loboc,Bohol,Intramuros+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Vio Travel
15% Off
From
US$1,099per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Island Hopping
Philippines Island Hopper
4.8 (755 traveler reviews)
"Tour was planned really really well"
Stephanie, traveled in April
Duration
17 days
Destinations
Manila, Makati, Port Barton, El Nido, Darocotan Island,Coron,Cebu City,Moalboal,Badian,Boracay+5 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Operated in
English
Operator
TruTravels
25% Off
From $2,795
US$2,096per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Island Hopping
11 Days Philippines Tour
3.8 (43 traveler reviews)
"It's a hybrid type individual/group tours which took the planning for us and arranged all the tours, transfers, flights and some meals for us."
Emelyne, traveled in February
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Manila, Boracay, Cebu City, Puerto Princesa, El Nido,Clark International Airport+1 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English
Operator
CTPH TOUR
25% Off
From
US$1,388per person
+$14 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
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