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

Find your perfect adventure! We have 95 tours of Philippines that start in Manila, Philippines. The most popular month is March, and tour lengths range between 3 and 24 days.

10 best Philippines tour packages from Manila

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Explorer
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
From
US$3,152per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
16 Days Philippines Adventure with El Nido to Coron Island expedition (Independent Tour)
4.7 (51 traveler reviews)
"The whole vibe was just superb, this is exactly what you want when visting the Philippines."
Patty, traveled in March
Duration
16 days
Destinations
Manila, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Port Barton, El Nido,Coron,Cebu City,Oslob,Moalboal,Siargao Island+5 more
Age Range
Ages 18-60
Operated in
English
Operator
Do You Travel
From
US$2,616per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
PhiIippines in a Week
3.7 (15 traveler reviews)
"It was especially great due to the amazing communication. We had enough time to do things we wanted as well as the scheduled tours."
Denim, traveled in October
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Manila, Boracay, Cebu City, Puerto Princesa
Age Range
Operated in
English
Operator
CTPH TOUR
From
US$1,188per person
+$7 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
10 Days Across the Philippines
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Manila, Boracay, Cebu City, Puerto Princesa, El Nido
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
H AND H HOLIDAYS TRAVEL AND TOURS
From
US$1,988per person
+$17 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
7 Days Visayas Discovery: Boracay Bliss, Cebu Adventures & Bohol Countryside Escape
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Manila, Boracay, Cebu City, Bohol
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
H AND H HOLIDAYS TRAVEL AND TOURS
From
US$1,800per person
+$6 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Philippines : First Time Traveller
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Manila, Boracay, Cebu City, Panglao Island
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Vio Travel
5% Off
From $1,424
US$1,353per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Brilliant Bohol - 8 days
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Manila, Bohol, Loboc, Balicasag Island, Panglao Island
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
5% Off
From
US$2,265per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Health, Spa & Wellness
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
5% Off
From $1,748
US$1,661per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Philippines Sunset
5.0 (16 traveler reviews)
"My experience in the Philippines wouldn't have been the same without him. The best tour guide in the world!"
Robyn, traveled in October
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Manila, Port Barton, El Nido, Darocotan Island
Age Range
Ages 18-40
Islands
Luzon IslandPalawan Island+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Im Here Travels
5% Off
From
US$1,485per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Health, Spa & Wellness
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
5% Off
From $1,414
US$1,343per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Explorer
West Philippines Classic 10 Day - One Life Adventures
4.9 (3,417 traveler reviews) award winner
"The tour was very well organised and a lot of fun. I had such an amazing experience."
Andrew, traveled in October
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Manila, Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, Palawan, El Nido
Age Range
Ages 18-59
Islands
Luzon IslandPalawan Island+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
One Life Adventures
10% Off
From $1,675
US$1,508per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Filipino Beaches and Chocolate Hills
4.3 (6 traveler reviews)
"The Filipino Beaches and Chocolate Hills tour was amazing! We felt safe, always had communication with Tourradar/Vio people."
Kelly, traveled in July
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Manila, Boracay, Cebu City, Panglao Island
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Vio Travel
5% Off
From $1,080
US$1,026per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Wanderlands Philippines - 12 Days
4.7 (811 traveler reviews)
"The tour was unforgettable. I highly recommend the tour!"
Amy, traveled in December
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Manila, Moalboal, Port Barton, El Nido
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Operated in
English
Operator
Wanderlands Travel
20% Off
From $1,743
US$1,395per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
A Week In Palawan, Philippines
4.1 (30 traveler reviews)
"All the places I stayed I was happy with, the tours and transport excellent, everyone was always on time."
Silvia, traveled in March
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Manila, Puerto Princesa, El Nido, Coron,Clark International Airport+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Luzon IslandPalawan Island+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
CTPH TOUR
20% Off
From
US$1,328per person
+$14 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
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Handpicked adventures loved by our team
TourRadar Curated
Active
Philippines West
4.8 (936 traveler reviews)
"The itinerary was perfect and operated seamlessly - I felt like I didn't need to use my brain for the whole 10 days."
Ella, traveled in November
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Manila, Palawan, Port Barton, El Nido, Coron, Culion
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Islands
Luzon IslandPalawan Island+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
TruTravels
10% Off
From $1,550
US$1,395per person
Price based on Shared Room
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