Philippines island-hopping: Tropical wonders and gems

This is the moment when dreams become reality. Bags packed, favourite playlist on repeat and off you go on your plane to the Philippines! Countless stars twinkle in the sky with the promise that this adventure is gonna be next level! Island vibes, white beaches, crystal-clear water – and it's all a flight away. You lean back, close your eyes and dream one last time about everything to come... because it's about to get real!

Bristling with excitement, your legs bounce up and down as you let your gaze wander over the clouds. Your plane begins its decent, and you soon see all the dabs of green dotting the blue sea.  

It's happening! Your adventure starts NOW! The second you set foot on Mactan Island, the excitement kicks in. Waterfalls, whale sharks, beach days? Oh yeah! Off to the city: 'Cebu, I'm ready!'

When you make it to where you're staying, you toss your bags in your room then head right out. There's no time to lose – Mactan’s ready to be explored! After the ride in, your stomach’s on a mission, so you set off in search of the nearest beachside restaurant, where the fresh seafood melts in your mouth and the views are absolutely mad. When you're done, you kick back on Mactan Newtown Beach or Tambuli Beach and ring out the day with a spot of sunbathing and swimming and simply enjoy life.

Stuffed and happy, you then lie in your cosy hotel bed, looking forward to all the adventures that await you along your journey. Sweet dreams!

'Good morning, Mactan!' As soon as you open your eyes, you already know that today is gonna be a beach day! So with your towel over your shoulder, you stroll off to the sparkling, azure sea – 100% postcard perfect. But just sunbathing? Definitely not. You're going deeper! Mactan's underwater world is amazing and bursting with colourful corals, dazzling fish and pure ocean magic. So you grab a snorkel (optional, easy to hire on site for a fee), dive in and lose yourself beneath the waves as schools of small fish swim all around you and 'Under the Sea' plays in your head. Then back on land, it's time to soak up the culture and historical energy of Lapu-Lapu City – and of course, snap a selfie at the Lapu-Lapu Monument. Mactan = paradise vibes only.

Cebu Island is full of waterfalls. Just listen carefully and the sound of rushing water will lead you straight to the day's first highlight! You can start your self-made tour on your own, but deciding where to go won't be easy. From Bocaue, Balisong and Igutan Falls to Himbabawod and Dakit Falls, exhilarating views await!

If you'd rather explore the islands surrounding Mactan instead of the main island, then say no more – Olango Island is your place to be! Just catch one of the ferries that head there from Mactan daily (optional, payable on site). Slip into your beach fit, board the next boat and in the blink of an eye, you'll be in paradise with endless possibilities. What'll it be: a bike ride along the beach, a visit to the bird sanctuary or a snorkelling trip in the next-level reefs (all optional and payable on site)? You decide!