Food in the Philippines is generally affordable — think beachside BBQ, fresh mango shakes, and lots of rice and seafood. You’ll likely pick up snacks or smoothies between activities, but most group meals are covered.

We recommending planning to spend around $150 USD, depending on your personal consumption habits.

Yes, just let us know your needs after booking and we’ll do our best to make sure you’re taken care of during group meals. 

The cuisine consists largely of rice, noodles, corn, vegetables, seafood and pork. While V and VG options are used regularly in dishes, they often time are accompanyed with ingredients that might not always be obvious (such as shrimp paste, fish sauce, or wheat products). Nuts can also be present in food and gluten free is extremely limited.

Options may be more limited in rural or island settings, so packing a few favorite snacks or protein bars is a good call if you have strict restrictions. 

You’ll stay in a mix of locally run hotels and island guesthouses, usually in shared rooms unless you upgrade to a private. Expect simple but comfortable lodging with great access to the coast, town, or jungle – perfect for recharging between island-hopping and hikes. 

• A stylish hotel in Makati offering modern amenities and an art gallery in a central location.

• A beachfront retreat in Cebu with ocean views, a pool, and tropical dining.

• An eco-friendly boutique stay in Siargao with rustic-chic accommodations and farm-to-table meals. 

The Philippines is hot and tropical year-round, so pack for sun, sand, and active adventures. Bring breathable clothing, a swimsuit, water shoes or sandals with grip, reef-safe sunscreen, bug spray, and a dry bag for boat days. You’ll also want athletic wear for canyoning, something modest for village visits, and a comfy outfit for your flights between islands. If you plan to join the surf lesson, quick-dry layers or rash guards are useful.

If you’re looking to extend your time, you could stay in Southeast Asia and explore Thailand just a 3-hour flight away. It offers direct connections to Bangkok, one of Southeast Asia’s busiest air hubs. You could also hop on a quick flight to Vietnam. (And if you want to keep the adventure going with us, we offer back-to-back trip discounts!)

We run this trip during the Philippines’ dry season, when the weather is warm, sunny, and ideal for swimming, boating, and outdoor adventure. Expect daily highs in the 80s and plenty of humidity – it’s a true tropical escape.

Plan to arrive at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) by 11:00 AM on Day 1 so you can settle in and meet your group before our afternoon welcome activities. From the airport, you can take a Grab (Southeast Asia’s rideshare app) or a licensed taxi to the hotel. 

The trip ends on Day 8 in Siargao, and you’re free to fly out anytime that day from Sayak Airport (IAO). Be sure to book your arrival into Manila and departure from Siargao separately – FTLO covers all internal flights between Manila, Cebu, and Siargao.

You’ll stay moving with daily excursions like ziplining, canyoning, boat days, hikes, and cultural visits, but the trip balances action with downtime, especially in Siargao. There’s space to relax by the beach, float on a paddleboard, or join a surf lesson if you’re feeling bold. It’s a great mix for travelers who want to stay active without feeling rushed.

This trip is ideal for travelers who love the outdoors and want a fun, easygoing way to explore nature and island life. From snorkeling through sardine clouds to climbing waterfalls, the energy is adventurous but relaxed – with plenty of bonding moments between beaches, hikes, and shared meals.