VISAYAN TWIN ISLANDS

(4 days/ 3 nights)
Manila > Tacloban > Marabut > Manila
Departure: Mondays and Thursdays

DESCRIPTION

Samar and Leyte are both within the group of islands of the Visayas. These are often called the twin islands as they are almost close to each other and connected by San Juanico Bridge, the longest in the Philippines. Both islands offer natural and historical attractions. There are myriad of vast and unspoiled islands, mountains and caves. These two islands served as the hallmark of the two historic events of the world: Magellan's discovery of the Philippines and the landing of General Douglas Mac Arthur during the Second World War.

ITINERARY

Day 01. Manila > Tacloban > Sohoton National Park > Tacloban

Take the morning flight to Tacloban City via Cebu Pacific's 5J651 (0610H/0720H). Upon arrival in Tacloban, check-in at the Leyte Park Hotel. Then, leave for a short tour of the city with visits to MacArthur Memorial Park, Sto. Niño Shrine, San Juanico Bridge and the CAP Pension Building. After, proceed to the town of Basey, known for its mat-weavers, for a cruise along the Golden River leading to the Sohoton National Park. Picnic lunch at the forest ranger station. Afternoon exploration of Sohoton Cave and trek to the forest trails that leads to a river and a natural pool canopied by a natural rock bridge. Return in the afternoon by boat to Leyte Park Hotel for accommodation.

Day 02. Tacloban > Marabut Marine Park

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer by boat to Marabut Marine Park, located at the western side of Samar Island. The park is on a coast with secluded lagoons, rivers and cove. Its underwater seascape is ideal for divers as it has well-preserved coral gardens and abundant marine-life. Also in the park is a simple resort with ten cottages facing the sea. Rooms are not air-conditioned but equipped with electric fans. Each room has a private toilet and bath. Check-in at the resort. Morning free at leisure. Enjoy walking by the beach or kayak to nearby rock islands. Lunch at the resort. In the afternoon, tour of the coastal area by rubber boat visiting Tinago Lagoon. Cruise along the Legaspi River that leads to local communities. Return to the resort after for dinner and accommodation.

Day 03. Marabut Marine Park

Breakfast at the resort. Full day exploration of the outlying rock islands and beaches on a rubber boat and enjoy swimming and snorkeling. Picnic lunch on one of the islands. Visits, on foot, to nearby villages are possible. In the afternoon, return to the resort for dinner and accommodation.

Day 04. Marabut > Tacloban > Manila

Breakfast and lunch at the resort. Free at leisure until transfer to Tacloban to take flight 5J656 (1450H/1600H) or 5J658 (1630H/1740H).