Contiki, an operator specializing in tours for young adults, is expanding its portfolio in Southeast Asia with the addition of the Philippines, launching its first trips there later this year.
Contiki will explore the country with two island-hopping itineraries -- a nine-day trip and a 13-day trip. Both itineraries include all flights in the Philippines, boat transfers and all other transportation in addition to all accommodations and meals.
Both itineraries will visit Palawan Island, making stops in Puerto Princesa, Port Barton and El Nido.
The nine-day itinerary will take visitors on a boat ride through the Unesco World Heritage Site of Subterranean River National Park, an island hopping day trip in Port Barton, a Jeepney ride to Nacpan Beach, and a Special Stay and Make Travel Matter Experience at the Isla Experience in Daracoton Island. Guests on this tour can also expect to ride in a classic Filipino motorized tricycle to Las Cabanas for a beach sunset and a traditional boodle fight -- a meal that guests eat with their hands.
The 13-day itinerary makes many of the stops and adds a four-day boat expedition to the Calamian Islands.
An evening bonfire on Coron in the Philippines' Calamian Islands. Photo Credit: Contiki
The new tours in the Philippines continue Contiki's expansion into Southeast Asia. Last year, the company announced it would launch its first South Korea tours in 2024. The company said that demand for the Philippines has grown, particularly among Gen Z travelers, many of whom Contiki CEO Adam Armstrong said was a destination young solo travelers had a hard time navigating.
"We know that the Philippines can be challenging for solo travelers to navigate, which is why we wanted to launch a trip that includes internal flights, boat transfers and all other transport -- along with all accommodations and delicious Filipino meals too," Armstrong said.
The Philippines Island Hopping itineraries begin on Nov. 9, with prices for the nine-day tour starting at $1,515 per person and $2,445 for the longer trip.