The Philippines is a country with breathtaking natural wonders, vibrant culture, and friendly people. To make the most of your trip, it is recommended to book with the best Philippines tour operators. A good tour operator can help you plan your itinerary, arrange transportation, provide knowledgeable guides, and ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
In this article, we will introduce some of the best tour operators that you can consider for your next adventure in this beautiful country. Foreigners and returning OFWs are recommended to book with a tour operator that specializes in helping foreigners. Many of the major tour operators in the Philippines have offices in major cities such as Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Subic Bay. Keep on reading.
If you’re planning a trip to the Philippines, working with a tour operator can help ensure that your experience is both enjoyable and hassle-free. Here are a few reasons why:
- Local expertise: Tour operators in the Philippines have extensive knowledge of the country’s geography, culture, and attractions. They can provide valuable advice and recommendations for where to go, what to see, and how to get there.
- Customized itineraries: Tour operators can help you create a customized itinerary based on your interests and preferences. They can also handle all of the logistics, such as transportation, accommodations, and activities.
- Safety and security: Tour operators in the Philippines have a strong focus on safety and security. They can provide guidance on how to stay safe while traveling in the country, as well as ensure that all of the tours and activities they offer meet safety standards.
- Access to exclusive experiences: Tour operators often have access to exclusive experiences and activities that are not available to independent travelers. This can include things like private tours, cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path adventures.
- Time-saving: Working with a tour operator can save you a lot of time and stress. They can handle all of the planning and logistics, so you can focus on enjoying your trip.
1. Tao Expeditions
Location and Type: Tao Expeditions is a local tour operator based in El Nido, Philippines. They specialize in providing authentic tour experiences to travelers in the remote islands of Northern Palawan.
Packages: Tao Expeditions offers a variety of tour packages in the Philippines. Some of their most popular packages include the 5-day Tao Experience, the Paraw sailing expedition, the Tuka Lodge at Tao Farm Philippines tour, and the Camp Ngeyngey tour.
These packages offer opportunities to explore hidden beaches, remote islands, and coral reefs, and to take in stunning ocean views.
2. Yolo Travel Philippines
Location and Type: YOLO Travel Philippines is based in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines.
Packages YOLO Travel Philippines offers a range of tour packages that cater to different interests and preferences. Some of their popular packages include:
- Manila Food Tour – A fun and delicious tour where you can sample local delicacies for breakfast, lunch, and dinner all in one day.
- Dinner and Cultural Show – Enjoy a fine meal while immersing yourself in a show about local Philippine culture.
- Pagsanjan Hidden Valley – A combination of relaxation and adventure on a raft.
- Banaue Adventure Tour – Explore the famous rice terraces and experience the real culture of the locals in a 3-day, 2-night journey.
3. Bambike Ecotours Intramuros
Location and Type: Bambike Ecotours Intramuros is a local tour operator located in Manila, Philippines. They offer biking tours that allow you to explore the historic sections of the city in a fun and educational way.
About the Company: Bambike Ecotours Intramuros is a tour agency in the Philippines that offers amazing travel tours with a strong focus on customer satisfaction. They use bikes made out of bamboo, and have some of the best guides in the country to ensure you have a memorable experience.
Packages:
- Intramuros Experience: This 2.5-hour adventure takes you to all of the best historical areas of Manila. You’ll learn about the city’s rich history and culture while enjoying a fun bike ride.
- Intramuros Sunset Tour: This tour is a great way to experience Manila in the evening. You’ll go on a nice bike ride that ends at a hotel where you can enjoy a free drink.
- Intramuros Express Tour: This sightseeing tour takes you to 6 exciting destinations around Manila. You’ll have the opportunity to see some of the city’s most famous landmarks and attractions.
- Sunset and Cultural Show Tour: This tour combines a cultural show with a delicious buffet. You’ll get to experience the city’s culture and cuisine while enjoying a fun bike ride.
4. Uncharted Philippines Adventure Travel and Day Tours
This local tour operator, based in Manila, specializes in providing high-energy adventure tours in some of the country’s less touristy areas.
Packages: Uncharted Philippines Adventure offers a range of exciting discovery tours in remote locations. For those who love the water, there’s the Anilao Snorkeling day tour, where you can explore colorful coves and see underwater creatures up close. Another option is the Anilao Scuba Diving day tour, where you can experience a longer-lasting underwater adventure.
If you prefer trekking, check out the Kibungan Mountain Range trekking tour, which takes you on a scenic hike through the beautiful Philippine mountains. For those who want to explore underground, the adventure in paradise package tour is a boat tour that takes you deep into the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River.
5. ePhilippines Adventure
Location and Type: ePhilippines Adventure is based in Manila and operates as a local tour operator. This means that they specialize in tours within the Philippines, providing travelers with insider knowledge and expertise that you can’t get from larger international tour operators.
Packages: One of the key strengths of ePhilippines Adventure is their wide range of tour packages. With over 300 different options, you’re likely to find something that suits your interests and preferences. Some of the popular packages include the El Nido Tour Package A, which is a 3 day, 2-night island hopping adventure, and the Caramoan Tour Package A, which is a budget-friendly island hopping tour.
6. Divers.Ph
Location and Type: Divers.Ph is a local tour operator based in Makati, Philippines. They specialize in scuba diving tours and courses.
About the Company: Divers.Ph is dedicated to providing great service to tourists in Makati. They offer scuba diving courses for all skill levels, from beginners to certified divers. Their goal is to help you experience the beautiful underwater world of the Philippines.
Packages: Divers.Ph offers a variety of scuba diving courses and packages, including Padi Specialty courses, Padi open water diver course, dive subic at the camayan divers, and Padi advanced open water diver course. These courses are a great way to experience the underwater world of the Philippines and gain official certification.
7. Planet Action Adventure Day Tours
Location and Type: Planet Action is based in Moalboal, a town located on the southwest coast of Cebu Island in the Philippines. They are a local tour operator, which means they specialize in providing tours and experiences in this specific area.
Packages
- Osmena Peak on Cebu Island Tour: climb the South Cebu high hills with a trusted guide
- Kawasan Falls Canyoning Tour: jump into deep blue-colored pools of water for a thrilling experience
- Electric Mountain Fat Bike Tour: ride up Cebu on a large-tired mountain bike for a unique adventure
- Island Hopping Tour: explore the underwater beauty of Moalboal while snorkeling
- All tours are adventure-packed and designed to satisfy your cravings for excitement
8. Calamianes Expeditions and Ecotours
Location and Type
Calamianes Expeditions and EcoTours is a tour operator located in Coron, a popular tourist destination in the Philippines. They specialize in eco-friendly and sustainable tourism, and have been in business for 16 years.
Packages: Calamianes Expeditions and EcoTours offers a variety of authentic Philippine tour travel packages for you to choose from. Whether you’re interested in cultural experiences, nature tours, or wildlife adventures, they have something for everyone. Some of their popular packages include:
- Coron Village Tour: This tour allows you to visit a local village to learn about the culture and enjoy some delicious food.
- Kayaking and Nature Tour: Explore the natural beauty of the Philippines by kayaking through stunning landscapes and encountering local wildlife.
- Cullison Historical Walking Tour: Learn about the fascinating history of the Philippines on this walking tour through the historic town of Cullison.
- Calauit Safari: Get up close and personal with native Philippine animals, such as the Philippine forest turtle, on this exciting wildlife tour.
9. Natural Arts Travel and Tours
Location and Type
Natural Arts Travel and Tours is located in Puerto Princesa and specializes in providing Palawan tours. As a local tour operator, they have extensive knowledge of the area and can provide valuable advice and recommendations for your trip.
Packages: Natural Arts Travel and Tours offers a variety of tour packages to suit different interests and needs. One of their popular packages is the 2 day, 1 night Burias Island tour, which includes visits to several islands and great food.
For those interested in wildlife, they offer the Busuanga Calauit Safari, where you can see beautiful animals and visit Concepcion falls on a river cruise.
10. Nice in Paradise
Location and Type:
Nice in Paradise Tours is based in Coron, which is part of the Calamianes Group of Islands in Northern Palawan, Philippines. As a local tour operator, they have extensive knowledge of the area and can provide valuable insights and recommendations for your trip.
Packages: Nice in Paradise Tours offers a range of adventure tours for you to choose from. If you’re looking for a customized experience, you can work with the staff to create a fun day filled with activities around Coron with their Customized Coron day tour.
For those interested in exploring shipwrecks and coral gardens, their reef and wreck Philippine tour is a great option. Finally, if you want to see Black Island and Calauit by boat, they offer a tour that includes a delicious breakfast and snacks throughout the day.
11. Scorpio Travel & Tours (a.k.a. Global Dream Vacations PH)
Location and Type: Service travel agency established in 1997 providing exceptional travel tour packages throughout the Philippines. As of this writing, their website is temporarily undergoing an upgrade but you may reach them via email at inquire@globaldreamvacationsph.com.
Packages:
- Bicol Package Tour – 3 days and 2 nights
- Inclusions: Free roundtrip airport transfers, accommodation, and daily breakfast
- Highlights: Visit to Mayon Volcano, which is included in the 7 wonders of the world
- Batanes Package Tour – 3 days and 2 nights
- Inclusions: 2 nights accommodation, daily breakfast, and round trips to Basco airport transfers
- Highlights: Experience the wilderness of nature in Batanes
- Optional tours: Batan South or Batan North tours
12. CTPH TOUR
Location and Type: This lifestyle and travel services company is headquartered in Imus Cavite, Greater Manila Area, Philippines, and has been in the industry for over a decade, helping more than 100,000 guests see and travel across the Philippines.
Packages:
- 10 Days Philippine Tour – This tour covers destinations such as Manila, El Nido, Puerto Princesa, Cebu City, and Boracay. It is suitable for families, private groups, and individuals between the ages of 1 and 80. The tour is operated in English and has received 15 positive reviews.
- Philippines in a Week – This tour is a week-long and covers Manila, Boracay, Cebu City, and Puerto Princesa. It is suitable for individuals between the ages of 1 and 65 and has a boat, family, and wildlife travel style. The tour is operated in English and has received 6 positive reviews.
- A Week In Palawan, Philippines – This tour is a week-long and covers Manila, Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron. It is suitable for individuals between the ages of 1 and 70 and has a boat, beach, and family travel style. The tour is operated in English and has received 9 positive reviews.
13. Gray Line Philippines
Location and Type: This tickets and tours company is part of an international group providing travel services from all over the world.
Packages:
- Enchanting Hidden Valley from Manila: This is a group tour activity that offers sightseeing tours without any accommodation in Manila. The tour will take you to the Enchanting Hidden Valley for a fun-filled day of swimming and exploring the natural beauty of the area.
- Panoramic Tagaytay Ridge Tour from Manila: This group tour activity takes you to Tagaytay Ridge to witness the panoramic view of Taal Lake and Volcano. You will also visit the Palace in the Sky, a historical landmark in Tagaytay.
- Majestic Pagsanjan Falls from Manila: This group tour activity offers a sightseeing tour to Pagsanjan Falls, a majestic natural attraction located in Laguna province. You will experience an exhilarating boat ride to the waterfall and a chance to witness the beauty of the surrounding scenery.
- Las Casas Filipinas Heritage Tour: This group tour activity offers a sightseeing tour to Las Casas Filipinas, a heritage site that showcases the beauty of traditional Filipino architecture. You will learn about the history and culture of the Philippines while exploring this unique attraction.
- Villa Escudero Coconut Plantation Tour from Manila: This group tour activity takes you to Villa Escudero, a coconut plantation located in San Pablo City. You will experience farm and plantation visits, as well as a chance to explore the countryside and village life in the area.
- Snorkeling and Picnic Tour at Mactan Island From Cebu: This private tour activity offers snorkeling and picnic on Mactan Island in Cebu. You will experience the underwater beauty of the island and enjoy a picnic on the beach.
- Cebu Island Arts and Crafts: This private tour activity offers a sightseeing tour to Cebu Island’s arts and crafts scene. You will visit local artisans and witness the beauty of traditional Filipino craftsmanship.
- Subic Bay Adventure from Manila: This group tour activity offers a sightseeing tour to Subic Bay, a former US naval base turned into a recreational area. You will experience an adventure-filled day with various activities like jungle survival, zip-lining, and obstacle courses.
14. Tristan Tours and Travel Philippines
Location and Type: This travel and tours agency is headquartered in Pasig City, and offers both domestic and international travel services.
Tristan Tours and Travel Philippines offers a package tour to Singapore, Batam (Indonesia), and Johor Bahru (Malaysia) for a price of 24,888 per person. The package includes:
- 3 nights of accommodations with daily breakfast (unless indicated otherwise)
- Two-way transfers between Singapore hotel and ferry terminal
- Two-way ferry tickets between Singapore and Batam
- 1 day SIC Batam tour with lunch and local guide assistance
- Morning half-day private Johore Bahru tour
- Morning half-day SIC Singapore City tour
- Return airport hotel transfer (private)
The package excludes personal insurance, room service, optional tours, porterage fee, visa fee, expenses of a purely personal nature, and guide and driver tipping (which is USD1.60/day/pax for Batam).
15. B-Cation Travel and Tours
Location and type: This local travel and tours agency offers a wide range of services including local and international packages, hotel and resort accommodation, cruise bookings, tour packages, and airfare arrangements for travelers.
Packages:
- Beach Getaway Package: This package offers travelers a chance to relax and unwind on some of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines. It includes accommodations in a beach resort, daily breakfast, and optional island hopping tours.
- Adventure Tour Package: This package is perfect for adventure seekers who want to explore the natural wonders of the Philippines. It includes accommodations in a mountain resort, guided hikes to waterfalls and hot springs, and optional activities such as zip-lining and ATV riding.
- City Tour Package: This package is ideal for travelers who want to explore the cultural and historical sites of the Philippines’ major cities. It includes accommodations in a hotel, guided city tours, and optional visits to museums, art galleries, and other cultural attractions.
- Food Tour Package: This package is designed for foodies who want to experience the unique flavors and culinary traditions of the Philippines. It includes accommodations in a hotel, food tours, and cooking classes where travelers can learn how to prepare traditional Filipino dishes.
Summary
Traveling to the Philippines can be a wonderful experience, full of exciting adventures and cultural immersion. To ensure that your trip is enjoyable and hassle-free, booking with a reputable tour operator is highly recommended.
Whether you’re interested in exploring the natural wonders of the country, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture, or simply enjoying the friendly hospitality of the locals, there is a tour operator in the Philippines that can help you make the most of your time there.
By working with a knowledgeable and experienced tour operator, you can rest assured that your trip will be a memorable and enjoyable one.
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