The Sugar Trail

An epic journey through the Philippine archipelago

The Sugar Trail
Tour Details
Duration:
11 days
Departure Date:
20 May 2013
This Trip Operates:
As a fixed tour date.
Max Group Size:
12
What's Included:
  • 10 nights accommodation on twin-share basis in comfortable hotels
  • tour leader
  • private vehicle and driver throughout
  • all entrance fees as listed
  • many meals
Cost:
TBC

An epic journey through the Philippine archipelago which takes us from the mayhem of metro Manila to Negros, also known as Sugarlandia, heartland of the Philippines' sugar industry, an island home to decaying haciendas and rugged volcanoes. Just off the southern coast of Negros, Siquijor is a mystical island blessed with pristine beaches and great snorkeling, and we spend a couple of nights here before continuing to Cebu, bustling capital of the Visayas, where the tour ends.

Day 1 – Manila

Today people will be arriving throughout the day. We'll meet in the evening to get to know one another over dinner, and have an introductory briefing to the tour.

Days 2-3 - Bacolod

Today we'll take a short flight south to Bacolod, capital of Negros Occidental, and the heart of Sugarlandia. In the afternoon we'll visit a hacienda, and learn a little about local cuisine from the owner, an acclaimed international chef. The following day we'll hike through the foothills of volcanic Mt. Kanlaon, stopping to swim and enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the numerous beautiful waterfalls along our route. In the evening we'll take dinner amidst the statuesque ruins of a former sugar mansion.

Days 4-5 - Sugar Beach

Today it's a long drive south along the rugged west coast to beautiful Sugar Beach, where we'll have the following day free to swim, snorkel, dive or just relax.

Days 6-7 – Dumaguete

A stunning drive around the coast brings us to Dumaguete, breezy and laid-back port town capital of Negros Oriental. The following day we'll hike through indigenous villages on the way up to volcanic Twin Lakes.

Days 8-9 - Siquijor

From Dumaguete we take a short boat ride out to Siquijor, once cloaked in mystery as a centre of witchcraft and shamanism, but now as much visited for its fine white sand beaches and Spanish ruins. We have a free afternoon to relax at our beach resort, and then the following day we'll take a jeepney trip around this lovely little island, stopping to swim in waterfalls, and enjoy a picnic at an idyllic secluded cove.

Day 10 - Cebu

Today we'll take a fast ferry to Cebu, the Visayan capital, where we'll head out for a final Filipino meal to celebrate the end of our journey.

Day 11 - Tour Ends

The tour ends after breakfast. From Cebu Mactan International Airport there are flights all over Asia.