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View across Taal Lake to the volcano, Luzon, Philippines
View across Taal Lake to the volcano, Luzon, Philippines
Manila Cathedral

Best of Negros - Ati-Atihan Festival

The Philippines

14 days from £3,410pp Inc. international flights

Explore the Visayas group of islands in the Philippines, spend three nights at the Ati-Atihan festival before travelling through Panay and Negros.

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At a Glance

  • Manila 3 days
  • Kalibo 3 days
  • Iloilo 2 days
  • Bacolod 2 days
  • Bulata 2 days

Tailoring your trip

This itinerary is designed to give you a flavour of what is possible

  • We can tailor this trip to suit your specific requirements
  • Any aspect of the itinerary can be altered, from excursions to accommodation

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View Tailor-made Suggestions
View across Taal Lake to the volcano, Luzon, PhilippinesManila Cathedral
Best of Negros - Ati-Atihan Festival

Itinerary Route Map - 14 Days

Our Tailor-made suggestions for this itinerary are:

  • Stay longer in Dumaguete to dive or snorkel in the area.
  • Head to Bohol for a relaxing beach break.
  • Take the ferry to Siquijor to experience the local witchcraft and enjoy the snorkelling.
  • Return to Manila and then journey up to the rice terraces of Banaue.
  • Before the festival you could spend time relaxing on the beach on Boracay.

Highlights of this itinerary

  • Three days at the Ati Atihan festival where you can dance with the locals.
  • Visits to the islands of Guimaras and Danjugan.
  • Understand how the area made money from the sugar industry.
  • Visit the heritage houses of Silay City.

Day by Day

Day 1London - Doha

Fly from the UK to the Philippines.

Day 2Manila

On arrival in Manila you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 3Manila

Take a tour of the walled city of Intramuros today.

Day 4Manila - Kalibo

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Kalibo. On arrival here your local guide will meet you and tell you more about the planned festival events. Today you will hear people shouting "Hala Bira, Puera Pasma" which means "keep on going, no tiring"!

Day 5Kalibo

You are in Kalibo for the culmination of the Ati-Atihan festival, and there are no wallflowers allowed. Everyone is encouraged to join in the dancing and carousing.

Day 6Kalibo

The final day of the festival hints at the religious significance as there is a long procession in honour of the Santo Nino which culminates in a Pilgrim's Mass. Spanish friars suggested that the baby Jesus appeared to fend off a pirate attack, and this helped to propagate Catholicism throughout the Philippines. Today you will hear shouts of "Viva el Senor Santo Nino!" meaning "Long live the Holy Child."

Day 7Kalibo - Iloilo

After the festivities are over you will leave Kalibo and head for Iloilo. Once here you will spend the afternoon exploring the area.

Day 8Iloilo

Today you will be taken to visit the island of Guimaras. The island is famous for its tropical fruit, cashew nuts and monastery of Trappist monks.

Day 9Iloilo - Bacolod

This morning you will take the ferry across to Bacolod where you will then explore the local area. This will include a visit to the elegant city of Silay (referred to as the Paris of Negros!).

Day 10Bacolod

The excursion today gives you a fascinating insight into the sugar industry - the main source of income for much of this area of the Philippines.

Day 11Bacolod - Bulata

You will be driven five hours south along the coast of Negros Occidental to get to the small town of Bulata. You then have the afternoon to relax at your beach front hotel.

Day 12Bulata

Today you will visit Danjugan Island; a small island fringed by vibrant coral reefs and with a well forested interior. You will have time for hiking as well as snorkelling.

Day 13Bulata - Dumaguete - Manila

Overnight flight from the Philippines to the UK.

Day 14Doha

Arrival in the UK.

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