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Gap Year · 10 weeks · Philippines
Philippines Island Gap Year
Community work, island exploration and language learning across Palawan, Cebu and Bohol.
Duration10 Weeks
EnquiriesWhatsApp
RegionPhilippines
Group size4-14
DifficultyVaries by departure
What you’ll actually do
7,641 islands
Community work, island exploration and language learning across Palawan, Cebu and Bohol.
- Airport welcome and route briefing
- Locally led activities throughout
- Small group or private departure
- 24/7 in-country support
Day by day
The full itinerary
Your guide adapts each day to conditions, wildlife and how the group is going — the shape stays, the detail flexes.
- D1
Arrive Manila — Orientation
Arrive in Manila and meet your coordinator. City orientation, cultural briefing, and an evening walk through Intramuros, the historic walled city.
- Airport pickup
- Volunteer house orientation
- Intramuros walking tour
- Filipino welcome dinner
- Programme briefing
- D2
Weeks 1-4: Community School Placement
Four weeks of teaching and community work — English literacy, arts workshops, sports sessions, and cultural exchange with Filipino families.
- Daily school teaching sessions
- Community arts and drama workshops
- After-school sports coaching
- Weekend cultural exploration
- Monthly coordinator check-in
- D3
Palawan Island Adventure
Two weeks exploring the extraordinary limestone islands and turquoise lagoons of Palawan — widely considered the world's most beautiful island. Island hopping, kayaking, and snorkelling in secret lagoons.
- Island hopping tours — Secret Lagoon, Big Lagoon
- Kayak through limestone karst formations
- Snorkelling on pristine coral reefs
- El Nido sunset from the beach
- Puerto Princesa underground river day trip
- D4
Cebu — Whale Sharks & Diving
Cebu offers two extraordinary experiences — whale shark swimming at Oslob and world-class diving at Moalboal reef. One of the Philippines' most action-packed islands.
- Whale shark encounter at Oslob (observation, no touching)
- Moalboal reef diving — sardine run
- Kawasan Falls canyoneering
- Cebu City heritage walk
- Magellan's Cross and Basilica
- D5
Bohol — Chocolate Hills & Tarsiers
Bohol's iconic Chocolate Hills — over 1,200 grass-covered mounds that turn brown in the dry season — and the world's smallest primate, the Philippine tarsier.
- Chocolate Hills panoramic viewpoint
- Philippine tarsier sanctuary
- Loboc River floating restaurant cruise
- Panglao Island beach day
- Alona Beach snorkelling
- D6
Siargao — Surfers & Lagoons
The Philippines' surf capital — Cloud 9 is one of Southeast Asia's most famous breaks. But Siargao offers far more: mangrove lagoons, island hopping, and a deeply laid-back island culture.
- Cloud 9 surf lesson or observation
- Sugba Lagoon paddleboarding
- Naked Island and Daku Island hop
- Mangrove kayaking
- Final farewell dinner on Siargao beach
- D7
Return Manila — Depart
Return to Manila for onward international flights. Debrief and certificates from your coordinator.
- Flight Siargao to Manila
- Coordinator debrief and certificates
- Airport transfer for onward flights
One package
What is included
Check the lists alongside for this trip’s inclusions and exclusions. Message us for current booking details.
Included
- All accommodation
- All meals
- Inter-island transport
- Volunteer placement with coordinator
- Island-hopping excursions
- Snorkelling and diving equipment
- Airport transfers
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips
Before you ask
Common questions
What exactly is included in the price?
Everything on the included list on this page — accommodation, meals as stated, all ground transport, permits and park fees, your guide team, and every activity in the itinerary. International flights, travel insurance, visas and personal spending are not included, and we never add them later.
How much is the deposit and when is the balance due?
Message us on WhatsApp for current booking and payment details. It holds your place and is fully refundable if you cancel 90 or more days before departure. The balance is due 8 weeks before you fly, in a single payment.
Can I travel solo, or do I need to bring people?
Most travellers book alone and join a small group. If you'd rather have the trip run privately for you or your friends, tell us in the enquiry and we'll price it — private departures usually work from two people.
What if I'm not fit enough?
Tell us honestly in your enquiry and we'll say honestly whether it's realistic. On trekking routes we'll often suggest a shorter itinerary rather than sell you one you won't enjoy. Nobody is talked into a trip here.
Are the dates fixed?
The itinerary length is fixed but start dates are flexible on almost every trip. Give us the window you're working with — term dates, exam finish, a flight you've already found — and we'll build around it.
Your next step
Ask about Philippines Island Gap Year
Chat with us about dates, availability, inclusions and booking details.
Your message includes this trip and its page link, so we know exactly which plan you mean.
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