Why should you travel to the Philippines with us?

We’ll help you escape into a world of desert islands, drowsy rivers and glittering seas.

7,000 islands, sprawled across the edge of the Pacific. A remote place. A place where time slows to a honeyed trickle. Desert islands of cocoa plants, volcano slopes, rice terraces and Spanish churches. It’s about the chocolate-scented hills of Bohol. The weather-worn ferry that carries you to the waters of pretty Pamalican. It’s about jade-green palms bend their heads into the water. It’s about a private hideaway perched on the limestone cliffs of Panglao Island, buzzing with wildlife, sky fading to crushed and powdered pink. You come here to escape. To dive. To relax. To explore. Eat Filipino delicacies aboard a private yacht, wending down the achingly beautiful Loboc River. Go in search of curious Tarsiers. Find peace on the coral-fringed island of Palawan. Kayak between the caves and coves of enigmatic El Nido. We’ll help you find bliss – and to keep on finding it.

Key facts

  • Population Population 96,500 ,000
  • Capital Capital Manila
  • Language Language Filipino
  • Currency Currency Philippine Peso
  • Time Difference Time Difference GMT + 8 | ET + 13
  • Best time Best time Nov - Apr

Example Itineraries

Bohol & Palawan: Island Life in the Philippines

What do we think of when we're asked about the Philippines? We’ll give you a clue. A nation made up of more than 7,000 islands, where each one is caressed by calm, turquoise waters and blissfully white sandy shores, it...

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See it All in the Philippines: Desert Islands & Chocolate Hills

When we say the Philippines, what do you think; island paradise? It's true -- there are 7,107 white sand islands, miles and miles of secluded beaches, and luscious greenery adorning every mountain. We at Black Tomato hav...

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What to see & do in The Philippines

Can’t see it here? No problem. Just ask, and we’ll get to work. 

Food tour of Manila

A FOOD TOUR OF MANILA

During this unique experience, you’ll join a local foodie insider on a culinary tour of Filipino eating. Take ‘almus...

During this unique experience, you’ll join a local foodie insider on a culinary tour of Filipino eating. Take ‘almusal’ breakfast in Santa Ana. Eat banana fritters in the market. Eat lunch with a host family in Pancit Palabok and try historic dishes in the world’s oldest Chinatown.

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Kayaking in Palawan

EXPLORE PALAWAN BY KAYAK

This magisterial island, of glittering lagoons and plunging limestone cliffs, is a sight for sore eyes. Take your kayak ...

This magisterial island, of glittering lagoons and plunging limestone cliffs, is a sight for sore eyes. Take your kayak and explore its many mysterious coves, caves and inslets, from Lagen Island to the dusky beaches of El Nido. We’ll even arrange for a Filipino hilot massage along the way.

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Batak tribes in the Philippines

MEET THE BATAK TRIBE

Head out early with a local guide to meet the historic Batak Tribe. Having lived in the mountains for generations, your ...

Head out early with a local guide to meet the historic Batak Tribe. Having lived in the mountains for generations, your hosts will introduce you to the people, tales of their ancestors, and the secrets of their ancient way of life. A further trip can take you along the mysterious Subway River, a vibrant ecosystem of exotic flora and fauna, like macaques and Monitor lizards.

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Biking in Bohol

REV UP ACROSS CORELLA

On this experience, you’ll explore the wildly thrilling landscapes of Corella by motorbike. Joined by a local guide, y...

On this experience, you’ll explore the wildly thrilling landscapes of Corella by motorbike. Joined by a local guide, you’ll come face to face with secret waterfalls, a tarsier sanctuary and the whale coast of Panglao Island. We can arrange lunch at the sufficiently sweet Bohol bee farm. The scent is unforgettable.

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Loboc River, Philippines

SAIL DOWN THE LAZY LOBOC RIVER

The landscapes and waterways of Bohol are famous – and for good reason. On this languorous tour, you’ll boat a h...

The landscapes and waterways of Bohol are famous – and for good reason. On this languorous tour, you’ll boat a historic boat and meander down the exotic topaz Loboc River, with a stop-off to explore the ethereal Chocolate Hills. Lunch is served on board, of course.

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Top Locations in The Philippines

Palawan, Philippines

PALAWAN

Curious ports, surreal landscapes and thrilling wildlife.

Gigantic fists of jungle-coated basalt punch up from a sea of violently bright water. This is Palawan; a long sliver of an archipelago that runs some 650 thin kilometres to the lip of Borneo. It has insanely rich wildlife, marine life, and landscapes. At its edge, the tumbling, vibrant settlements of Coron and El Nido feel like frontier-towns at the edge of a vast unknown. And we’ll introduce you to what lies beyond them.

Bohol chocolate hills

BOHOL'S CHOCOLATE HILLS

Surreal landscapes, viewing decks and UNESCO heritage.

The Chocolate Hills of Bohol – dustily brown, curiously mounded – are easily one of the most iconic sights in the Philippines. There are over 1,000 of these formations in total, seeming more like gooey truffles. At their edge lie the bustling towns of Carmen and Batuan. Expect 360 viewing decks, ancient myths and fascinating hikes.

More about the Philippines

SIARGAO

World-class surf, hidden coves and exceptional diving.

This beautiful teardrop island, located 196 kilometers southeast of Tacloban, is a haven for mariners and water-sport enthusiasts of all stripes. Thrilling surf, breathtaking dives, and an unforgettable deep-blue lagoon give it the air of a genuine and forgotten paradise. It was voted the Best Island in the World, if you need any more convincing.

Best Hotels in The Philippines

two seasons
Nay Palad Hideaway
Amorita

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What the Press Say

Voted the world’s third best specialist tour operator in the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2022Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards

Voted as one of the top 10 best tour operators in the World’s Best Awards 2023 Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards

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“Black Tomato, the people who bring you the coolest vacations you’ve ever heard of”

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“Black Tomato prides itself on meeting customers every minor need or desires”

The Daily Telegraph

“Many companies brag about offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences. But with Black Tomato it’s not hyperbole”

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