AACI’s Kosher Philippines & Singapore
December 14-23, 2026 or to December 27, 2026 – SAMPLE ITINERARY (Subject to change)
ThePhilippines
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Philippines, crowned with a stylish extension to Singapore, where natural beauty, vibrant culture, and moving history intertwine. From the dynamic energy of Manila—with its historic Intramuros, bustling markets, and meaningful encounters with the local Jewish community and the remarkable World War II story of Filipino bravery and Jewish refuge—to the breathtaking lagoons and limestone cliffs of El Nido, a true tropical paradise, and onward to Bohol, home to the iconic Chocolate Hills, pristine beaches, and close encounters with unique wildlife. Along the way, we will explore the deep and often untold bond between the Filipino and Jewish peoples during the Second World War, a legacy of courage, compassion, and shared humanity—making this not just a trip, but a powerful and inspiring experience.
The Philippines and Singapore.
Day 1 Monday December 14th 2026 – Manila
Your arrival in Manila will be early in the morning . Meet our guide and welcoming staff.
Transfer to the Synagogue for Shacharit
We will have brunch at the synagogue before we leave for our day tour of Manila
Visit the American Battle Monument (American Cemetery) – Taguig containing the graves of 17,191 soldiers most of whom lost their lives in operations in New Guinea and the Philippines. We will locate the tomb stones with a “Magen David” symbol, indicating that a Jewish soldier is buried underneath.
Next on the itinerary is Intramuros, the oldest district and historic core of Manila also often referred to as the Walled City. with Fort Santiago, a citadel first built by Spanish conquistador, Miguel López de Legazpi.
Visit Rizal Park & Monument, watch the San Agustin Church’s magnificent Façade, the exterior of Manila Cathedral and The Dungeons.
Check in at the hotel –The Peninsula Hotel
7:00 pm Dinner at the synagogue’s restaurant.
Day 2 – Tuesday Devember 15th 2026 – Mt. Pinatubo
Shacharit (7:00 am) and breakfast at the hotel
Today, we will get wet while “shooting the rapids”. Please wear water-friendly clothing (or swimwear underneath) and water-friendly footwear (see pictures). Bring a change of clothes and shoes. (Towel included at Pagsanjan)
8:30 AM Depart to Pagsanjan (2.5 hours) for a whole day tour
Upon arrival, ride a “bangka” (dugout canoe ) upstream to reach the magnificent Pagsanjan Falls. Locals call the boat trip to Pagsanjan “Shooting the Rapids” which involves two skilled and accredited boatmen paddling upstream on a wooden or fiberglass canoe until you reach the falls. The return boat trip to town is the more thrilling downstream ride, through fourteen rapids.
Enjoy a panoramic view of other minor falls, lush vegetation and unique rock formations along the way. The boat ride has been an attraction since the Spanish colonial era, with the oldest surviving written account dating to 1894.
Break for lunch (boxed)
Travel back to Manila for dinner at the Synagogue’s restaurant. (appr. 6:00 PM)
In the evening enjoy the Okada Dancing Fountains.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pIsUoso5NM
Overnight at Peninsula hotel in Manila
The Philippines and Singapore
Day 3 – Wednesday December 16th 2026 – Mt. Pinatubo
6:30 AM Shacharit and breakfast at the hotel.
You should bring comfortable clothes, swimwear plus a change of clothes. We recommend closed, non-slippery shoes and water-friendly shoes. Today we will experience bathing in hot springs, a sand bath, and applying wet ash to the face or to the feet.
8:00 AM departure to Clark. Continue by road to Sapang Bato region (2 hrs) – home to volcanic Mt Pinatubo and the Punning Hot Springs.
Here we go on an exciting 4WD jeep ride in a thrilling and bumpy experience in the rugged terrain of Mt Pinatubo area, to the Puning hot springs with spectacular views of what’s left behind by Mt. Pinatubo’s catastrophic eruption. Stunning rock formations, eruption debris, and canyons formed from mudflows. Our first stop is at the volcanic sand spa, where your body will be covered in warm sand (known to alleviate muscle pain), with an option for a facial or feet mud pack treatment.
From here we continue our 4X4 ride through Pinatubo’s rugged landscape to Puning Hot Spring Resort, built right on the lahar along the foothills of the volcano. Stone steps lead to numerous pools of spring water heated naturally by the molten rocks. Enjoy the therapeutic effects of soaking your body in the warm waters and feel your body aches fade away.
Afterwards, we hop back on the 4×4 to go back to the station where we join our bus.
Packed lunch by the Jewish Community
Back to Manila.
8:00 pm Dinner at the Synagogue’s restaurant.
Overnight at Peninsula hotel in Manila
The Philippines and Singapore
Day 4 – Thursday December 17th 2026 – Bohol
After prayers and breakfast we will fly to Bohol (9:30 am or 1:35 pm), a tranquil island province in the central Philippines, located in the Visayas region, just southeast of Cebu. It is characterized by a relaxed pace of life, a strong sense of local tradition, and a landscape shaped by rolling hills, rivers, farmland, and a long coastline.
Upon arrival depart to the Tarsier Sanctuary in Bilar to view the world’s smallest primates up close. These tiny primates, that are about 3-6 inches tall and weigh around 100-150 grams, are known for their enormous eyes (each eye is as big as their brain!) and their ability to rotate their heads almost 180 degrees.
We will observe them clinging to tree branches or nestled in foliage during the day, as they are nocturnal creatures.
The sanctuary is a lush, forested area that mimics the tarsier’s natural environment, ensuring they are comfortable and undisturbed.
If time permits, we will continue to have a scenery cruise on the Loboc River
Check in into the resort to enjoy it’s facilities
Dinner at the resort.
The Philippines and Singapore
Day 5 – Friday December 18th 2026 – Bohol
Shacharit and breakfast at the resort.
Drive through the man-made forest to the Chocolate hills. The forest is a stunning 2-kilometer stretch of densely planted mahogany trees, which was planted in the 1960s as part of a reforestation project to address deforestation in the area. The trees are uniformly tall, with thick canopies that block much of the sunlight, creating a cool and shadowy atmosphere. The symmetry of the trees and the dappled light create a magical, almost surreal experience.
The Chocolate Hills consist of over 1,200 to 1,700 cone-shaped hills of similar size, spread over more than 50 square kilometers. They are nearly symmetrical and resemble large chocolate mounds, especially during the dry season.
Here we climb easy 220 stairs to the viewing deck of the area.
Back to the hotel. Preparations for Shabbat
Candle lighting: 5:10 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat and seudat Shabbat at the resort
(catered by the Chabad)
The Philippines and Singapore
Day 6 – Shabbat December 19th 2026 – Bohol
Enjoy the Shabbat at the Belleview Resort
Coffee and cake will be served from 8:00 am
Tfilot, seudot, lectures and activities
Rest and Relaxation in your private room in the luxury island getaway fronting a private beach.
6:10 pm Motzaei Shabbat:
Enjoy a Philippine culture show
The Philippines and Singapore
Day 7 – Sunday December 20th 2026 – El Nido
Today we will fly to El Nido
After Davening and breakfast we will check out of the hotel to catch our flight to Manila
We will visit the National Museum of Anthropology or the National Museum of Natural History
Lunch at the synagogue’s restaurant
Continue to our flight to El Nido
(*) There may be a direct flight from Bohol to El Nido. In that case, we will fly in the morning and add activities in El Nido after arrival.
Dinner at the resort
The Philippines and Singapore
Day 8 – Monday, December 21st 2026 – El Nido
El Nido is known for its beautiful powdery white sand beaches and limestone rock formations. The in- between of all these are its’ lagoons. Today we are off to our discovery tour of El Nido, on our private boats.
7:30 am Shacharit followed by breakfast
9:00 we will sail off on route, covering the number-one desired destinations on the island – the beautiful lagoons and beaches, the stunning snorkeling spots and kayaking. This island-hopping tour offers a serene experience in Palawan, perfect for those seeking tranquility and fewer crowds. This El Nido tour takes you to some of the most peaceful and beautiful spots in El Nido, including Helicopter Island, Small Lagoon, Cadlao Lagoon, and Paradise Beach.
We sail on a traditional outrigger boat, known locally as a Banka. We will visit 3-4 destinations, depending on the weather and wind, each offering unique attractions and activities. (Helicopter island, Paradise Beach, Small Lagoon, Natnat beach)
Small Lagoon: Enjoy the calm, crystal-clear waters of Small Lagoon. Perfect for kayaking and swimming, this spot offers a peaceful environment surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.
Paradise Beach: True to its name, Paradise Beach offers white sandy shores and clear blue waters. It’s an ideal spot for sunbathing and swimming, away from the crowds.
Natnat Beach: This secluded beach is perfect for those looking to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Palawan. The serene atmosphere makes it a great place to relax and take in the scenery.
Lunch will be served at one of the beaches
Dinner at the resort
The Philippines and Singapore
Day 9 – Tuesday December 22nd 2026 – Manila
Shacharit and breakfast at the hotel
Enjoy the resort, take Yoga and Zumba lessons
Transfer to the airport for our flight to Manila
Free time for visitations or shopping
Dinner at Synagogue’s restaurant
Overnight at the Peninsula Hotel in Manila
The Philippines and Singapore
Day 10 – Wednesday December 23rd 2026
Transfer to the airport for thr flught home.
SINGAPORE EXTENSION
Check out, and drive to the airport
7:40 AM Fly to Singapore, arrival 11:20 AM
Upon arrival from in Changi Airport Singapore, you will be greeted by your tourist guide.
Drive to mt. Faber, enjoy a breathtaking view of the Island of Sentosa and the Kepple Harbor before taking the cable car.
Drive to Ft. Siloso located on Sentosa Island known as Pulau Blakang Mati (the island beyond death in Malay) this is the only remaining fort built as part of the 11 forts constructed by the British as part of the coastal defense strategy against the Japanese before WWII, offering a glimpse into its WWII history through interactive exhibits and tours.
We will continue to the recently opened Oceanarium, one of the world’s largest aquariums, home to more than 100,000 marine animals representing 1,000 species across more than 40 diverse habitats.
We will have dinner at AWAFI kosher restaurnet
Check in into InterContinantal Hotel 5*
Important: Our hotel is located 10 minute walk from the Shul “Magen Avot” where they have daily minyanim
The Philippines and Singapore
Day 11 – Thursday December 24th 2026 – Singapore
7:30 am drive to Chessed El synagogue for Shacharit and breakfast
(There will be two bus departures for davening and for those who wish to come just for breakfast.)
9:00 am meet the rabbi and Jewish community of Chessed El and learn about this magnificent building which was completed in 1905 and served as a private synagogue of Sir Menashe Meyer.
10:00 Drive to the National Gallery
Visit the City Hall and former Supreme Court colonial buildings, now the National Gallery of Singapore where we will learn about the history and architecture of those magnificent buildings and enjoy a panoramic view from the City Hall rooftop.
Walk to the colonial area where we will see some iconic buildings such as the Queen Victoria memorial hall and Singapore’s’ first Parliament House. As we approach the to the Singapore River, we will see Raffles landing site.
Drive via the old Jewish quarter known as the “Mahala” where the many working class Baghdadi Jews who had settled in Singapore around the turn of the twentieth century, called home, a Jewish Quarter where you will see the Isaac Ellison building built in 1928 and the David Elias building built in 1924.
We will drive to the Gardens by the Bay and enjoy the flower dome and the cloud forest.
We will have lunch at the gardens.
Then we will continue to the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel designed by the famous Israeli Canadian architect Mr. Moshe Safdi. We will take the lift to level 56 and enjoy a panoramic view from the Sky Park.
Transfer to the Kosher chef fusion restaurant Ani-ba for our dinner. Enjoy the cuisine of Israeli chef Meir Adoni, who has opened restaurants in multiple cities around the world.
After dinner we will drive to the Gardens by the Bay
Rapsody sound and light show begins at 8:45 pm at the Supper trees.
Overnight at the InterContinantal Hotel
The Philippines and Singapore
Day 12 – Friday December 25th 2026 – Singapore
7:30 am Shacharit and breakfast at “Maghein Aboth” shul (Jacob Balas Building)
(There will be two bus departures for davening and for those who wish to come just for breakfast.)
visit the Jews of Singapore Museum and learn about the founding fathers of the local Jewish community and the Maghain Aboth Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in Southeast Asia constructed in 1878.
We will drive to the SINGAPORE FLYER
Enter through the Time Capsule showcasing landmarks and historical events in Singapore before we take a ride in the Ferris Wheel, one of the largest in the world offering a magnificent view of the Marina Bay.
Then we will visit Chinatown , Telok Ayer street and the first Chinese temple.
Discover the vibrant heart of Singapore’s Chinese culture, a bustling enclave within the Outram district, known for its rich history, colorful streets, diverse culinary offerings and the wall murals. Chinatown is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience at the Singapore street art scene. we will see the Thian Hock Keng Tempel, oldest temple in Singapore built in 1938 by Hokkian Chinese migrants who arrived from South China in search for work. After surviving the long journey, they gave thanks to the goddess of the sea Mazu.
We will see the Cantonese Opera House and the Opium Den.
Then we will visit the URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority) City Gallery and view the 3D model of Singapore that offers a detailed representation of the city’s central precincts, including the Central Business District (CBD) and surrounding areas. This model is a useful tool for understanding urban planning initiatives, architectural developments, and future projects in Singapore’s core city area. It provides us with a visual insight into the city’s growth and transformation over the years
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjgtvuFhKGI
Back to our hotel Preparations for Shabbat
Candle lighting 6:42 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat at Maghain Avot Synagogue
Seudah at AWAFI restaurant
Overnight at The InterContinental Hotel
The Philippines and Singapore
Day 13 – Shabbat December 26th 2025 – Singapore
Tfilot Shabbat at the Singapore Shul
Seudot Shabbat at AWAFI reataurant
Activities and lectures at the Jewish community
A detailed itinerary will be announced
Motzaei Shabbat: 7:30 pm
Then we will take an amazing boat ride on a private boat along the Singapore river. Its bumboats have become the icon of our river to visitors and locals alike.Visit the night market
Overnight at InterContinental Hotel
The Philippines and Singapore
- Day 14 – Sunday December 27th 2025 – flight home
After Shacharit and breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home
The Philippines and Singapore 17
INCLUDED IN THE TOUR
Accommodation 9 or 13 nights at 4.5* or 5* hotels
Entrance Fees to all sites, Programs, boat rides and activities as per itinerary
3 domestic flights and 1 international flight to Singapore (for those who take the option)
Kosher full board with packed lunches (made by Chabad, the Jewish community or the hotels where available) or self made sandwiches by the passengers
Tips to drivers, local guides, hotel & restaurant staff
English speaking local guides
Israeli guide and tips for the Israeli guide
Unlimited water every day
Whispers (ear pieces)
NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR
Air fare from USA and back.
Medical Insurance travel insurance or Insurance of any kind.
Passport or visa fees
Personal expenses of any kind such as laundry, room service bills, internet, cables and telephone calls
Additional meals
Any item not mentioned under “included in tour price”
The Philippines and Singapore
Prices to be announced.