I know many of you feel daunted by the thought of planning your much-awaited Philippines holiday. Navigating from one island to another can be overwhelming.
That's why I've curated this ideal itinerary to help you experience firsthand our breathtaking natural landscapes, incredible marine biodiversity, clear blue waters, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality.
Save this for later, and don't miss out on these tips to explore the best of the Philippines!
| DAY | LOCATION | TIME | ACTIVITY |
| Day 1 | Manila | Arrival 16:00 - 19:00 |
Land in Manila, Philippines Visit Intramuros / Walk and Foodtrip at Binondo Town |
| Day 2 | Coron | 16:00 - 18:00 | ➡️✈️Manila to Coron (direct flight) Hike Tapyas & Dip @ Hotspring |
| Day 3 | 8:00 - 17:00 | Book Coron Super Ultimate Tour | |
| Day 4 | 8:00 - 12:00 16:00 - 19:00 |
Private Tour at Banul Beach Walk around the Town, Check shops, and Dip at Maquinit Hotspring |
|
| Day 5-8 | Coron to El Nido Expedition | 1st DAY 9:00 - 4th DAY 16:00 | 4D3N Coron to El Nido (BDBM) |
| Day 9 | El Nido | 9:00 - 18:00 | Beach Relaxation at Nacpan/Lio/Maremegmeg |
| Day 10 | 8:00 - 16:00 | Book El Nido's Island Hopping (Tour A with Big Lagoon Highlight) |
|
| Day 11 | San Vicente | 8:00 - 11:00 13:00 - 18:30 |
➡️🚘El Nido to San Vicente, Palawan (by van) Spend some time @ Long Beach Rent a motorbike or Hire Tutuk tour for Sunset at Bato ni Ningning |
| Day 12 | 8:00 - 17:00 | Island Hopping San Vicente with selected islands | |
| Day 13 | Cebu | 13:00 - 17:00 | ➡️✈️San Vicente to Cebu via Cebu Pacific From the Airport, travel to the South via Ceres Cebu South. Stay somewhere in Moalboal |
| Day 14 | 8:00 - 13:00 | Canyoneering & Kawasan Falls | |
| Day 15 | 8:00 - 13:00 15:00 - 19:00 |
Half-Day Private Boat to Pescador Isl. (Swim with Sardines Run) Travel back to Cebu City |
|
| Day 16 | Bohol | 7:00 - 11:00 16:00 - 19:00 |
➡️ Cebu City to Mactan via Taxi 🚢Cebu to Bohol via fast craft Stroll, Dine, and drink at Alona Beach |
| Day 17 | 8:00 - 17:00 | Book Bohol's Countryside Tour / DIY | |
| Day 18 | Siargao | 7:00 - 12:00 16:00 - 18:30 |
➡️🚢 Tagbilaran, Bohol to Cebu City via Oceanjet Fastcraft ➡️✈️Direct Flight from Mactan, Cebu, to Sayak, Siargao Unwind at Cloud 9 Beach and Boardwalk |
| Day 19 | 9:00 - 16:00 | Discover Island Hopping in Siargao | |
| Day 20 | 9:00 - 11:30 |
Take Surfing Lessons Relax |
|
| Day 21 | Manila | Departure | ➡️✈️Siargao to Manila (direct flight) |
Day 1: Arrival in the Capital (Manila)
Welcome to Manila, the gateway to your destinations in the Philippines! First things first: getting a local SIM card is essential, as Wi-Fi access is not available everywhere. You can purchase a SIM card or eSIM at the airport and select a mobile data package.
Manila is a bustling metropolis and the country's commercial heart. It is known for its constant jeepney honking and lively streets. I recommend spending just one day here to rest after your flight. Relax at your hotel, and if you have the energy and time, consider a half-day afternoon stroll through the historic streets of Intramuros, the Walled City built by the Spanish 400 years ago as one of their military and political bases.
If you have more time, head to Binondo, home to the oldest Chinatown in the world. It's a popular spot for food trips and offers tasty street food from across Asia.
Day 2: Fly direct to Coron
Time to escape the city! Take a direct flight from Manila to Busuanga Airport, which takes about an hour and a half. Follow this with a 30-minute van ride to Coron Town, where the real quest begins.
With the travel time, you'll have ample opportunity to explore Coron town and start your stay here by conquering the 721 steps to Mount Tapyas. At the top, you'll be rewarded with a 360-degree view of Coron and its nearby islands. Both locals and tourists visit here in the afternoon to jog or simply to witness the town's sensational sunset.
Day 3: Book an Island Hopping Tour in Coron ft.Super Ultimate Tour
Coron is renowned for its world-class diving spots and picturesque scenery, featuring majestic limestone cliffs where crystal-clear lakes meet the blue sea. On the third day, consider booking the Super Ultimate Island Hopping Tour. This tour combines the highlights of Tour A and B and covers Coron's best places to visit. The tour typically starts with a pickup at your accommodation between 7:30 and 8:00 AM. Sailing will start at Coron tourist harbor.
The itinerary includes dipping in the famous Kayangan Lake and capturing a photo from its iconic viewpoint, kayaking and exploring the Twin Lagoon, a lake connected by a short underwater passage between limestone cliffs, and swimming in Barracuda Lake, where you might spot divers at its deeper levels. Barracuda Lake is popular among divers because of its thermocline characteristics and of course, the chance to encounter Barracuda swimming around. The tour also features stops at Coral Garden, CYC Beach, and Atwayan Beach, where you can enjoy beach time, snorkeling, and a delicious Filipino lunch.
Day 4: Lunch at Banul Beach and Dip at Maquinit Hotspring
After a full day of activities yesterday, it's nice to enjoy some downtime at a beautiful beach. Hire a tourist boat from Coron Harbor to take you to Banul Beach, a small, pristine beach hugged by grand limestone cliffs. It's perfect for sunbathing and lunch by the sea. The earlier you set out, the better, so you can enjoy the spot before other tour groups arrive.
In the afternoon, wander to see what else Coron has to offer. You can pick up locally made souvenirs from its restaurants and shops or visit jewelry stores that showcase crafts featuring South Sea pearls, grown and cultured in Palawan's Pearl Farms.
If you're a fan of cashews, then don't miss a visit to Ate Melb's Cashew Factory. Located on Tapyas Upper Road in Coron town, this factory lets you see how freshly picked cashews are processed into tasty treats. You can also buy cashew products in various flavors, perfect for bringing a taste of Palawan home with you. Cashew products are one of Palawan's exports and are often used as key ingredients in certain dishes served in the whole province.
To conclude the day, hire a tricycle for a 20-minute ride to dip and relax in the natural saltwater hot springs in Coron. There are only a few of these saltwater hot springs found around the world, and Maquinit is one of them. It's open until 8:00 pm and is most popular around 5:30-6:00 pm, the time when most island hopping tours return to town.
Day 5 - 8: Immersive 4-Day Expedition with BDBM
For an intense and enriching experience of Palawan's beauty and its people, join the BDBM Coron to El Nido 4D3N Expedition. This expedition not only connects you to another top destination in the country (El Nido), but also introduces you to remote, hidden places that aren't part of typical daily tours. The Big Dream Boatman 4-day trip offers a slow travel experience, capturing the true essence of travel: discovering off-the-beaten-path spots, adapting to local life, enjoying plenty of snorkeling, dancing, and singing, savoring mouthwatering local dishes, and traveling with passionate locals who make the entire trip extra special. Due to this trip's unique nature, booking your spots months in advance is essential.
The expedition doesn't follow a rigid itinerary; instead, the boat captain and head tour guide choose the daily destinations and activities based on the best conditions. The group will stay in simple nipa huts each night and share meals at a communal dining table. Expect the journey to cover Coron, Culion, Linapacan, and up to the northern part of El Nido. The trip begins at 9:00 am. Meet up at Coron PPA, with sailing starting at 10:00 am. It ends on the last day at 3:00 pm at San Fernando Port, El Nido.
From the Port, you will have the chance to experience a popular local mode of transportation in the Philippines: the iconic BDBM Pinoy Jeepney will pick you up and take you on a 45-minute ride down to Villa Libertad. If your accommodation is in the center of town, there's no need to worry—tricycles are readily available to take you anywhere. Finally, check-in at your hotel and freshen up!
Day 9: Relax in El Nido
It's your first morning in El Nido Town! After a full swing of expedition trips, it's time to take a pause from snorkeling and intense activities. It is best to spend the day lazing on the beach, sunbathing, and enjoying cocktails while watching the sunset. For today, there are three main beaches you might want to explore, each accessible by renting a motorbike, hiring a private tricycle tour, or booking a private van.
- Nacpan - This 4-kilometer stretch of beach is the farthest from town. Sunny days here are perfect for sipping coconut water. The long beach makes it easy to find your own private spot.
- Lio Beach - A swift 20-minute ride from town brings you to Lio Beach, located within the Lio Estate in Villa Libertad. This beach offers everything from free sunbeds and a designated smoking area to luxury resorts, shops, bars, and a diverse selection of restaurants.
- Lastly, Maremegmeg Beach - It's recognized in El Nido that for the perfect sunset, you should head to Corong Corong. Maremegmeg is another inland beach popular with locals on weekends. It boasts nice beachfront bars and restaurants where you can enjoy live DJ sets as the sun sets.
Price Comparison
- Motorbike Rental (per day) – Php 600
- Van Hire- Php 4000
- Tricycle Hire- Php 2000
Day 10: Island Hopping in El Nido
Of course, island hopping in El Nido is a must! There are four different sets of daily island hopping tours available. For a comprehensive guide, check out [Things to Do in El Nido].
However, for today, booking Tour A would be a fantastic choice. This tour includes a visit to the breathtaking Big Lagoon, an annual contender for the most beautiful destination in the world. It runs from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and includes a packed lunch and selections of tropical fruits and drinks. Activities for this tour combine snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, sightseeing, and relaxation.
Depending on the time and your preferences, you can choose between a private or group tour. Remember that Tour A is very popular, so timing is crucial to avoid large crowds. Despite the potential crowds, the natural beauty of the destinations remains unparalleled, and the crystal-clear waters are as inviting as ever.
Day 11: Travel from El Nido to San Vicente
San Vicente, Palawan, is nestled between El Nido and Puerto Princesa. This municipality is home to the longest unspoiled white sand beach in the Philippines, stretching 14.7 kilometers. Over the years, San Vicente has gradually developed into one of the country's top destinations. Now is the perfect time to visit before potential full-scale development transforms the area. Experience its tranquil atmosphere, stunning scenery, and waves that occasionally offer good conditions for surfing.
To get there, Van transport from El Nido to San Vicente is scheduled twice daily, at 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM. The ride takes at least three hours. While there are only a handful of accommodations in San Vicente, most are conveniently located right on the beachfront along Long Beach. Take the earliest van schedule to enjoy a few hours at the beach, and later, charter a tuk-tuk to take you to Bato ni Ningning just before sunset.
Bato ni Ningning is marked by a giant boulder perched atop a hill. From this high vantage point, you'll be treated to the best panoramic view of the country's longest beach shoreline and the azure sea that meets it. The scene is perfection, with tall golden grass and palm trees in the forefront.
Day 12: San Vicente Island Day Tour
Did you know that the same island-hopping activities available in Port Barton—a barangay within San Vicente, known for its laid-back atmosphere and appeal to tourists seeking a quieter Palawan experience—can also be booked at San Vicente's jetty port, where fishing and tourist boats are typically docked? This time, choose for a tailored private day tour that only goes to the best spots.
Here's a sample Private Island Hopping Itinerary:
- Twin reef
- Turtle Sanctuary
- Inaladelan Island (German Island) best stop for lunch
- Starfish Island
- Exotic Island
- Paradise Island
Day 13: Fly out of Palawan to Cebu
San Vicente Airport currently offers direct flights to Clark, Pampanga via Sunlight Air. However, starting this October, Cebu Pacific will introduce a new direct route to Cebu City making it easier than ever to explore beyond as Cebu serves as a doorway to other Philippine destinations.
Upon arriving at Mactan Cebu International Airport, take a taxi to Cebu City's South Bus Terminal to reach Moalboal, a charming coastal village popular among tourists for its proximity to waterfalls, canyoneering, diving activities, and convenience of local tour agencies. The bus ride to Moalboal will take four hours, with multiple stops along the way. Enjoy the scenic transitions from urban landscapes to mountain ranges and, eventually, the stunning bayviews of the South.
Day 14: Canyoneering & Kawasan Falls
Thrill-seekers will love the exhilarating canyoneering adventure at Kawasan Falls. Start your day early with breakfast and prepare for an 8 AM pickup at your accommodation in Moalboal. A 45-minute transfer will bring you to the trek's starting point. Safety is paramount, so be sure to book with a reputable guide. The experience includes rock climbing, spelunking, cliff jumping, water sliding, and swimming, all expertly guided for maximum enjoyment. The entire canyoneering typically lasts around 3-4 hours, with the grand finale leading you to the breathtaking Kawasan Falls, famous for its cascading, cool blue waters.
Day 15: Dive into Moalboal
Another morning in Moalboal, but today will focus on uncovering this amazing place! Start with an island-hopping tour to Pescador Island, a half-day tour where you can swim amidst the sardine run as they move in spectacular unison underwater, snorkel with turtles, and witness thriving marine life in this protected site. Booking a private tour for this trip is a good idea, as it allows you to take your time and fully enjoy each stop before heading back to the village.
Buses around Cebu pass by every 30 minutes. Once your tour is finished, you can choose any time until 9:00 PM to return to the city and spend the night there.
Day 16: Cebu to Bohol and Chill at Panglao
The next stop is the nearby island province of Bohol, famed for its unique geological formations and home to the world's second smallest primate, the Tarsier.
How to reach Bohol? From Cebu City, take a taxi for a 5-10 minute ride to Cebu Pier 1. Head to the Passenger Terminal to purchase a ticket; fares vary depending on the class: Regular (Php 800) or Business Class (Php 1200). The travel time is approximately 2 hours, ending at Tagbilaran Port. The earliest Oceanjet departure is at 6:00 am, with subsequent departures every hour. In Bohol, staying around Panglao Island is a good choice. It's the main tourist area, offering easy access to various recreation and beaches.
How to get to Panglao? From Tagbilaran Port, take a 30-minute tricycle or taxi ride directly to Panglao. Keep in mind that taxis tend to be triple price of tricycles. One of the best ways to spend your first day in Bohol is to relax and stroll along Alona Beach. Find a good bar or restaurant where you can hang out and watch the sunset. Enjoy a cocktail by the shore and soak in the island vibes.
Day 17: Delve in Bohol's Countryside Tour
Explore Bohol's highlights by booking a full-day nature tour, starting at 8:00 am van pick-up from Panglao and ending around 4-5:00 pm. The itinerary includes
- Baclayon Church -one of the oldest Spanish churches in the country.
- Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary- quietly observe and admire the world's second-smallest primates.
- Loboc River Cruise- enjoy a buffet lunch while cruising accompanied by lively singing and folk dance performances by local artists.
- Bilar Man-Made Forest- a scenic tunnel of tall mahogany trees.
- and, finally, a view of the thousands of conical karst formations that make up the Chocolate Hills.
For an extra dose of excitement, consider adding ziplining or ATV riding to your tour.
From a different perspective, all these spots can be explored on your own by renting a motorbike and driving around—that's what we did 😉
Day 18: Travel from Bohol to Siargao via Cebu
Return to Cebu by the same route: take a ferry from Tagbilaran to Cebu Pier 1, then a taxi to Mactan Airport. From there, catch a 1-hour 15-minute direct flight to Siargao.
Siargao's laid-back atmosphere, lush landscapes, a sea of coconuts swinging, friendly locals, and excellent surfing conditions make it a magnet for visitors and become a backpackers' hotspot.
General Luna is the heart of Siargao and the most recommendable place to stay, offering a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget. Once you've checked in, enjoy a meal at one of the island's many excellent restaurants. Afterward, head to Cloud 9's famous Boardwalk just before sunset. Here, you can join other travelers and locals strolling along the boardwalk or simply watch surfers ride the waves as the sun dips below the horizon- a perfect end to your day.
Day 19: Island Hopping in Siargao
Siargao itself is a treasure trove of adventures, but why stop there? Discover even more paradise with a half-day island hopping tour. Easily arranged through your accommodation, this excursion takes you to the stunning Naked Island—a white sandbar in the middle of turquoise waters. Relax on the charming beaches of Guyam and Daku Islands, perfect for swimming and just simply beachbumming. The whole package includes lunch and a local guide and some even inludes all in drone shots and Gopro underwater footage, typically lasting around six hours and costing about PHP 1500 per person. Have fun and don't forget your sunscreen!!
Day 20. Surfing in Siargao
A trip to Siargao wouldn't be complete without playing with the waves in the country's surfing capital. Whether you're a pro or a beginner, Siargao has a spot for you. While the waves are good year-round, the best swells occur from July to November.
For beginners, there are plenty of surfing schools offering lessons starting at PHP 500 per hour, including board rental and instructor. Intermediate lessons and multiple day courses are also available.
When I took a 2-hour surfing lesson with an additional hour extension, I had so much fun riding the waves that getting knocked down repeatedly and having get back up and paddle with my hands didn't bother me at all. However, after the lesson, I was so exhausted that I ended up sleeping for hours and woke up to find it was already midnight.😄
Day 21: Return to Manila
Now it's time to wrap up and board the plane back to Manila. The flight takes about 2.5 hours, and while you're in the air, it's nice to look back at the photos and memories you've gathered. Hopefully, next time you can stay a bit longer!
This itinerary is a well-blended exploration of what Philippines can offer from different regions. I hope the suggested activities and routes will be useful to your future travels.
Until we meet again!
