Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Manila and step back in time exploring the historic walled city of Intramuros.
Morning
Arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)
Clear immigration, collect luggage, and take a Grab taxi to your hotel in Makati or Bonifacio Global City. Settle in, exchange currency, and get oriented with your new surroundings.
2-3 hours
$15-20 for taxi
Download the Grab app before arrival for easy ride-hailing.
Lunch
Café Adriatico in Malate
Classic Filipino-Spanish
Mid-range
Afternoon
Explore Intramuros with Bambike
Take a guided eco-tour on bamboo bicycles through the 16th-century walled city. Visit Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church (a UNESCO site), and Casa Manila to understand Manila's Spanish colonial past.
3 hours
$25 per person
Book the 'Eco-Tour' on Bambike's website at least a day in advance.
Evening
Dinner with a view
Have dinner at Sky Deck View Bar for panoramic city views or try authentic Filipino food at Manam Comfort Filipino in BGC.
Where to Stay Tonight
Makati or Bonifacio Global City (BGC) (Mid-range hotel like Red Planet Makati or Hotel 101 Manila)
These are safe, modern business districts with great dining and easy access to the airport for your next flight.
For a quick, delicious, and cheap snack in Intramuros, look for the 'Dirty Ice Cream' (sorbetes) carts selling unique flavors like queso (cheese) and ube (purple yam).
Day 1 Budget: $90
A day trip to see the iconic Taal Volcano followed by an evening of traditional Filipino culture.
Morning
Day Trip to Taal Volcano
Take a private van or join a tour to Tagaytay Ridge (approx. 2 hours drive). Enjoy the impressive view of Taal Volcano, the world's smallest active volcano, sitting in the middle of a lake. You can opt for a boat ride to the volcano island itself.
5-6 hours (round trip)
$40-60 for tour/transport
Book a 'Taal Volcano Day Tour' with Klook for a reliable, all-inclusive experience.
Lunch
Breakfast at Antonio's in Tagaytay
Filipino breakfast/International
Mid-range to Upscale
Afternoon
Return to Manila & Rizal Park
Return to the city and visit Rizal Park (Luneta), a historical urban park dedicated to the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. See the Chinese and Japanese Gardens within the park.
1-2 hours
Free (park entry)
Evening
Cultural Dinner Show
Attend the 'Kultura Filipino' show with buffet dinner at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) complex for a showcase of traditional dances from across the archipelago.
Where to Stay Tonight
Makati or Bonifacio Global City (BGC) (Same as previous night)
Convenient base for your last night in Manila before flying out.
In Tagaytay, skip the crowded view decks and head to Sonya's Garden for a quieter, more lush garden setting with a view, or try the famous Bulalo (beef marrow stew) at Leslie's Restaurant.
Day 2 Budget: $110
Fly to the central Visayas island of Bohol and get your first glimpse of its unique wildlife and landscapes.
Morning
Flight to Bohol (Tagbilaran Airport)
Take a morning flight from Manila (MNL) to Tagbilaran (TAG). The flight is about 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, take a tricycle or pre-arranged transfer to your accommodation in Panglao Island.
4 hours (door-to-door)
$50-80 for flight
Book flights with Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines at least a month ahead for the best fares.
Lunch
Gerarda's in Tagbilaran City
Classic Filipino
Mid-range
Afternoon
Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary
Visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella to see the world's smallest primates in a protected, natural environment. Guides will help you spot them sleeping in the trees.
1.5 hours
$5 donation
Go to the official sanctuary, not the roadside 'zoos', to support ethical conservation.
Evening
Panglao Beach Sunset & Dinner
Check into your Panglao hotel, then walk to Alona Beach for sunset. Have dinner at The Buzzz Cafe (run by the Bohol Bee Farm) for organic dishes.
Where to Stay Tonight
Panglao Island (Alona Beach area) (Beach resort like Bohol Beach Club or Alona Vida Beach Resort)
Panglao is the main tourist base with beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and easy access to tours.
Buy a local SIM card (Globe or Smart) at the Tagbilaran airport. Data is cheap and essential for navigation and booking tours via apps.
Day 3 Budget: $100
A full-day tour of Bohol's most famous natural and historical attractions.
Morning
Countryside Tour: Chocolate Hills & Loboc River
Join a tour or hire a private car to visit the iconic Chocolate Hills—over 1,200 symmetrical grass-covered limestone mounds that turn brown in summer. Stop at the viewing deck in Carmen.
2 hours (for this leg)
$25-40 for full tour
Private car hire for the day is affordable and flexible; negotiate with drivers at your hotel.
Lunch
Floating Restaurant on the Loboc River
Filipino buffet
Mid-range
Afternoon
Loboc River Cruise & Baclayon Church
Enjoy a peaceful cruise along the emerald-green Loboc River on a floating restaurant with live music. Afterwards, visit the historic Baclayon Church, one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines.
3 hours
Included in tour/lunch cruise
Evening
Relax on Alona Beach
Enjoy a casual beachfront dinner at one of the many restaurants lining Alona Beach, like Luna Rossa for Italian or Vittoria for wood-fired pizza.
Where to Stay Tonight
Panglao Island (Same as previous night)
Consistent base for exploring Bohol.
Visit the Chocolate Hills early in the morning (before 9 AM) to avoid the crowds and the intense midday heat. The light is also better for photos.
Day 4 Budget: $85
Spend the day on the water exploring the islands and marine life around Panglao.
Morning
Panglao Island Hopping Tour
Join a standard island-hopping tour from Alona Beach. Visit Balicasag Island for fantastic snorkeling with turtles over a protected marine sanctuary, and then Virgin Island for its impressive sandbar.
5-6 hours
$20-30 per person (group tour)
Book through your hotel or at the beachfront kiosks the day before. Ensure the tour includes Balicasag Island marine sanctuary fees.
Lunch
Grilled seafood lunch on the boat or at Balicasag Island
Fresh seafood
Budget to Mid-range
Afternoon
Dolphin Watching & Beach Time
The tour typically starts early with dolphin watching in the open sea. After island hopping, return to Alona Beach by mid-afternoon for some free time to relax on the sand.
Included in tour
Included
Evening
Panglao Night Market
For a local experience, take a tricycle to the Panglao Public Market in the evening for cheap, delicious street food like 'inasal' (grilled chicken) and 'balut' (for the adventurous).
Where to Stay Tonight
Panglao Island (Same as previous nights)
Last night in Bohol before heading south.
Bring your own high-quality snorkel mask if you have one. While rentals are available, the quality can be poor. Also, bring a dry bag for your phone and wallet.
Day 5 Budget: $75
Travel to Oslob for a once-in-a-lifetime swim with whale sharks, then continue to Moalboal.
Morning
Travel to Oslob & Whale Shark Interaction
Take an early van/ferry combo from Panglao to Oslob, Cebu (approx. 3-4 hours). Upon arrival, register for the whale shark (Butanding) watching/swimming activity. Briefing is mandatory before boarding a small boat to observe or snorkel with these gentle giants.
4-5 hours total (travel + activity)
$50-70 for transport + $20 for whale shark activity
Book the 'South Cebu Whale Shark + Transport' tour from Bohol via Klook for a smooth transfer.
Lunch
Local eateries near the Oslob Whale Shark area
Simple Filipino
Budget
Afternoon
Travel to Moalboal
After the whale sharks, continue your journey north by van to the beach town of Moalboal (approx. 2.5 hours). Check into your beachfront accommodation and unwind.
3 hours
Included in transport tour
Evening
Panagsama Beach Sunset
Enjoy a relaxed dinner along Panagsama Beach. Try the fresh tuna sashimi or grilled prawns at Chili Bar or Savedra Grill.
Where to Stay Tonight
Moalboal (Panagsama Beach area) (Dive resort like Quo Vadis Dive Resort or Tipolo Beach Resort)
Panagsama is the center for diving, snorkeling, and has a great laid-back vibe with plenty of dining options.
For the whale shark interaction, choose the 'snorkeling' option over just 'watching' from the boat—it's a much more immersive experience. Go on a weekday if possible to avoid the biggest crowds.
Day 6 Budget: $120
Experience Moalboal's famous sardine ball and canyoneering adventure at a impressive waterfall.
Morning
Snorkeling with the Sardine Run
Just steps from Panagsama Beach, snorkel in the incredible 'Sardine Run'—a massive, constantly moving school of millions of sardines. You can also see turtles here. Rent gear from any dive shop.
2 hours
$5-10 for gear rental
No booking needed. Just walk into the water from the beach! Best done in the morning when the water is calm.
Lunch
The Pleasure Principle Cafe in Moalboal
Healthy, International
Mid-range
Afternoon
Kawasan Falls Canyoneering
Join a canyoneering adventure to Kawasan Falls. This involves hiking, jumping, and sliding down a series of turquoise waterfalls and natural pools. The tour ends at the impressive three-tiered main falls.
4-5 hours
$25-35 per person (group tour)
Book through your hotel or a reputable tour operator in Moalboal. Ensure it includes safety gear, a guide, and lunch.
Evening
Recovery & Seafood Feast
After an active day, enjoy a hearty dinner. Try the seafood platter at Ven'z Kitchen or the pizzas at Bello's.
Where to Stay Tonight
Moalboal (Same as previous night)
Good base for Moalboal's activities.
For Kawasan Falls, wear secure water shoes (not flip-flops) and bring a waterproof phone case. You can rent a GoPro from tour operators. Avoid weekends when it's very crowded.
Day 7 Budget: $90
Fly to Puerto Princesa, the capital of
Palawan, and prepare for the underground river adventure.
Morning
Travel to Cebu Airport & Fly to Puerto Princesa
Take a van from Moalboal to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) (approx. 3 hours). Catch an afternoon flight to Puerto Princesa (PPS) in
Palawan (about 1 hour). Transfer to your city hotel.
6-7 hours (door-to-door)
$60-90 for flight + $15 for van
Book flights from Cebu to Puerto Princesa with AirSwift or Philippine Airlines. Consider an afternoon flight to avoid a super early start.
Lunch
Airport or quick stop en route to Cebu airport
Fast food/Quick bite
Budget
Afternoon
Relax & Puerto Princesa Baywalk
Check into your hotel and relax after travel. In the late afternoon, take a tricycle to the Baywalk for a leisurely stroll along the waterfront as the sun sets.
1-2 hours
Free
Evening
Seafood Dinner at Kinabuchs Grill
Head to Kinabuchs Grill, a legendary local institution, for a massive seafood platter. Try the 'tamilok' (woodworm) if you're feeling brave!
Where to Stay Tonight
Puerto Princesa City Center (City hotel like Go Hotels Puerto Princesa or Princesa Garden Island Resort)
Convenient for starting the Underground River tour early tomorrow and accessing the airport/bus station.
In Puerto Princesa, visit the
Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (Crocodile Farm) if you have extra time. It's a well-run conservation facility.
Day 8 Budget: $110
Full-day tour to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and New7Wonders of Nature.
Morning
Underground River Tour Departure
An early pick-up for the 2-hour drive north to Sabang. Register at the visitor center, then take a short paddle boat ride to the cave entrance. Explore the navigable underground river on a guided boat tour, marveling at limestone formations and bats.
3-4 hours (at the site)
$35-50 (tour inclusive of permits, transport, lunch)
Booking in advance is MANDATORY due to daily visitor limits. Book through the official website or a reputable tour operator in Puerto Princesa.
Lunch
Buffet lunch included in the tour at Sabang
Filipino buffet
Included
Afternoon
Optional Zip-line or Sabang Beach
After the cave tour, you can try the zip-line over the jungle canopy or simply relax on the beautiful Sabang Beach before the drive back to Puerto Princesa.
1-2 hours
$10 for zip-line
Evening
Low-key Evening in the City
Have a casual dinner at KaLui Restaurant, famous for its fresh seafood and beautiful native-style ambiance (reservations recommended).
Where to Stay Tonight
Puerto Princesa City Center (Same as previous night)
Last night in Puerto Princesa before moving north.
Wear mosquito repellent for the jungle areas around Sabang. For the cave tour, the audio guide is informative, but the boatmen often give fun, improvised commentary—a small tip is appreciated.
Day 9 Budget: $80
Travel overland to El Nido, enjoying the impressive rural and coastal scenery of northern
Palawan.
Morning
Van Transfer to El Nido
Take a shared or private van on the 5-6 hour journey north to El Nido. The road winds through beautiful landscapes of mountains, rice fields, and remote villages, with a stop at a viewpoint overlooking Bacuit Bay.
6-7 hours (with stops)
$15-20 for shared van, $80+ for private
Book your van transfer through your hotel. Shared vans leave at set times; private gives more flexibility for photo stops.
Lunch
Stop at Rovic's or a roadside 'carinderia' in Roxas
Local Filipino
Budget
Afternoon
Arrival in El Nido & Settle In
Arrive in El Nido town, check into your beachfront or hillside accommodation. Take a walk along the main beach to get your first glimpse of the iconic limestone karsts.
1-2 hours
Free
Evening
Sunset at Las Cabanas Beach
Take a tricycle to Las Cabanas Beach for one of
Palawan's best sunsets. Enjoy drinks at Sunset Bar or dinner at The Beach Shack.
Where to Stay Tonight
El Nido Town (Corong-Corong or Las Cabanas area) (Beachfront inn like El Nido Sands Inn or mid-range resort like Mahogany Resort & Spa)
Easy access to the town pier for island-hopping tours and a wide range of restaurants.
Sit on the right side of the van (when facing forward) for the best coastal views during the journey from Puerto Princesa to El Nido.
Day 10 Budget: $70
Experience the classic El Nido Tour A, visiting impressive lagoons, secret beaches, and snorkeling spots.
Morning
Tour A: Small Lagoon & Secret Lagoon
Board a traditional outrigger boat (bangka) from El Nido pier. First stop is the Small Lagoon, where you can kayak or swim through a narrow opening into a hidden emerald pool. Then visit the Secret Lagoon, accessed through a small hole in a rock wall.
Full day tour (8 AM - 4 PM)
$25-30 per person (group tour + environmental fee)
Book through your hotel or a reputable tour operator the day before. Tours A, B, C, and D are standardized. Start with Tour A.
Lunch
Grilled fish, pork, and rice lunch on the boat or at Shimizu Island
Filipino BBQ
Included in tour
Afternoon
Seven Commando Beach & Snorkeling
After lunch, snorkel at the energetic coral gardens near Shimizu Island. The final stop is Seven Commando Beach, a perfect stretch of white sand with palm trees, ideal for relaxing and swimming.
Included in tour
Included
Evening
El Nido Town Night Market
Explore the hectic night market near the town plaza for cheap, delicious street food like 'isaw' (grilled chicken intestines), skewers, and fresh fruit shakes.
Where to Stay Tonight
El Nido Town (Same as previous night)
Convenient for island-hopping departures.
Rent a waterproof action camera from your tour operator or bring your own. The scenery is unreal. Also, bring a small dry bag for your essentials on the boat.
Day 11 Budget: $75
Another day of island great destination, this time exploring hidden beaches, a shrine, and more dramatic landscapes on Tour C.
Morning
Tour C: Hidden Beach & Matinloc Shrine
Tour C visits more remote sites. Explore Hidden Beach, tucked away behind rock formations. Visit the abandoned Matinloc Shrine on its own private island, offering panoramic views.
Full day tour
$25-30 per person + environmental fee
Book the day before. Tour C is often considered the most scenic but also involves longer boat rides.
Lunch
Picnic lunch on a secluded beach like Talisay Beach
Filipino BBQ
Included in tour
Afternoon
Helicopter Island & Star Beach
Snorkel in the clear waters around Helicopter Island (Dilumacad Island), named for its shape. Enjoy more beach time at Star Beach (Secret Beach) before heading back.
Included in tour
Included
Evening
Splurge on a nice dinner with a view. Try the Italian food at Altrove or the fresh seafood at Artcafe, a local institution with live music.
Where to Stay Tonight
El Nido Town (Same as previous nights)
Last night in the great destination of El Nido.
For a less crowded experience on Tour C, ask your boatman if you can be one of the first to visit Hidden Beach or Matinloc Shrine. They often follow a set route, but early birds get the place to themselves.
Day 12 Budget: $80
A relaxing day on one of
Palawan's most beautiful twin beaches, away from the tour boat crowds.
Morning
Tricycle Ride to Nacpan Beach
Take a 45-minute tricycle ride through rural villages to the impressive 4-kilometer long Nacpan Beach. It's a twin beach connected to Calitang Beach by a narrow sand strip, offering dramatic views.
Full day (choose your own time)
$10-15 round trip for tricycle
Hire a tricycle for a round trip, agreeing on a pick-up time. They will wait for you at the beach.
Lunch
Mad Monkey Hostel Beachfront Restaurant at Nacpan
International/Bar food
Mid-range
Afternoon
Beach Relaxation & Calitang Beach Walk
Spend the afternoon swimming in the calm waters, sunbathing on the golden sand, reading a book, or taking the short hike up the hill between Nacpan and Calitang for an incredible panoramic view.
3-4 hours
Free
Evening
Final Sunset at Marimegmeg Beach
Return to town and head to Marimegmeg Beach (Las Cabanas) for your final epic
Palawan sunset. Enjoy a cocktail at the Sip & Sunset bar.
Where to Stay Tonight
El Nido Town (Same as previous nights)
Convenient for your departure tomorrow.
Buy fresh coconuts (buko) from the local vendors at Nacpan Beach. They'll chop it open for you to drink the water, and then slice it so you can eat the soft meat—the perfect tropical refreshment.
Day 13 Budget: $60
Travel back to Manila for your international flight home, filled with memories of island great destination.
Morning
Flight from El Nido to Manila
Take a morning flight from El Nido (ENI) airport to Manila (MNL). The airport is small and close to town, but allow time for check-in. The flight is about 1.5 hours.
4-5 hours (hotel to Manila hotel/airport)
$100-150 for flight
Book flights on AirSwift, the main airline serving El Nido. Flights are limited, so book this leg well in advance.
Lunch
At Manila Airport or nearby mall
Various
Mid-range
Afternoon
Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping
If you have a long layover, you can visit a mall near the airport like Newport Mall or Mall of Asia for last-minute souvenir shopping (e.g., dried mangoes, pearl jewelry, handicrafts).
1-2 hours
Variable
Evening
Departure from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)
Check in for your international flight, relax in the lounge if available, and reflect on an amazing two-week Philippine adventure.
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (In transit) (N/A)
Departure day.
If your international flight is late at night, consider booking a day room at a hotel near the airport, like the Belmont Hotel Manila, to shower, rest, and store luggage before your flight.
Day 14 Budget: $130