14 Days in Philippines
Trip Overview
This 14-day Philippines itinerary takes you through the archipelago's most impressive highlights, balancing cosmopolitan Manila with excellent island destinations. You'll explore the walled colonial city of Intramuros, chase powder-white beaches and turquoise lagoons in El Nido, dive into the crystal-clear waters of Coron, catch waves off the coconut-palm shores of Siargao, and marvel at Bohol's alien Chocolate Hills. Philippines food is a highlight throughout, from Manila street food to fresh Palawan seafood grilled on the beach. The pace is moderate, moving every two to three days, so you get depth without exhaustion. Whether this is your first time experiencing the Philippines or a return visit going deeper, this route is designed to show you why the Philippines consistently tops global beach and adventure travel lists. Pack light, bring reef-safe sunscreen, and prepare for some of the friendliest people on the planet.
Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
$80-160 per day (excluding inter-island flights)
Best Seasons
November through May during the dry season; December is excellent for most regions. Siargao peaks for surf from August to November. Avoid June, October for Visayas due to typhoon risk.
Ideal For
First-time visitors to the Philippines, Beach lovers, Adventure seekers, Divers and snorkelers, Foodies, Budget-conscious travelers willing to splurge on experiences
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A complete plan for every day of your trip
Touch down in Manila, settle into Makati or BGC, and ease into Philippine life with street food exploration and a sunset rooftop drink.
Morning
Arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport & transfer to hotel
Fly into NAIA and take a Grab (the local ride-hailing app) to your accommodation in Makati or Bonifacio Global City. Avoid metered taxis outside arrivals, Grab is safer and price-fixed. Check in, freshen up, and grab a late breakfast at a local kape (coffee shop) serving pan de sal with kesong puti and barako coffee, the bold Philippine brew.
Book accommodation at least two weeks ahead; Makati's Poblacion neighborhood offers excellent mid-range options near great restaurants.
Lunch
Manam Comfort Filipino, BGC or Greenbelt
Afternoon
BGC Street Art Walk and Bonifacio High Street
Bonifacio Global City is Manila's most walkable district and a great gentle introduction to the city. Wander the open-air Bonifacio High Street, admire the murals along 9th Avenue and Market! Market!, and browse the weekend markets if visiting Friday through Sunday. The art installations and murals here represent some of the finest street art in Southeast Asia and make for excellent photography.
Evening
Dinner and rooftop drinks in BGC
Dinner at Wholesome Table or Your Local for Filipino-inspired modern cuisine. Follow with drinks at Agimat Foraging Bar and Café in Poblacion, Makati, a craft cocktail bar using native Philippine ingredients like calamansi, kamias, and ampalaya. The bar is a living introduction to Philippine ingredients.
Where to Stay Tonight
Bonifacio Global City or Makati (Poblacion) (Mid-range boutique hotel or serviced apartment (e.g., Acacia Hotel Manila or Z Hostel for budget travelers))
BGC and Makati are the safest, cleanest, and most transport-connected neighborhoods for first-night Manila stays, with excellent restaurant access.
See all Philippines accommodation options →Download Grab before landing, it works immediately with a Philippine SIM or roaming data and will save you from airport taxi hassles throughout your Philippines trip.
Day 1 Budget: $80-120 (hotel, meals, transport, drinks)
2
Intramuros, Rizal Park & the Soul of Old Manila
Intramuros and Rizal Park, Manila
Spend a full day in historic Manila, exploring the 16th-century walled city of Intramuros, Fort Santiago, and the grand Rizal Park along Manila Bay.
Morning
Intramuros Walking Tour and Fort Santiago
Take a Grab to Intramuros, the Spanish colonial walled city built in 1571. Join the free Carlos Celdran-inspired walking tour (now led by Ivan Man Dy or licensed city guides) or rent a bamboo bicycle at the gates. Visit Fort Santiago, where national hero José Rizal was imprisoned before his execution, his footprint trail and final poem are preserved in the shrine. The stone bastions, cobblestone streets, and San Agustin Church (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) are moving.
Walking tours depart most mornings. Book through Intramuros Administration or Viator for guided options.
Lunch
Barbara's Heritage Restaurant inside Intramuros
Afternoon
San Agustin Museum and Rizal Park
After lunch, explore San Agustin Church's museum, housing the finest collection of religious artifacts, antique vestments, and colonial paintings in the Philippines. Then walk south to Rizal Park, the 60-hectare green lung of Manila where Rizal's execution site and monument stand. The Japanese Garden and Chinese Garden within the park are quiet refuges. Stay for the afternoon light on Manila Bay.
Evening
Sunset at Mall of Asia Bay Area and dinner at Dampa
Head to the SM Mall of Asia seawall for Manila Bay's famous sunsets, among the most spectacular in Southeast Asia. Then take dinner at the Dampa Seaside Market in Macapagal Boulevard: choose your fresh seafood (crab, shrimp, lapu-lapu fish) from the market stalls and have it cooked to order in your preferred style, sinigang, garlic butter, or sinugba (grilled).
Where to Stay Tonight
Makati or BGC (Same hotel as Day 1)
No need to move, keeping a Manila base for two nights is efficient before the island-hopping portion begins.
See all Philippines accommodation options →The best photographs of Intramuros are taken in the early morning before tour groups arrive. If you can be at Fort Santiago gates by 8am, you'll have the cobblestones largely to yourself.
Day 2 Budget: $60-90 (entry fees, meals, transport)
3
Manila Street Food Crawl & Fly to El Nido
Manila → El Nido, Palawan
A morning food crawl through Quiapo and Binondo before catching an afternoon flight to El Nido for your first taste of Palawan's legendary beaches.
Morning
Binondo Chinatown Food Crawl
Binondo is the world's oldest Chinatown, established in 1594. Join a food walking tour or go independently: start with pan de sal and hot tsokolate at a panaderia, then work through kikiam, pork siomai, arroz caldo, and the famous hopia (flaky bean-paste pastry) from Eng Bee Tin. Cross to Quiapo market for fresh lumpia and street-side kwek-kwek (battered quail eggs). This is the most authentic Philippines food experience in the capital.
Chinatown Food Tour by Ivan Man Dy is highly recommended, book through Viator at least 3 days ahead.
Lunch
Lan Zhou La Mien (hand-pulled noodles) in Binondo, or a quick meal at the airport
Afternoon
Fly to El Nido, Palawan
Take a Grab to NAIA and fly to El Nido Airport (ENI), flights are operated by AirSwift exclusively and take about 75 minutes. On arrival, arrange a tricycle or van transfer to your resort on Corong-Corong Beach. El Nido in the late afternoon light is impressive, limestone karsts rising from turquoise water, fishing boats in the bay. Take a short walk along the main beach to orient yourself and watch the sun drop behind the Bacuit Archipelago.
AirSwift flights to El Nido sell out weeks ahead, November through April. Book as soon as your trip dates are confirmed.
Evening
Dinner in El Nido town
Walk the main beachfront strip of El Nido town. Dinner at Altrove Ristorante for wood-fired pizza using local ingredients, or Republica Sunset Bar for grilled fresh fish with a panoramic bay view. Try the local Palawan craft beers.
Where to Stay Tonight
El Nido town or Corong-Corong Beach (Mid-range beachfront guesthouse (e.g., Matinloc Resort's town property, or Frangipani El Nido for budget-mid range))
Corong-Corong is quieter than the main strip but still close enough to town for easy access to tour operators and restaurants.
See all Philippines accommodation options →Book your El Nido island hopping tours (Tour A, B, C, or D) the moment you arrive, they fill up fast during peak season. Tour An is the classic; Tour C covers the most dramatic lagoons.
Day 3 Budget: $130-200 (flight is the major cost. Accommodation and food in El Nido are affordable)
4
El Nido Island Hopping, Lagoons & Secret Beaches
Bacuit Archipelago, El Nido, Palawan
A full day on a traditional bangka boat exploring the Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Beach, and Shimizu Island, some of the finest Philippines beaches on Earth.
Morning
Island Hopping Tour C, Helicopter Island and Hidden Beach
Tour C is widely considered El Nido's most scenic route. Your bancka (outrigger boat) departs around 9am. First stop is Helicopter Island, named for its shape from above, snorkel the lively reef on the east side where sea turtles are frequently spotted. Second stop is Hidden Beach, a sand strip only accessible through a narrow rock passage, you swim through and emerge into an enclosed cove of impossibly clear water surrounded by karst walls.
Book Tour C with a reputable operator like Tao Philippines or directly through your guesthouse. Avoid the cheapest tours, boat condition and guide quality vary enormously.
Lunch
Beach BBQ lunch included with tour, grilled fresh fish, rice, and local vegetables served on a white-sand island
Afternoon
Matinloc Shrine and Secret Lagoon
After lunch, the tour continues to Matinloc Island's hilltop shrine, a short but steep climb rewarded with a panoramic view over the entire Bacuit Archipelago that is simply one of the most beautiful vistas in Southeast Asia. The final stop is Secret Lagoon, a cave-entrance lagoon where you wade through a low passage at low tide to discover a pristine enclosed lagoon with white sand and kaleidoscopic fish.
Evening
Sunset cocktails and fresh seafood dinner
Head to Amakan bar on the beachfront for El Nido's best sunset view with a cold San Miguel. Dinner at El Nido Boutique and Art Café for banana blossom salad, kare-kare (oxtail stew), and excellent calamansi juice. This is classic Philippines food at its finest.
Where to Stay Tonight
El Nido town (Same as Day 3)
Staying put in El Nido for two nights avoids unnecessary packing and lets you maximize time on the water.
See all Philippines accommodation options →Bring biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreen, regular sunscreen is banned in El Nido's marine protected areas and rangers do check. Palawan's waters are pristine because locals and visitors take this seriously.
Day 4 Budget: $50-80 (tour, meals, accommodation )
5
El Nido's Big and Small Lagoons
Bacuit Archipelago, El Nido, Palawan
The well-known Tour A takes you through El Nido's two lagoons, pristine coral gardens, and Payong-Payong Beach, the itinerary's most photographed day.
Morning
Island Hopping Tour A, Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon
Tour An is El Nido's signature experience and one of the most photographed places in the Philippines. The Big Lagoon is entered by kayak, you paddle beneath limestone cliffs into a vast jade-green enclosed bay. The Small Lagoon requires swimming through a tight gap in the rock and opens into an intimate turquoise pool surrounded by 200-metre sheer karst walls. Bring an underwater camera, the snorkeling around Shimizu Island en route is some of Palawan's best.
Request a spot on a smaller boat (8-10 people), it costs slightly more but the experience is vastly better than the packed 20-person tours.
Lunch
Beach BBQ on Payong-Payong Beach, included with tour
Afternoon
Seven Commandos Beach and free snorkeling time
Seven Commandos Beach is a postcard-perfect stretch of white sand backed by coconut palms, named for seven guerrilla fighters who sheltered here during World War II. The afternoon free time on this beach, with its shallow, crystal-clear water, is idyllic. Bring a book, snorkel the nearby reef, or simply float. This is the Philippines at its unhurried, paradisiacal best.
Evening
Final El Nido evening, night market and fresh seafood
The El Nido Public Market comes alive at dusk with vendors selling grilled squid, isaw (chicken intestine skewers), and fresh oysters. Have a final beachside dinner at Lolo Nonoy's for their garlic butter crab, a Palawan specialty, and toast the end of an extraordinary two days in the Bacuit Archipelago.
Where to Stay Tonight
El Nido town (Same accommodation)
Final night before the ferry to Coron.
See all Philippines accommodation options →Pack your bags tonight, tomorrow's ferry to Coron leaves early. Leave your valuables at the hotel reception safe rather than in room storage.
Day 5 Budget: $50-80 (tour, meals, accommodation )
6
El Nido to Coron, The Palawan Ferry Route
El Nido to Coron, Palawan
Take the scenic fast ferry between El Nido and Coron, one of Southeast Asia's great sea journeys, then explore Coron's volcanic Lake Kayangan on arrival.
Morning
Fast ferry from El Nido to Coron
Montenegro Lines and 2Go Travel operate fast ferries between El Nido and Coron (approximately 4 hours). The route passes through some of the most dramatic seascapes in the Philippines, uninhabited karst islands, pristine reefs, and open Sulu Sea. Sit on the open deck if weather permits. The Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary (home to African giraffes and zebras imported in the 1970s) is visible from the water on this route.
Book the Montenegro fast ferry at least 3 days ahead online. Bring seasickness tablets if you're prone, the open sea section between islands can be choppy.
Lunch
Quick meal at Coron town market on arrival
Afternoon
Lake Kayangan and Twin Lagoon
Coron's crown jewel is Lake Kayangan, a volcanic crater lake accessible via a steep wooden staircase over a limestone hill. The jade-green lake surrounded by karst cliffs is frequently cited as the clearest lake in Asia. The water is thermocline, distinctly warm above a certain depth, cold below, and the clarity is supernatural. Nearby Twin Lagoon is accessible only by swimming under a low rock arch, revealing a connected second lagoon of turquoise seawater.
Tours to Kayangan depart from Coron town pier, arrange through your hotel or any tour operator on arrival.
Evening
Dinner in Coron town
Dinner at Lolo Nonoy's Coron outpost or SeaFresh Restaurant for live seafood chosen from tanks, the Coron specialty of Tamilok (woodworm mollusc eaten raw with vinegar and chili). If adventurous Philippines food is your goal, this is a must-try. End the evening at the Kawayanan Grill Station for barbecue under the stars.
Where to Stay Tonight
Coron town (Guesthouse or small hotel (e.g., Coron Hilltop View Lodge for views, or Funny Lion Coron for mid-range comfort))
Coron town is the operational hub for all tours and the only practical base.
See all Philippines accommodation options →Coron Bay has 12 Japanese WWII shipwrecks that are among the top wreck diving sites in the world. If you're a certified diver, book a wreck dive for Day 7 morning, it's unmissable.
Day 6 Budget: $70-110 (ferry, tour, meals, accommodation )
7
Coron's WWII Wrecks and Coral Gardens
Coron Bay, Palawan
An underwater day, diving the WWII Japanese shipwrecks or snorkeling the coral gardens of Bulog Island and Banana Island.
Morning
WWII Wreck Diving or Snorkeling in Coron Bay
Coron Bay holds 12 Japanese supply ships sunk by US Navy aircraft in September 1944, now lying at 15-40 metre depths encrusted with coral and teeming with fish. Okikawa Maru and Irako are the most accessible to recreational divers. For non-divers, the coral gardens around Bulog Dos Island are spectacular, visibility exceeds 20 metres on clear days, and the marine life density rivals the coral triangle. Sea turtles, Napoleon wrasse, and reef sharks are regularly spotted.
Scuba diving requires advance booking with a reputable operator like Sea Dive Resort or Coron Divers, they can also arrange PADI Open Water certification if you want to qualify on this trip.
Lunch
Beach BBQ on Bulog Island (included with tour) or return to town for sinigang na bangus (milkfish in tamarind broth)
Afternoon
Maquinit Hot Springs
Maquinit is one of the few saltwater hot springs in the world, a 39°C geothermal pool set among mangroves 7km from Coron town. After a morning in the water, this is a perfect, relaxing afternoon activity. The springs are surrounded by mangrove trees, the water is therapeutic, and it feels utterly unlike the tourist-facing springs found elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Take a tricycle from town (15-minute ride) in the late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Evening
Coron town night market and departure prep
Where to Stay Tonight
Coron town (Same as Day 6)
Same base for operational efficiency.
See all Philippines accommodation options →Book tomorrow's flight Manila-Siargao tonight if you haven't already. There's no direct Coron-Siargao flight; you'll route through Manila or Cebu. The Coron to Manila leg on AirSwift or AirAsia takes about 75-90 minutes.
Day 7 Budget: $70-120 (diving/snorkeling, hot springs, meals, accommodation )
8
Fly to Siargao, Cloud 9 and the Surf Life
Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte
Travel from Coron to Siargao via Manila, arriving in time to watch the surfers at Cloud 9 and settle into the island's infectiously relaxed pace.
Morning
AirSwift flies Coron to Manila (ENI-MNL, ~75 min). Connect to Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines to Sayak Airport in Siargao (~90 min). This is a travel day, embrace the layover in Manila with a decent airport meal at Buddy's Restaurant in NAIA Terminal 3 for pancit and lechon. On landing at Sayak, take a van or tricycle to General Luna (GL), the surf hub, about 30 minutes from the airport.
Book Siargao flights well in advance, Cebu Pacific is the primary carrier and routes sell out, during surf season (August, November) and Christmas holidays.
Lunch
Quick NAIA airport lunch during layover, or wait for GL arrival
Afternoon
Cloud 9 Viewing Deck and beachside exploration
Head straight to Cloud 9 upon settling in, this is the most famous surf break in the Philippines, a heavy barreling right-hand reef break that hosts international competitions. Even if you're not surfing, the elevated boardwalk viewing deck over the break is spectacular. Watch experienced surfers threading the barrel while sipping a cold coconut. The surrounding Cloud 9 area has excellent beach bars and is the social heart of Siargao.
Evening
Dinner and Siargao nightlife in General Luna
GL's main road has evolved into an excellent dining scene. Try Kermit Surf Resort's restaurant for the best pizza in Siargao, a surprising and genuine claim. Follow with drinks at Harana Surf Resort's beach bar or The Flying Coffee Cup for the island's best specialty coffee turned cocktail bar.
Where to Stay Tonight
General Luna, Siargao (Surf resort or guesthouse (e.g., Bravo Beach Resort, Harana Surf Resort, or Balai Adlao for budget))
General Luna is the closest village to Cloud 9 and has the best dining and nightlife options on the island.
See all Philippines accommodation options →Rent a motorbike in General Luna (~₱300-400/day) rather than using tricycles, it's the definitive Siargao transport experience and gives you independence to explore remote beaches and coconut palm roads.
Day 8 Budget: $120-180 (flights are the major cost; GL is surprisingly affordable)
9
Siargao Island Hopping, Naked Island, Daku, and Guyam
Siargao Island and surrounding islets
An impressive island-hopping day to three of Siargao's most well-known islets, plus optional surfing lessons at Cloud 9 in the morning.
Morning
Surf lesson at Cloud 9 (beginners) or surfing session
Siargao has excellent learn-to-surf conditions away from Cloud 9's heavy main break. Beginners should head to the gentler break at Jacking Horse or Cemetery Break, where certified instructors give 90-minute lessons on longboards in manageable 1-2 foot waves. If you already surf, rent a board and paddle out to the outer reef breaks at dawn when crowds are minimal. The morning light on Siargao's water is golden and beautiful.
Lessons available directly at Cloud 9 boardwalk from multiple surf schools, no advance booking needed, just show up before 9am.
Lunch
Packed lunch on Daku Island (included with island-hopping tour)
Afternoon
Island hopping: Naked Island, Daku Island, Guyam Island
Book a bangka for the classic three-island tour. Naked Island is exactly as described, a pure sandbar with zero vegetation, like a stroke of white paint on blue ocean. Daku (Big) Island is coconut-canopied and home to a small fishing community where lunch is served. Guyam Island is the perfect small tropical island, a circle of palms, white sand, and turquoise water shallow enough to wade around entirely. The photographic material here is outstanding.
Groups of 4-6 make the boat hire very affordable. Ask your guesthouse to group you with other travelers if you're solo.
Evening
Sunset at Sugba Lagoon area and GL dinner
Where to Stay Tonight
General Luna, Siargao (Same as Day 8)
Two nights in GL is the right rhythm for Siargao.
See all Philippines accommodation options →The coconut palm roads of Siargao's interior are among the most beautiful motorcycle rides in the Philippines, take 30 minutes to ride north from GL toward Del Carmen for the most photogenic scenery.
Day 9 Budget: $60-90 (island hopping, surf lesson, meals, accommodation )
10
Fly to Cebu, Whale Sharks at Oslob
Siargao → Cebu City, then Oslob, Cebu
Fly from Siargao to Cebu, then head south to Oslob for a dawn encounter with whale sharks, the Philippines' most extraordinary wildlife experience.
Morning
Early flight Siargao to Cebu City
Cebu Pacific operates morning flights from Sayak Airport to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (~1 hour). Arrive in Cebu by mid-morning, collect bags, and immediately arrange a bus or van from South Bus Terminal to Oslob (~4 hours). The drive south along Cebu's coast passes through Carcar (famous for its chicharon, crispy pork rinds), and the scenery becomes increasingly rural and beautiful.
Many travelers find it efficient to book a private van from Cebu City to Oslob (~₱2,500 one way for the van) for the flexibility and comfort.
Lunch
Lechon at Carcar Public Market on the drive south, the birthplace of Cebu's famous roasted pig tradition
Afternoon
Whale shark interaction in Oslob
Oslob's whale shark interaction is one of the most visceral wildlife encounters available anywhere in Southeast Asia. The butanding (whale sharks) are fed by local fishermen in the shallow bay, and snorkelers enter the water within metres of these gentle giants, some measuring 8-10 metres. Note that this practice is ethically debated: feeding disrupts natural migration patterns. Go early morning for the best experience and shortest feeding times. Register the night before to snorkel at first light.
Arrive by 6am, the experience degrades rapidly as the day progresses and more tour groups arrive. Register the evening before at the Oslob registration center.
Evening
Check into Oslob accommodation and fresh seafood dinner
Stay in Oslob or nearby Moalboal (2 hours north) for access to canyoneering at Kawasan Falls tomorrow. Dinner at a simple turo-turo (point-point canteen) in Oslob town for authentic, inexpensive Cebuano home cooking, pork humba, mongo soup, and grilled tanigue (Spanish mackerel).
Where to Stay Tonight
Oslob or Badian (near Kawasan Falls) (Budget to mid-range guesthouse (e.g., Badian Island Wellness Resort for a splurge, or simple pensions in Oslob town))
Staying south avoids the 4-hour round-trip to Cebu City and positions you well for Kawasan Falls the next morning.
See all Philippines accommodation options →If you have ethical concerns about the Oslob feeding program, an excellent alternative is diving with whale sharks at Tubbataha Reef (liveaboard from Puerto Princesa, March-June only) or at Donsol in Sorsogon, where the sharks are not fed and interactions are entirely natural.
Day 10 Budget: $80-120 (flight, transport, whale sharks, meals)
11
Kawasan Falls Canyoneering and Cebu City
Badian, Cebu → Cebu City
One of the Philippines' most thrilling adventure experiences, canyoneering down the Kanlaob River to the turquoise pools of Kawasan Falls, then return to Cebu City.
Morning
Kawasan Falls Canyoneering with Adventure Cebu
The Kawasan Falls canyoneering circuit is a 5-6 hour adrenaline journey that begins 7km upstream from the falls, descending the Kanlaob River through a series of cliff jumps (5-15 metres), natural water slides, swim-throughs, and rappels, culminating at the well-known tiered turquoise pools of Kawasan Falls. The water is impossibly blue from the kaolin clay mineral content, photographs don't require a filter. This is among the most thrilling adventurous things to do in the Philippines.
Book through Adventure Cebu or Moalboal-based operators, guides are mandatory and ensure safety. Depart by 7am to avoid afternoon heat and crowds.
Lunch
Lunch is typically included with the canyoneering package, eaten at the base of Kawasan Falls
Afternoon
Return to Cebu City, Colon Street and Basilica del Santo Niño
Van back to Cebu City (~2 hours) and explore the historic downtown. Colon Street is the oldest street in the Philippines, established in 1565. The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño houses the oldest religious artifact in the country, the image of the Child Jesus given by Magellan to Queen Juana in 1521. Magellan's Cross stands nearby in its octagonal chapel. The heritage district surrounding Carbon Market is raw, authentic, and very different from Manila.
Evening
Cebu lechon dinner and IT Park nightlife
Cebu is the lechon capital of the Philippines, you must eat it here. Casa Lechon in Nivel Hills or CNT Lechon along Sanciangko Street are the city's most celebrated roasted pig establishments. The crispy skin and herb-stuffed cavity of Cebu lechon needs no sauce, it's leagues beyond Manila's version. End the evening with drinks in Cebu IT Park, the city's modern nightlife district.
Where to Stay Tonight
Cebu City (IT Park or Ayala area) (Mid-range city hotel (e.g., Radisson Blu Cebu, or Harolds Hotel for value))
Central Cebu City positions you for early morning ferry to Tagbilaran, Bohol.
See all Philippines accommodation options →Buy CNT Lechon to takeaway in a vacuum pack, it reheats beautifully and makes an extraordinary gift for friends back home, as checked luggage.
Day 11 Budget: $80-120 (canyoneering, transport, dinner, accommodation )
12
Ferry to Bohol, Chocolate Hills and Tarsiers
Cebu City → Bohol (Tagbilaran and Carmen)
An early ferry brings you to Bohol, home to the Philippine tarsier, the world's smallest primate, and the extraordinary alien landscape of the Chocolate Hills.
Morning
Fast ferry to Tagbilaran, then Chocolate Hills
Oceanjet and SuperCat ferries run from Cebu City Pier 1 to Tagbilaran Port in Bohol (~2 hours). On arrival, hire a tricycle or scooter and head northeast to the Chocolate Hills Complex in Carmen (1.5 hours from Tagbilaran). The Chocolate Hills, 1,268 well conical limestone karst hills that turn chocolate-brown in the dry season, are the most otherworldly landscape in the Philippines. The main viewing deck at dawn or in late afternoon light is extraordinary.
Book the fast ferry the evening before, Oceanjet and SuperCat tickets can be purchased online at their respective websites.
Lunch
Kusina sa Karsada near the Chocolate Hills, local Boholano cuisine including kilawin and binagoongan
Afternoon
Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella
The Philippine tarsier is one of the world's smallest primates, a nocturnal creature with eyes larger in proportion to its head than any other mammal. The Tarsier Conservation Area in Corella (not the tourist traps on the highway) is a legitimate sanctuary where semi-wild tarsiers cling to branches in natural forest. Guides maintain strict silence and no-flash photography rules. Getting face-to-face with these enormous-eyed creatures in their natural habitat is one of the most endearing wildlife experiences in Asia.
Visit the official PTFI sanctuary in Corella rather than the roadside stalls near Loboc, the latter keep tarsiers in poor conditions.
Evening
Loboc River dinner cruise
The floating restaurants on the Loboc River offer dinner cruises as the sun sets over the jungle-lined river, local musicians play kundiman folk songs while you eat Boholano buffet. It sounds kitsch but is lovely in the early evening light. Return to Panglao Island for your beach accommodation and a quiet final night of island downtime.
Where to Stay Tonight
Panglao Island, Bohol (Beachfront resort (e.g., Amorita Resort for luxury, Amarela Resort for boutique mid-range, or Alona Palm Beach Resort for budget))
Panglao's Alona Beach is the base for Bohol's marine activities and has excellent dining, it's the perfect final island base.
See all Philippines accommodation options →If visiting the Chocolate Hills between April and June, they'll be at their well-known chocolate-brown color. November through March they're green, beautiful, but different from the classic photographs.
Day 12 Budget: $70-110 (ferry, tours, Loboc cruise, accommodation )
13
Panglao Diving, Balicasag Island, and Slow Beach Time
Panglao Island and Balicasag Island, Bohol
A final great day on the water, snorkeling or diving at Balicasag Island's wall, relaxing on Panglao's Alona Beach, and savoring your last Philippine sunset.
Morning
Balicasag Island diving or snorkeling
Balicasag Island, 8km off Panglao, is one of the finest dive sites in the Philippines, a small island surrounded by a dramatic drop-off wall starting at 5 metres and plunging to 50 metres, with resident sea turtles, schools of jacks, and frequent sightings of spinner dolphins. For snorkelers, the shallow reef garden on the island's east side is equally spectacular, with visibility regularly exceeding 25 metres. The bangka ride from Alona Beach takes 30 minutes.
Book at any of the dozen dive shops along Alona Beach the evening before, Bohol Divers and Atlantis Dive Center have the best safety records.
Lunch
Fresh catch at Alona Kew White Beach Restaurant, they grill whatever the morning boats brought in
Afternoon
Alona Beach relaxation and Panglao exploration
Your last Philippine beach afternoon deserves to be unhurried. Alona Beach is a compact but excellent white-sand strip backed by budget restaurants, dive shops, and beach bars. Rent a bicycle and ride around Panglao Island's circumferential road, the 22km loop takes 2-3 hours and passes traditional Boholano villages, fish ponds, and the excellent Hinagdanan Cave, a cathedral-like limestone cave with an underground lagoon.
Evening
Final sunset dinner on Alona Beach
For your final Philippine dinner, go all out at Amorita Resort's restaurant, their chef's special Philippine tasting menu shows the full range of Philippines food, from kare-kare to crispy tadyang (pork ribs) to ginataan desserts. Book the clifftop table overlooking the Bohol Sea for a sunset farewell to one of the world's greatest island destinations.
Where to Stay Tonight
Panglao Island (Same resort as Day 12, consider upgrading your last night as a treat)
Same base for operational simplicity before tomorrow's early departure.
See all Philippines accommodation options →Buy Bohol's famous peanut kisses (small peanut butter candy) and otap (oval crisp sugar cookies) as pasalubong (gifts) from the market in Tagbilaran before departing, they pack well and are delicious.
Day 13 Budget: $70-130 (diving/snorkeling, meals, final splurge dinner)
14
Bohol to Manila, Final Hours and Homeward
Panglao → Tagbilaran → Manila
A relaxed final morning on Panglao Beach, then ferry or fly back to Manila for your international connection, with last-minute pasalubong shopping at the airport.
Morning
Final sunrise swim and slow breakfast
Wake early for a final sunrise swim at Alona Beach before the day heats up and the dive boats depart. At dawn, you'll often have the beach nearly to yourself, just the fishermen hauling in their nets and the slow-waking beach dogs. Have a long, unhurried breakfast at Oops Cafe on the beach, famous for their French press coffee and banana pancakes. Take a final walk along the water's edge. This is the Philippines at its most quietly perfect.
Lunch
Mang Inasal or Jollibee at Tagbilaran or Manila Airport, a final Filipino fast food farewell (both are good)
Afternoon
Two options: Cebu Pacific flies Tagbilaran Airport (TAG) direct to Manila (~1.5 hours, the most efficient route). Alternatively, fast ferry to Cebu City (2 hours), then fly Manila. At NAIA, if you have transit time, Terminal 3's Duty Free Philippines is worth browsing for San Miguel craft beers, Malagos chocolate (Philippines' finest), and dried mangoes from Cebu, the best edible souvenir in the country. The Nayong Pilipino Foundation store sells excellent handcraft items.
Allow 3 hours at NAIA before international departures, NAIA security and immigration can be slow during peak hours.
Evening
International departure or final Manila night
If your flight is the next morning, consider one final night in Manila at a proper airport hotel (e.g., Marriott Manila adjacent to NAIA Terminal 3). Have a farewell dinner at any of Manila's excellent restaurants, or simply enjoy the hotel pool and reflect on 14 extraordinary days across the Philippine archipelago.
Where to Stay Tonight
NAIA area or depart internationally (Airport hotel if needed (Marriott Manila, Remington Hotel))
Proximity to NAIA removes all stress from your departure.
See all Philippines accommodation options →Buy vacuum-packed Cebu lechon or Bohol dried mangoes for departure gifts, Philippine dried Carabao mangoes are the best in the world and available at every terminal's duty-free shop. They make the finest souvenir you can bring home.
Day 14 Budget: $60-120 (transport, airport meals, final shopping)
Practical Information
Everything you need to know before you go
Getting Around
Philippines transportation between major destinations is by domestic aircraft (Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines are the primary carriers, book 4-8 weeks ahead for the best fares). Within destinations, tricycles and habal-habal motorbike taxis handle local trips, while Grab is available in Manila, Cebu City, and larger towns. Renting a motorbike (~₱300-400/day) is the definitive way to explore Siargao, Bohol, and Palawan's inland areas. Inter-island ferries (Oceanjet, SuperCat, Montenegro Lines) connect the Visayas efficiently and offer spectacular scenery as a bonus.
Book Ahead
AirSwift flights to/from El Nido (6-8 weeks ahead); Cebu Pacific domestic flights (4-6 weeks ahead); Montenegro Lines El Nido-Coron ferry (1-2 weeks ahead); Siargao accommodation during December-January and August-October surf season (4+ weeks); Amorita Resort Bohol tasting menu dinner. Whale shark snorkeling registration in Oslob (evening before); scuba diving in Coron and Balicasag (1-2 days ahead); Binondo food tour with Ivan Man Dy (3-5 days ahead).
Packing Essentials
Reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen (mandatory in El Nido and many marine parks); lightweight quick-dry clothing; a dry bag for all boat days. Waterproof phone case or GoPro. Motion sickness tablets for ferry crossings; 1-2 smart-casual outfits for Cebu and Manila restaurants. Good quality flip-flops and one pair of closed shoes for hiking; a small lightweight daypack. Copies of your passport. Travel insurance documentation. Portable power bank (power cuts occur on island destinations).
Total Budget
Approximately $1,400-2,200 for 14 days, excluding international flights. Domestic flights represent ~$400-600 of this. Accommodation averages $35-70/night. Daily food and activities average $40-80. Budget travelers can do the full route for ~$1,100 by choosing guesthouses, local transport, and street food; a luxury version with resort upgrades and private tours would run $3,000-4,500.
Customize Your Trip
Adapt this itinerary to your travel style
Budget Version
Replace AirSwift El Nido flights (~$120 each way) with the Puerto Princesa overland-and-van-shuttle route via Sabang (6-8 hours, ~$15). Stay in dormitory guesthouses in El Nido, Coron, and Siargao ($10-20/night). Eat exclusively at turo-turo canteens and public markets. Skip the Loboc River dinner cruise. Take public buses instead of private vans. Total budget drops to $900-1,200 for 14 days excluding international flights.
Luxury Upgrade
Upgrade El Nido accommodation to Lagen Island Resort or Miniloc Island Resort (El Nido Resorts, both private-island properties with excellent house reefs). In Coron, stay at Two Seasons Island Resort on its own island. In Siargao, book Nay Palad Hideaway, an ultra-exclusive palm-thatched boutique resort. Add private bangka charters for all island hopping. Fly private between Palawan islands via Island Aviation Services. Total budget rises to $4,000-7,000 for two people.
Family-Friendly
Swap Kawasan Falls canyoneering with the gentler Busay Falls near Cebu City. Replace Cloud 9 surf sessions with beginner paddleboarding on Sugba Lagoon. El Nido's Tour A lagoons are excellent for children in calm conditions, choose June through September when seas are flattest in Palawan. The Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, and whale shark snorkeling are magical for older children. In Manila, add the Manila Ocean Park and Avilon Zoo. Book hotels with pools for afternoon cool-down time.
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