5-Day Adventure Itinerary in the Philippines: Beaches and Beyond

  • Day 1: Cebu Waterfall Trek
    1 hour (25 miles) from Mactan-Cebu International Airport

    Start your trip off with a bang with a trek to the stunning Tumalog Falls in Cebu. The path to the falls is challenging and requires a guided tour, making for a true adventure experience. Once you reach your destination, take a dip in the crystal clear waters, and marvel at the beauty of the cascading falls.

  • Day 2: Island Hopping in El Nido
    1 hour and 25 minutes (83 miles) from Puerto Princesa International Airport

    Take a boat tour of the stunning islands around El Nido, Palawan. Explore hidden beaches, lagoons and great snorkelling spots. Jump off of cliffs, and dine on freshly caught seafood while admiring the dramatic rock formations in the area.

  • Day 3: Surfing in Siargao
    1 hour and 10 minutes (48 miles) from Sayak Airport in Siargao

    Siargao is known as the surfing capital of the Philippines. Catch some waves at Cloud 9, the most famous surf spot in the area, or explore other waves on the island. After an action-packed day, unwind and enjoy the local nightlife scene.

  • Day 4: ATV Adventure in Legazpi
    20 minutes (4 miles) from Legazpi Airport

    Get your adrenaline pumping with an ATV tour of the Mayon Volcano in Legazpi. The tour takes you through lush forests and scenic landscapes before reaching the base of the volcano. From there, ATV to the Mayon Observatory and marvel at the stunning view of the area.

  • Day 5: Beach Hopping in Boracay
    1 hour and 15 minutes (315 miles) from Manila International Airport

    Visit some of the best beaches in the world in Boracay. Start with White Beach, famous for its white sand and clear waters, then move on to Puka Beach, known for its stunning sunset views. End the day with a visit to Diniwid Beach, a secluded spot known for its peaceful atmosphere and laid-back vibe.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Trek to Tumalog Falls (3 hours, PHP 3,000)
  • Island Hopping Tour in El Nido (6 hours, PHP 2,500)
  • Surfing Lesson in Siargao (2 hours, PHP 500)
  • ATV Tour of Mayon Volcano (4 hours, PHP 2,500)
  • Travelling expenses (PHP 6,500)
  • Total Estimated Costs: PHP 15,000

Transportation

Getting around the Philippines usually involves hiring private transportation, such as tricycles and motorbikes, or taking a taxi. For longer distances, domestic flights are frequent and affordable. Expect to pay PHP 500 to PHP 1,000 for a short taxi ride, PHP 50 to PHP 100 for a tricycle ride, PHP 250 to PHP 350 for a domestic flight, and PHP 100 to PHP 150 for a motorbike ride.

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, explore the underground river in Puerto Princesa, go cliff diving in Siquijor, or go ziplining in Bukidnon. If you have less time, skip the ATV tour of Mayon volcano and opt for river rafting in Cagayan de Oro instead.

Airports

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) is located 19 miles away from Cebu City, whereas El Nido Airport (ENI) is closer to the town center, 3 miles away. Sayak Airport in Siargao (IAO) is 22 miles away from General Luna, the most popular tourist destination on the island. Legazpi Airport (LGP) is 3 miles away from the city center, while Manila International Airport (MNL) is 7 miles south of Manila.

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