Morning: Land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, clear customs and transfer to your boutique hotel in Intramuros. Enjoy a light breakfast of local coffee and pandesal.
Afternoon: Wander the historic walls of Fort Santiago and the Manila Cathedral, then stroll through the vibrant streets of Binondo for a quick dim sum lunch.
Evening: Dine at a rooftop restaurant overlooking Rizal Park and catch the sunset, then explore the bustling night market at Bonifacio Global City.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a private van to Tagaytay (≈2 h). Stop at People’s Park in the Sky for panoramic views of Taal Volcano.
Afternoon: Lunch at a local restaurant serving “Bulalo” while enjoying the cool mountain breeze. Visit the serene Sky Ranch for a short zip‑line experience.
Evening: Return to Manila, unwind at your hotel, and perhaps explore the lively bars of Poblacion.
Find HotelsMorning: Early flight to Laoag, then a scenic 3‑hour drive to Banaue. Check‑in at a homestay overlooking the terraces.
Afternoon: Guided trek to the iconic Batad Rice Terraces, learning about the Ifugao culture from a local guide.
Evening: Enjoy a traditional Ifugao dinner and cultural performance at the homestay.
Find HotelsMorning: Short drive to Sagada; explore the famous Hanging Coffins at Echo Valley.
Afternoon: Visit the stunning Sumaguing Cave for a brief spelunking tour, then have lunch at a local café.
Evening: Return to Manila by late evening flight; relax at your hotel.
Find HotelsMorning: Catch an early flight to Puerto Princesa. Check‑in at a budget‑friendly guesthouse near the waterfront.
Afternoon: Join a half‑day tour of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Evening: Stroll along Rizal Avenue, sample fresh seafood, and enjoy a sunset view over the bay.
Find HotelsMorning: Transfer by van to El Nido (≈5 h). Settle into a budget beachfront hostel.
Afternoon: Embark on a classic Tour A island‑hopping: visit Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, and Secret Beach for swimming and snorkeling.
Evening: Dine at a beachfront grill, watch fire dancers, and unwind with a cold San Miguel.
Find HotelsMorning: Leisurely breakfast, then a quick kayak session in Nacpan Beach before checking out.
Afternoon: Fly back to Manila, do last‑minute souvenir shopping at Greenhills Shopping Center.
Evening: Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, carrying memories of the Philippines.
Find HotelsIf you have extra days, consider extending your stay in Palawan to explore Coron or adding a surf trip to Siargao. To trim the budget, you can replace a domestic flight with a night bus to the north, stay in dormitory‑style hostels, and opt for street‑food meals, which can bring the total below PHP 35,000.