Morning: Land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and check into a city‑centre hostel in Intramuros. Freshen up and enjoy a quick breakfast of taho from a nearby vendor.
Afternoon: Wander the historic streets of Intramuros, visiting Fort Santiago and the San Agustin Church. Take free guided tours offered by the hostel to learn about Spanish colonial history.
Evening: Stroll along Rizal Park to watch the illuminated Manila Bay sunset and join locals for the festive Christmas lights display.
Book a HotelMorning: Explore the bustling Quiapo Market for street food like isaw and balut. Visit the historic National Museum (free entry).
Afternoon: Walk through the artsy Escolta district, admiring Art Deco architecture and spotting local fashion boutiques.
Evening: Experience the vibrant night scene at Bonifacio Global City, sampling affordable Filipino‑style tapas at a pop‑up food market.
Book a HotelMorning: Take an early night‑bus to Banaue (approx. 10 hrs). Enjoy the scenic ride through mountain landscapes.
Afternoon: Arrive, check into a hostel near the town centre, and relax with a cup of locally grown Barako coffee.
Evening: Attend a community‑hosted cultural show featuring traditional Ifugao dances and music.
Book a HotelMorning: Hike the iconic Banaue Rice Terraces viewpoint at Tappiyah, learning about ancient irrigation systems.
Afternoon: Continue to the lesser‑known Batad Rice Terraces via a moderate trek; enjoy a packed lunch of turon and fresh fruit.
Evening: Return to town for a relaxed dinner of pinakbet at a family‑run eatery.
Book a HotelMorning: Travel by van to Sagada (≈ 3 hrs). Check into a hostel and rent a bicycle for local exploration.
Afternoon: Join a free guided trek to the famous Sumaguing Cave, exploring limestone formations and underground rivers.
Evening: Watch the sunset over the Mount Kiltepan viewpoint, then enjoy a communal dinner of adobo with fellow travelers.
Book a HotelMorning: Visit the unique Hanging Coffins at Echo Valley, learning about indigenous burial customs.
Afternoon: Hike to Bomod‑Ok Falls for a refreshing dip; the trail offers scenic river views and native flora.
Evening: Return to town for a low‑key night, sharing stories over a cup of hot salabat (ginger tea).
Book a HotelMorning: Take an early bus back to Manila and catch a budget flight to Puerto Princesa.
Afternoon: Check into a hostel in the city centre, then explore the historic Plaza Cuartel and its wartime relics.
Evening: Dine at a night market, sampling fresh grilled squid and tropical fruit smoothies.
Book a HotelMorning: Join a budget tour to the UNESCO‑listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. The river cruise showcases stunning karst cliffs.
Afternoon: Return to town; relax at Baywalk and watch locals set up Christmas decorations.
Evening: Join a beachfront bonfire party on Sabang Beach, enjoying acoustic music and grilled seafood.
Book a HotelMorning: Take a shared van to El Nido (≈ 6 hrs). Check into a hostel near the town pier.
Afternoon: Begin Tour A island‑hopping (Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Secret Beach) – a free activity with a modest boat fee.
Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner of kinilaw (Filipino ceviche) at a beachfront bar.
Book a HotelMorning: Hike to the viewpoint of Taraw Cliff for panoramic sea vistas.
Afternoon: Continue island hopping with Tour C (Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine) and snorkel among vibrant coral reefs.
Evening: Join a local Christmas lantern‑making workshop for a hands‑on cultural experience.
Book a HotelMorning: Fly to Cebu City and settle into a downtown hostel.
Afternoon: Walk through Colon Street, the oldest street in the Philippines, and admire Spanish‑era Fort San Pedro.
Evening: Sample Cebu’s famous lechon at a local eatery and explore the lively IT Park nightlife.
**Day 12: Cebu – Nature & Adventure**Morning: Catch an early bus to Kawasan Falls for a thrilling canopy swing and natural pool dip.
Afternoon: Trek the Osmeña Peak trail for sweeping views of the island’s coastline.
Evening: Return to Cebu City; unwind with a relaxed dinner of puso (hanging rice) and fresh mangoes.
Book a HotelMorning: Take a ferry to Tagbilaran, Bohol and ride a bike to the iconic Chocolate Hills.
Afternoon: Visit the historic Baclayon Church and the quirky Blood Compact Shrine for a glimpse of colonial history.
Evening: Dine at a riverside restaurant in Loboc, enjoying a local folk music performance.
Book a HotelMorning: Fly back to Manila; store luggage at the hostel.
Afternoon: Spend the last hours shopping for souvenirs at Divisoria Market and admiring the festive decorations at SM Mall of Asia.
Evening: Enjoy a final dinner of halo‑halo and reflect on the adventure before departing the next day.
Book a HotelTo shorten the trip, skip the Bohol leg and spend an extra day exploring the hidden waterfalls of Palawan; this reduces travel time and saves about $100. If you want to extend the adventure, add a few days in the Siargao islands for surf lessons and the annual Christmas Surf Festival, budgeting an additional $150‑$200 for accommodation and activities.