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15-Day Philippines Highlights Loop: Manila, Banaue & Sagada, Cebu & Bohol, Siargao, Palawan (El Nido + Puerto Princesa)

Viewed by 289 travelers

Day 1: Manila introduction

Manila, Philippines on October 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Adriatico (Malate)

Classic Filipino breakfast and local coffee in historic Malate — a good introduction to Manila food culture.
PHP250, 0h45m

9:30am

Walk Intramuros: Fort Santiago & San Agustin Church

Historic walled city with Spanish colonial landmarks; perfect for a half-day of history and photo stops (many sites open 8am–5pm).
PHP200, 2h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Barbara's Heritage Restaurant (Intramuros)

Traditional Filipino fare in a colonial setting — try adobo or kare-kare for a local taste.
PHP500, 1h

2:00pm

Rizal Park & Manila Baywalk

Relaxed afternoon stroll at the park and baywalk; good for sunset photo ops along Manila Bay.
PHP0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Locavore or Ilustrado

Contemporary Filipino dinner — Locavore for creative local dishes, Ilustrado for Spanish-Filipino classics; both usually open evenings (check reservations).
PHP700, 1h30m

Day 2: Travel to Banaue

Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines on October 7, 2025

6:00am

Early flight Manila → Cauayan or overnight bus option

Take an early flight to Cauayan (1h15) then a scenic 2.5–3h van/drive to Banaue; overnight buses are available if you prefer ground travel (9–10h).
PHP2500, 4h30m

11:30am

Check-in & lunch at Banaue Hotel or local eatery

Simple local Filipino lunch; rest and acclimatize to the higher elevation (Banaue ~1,200m).
PHP350, 1h

2:00pm

Banaue Rice Terraces viewpoint (Hapao or Banaue Viewpoint)

Panoramic terraces known as the 'Eighth Wonder' — best light in late afternoon for photos; sites accessible all day.
PHP50, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at local homestyle restaurant

Try local Ifugao specialties or fresh mountain vegetables; markets close earlier so dine by 7–8pm.
PHP300, 1h

Day 3: Batad hike

Batad, Ifugao, Philippines on October 8, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast and pack lunch

Early simple breakfast and pack a snack/lunch for the Batad trek (many guesthouses provide boxed lunches).
PHP200, 0h30m

7:00am

Hike to Batad amphitheater and Tappiyah Falls

Steep but rewarding 2–3 hour trek into the Batad amphitheater with dramatic circular terraces and a waterfall; local guides recommended and usually available at the trailhead.
PHP500, 6h0m

1:30pm

Packed lunch in Batad or eat at a village homestay

Taste local rice and vegetable dishes; support community-run homestays and eateries.
PHP250, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Banaue; relax

Return trek or jeepney ride to Banaue; use late afternoon to rest and enjoy mountain views.
PHP0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at guesthouse

Hearty home-cooked meal — early dinners are common in mountain towns.
PHP300, 1h

Day 4: Sagada caves & coffins

Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines on October 9, 2025

7:00am

Drive Banaue → Sagada (3–4h)

Scenic mountain drive; leave early to maximize daylight and activities in Sagada.
PHP800, 4h

11:30am

Lunch at Sagada Lemon Pie House or Masferre Inn

Popular spots for local pies and homestyle lunch dishes — open mid-morning to dinner hours.
PHP350, 1h

1:00pm

Sumaguing Cave spelunking (guided)

Half-day guided spelunking through stalactites, sections of crawling and bigger chambers; guides/gear required, tours typically operate 8am–4pm.
PHP600, 2h30m

4:00pm

Hanging Coffins viewpoint & Echo Valley walk

Short hike to see traditional hanging coffins and panoramic valley views; late afternoon light is lovely.
PHP150, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at local inn

Simple comfort food — Sagada has limited evening options so plan to dine early.
PHP300, 1h

Day 5: Return to Manila → fly to Cebu

Manila → Cebu, Philippines on October 10, 2025

6:00am

Drive Sagada → Manila (long transfer ~6–8h) or take van/bus

Early departure to make city connections; travel time depends on stops and road conditions, plan for a full travel morning and early afternoon.
PHP900, 7h0m

1:30pm

Lunch in Manila (near NAIA / city center)

Quick lunch near the airport — choose something light to save room for Cebu specialties.
PHP300, 1h

6:30pm

Evening flight Manila → Cebu

Short 1h20m flight; arrive Cebu in the evening and check into your hotel (book early for best fares).
PHP1800, 1h20m

9:30pm

Late dinner at Lantaw SRP or Rico's Lechon (Cebu specialty)

Try Cebu lechon (roast pig) — Rico's or House of Lechon are famous; Lantaw offers great bay views if you prefer a scenic meal.
PHP600, 1h

Day 6: Cebu city highlights

Cebu City, Philippines on October 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at La Vie Parisienne or Café Noriter

Good bakeries and coffee to start the day; many open from 7–8am.
PHP350, 0h45m

9:30am

Magellan's Cross, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Fort San Pedro

Compact cultural walk through Cebu's colonial and religious sites; attractions usually open from 8am–5pm.
PHP100, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Rico's Lechon or Casa Verde

Taste Cebu lechon or hearty ribs and local favorites at Casa Verde (open for lunch and dinner).
PHP400, 1h

3:00pm

Temple of Leah and Sirao Flower Farm (optional sunset)

Enjoy hillside views and colorful gardens; Sirao is often best late afternoon but check farm hours (generally open daytime).
PHP200, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Lantaw Native Floating Native Restaurant (SRP)

Seafood and Filipino dishes with sunset/bay views — open evenings and popular with locals.
PHP600, 1h30m

Day 7: Oslob & Moalboal

Oslob → Moalboal, Cebu, Philippines on October 12, 2025

4:30am

Early transfer to Oslob for whale shark swim (arrive 6:00am)

Swimming/snorkeling with whale sharks is early-morning only (tours about 6am–10am); this is a popular activity — book responsibly and follow local guidelines.
PHP1500, 2h0m

9:30am

Visit Tumalog Falls

Short drive from Oslob to a scenic waterfall — accessible to visitors most of the day, but the approach includes steps/paths.
PHP100, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch in Oslob (try fresh grilled fish)

Simple seaside lunch before heading to Moalboal in the afternoon (drive ~2h).
PHP300, 1h

3:00pm

Check in Moalboal; Panagsama Beach snorkeling

Afternoon snorkeling at Panagsama to see the sardine run and reefs (snorkel trips available until late afternoon).
PHP500, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ven'z Kitchen or local seafood grill

Casual local dinner near the beach — enjoy fresh seafood and relaxed vibe.
PHP350, 1h

Day 8: Kawasan canyoneering & relax

Kawasan Falls / Badian → Moalboal, Philippines on October 13, 2025

7:00am

Kawasan Falls canyoneering (start early)

Full-adrenaline guided canyoneering route through jumps, slides and pools — operators start early (usually 7am) and the activity lasts several hours.
PHP2000, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Café or roadside eatery

Recovery lunch after canyoneering with local flavors and coconut water.
PHP300, 1h

2:30pm

Afternoon beach time or optional Sardine Run dive/snorkel

Relax on Panagsama or join a late snorkel/dive to see the sardine run and turtles (operators 8am–4pm usually).
PHP800, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Chill Out or another beachfront spot

Casual beachfront dinner with seafood and drinks; enjoy the chill Moalboal nightlife.
PHP400, 1h

Day 9: Ferry to Bohol

Bohol (Tagbilaran / Panglao), Philippines on October 14, 2025

7:30am

Ferry Moalboal/Cebu → Tagbilaran, Bohol (2h+)

Morning ferry to Bohol or fast craft from Cebu — check schedules and book ahead; arrival gives you a full afternoon for highlights.
PHP800, 2h30m

11:00am

Lunch & Loboc River Cruise (book midday seating)

Relaxing river cruise lunch with local buffet and musicians — boat departures typically 11am–1pm.
PHP800, 1h30m

2:00pm

Chocolate Hills viewpoint and ATV option

See the iconic rolled hills; viewpoints open during daylight (7am–6pm) and ATV rides around the hills are available.
PHP200, 1h30m

4:00pm

Tarsier Conservation Area visit (Corella)

Short visit to see the small nocturnal tarsier in a managed sanctuary (usually open 8am–5pm); quiet and respectful viewing required.
PHP100, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner on Panglao Island (The Buzzz Café or Giuseppe Pizzeria)

Panglao has a variety of sea-to-table restaurants and Italian options; relaxed evening near beach resorts.
PHP500, 1h

Day 10: Bohol snorkeling / travel to Siargao

Bohol → Cebu → Siargao, Philippines on October 15, 2025

7:30am

Balicasag & Virgin Island snorkel day trip

Depart early for Balicasag marine sanctuary for snorkeling with turtles and vibrant reefs; trips usually depart 7:30–8:00am and return midday.
PHP1200, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch in Panglao

Quick lunch near the pier; try fresh seafood or continental options to fuel the travel leg ahead.
PHP350, 1h

3:00pm

Ferry or transfer to Tagbilaran → Cebu and evening flight Cebu → Siargao

Return ferry to Cebu then catch an evening flight to Siargao via Cebu; timing varies so allow generous connection time (book flights same-ticket if possible).
PHP2500, 5h0m

9:30pm

Late dinner in Siargao (General Luna)

Arrive and dine in General Luna — many restaurants open late to serve surfers and travelers.
PHP450, 1h

Day 11: Siargao island hopping

Siargao (General Luna), Philippines on October 16, 2025

5:30am

Sunrise at Cloud 9 boardwalk

Iconic surf break with a wooden boardwalk — perfect for sunrise photos and watching surfers; open at dawn.
PHP0, 0h45m

7:30am

Breakfast at Kermit Siargao

Popular spot known for wood-fired pizza and fresh breakfast — opens early to serve travelers.
PHP350, 0h45m

9:00am

Island-hopping: Naked Island, Daku Island, Guyam Island

Full-day island hop (usually 9am–3pm) with swimming, snorkeling, and beach picnic lunches; classic Siargao experience.
PHP1200, 6h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Bravo Beach Resort or Shaka Juice Bar

Healthy bowls, seafood and cocktails after a big day of sun and sea — many beachfront options in General Luna stay open late.
PHP450, 1h

Day 12: Sugba Lake & Magpupungko

Siargao (Del Carmen & Pilar), Philippines on October 17, 2025

6:30am

Check tide: Magpupungko Rock Pools (low-tide visit)

Magpupungko natural pools are accessible only at low tide — check tide charts and schedule a morning visit (best 7am–10am depending on tide).
PHP100, 1h30m

10:30am

Drive to Del Carmen for Sugba Lake (kayak and paddleboard)

Sugba Lake offers swimming, paddleboarding and scenic lagoons; boat transfers from the barangay jetty are available from 8am–4pm.
PHP1000, 4h0m

3:30pm

Return to General Luna; rest

Afternoon to relax, get a massage or explore local cafes.
PHP300, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mama's Grill or Kermit

Enjoy grilled seafood, meat and Filipino staples — popular evening options in General Luna.
PHP400, 1h

Day 13: Travel to Puerto Princesa

Siargao → Cebu → Puerto Princesa, Philippines on October 18, 2025

7:00am

Morning flight Siargao → Cebu

Fly back to Cebu city as a connection hub for Palawan flights; early flights give more buffer for same-day connections.
PHP2200, 1h30m

11:30am

Fly Cebu → Puerto Princesa (Palawan)

Midday flight to Puerto Princesa; book flights early as Palawan routes fill quickly.
PHP2600, 1h20m

2:00pm

Lunch in Puerto Princesa (Ka Lui or Kinabuchs Grill)

Try Palawan seafood specialties; many restaurants open for lunch hours 11am–2pm and reopen for dinner.
PHP500, 1h

4:00pm

Stroll Puerto Princesa Baywalk & Baker's Hill (optional)

Easy evening walk to stretch after travel; Baker's Hill is a short drive and offers views/snacks until late afternoon.
PHP150, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gaucho Grill or Kinabuchs

Local favorites for grilled food and good ambiance — popular with visitors and locals.
PHP500, 1h

Day 14: Underground River & transfer to El Nido

Puerto Princesa → El Nido, Palawan, Philippines on October 19, 2025

5:30am

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park tour (Underground River)

Permits required, tours run early (first departures ~6:00am); the guided boat tour through the cave and limestone karst is 1–1.5 hours in-cave plus travel time to the park.
PHP1500, 5h0m

12:30pm

Lunch in Sabang or return to Puerto Princesa

Lunch near the Underground River area or back in Puerto Princesa before the long transfer to El Nido.
PHP400, 1h

2:00pm

Private van transfer Puerto Princesa → El Nido (4.5–6h)

Road transfer along scenic Palawan coastline; book a reputable van service for comfort — plan for late arrival in El Nido.
PHP1800, 5h0m

8:30pm

Dinner in El Nido (Artcafe or Mezzanine)

Late dinner after arrival; El Nido restaurants serve travelers late into the evening, with a range of international and Filipino options.
PHP500, 1h

Day 15: El Nido island hopping & fly home

El Nido, Palawan → Manila, Philippines on October 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Artcafe or El Nido Bakery

Early breakfast before island-hopping — many cafes open by 7–8am to serve tour departures.
PHP300, 0h45m

9:00am

El Nido Island Hopping (Tour A: Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon)

Classic El Nido tour visiting dramatic lagoons and snorkeling spots; most operators run 9am–3pm with lunch on the boat (book a licensed operator).
PHP1200, 6h0m

3:30pm

Return and quick rest; late lunch in El Nido town

Relax before your evening flight — sample local seafood or a light meal close to the pier/hotel.
PHP400, 1h

6:30pm

Flight El Nido → Manila (direct or via Puerto Princesa depending on schedule)

Evening outbound flight to Manila to conclude the loop; check airline schedules and allow time for check-in and transfers (El Nido flights often depart in early evening).
PHP3500, 1h45m

9:30pm

Late dinner in Manila or transfer home

Arrive Manila and either fly/ferry home or check into airport hotel; eat locally if you still have energy after arrival.
PHP500, 1h
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