Solo Adventure in the Philippines – 21 Nov 2025 (3‑4 Days)

Day 1: Arrival in Manila & Historic Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on a direct flight from Mumbai. Clear immigration, pick up a prepaid Globe SIM at the airport kiosk (₹300) and exchange a small amount of cash (₹5,000 ≈ $60) at the currency‑exchange counter.

Afternoon: Check‑in to your boutique hotel in Intramuros (₹4,500 per night). Stroll through the cobbled streets of Intramuros, visiting Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church, and enjoy a light lunch at a local café (₹800).

Evening: Head to Rizal Park for sunset and a relaxing walk, then savour a dinner of Filipino classics in Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown (₹1,200).

Day 2: Underground River Experience in Palawan

Morning: Take an early domestic flight to Puerto Princesa (₹7,000). Upon arrival, transfer to your eco‑lodge (₹5,000 per night) and prepare for the tour.

Afternoon: Join a guided excursion to the UNESCO‑listed Puerto Princesa Underground River. The boat ride lasts about 2 hours, and the entrance fee is ₹2,400.

Evening: Return to town for a seaside dinner at a local restaurant (₹1,000) and enjoy a quiet night at the lodge, perhaps sampling fresh tropical fruit.

Day 3: Waterfalls & City Highlights in Cebu

Morning: Fly to Cebu City (₹6,500). Check into a centrally‑located hotel (₹4,000 per night) and rent a motorbike for the day (₹500).

Afternoon: Drive to the stunning Kawasan Falls in Badian for canyoning (guided tour ₹3,500). After the adventure, stop by the historic Magellan’s Cross and Fort San Pedro on the return to the city.

Evening: Dine at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the sea in Mactan (₹1,300) and stroll along the lively Lapu‑Lapu Shrine promenade.

Day 4 (Optional): Departure

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast (₹600) and last‑minute shopping for souvenirs at SM Seaside City Cebu. Transfer to Mactan‑Cebu International Airport for your flight back to Manila, then onward to Mumbai.

Time and Cost Estimates

• International round‑trip flight (Mumbai‑Manila‑Mumbai) – 12 hours – ₹35,000
• Domestic flight Manila‑Puerto Princesa – 1.5 hours – ₹7,000
• Domestic flight Puerto Princesa‑Cebu – 1 hour – ₹6,500
• Domestic flight Cebu‑Manila (return) – 1 hour – ₹6,500
• Accommodation (3 nights) – 3 × ₹4,500 average – ₹13,500
• Globe SIM (prepaid 5 GB) – 5 days – ₹300
• Currency exchange (₹5,000 cash) – ₹5,000
• Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) – ₹2,500 per day – ₹7,500
• Intramuros tour & entrance fees – ₹1,200
• Puerto Princesa Underground River tour – ₹2,400
• Kawasan Falls canyoning tour – ₹3,500
• Motorbike rental in Cebu – ₹500
• Miscellaneous (tips, souvenirs) – ₹3,000
• Total Estimated Cost: ₹92,900

Tips

Carry a small amount of US dollars (≈ $50) as a backup; they are easily convertible at airport kiosks, major banks, or authorized money changers in Manila and Cebu. For a shorter 3‑day itinerary, skip the Cebu leg and spend more time exploring Manila’s islands (e.g., Corregidor or Batangas). To extend the trip, add a day in Palawan’s El Nido for pristine beaches, or a day in Bohol for the Chocolate Hills and tarsier sanctuary. Always keep your SIM card handy for navigation and ride‑hailing apps, and consider buying a local SIM at the airport for the best rates.