Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

7‑Day Manila & Nearby Adventure

Viewed by 99 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions

Morning: Arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and settle into your hotel in the Manila Bay area. Take a short walk along the promenade to enjoy the sea breeze and get a feel for the bustling city.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Rizal Park, a spacious garden featuring monuments, fountains, and the iconic *Rizal Monument*. Nearby, visit the National Museum Complex to admire Filipino art and heritage.

Evening: Dine at a rooftop restaurant overlooking Manila Bay and watch the famous sunset‑lit Manila Bay Light Show, a perfect introduction to the city's vibrant nightlife.

Find Hotels

Day 2: Intramuros Heritage Tour

Morning: Step back in time with a guided walk through Intramuros, the walled city built during Spanish rule. Highlights include the majestic San Agustin Church and the ancient Casa Manila museum.

Afternoon: Visit Fort Santiago, the historic fortress where national hero José Rizal was imprisoned. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional Filipino restaurant in Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown.

Evening: Experience the lively atmosphere of Roxas Boulevard with street performers and night market stalls offering local snacks and crafts.

Find Hotels

Day 3: Modern Manila & Waterfront Fun

Morning: Start the day at the Manila Oceanarium inside the Mall of Asia complex, where you can marvel at marine life from the Philippines and beyond.

Afternoon: Shop and explore the massive SM Mall of Asia, one of the largest malls in the world, featuring retail, entertainment, and a stunning seaside promenade.

Evening: Attend a cultural performance at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, showcasing traditional dance, theater, or contemporary concerts.

Find Hotels

Day 4: Day Trip to Tagaytay

Morning: Depart early for a scenic drive to Tagaytay, a high‑land city overlooking Taal Volcano. Stop at the famous People’s Park in the Sky for panoramic views.

Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a restaurant with a view of the volcano’s crater lake, then visit the nearby Sky Ranch amusement park for a short ride or two.

Evening: Return to Manila, stopping at a local coffee plantation in the outskirts for a tasting session before heading back to the hotel.

Find Hotels

Day 5: Corregidor Island History Tour

Morning: Take a ferry from Manila to Corregidor Island, a historic WWII site. Begin with a guided tour of the Malinta Tunnel and the island’s war memorials.

Afternoon: Explore the Pacific War Memorial and the iconic Battery Way gun emplacements, learning about the island’s strategic importance.

Evening: Return to Manila by ferry and unwind with a quiet dinner near your hotel, reflecting on the day’s poignant stories.

Find Hotels

Day 6: Nature Escape – Pagsanjan Falls & Taal Volcano

Morning: Travel to Pagsanjan for an exciting boat ride up the river to the spectacular Pagsanjan Falls. Experience the thrill of the “shooting the rapids” segment.

Afternoon: After lunch, head to the Taal Volcano region for a short trek to the crater’s rim, offering breathtaking vistas of the lake and surrounding countryside.

Evening: Return to Manila and treat yourself to a relaxing spa session to soothe any travel fatigue.

Find Hotels

Day 5: Final Day – Shopping, Relaxation & Departure

Morning: Stroll through the historic Greenhills Shopping Center** for souvenirs, pearls, and local crafts. Enjoy a light breakfast at a nearby café.

Afternoon: Visit the Ayala Triangle Gardens for a peaceful walk among modern skyscrapers and lush greenery before packing up.

Evening: Have a farewell dinner at a restaurant serving contemporary Filipino cuisine, then head to the airport for your departure.

Find Hotels

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Rizal Park – 2 hrs – Free
  • National Museum Complex – 2 hrs – Free
  • Intramuros (San Agustin Church & Casa Manila) – 3 hrs – PHP 200
  • Fort Santiago – 1.5 hrs – PHP 75
  • Binondo food tour – 2 hrs – PHP 300
  • Manila Oceanarium – 2 hrs – PHP 500
  • SM Mall of Asia – 3 hrs – Free (shopping optional)
  • Cultural Center of the Philippines – 2 hrs – PHP 250 (show ticket)
  • Tagaytay day trip (transport, park entry, meals) – 8 hrs – PHP 1,500
  • Corregidor Island ferry + tour – 10 hrs – PHP 2,000
  • Pagsanjan Falls boat ride – 4 hrs – PHP 800
  • Taal Volcano rim trek – 4 hrs – PHP 1,200
  • Ayala Triangle Gardens – 1.5 hrs – Free
  • Greenhills Shopping Center – 2 hrs – Free (purchases extra)
  • Farewell dinner – 2 hrs – PHP 1,200

Total Estimated Cost: PHP 8,925

Tips

To extend the trip, add an extra day in Tagaytay to explore the nearby Sky Ranch and local coffee farms, or visit Batangas for beach relaxation. If you need to shorten the itinerary, combine Day 4 and Day 6 by taking a combined day trip to Tagaytay and the Taal Volcano, and skip the separate Pagsanjan Falls excursion, focusing on the highlights within Manila itself.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version