Dates are flexible. This day-by-day plan is provisional until you choose exact travel dates.
Your first day is mainly a travel day from Kolkata through Kuala Lumpur to Dumaguete. Allow the entire day for the journey: airport check-in and immigration in Kolkata, the Kuala Lumpur connection, possible terminal changes, and the onward flight to Sibulan Airport serving Dumaguete. Confirm that your ticket has a genuinely workable Kuala Lumpur–Dumaguete connection; if the flights are on separate bookings or the layover is short, an overnight in Kuala Lumpur is the safer budget choice. On arrival, allow another 15–30 minutes by tricycle to central Dumaguete; agree the fare before leaving the airport, with roughly ₱150–₱250 a reasonable starting expectation depending on luggage and time.
After checking in, keep the evening deliberately easy and walk along Rizal Boulevard, Dumaguete’s seafront promenade. It is best around sunset, when locals gather by the water and the city feels pleasantly unhurried after the airport day. The walk takes about 45 minutes; avoid planning a boat trip or distant sightseeing tonight, since flight delays and immigration queues can easily shift your arrival.
For an inexpensive first meal, stop at Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries in downtown Dumaguete, a short tricycle ride or walk from the boulevard. Try a local pastry or silvanas alongside a simple savoury meal; budget around ₱200–₱450 per person. It generally operates from morning into the evening, but check the current closing time if your flight lands late. Keep cash in Philippine pesos for tricycles and small purchases, and save your ferry planning for tomorrow once you know how rested you are.
Start around 7:00–7:30am with a tricycle or hired motorbike from Dumaguete toward Valencia; allow roughly 45–60 minutes each way, depending on road conditions. A tricycle with waiting time usually costs about ₱800–₱1,200 for the half-day, while a motorbike rental is commonly around ₱400–₱600 per day, excluding fuel. At Casaroro Falls, expect a short but steep forest hike with many steps, slippery sections, and limited facilities. Budget around ₱100–₱200 for local entrance or guide-related fees, and wear proper sandals or trail shoes rather than flip-flops. The falls are best visited early, before the heat and any afternoon rain; water levels and access can change after heavy weather.
Continue by road through the Valencia countryside to Pulangbato Falls, roughly 30–45 minutes from Casaroro Falls. The red-stained rock and warm-looking mineral landscape make this a very different stop from the forested first waterfall. Allow about 1–1½ hours for the pools and viewpoints, with an estimated entrance cost of ₱100–₱200. Bring a change of clothes and a dry bag, although avoid swimming if staff advise against it because conditions can change quickly. Small eateries are available near the attraction, but a light snack and water are sensible to carry from Dumaguete.
After lunch, leave for Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park in Sibulan; the drive from Pulangbato Falls can take around 1½–2 hours, so keep the afternoon flexible. The final approach is steep and winding, and a local tricycle or hired driver is safer than attempting it on an unfamiliar motorbike. Allow approximately 2½ hours for the lake viewpoints, forest paths, and—if operating on the day—a short boat ride. Entrance and local transport or boat fees together may total roughly ₱200–₱500 per person. There are few reliable food options inside the park, and weather can turn cool or misty, so carry water, snacks, and a light layer.
Return to Dumaguete before dark and have dinner at Lab-as Seafood Restaurant along Dumaguete Boulevard. Choose seafood from the display, then order it grilled or cooked to share with rice and vegetables; expect around ₱300–₱700 per person depending on the fish and shellfish selected. It is a relaxed local-style finish rather than a quiet fine-dining meal, and service can slow down during busy dinner hours. Afterward, take an easy walk along the boulevard, but keep valuables secure and arrange your return tricycle through your accommodation rather than relying on finding one late at night.
Take an early ferry from Dumaguete Port to Siquijor Port, allowing 2–3 hours in total for the tricycle ride to the port, ticketing, luggage checks and boarding. Sailing time is usually about 45–60 minutes, but verify the current OceanJet or Montenegro Lines schedule the day before, as departures and weather-related cancellations can change. On arrival, arrange a tricycle or rent a motorbike near Siquijor Port; the ride to Cambugahay Falls in Lazi takes roughly 35–45 minutes. Leave bags at your accommodation or use a driver for the day—roads are manageable, but the island’s inland turns can be confusing in rain.
Spend around two hours at Cambugahay Falls, arriving in the late morning after the first tour groups begin to thin. The pools and rope swings are the main attraction, with a small local access fee and optional swing charges usually costing only a few hundred pesos in total. Wear sandals with grip, keep phones in a dry bag and bring a change of clothes. After swimming, continue a short distance into Lazi for Lazi Church and Convent, a coral-stone complex beside the town plaza. Allow about 45 minutes to see the church exterior, convent museum area if open, and the old-town atmosphere; opening access can be irregular, so treat the visit as flexible rather than guaranteed.
Have a simple lunch in Lazi before continuing by motorbike or hired tricycle toward Salagdoong Beach in Maria, allowing roughly 35–45 minutes on the island road. The beach is set within a forested coastal property and is best enjoyed slowly: swim in the clear water, sit beneath the trees and check the cliff-jump platforms before deciding whether conditions are suitable. Admission, swimming and jump fees may vary, and the area can close or restrict activities during rough seas, so confirm locally before setting out. Bring cash, water and reef-safe sunscreen; food choices inside the property are limited and may be more expensive than in town.
Return toward San Juan for dinner at Baha Bar, allowing about 45–60 minutes from Salagdoong Beach, depending on traffic and whether you are travelling by tricycle or motorbike. It is a relaxed first-night spot for Filipino dishes, snacks, cocktails and occasional live music; budget approximately ₱350–₱800 per person. Roads are poorly lit in places, so arrange a return tricycle with your accommodation or ask the restaurant to call one rather than driving unfamiliar roads after drinking. Expect island service to be unhurried, which suits the evening—keep the rest of the night free for a quiet walk near San Juan or an early rest.
After yesterday’s Cambugahay Falls visit, keep today relaxed and start around 6:00–6:30am for Paliton Beach in San Juan. From most San Juan guesthouses, a motorbike takes about 10–15 minutes; a tricycle is usually around ₱150–₱300 each way, depending on your starting point and whether it waits. The beach is best before the heat and crowds build: expect calm water, pale sand and beautiful morning light for roughly 1½ hours. There is little shade, so bring water and avoid swimming far from shore when there is no lifeguard. Grab a simple breakfast at your guesthouse or a nearby roadside eatery before continuing.
By late morning, ride north toward the Siquijor Butterfly Sanctuary in the Cang-umantad area, allowing about 30–45 minutes from San Juan on a motorbike and longer by tricycle. This is a small conservation-oriented stop rather than a major attraction, and the visit normally takes around 45 minutes. Opening hours and entrance fees can change, so check locally before setting out; carry small notes for admission. Continue southeast toward Balete Tree in Lazi, allowing roughly 25–35 minutes. Spend about half an hour beneath the enormous old tree and beside its spring. It is atmospheric and shaded, but the area is compact, so avoid turning this into a long stop if you want good snorkeling conditions later.
Return toward San Juan for Tubod Marine Sanctuary, ideally arriving around 2:00–3:00pm when you still have comfortable daylight. From Balete Tree, the ride takes about 35–45 minutes. Pay the local conservation or access fee if requested and rent a mask and fins from the beach area—typically around ₱100–₱300 depending on the gear and rental duration. Allow two hours including changing, briefing and time in the water. Stay within the marked swimming zone, do not touch coral, and check sea conditions before entering; visibility and currents vary. Afterward, rinse off and have dinner at Dagsa Restaurant in San Juan, budgeting approximately ₱250–₱600 per person. It is a practical, affordable choice for Filipino dishes; arrive before the busiest dinner period because island kitchens can slow down when full. Keep your return ride short and arrange a tricycle or motorbike pickup in advance, as transport becomes sparse after dark.
Take the earliest practical ferry from Siquijor Port toward Tagbilaran Port, allowing roughly 5–7 hours door to door once port check-in, possible schedule gaps, luggage collection, and the onward road journey are included. Ferry availability and routing can change, so confirm the sailing the day before; some itineraries may require routing via Dumaguete. From Tagbilaran, a pre-arranged van is the least stressful option for the 3–4-hour trip to Anda—shared buses are cheaper, but connections can make the journey considerably longer. Budget approximately ₱1,000–₱2,500 overall, and keep snacks and water with you because roadside stops are basic. Check in, freshen up, and avoid planning a major excursion after this long travel day.
Once settled, walk or take a short tricycle ride into Anda town and spend about 45 minutes at Anda Public Market. This is a good, low-key introduction to local Bohol life: look for seasonal fruit, grilled snacks, rice cakes, and inexpensive drinks rather than treating it as a formal attraction. The market is most lively before evening, though individual stalls close at different times. Carry small Philippine-peso notes, as vendors generally do not accept cards; a tricycle ride within town usually costs around ₱50–₱150 depending on distance and whether you are travelling alone.
From the market, continue by tricycle or motorbike to Quinale Beach, usually a short ride from central Anda. Spend around 1½ hours walking the wide white-sand shoreline and swimming only where local conditions look safe; the beach is especially pleasant late in the day, when the heat eases and the crowds thin out. Bring a small towel and cash for any local beach fees, which can vary, and arrange your return ride before sunset if you are not renting a motorbike. Finish at Coco Loco Café for a relaxed dinner and coffee—allow about an hour and roughly ₱250–₱600 per person. Keep the evening unhurried: tomorrow is better used for Anda’s coastal scenery than for another late night.
Start around 7:30–8:00am at Cabagnow Cave Pool, one of the more unusual stops on the Anda coast. The limestone opening leads to a dark, clear pool where locals sometimes swim and jump from the rocks, but conditions can change after rain or rough weather. Ask your accommodation or the local caretaker whether swimming is safe before entering, and bring sturdy sandals, dry clothes and a small waterproof bag. Allow about an hour; entrance and local guide fees are usually modest, roughly ₱50–₱150, but confirm locally.
Continue by motorbike or tricycle toward Anda White Beach in Bacong, allowing around 15–25 minutes depending on where you are staying. This is a good place to slow the day down: swim, snorkel close to shore if the water is calm, and sit beneath the palms rather than trying to fit in too many extra stops. Budget roughly ₱50–₱150 for local access or small environmental fees, plus transport; a hired tricycle with waiting time may cost around ₱600–₱1,000 for this section. Carry cash, water and snacks because facilities are limited compared with Panglao.
After lunch, leave for Can-umantad Falls in Candijay, usually about 60–90 minutes from Anda by motorbike or hired tricycle. The road becomes increasingly rural, so leave enough daylight for the return journey and avoid riding yourself if you are not comfortable on uneven provincial roads. Set aside around 2½ hours for the waterfall, including the walk, swimming if conditions permit and time to enjoy the rice-terrace landscape. Entrance, guide and parking charges together are commonly around ₱50–₱200, though local rates can change.
Nearby, spend about 45 minutes at Cadapdapan Rice Terraces before heading back. The terraces are especially attractive in soft late-afternoon light, but agricultural paths can be muddy after rain—wear shoes with grip and stay on marked or locally approved paths. The combined Candijay outing works best with a private motorbike or pre-arranged tricycle rather than relying on spontaneous public transport; expect roughly ₱1,200–₱2,000 for a half-day vehicle with waiting time, depending on distance and negotiation.
Return to town before dark and eat at a local carinderia in Anda town, where the dishes are usually displayed in trays and priced by serving. Choose rice with two or three vegetable, fish or chicken dishes; dinner should cost about ₱120–₱300 per person. Small eateries often close once the evening food is sold, so aim for 6:30–7:30pm rather than dining late. Keep tonight easy: tomorrow’s transfer toward Samar is already a demanding travel day, and a quiet walk around Anda Poblacion is more worthwhile than adding another attraction.
This is the itinerary’s most demanding transfer day, so leave Anda before dawn with a pre-arranged private van to Tagbilaran Airport. Allow about 2–3 hours on the road, plus airport check-in and the possibility of schedule changes. Your onward flight to Tacloban may require a connection in Manila; confirm the operating schedule and baggage rules before committing, and avoid separate tickets with a tight connection. Door to door, budget roughly ₱6,000–₱15,000 for the full journey, including the van, flights, airport transfers and the final road leg.
From Tacloban Airport, continue by bus or shared van along the Samar–Leyte route to Catbalogan, usually another 3–4 hours depending on traffic and stops. Ask your accommodation for the current departure point, as vehicles may leave from different terminals and fill on a first-come basis. If the flight arrives late afternoon, do not force the evening sightseeing plan—stay near the transport terminal or arrange a private transfer, since the final road journey is tiring and services become less frequent after dark.
After checking in, take a gentle orientation walk around Catbalogan City Plaza, the compact center where locals gather in the cooler early evening. Allow about 45 minutes to browse the surrounding streets, small shops and food stalls rather than treating it as a formal attraction. From here, continue toward the Samar Provincial Capitol, whose civic buildings and waterfront setting are best appreciated in the softer light; allow around 30 minutes. Check locally whether the grounds are open for visitors, as access and building hours can vary.
Finish at Jo’s Milk Tea and Food House for an inexpensive, relaxed meal—budget approximately ₱180–₱400 per person. It is a practical first-night choice after the long transfer, with drinks and filling casual dishes rather than a drawn-out dinner. Keep the evening short, confirm the next day’s transport with your accommodation, and carry small Philippine-peso notes for tricycles, snacks and terminal fares.
Leave Catbalogan around 6:00–6:30am for Calbiga, allowing roughly 1–1½ hours by bus, van, or pre-arranged private vehicle. At the local jump-off, arrange a registered guide and confirm the river and trail conditions before setting out. Reaching Bangon-Bugtong Falls involves boat and trekking logistics, so allow about 5–6 hours door to door rather than treating it as a quick viewpoint stop. The falls are most enjoyable after a dry spell, while heavy rain can make the river crossing unsafe; wear sandals with a secure strap, carry dry clothes in a waterproof bag, and bring cash for the guide, boat, and local fees. Expect approximately ₱1,500–₱3,000 for a small group’s guide and boat arrangements, divided among travelers.
After returning from the falls, spend about 45 minutes at Calbiga town market for a simple packed lunch and regional snacks before driving back toward Catbalogan. Look for rice meals, grilled fish, bananas, cassava-based snacks, and bottled water; choices become limited once you are back on the rural road. Keep this stop practical rather than lingering too long, since transport back to Catbalogan may be less frequent later in the day. A shared van or bus is usually the cheapest option, while a pre-arranged vehicle gives you more flexibility after the waterfall trip.
Return to Catbalogan in time for a slow walk along the Maqueda Bay waterfront, where the late light and fishing activity make a pleasant contrast to the day’s forest and river scenery. Allow around an hour, and stay near the busier waterfront areas after dark. For dinner, choose a seafood grill near Catbalogan fish port and select the day’s catch—usually grilled fish, squid, prawns, or shellfish—with rice and a simple dipping sauce. Budget roughly ₱250–₱600 per person, depending on the seafood and portions. Ask the vendor to show the price before cooking, especially for seafood sold by weight, and return to your accommodation afterward rather than adding another long trip across town.
Leave Catbalogan around 6:00–7:00am by a Van Vans shuttle, UV van, or Philtranco bus along the Samar–Leyte highway. The ride normally takes about 3–4 hours, but allow extra time for loading, roadside stops, and traffic near Tacloban. Ask your accommodation to confirm the terminal and reserve a seat the evening before; shared vans are quicker, while buses are generally more forgiving with luggage. Keep a small amount of cash for snacks and fares, as rural stops may not accept cards.
On arrival toward Tacloban, stop at San Juanico Bridge for around 45 minutes. The bridge links Samar and Leyte over the narrow strait, with broad views of the islands and fishing boats below. A local driver or pre-arranged van is much more practical than trying to manage this stop with public transport and luggage. Avoid lingering in the middle of the day if the sun is strong; there is limited shade, so carry water and use sun protection.
Continue to MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, roughly 20–30 minutes from central Tacloban, for about an hour. The waterfront statues commemorate General Douglas MacArthur’s 1944 return to the Philippines; the open grounds are best visited before late-afternoon heat. From there, continue into Tacloban and visit the Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum for about 1½ hours. Its opening status can change, so call or ask your hotel to verify access before paying for the ride; allow extra time if a caretaker or local guide must open the museum. A taxi, tricycle, or booked car between these stops is easiest, with short urban rides commonly costing about ₱100–₱300 depending on distance and negotiation.
After checking into your Tacloban accommodation, settle in with dinner and coffee at Ron's Kuyawan Café, budgeting roughly ₱250–₱600 per person. It is a good low-key finish after a long transfer day, but confirm the evening hours locally because small cafés may adjust schedules. Keep tonight unhurried: organize your luggage and verify your next-day airport transfer, since Tacloban Airport is outside the central commercial area and an early flight requires a pre-booked tricycle, taxi, or hotel vehicle.
Treat today as a pure travel day. Leave your Tacloban accommodation with enough time to reach Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport around two hours before a domestic departure; airport traffic is usually manageable, but check-in counters and baggage queues can still be slow. Book the Tacloban–Manila–Kuala Lumpur journey on one protected ticket where possible. If using separate tickets, allow at least 4–5 hours in Manila for baggage collection, the terminal transfer, re-check-in, security and immigration—do not rely on a tight connection. The domestic flight, airport processing and transfer between Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminals can easily consume most of the day.
If you have a long connection, remain airside only if your ticket and terminal arrangement allow it; otherwise, follow the airline’s instructions for baggage and re-entry. NAIA terminals are not conveniently connected on foot, and the airport shuttle or a pre-booked ride can take 20–45 minutes depending on traffic. For food, use the terminal’s cafés rather than leaving the airport—going into central Manila is not worthwhile on a short layover. Keep some Philippine pesos for snacks and any terminal transfer, and confirm your onward gate on the airline app because terminal and gate assignments can change.
For the international sector, arrive at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport terminal shown on your booking and allow time for immigration, baggage procedures if your bags are not checked through, and the onward security queue. A protected itinerary is especially valuable if the Tacloban–Manila flight is delayed; on separate tickets, the airline may not cover a missed Kuala Lumpur connection. Keep your passport, onward booking and any required entry or transit documentation accessible. After landing in Kolkata, use the official airport taxi counter or a pre-booked ride rather than accepting unsolicited offers outside arrivals; the airport-to-city journey varies considerably with late-night traffic and your final neighborhood.
No packing list attached yet.