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 Itinerary: Exploring the Philippines

Monday, January 15, 2024: Arrival in Manila

Start your adventure in the bustling capital city of Manila. In the morning, visit Intramuros, the historic walled city, and explore its Spanish colonial architecture. Enjoy a delicious Filipino lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, head to Rizal Park, a beautiful urban park dedicated to the national hero, Jose Rizal. As the evening sets in, experience the vibrant nightlife of Manila in the lively district of Makati.

  • Intramuros: Cost estimate: ₱300 ($6), Time spent: 3 hours
  • Rizal Park: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 2 hours
  • Makati: Cost estimate: Variable, Time spent: Evening
Tuesday, January 16, 2024: Breathtaking Batanes

Take a morning flight to Batanes, a group of picturesque islands in the northernmost part of the Philippines. Start your day with a visit to Sabtang Island, known for its traditional stone houses and stunning landscapes. In the afternoon, explore the main island of Batan, and marvel at the breathtaking views from the Basco Lighthouse. End your day by indulging in authentic Ivatan cuisine at a local eatery.

  • Sabtang Island: Cost estimate: ₱1,500 ($30), Time spent: Full day
  • Batan Island: Cost estimate: ₱500 ($10), Time spent: Full day
  • Local eatery: Cost estimate: ₱500 ($10), Time spent: Evening
Wednesday, January 17, 2024: Paradise in El Nido

Fly to El Nido, a tropical paradise known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning limestone formations. In the morning, embark on an island hopping tour to explore the hidden lagoons, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. Enjoy a scrumptious seafood lunch on one of the islands. Spend the afternoon snorkeling, swimming, or simply relaxing on the beach. As the day ends, catch a mesmerizing sunset at Las Cabañas Beach.

  • Island hopping tour: Cost estimate: ₱1,200 ($24), Time spent: Full day
  • Seafood lunch: Cost estimate: ₱500 ($10), Time spent: 1 hour
  • Beach activities: Cost estimate: Variable, Time spent: Afternoon
  • Sunset at Las Cabañas Beach: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: Evening
Thursday, January 18, 2024: Cultural Heritage in Cebu City

Take a morning flight to Cebu City, the oldest city in the Philippines. Start your day by visiting the historic Magellan's Cross, a symbol of the city's Christian heritage. Explore Fort San Pedro, a Spanish colonial military defense structure. For lunch, indulge in delicious lechon, a famous roasted pork dish. In the afternoon, visit the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, the oldest Roman Catholic church in the country. End your day with a relaxing stroll along the vibrant streets of Colon Street, the oldest street in the Philippines.

  • Magellan's Cross: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 30 minutes
  • Fort San Pedro: Cost estimate: ₱30 ($0.60), Time spent: 1 hour
  • Lechon lunch: Cost estimate: ₱300 ($6), Time spent: 1 hour
  • Basilica Minore del Santo Niño: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 1 hour
  • Colon Street: Cost estimate: Variable, Time spent: Evening
Friday, January 19, 2024: Chocolate Hills and Tarsiers in Bohol

Take a ferry to Bohol, an island known for its natural wonders. Start your day by exploring the iconic Chocolate Hills, a series of unique geological formations. Visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary to see the adorable tarsiers, one of the world's smallest primates. Enjoy a scenic Loboc River cruise with a buffet lunch. In the afternoon, relax on the white sandy beaches of Panglao Island. Witness a mesmerizing firefly tour along the Abatan River in the evening.

  • Chocolate Hills: Cost estimate: ₱50 ($1), Time spent: 1 hour
  • Tarsier Sanctuary: Cost estimate: ₱60 ($1.20), Time spent: 1 hour
  • Loboc River cruise: Cost estimate: ₱500 ($10), Time spent: 2 hours
  • Panglao Island: Cost estimate: Variable, Time spent: Afternoon
  • Firefly tour: Cost estimate: ₱1,000 ($20), Time spent: Evening
Saturday, January 20, 2024: Relaxing in Siargao Island

Fly to Siargao Island, the surfing capital of the Philippines. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café. Spend the morning exploring the breathtaking Magpupungko Rock Pools, natural tidal pools perfect for swimming. In the afternoon, visit the famous Cloud 9 surf spot and watch skilled surfers ride the waves. Enjoy a relaxing evening on the pristine white sands of General Luna Beach, savoring a delicious seafood dinner.

  • Breakfast at a local café: Cost estimate: ₱300 ($6), Time spent: 1 hour
  • Magpupungko Rock Pools: Cost estimate: ₱50 ($1), Time spent: Morning
  • Cloud 9 surf spot: Cost estimate: ₱200 ($4), Time spent: Afternoon
  • General Luna Beach: Cost estimate: Variable, Time spent: Evening
  • Seafood dinner: Cost estimate: ₱500 ($10), Time spent: Evening
Sunday, January 21, 2024: Farewell in Boracay

Fly to Boracay, one of the most popular beach destinations in the world. Spend your morning soaking up the sun on the stunning White Beach, known for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters. Indulge in a delicious beachfront lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Bulabog Beach, a hub for water sports enthusiasts. As the day comes to an end, enjoy a mesmerizing sunset at Puka Shell Beach.

  • White Beach: Cost estimate: Variable, Time spent: Morning
  • Beachfront lunch: Cost estimate: ₱500 ($10), Time spent: 1 hour
  • Bulabog Beach: Cost estimate: Variable, Time spent: Afternoon
  • Puka Shell Beach: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: Evening

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring the Philippines, don't miss the chance to visit the stunning Kawasan Falls in Cebu, the serene Bantayan Island in Cebu, and the majestic Mayon Volcano in Albay. These off-the-beaten-path attractions and local favorites offer unique experiences and breathtaking natural beauty.

To check hotel and flight prices for your Philippines trip, click here.

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