7-Day Itinerary in the Philippines

Tuesday, October 10: Arrival in Manila

Welcome to the Philippines! Start your trip in the bustling capital city of Manila. In the morning, visit the historic Intramuros district, home to ancient Spanish colonial buildings and Fort Santiago. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant streets of Binondo, Manila's Chinatown, and indulge in delicious Chinese cuisine. As the evening sets in, head to the Baywalk area to enjoy a stunning sunset over Manila Bay.

• Intramuros: Check hotel and flight prices, 3-4 hours
• Binondo: Budget: PHP 500 ($10) for food, 2-3 hours
• Baywalk: Free, 1-2 hours

Wednesday, October 11: Cebu City

Take a short domestic flight from Manila to Cebu City. In the morning, visit the historic Magellan's Cross and Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. In the afternoon, explore the lively Carbon Market and taste local delicacies. As the evening sets in, enjoy the vibrant nightlife in the city's entertainment districts.

• Magellan's Cross: Free, 1 hour
• Basilica Minore del Santo Niño: Free, 1 hour
• Carbon Market: Budget: PHP 200 ($4) for food and shopping, 2-3 hours

Thursday, October 12: Bohol Island

Take a ferry from Cebu to Bohol Island. In the morning, explore the famous Chocolate Hills and take in the breathtaking views. In the afternoon, visit the adorable tarsiers at the Tarsier Conservation Area and cruise along the Loboc River. As the evening sets in, relax on the white sandy beaches of Alona Beach.

• Chocolate Hills: Entrance fee: PHP 50 ($1), 2-3 hours
• Tarsier Conservation Area: Entrance fee: PHP 60 ($1.20), 1-2 hours
• Loboc River Cruise: PHP 550 ($11), 2 hours

Friday, October 13: Palawan - Puerto Princesa

Take a domestic flight from Bohol to Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan. In the morning, explore the breathtaking Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, relax on Honda Bay's pristine white sand beaches and take an island-hopping tour. As the evening sets in, enjoy a seafood feast at the Baywalk area.

• Underground River: Entrance fee: PHP 1,200 ($24), 4-5 hours
• Honda Bay: Island-hopping tour: PHP 1,500 ($30), 3-4 hours
• Baywalk: Budget: PHP 500 ($10) for food, 1-2 hours

Saturday, October 14: El Nido

Travel from Puerto Princesa to El Nido by van or bus. In the morning, explore the stunning limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters of the Bacuit Archipelago on an island-hopping tour. In the afternoon, relax on the pristine beaches of Nacpan or Las Cabanas. As the evening sets in, enjoy a beachfront dinner and witness a magical sunset.

• Bacuit Archipelago: Island-hopping tour: PHP 1,200 ($24), 6-7 hours
• Nacpan Beach or Las Cabanas Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
• Beachfront dinner: Budget: PHP 800 ($16), 1-2 hours

Sunday, October 15: Siargao Island

Take a domestic flight from El Nido to Siargao Island. In the morning, catch the sunrise at Cloud 9, a famous surfing spot. In the afternoon, explore the stunning Magpupungko Rock Pools and swim in their natural pools. As the evening sets in, enjoy the vibrant nightlife and live music scene in General Luna.

• Cloud 9: Free, 1-2 hours
• Magpupungko Rock Pools: Entrance fee: PHP 50 ($1), 2-3 hours
• General Luna: Budget: PHP 500 ($10) for food and drinks, 2-3 hours

Monday, October 16: Departure from Manila

Take a domestic flight from Siargao Island back to Manila. Spend the day exploring the vibrant shopping malls of Makati or indulge in some last-minute souvenir shopping. Bid farewell to the Philippines and catch your international flight back home.

• Makati: Budget: Varies depending on shopping, 4-5 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path attractions, head to Siquijor Island known for its mystical charm, enchanting waterfalls, and healing springs. Explore the stunning landscapes of Batanes, the northernmost province of the Philippines. Don't miss the beautiful rice terraces in Banaue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Locals also love the laid-back beaches of Camiguin Island and the stunning sandbars of Kalanggaman Island.