7-Day Itinerary: Manila, Coron, El Nido, Vigan City
Monday, January 1, 2024: Manila
Start your trip in the bustling city of Manila. In the morning, visit the historic walled city of Intramuros and explore its Spanish colonial architecture. In the afternoon, head to the National Museum of the Philippines to learn about the country's rich history and art. As the evening sets in, take a stroll along Manila Bay and enjoy the beautiful sunset.
Intramuros: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 3 hours
National Museum of the Philippines: Estimated Cost - PHP 150, Time Spent - 2 hours
Take a flight to Coron, known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. In the morning, go on a boat tour to visit the famous Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoons. In the afternoon, explore the enchanting coral reefs by snorkeling or diving. As the evening approaches, relax on one of the pristine beaches and enjoy the sunset.
Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoons: Estimated Cost - PHP 1500, Time Spent - 4 hours
Mak Mak Breakfast Club: Start your day at Mak Mak Breakfast Club, known for its delicious breakfast options including pancakes, eggs benedict, and local Filipino favorites. The average cost for a meal is about PHP 300 per person.
La Sirenetta: For lunch, head to La Sirenetta, a charming beachfront restaurant offering a variety of seafood dishes such as grilled fish, shrimp, and squid. The average cost for a meal is about PHP 500 per person.
Seafood Island: End your day with dinner at Seafood Island, a popular restaurant known for its seafood boodle feasts. Feast on a variety of grilled seafood, rice, and traditional Filipino dishes. The average cost for a meal is about PHP 800 per person.
Wednesday, January 3, 2024: El Nido
Travel to El Nido, another paradise destination known for its limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons. In the morning, take a boat tour to visit the Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon. In the afternoon, go island hopping and discover the Secret Beach and Shimizu Island. As the evening sets in, enjoy a seafood dinner by the beach.
Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon: Estimated Cost - PHP 1200, Time Spent - 4 hours
Island Hopping: Estimated Cost - PHP 1500, Time Spent - 5 hours
Continue exploring the beauty of El Nido. In the morning, go on a tour to visit the Secret Beach and Hidden Beach. In the afternoon, take a hike to Taraw Cliff for breathtaking views of the Bacuit Bay. As the evening approaches, relax at Nacpan Beach and witness the starry night sky.
Secret Beach and Hidden Beach: Estimated Cost - PHP 1200, Time Spent - 4 hours
Travel to Vigan City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture. In the morning, explore Calle Crisologo, a charming street lined with old houses and shops. In the afternoon, visit the Syquia Mansion Museum to learn about the city's history. As the evening sets in, take a calesa (horse-drawn carriage) ride and enjoy the city's nostalgic ambiance.
Start your day with a delicious Filipino breakfast at Café Leona, located in the heart of Vigan City. Enjoy their Vigan longganisa and garlic rice, with an average cost of about 200 PHP per person.
For lunch, head to Café Uno, a cozy restaurant known for its fusion of Filipino and international cuisines. Try their famous Vigan empanada and bagnet sisig, with an average cost of about 250 PHP per person.
Indulge in a delectable dinner at Kusina Felicitas, a charming restaurant that serves traditional Ilocano dishes. Savor their crispy bagnet and pinakbet, with an average cost of about 300 PHP per person.
Saturday, January 6, 2024: Vigan City
Continue exploring the beauty of Vigan City. In the morning, visit the Bantay Church and Belfry for panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, take a pottery-making workshop at the Baluarte ni Chavit. As the evening approaches, indulge in the local delicacies at the Vigan Public Market.
Bantay Church and Belfry: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
Vigan Public Market: Estimated Cost - PHP 500, Time Spent - 2 hours
Sunday, January 7, 2024: Manila
Return to Manila for your departure. In the morning, visit the world-class Ayala Museum to explore Filipino art and culture. In the afternoon, indulge in a shopping spree at the Greenbelt Mall. As the evening sets in, enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city.
While exploring Manila, be sure to visit the Escolta Street, a hidden gem known for its vintage shops and art galleries. In Coron, don't miss a visit to the Maquinit Hot Springs for a relaxing dip in natural hot water pools. In El Nido, venture off the beaten path to Duli Beach, a secluded stretch of white sand perfect for a peaceful getaway. In Vigan City, explore the lesser-known Baluarte Zoo and interact with various animal species.