Start the tour of the vibrant and bustling capital city of the Philippines in Manila’s Old Town. Walk through the historical district of Intramuros and visit landmarks like Fort Santiago and Manila Cathedral. Then, head over to Rizal Park, a 140-acre park with gardens and monuments, and end the day watching the sunset over Manila Bay along Roxas Boulevard.
Explore Quezon City, known for its art and cultural scene. Visit the University of the Philippines Diliman campus and see the iconic UP Oblation statue. Then, head over to the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center, which offers a glimpse of the country’s diverse wildlife. End the day with a visit to Maginhawa Street, a foodie haven with various dining options.
Escape the city and head to Tagaytay, a popular destination for its cool climate, scenic views of Taal Lake, and numerous restaurants. Visit Picnic Grove and enjoy outdoor activities like horseback riding or zip-lining. Then, head over to Sky Ranch theme park and ride their iconic Ferris wheel. End the day with a hearty meal of bulalo, a popular beef soup dish.
Take a flight to Cebu City, the oldest city in the Philippines and the “Queen City of the South”. Visit historical landmarks like the Basilica del Santo Niño and Magellan’s Cross. Then, head over to Fort San Pedro, the smallest and oldest Spanish fort in the country. End the day at the Tops Lookout, an elevated viewing deck overlooking the city.
Visit Lapu-Lapu City located on Mactan Island, home to many beach resorts and water sports activities. Visit the Mactan Island Aquarium, the largest marine aquarium in the Philippines, and view various species of marine creatures. Then, head over to Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary to spot various species of migratory birds. End the day by relaxing on the beach and watching the sunset by the seaside.
Take a flight to Boracay Island, a popular beach destination known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Spend the day relaxing on White Beach and engaging in water sports like snorkeling or island hopping. End the day by watching the sunset and enjoying the nightlife along the beach.
Explore Makati, the financial and commercial center of the Philippines. Visit the Ayala Center, a shopping and entertainment complex, and the Ayala Museum, which houses historical and cultural exhibits. Then, head over to the Greenbelt Chapel, a serene and peaceful sanctuary amidst the busy city. End the day with a night out and experience the nightlife in the city.
Travelers in the Philippines can use various modes of transportation such as taxis, buses, jeepneys, and tricycles. Fares can range from PHP 7-40 depending on the distance and mode of transportation. A more convenient option is to use ride-hailing services like Grab which provide fare estimates and cashless payment options.
For the itinerary above, it is recommended to rent a car or use a chauffeur-driven car rental for convenience and comfort, especially for destinations with longer travel times like Tagaytay and Boracay.
Flight connections between destinations are available from major airlines like Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia, with fares ranging from PHP 1,000-5,000 depending on the time of booking.
If you have more time, consider visiting other destinations like Batanes, Palawan, or Siargao. These destinations offer stunning natural landscapes and scenic views.
If you have less time, skip some destinations or shorten the full-day itinerary to a half-day itinerary. It is important to prioritize the landmarks or attractions that interest you the most.
The Philippines has several airports with international and domestic connections. The main international airports are Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila and Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) in Cebu City. Both airports have modern amenities and offer domestic flights to various destinations in the Philippines.