8-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for the Philippines

Day 1: Arrive in Manila

Manila, Philippines

8:00AM

Explore Rizal Park

Start your adventure at Rizal Park where you can enjoy the gardens and historical monuments.
Take a jeepney to Rizal Park from your accommodation.
PHP 0, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit National Museum Complex

Continue to the National Museum to appreciate Filipino art and heritage, which is free of charge.
Walk or take a short jeepney ride to the museum.
PHP 0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Ristorante Delle Mitre

Enjoy a budget-friendly Filipino meal at Ristorante Delle Mitre, famous for its local dishes.
It's a short walk from the National Museum.
PHP 150, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Intramuros

Visit Intramuros, the ancient walled city, to take in historical sights like Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church.
Walk from Ristorante Delle Mitre.
PHP 100, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Mang Inasal

Savor a local favorite, chicken inasal, at a nearby Mang Inasal.
Take a jeepney back toward your accommodation.
PHP 120, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Manila Culture and Markets

Manila, Philippines

8:00AM

Breakfast at Baguio Craft Brewery

Start your day with a hearty breakfast featuring local flavors.
Take a jeepney to Baguio Craft Brewery.
PHP 180, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Quiapo Church

Discover the renowned Quiapo Church, a center of faith known for its Black Nazarene.
Ride a jeepney to Quiapo.
PHP 0, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Quiapo Market

Meander through the bustling Quiapo Market to find local crafts and street food.
Continue walking from Quiapo Church.
PHP 50, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cafe Adriatico

Savor a fusion of Filipino and Spanish cuisines at Cafe Adriatico.
Take a jeepney from Quiapo to Malate.
PHP 250, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Ayala Museum

Engage in Filipino culture and art at the Ayala Museum.
Take an MRT to Makati and walk to the museum.
PHP 450, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Noodle House

Munch on affordable yet delicious local noodle dishes at the Noodle House.
Walk back to your accommodation.
PHP 150, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Adventure in Palawan

Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines

8:00AM

Fly to Puerto Princesa

Catch an early flight to Puerto Princesa, the gateway to Palawan.
Travel to the airport by taxi.
PHP 3000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Check into Budget Accommodation

Check into your budget-friendly accommodation in Puerto Princesa.
Use a local trike to your accommodation.
PHP 800, 30 mins

11:00AM

Visit Puerto Princesa Underground River

Join a budget tour to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Underground River.
Your tour provider will pick you up.
PHP 1500 (tour), 5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Puerto Princesa

After the tour, head back to Puerto Princesa to relax.
Transport back to your hotel.
Included in tour price, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Bona’s Chao Long

Enjoy a delicious bowl of Vietnamese-inspired noodle soup at Bona’s Chao Long.
Walk from your accommodation.
PHP 150, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Island Hopping in Palawan

El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

7:00AM

Travel to El Nido

Take a van to El Nido for the stunning island hopping adventure.
Book a van transfer from Puerto Princesa.
PHP 600, 5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sea Slug/

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch by the beach at Sea Slug.
Walk from your accommodation to the restaurant.
PHP 200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Island Hopping Tour

Join an island hopping tour to explore the lagoons and beaches of El Nido.
Tour provider will arrange your pick-up.
PHP 1200, 5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Alternative

Dine at The Alternative for delicious and affordable local dishes in a cozy setting.
Walk from your accommodation.
PHP 350, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cebu City Exploration

Cebu City, Philippines

8:00AM

Fly to Cebu

Catch a flight to Cebu City to explore its historical and cultural treasures.
Travel to the airport by trike.
PHP 1500, 1 hour

10:00AM

Check into Budget Accommodation

Settle into your budget accommodation in Cebu City.
Use a taxi to reach your accommodation.
PHP 300, 30 mins

11:00AM

Visit Magellan's Cross

Pay a visit to Magellan's Cross, a significant historical landmark in Cebu.
Take a local jeepney to the site.
PHP 0, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at STK ta Bay!

Savor a seafood meal at STK ta Bay!, renowned for its fresh fish.
A short walk from Magellan's Cross.
PHP 250, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Basilica del Santo Niño

Visit the Basilica to see the revered Black Filipino Christ statue.
Walk from STK ta Bay!
PHP 0, 1 hour

4:00PM

Dinner at Larsian BBQ

Fill up on affordable grilled barbecue skewers at Larsian, a local favorite.
Take a short trike ride.
PHP 150, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Explore Cebu's Natural Wonders

Cebu, Philippines

8:00AM

Day Trip to Kawasan Falls

Take a day trip to Kawasan Falls for a day of adventure and swimming.
Join a local group tour for transport.
PHP 1200 (tour), 8 hours

5:30PM

Return to Cebu City

Head back to Cebu City after your full day of fun.
Included in the tour cost.
Included in tour price, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Zubuchon

Treat yourself to Cebu's famous lechon (roast pig) at Zubuchon.
Walk back to your accommodation.
PHP 300, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Bohol Day Trip

Tagbilaran, Bohol, Philippines

7:00AM

Ferry to Bohol

Take an early morning ferry to Bohol and enjoy the scenic views.
Walk to the ferry terminal from your accommodation.
PHP 500, 2 hours

9:00AM

Visit Chocolate Hills

Start your day by marveling at the unique Chocolate Hills formation.
Join a local tour for transportation.
PHP 1200 (tour), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bohol Bee Farm

Enjoy farm-to-table meals at Bohol Bee Farm, known for its organic produce.
A short walk from the Chocolate Hills.
PHP 300, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Loboc River

Take a scenic river cruise along Loboc River as you soak in the stunning views.
Part of the tour, transportation is included.
Included in tour price, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Tagbilaran

After a day full of sights, make your way back to the city center.
Included in tour price.
Included in tour price, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Gerarda's

Finish the day with a hearty meal at Gerarda's, known for its local Boholano dishes.
Walk back to the main area in Tagbilaran.
PHP 200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Relax and Departure

Tagbilaran, Bohol, Philippines

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Lawis

Enjoy breakfast with a view at Cafe Lawis overlooking the sea.
Walk from your accommodation.
PHP 200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Last minute shopping

Pick up some souvenirs and local handicrafts from the nearby market.
Take a short trike ride.
PHP 150, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at The Buzz

Savor organic dishes before you head to the airport for departure.
Take a trike to the restaurant.
PHP 300, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Travel to the airport

Make your way to Tagbilaran Airport for your flight home.
Use a trike for short transfer.
PHP 150, 30 mins
View Hotel Availability