6-Day Philippines Highlights: Manila, Cebu, Puerto Princesa & El Nido Adventure

Day 1: Manila city tour

Manila, Philippines on May 18, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at The Aristocrat Restaurant

Enjoy classic Filipino breakfast dishes such as tapsilog at this legendary spot open from 7:00am in Manila.
PHP350, 1h

10:30am

Intramuros Exploration

Visit Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, and walk through the historic walled city to experience Manila’s colonial heritage.
PHP75, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Ilustrado Restaurant

Savor Spanish-Filipino dishes in a heritage setting within Intramuros, open daily till 10:00pm.
PHP700, 1h30m

3:00pm

National Museum of Fine Arts

Explore Filipino art and national treasures in this museum open till 5:00pm with no entrance fee.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant

Dine on traditional Filipino cuisine alongside cultural performances in Intramuros, open till 10:00pm.
PHP800, 2h
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Day 2: Manila to Cebu

Cebu City, Philippines on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast before your flight to Cebu.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Fly Manila to Cebu

Take a short 1h20m flight to Cebu with options including Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines.
PHP2000, 1h20m

11:00am

Visit Magellan’s Cross and Basilica del Santo Niño

Explore key historic landmarks of Cebu’s Spanish colonial era, located in the city center.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Casa Verde

Popular for hearty American and Filipino comfort food, including their famous ribs.
PHP500, 1h

2:30pm

Temple of Leah and Tops Lookout

Visit the grandiose Temple of Leah and later enjoy panoramic views of Cebu City and neighboring islands at Tops Lookout, open till dusk.
PHP100, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Lantaw Native Restaurant SRP

Dine on fresh seafood with a sunset view along the seafront, open till 10:00pm.
PHP700, 2h
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Day 3: Cebu island & beaches

Cebu City, Philippines on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Energize with a buffet breakfast before your island day trip.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Kawasan Falls & Moalboal Tour

Enjoy canyoneering at Kawasan Falls and snorkeling at Moalboal’s sardine run and Pescador Island; tours usually take 7-8 hours.
PHP1800 (tour), 8h

4:30pm

Return to Cebu City

Relax after an active day at your hotel.
Included, Rest

7:00pm

Dinner at STK ta Bay!

Try Cebu’s famous grilled seafood dishes in a casual local setting, open till 10:00pm.
PHP600, 1h30m
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Day 4: Cebu to Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa, Philippines on May 21, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to catch morning flight to Puerto Princesa.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Fly Cebu to Puerto Princesa

A direct flight that takes approximately 1h25m via PAL or Cebu Pacific.
PHP2300, 1h25m

10:00am

Check-in at Hotel Centro

Settle in at centrally located accommodation known for comfort and convenience.
PHP2500/night, Rest

12:00pm

Lunch at KaLui Restaurant

Fresh seafood in an atmospheric garden setting, open till 10:00pm.
PHP1200, 1h30m

2:00pm

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Take an afternoon tour to the famous UNESCO underground river, with tours running till 3:30pm. Advance booking recommended.
PHP1500 (permits & tour), 5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Badjao Seafront Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood while watching the sea breeze, open till 9:30pm.
PHP700, 1h30m
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Day 5: El Nido Beaches

El Nido, Philippines on May 22, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before the trip to El Nido.
Included, 1h

7:00am

Travel Puerto Princesa to El Nido

A scenic 5-6 hour van ride through Palawan’s lush landscapes; depart early for maximum daylight relaxation.
PHP1000, 6h

1:00pm

Lunch at Artcafe El Nido

Enjoy international and Filipino fusion cuisine with a lively vibe, open till late evening.
PHP600, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Nacpan Beach

Relax or swim at this stunning 4km white sand beach, one of El Nido’s must-visit spots.
PHP100 entrance, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Altrove

Indulge in authentic Italian pizza and pasta, a local favorite open till 10:00pm.
PHP800, 1h30m
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Day 6: El Nido Island Hopping

El Nido, Philippines on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start early with a hearty breakfast before a day on the water.
Included, 1h

8:00am

El Nido Island Hopping Tour A

Visit lagoons, beaches, and snorkeling spots including Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, and Shimizu Island; tours operate 8:00am to 4:00pm.
PHP1200, 8h

4:30pm

Return to Town and Late Lunch

Enjoy a relaxed meal and refresh before leaving or extending your stay.
PHP500, 1h

6:00pm

Departure preparations

Pack up for your onward journey or flight home from Puerto Princesa next day.
Free, Rest
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