8-Day Philippines Adventure: Manila, Palawan, and Cebu Highlights

Day 1: Manila Arrival & Culture

Manila, Philippines on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Adriatico

Start your day with a traditional Filipino breakfast and Spanish-influenced dishes in this iconic Malate eatery open from 7am to 11pm.
PHP400, 1h

9:30am

Intramuros Tour

Explore the historic walled city of Intramuros, visiting Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church to learn about Manila’s colonial past. Open 9am-6pm.
PHP75, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Barbara's Heritage Restaurant

Enjoy Filipino cuisine with cultural shows inside Intramuros; perfect for an immersive lunch experience. Open 11am-10pm.
PHP600, 1.5h

3:00pm

National Museum of the Philippines

Discover Filipino art, history, and natural sciences in this impressive museum near Rizal Park. Open 10am-5pm, closed on Mondays.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Spiral, Sofitel Philippine Plaza

Dine at one of Manila’s best buffet restaurants, offering Filipino and international cuisine in a luxurious setting. Open 6pm-10pm.
PHP3200, 2h

Day 2: Manila Markets & Baywalk

Manila, Philippines on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Breakfast Club

Enjoy hearty and modern twists on breakfast classics in Makati; opens 7am-3pm.
PHP450, 1h

9:00am

Divisoria Market

Explore this bustling market for souvenirs, textiles, and local products; best to get there early to avoid crowds. Open 8am-6pm.
Free to roam, 2.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Mang Larry's Isawan

Try popular street food like isaw (grilled chicken intestines) and skewers for an authentic taste of Filipino flavors. Open 11am-9pm.
PHP150, 1h

2:00pm

Rizal Park and Baywalk

Relax and take a stroll along Manila Bay’s Baywalk; enjoy the sunset and breeze near Rizal Park. Open all day.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Dampa Seaside Macapagal

Select fresh seafood and have it cooked to your liking, a popular Manila dining experience right by the bay. Open 11am-10pm.
PHP800, 2h

Day 3: Fly to Palawan & El Nido

El Nido, Palawan, Philippines on June 7, 2025

6:00am

Fly Manila to El Nido

Take an early flight to El Nido (approx 1.5 hours) to maximize your day in this tropical paradise. Flights are available from 6am onwards.
PHP3500, 2h including transfers

9:30am

Check-in and quick breakfast at Art Café

Enjoy coffee and light breakfast options at this cozy café in El Nido town, open from 6am to 10pm.
PHP350, 1h

11:00am

Island Hopping Tour A

Explore highlights like Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Shimizu Island on this popular 4-5 hour boat tour. Tours run daily 9am-3pm.
PHP1200, 5h

4:00pm

Relax at Nacpan Beach

Unwind on this pristine 4-km stretch of white sand beach, perfect for sunset views. Open all day.
PHP50 entrance fee, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Altrove

Savor fresh Italian pizza and pasta in El Nido’s highly rated restaurant open 5pm-10pm.
PHP700, 1.5h

Day 4: More El Nido Exploration

El Nido, Palawan, Philippines on June 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Café Laut

Enjoy Filipino and international breakfast dishes with a sea view; open 6:30am-10pm.
PHP400, 1h

8:30am

Island Hopping Tour C

Visit hidden beaches, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, and Helicopter Island in this 4-5 hour boat tour operating daily from 9am-3pm.
PHP1300, 5h

2:00pm

Kayaking or Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Rent kayaks or SUP boards from the town area to explore nearby coves and shoreline at your pace. Rentals open from 9am to 5pm.
PHP500, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Nesting Table

Dine on fusion and Filipino dishes in a stylish, lush environment. Open 6pm-10pm.
PHP600, 1.5h

Day 5: Travel to Coron

Coron, Palawan, Philippines on June 9, 2025

6:30am

Ferry El Nido to Coron

Take a fast ferry (approx 4 hours) from El Nido to Coron; book tickets in advance. Departures typically at 6:30am and 1pm.
PHP1600, 4h

11:00am

Check-in and light lunch at La Sirenetta Restaurant & Bar

Have a casual lunch offering fresh seafood and Western dishes. Open daily 8am-10pm.
PHP500, 1h

12:30pm

Visit Maquinit Hot Spring

Relax in one of the few saltwater hot springs in the world, a perfect recovery after your ferry. Open daily 9am-6pm.
PHP150, 2h

3:00pm

Coron Town Market & Souvenir Shopping

Explore local markets for crafts, fresh fruits, and souvenirs.
Free, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Kawayanan Grill

Enjoy traditional Filipino barbecue and other dishes in a relaxed outdoor setting, open for dinner 5pm-10pm.
PHP400, 1.5h

Day 6: Coron Island Tour

Coron, Palawan, Philippines on June 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Lobster King

Savor fresh seafood breakfast and coffee before your day tour; open 6am-10pm.
PHP500, 1h

8:00am

Coron Island Hopping Tour

Explore Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Skeleton Wreck dive/snorkel, and Barracuda Lake on this full-day island tour from 8am-4pm.
PHP1500, 8h

7:00pm

Dinner at Altrove Coron

Enjoy some of the best pizzas in Coron to unwind after a long day. Open 5pm-11pm.
PHP700, 1.5h

Day 7: Fly to Cebu, Explore City

Cebu City, Philippines on June 11, 2025

6:00am

Fly Coron to Cebu City

Catch an early morning flight to Cebu City from Busuanga Airport to maximize sightseeing. Flight duration about 1.5 hours.
PHP3300, 2h including transfers

9:00am

Breakfast at La Vie Parisienne

Enjoy French pastries, coffee, and breakfast dishes in Cebu City; open 7am-10pm.
PHP400, 1h

10:30am

Magellan’s Cross and Basilica del Santo Niño

Visit these iconic historical landmarks in the heart of Cebu, open 8am-6pm.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Casa Verde

Popular for hearty American and Filipino dishes; open 10am-10pm.
PHP600, 1.5h

3:00pm

Taoist Temple Visit

Explore this vibrant temple with panoramic views of Cebu City. Open from 8am to 5pm.
Free, 1.5h

5:30pm

Dinner at STK ta Bay!

Enjoy fresh seafood grilled Cebu-style in a popular local restaurant, open 5pm-11pm.
PHP700, 2h

Day 8: Cebu Beach & Departure

Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines on June 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a relaxing breakfast at your hotel before heading to the beach.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Relax at Mactan Island Beach Resort

Spend the morning at a beach resort enjoying the sun, sand, and clear waters. Most resorts open early morning until sunset.
PHP1000 entrance fee (varies by resort), 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Lantaw Native Restaurant

Sample authentic Cebuano cuisine with seaside views. Open 10am-9pm.
PHP600, 1.5h

3:30pm

Head to Mactan-Cebu International Airport

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Taxi PHP300, 1h