Creating a good itinerary for the Philippines can be quite a challenge. The Philippines consists of over 7,000 islands, so you’ll always have to make choices. Furthermore, the most popular islands are often far apart, which means you’ll need to puzzle with flight tickets and dates to create your ultimate itinerary. We’ve visited the Philippines multiple times and have seen many of the islands. Some were fantastic, others were less so. With all these experiences, we’ve put together the perfect itinerary for the Philippines. This is the route we find the most beautiful and recommend to everyone. However, since everyone is different, we’ve also written about other islands that you can add to this itinerary at the bottom of the article. Feel free to mix and match if one of the other islands catches your interest. Wherever you go, a trip through the Philippines is always a unique experience full of surprises!
Transportation for this Itinerary Through the Philippines
In the Philippines, you can use tricycles, tuk-tuks, buses, and traditional jeepneys on the islands. Between the islands that are close to each other, you can travel by ferry, but there’s a very high chance that you’ll also visit islands that are far apart. This means that it’s almost inevitable you’ll need to book some domestic flights. Book domestic flights as early as possible because they are cheapest then. The longer you wait, the more expensive they become, and the price differences are huge in the Philippines. If you book early, you can get flights for $44 to $66, which can cost $121 or more if booked last minute.
How Many Weeks Do You Need for This Itinerary?
If you want to follow our entire itinerary, we recommend you set aside 3 to 4 weeks. If you have more time, you’ll find more great destinations at the very bottom to extend your trip. If you have less time, you can easily skip some islands that don’t appeal to you as much or are logistically convenient to skip. A quick time-saver, for example, is skipping Port Barton and flying directly from El Nido to your next destination. For each destination on this itinerary, we’ve also written a separate article with tips so that you can get a good idea of what there is to do and decide for yourself how many days you want to spend at each place.
Manila
Your trip through the Philippines will almost always start in the capital, Manila. This huge metropolis isn’t particularly beautiful or charming, and we recommend you move on as soon as possible. Of course, it’s nice to rest after the long flight, and Makati is the safest neighborhood to stay in. Lub d Philippines Makati is a great place to stay in Makati. There are nice communal spaces where you can play pool or foosball, and the rooms and dorms are very good. It’s quite popular, so it’s smart to book your stay as soon as you book your flight tickets. For great food in Makati, head to Cosmic Poblacion.
Tip: If you have a morning or afternoon free in Manila, this fun bike tour is highly recommended! Hop on your bamboo bike and head out with an enthusiastic guide who’ll tell you all about Manila’s fascinating history and Filipino culture. A fun first introduction to the Philippines.
Coron
After a short flight, you’ll arrive in Coron, located at the northern tip of the Palawan region. You don’t come here for the city itself but for the nearby towering limestone cliffs, paradise beaches, rich underwater world, and crystal-clear lagoons. With a day of island hopping, you’ll visit the most beautiful places and discover the enchanting underwater world. End the day at Mt. Tapyas, a 200-meter (656 feet) high viewpoint where you can watch the sunset. You can quickly see all of Coron, so don’t spend too much time here, as the Philippines has many more beautiful and lively islands. Check out our tips for Coron to read about what to do, or see our comparison of the various island hopping tours in Coron.
The Four-Day Expedition from Coron to El Nido
The absolute highlight of a trip through the Philippines is the four-day expedition from Coron to El Nido. You’ll sail past the remote islands of northern Palawan, which has been named the most beautiful archipelago in the world multiple times. The days are filled with visiting paradise islands, snorkeling, socializing, and eating freshly caught fish with your feet in the sand. Every night, you sleep on a different island in a cute bamboo hut on the beach, and you’re completely away from the busy world. The crew creates a fun atmosphere and prepares the tastiest meals for the group. This expedition is for anyone who isn’t afraid of a bit of adventure and can do without wifi for a while. Want to know more about this adventure? Then read all the tips for the expedition from Coron to El Nido.
El Nido
After four days of sailing, you’ll arrive in El Nido, a coastal town that, like Coron, is a popular base for a day of island hopping. If you still want to go island hopping after the expedition, you’ll definitely enjoy it here. On day trips, you’ll visit different places than during the expedition, and while these spots are very popular, they’re incredibly beautiful and still quite different from those during the expedition. Off the coast is the stunning island of Cadlao, where you can kayak to the peaceful beaches when the wind is calm. In the evening, Pukka Bar is a fun place to have a drink and dance. Check out our tips for El Nido to see how many days you want to spend here.
Port Barton
The sleepy Port Barton is the perfect destination for travelers looking for peace after the lively atmosphere of El Nido. This small fishing village on the north coast of Palawan is nestled between lush jungle and pristine beaches. You won’t find crowds here, just friendly locals and a relaxed atmosphere. In Port Barton, you’ll enjoy simple charm: there are no big hotels, the wifi is pretty slow, and don’t be surprised if the power goes out occasionally. It’s exactly this that makes the place so special. Port Barton is the perfect spot to slow down and recharge. There’s not much to do here, so you won’t need to stay too long. Check out our tips for Port Barton to get a good sense of the destination.
Puerto Princesa (Only for Departing Flights)
2.5 hours (150 minutes) from Port Barton is Puerto Princesa. This isn’t an exciting destination, but there is an airport here, and you’ll fly to your next island from here. If you don’t book an early flight, you don’t even need to stay here and can go straight from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa Airport.
Cebu (Moalboal)
Cebu may not be at the top of the list for the best beaches in the Philippines, but this island absolutely excels in adventure and unique activities. Think of spectacular waterfalls that you can not only view but also climb through during amazing canyoning tours. Underwater, Cebu doesn’t disappoint either: you can snorkel among thousands of sardines that surround you like one giant cloud. The best place to stay on Cebu is the village of Moalboal, on the southwest coast of the island. It has a fun atmosphere, plenty of great restaurants, and there’s always something going on in the evening. Check out our tips for Cebu to get an idea of what to do.
Tip: If canyoning and snorkeling with sardines aren’t your thing, or if you’re running short on time, it’s better to travel from Cebu City to Siquijor or fly directly to Siargao, depending on how much time you have left for the Philippines.
Siquijor
Siquijor is a favorite destination among travelers in the Philippines, and that’s because the island still feels authentic and relaxed while offering plenty to do. You come for turquoise waters, impressive waterfalls, and fun hotspots. You’ll hardly see cars here; most people zip around on scooters, breezing past palm trees and small villages—the ultimate island vibe! The island is also full of cozy restaurants, and you can spend your days relaxing on the beach and swimming in beautiful waterfalls. If you’re looking for socializing, there’s always a party somewhere on Siquijor in the evenings. Check out our tips for Siquijor to see if this is a good stop for your itinerary through the Philippines.
Siargao
Siargao is the perfect island to end your Philippines itinerary. This is the surf mecca of the country, and like any surf destination, the atmosphere is great, even if you don’t surf. The island has many long white beaches, a vibrant nightlife, vast mangroves, turquoise lagoons, and small islands off the coast begging to be explored. Everything on Siargao exudes that relaxed island vibe that travelers are looking for. It’s a place where, when you leave, you always feel like you should have stayed longer. Check out our tips for Siargao.
Back to Manila
After this amazing round trip where you’ve visited the most beautiful islands, it’s time to head back to Manila and fly home from there.
Other Great Destinations in the Philippines
The itinerary above is, in our opinion, the most beautiful route for a period of about 3 to 4 weeks. However, if you want to travel faster and see more, or if you have more time, there are other great places to visit in the Philippines. Therefore, below you’ll find two additional destinations that you can add to your itinerary or replace with one of the destinations already included in the itinerary.
Batad
The Philippines is, of course, primarily a destination for its paradise islands, but the country has more to offer. Batad is a very small, authentic village with the most beautiful rice terraces in Southeast Asia, and here you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. There’s almost no internet, often no electricity, and no luxury hotels. You stay in a simple guesthouse, but with a spectacular view. Be sure to read our tips for Batad in advance because there are a few things you need to know before you go, as things here work a bit differently. This way, you won’t run into any unpleasant surprises.
Bohol and Panglao
From Cebu, you can take a boat in an hour to Bohol and Panglao. Panglao has white beaches but can be a bit crowded. On the island of Bohol, you’ll find some hidden waterfalls, jungle, and of course the unique Chocolate Hills. It’s a cool destination to spend a few days and explore the island by scooter. Check out our tips for Bohol and Panglao.
Our Favorite Places in the Philippines
During our trips through the Philippines, we always look for the most beautiful and unique accommodations. The Philippines has a number of special places that make your trip extra special, but the selection is more limited than in many other Southeast Asian countries. Therefore, it might be smart to book your accommodations earlier than you normally would. We’ve already compiled our favorite places in the Philippines so you can easily plan your trip with unique stays. How about a bamboo bungalow right on the beach or a cozy surf hostel? At these accommodations, you’re guaranteed to have a great time!
