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Philippines Itinerary 5 Days: How to Spend 5 Days in the Philippines- Philippines Itinerary 1 Week: How to Spend 7 Days in the Philippines
- Philippines Itinerary 10 Days: How to Spend 10 Days in the Philippines
- Philippines Itinerary 12 Days: How to Spend 12 Days in the Philippines
- Philippines Itinerary 2 Weeks: How to Spend 14 Days in the Philippines
- Philippines Itinerary 3 Weeks: How to Spend 21 Days in the Philippines
- How Much Does a Philippines Tour Cost?
- Explore the Philippines with Asia Odyssey Travel
Philippines Itinerary 5 Days: How to Spend 5 Days in the Philippines
Five days is very short for the Philippines, so stay in one place. Beach lovers should pick Boracay, while adventure seekers will enjoy El Nido or Coron. Nature fans will love Bohol, and surfers should head to Siargao.
El Nido is the most popular choice for a 5-day trip. Spend two days on island-hopping tours A and C to see secret beaches and shimmering lagoons. Use your free day to relax on Nacpan Beach, explore El Nido town, or hire a private boat to visit your favorite spots without the crowds.
Here is a 5-day El Nido itinerary you can refer to:
| Day | Destinations | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | El Nido | Arrival |
| 2 | Island Hopping Tour A | Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, 7 Commando Beach, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach |
| 3 | Island Hopping Tour C | Helicopter Island, Tapiutan Island, Hidden Beach, Secret Beach |
| 4 | El Nido Town | Relaxation or Inland Exploration |
| 5 | El Nido | Departure |
Philippines Itinerary 1 Week: How to Spend 7 Days in the Philippines
With 7 days, you can experience two of the Philippines' best destinations if you pick neighboring spots. Coron and El Nido pair perfectly for island hopping and snorkeling enthusiasts.
Cebu + Bohol works too: pair Cebu's historic sites with Bohol's chocolate hills and tiny tarsiers. Beach enthusiasts might prefer Boracay's famous white sand combined with Bohol's diving spots.
The classic choice is Coron and El Nido - perfect for adventure seekers who want dramatic cliffs, hidden lagoons, and WWII shipwrecks. Split your time with 3 days in each, doing their top two island-hopping tours.
| Day | Destinations | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | El Nido | Arrival |
| 2 | Island Hopping Tour A | Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, 7 Commando Beach, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach |
| 3 | Island Hopping Tour C | Helicopter Island, Tapiutan Island, Hidden Beach, Secret Beach |
| 4 | El Nido to Coron | Transfer and Coron town |
| 5 | Coron | Kayangan Lake, Green Lagoon, Quin Reef, Atwayan Beach, CYC Beach, Las Isla De Coral |
| 6 | Coron | Pass Island, Lusong Coral Garden, Lusong Gunboat, East Tangat Wreck |
| 7 | Coron | Departure |
Philippines Itinerary 10 Days: How to Spend 10 Days in the Philippines
10 days is perfect to experience the Philippines. You can explore two distant places or three nearby spots.
First-time visitors will love splitting time between El Nido's stunning lagoons, Bohol's Chocolate Hills, and Boracay's white sand beaches. Adventure seekers often pair Palawan (6-8 days) with Manila (1-2 days).
Those interested in culture and nature should head north, where you can spend about three days each exploring Banaue's rice terraces, Sagada's caves, and historic Vigan.
Classic Philippines 10 Days Itinerary: Bohol, Ei Nido & Boracay
Day 1-2: These two days are mainly for travel. You'll go from Manila to Bohol Island and use the remaining time to explore Manila or Cebu.
Day 3: It brings the highlights of Bohol - swimming with thousands of sardines at Napaling Reef, enjoying lunch while cruising down the peaceful Loboc River, meeting tiny tarsiers, and seeing the famous Chocolate Hills turn golden at sunset.
Day 4: Get ready for an ocean adventure. Watch playful dolphins in their natural habitat, then spend time snorkeling and swimming around beautiful Balicasag Island.
Day 5: It takes you to El Nido in Palawan. Take this free day to explore the charming town, relax on beaches, or enjoy local food at beachfront restaurants.
Day 6: El Nido Island Hopping Tour A, El Nido's most popular island hopping experience. You'll kayak through Big Lagoon, swim in Secret Lagoon, and relax on pristine beaches.
Day 7: El Nido Island Hopping Tour C shows you more hidden gems of El Nido - snorkel near the unique Helicopter Island, discover secluded beaches, and swim through stunning rock formations.
Day 8: It brings you to famous Boracay. Feel the powder-soft white sand between your toes as you explore White Beach at your own pace.
Day 9: Full of ocean fun. Snorkel among colorful coral gardens, jump from Magic Island, and end your day watching the sunset from a traditional sailing boat.
Day 10: Departure
Philippines Itinerary 12 Days: How to Spend 12 Days in the Philippines
12 days lets you enjoy the Philippines without rushing - you can visit 3 beautiful places comfortably.
For easy travel, explore both El Nido and Coron's stunning islands, then add Puerto Princesa nearby. These spots connect smoothly, showing you Palawan's best beaches and underground rivers.
Want more adventure? Try Bohol next - meet tiny tarsiers, see chocolate hills, and swim with turtles in nearby Siquijor or Dumaguete.
12 Days Philippines Itinerary: El Nido, Coron & Bohol
Day 1: Land in El Nido
Day 2: Full day brings the must-do island hopping Tour A, where crystal-clear lagoons and hidden beaches await. Kayak through turquoise waters and snorkel among vibrant fish.
Day 3: Island hopping Tour C. Swim through hidden coves and discover secret beaches only accessible by small boats.
Day 4: A scenic ferry ride takes you to Coron.
Day 5: Experience Coron island hopping Tour A. Kayangan Lake, known as the cleanest lake in Asia. Swim in the emerald Green Lagoon and explore colorful coral reefs.
Day 6: Reef and Wrecks tour. WWII shipwrecks create artificial reefs teeming with marine life. Relax on the white sands of Pass Island.
Day 7: Transfer to Bohol via Cebu
Day 8: Bohol day. Swim with sardine schools, cruise past riverside villages, meet endangered tarsiers, and marvel at the Chocolate Hills.
Day 9: Dolphins. Watching playful dolphins near Balicasag Island's rich waters.
Day 10: Siquijor's magic. From healing springs to enchanted trees, pristine beaches to cascading waterfalls
Day 11: Apo Island. See gentle sea turtles around Apo Island, a marine sanctuary known for its incredible underwater life.
Day 12: Departure
Philippines Itinerary 2 Weeks: How to Spend 14 Days in the Philippines
2 weeks gives you a deeper taste of the Philippines. While you can't see everything, it's plenty of time to truly experience the country. Seasoned travelers suggest focusing on 3-4 key destinations rather than rushing through many places.
Based on countless visitor experiences, there are several tried-and-true combinations that work beautifully.
Classic Island-Hopping Route (Perfect for First-Time Travelers)Spend 6–7 days in Palawan: enjoy 4 days in El Nido (try Tour A + C for lagoons and free beach time) and 3 days in Coron (explore shipwrecks and the famous Kayangan Lake). Next, take a 4-day Visayas loop (Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor) for waterfalls, tarsiers, and mystical vibes.
End your trip with 3 days in Boracay for pure beach relaxation.
For Adventure Lovers
Head to Siargao and Camiguin: surf by day on Siargao's famous Cloud 9 waves, ride a motorbike through coconut forests, or jump into hidden lagoons like Sugba Lagoon. In Camiguin, hike up Mount Hibok-Hibok volcano for sunset views, snorkel around the sunken cemetery, and warm up in Ardent Hot Springs. Try fresh seafood feasts by the beach and chat with friendly locals to soak up the island vibe.
For Culture Enthusiasts
Explore Northern Luzon (Vigan, Banaue, and Sagada): walk cobblestone streets in Vigan's Spanish town, ride a horse-drawn carriage, and try crispy empanada. Trek through Banaue's 2,000-year-old rice terraces, meet local farmers, and sleep in a traditional wooden hut.
In Sagada, discover eerie caves filled with hanging coffins, light a candle at Echo Valley, and sip mountain coffee at cozy cafés. Pack light shoes and a curious heart—this journey is all about slow travel and ancient stories.
Philippines Itinerary 3 Weeks: How to Spend 21 Days in the Philippines
The beauty of 3 weeks is mixing different trips into one. Try 10 days of island-hopping, 7 days of cultural adventures, and 4 days of pure relaxation.
Many travelers love blending Palawan, Visayas, Siargao, and Boracay—it covers beaches, culture, and fun all at once. Others pick just one theme, like diving non-stop or soaking up local traditions. There's no wrong way—follow what makes you happiest!
A mix-and-match plan (trusted by many travelers) is below.
Day 1-3: Puerto Princesa. (Honda Bay Island Hopping to Starfish Island, Cowrie Island, Luli Island, Underground River National Park)
Day 4-5: El Nido Island Hopping Tour A and C (Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, 7 Commando Beach, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach, Helicopter Island, Tapiutan Island, Hidden Beach, Secret Beach)
Day 6-8: Coron Island Hopping Tour A and Coron Reef and Wrecks Tour. (Kayangan Lake, Green Lagoon, Quin Reef, Atwayan Beach, CYC Beach, Las Isla De Coral, Pass Island, Lusong Coral Garden, Lusong Gunboat, East Tangat Wreck).
Day 9: Coron-Cebu-Bohl
Day 10: Bohol Tour. (Napaling Reef (Sardine Run Experience), Loboc River Cruise, Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, Chocolate Hills)
Day 11: Balicasag Islands. (Dolphin Watching)
Day 12: Siquijor (Capilay Spring Park, Tubod Beach, Lugnason Falls, Old Enchanted Balete Tree, Lazi Convent, Kagusuan Beach, Cambugahay Falls)
Day 13: Dumaguete Island Hopping Tour (Apo Island Sea Turtles)
Day 15: Cebu Oslob (Whale Shark Watching, Tumalog Falls)
Day 16-18: Sirgao (Cloud 9, Siargao Island Hopping Tour, Naked Island, Daku Island, Guyam Island)
Day 19-21: Boracay (Beach relaxing)
How Much Does a Philippines Tour Cost?
The Philippines is indeed an affordable destination. However, depending on different spending habits, here is a budget for reference:
Budget Travel ($30-50/day) – Stay in guesthouses or hostels ($15-20), enjoy local markets and street food ($10), and get around by jeepneys or buses ($5). Island-hopping tours cost extra ($15-25). This works well in places like Bohol or Siquijor.
Mid-Range Comfort ($80-120/day) – Stay in beachfront hotels ($50-70), eat at nice restaurants ($20), and take occasional taxis or ferries ($15). Tours and activities add around $30. Perfect for El Nido or Coron.
Luxury Travel ($150+/day) – Stay in 5-star resorts ($120+), dine at top restaurants ($50), and enjoy private boat tours ($80+). Best for Boracay or private island stays.
Tourist hotspots like Boracay and Palawan cost 20–30% more than quieter areas like Camiguin or Batanes. Save by staying longer in one region (e.g., Visayas islands) to cut transport costs. Always bring cash—many islands lack ATMs.
Philippines Trip Cost: How Much is a Trip to Philippines?
Explore the Philippines with Asia Odyssey Travel
We are Asia Odyssey Travel, a locally owned travel agency with offices in Manila, Puerto Princesa, and Bohol, offering authentic expertise for first-time visitors to the Philippines.
To suit every traveler's needs, we provide:
✅ 10 Best Philippines Group Tours - Budget-friendly adventures, small group;
✅ 40+ Private Tours - Fully customized beyond tourist trails
Your Travel Toolkit:
Philippines Travel Guides: Cost, Trip Planner, Best Time to Visit, Things to Do, Most Beautiful Places, Islands, Surfing Spots
Itineraries: 5 Day • 7 Day • 10 Day • 2 Weeks • 3 Weeks
Let's escape to the Philippines - more than just islands, but a world of endless fun and adventure!
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