3 Week Philippines Itinerary Map & Route Overview

Day | Destination | Highlights |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Manila | Manila Arrival |
Day 2 | Manila City | Tagaytay, Rizal Park, San Agustin Church, Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago |
Day 3 | Manila → Puerto Princesa | Crocodile Farm, Mitra's Ranch, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Plaza Cuartel |
Day 4 | Puerto Princesa | Honda Bay Island Hopping to Starfish Island, Cowrie Island, Luli Island |
Day 5 | Puerto Princesa → Sabang → EI Nido | Underground River National Park |
Day 6 | El Nido Tour A | Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, 7 Commando Beach, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach |
Day 7 | El Nido Tour C | Helicopter Island, Tapiutan Island, Hidden Beach, Secret Beach |
Day 8 | El Nido → Coron | Ferry ride, Mt. Tapyas |
Day 9 | Coron Tour A | Kayangan Lake, Green Lagoon, Quin Reef, Atwayan Beach, CYC Beach, Las Isla De Coral |
Day 10 | Coron Reef and Wrecks Tour | Pass Island, Lusong Coral Garden, Lusong Gunboat, East Tangat Wreck |
Day 11 | Coron → Cebu → Bohol | Fly from Coron to Cebu, then ferry to Bohol, Alona Beach |
Day 12 | Bohol | Napaling Reef (Sardine Run Experience), Loboc River Cruise, Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, Chocolate Hills |
Day 13 | Bohol → Siquijor | Dolphin Watching, Balicasag Islands |
Day 14 | Siquijor → Dumaguete | Capilay Spring Park, Tubod Beach, Lugnason Falls, Old Enchanted Balete Tree, Lazi Convent, Kagusuan Beach, Cambugahay Falls |
Day 15 | Dumaguete Island Hopping Tour | Apo Island (Sea Turtles) |
Day 16 | Dumaguete → Oslob → Cebu | Whale Shark Watching, Tumalog Falls |
Day 17 | Cebu → Boracay | Magellan's Cross, Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, Fort San Pedro |
Day 18 | Boracay Island Hopping | Coral Garden Snorkeling, Magic Island, Angol Point Snorkeling, Sunset Sail |
Day 19 | Boracay | Water Activities Based on Your Preferences |
Day 20 | Boracay → Manila | Fly back to Manila and departure |
Considering the fatigue from traveling, we've allowed ample time for transfers between destinations, giving you plenty of time to rest during layovers.
In fact, if you're a backpacker, this itinerary can be shortened, allowing you to add one or two more islands to your three-week trip in the Philippines—such as Siargao, famous for surfing, or Malapascua Island, known for diving with thresher sharks.


Day 1-2 Manila
Welcome to the Philippines! Manila is the capital and biggest city. When you land in Manila, you may probably feel a mix of excitement and jet lag. Don’t be worried, just take the first day easy. After checking into your hotel, maybe grab a local meal (adobo or lechon) and rest up a bit. Be careful at night!
Manila (1 day)
Next day, head out to Tagaytay in the morning. It’s about 1.5 to 2 hours away and totally worth it for the cool breeze and the views of Taal Volcano sitting inside a lake that’s inside another volcano.
Back in Manila City by afternoon. It’s time to visit Intramuros, the old walled city. Walk through the 500-year-old Fort Santiago, check out the stone San Agustin Church, and snap some pics at the majestic Manila Cathedral. It feels like stepping into a mini Spain with a Filipino twist. Amazing!
Continue wondering with a sunset stroll in Rizal Park (Luneta), just 1 km away from Fort Santiago. It’s chill, full of local vibes, and a great spot to people-watch or grab some street food for dinner.
That’s real Manila: a little history, a little scenery, and a whole lot of character. Next stop—Palawan paradise!


Day 3-10 Palawan Vibes – From Puerto Princesa to El Nido to Coron
After Manila, it’s time to fly to Puerto Princesa, the chill capital of Palawan.
Puerto Princesa (2-3 days)
Once you land, it’s a soft start: visit the Crocodile Farm (yes, real crocs!), enjoy sweeping views at Mitra’s Ranch, and take a quick walk around the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and Plaza Cuartel to feel a bit of local history.
Next day, get your swimwear ready for a tropical treat: Honda Bay island hopping! You’ll hit up postcard-perfect spots like Starfish Island, Cowrie Island, and Luli Island. It’s all sunshine, snorkeling, and coconut drinks.
Day 5, you’re off early to Sabang for the world-famous Underground River. Take a boat ride through dark, magical caves filled with bats and weird rock formations (don’t worry, it’s awesome, not spooky).
After that, it’s a scenic ride up to El Nido, your next paradise base. The drive’s long but the views? Unreal.


El Nido (2-3 days)
El Nido is where things really turn up.
On Day 6, hop on Tour A, where you cruise through towering limestone cliffs and bright blue lagoons. You’ll kayak through the Big Lagoon, swim in hidden spots like the Secret Lagoon, chill at 7 Commando Beach, and snack on fresh seafood at Shimizu Island. Pure island magic.
The next day, Tour C kicks in with even more wow. Think snorkeling near Helicopter Island, visiting the dreamy Hidden Beach, and discovering little secret coves like Secret Beach. It’s like nature showing off.
Day 8, say goodbye to El Nido and hop on a ferry to Coron. It’s a long ride (bring snacks and a good playlist), but by afternoon, you’ll be climbing up Mt. Tapyas for epic sunset views and 700+ steps of cardio that’s totally worth it.


Coron (2-3 days)
Coron is all about wild beauty and underwater treasures.
Day 9 takes you on a classic tour, Kayangan Lake (hello, clearest water ever), Green Lagoon, and island stops like CYC Beach. Every stop is a “how is this real?” moment.
Then on Day 10, it’s time to dive into Coron’s legendary shipwrecks and coral gardens. You’ll explore places like Lusong Gunboat and East Tangat Wreck, perfect even if you’re just snorkeling.
The coral at Lusong Garden is unreal, and Pass Island might be the prettiest beach you’ve ever seen.
By the end of Day 10, your camera’s full, your skin’s sun-kissed, and you’re fully in island mode. Up next: Bohol and beyond!


Day 11-16 Central Visaya Loop (Cebu + Bohol + Siquijor + Dumaguete)
Time to leave Palawan behind and head east.
Cebu (1-2 days)
Cebu is the start point and end point for the loop!
Fly from Coron to Cebu (1.5 hours), then hop on a ferry to Bohol (2 hours). It’s a bit of a travel day, but totally manageable. Once you arrive, settle in at Alona Beach. It’s lively, breezy, and full of beach bars and cute cafés.
Bohol (2 days)
Bohol is about Chocolate Hills and Tarsiers!
On day 12, take the classic Bohol countryside day tour. Start with the Sardines Run in Napaling Reef. Then, drive to the Roboc River for a romantic buffet cruise journey. Later, visit the tiny, wide-eyed residents of the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, they’re super cute and very shy. Finish up at the iconic Chocolate Hills.
The next day is packed but epic. Wake up early for a magical morning, dolphin watching off Panglao! Then cruise to Balicasag Island for snorkeling. It’s paradise with coral gardens, turtles, and crystal-clear waters.
In the afternoon, turn to Siquijor with a ferry ride (2 hours) from Tagbilaran. Siquijor is quiet, dreamy, and has a bit of a magical vibe. Sunset by the beach? Yes, please.


Siquijor (1 day)
It’s Siquijor Day! Counterclockwise around the island!
Swim in Capilay Spring Park, relax at Tubod Beach, and cool off at Lugnason Falls. Don't miss the Old Enchanted Balete Tree, locals believe it’s magical, and there are fish spas waiting at its roots!
Check out the Lazi Convent, one of the oldest in the country, and wander through beaches like Kagusuan and Cambugahay Falls (yes, that’s the one with the rope swings!).
In the late afternoon, you’ll take a ferry ride (45min) to Dumaguete, a charming coastal city with a chill, artsy vibe.


Dumaguete (1-2 days)
Dumaguete is all about the Apo Island!
On day 15, head out to Apo Island, one of the best marine sanctuaries in the country. Enjoy snorkeling and swimming with sea turtles, colorful fish, and coral that looks straight out of Finding Nemo. It’s an underwater paradise.
The next day, it’s time to make your way back to Cebu with a stop in Oslob.
In Oslob, you have the chance to swim with whale sharks. Those gentle giants are massive but totally chill (just keep a respectful distance). Then, swing by Tumalog Falls before drive back to Cebu City (3 hours).
Next stop: Boracay, White Beach!


Day 17-19 Boracay Beach Relaxing
Boracay (3 days)
Don’t be rush to Beaches. Visit some historic sites in Cebu City before the flight!
Check out Magellan’s Cross, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, and Fort San Pedro. It’s a good way to soak in a bit of history before hitting the beach. Then, head straight to the world-famous White Beach, time to kick back!
Day 18 is Boracay Island Hopping day! Start with some snorkeling at Coral Garden, then hit up Magic Island for some cliff-jumping fun. After that, enjoy the serene beauty of Angol Point and more snorkeling. Finish the day with a relaxing sunset sail—think golden skies and calm waters.
Day 19 is all about YOU. Want to feel the adrenaline rush? Try parasailing or kite surfing. Or maybe you want to chill with a jet ski ride or a relaxing paddleboarding session. Whatever your vibe, Boracay has it all. It’s your chance to make the most of the stunning surroundings while doing exactly what excites you.


Day 20 Boracay → Manila Departure
The 3 week Philippines journey comes to an end.
Take a smooth and stress-free transition to your flight back home. Instead of cramming in more activities, you have a morning to chill, maybe grab some last-minute souvenirs or just enjoy the beach one last time.
The flight from Boracay to Manila is usually quick (around an hour), so you won’t feel rushed. By the time you reach Manila, you’ll have ample time to catch your international flight, allowing you to wrap up your trip without any pressure.
Transportation Options for a 3-week Trip in Philippines
Flights and Ferry rides are popular in Philippines between islands.
For long-distance travel, flight is always the best and fastest option, such as Manila to El Nido, Coron to Cebu, Cebu to Boracay.
For short-distance travel, a ferry ride is a budget and convenient way, though some section needs hours ride, like El Nido to Coron, Cebu to Bohol, Bohol to Siquijor, Siqujor to Dumaguete, Dumaguete to Oslob in Cebu.
For inter-city routes and tourist spots, a car or tuk-tuk is a local and cheap way, It can quickly take you to the exact location with just a few dollars.


3 Weeks in Philippines Cost
A 3-week trip to Philippines can be affordable ($1,800–$2,400) or luxurious ($4,500+), depending on your travel style. You can enjoy a more budget tour (less $1,500) by backpacking trip (it’s an English-speaking country!) or opt for a hassle-free tour package (it’s still affordable!).
With Asia Odyssey Travel, a well-organized group tour usually costs between $2,000 and $3,000. That typically includes accommodation, island hopping tours, domestic flights (if needed), ferry rides, meals (excluding drinks), and island entrance fees (diving gear not included).
Discover How Philippines Will Surprise You in 3 Weeks with Asia Odyssey Travel
Three week in Philippines is more than just a vacation. It's a perfectly crafted journey through turquoise waters, tropical islands, vibrant culture, and pleasant moments.
Wondering where to go or how to handle the itinerary? Asia Odyssey Travel will make help! From the bustling streets of Manila to the paradise of Palawan, from swimming with turtles in Apo Island to beach-hopping in Boracay—we've done the planning so you can focus on the fun.
Every flight, ferry, tour, and hidden gem has been thoughtfully organized to give you the best of the Philippines, without the stress.
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- Well-organized tour packages: Philippines Group Tours, El Nido Tours, Coron Tours, Bohol Tours, Cebu Tours, Boracay Tours
- Useful travel guide: Philippines Islands, Philippines Itineraries, Philippines Travel Cost, Philippines Surfing Spots
- Updated Maps: Philippines Maps, Cebu Maps, Bohol Maps, El Nido Maps, Coron Maps, Boracay Maps, Manila Maps, Siargao Island Map, Palawan Maps
Your tropical adventure starts here. Let’s explore the Philippines—easy, fun, and unforgettable.
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