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3 Weeks in Philippines: Itinerary, Map, Cost

Written by Felicia|Updated: 2025-04-21

Got 3 Weeks in the Philippines? You’re in for the Adventure of a Lifetime.

Three weeks is the perfect amount of time to truly dive deep into the Philippines’ top islands and hidden treasures. From the historic streets of Manila to the dramatic limestone cliffs of El Nido, the sunken shipwrecks of Coron, the wide-eyed tarsiers of Bohol, the mystical charm of Siquijor, and the world-famous white sands of Boracay—this itinerary covers the very best the country has to offer.

Asia Odyssey Travel has crafted a well-balanced route that blends iconic sights with off-the-beaten-path gems, packed with snorkeling, island hopping, cultural discoveries, and just the right dose of beachside relaxation.

Whether you’re a beach bum, nature lover, or thrill seeker, this is your ultimate, stress-free guide to exploring the Philippines—one unforgettable island at a time.

Content Preview

  • triangle3 Week Philippines Itinerary Map & Route Overview
  • triangleDay 1-2 Manila
  • triangleDay 3-10 Palawan Vibes – From Puerto Princesa to El Nido to Coron
  • triangleDay 11-16 Central Visaya Loop (Cebu + Bohol + Siquijor + Dumaguete)
  • triangleDay 17-19 Boracay Beach Relaxing
  • triangleDay 20 Boracay → Manila Departure
  • triangleTransportation Options for a 3-week Trip in Philippines
  • triangle3 Weeks in Philippines Cost
  • triangleDiscover How Philippines Will Surprise You in 3 Weeks with Asia Odyssey Travel

3 Week Philippines Itinerary Map & Route Overview

Philippines Itinerary Map
3 Week Philippines Itinerary Map
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.

Chocolate Hills, Bohol
Chocolate Hills, Bohol
Boracay Island, Philippines
Boracay Island, Philippines

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!

Manila Cathedral
Manila Cathedral
Manila Fort Santiago
Manila Fort Santiago

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.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

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.

Secret Beach, El Nido
Secret Beach, El Nido
Hidden Beach, El Nido
Hidden Beach, El Nido

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!

Kayangan Lake, Coron
Kayangan Lake, Coron
Lusong Coral Garden, Coron
Lusong Coral Garden, Coron

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.

Chocolate Hills, Bohol
Chocolate Hills, Bohol
Loboc River Cruise, Bohol
Loboc River Cruise, Bohol

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.

Siquijor Cambugahay Falls
Siquijor Cambugahay Falls
Siquijor Old Enchanted Balete Tree
Siquijor Old Enchanted Balete Tree

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!

Apo Island, Dumaguete
Apo Island, Dumaguete
Dumaguete Apo Island
Dumaguete Apo Island

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.

White Beach on Boracay Island
White Beach on Boracay Island
Sunset Paraw Sailing on Boracay Island
Sunset Paraw Sailing on Boracay Island

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.

Bangka at Bohol
Bangka at Bohol
Cebu Airport
Cebu Airport

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.

For more options, Check out more Philippines Itineraries:

5 Days in Philippines: 8 Best Philippines 5 Days Itinerary

Philippines Itinerary 7 Days: 1 Week in Philippines (Map, Cost)

Philippines 10 Days Itinerary: 6 Trip Plans for Every Traveler

2 Weeks Philippines Itinerary 2025: Where to Go & Routes

3 Weeks in Philippines: Itinerary, Map, Cost

Your tropical adventure starts here. Let’s explore the Philippines—easy, fun, and unforgettable.

If you have any questions about this article, please contact us by submitting the following form and we'll immediately get back to you.

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