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Philippines Itinerary 5 Days: Deep Travel in a Destinations
For a short 5-day stay in the Philippines, hopping between many islands can be tiring. You'll spend too much time traveling. Instead, pick one great spot with lots to see and do.
Palawan (with El Nido, Coron, and Puerto Princesa) is the perfect choice since it has everything you could want. If Palawan doesn't catch your eye, Boracay, Bohol, or Siargao are also super popular destinations that tourists love.
No.1 El Nido: Focus on Island Hopping & Beaches
El Nido, it's honestly one of the most breathtaking places on Earth. The kind of destination that actually looks better than the photos. It has everything: perfect beaches, UNESCO-listed lagoons, and reefs full of life. People call it “Asia's Last Paradise”—and it's true.
5 days here is just right. You can pick 2 of the main 4 island tours. Tour A (lagoons, snorkeling) and Tour C (hidden beaches, cliffs) are the most popular. Then, plan a chill day to relax. You can rest after all the fun activities. Rent a motorbike to a quiet beach or hire a private boat to explore alone.
| 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 |
What to Do in El Nido? Top 13 El Nido Things to Do (2025)
El Nido Itinerary: 4 DIY Ideas for 3-5 Days Trip to El Nido
How to Get to El Nido? Flights, Vans & Ferries from 4 Key Spots
No.2 Boracay: Best for Honeymoon
Boracay is always on top honeymoon lists. It's got powdery white sand, water so clear you'll gasp, and sunsets that stick in your heart.
What's special? 4km of White Beach - perfect for sunset walks, with luxury resorts (private pools included!) and adventures to spice things up.
You could just lie here for 5 days. But if you itch to explore: Relax on the beach, swim in the sea, and take a boat trip to Crystal Cove. hike Mount Luho for views, visit the Butterfly Garden, and watch thousands of bats fly out at sunset. End your trip with a romantic sail as the sky turns gold. Check more Philippines Honeymoon Tour Packages Tour >>
| Day | Destinations | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boracay | Arrival |
| 2 | Island Hopping | Crystal Cove, Crocodile Island, and Puka Beach |
| 3 | Boracay | Mount Luho, Boracay Butterfly Garden, Bat Cave |
| 4 | Boracay Beach | Parasailing, Jet skiing, flyboarding, sunset cruise |
| 5 | Boracay | Departure |
Boracay Island Map: Map of Boracay Beaches (2025)
No.3 Coron
Coron, just 3.5-4 hours from El Nido by ferry, offers something special. It's not just beaches (though it has those too). This place is famous for sunken WWII ships and crazy limestone cliffs. They call it the “Diving Capital of the Philippines”—but even snorkelers will love it.
Island-hopping is the game here. With 5 days, you can enjoy everything without rushing. And focus on two main tours: Tour A (Kayangan Lake, the “cleanest lake in Asia”) and the Reef & Wrecks Tour (dive or snorkel ghostly shipwrecks).
Then you can spend a day on the Coron Island Escapade Tour, just relaxing on soft white sand beaches. Don't forget to save half a day for the highlights of Coron town, especially the famous Maquinit Hot Spring and Mt. Tapyas.
| Day | Destinations | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coron Town | Arrival, Mt. Tapyas, Maquinit Hot Spring |
| 2 | Island Hopping Tour A | Kayangan Lake, Green Lagoon, Quin Reef, Atwayan Beach, CYC Beach, Las Isla De Coral |
| 3 | Coron Reef and Wrecks Tour | Pass Island, Lusong Coral Garden, Lusong Gunboat, East Tangat Wreck |
| 4 | Coron Island Escapade Tour | Malcapuya Island, Ditaytayan Island, Bulog Dos Island |
| 5 | El Nido | Departure |
How Many Days in Coron: Coron Itinerary 1,2,3,4 & 5 Days [2025]
10 Best Things to Do in Coron: Places to Visit & Travel Tips
How to Get to Coron: Getting to Coron from 5 Major Cities of PH
No.4 Bohol & Panglao Island
Bohol is a must for Philippines trips. It's got everything—famous Chocolate Hills, tiny tarsiers (world's smallest monkeys!), island-hopping, and beaches to melt into.
Spend 2 days on Bohol's classics: See the Chocolate Hills, meet tarsiers, and cruise the Loboc River. All are close together, easy to explore.
Then hop to Siquijor (2-hour ferry). Stay 2 days for dolphin-spotting boat trips, hidden waterfalls, and beaches untouched by crowds. The island feels magical—locals still use ancient healing rituals.
Finish with Apo Island near Dumaguete. Snorkel with sea turtles in crystal water—they'll swim right beside you.
| Day | Destinations | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bohol | Arrival |
| 2 | Bohol | Loboc River Cruise, Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, Chocolate Hills |
| 3 | Bohol to Siquijor | Dolphin Watching, Balicasag Islands |
| 4 | Siquijor | Capilay Spring Park, Tubod Beach, Lugnason Falls, Kagusuan Beach, Cambugahay Falls |
| 5 | Dumaguete | Apo Island (Sea Turtles) |
Bohol Itinerary: How to Spend 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Days in Bohol
Activities in Bohol: 13 Things to Do & Places to Visit
How to Get to Bohol: Flight/Ferry to Bohol (2025)
No.5 Siargao
Siargao, it's the Philippines' surf capital. And is the spot if you want surf, secret lagoons, and island vibes.
Day 1: Arrival
Day 2: Surf lesson at Jacking Horse (beginners) or Cloud 9 (pros). Even if you wipe out, the vibe's pure joy.
Day 3: Siargao's magical mainland - Magpupungko's tide pools (go at low tide!), Sugba Lagoon's turquoise kayaks, and Maasin River's rope swings. Don't miss the Coconut Road selfies.
Day 4: Classic island-hopping trio - Naked Island's pure white sand, Daku's picnic-perfect shores, and tiny Guyam's palm-fringed paradise.
Day 5: Departure
Siargao Attractions: 10 Best Things to Do in Siargao (With Itinerary)
5 Days in Philippines with Multi Destinations
Want to see more of the Philippines in just 5 days? It's totally possible! The key is choosing locations close enough to each other so you spend more time exploring than traveling.
For example, you could combine Puerto Princesa, El Nido and Coron in Palawan - all easily connected by short flights or ferries. Another great combo is Cebu and Bohol, just a quick 2-hour ferry ride apart.
No.6 Split Between El Nido and Coron, Palawan
Palawan is the Philippines' last frontier, home to its two best islands: El Nido and Coron. Both spots wow with glass-clear water, towering cliffs, powdery beaches, and world-class diving.
They're just 3-4 hours apart by ferry, so you can taste both in 5 days. Spend a day island hopping in each place to see their hidden lagoons and secret beaches. El Nido (island hopping tour A or B) and Coron (Ultimate Tour).
| Day | Destinations | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | El Nido | Flight to El Nido and Land Tour |
| 2 | El Nido Island Hopping Tour A | Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, 7 Commando Beach, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach |
| 3 | El Nido to Coron | 1.5 h ferry and Coron Island exlore |
| 4 | Coron Island Hopping ultimate Tour | Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoons, Twin Peaks Reef, Balinsasayaw Coral Garden, CYC Beach, Beach 91 |
| 5 | Coron | Departure |
El Nido or Coron, Which Is Better? El Nido vs Coron Battles (2025)
El Nido to Coron: Ferry, Flight, or Island Hop? (2025)
No.7 Puerto Princesa & El Nido
Palawan has another great option. Mix central Puerto Princesa with northern El Nido. Puerto Princesa, the island's capital, wows with the UNESCO-listed Underground River, cave tours, and Honda Bay island-hopping.
Treat Puerto Princesa as your starter - spend 2 days here exploring caves and snorkeling Honda Bay's reefs. Then ride a van (5–6 hours) or fly (1 hour) to El Nido. Dive into its lagoons, beaches, and sunset cruises for 2 full days.
| Day | Destinations | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Puerto Princesa | Arrival |
| 2 | Puerto Princesa | Underground River National Park |
| 3 | El Nido Island Hopping Tour A | Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, 7 Commando Beach, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach |
| 4 | El Nido Island Hopping Tour C | Helicopter Island, Tapiutan Island, Hidden Beach, Secret Beach |
| 5 | El Nido | Departure |
Puerto Princesa to El Nido: Van or Bus? Choose Wisely (2025)
No.8 Bohol & Cebu
For a mix of history, nature, and island magic, pair Cebu and Bohol. These neighboring gems are just a 2-hour ferry ride apart, making them perfect for a 5-day adventure.
Day 1: Land in Cebu. Start slow—visit Magellan's Cross and Santo Niño Basilica, where 500 years of history come alive. End with a sunset stroll along Fort San Pedro's ancient walls.
Day 2: Ferry to Bohol. Dive straight into its wild side—swim with millions of sardines at Napaling Reef, cruise the Loboc River's jungles, and meet the tiny tarsiers (smallest primates on Earth!).
Day 3: Go classic. Marvel at the Chocolate Hills (they're real, not candy!), then snorkel Balicasag Island's coral gardens. Dolphins often greet boats at dawn—set your alarm!
Day 4: Choose your thrill. Dive deeper at Balicasag, relax on Panglao's beaches, or kayak through hidden mangrove forests.
Day 5: Soak up final moments. Grab last-minute souvenirs at Alona Beach, then fly out from Tagbilaran.
Cebu to Bohol (Tagbilaran) Ferry: 2025 Schedule & Fare
How Much Does It Cost for 5 Days in Philippines?
A 5-day trip to the Philippines can suit any budget. Your biggest cost will be where you sleep. Getting around is easy on the budget too.
Flights between islands cost $30–$100, while ferries and buses are cheaper ($5–$20). Activities vary - island hopping tours go for $20–$50, and diving starts around $30.
- For backpackers: Around $350–500. Sleep in cheap guesthouses (₱500/night), eat street food (₱100/meal), and join group tours (₱1,500/day).
- For comfort travelers: $600–900. Stay in nice hotels (₱2,500/night), eat at restaurants (₱300–500/meal), and book private island trips (₱3,000/day).
- For luxury lovers: $1,500+. 5-star resorts (₱10,000/night), fancy dinners (₱2,000/meal).
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;
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