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7 Days in Philippines: 4 Best Itineraries for First Timers

Written by Felicia|Updated: 2025-04-21

First Time in the Philippines? One Week Is All You Need to Fall in Love.

With just 7 days, you can experience the very best of this island paradise. Choose two or three of the most iconic islands—kayak through hidden lagoons in El Nido, snorkel vibrant reefs in Coron, cruise down Bohol’s scenic Loboc River, chase waterfalls in Cebu, or simply unwind on Boracay’s powder-soft beaches.

Pick your favorite spots, book that flight, and let the island magic take over.

This guide lays out four incredible 7-day itineraries, complete with route maps, top experiences, smart travel tips, and easy planning advice. And the best part? You don’t have to plan it all alone—Asia Odyssey Travel is here to help turn your dream island escape into reality.

Ready to dive into a week of tropical bliss in the Philippines? Let’s go!

Content Preview

  • triangle1 Week Philippines Itinerary #1: Epic Palawan Island Tour to El Nido and Coron
  • triangle1 Week Philippines Itinerary #2: Visayas Tour to Boracay, Cebu and Bohol
  • triangle1 Week Philippines Itinerary #3: Visayas Loop Tour to Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor and Dumaguete
  • triangle1 Week Philippines Itinerary #4: Bohol and El Nido
  • triangle1 Week in Philippines Cost
  • triangleTips When Planning 7 Days in Philippines Itinerary
  • triangleEnjoy One Week in Philippines with Asia Odyssey Travel

1 Week Philippines Itinerary #1: Epic Palawan Island Tour to El Nido and Coron

This 7-day itinerary takes you from the pristine beaches and lagoons of El Nido to the historic wreck dives and serene lakes of Coron.

It’s perfect for travelers craving crystal-clear waters, limestone cliffs, and some of the best island-hopping on the planet.

Big Lagoon, El Nido
Big Lagoon, El Nido
Green Lagoon, Coron
Green Lagoon, Coron

Day Destination Highlights
Day 1 El Nido Arrive in El Nido from Manila or other cities.
Day 2 El Nido Ialsnd Hopping Tour A Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, 7 Commando Beach, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach
Day 3 El Nido Ialsnd Hopping Tour C Helicopter Island, Tapiutan Island, Hidden Beach, Secret Beach
Day 4 El Nido → Coron Mt. Tapyas or Maquinit Hot Spring
Day 5 Coron Ialsnd Hopping Tour A Kayangan Lake, Green Lagoon, Quin Reef, Atwayan Beach, CYC Beach, Las Isla De Coral
Day 6 Coron Reef and Wrecks Tour Pass Island, Lusong Coral Garden, Lusong Gunboat, East Tangat Wreck
Day 7 Coron Departure Fly back to Manila or other cities
Philippines Itinerary Map
1 Week Philippines Itinerary Map

Day 1: El Nido Arrival

Fly into El Nido (or Puerto Princesa + land transfer) and soak in your first views of towering limestone cliffs and turquoise water. Check into your hotel, explore town, and get ready for the adventures ahead.

Day 2-3: El Nido Island Hopping Tour

Spend two full days hopping around Bacuit Bay’s most iconic spots:

Tour A brings you to postcard-perfect sites like Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and 7 Commando Beach.

Tour C is for the more adventurous, with rugged wonders like Helicopter Island, Tapiutan Island, Hidden Beach, and Secret Beach.

Each stop is a mix of snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and lazing on the sand. Don’t forget your reef-safe sunscreen!

Day 4: Ferry ride from El Nido to Coron

Time to switch islands! Take a scenic ferry ride from El Nido to Coron (about 4–5 hours). Once in Coron, stretch your legs with a hike up Mt. Tapyas for sunset views or unwind in the steamy Maquinit Hot Spring.

Hidden Beach, El Nido
Hidden Beach, El Nido
Coron Islands, Palawan
Coron Islands, Palawan

Day 5-6: Coron Island Hopping Tour

Coron is where shipwrecks meet lagoons, and it’s just as awesome as it sounds.

Tour A shows off the jaw-dropping Kayangan Lake, Green Lagoon, and colorful reefs at CYC Beach and Las Isla De Coral.

The Reef and Wrecks Tour brings a whole new vibe with sunken WWII wrecks like the Lusong Gunboat and snorkeling paradises like Pass Island and Lusong Coral Garden.

Day 7: Coron Departure

Say goodbye to island life and catch your flight back to Manila (or onward). You’ll leave sun-kissed, salt-haired, and totally hooked on Palawan.

1 Week Philippines Itinerary #2: Visayas Tour to Boracay, Cebu and Bohol

If you’ve been dreaming of soft white-sand beaches, snorkeling, river cruises, and chocolate hills, then this 7-day Philippines itinerary is your ultimate escape. This well-organized journey will take you through Boracay, Cebu, and Bohol.

It’s the perfect mix of chill and thrill, with just enough time in each place to soak in the highlights.

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

Day Destination Highlights
Day 1 Boracay Arrive in Boracay from Manila or other cities
Day 2 Boracay Island Hopping Coral Garden Snorkeling, Magic Island, Angol Point Snorkeling, Sunset Sail
Day 3 Boracay → Cebu Beach Exploration and Flight to Cebu City
Day 4 Cebu → Bohol Cebu City Exploration and ferry to Bohol
Day 5 Bohol Countryside Tour Napaling Reef (Sardine Run Experience), Loboc River Cruise, Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, Chocolate Hills
Day 6 Bohol Island Hopping Tour Dolphin Watching, Balicasag Islands
Day 7 Bohol Departure Back to Cebu or Manila
Philippines Itinerary Map
1 Week Philippines Itinerary Map

Day 1-2: Boracay Relaxing

Start your journey in Boracay. The white soft beach is top-style, along with blue-green waters and lively nightlife. It’s always cozy for couples. You’ll spend the first two days unwinding and exploring the tiny island.

Day 1 is for settling in. Flight to Caticlan and a short ferry ride to Boracay is necessary. Upon arrival, enjoy the beach vibes around your resort, and maybe treat yourself to a sunset cocktail. Fantastic with a lot fun!

On Day 2, explore the surrounding waters on a Boracay Island Hopping Tour and iconic white beaches. Snorkel in the Coral Garden, leap off cliffs at Magic Island, and don’t forget to enjoy a chill sail at sunset (a must here).

Day 3-4: Boracay to Bohol via Cebu

Time to island-hop!

On Day 3, enjoy one last Boracay beach stroll before flying to Cebu City (1 hour).

Day 4 is for Cebu city. Explore historic sites like Magellan’s Cross, Basilica del Santo Niño, or just soak up the city buzz. Then take a 2-hour ferry ride to Bohol.

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, Bohol
Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, Bohol
Loboc River Cruise, Bohol
Loboc River Cruise, Bohol

Day 5-6: Bohol Exploration

Bohol is a paradise of its own, offering both countryside exploration and island hopping experiences.

Day 5 is Bohol Countryside Tour! You’ll meet the unique Chocolate Hills, the adorable Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, and a scenic Loboc River Cruise. You’ll also get a chance to experience the amazing Napaling Reef in the morning, where you can join the famous Sardine Run!

On Day 6, spend the day island hopping around Balicasag Island, a diving and snorkeling haven, and catch a glimpse of playful dolphins in their natural habitat if you get up early.

Day 7: Bohol Departure

After an action-packed week, it’s time to bid farewell to Bohol and catch a ferry back to Cebu or fly back to Manila for your departure.

1 Week Philippines Itinerary #3: Visayas Loop Tour to Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor and Dumaguete

This Visayas loop is for the explorers at heart, those who want a bit more adventure, less crowd, and a deeper dive into the heart of island life. Over seven days, you’ll hop across Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, and Dumaguete, experiencing a mix of cultural spots, waterfalls, snorkeling with sea turtles, and even whale shark encounters.

Cambugahay Falls, Siquijor Island
Cambugahay Falls, Siquijor Island
Dumaguete Apo Island
Dumaguete Apo Island

Day Destination Highlights
Day 1 Cebu to Bohol Half-Day Cebu City Tour: Magellan's Cross, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Fort San Pedro, Ferry to Bohol
Day 2 Bohol Countryside Tour Napaling Reef (Sardine Run Experience), Loboc River Cruise, Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, Chocolate Hills
Day 3 Bohol → Balicasag → Siquijor Dolphin Watching, Balicasag Islands
Day 4 Siquijor → Dumaguete Capilay Spring Park, Tubod Beach, Lugnason Falls, Old Enchanted Balete Tree, Lazi Convent, Kagusuan Beach, Cambugahay Falls
Day 5 Dumaguete → Apo Apo Island (Sea Turtles)
Day 6 Dumaguete → Oslob → Cebu Whale Shark Watching, Tumalog Falls
Day 7 Cebu Departure Fly to Manila or other destinations like Boracay, El Nido.
Philippines Itinerary Map
1 Week Philippines Itinerary Map

Day 1: Cebu City to Bohol

The loop journey starts from Cebu City, the gateway to Visayas. If time allowed, spend 2-3 hours to learn about Cebu’s history, visiting Magellan's Cross, Fort San Pedro, and Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.

Then hop on a ferry and cruise over to Bohol (2-hour ride) for your next island adventure in Bohol.

Day 2-3: Bohol Exploration

Bohol never disappoints!

Spend one day in countryside. Go from snorkeling with sardines at Napaling Reef, to cruising the peaceful Loboc River, spotting wide-eyed tarsiers, and climbing up for views of the unique Chocolate Hills.

The other day is island-hopping day! Sail off Alona Beach in Panglao for the amazing Balicasag Island. Early sail offers the chance to meet dolphins! (not must) After snorkeling and diving, return Tagbilaran and take a ferry to Siquijor, the “Island of Fire.”

Siquijor  Salagdoong Beach
Siquijor Salagdoong Beach
Dumaguete Apo Island
Dumaguete Apo Island

Day 4-5: Siquijor and Dumaguete

Explore the magic of Siquijor! You’ll fall in love with waterfalls like Cambugahay and Lugnason. Spare time to the Old Enchanted Balete Tree, the charming Lazi Convent, and peaceful spots like Capilay Spring Park and Tubod Beach.

In the afternoon, catch a short ferry to Dumaguete (45 min).

The other day, take a boat ride (40 min) to Apo Island, one of the best snorkeling spots in the country. Swim with sea turtles, explore coral gardens, and enjoy a laid-back island vibe.

Day 6-7: Back to Cebu via Oslob

Cross back to Cebu for an early morning whale shark encounter in Oslob, followed by a side trip to the cascading Tumalog Falls. After the tour, travel north back to Cebu City for your final night.

End your Visayas loop and fly out from Cebu to Manila, or connect onward to more dreamy destinations like Boracay or El Nido.

1 Week Philippines Itinerary #4: Bohol and El Nido

Only have a week but want to experience both underwater wonders and tropical paradise? This Bohol + El Nido combo is the perfect pick. From sardine runs and tarsiers in Bohol to iconic lagoons and hidden beaches in El Nido, this itinerary blends nature, adventure, and postcard views into one seamless trip.

Chocolate Hills, Bohol
Chocolate Hills, Bohol
Hidden Beach, El Nido
Hidden Beach, El Nido

Day Destination Highlights
Day 1 Bohol Arrival Fly from Manila to Bohol Panglao Airport
Day 2 Bohol Countryside Tour Napaling Reef (Sardine Run Experience), Loboc River Cruise, Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, Chocolate Hills
Day 3 Bohol → Balicasag Island Dolphin Watching, Balicasag Islands
Day 4 Bohol → El Nido Direct Flight or via Cebu
Day 5 El Nido Island Hopping Tour A Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, 7 Commando Beach, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach
Day 6 El Nido Island Hopping Tour C Helicopter Island, Tapiutan Island, Hidden Beach, Secret Beach
Day 7 El Nido Departure  
Philippines Itinerary Map
1 Week Philippines Itinerary Map

Day 1-3: Bohol Arrival and Exploration

Fly to Bohol Panglao International Airport from Manila, the capital of Philippines and start your adventure in Bohol Island.

The next day, it’s time to dive into the best of Bohol’s inland charm: snorkel with sardines at Napaling Reef, cruise down the Loboc River, meet tiny tarsiers, and snap pics at the Chocolate Hills.

The third day, it’s time to jump into the water! Go island hopping to Balicasag Island for snorkeling and diving. You’ll love this marine sanctuary full of colorful coral and fish.

Day 4: Bohol to El Nido

Spend whole day travel to El Nido, the top highlight of Palawan!

Catch a direct flight from Bohol to El Nido (or connect via Cebu) and get ready for the second half of your adventure. Check in, chill out, and maybe enjoy a sunset dinner by the beach.

Big Lagoon, El Nido
Big Lagoon, El Nido
Secret Beach, El Nido
Secret Beach, El Nido

Day 5-7: El Nido Island Hopping Tour A and C, Departure

Welcome to El Nido, a dreamscape of karst cliffs and turquoise waters:

On Day 5, take Tour A and explore highlights like the stunning Big Lagoon, the peaceful Secret Lagoon, and the soft sands of 7 Commando Beach.

Day 6 kicks it up a notch with Tour C, taking you to wilder spots like Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, and Helicopter Island.

Day 7, it’s time to say goodbye to island life and fly out from El Nido.

1 Week in Philippines Cost

A one-week trip to the Philippines can be affordable ($600–$800) or luxurious ($1,500+), depending on your travel style. You can enjoy a budget tour by independent 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 $700 and $1,000. That typically includes accommodation, island hopping tours, domestic flights (if needed), ferry rides, meals (excluding drinks), and island entrance fees (diving gear not included).

Lusong Coral Garden, Coron
Lusong Coral Garden, Coron
Chocolate Hills, Bohol
Chocolate Hills, Bohol

Tips When Planning 7 Days in Philippines Itinerary

  1. Don’t try to do too much.

The Philippines has over 7,000 islands. You can’t see them all in one week, so stick to 2–3 spots max. More than that and you’ll spend half your trip in airports or ferry terminals.

  1. Flights save time.

Inter-island travel takes longer than you’d think. Book domestic flights early—they’re affordable and a huge time-saver compared to ferries or buses.

  1. Pack light (and smart).

Swimwear, sunscreen, quick-dry clothes, flip-flops, a dry bag, and a power bank—those are your best friends. And leave the heavy suitcase at home; you're island-hopping, not hauling luggage.

  1. Cash is still king.

Many small islands and local shops don’t take cards. Bring enough cash (in pesos), especially for places like Siquijor, Balicasag, or smaller towns.

Hidden Beach, El Nido
Hidden Beach, El Nido
 East Tangat Wreck, Coron
East Tangat Wreck, Coron

Enjoy One Week in Philippines with Asia Odyssey Travel

One week in the Philippines is more than enough to fall in love with island life in Philippines. Diving into screat lagoons in El Nido and Coron? Chasing waterfalls in Cebu?  Crusing along the Roboc River for the Tarsiers in Bohol? Hilling on the white sands of Boracay? It’s all up to you! Choose one or two of them, book the flight!

Not sure where to start or just don’t want the hassle of planning? That’s where Asia Odyssey Travel comes in. We craft smooth, well-paced 7-day itineraries that include the best spots, island hopping tours, domestic flights, and all the little details, so you can focus on making memories, taking photos, not managing logistics.

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

Let’s plan your perfect Philippines escape—stress-free, fun, and full of tropical adventure.

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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