Your Perfect Philippines Itinerary | EPIC 2-4 Week Guide!

The Perfect Philippines Itinerary

The Philippines is the second largest archipelago in the world, with over 7000 islands! It’s a paradise with so many adventures to be had! However, with thousands of islands to choose from, planning your trip can be overwhelming!  

In this travel guide, we will give you a perfect 2-week, 3-week and 4-week Philippines itinerary, which can be customized to help you plan your trip no matter what the time frame.

We will also highlight over 30 top things to do, divided by location, to help you make the most of your time in the Philippines! Let’s dive in.

We value your time! So, if you already know why you are here then head to our table of contents above and select the section that best answers your questions about the best Philippines itinerary! If you don’t have time right now, feel free to pin this guide on Pinterest for later.

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You Can Also Check Out Our 2-4 Week Itinerary & Guide On YouTube:

Two Week Philippines Itinerary

Day 1: Manila

Start your adventure by flying into The capital of the Philippines, Manilla.

If you have enough energy on your first day, head down to the old city and explore some of the famous landmarks of Intramuros. Learn about the rich Filipino history here and the impact of the Spanish era.

Day 2: Puerto Princesa

The following morning, it’s time to start exploring the stunning Islands of Palawan. To start this journey, you will take a 1-hour flight from Manila down to Puerto Princesa.

On arrival, you will want to hire a car or book a tour to visit the Iconic Underground River, which is just over an hour’s drive away in the coastal town of Sabang. You can check out our top picks for tours to the underground river below.

Stretching 8.2 kilometers into the limestone cave system, This extraordinary river is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recognized as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature! Once inside, Hollow chambers reach over 100m high! Words really do not do this place justice!

Spend one night in Puerto Princesa, and the following day, book a shared van to travel up to the tranquil region of Port Barton.  

However, if you have more time in your Philippines itinerary, you can check out our full guide on all the best things to do in Puerto Princesa here: 5 Epic Things To Do In Puerto Princesa | NOT Just An Airport.

Day 3 – 4: Port Barton

Port Barton is often overlooked by those exploring Palwan, but we think it’s one of the most underrated places in the Philippines! It was one of our absolute favourite places, so we recommend spending 2 nights here!

On arrival, unwind after the van journey by spending some time on the Iconic Itaytay Beach, the central hub of activity in this laid-back fishing village. Stroll along the beach or grab a refreshing drink while watching the colorful outrigger boats come and go. Tomorrow you go island hopping.  

Island Hopping Tours In Port Barton:

Wake up early and head on a tour to some of the most rural and pristine islands in the Philippines. One of our favourite locations includes Starfish Island, conveniently named for its resident starfish!  

Other stunning locations include Exotic Island, Maxima Island and Bigaho waterfalls. There were moments throughout this tour where we had entire beaches to ourselves, which is the beauty of Port Barton being less crowded and why we highly recommend adding it to your Philippines itinerary!

You can check out all of our top recommendations for things to do in Port Barton here: 10 Best Things To Do In Port Barton | Complete Travel Guide.

Day 5 – 7: El Nido

The following day, you will continue your travels north through Palawan and up to the famous El Nido. Again, you can jump on a shared van, and the journey from Port Barton takes roughly 4-5 hours.

Once you have recuperated from the travel day, take some time to check out this vibrant town. There is a market most nights and many bars where you can meet fellow travelers!  

The next day is all about island hopping. There are four island hopping tours in El Nido, tours A, B, C and D. If you have the time, we would recommend dedicating 2 days of your Philippines itinerary to and completing 2 tours as there is so much to see.  

One of the most popular is tour A and for good reason with the iconic Big and small lagoons offering fantastic snorkeling and kayaking opportunities in stunning landscapes.

You will Round off tour A at seven commandos beach, and if you feel up to it, play a bit of beach volleyball with the locals.

Another of our absolute favorites is tour B. This tour is far less crowded, but the destinations are just as stunning. Highlights include Snake Island, Entalula Island and Cudugnon Cave.

The following Morning, shake off your sea legs by completing the el nido canopy walk. This activity involves walking through the trees and over swinging bridges while attached to a harness. When you reach the top, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of El Nido Bay!

After this short morning hike, we highly, recommend taking part in the Philippine Experience, which is a Filipino cultural day full of awesome activities! Highlights include climbing a coconut tree, learning traditional stick fighting and a Filipino cooking class! The Price for the whole day, including transfer and lunch is 1900 Pesos.  

For the adventurous, we recommend rounding up this day by flying through the sky on the El Nido Zipline. Located just around the corner from the Philippine experience, the zipline flies you 750m over the ocean with dramatic landscapes in every direction.

For those less inclined to take to the sky, finish the day just underneath the zip line by catching the sunset at the stunning Las Cabanas beach!

You can check out our full guide on all the best things to do in El Nido and where to stay here: 13 Best Things To Do In El Nido | The Philippines | Travel Guide.

Day 8 – 10: Multi-Day Boat Trip To Coron

The next day, it’s time for the crown jewel of your Palawan Adventure… A multi-day Boat tour from El Nido To Coron!

Prepare to spend the next 3 nights living at sea as you venture to hidden islands otherwise inaccessible on a day tour. Eat fresh native cuisine and experience camping under the stars like you’ve never seen!

Due to their fantastic reputation, these tours are now extremely popular; therefore, we recommend booking well in advance. You can check out the Dream Big Boat Man’s website for tour options and itineraries.

Day 11 – 13: Coron

After this 3 day adventure of a lifetime, you will arrive in Coron Town, which is the next stop on your Philippines itinerary and the perfect base for exploring the local region.

If you arrive in time for sunset, spend some time on dry land by taking the short but stunning hike up Mt Tapyas. This activity is completely free and one of the most breathtaking views we have ever seen!  

The following day, it’s time to take a tour to 2 of the most iconic destinations in Coron, The Twin Lagoons and the Baracudda Lake. Both of these natural wonders lay nestled away in the heart of the Calamian Islands boasting tuquoise waters with towering rock formations.

Spend time swimming and taking in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world!  

After a delicious lunch, your tour provider may also take you to some fantastic snorkeling spots to round up the day! If you want to customize this itinerary, you can check out our guide on all the best things to do in Coron here: 15 Best Things To Do In Coron | The Philippines | Travel Guide.

The following day, if you are on a 2-week trip, it’s time to head back to Manila for one night before you take your flight home. But what an incredible way to end the trip.

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Three Week Philippines Itinerary

If you are lucky enough to have longer in the Philippines, then it is time to pack your bags and jump on a one-hour flight from Busuanga Airport to Cebu City.

Day 14 – 18: Cebu

On arrival in Cebu, we will be jumping straight on a bus from Cebu South terminal down to Moalboal.

This journey takes about four hours and is very affordable, just make sure to ask for the aircon bus. There is no need to pre-book as the buses run regularly; just head to the desk and ask for a ticket to Moalboal. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer, but this is more expensive.

Moalboal is a beautiful coastal town and a great base from which to visit all the stunning attractions in the region. This will be home for the next 5 nights.

Wake up bright and early the next Morning as in this case, the early bird really does get the worm. You will be doing the famous Moalboal sardine run, which will see you swimming with thousands of sardines moving in unison around you. Words simply cannot do this experience justice; it is a once in a lifetime opportunity and one you’ll never forget!

In the afternoon, hire a scooter and make your way 1 hour north of Moalboal to the stunning Mantayupan Falls. This two-tiered waterfall features some of the most Turquoise water we have ever seen, which is perfect for taking a dip.

If you are not confident on a scooter, don’t worry; there are guided tour options to choose from:

If you make it back in time, head to the famous White Beach or the less well-known but just as beautiful Lambug Beach for sunset.

The following morning, hire a scooter or book a tour as it’s time to hike Osmena Peak. This journey will take you roughly 2 hours from Moalboal, but it is definitely worth it! On arrival, you will take a short 20-minute hike to the summit, but the views of the surrounding landscapes are out of this world!

If you are coming by scooter, we highly recommend making the short ride around the corner to Casino Peak. This hike is far less well-known, but in our opinion, the views are even better! Also, as it is well known, far fewer people visit Casino Peak; we had the entire place to ourselves on our trip!

It is essential to note that if you are coming to both peaks via scooter, you need to take the route via Algria instead of the route Google Maps suggests, as this is very steep and dangerous! Feel free to screenshot the best route here. If you are coming by scooter, You can also stop off at Cancalanog Falls for a break on route, which is a stunning hidden Gem.

After a long day of adventuring, it’s time to rest because tomorrow is time for Kawasan Falls.  

Head out nice and early for a day of jumping, sliding and swimming through turquoise blue waters surrounded by the most incredible scenery. This is the most famous thing to do in Cebu, but it definitely lives up to the hype and is one of our absolute highlights!

You can book a tour with numerous different providers, usually with a few day’s notice, and we recommend paying slightly extra to do the zipline as well!

After all the adrenaline, enjoy a delicious afternoon lunch before heading back to Moalboal and catching the sunset on Panagsama Beach.

On your last full day in Cebu, it’s time for a day trip to visit some of the incredible waterfalls in the Samboan region. This journey will take you over an hour south of Moalboal, but trust us, it’s worth it! Dao Falls, Inambakan Falls, and Binalayan Hidden Falls are 3 of the most stunning waterfalls we have ever seen.

This waterfall-hopping excursion combines hiking, swimming, and breathtaking scenery, making it an unforgettable day trip. You can choose to book a tour or make your own way there by car before heading back to Moalboal to enjoy your last evening in Cebu.

If you want the full low down on all the amazing things to do in Cebu, you can check out this guide here: Moalboal Cebu – 12 Best Things To Do | Ultimate Travel Guide.

Day 19 – 21: Bohol

Wake up early the next day as it’s time to catch the bus back up to Cebu City before heading on a 2-hour ferry over to the magical island of Bohol.

Home for the next 3 nights, Bohol is famous for its Chocolate hills and one of the world’s smallest primates, the Tarsier.  

After a busy travel day, get some rest, as it’s a full day of adventures tomorrow.  

Wake up and hire a scooter or embark on a day tour to explore all Bohol has to offer.

Start the day by visiting the Tarsier sanctuary to see these tiny primates up close. Be sure to be quiet, as noise can be deadly to these little ones.

Following this quiet escape, head on to visit the famous Chocolate Hills. This breathtaking geological formation consists of over 1,700 symmetrical hills that turn brown during the dry season, resembling chocolate mounds, so they got their name.

In the afternoon, stop off the stunning Loboc River and if you are so inclined, try your hand at paddle boarding!

For the last stop of the day, check out the Man-Made Forest in Bilar. This is a beautiful stretch of mahogany trees, creating a picturesque canopy over a winding road! So much so the spot has now become somewhat Instagram-famous!

Head back for some rest before your next day of Bohol Adventures.

Tomorrow, take some time to relax on the outrageously beautiful Alona Beach before heading on a sunset Virgin Island and snorkeling tour in the afternoon. Virgin Island treated us to one of the most spectacular sunsets we have ever seen, and something tells us you will be just as lucky.

You can check out our full guide on all the best things to do in Bohol here: 7 Absolute Best Things To Do In Bohol Philippines.

The next day, our 3-week Philippines itinerary comes to an end. As Cebu City is an international airport, you can catch the ferry back over from Bohol and fly home straight from Cebu.

Four Week Philippines Itinerary

For those staying for 4 week Philippines itinerary, the next stop is to jump on a ferry from Bohol to the island of Siquijor.

Day 22 – 23: Siquijor

This is a tiny island with fewer crowds and a relaxed vibe boasting untouched beaches and Turquoise waterfalls. The three-layed Cambugahay Waterfall here resembles the famous Kawasan Falls but without the crowds.

You could spend 2 days in Siquijor exploring remote beaches and hidden waterfalls by scooter before heading on to the far more populated island of Boracay.

Day 24 – 26: Boracay

To Get to Boracay, you will need to hop on a ferry from Siquijor back to Bohol and then catch a short flight over to this island paradise!

Boracay is an island that requires little introduction. Once so popular that it had to be closed for nearly a year due to environmental impacts, Boracay is back open and as beautiful as ever. You will spend your last 3 nights in paradise here.  

On your first day, arrive in time to head out on a sunset sailing experience around the coast of the infamous White Beach.  

The following day, you will embark on an island hopping tour around some of the most famous sites in the region, including Puka Beach, Tambisaan Beach and Crystal Cove Island. Enjoy some snorkelling and a delcisious lunch included on the tour before heading back to white beach in time for sunset.  

The following day, we suggest checking out the Motag Living Museum. Step back in time in this interactive experience, which offers a unique glimpse into traditional Filipino village life. Participate in hands-on activities and gain a deeper appreciation for local customs and traditions. We absolutely loved our experience here and highly recommend it!

In the late afternoon, head down to the beautiful Willys Rock. Spend some time here enjoying your last sunset in paradise before heading on to your next destination.   

You can check out our complete guide on all the top things to do in Boracay and Budget saving tips in these two guides:

• 12 Best Things To Do In Boracay Philippines.
• Boracay Philippines | 10 Must-Know Tips To Visit On A Budget.

Day 27 – 28: Manila Or Cebu

This is where the 4 week Philippines itinerary comes to an end! Use this last day to make your way back to Cebu City or Manila International Airport and on to your next adventure.

When To Visit The Philippines

The ideal time to put this Philippines itinerary into action is during the dry season, as it offers less rainfall and more reliable weather conditions. However, the shoulder seasons can also be a good option for your visit. Below, we have outlined the best months to consider.

Dry Season: Typically extending from November to April, this period brings clearer skies, calmer waters, and minimal rainfall, creating ideal conditions for outdoor exploration. However, bear in mind that this period also sees a surge in tourist activity, resulting in larger crowds and increased accommodation prices.

Shoulder Seasons: If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of May or October when the weather is still pleasant and the crowds are fewer. Avoid planning your trip during the rainy season, from June to September, as heavy downpours and choppy waters can hinder your plans.

Below we have included a table of average monthly rainfall in the Philippines to help you plan the perfect time to visit. Hover over the bars to also see average monthly temperature.

Average Monthly Rainfall In The Philippines

Conclusion: Perfect Philippines Itinerary?

So there you have it, this is our complete 2-week, 3-week and 4-week Philippines itinerary. For us, this is an absolute dream trip, but what do you think? Hopefully, this itinerary helps you plan your perfect Philippines adventure!

Don’t hesitate to let us know any questions you might have in the comments below!

Big Love As Always

Beth and Denz