Are you looking for the ultimate Philippines itinerary to make your Southeast Asian getaway one to remember?
Spending one month in the Philippines was simply one of the best decisions I made during my Southeast Asia travels. And honestly, it’s one of the best decisions you can make too! After my trip, I almost booked a return ticket because if you had to ask me, a 30-day Philippines itinerary is not enough!
With 7,640 islands to explore, you can understand why I say a month is barely enough, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. With beautiful beaches, world-class diving, stunning landscapes, vibrant music and cultural festivals, and friendly people — a trip to the Philippines will be something you’ll never forget.
Let’s just say there’s plenty to see and do in the Philippines, so it can be a bit intimidating. But never fear, for I am here. I’ll cover everything in my one month Philippines itinerary, from where to stay and what to see. I hope you find it useful, and if you have any questions, feel free to email me; I’d be happy to help!
Before heading to the Philippines, I recommend picking up a copy of the Philippines Lonely Planet book! It’s super helpful while you’re on the road.
Are you ready to dive into this in-depth 1 month in the Philippines itinerary? I know I am!
The Ultimate Philippines Itinerary
One Month in Philippines Itinerary Breakdown
Before we dive into the exact travel itinerary, here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect in this article. I truly believe it’s the best way to spend a month in the Philippines, as it covers the majority of highlights and attractions!
- Manila (2-3 Days)
- Coron (4-5 Days)
- El Nido (5-7 Days)
- Port Barton and Puerto Princesa (2-3 Days)
- Cebu City & Bohol (3-4 Days)
- Moalboal & Oslob (2 Days)
- Boracay (4-5 Days)
Now the days can vary depending on travel times/flight prices, and it just depends on your travel style. But this is an excellent route for a Philippines 4 week itinerary, and it will be an experience you’ll never forget!
4 Week Philippines Itinerary Travel Resources
Before we dive in, let’s discuss a few important travel tips and resources to help you make the most of your backpacking adventure!
- Save time and get a Travel E-Sim in Advance
- One of my favorite recent developments in travel technology is the easiness of staying connected with E-Sims (especially since Apple got rid of the sim-card tray on the iPhone). You’ll want to stay connected and have plenty of data to keep yourself entertained and connected to make the most of your travels. The past couple trips to to Southeast Asia I’ve purchased a SimLocal Global eSim, and the service has worked great, and it’s super user-friendly and easy to install.
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
- If you’re planning on spending 1 month in the Philippines, then you’ll definitely want to be covered! Southeast Asia can seem very safe to travel to, but you’ll soon hear some horror stories from other travelers you meet. Anything can happen, from scooter accidents to water damage and items going missing. So, please ensure you’re covered before heading out to the Philippines by taking out a travel insurance policy. Getting sick or having items stolen while traveling is rare, but when it does happen, it can be an absolute nightmare. Buying travel insurance (which is essential for visas in some countries) will give you the peace of mind that if anything does happen, you are covered. I highly recommend HeyMondo due to their extensive range of cover for all situations and trip lengths, their handy app, and fair pricing. The app allows you to manage any claims and access free assistance online. So you don’t need to rack up an expensive phone bill while abroad! Still planning your trip? You can always get a no-commitment travel insurance quote with HeyMondo, so you know how much extra to budget for your vacation!
- Flexibility is Key
- One of my favorite things about traveling for one-month is you can change up your itinerary as you see fit as you go. There are plenty of options for traveling between all of these destinations listed, as well as plenty of accommodation available. So a huge travel tip I have is have some wiggle room and book things only a few days in advance and see if you love one destination more than the other/
Philippines 1 Month Itinerary
Okay, now let’s dive into my full Philippines travel guide! It’s very detailed and goes over everything you’ll need for a top-notch experience! I hope you’re ready for an adventure.
1. Fly Into Manila (2-3 Days)
You’ll most likely find the best deals flying into Manila.
Honestly, Manila is one of those cities that backpackers love to hate. It’s busy, overcrowded, and dirty, and there’s not much to see. Apparently, there is some decent nightlife, but I never experienced it for myself.
Now I have met people who actually really love Manila, but I just didn’t find it all that appealing. Who knows though, maybe you’ll have a different experience and really enjoy your time there!
Despite its flaws, Manila is the best place to fly into the Philippines for cheap international flights. Here are the best airlines worth considering for your flight:
- Philippines Airlines — Offers great prices for direct flights.
- Cebu Pacific — Easily the best for domestic flights, but they also offer some international options.
- AirAsia Philippines — They are rated in the top 20 safest low-cost airlines in 2023, so they are also worth a look at.
- Emirates — It’s an ever-reliable airline that flies to the Philippines with one stop along the way.
Although Manila is great to fly into, I would try and spend as little time as possible in the capital city. This Philippines itinerary in 4 weeks is jam-packed, and you’ll want to spend more time in other destinations around the county!
But if you want some inspiration for your time in the capital, read my three days in Manila itinerary. It’ll give you tons of ideas on things to do, from exploring Intramuros to wandering through Rizal Park.
Where to Stay in Manila
Whether looking to save a few bucks or go all out during your time in Manila, here are some great options worth checking out:
- City Garden Grand Hotel: Best Hotel. This award-winning 4-Star Hotel in Makati City includes an airport shuttle, AMAZING OUTDOOR POOL, and is close to nearby malls and attractions. Great value for a luxury hotel! It provides a super comfortable stay for your first couple of nights on this epic Philippines itinerary, all at an affordable price! It’s got excellent reviews and is one of the top picks in Manila!
- Manila-Z-Hostel: Best Hostel for Backpackers. Great location, fantastic reviews, and an epic rooftop with breathtaking city views! I’ve never heard any backpackers say anything bad about it!! It does fill up quickly, though, so make sure you book in advance!
Alternatively, you can read up on all the best Airbnbs in Manila for a more personal touch to your stay.
Manila Day Activity to Consider:
If there’s one must-do activity in Manila — you have to go check out Intramuros quarter. It’s the beautiful old Spanish section of the city, and really fun to explore on foot!
You’ll see some glorious sights in this majestic part of town, from Manila Cathedral to the historically significant Fort Santiago. While those are the top attractions in the region, you can’t miss out on the infamous bastion, Baluarte de San Diego, and UNESCO Site San Agustin Church.
Other iconic destinations in Intramuros include the colonial masterpiece Casa Manila, while history is very much on the menu at the Silahis Center. Speaking of menus, I highly recommend visiting Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant for a unique fusion of Filipino and Spanish cuisine.
If this sounds just a bit too much to cram into one day, it’s worth joining this Manila sightseeing tour. You’ll see everything this magical city offers on a 4-hour tour by a coach with an expert guide.
Of course, you’ll pass through Intramuros, but other top attractions include Old Manila and the City of Makati. It’s a jam-packed day of fun in the city that you’ll surely never forget.
2. Book A Flight or Overnight Ferry from Manila to Coron Island
The overnight ferry is always the cheapest option for getting to Coron. For some reason, all the flights to this island tend to be quite expensive. If you are able to find a cheap one, then absolutely book it (but if you’re a budget traveler – the overnight ferry option is a solid budget option).
There is one main ferry company in The Philippines – 2Go Travel. I’ve only used them for this route, but they also offer a ton of different routes around the country!
Note: This Manila – Coron overnight ferry only departs once a week on Fridays.
Tip: When you are looking at flights to Manila, try to book a flight that arrives on a Wednesday or Thursday. That way, you can explore for one day, then get on the overnight ferry on Friday evening.
Definitely check for flights from Manila to Coron, though, as it would be nice to save the overnight journey!
Overnight Ferry from Manila to Coron Island
3. Coron, Palawan (4-5 Days)
Welcome to Coron, Palawan! This is truly one of the most beautiful places in the world, and I completely fell in love with Coron!
As a solo traveler, I was fortunate enough to meet some amazing people the very first night while watching the sunset on Mt. Tapyas. We actually ended up hanging out the entire time I was there.
There are lots of fun things to do in Coron. The island hopping tours are unbelievable, the sunsets will leave you speechless, and it’s simply a relaxing area to spend a few days!
Here are some of the top things to do in Coron that you’ll absolutely love:
- Coron Bay — This is a breathtaking area with towering lush islands and a tapestry of blues in the ocean. With many shipwrecks within the bay, you can imagine the diving opportunities or off the charts.
- Island Hopping — With 1,769 islands making up Palawan, you can imagine there’s plenty to discover. I recommend joining this Coron off-bay island hopping tour for an epic experience of some majestic Filipino scenery.
- Underwater Mountains — You heard that right. There are some magical underwater mountains worth exploring in Barracuda Lake. It’s a fantastic snorkeling destination, so be ready for a jaw-dropping underwater world.
Adventure Travel Tip: If you want to be really adventurous, you can hire a boat driver to drop you off on one of the remote islands and camp there for 2-3 nights. Arrange a pick-up time, and you’ll live a real Robinson Crusoe experience with untouched beaches and space galore. Make sure you bring enough food, water, and a good book or two!
Check out this fun Youtube video for a few more must-visit places during your trip to Coron!
Where To Stay in Coron
From private island luxury resorts to budget backpacker hostels, there’s a comfortable place to stay for people of all budgets! I’ve actually written a whole separate article for people to find the best place, so read about where to stay in Coron for a bit more detail.
But for the lowdown, here are the top hotels and hostels you can book:
- Hop Hostel: CORON HOSTEL WITH THE BEST SOCIAL ATMOSPHERE. Escape to a tropical paradise without sacrificing the comfort of home. It’s the perfect launch pad for a breathtaking time in the Calamian islands with the spacious comforts of a hotel at the price of a hostel. It’s conveniently located in the Coron city center, so all the main island attracts are a stone’s throw away.
- Coron Soleil Garden Resort: THE BEST OVERALL CORON HOTEL RESORT & VALUE FOR MONEY. If it’s an indulgent and luxurious stay you seek, look no further than this worry-free resort. They cater to all your potential needs and wants, so you can expect everything, including meals, to be ready for you.
- Club Paradise Resort Palawan: THE MOST UNIQUE LUXURY CORON RESORT. I highly recommend this dream destination for an effortless escape to a 4-star resort.
4. El Nido, Palawan (5-7 Days)
When you are in Coron, you’ll see tons of different signs for transportation to El Nido. Try to bargain them down to a cheaper price because all the signs are much more expensive.
If you go to where the boats leave in the morning, you can actually snag a better deal (but it also might sell out depending on the season). You could also look for flights from Coron to El Nido, but those tend to be expensive as well (so it just depends on your travel budget).
El Nido is the crown jewel of Palawan and is a must-see destination during your visit to the Philippines.
It’s a more lively area than Coron, with some fantastic restaurants and fun bars to check out at night. You can do some day trips to nearby islands, do some hiking, or just chill out on the beach.
But as you probably know by now, the most important thing you do while in El Nido is to book an island hopping tour or two.
Here are the three main tours I recommend you choose from:
Now I’d strongly recommend checking out both tours A & C. While all the tours are amazing, these two, in particular, are worth every penny. I had a fantastic time on both of them, and I can’t wait to return to El Nido to do them again!
Expect lots of scenic lagoons, pristine beaches, crystal-clear water, and fantastic snorkeling that will blow your mind!
- El Nido Island Hopping A Tour: Discover the clear waters of Miniloc Island. You’ll find three breathtaking lagoons, relax on the white sand beaches of Shimizu island, and snorkel in the pristine waters of Seven Commando beach. Also, you’ll get a chance to see a few sea turtles!
- El Nido Island Hopping B Tour: Discover Snake Island, known for its unique sandbar in the middle of the sea! Swim and snorkel at the beautiful Pinagbuyutan island and see its famous limestone formations. Visit the Cudugnon Cave, where locals used to hide from Japanese invaders during World War II.
- El Nido Island Hopping C Tour: Visit the unique Helicopter Island, named for its limestone cliffs resembling that of a helicopter. Discover the Secret Beach’s hidden natural wonders. Get to hear the local stories and history behind the Matinloc Shrine. Snorkel at Talisay beach, another fantastic spot to see the beauty of the coral reefs near the island.
Where To Stay In El Nido
Like all the other destinations on this 1 month itinerary in the Philippines, you can expect a range of budget-friendly and uber-luxurious stays:
- Happiness Hostel: Best HOSTEL in EL NIDO. One of the best-selling and top-rated hostels in the Philippines! Everything from the location, staff, food, rooms, and much more will provide a comfortable stay in El Nido!
- El Nido Resorts Lagen Island: Best RESORT in EL NIDO. Set in a cove bordered by thick forests, Lagen Island Resort includes an on-site marine sports center, which offers activities like diving, kayaking, and windsurfing, a beautiful outdoor pool, and luxuriously comfortable rooms.
5. Port Barton and Puerto Princesa (2-3 Days)
Since you only have a 4 weeks Philippines itinerary, you won’t be able to see everything.
After El Nido, you could hop down to Port Barton for a night or two. I didn’t do this, but I’ve heard it’s a really amazing place with a chilled-out vibe. There’s also supposed to be some amazing diving here.
Puerto Princesa is the main city in Palawan and is also where you’ll be flying to as your next destination. It may be a major city in the Philippines, but it’s actually more of a diver’s paradise. Snorkeling spots surround Princesa’s bay, and it’s pretty common to see long-nosed dolphins, stingrays, and turtles swimming among the local boatmen.
Tip: There’s an international airport here too, so if you want to return to Palawan, you can fly here directly from Asia.
One of the main attractions in Puerto Princesa is visiting the famous Underground River. I was unable to do it during my visit, but I’ve heard people say it’s worth it.
You can enjoy this magical landmark by joining this epic day trip:
Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour: This is the bestseller in the region, and for a reason! You’ll experience the beauty of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. It’s an 8-hour guided tour, so expect it to take up a large chunk of your time in Puerto Princesa. You can enjoy the delicious complimentary lunch when you’re not exploring the longest navigable underground river in the world.
Where to Stay in Puerto Princesa
Take a look at these lovely accommodation options to stay at between your epic island hopping trip:
- Blue Lagoon Inn & Suites: Top pick in Puerto Princesa with outstanding reviews. It’s close to the airport and offers excellent prices. This one is a no-brainer, but it does sell out often, so make sure you book in advance!
- Green Turtle Backpackers Guesthouse: One of the best and cheapest hostels for backpackers in the area (there aren’t a ton to choose from). There’s a great vibe here, with friendly staff and excellent reviews to back up that claim!
6. Cebu City & Bohol (3-4 Days)
Book your flights well in advance from Puerto Princesa – Cebu with Cebu Pacific Airlines.
When it comes to Cebu City, there are a few things to see in the actual city. I didn’t do much sightseeing in the city but used Cebu as a jumping-off point to explore the rest of the island or neighboring islands.
I’d definitely recommend taking the ferry over to Bohol Island. You can spend a day or two there, but it’s also a decent place just to take a day trip.
Alternatively, you can spend the day on Bohol Island exploring Chocolate Hills and seeing Tarsier monkeys jumping through the forest. This was one of the highlights of Bohol Island!
Read: Discover what makes Chocolate Hills and the Tarsier Monkeys so intriguing.
After you’ve spent a few days exploring the city and a day or two on Bohol Island, make your way down to some more of the highlights of The Philippines, like Mactan.
Best Place to Stay in Cebu
There aren’t many options for where to stay in Cebu, so I’ll just recommend the ones that really stood out:
- Best Western Plus Lex Hotel Cebu: One of the best deals you’ll find for a 4-star Hotel! It’s a traveler’s favorite, with fantastic amenities and superb staff. They’ve also got massive specials going on all the time, so keep an eye out for those.
- Nacho Hostel Cebu: Easily the best hostel option in Cebu, this accommodation is small but really well kept. The prices are crazy good, while the amenities are all top–notch. PS. The pool is a great place to meet new people.
Cebu Day Tours To Consider
- Twin City Culture and History Tour: Discover the beautiful mysteries of both Cebu and Mactan on this half-day tour. Explore sights like the Magellan’s Cross, For San Pedro, Basilica Minore, and much more in Cebu. Mactan offers unique spaces like a guitar factory and the Liberty Shrine, making it a memorable tour.
- Cebu Island Hopping with Lunch: Visit some glorious islands around Cebu with some tasty treats along the way. You’ll visit the beautiful Gilutongan Marine Sanctuary and have the chance to explore the island of Sulpa.
7. Moalboal & Oslob (2 Days)
Getting around Cebu Island is as easy as getting to the bus station. They aren’t the most comfortable rides, but they get you from point A to point B for very cheap!
I’d recommend you check out Moalboal first. There’s an incredible beach, and it will provide absolutely stunning sunsets. It’s also known for having some excellent diving spots if you are looking to dive.
Absolute Must Visit: Kawasan Waterfalls is about a 20-minute drive from Moalboal city and one of the most majestic places in the world.
Read: If you’re a water enthusiast much like myself, learn what it takes to chase waterfalls on Cebu Island.
Kawasan Waterfalls
After watching a sunset and checking out the amazing Kawasan falls, you’re ready to head down to Oslob to cross off a big bucket-list item: SWIMMING WITH WHALE SHARKS!
This main draw brings people down to Oslob, and you really have to do it! For the small cost of around $25 USD, you get to swim with massive whale sharks. The entire experience was incredible, and it’s one of the highlights of my travels in South-East Asia.
Read: Check out this post for a more in-depth look into swimming with whale sharks in Oslob.
8. Flight to Boracay (4-5 Days)
After you’ve explored the southern parts of Cebu Island, Bohol Island, and the city itself — it’s time to book your flight from Cebu City – Boracay.
Boracay is the paradise island of your dreams — or so it used to be. This beautiful island has become a major tourist destination, so it’s now the most over-developed part of The Philippines.
With that being said – is it still worth visiting Boracay? Absolutely yes! The island is gorgeous, there’s plenty to do, and the nightlife is amazing. Whether you choose to chill on White Beach or spend the day cliff diving at Ariel’s Point, you’re bound to have an unforgettable time in Boracay.
Read: Its nightlife is so enigmatic that it’s made it onto my list of the best party islands in Southeast Asia.
If you’re going to Boracay, then you should definitely also check out Sabina’s incredible blogpost “Boracay On a Budget“. She gives an incredible overview of the island, and was a great resource to have when planning my trip to Boracay.
Boracay has two airports (Caticlan & Kalibo). You’ll most likely fly to Kalibo because flights are substantially cheaper. Kalibo airport has international departures and is the perfect place to end your trip in The Philippines.
Where to Stay on Boracay
You won’t be spending all that much time at your accommodation, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have the best of the rest:
- W Hostel Boracay: When it comes to mega luxury hotels, the “W” knows what they’re doing, but they’ve also recently opened a beautiful hostel, and it’s absolutely perfect! There are tons of hostels to check out, but I’d definitely recommend this one for a lavish yet affordable stay!
- Boracay Uptown: Find your amazing spot at Boracay Uptown. It’s right on the beach with a beautiful pool and offers fantastic specials if you book in advance. This will make for a pleasant and luxurious visit to this idyllic island.
1 Month Philippines Itinerary Substitutions
Okay, some places I visited may not be your cup of tea, but don’t worry. Here are some fantastic alternatives to consider:
Banaue Rice Terraces: If you get into Manila and don’t want to spend too many days there. Look into taking the overnight bus up to the Rice Terraces. I didn’t have time to explore it during my month, but it’s definitely highly recommended!
Skip Boracay: Although it is a very beautiful island and a great place to party — you might want to skip Boracay. The island is fairly pricey as far as Philippines destinations go, and getting there can be a pain. Kalibo airport is 2 hours away. So you have to take a van, a boat, and a taxi, just to get to your lodging.
Siquijor Island: If you skip Boracay island, that frees up time to explore some of the islands around Cebu. While you’re down in Oslob, you could hop over to the beautiful and spiritual island of Siquijor. The island has a fascinating story and is home to some of the best beaches and sunsets in the Philippines.
Siargao Island: If you like to surf, then I’m sure you’ve heard about this island. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the time to get there, but it’s at the top of my list of places to see during my next visit to the Philippines. There’s not much else to do on the island, but if you’re looking for a laid-back surfing hotspot, then you’ll definitely enjoy your time there.
Philippines Travel Tips
Book All Your Flights in Advance: This country isn’t as easy to get around as you may think, and if you wait until the last minute — you will have to pay ridiculous amounts for flights. This is the only country I really recommend booking in advance because you’ll want to see as much as possible during your Philippines itinerary in 1 month.
Meet and Travel with the Locals: When traveling in the Philippines, you’ll realize that you’ll meet more young local backpackers than in any other country in Southeast Asia. The Filipino community really loves to travel! They also are extremely friendly, welcoming, and typically speak excellent English!
Research Festivals Before You Go: The Philippines is known for having some insane festivals. Just be careful, sometimes if you go during a big festival, accommodation prices can skyrocket.
Try out Couchsurfing: As I mentioned above, Filipino people are really awesome and are very active on the popular travel community website Couchsurfing. It’s a great way to travel the country on a super cheap budget. There are weekly meet-ups in the bigger cities, and it would be a really cool experience!
Don’t skip Palawan: It’s definitely one of the most beautiful and picturesque places in the world! It’s also not as “off-the-beaten-path” as it used to be, so skipping it would be a mistake.
Did I Forget Anything on This Philippines One Month Itinerary?
No matter where you go or what itinerary you customize for your trip, you will fall in love with the Philippines. It’s one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever visited, and I can’t wait to get back there myself.
So, will you explore Palawan and venture through the vibey town of Boracay? Or is visiting the quiet Banaue Rice Terraces and discovering the hidden island of Siargao more your style? Whatever the case, your Philippines itinerary in 4 weeks is bound to capture your imagination.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you found this one-month itinerary for the Philippines useful! Definitely check out my posts on the Philippines!
Safe Travels to the Philippines !!!
Planning a Trip to Southeast Asia…?
I’ve written tons of helpful articles, destination guides, and travel itineraries about this amazing region of the world! Check out a few of my favorites below for further trip planning:
- Singapore to Bangkok Travel Itinerary
- 3 Weeks in Thailand Travel Itinerary
- The 20 Best Beaches in Malaysia
- The Ultimate Bali Itinerary
- The 25 Best Music Festivals in Asia to Experience Before You Die
- The 5 Best Places to trip on Magic Mushrooms in Southeast Asia
- Two Weeks In Malaysia Travel Itinerary
Hi Jones!
I am beginning to plan a 2 week trip to the Philippines with a friend for the very beginning of February! Thanks for such a great itinerary! I wish we had time to do all of it!
How would you suggest we spend our 2 weeks? I know its probably impossible to cut down this itinerary, especially since you said you wish you had more time! However, would you suggest we do this itinerary but spend less time in each place or skip certain places?
Thanks so much for any guidance you can give me!
Best,
Sarah
Hey Sarah! It really depends on travel time. Where do you land? Obviously, I think the #1 priority should be to visit Palawan! Coron + El Nido were absolutely amazing! If you could fly to Coron, you could knock it out in 2-3 days. From there you’ll have to take the boat to El Nido (Unfortunately it is quite a long journey. Around 7 hours from what I remember). In El Nido, you’ll want at least 3-4 days to explore Island Hopping Packages, nearby beaches, and other activities there. From there, cruise down to PP for your flight out of there. Now, this is where it really depends…Is your flight back to where you’re going out of Manila? If so, I would fly back to Manila, and do a couple days around there. I know there’s a few solid options for activities around Manila. If you have to fly in/out of Manila, you could always try to cruise up to the Banaue rice terraces ! I didn’t include those in this itinerary, but I’ve heard they’re incredible! Hope this helps! You’ve got some time to plan it all out!
Glad I can help out! If you can, try to stay for as long as possible! It’s amazing! : )
No problem! Glad I could help out! When you’re in Coron, just ask around at different places, and they can organize a “robinson crusoe” type of set-up. You can rent a tent, bring a bunch of water, and they will drop you off at a rnandom island. It was not with a tour company, but I had a friend who just made friends with a local, and they organized everything. If you ask around, you won’t have any problems getting it all set up! Enjoy the Philippines! I’m dying to go back! Cheers.
Hey Jones, awesome post! Seriously looking forward to my trip more than ever now.
You mention that quite a lot of planning of travel is needed, unfortunately I am flying into Manila on saturday and that is all I have planned. I will be in the country for about 6 weeks. Do you think I can get away with winging it or should I book up some flights ahead of time?
Current plan is to head up to Sagada then head back to Manila to get the ferry to Coron as you suggest, then roughly follow your guide but taking it real slow as I have quite a bit of time. Do you have any idea where would be good to spend christmas/new years?
Thanks again!
James
Hey James,
Glad you like the post, and really happy to hear you’re finding some use out of it. If you’re flying into Manila, I think you’re on the right track. You could head up to the rice fields in the north, and then cruise back down to Coron, and take the boat over to El Nido and explore the rest of Palawan. For Christmas + NYE, I would think the best place to be would either be El Nido or Boracay? But this is going to be a very busy time of the year in The Philippines. It’s a Christian country, and Christmas is definitely going to be hectic there for prices. I would assume that flights are going to be a little pricier than normal, so I would recommend buying tickets a little early, or else you’ll spend a bit more money on last minute purchases. You do have a relaxed schedule though for 6 weeks, so take your time, talk with other backpackers, and get a good feel. If you have any other questions, feel free to message me. Happy to help anyway I can. Safe travels, and Merry Christmas!
“Since you only have 30 days allowed in the Philippines,”
Hi
This is not correct as you can extend your visa upto 36 months before having to leave. The first extension is for 29 days or now you can get a 6 month extension. So stay awhile.
Hi looks like a very good itinerary very helpful thank you , do you no if you book flights in advance can you change dates or is this not possible can’t wait to get there in Feb
Hey what’s up! Glad you found it useful! I think with these budget airlines, there would be a decent fee to change the ticket, but I think you might be able to book a flexible ticket? But I’ve never done that because I try to save as much money as possible, haha. The Philippines is definitely one of those places I do recommend booking the major flights in advance, and sticked to the schedule. It’s hard though, because I definitely could have stayed in Palawan another week. But I guess it just gives me another reason to go back. :) Safe travels!
Hi Jones! Nice blog about my country. Try to visit Gigantes Islands the next time you visit Philippines. It’s just 4-5 hours drive from Caticlan. You should consider to include Kalanggaman Island in the Visayas in your itinerary too. Have you seen Malcapuya Island when you had your island hopping in Coron?
Hey Weng! Thanks for liking the post, and thanks for the tips! I’m dying to get back to the Philippines for another month, and will be planning a trip with all new spots! I’m not entirely sure of Malcapuya island, it is possible – but for some reason I don’t think I did. Just another reason to go back. I’ve heard about Kalanggaman, and it looks amazing! Ugh, just thinking about it makes me desperate for another month in one of the most beautiful countries in the World! #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines
Up north of Philippines also worth of visiting. Banaue and Sagada is a must visit!
Hey Abbey! Yes, I do love the Philippines! I did add up north as a substitution on this itinerary, I just couldn’t fit it in during my time. Definitely on my next trip to the Philippines I will!
What a great article Jones! gives exactly what backpackers need- clarity and a trails from point to point.
My question would be, did you see people camping around philippines, as I’m taking my little tent with intention to cut some costs on accommodation. Useful to know if it would be possible at all.
Great post!
There is so much to see in the Philippines, we spent 2 weeks there and it felt so short…
For those more interested in hiking, I’d recommend the rice terraces in Banaue and Batad, and for those into diving, the Japanese wrecks in Coron are a must do.
Thanks so much Carmen! Love the blog! I’m definitely sad I didnt have the time to make up north to the rice terraces. Definitely on the list for when I go back!
Hi Jones, great article, really informative. I’m planning a month in the Philippines in August/September. I’m trying to do it on as much of a budget as possible. What sort of money would I be looking to spend? Do you have any tips on how to save money but still do all these amazing things? Thanks!
Well, it really just depends on personal preference. If you want to eat as budget as possible, there are always ways to save money. There are cheap eat places, and avoid restaurants. You’ll also want to be careful on how much you go out and drink, which costs can definitely add up. For transportation, book the flights in advance to save money. All other transpo, try to bargain the prices down. I definitely saved money on the boat from Coron to El Nido than the other people on my boat. As far as daily budget, I would think around $30-$40 U.SD per day would suffice. You can easily do it cheaper, but it also depends on how much you actually do. Some of the activities can be expensive, like the island hopping tours for example. Hope all that helps! Cheers Samantha!
Hi Jones, awesome Itinerary! Me and a mate have planned a 28 day trip of the Philippines at the end of May. Pretty much exactly following your itinerary. Just wandering about Puerto Princesa. Is 2 nights sufficient time there? And how do we go about getting there from El Nino? Do we need to book in advance? We’re also considering just going straight from El nino to the Puerto Princesa aiport- would this be possible? There seems to be very limited info on-line about it.
Cheers Sam
Hey Sam, so happy I could help out! You are going to love the Philippines (and this itinerary kicks ass ;) . I think 2 nights in PP would be plenty. All there is do is to do is the underground river, but I believe there are some nice beaches around as well. There MIGHT be a direct bus from El Nido to the airport, but I kinda doubt it. With that being said, once you get to the PP bus station, it’d be super easy to just get a taxi to the airport. It’s not very big or far from the city center.
Hi Jones!
Really enjoying your philippines posts.
However, I’m wondering when did you go?
I really wanted to go there this year, but it would have to be in july.
As it’s wet season, I’m not sure I should. So I’m still trying to make my mind about it.
Hey Raquel, so glad I could help out!! It’s awesome to hear people are finding my information useful :) I went in March, so it was great weather the entire time. I wouldnt be too worried though. I’ve traveled a lot during rainy season in Asia, and it’s not that big of a deal. Just occasional monsonons in the afternoon!
Hi Jones, great post really helpful. Me and my two friends are currently planning our trip to the Philippines and have used your itinerary for a lot of it – so thank you. We were just wondering how you got around Manila. From the airport to your accom and then to the ferry terminal? Was the public transport ok? Also how much roughly were the hostels?
Cheers
Hollie :)
Hey Hollie! So glad I’m helping out : ) When I was in Manila, I did mainly use the train lines, and to be honest – it was miserable. So cramped, loud, and uncomfortable. If you have multiple people, I would just take cabs, or you can hop in Jeepney’s. The problem is that you might not know where exactly you’re headed. I honestly didn’t do all that much in Manila, as I was working really hard on finishing my degree there. But I did take a taxi both from the airport, and from hostel – the ferry terminal. In Manila, I believe I paid around $10 per night for the hostel. There are tons of ones to choose from! Hope this helps. : ) Cheers!
Thanks for the quick response! Oh the trains don’t sound too nice then, maybe we will have a look at using the Jeepney’s! Were the taxis reasonable? Also do you know where the ferry terminal is? We are trying to find the address so we can look at hostels near by for our time there.
Thanks again!
No worries! Yeah, I had a bad experience traveling on the trains during rush hour. But that’s jsut there are wayyy too many people in Manila. Taxis are definitely reasonable. Comparable to the rest of South-East Asia, but maybe a tad bit more pricier. I don’t really remember where the ferry was. Just look up the information on 2GO ferries. I think they’ll have all the info you need. I wouldn’t worry too much about staying close by. If you’re traveling with a friend, then spltting the price of cab wouldn’t be a big deal. Safe travels! ! : )
Ah thats good then! Thanks for your help!
No worries! Glad I could help out!! I’m sure you’re going to have an amazing time!!!
Hi Jones :) I’m an expert with Philippines. I’m a local and based in the country and have my travel company here.
If you need help on your next visit, do let me know :)
I’m just glad you like my country.
Oh, and do add Banaue and Sagada on your next itinerary ;) Cheers!
Hi
I’m heading to the Philippines in a few weeks for a month and found your blog post really helpful!! Thanks!! I was really keen to read the post about Bohol and the chocolate hills & tarsiers but couldn’t seem to get the link to work – do you have any more info on these?
Thanks
Gem
Hey Gemma,
Yeah so sorry I had a broken link! Here’s the link to the blog post:
https://www.jonesaroundtheworld.com/chocolate-hills-and-tarsier-monkeys-bohol-island-the-philippines/
Hope that helps!
Cheers! :-)
Hi there,
I see that the overnight ferry arrival time in Coron is 430am, what did you do from that time until check in at your hotel or hostel?
Thank you
I don’t remember it being that early. I went straight to my hostel and checked in actually.
Hi Jones, just doing a bit of research on South East Asia and i came across this page. Decent article, but i’m pretty sure i worked with you at Cubic (Opal) in Sydney! We all started in a group together in sept i think. Small world! Hope you’re well!
Haha no way! What’s up man? Small world indeed! If you have any questions, feel free to message me about the Philippines. I love it out there! Cheers man! :-)
Hey Jonas,
This was a great read ! I’m planning a trip to the Philippians and just need some help with the itinerary that I’ve put together ;
Days Dates Location
1 Friday 01/07/2016 Manila
2 Saturday 02/07/2016 Manila
3 Sunday 03/07/2016 Manila > Damunguette > Siquijor (FLIGHT -0700hrs FERRY – 1100hrs)
4 Monday 04/07/2016 Siquijor
5 Tuesday 05/07/2016 Siquiijor > Oslob
6 Wednesday 06/07/2016 Oslob > Badian > Cebu
7 Thursday 07/07/2016 Cebu > Boracay (FLIGHT)
8 Friday 08/07/2016 Boracay
9 Saturday 09/07/2016 Boracay
10 Sunday 10/07/2016 Boracay > Puerto Princesa > El Nido (FLIGHT)
11 Monday 11/07/2016 El Nido
12 Tuesday 12/07/2016 El Nido
13 Wednesday 13/07/2016 Elnido
14 Thursday 14/07/2016 Elnido
15 Friday 15/07/2016 Elnido
16 Saturday 16/07/2016 Elnido > Manila (FLIGHT)
17 Sunday 17/07/2016 Manila
My biggest question is if it would be possible to swim with the whale sharks at 6am in Oslob and then have time to travel to Badian and do the canyoneering on the same day?
So far i have only booked accommodation in manila and the domestic flight to Damunguette. would you recommend booking thing prior to flying out or book it as we go along?
Well when it comes to flights around PH, it’s always best to book in advance. Cebu Air has great deals and specials when you book early. As far as your first question, I’m not entirely sure mate. I honestly think yes, but you never know when traveling around Asia. Things can take a bit longer than expected. I didn’t go to Badian, so I’m not too sure. That looks like a badass trip though! Enjoy man! You on IG, would love to follow along!
Hi there!
This is such an awesome post! My friend and I are going in November this year – and I really want to add Siargio Island for some surfing. How would you recommend adding that to the trip?
What are your must sees! If you have any tips with route options – that would be amazing!! :)
Thanks,
Leah
Hi!! Loved your post!! Very Helpful
Ive got a question: is the visa only for 30 days? Isnt it possible to stay longer if I wanted to without leaving the country and coming back?
Also, what time of the year did you go? Im thinking on going between april and june, somewhere in between. Is it a good idea?
Thanks a lot!!
Hi Yem, the visa on arrival was for 30 days, but I have heard there is an option to extend it for another 30 days. But from what I remember, the extension cost almost $100 U.S.D. I dont know though, maybe things have changed. I traveled during the month of March, and it was amazing weather. You’ll certainly have amazing weather as well when you go between april – june. Definitely a good idea! :-)
Hey Jones,
This post is amazing and unbelievably helpful! I’m headed to the Philippines for the month of November and your itinerary will make for great times I’m sure. I was interested in your link for the overnight bus trip to the rice terraces, but the link seems broken! Just wondering if you could help me out here. :)
Thanks so much!
Yeah, no problem. Try this one:
http://ohayamitrans.com/index.html
hi Dave!,
was thinking of going philppines for a week. where will you suggest we go? We are coming from Singapore and should fly to Manila and most likely back.
Thanks!
Hey Isaac. Hmm Tough question. If you only have a week, then you could head up to the rice terraces and do plenty of nearby day trips from Manila. Another option would be to fly to Boracay, or down to Cebu. It really just depends on what type of trip you’re looking for though. Enjoy though! I’m sure you’ll love it
hI
I am planning 3 whole weeks in philippines but don’t want to go always in Beaches OR BOAT TOURS. cAN YOU HELP ME IN WHAT things can I do like visiting rice terraces, volcanoes etc.
Thanks
Charlene
I’d recommend checking out Banaue Rice Terraces in the North, and there’s also a couple really hikes to volcanos. BUt I don’t know too much. Cebu & Bohol have a lot going on!
Haha thanks man! WHen it comes to safety, I honestly never am concerned about that in the Philippines. THe only areas you are meant to avoid are in the south, other than that you’re all good. Palawan and Cebu were completely safe in my opinion. And Yeah, Manila was just awful, lol…
Hi! Love the blog post – I’m finding it so helpful as I’m planning a 1 month trip to the Phils.
Was just wondering, how did you get El Nido from Coron? I’ve heard the ferry an be 7-10 hours and is pretty bad (I’m going from El Nido to Coron). How did you find it?
That’s what I took. It was long, but wasn’t all that bad. You’ll be with other travelers, so just bring some beers and it’ll be fun. :-)
How many time would you recommend to stay in Cebu (island)? I’ve been told that you need at least 10 days to visit Moalboal, Oslob and Malapascua
Hey Oli. Well my time was a little quick on Cebu, and I only had about 4-5 days. I did Moalboal & Oslob with only a day in each, and then a day trip over to Bohol. If you wanna add Malapascua it will take a bit more time, but I’ve heard it’s amazing. Safe travels!
maybe u never heard of balabac islands. its a group of islands in the southmost part of palawan. (nearer to malaysia) most of the islands are still virgin and only the owner live in it. ull sleep in tent because there are no accomodation. you will stay overnight and leave the nxt morning to visit another islands and sandbars and thats what i did for 5days tour
maybe u never heard of balabac islands. its a group of islands in the southmost part of palawan. (nearer to malaysia) most of the islands are still virgin and only the owner live in it. ull sleep in tent because theres no accomodation. you will stay overnight and leave the nxt morning to visit another islands and sandbars and thats what i did for 5days tour
I am planning my monthly trip to Philippines and for sure your blog will be one of my main sources for that! I hope the travel tips are still up to date! ;)
I was just wondering we get in Friday morning at 11:15am to Manila will we still be able to make to overnight ferry how far is the ferry from the airport do you know?
Puerto Galera is way, way far from Palawan. It is located in Mindoro, South of Luzon, only a few hours from Manila.
Ahhh wow! Thanks so much. I confused it with Port Barton. All fixed! Thank you!
Hi I am going to the Philippines for a month I am stopping in a hotel I wantI want to know I want to know how many suitcases am I allowed to take with me and rucksack and backpack what is the weight of a suitcase and a rucksack
I am going to the Philippines in September to October
Hey there! Thank you so much for this awesome Itinerary, It has been instrumental in making our plans for a 4-5 week trip to the Philippines next year! I hope this post is still active and that you can reply to me lol. I would love to get your opinion on what you think would be a reasonable budget for that length of time? We aren’t looking to do things ~extremely~ cheap but wont be living a life of luxury either!! Just enough to have a bit of comfort after travelling for long periods etc :) What would you recommend budget-wise? I really hope to hear back from you.
Thanks,
Hannah
It was a nice guide of the Philippines travel.
this article is really useful, anyway i suggest you, according with my experience, to rent a motorbike or a scooter in order to move there smoothly and cheaply. you will like it
This is awesome, thanks for sharing Dave! Indeed, even 30 days are not enough for Philippines, we will be back again too!
Hi,
I am a filipina living in europe and take vacations in the ph every year. Just to add up some info about Siargao island. It is a lot of things to do in siargao and not just a laid back total relaxing place. It is actuall one of the fastest rising tourist place as if now that accomodations cant keep up woth influx of tourist. I personally like siargao if somebody has very limited vacation time i would recommend that island because its a large enough island and 1 week is good enough to spend. It offers an island life, surf capital of the phil, island hopping to wonderful islands similar to el nido, caves and islets and diff lagoons which is actually a full package of philippine experience or taste- the reason tourist goes for. it is laid back and has hippie vibe yes but it has alot of activities too.
Thanks for the really helping tipss. ????
Jonesy! I’ll be traveling for a month in sept. My family will be there from August 30-oct 2nd… flying in to Cebu. What would you recommend for us to squeeze in 3 weeks? I say 3 weeks because I have to be back in Cebu for my grandmas 105th bday. Lol. I will also be traveling with my 6 & 12 yr old kids. Please help. Thanks a bunch!
An amazing piece of Information to Explore Philippines. Very useful . Recently I came across the below mentioned Guide which will add more flavours to your philippines trip. Explore the below link for more details
https://bit.ly/2ZgXVm8 (philippines-travel-guide)
Amazing post! How was the internet during your travel? I’m planning a trip to Philippines but as I’ll be working remotely I need to be connected all the time. I spent 6 months in Asia and didn’t have any problem, but I’m reading some bad stuff regarding philippines. Is that bad?
Visiting, Working, Investing, Marrying Or Retiring In The Philippines?
https://bit.ly/2MWtX2m
Dave, I want to experience the Philippines in August which I think that is when you spent your 30 days there. Are there any concerns with the rainy season and your itinerary or transportation needs being delayed etc? Or everything even with the raining season went well. August is the only month I can go but would like to hear your prospective on this. BTW excellent post! great job and thank you for sharing to the traveling community!
Barry
[email protected]
Port Barton is beautiful and worth a visit.
Hire enduro bikes and hit the road to explore the surrounding area too.
This is a great travel record, which is very helpful for people who are going to Manila to travel. Thanks for sharing
Our advice is to stay in Cebu. Rent a room and take a flight or ferry from Cebu. You get the best out of your travel. Do not find a new hostel or hotel each night it will cost you more and you will be every day on your phone to look for a place to stay.
Hi Jones! Thanks for this wonderful information. Can’t wait to visit the Philippines. However, I just wanted to make you aware of this article I read in Scuba Magazine. Thought you might want to reconsider advertising the Whale Shark portion of this trip. Thanks!
YOU SHOULD NOT VISIT OSLOB FOR A WHALE SHARK ENCOUNTER!!!
You may have heard of Oslob, which lies in the south of the Philippines in the Cebu province. This is where you can dive and snorkel year round with Whale Sharks, but we strongly advise NOT TO GO THERE.
The main reason for this is that the Whale sharks here are being fed by local fisherman and, therefore, are disturbing the natural habitat and behavior of the Whale Sharks
The Whale Shark in this area are now a huge tourist attraction, and any form of environmental awareness is long gone! It is now quite normal for an Oslob Whale shark to swim to an upcoming boat because a boat is associated with food.
It is needless to say that these frequent uncontrolled interactions with humans and boats cause a lot of injuries to the Sharks.
This is a very helpful article, thank the author for sharing, and hope that more people can see
Hi Jones and all commenters. SO pleased to have discovered this thread, excellent succinct info to plan a trip when the world returns to normal. I’m working in NZ with many Filipinos, and their openness and joy of life is the reason I’m hoping to do 2 months late this year (’22)
I’ve added on the side itineraries suggested, thankyou to all who suggested other regions. Some sound like I absolutely cannot miss.
Having done 180 days in Thailand, 100 in Malaysia & 200 in Indonesia, I know you never see everything! This trip will be much faster, no month long stays on a beach with my 4yo son. Hopefully my son will join on this trip, now a 22 yr old man!
Such an incredible itinerary for the Philippines! Thank you
Hi, I am Arjun from India.
I am travelling on work to Manilla from Mon 20th till Fri 24th June. I am planning to add another 4 days to do a bit of sightseeing.
Could someone give me a few ideas? I was checking possibilities on the internet & trying to decide. Would Palawan be a good option? What about the rice terraces? I would be keen on good landscape or something that is a bit unique & worth remembering. Thanks
Wow thank you so much for this detailed travel guide! Super helpful for planning our trip
Hi Dave, you are right. One month is not enough to enjoy the Philippines. In 2018, me and my friend traveled the country for 2 months. Jumping from one destination to other from North to South. I always fascinated with the charm of the Philippines. The Northern part of the country are mountainous area, and the Southern part of the country are home with many beautiful beaches. When travelling to the Philippines, it’s always good to have an overview on what to expect to the country. Your post is one of the good source of information. Thank you for sharing
I want to share my passion for traveling and also give an insightful information based on my personal travel experience. https://www.philippinestravelguides.com/
I agree with you, HeyMondo is a great travel insurance company. They offer a wide range of coverage options, their prices are fair, and their customer service is excellent. I’ve used HeyMondo for several trips and have been very happy with their service. The HeyMondo app is a great feature. It allows you to manage your policy, file claims, and access 24/7 assistance, all from your phone. This is especially helpful if you’re traveling to a country where you don’t speak the language or don’t have a good internet connection.
This travel guide is really good! It’s super useful for folks planning to travel to Manila. Thanks a lot for sharing!
This travel guide is awesome! It’s really helpful for people who want to go to Manila. Thank you so much for sharing it!
They offer a wide range of coverage options, their prices are fair, and their customer service is excellent. I’ve used HeyMondo for several trips and have been very happy with their service.
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Amazing post! How was the internet during your travel? I’m planning a trip to Philippines but as I’ll be working remotely I need to be connected all the time.
I’m so glad I came across this post at just the right time. I’m getting ready for a trip to Mesa Verde next summer, so it’s really helpful to learn about making reservations. Thanks for the advice
Do you know if you go longer than 30 days at which point you need a visa (USA) how hard it is to get one in Manila?
You can extend your visa for another 30 days I believe, but it doest cost around $100. That’s what I had heard from other travelers, but you’d want to look into it yourself. It might just be easier to leave, and then fly back (perfectly legal and you can find R/T tickets to HK, Macau, or Malaysia for pretty cheap)