Top things to do in the Philippines — Ultimate Itinerary
! IT’S MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES
The Philippines is one of my favorite country! Friendly, happy, social and super hospitable local people will welcome you. Some of the best islands, beaches and diving spots in the world can be found in the Phils! There are over 7000 islands in the Philippines, what a dream for island and beach lovers. Therefore, I can tell you already, 30 days which you get with your tourist visa are definitely not enough.
I have been to the Philippines 2 times so far, in total 2 months, but I will go for sure another time as there are still so many islands on my list which I want to visit. In the meantime enjoy my top things to do in the Philippines!
Top Things To Do In The Philippines
Quick Overview
- Siargao Island
- Bohol Island
- Cebu Island
- Boracay Island
- Palawan Island
- Coron Island
- Manila
Siargao Island (6 Days)
Surf, Party, Chill, Repeat. That’s the short description for Siargao. General Luna is the village to stay, as not far away is the great surf spot “Cloud 9”. Furthermore you can do an amazing island hopping daytrip to Naked, Daku and Guyam Island. That’s a must! Another day you should rent a scooter and drive around the whole island, especially make a stop at the Magpupungko Natural Pools and Pacifico beach before you head back to General Luna. The Sugba Lagoon day trip is as well a must do, as the beautiful colors of the ocean and the surrounding limestones are breathtaking! “The Smiling Pig” is the one and only place to stay on Siargao 😉
Magpupungko Natural Pools
Island Hopping Tour
Bohol Island (3 Days)
Stay on Panglao Island and enjoy the Alona beach. Not fast tired of riding a scooter? Then rent one and drive the 300km around Bohol in one day 😉 On the way you should visit the Tarsier sanctuary, Baclayon Church, Man Made Forest, Chocolate Hills, Anda Beach and then back to Panglao.
Tarsier
Man Made Forrest
Baclayon Church
Chocolate Hills
Anda Beach
Cebu Island (4 Days)
In Moalboal visit the stunning Kawasan Falls with turquoise water and if you are up to an adventure do the Canyoning. Oslob & Tan-Awan is known for its Whale Shark watching. It was a fascinating experience, even if they feed the Whale Sharks to attract them.
Boracay Island (5 Days)
Boracay is a world-famous Island for its white sand beaches. You will definitely not be alone there, but I still can recommend it to everybody. White Beach (west), Ilig Iligan Beach (north east), Puka Shell Beach (north) and Bulabog Beach (east) are the main beach attractions. The east coast is a good place for Kite Surfing. For a beautiful sunset view head up to the Spider House and eat a yummi Pizza and drink a banana-mango-rum shake 😉
Palawan, El Nido (5 Days)
El Nido and its surrounding limestones and crystal clear waters are breathtaking! One of my favorite places in the Philippines. Do the (snorkel) tour A & C in El Nido. Take a TukTuk or a scooter and visit Nacpan Beach, Corong Beach and Las Cabanas Beach where you could also do ziplining.
Check out my El Nido Guide.
Palawan, Sibaltan (2 Days)
Insider Tip: Take a ride to the north east side of Palawan, to Sibaltan. This little village is not touristy at all and perfect for a stay of two nights. From there you must do a snorkel trip! You can see little reef sharks and you will visit an uninhabited white sand beach island which is called Maosonan Island.
Coron Island (3 Days)
When you arrive with the boat from El Nido, walk up to Mount Tapyas for the sunset. The next day do the “Ultimate Snorkel Tour” where you will explore the beautiful Kayangan Lake (one of the most photographed places in the Philippines), snorkel around a Skeleton Wreck and in the Twin Lagoon.
From Coron you can take for example the overnight ferry to Manila.
Manila (3 Days)
Despite most people say you should skip Manila as it is not nice and dangerous, I can recommend to give it a chance, as it is not as bad at all as its reputation. In Manila I recommend to visit Intramuros, the historic area which is surrounded by walls and then walk along Manila Bay. Go to Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig, which is part of the modern city of Manila. Or head over to Makati City to another district for great food and nightlife. In case you fly out of Manila, you can have huge and cheap shopping Malls.
Check out my Manila City Guide for more detailed information of what to do in Manila.
Transportation In The Philippines
Boats, Flights and local buses are the transportation options you need to travel around in the Philippines.
2GO Travel is one of the largest provider in the Philippines if you want to travel between big islands on a ferry boat. On https://travel.2go.com.ph/ you can find their schedule and prices.
For many smaller boat and bus companies you have to ask local agencies for prices and schedules. It’s often difficult to find accurate information online.
El Nido To Coron (4 Days Tour)
If you have some spare days and money you can do the www.abandonparadise.com Tour from EL Nido to Coron. Unfortunately when I was there it was sold out, but my friend did it and he told me it was an indescribably experience. Sailing 4 days around paradise islands, snorkel in the turquoise crystal clear water and eat fresh caught fish. What else do you want? 🙂
Best Time To Visit The Philippines
November until May.
- On my post about the Things to do in El Nido you will find more information and pictures.
- Check out as well the Manila City Guide.