With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines is perfect for traveling with others: private boats, drivers and tours cost much less when shared. This two-week itinerary links the northern mountains, the lagoons of Palawan and the islands of the Visayas. Ideal from December to May, during the dry season.
Days 1 to 4: Manila and the Banaue rice terraces
- Day 1: arrive in Manila, walk around Intramuros, then take the overnight bus to Banaue (about 9 hours).
- Day 2: the Banaue viewpoint and Ifugao villages, with a local guide.
- Day 3: hike to Batad, its UNESCO-listed amphitheatre of terraces and Tappiyah Falls; homestay night.
- Day 4: return to Manila by day or night bus.
To share: an Ifugao guide for Batad and the tricycle or jeepney to the trailhead.
Days 5 to 8: El Nido (Palawan)
- Day 5: fly to El Nido, or to Puerto Princesa and then a van (5 to 6 hours).
- Days 6 and 7: island hopping, with the Big Lagoon, Secret Beach, Hidden Beach and the beaches of the Bacuit archipelago.
- Day 8: free day, Nacpan Beach by scooter or kayaking in the lagoons.
To share: a private boat for island hopping. As a group, you choose your own programme and avoid crowded boats, for a price close to a group tour. Variation: take the boat to Coron (about 4 hours) for its wrecks and Kayangan Lake.
Days 9 to 11: Cebu
- Day 9: fly to Cebu, then drive south.
- Day 10: canyoneering at Kawasan Falls.
- Day 11: snorkel with the Moalboal sardine run, then ferry to Bohol.
To share: a driver for the Cebu–Kawasan–Moalboal day is much cheaper for four than alone.
Days 12 to 14: Bohol and departure
- Day 12: island tour with the Chocolate Hills, the Corella tarsiers and the Loboc River.
- Day 13: boat trip to Balicasag, then Alona Beach in Panglao.
- Day 14: back to Cebu or Manila for your international flight.
To extend your trip: three unspoilt islands
- Siquijor (2 to 3 days): by ferry from Bohol or Dumaguete. Cambugahay Falls, the century-old balete tree, sunsets at Paliton and a reputation as a mysterious island.
- Camiguin (2 to 3 days): “the island born of fire”, by plane from Cebu or by ferry. The White Island sandbar facing the volcanoes, the Sunken Cemetery, waterfalls and hot springs.
- Bantayan (2 to 3 days): north of Cebu, by bus and ferry from Hagnaya. White sand beaches, turquoise water and a slow pace, perfect to end the trip.
With even more time, add Siargao for surfing and its lagoons.
Getting around: leave some margin
In the Philippines, journeys between islands often take longer than planned: domestic flights get delayed or cancelled, ferries are suspended in rough seas, and vans and buses are slower than advertised. It is common, especially during the rainy and typhoon season (roughly June to November).
- Plan at least one buffer day per week of travel, and don’t schedule an important tour on a transfer day.
- Spend the night before your international flight in Manila or Cebu: never take a domestic flight or ferry the same day.
- The coast guard can stop boats in bad weather: keep flexible accommodation bookings.
- Allow extra time for van rides (Puerto Princesa–El Nido, for example) and check ferry times the day before.
- Travel insurance that covers delays and cancellations is strongly recommended.
Practical tips
- Book domestic flights in advance: they are frequent but fill up in high season.
- Carry cash: many small islands and mountain villages have no ATM.
- Respect the terraces (walk on the walls, not in the fields), the tarsiers and marine life.
Find your companions and guides
On Globamigo, add your dates to see the travelers who are in the Philippines at the same time as you, and contact local guides, boatmen and places to stay in Banaue, El Nido, Coron, Cebu or Bohol directly. Messages are translated automatically.