This 10-day Philippines itinerary covers the essential highlights for first-time visitors: Manila for culture and history, Palawan for island-hopping out of Puerto Princesa, and Boracay for the beach finish. The route balances must-see attractions with realistic travel times and includes practical tips for navigating this diverse archipelago.
Quick Budget Estimate
Best Time to Go
December to May is the dry season: December to February is coolest and busiest, with peak prices, and March to May is hotter, with Holy Week crowds. June to November is rainy season with potential typhoons but fewer tourists and lower costs. Check our rainy season guide for detailed planning.
Your Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1-3: Manila, Philippines
The capital offers first-timers essential Filipino culture, history, and urban energy before heading to the islands.
Things to Do
Explore the historic walled city with Spanish colonial architecture and Fort Santiago
$15-25 per person (estimate, April 2026)Start early morning to avoid heat and crowds
Learn Filipino history at the country's premier cultural institutions
Free — National Museum admission is free dailyOpen Monday-Sunday. Weekends are busier — visit on a weekday morning for a quieter experience
Sample Chinese-Filipino cuisine in the world's oldest Chinatown
$25-45 per person (estimate, April 2026)Bookable through Klook
Experience Manila's modern side with rooftop bars and night markets
$30-60 per person (estimate, April 2026)Use Grab for safe transportation between venues
Things to See
- San Agustin Church — UNESCO World Heritage baroque church from 1607
- Casa Manila — Reconstructed Spanish colonial house showcasing period lifestyle
- Malacañang Palace — Official residence of Philippine presidents (tours available)
- Manila Bay Sunset — Famous waterfront views best seen from Roxas Boulevard
What to Eat
A local carinderia or Filipino restaurant
$3-8 (estimate, April 2026)Binondo street vendors
$2-5 (estimate, April 2026)Chowking or a local dessert stall
$2-4 (estimate, April 2026)Manam or Aristocrat
$5-10 (estimate, April 2026)Where to Stay
Z Hostel ($15-25/night) or Mad Monkey Hostel ($18-30/night)
Search on ExpediaRed Planet Makati ($40-60/night) or a similar mid-range hotel in Makati
Search on ExpediaMakati Shangri-La ($120-180/night) or Peninsula Manila ($150-220/night)
Search on ExpediaGetting There
Fly into Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Airport taxi to city center takes 45-90 minutes depending on traffic and costs $8-15 (estimate, April 2026). A Yesim eSIM can be installed before you fly.
Getting Around
Grab rides ($2-8 per trip), jeepneys (about $0.25), MRT/LRT trains ($0.50-1.00). Traffic is severe during rush hours (7-9am, 5-8pm).
Day 4-7: Puerto Princesa, Philippines
Palawan's gateway city — base for the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River and Honda Bay island hops to Pandan, Cowrie, and Luli.
Things to Do
UNESCO World Heritage site featuring spectacular limestone caves and underground waterways
about ₱1,800–2,800 ($29–45) per person for a day tour from the city with permit, boat and lunch (as listed in 2026)Book 2-3 days in advance as daily visitors are limited to 900 people
Visit 3-4 islands such as Starfish, Luli and Cowrie for snorkeling and beach time
$35-50 per person including lunch (estimate, April 2026)Bring reef-safe sunscreen and underwater camera for best experience
Half-day tour covering Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Plaza Cuartel, and wildlife viewing
$20-30 per person (estimate, April 2026)Combine with airport transfer on departure day to maximize time
Evening boat ride through mangroves to see thousands of fireflies illuminating the trees
₱600 per boat for three at the Iwahig landing (city tourism office); tours with transport and dinner run $15-25 per person (estimate, April 2026)Boats leave nightly from about 6 pm; darker, moonless nights give the best display
Things to See
- Baker's Hill — Themed attraction with peacocks, landscaped gardens, and city views
- Mitra's Ranch — Hilltop ranch offering panoramic views of Honda Bay and surrounding islands
- Plaza Cuartel — WWII memorial site honoring American prisoners of war
- Palawan Wildlife Rescue Center — Conservation facility caring for endemic species including Palawan bearcat
What to Eat
Kinabuch's Grill and Bar
$8-12 (estimate, April 2026)Local chaolong houses
$6-10 (estimate, April 2026)Kinabuch's Grill and Bar
$12-18 (estimate, April 2026)Badjao Seafront
$10-20 (estimate, April 2026)Where to Stay
Hostels and pension houses in town ($12-25/night)
Search on ExpediaAziza Paradise Hotel ($35-55/night) or Canvas Boutique Hotel ($45-70/night)
Search on ExpediaSheridan Beach Resort ($80-120/night) or Astoria Palawan ($90-140/night)
Search on ExpediaGetting There
Fly Manila to Puerto Princesa (1.5 hours, $60-120; estimate, April 2026). Flights and hotels can be booked through Expedia. Airport is 2km from city center, tricycle costs $3-5.
Getting Around
Tricycles for short trips ($2-5), habal-habal motorcycles for longer distances ($5-10), rental scooters ($15-20/day), or join organized tours with transport included.
Day 8-9: Boracay, Philippines
The Philippines' most famous beach — White Beach's powdery sand by day, Station 2 bars by night, the perfect way to close the trip.
Things to Do
Spend time on the 4km stretch of powdery white sand divided into three stations
Free beach access, sunbeds $5-10/day (estimate, April 2026)Station 1 has the finest sand but higher prices, Station 3 is more budget-friendly
Traditional Filipino sailboat experience during Boracay's famous sunset
$15-25 per person (estimate, April 2026)Book for 5:30pm departure to catch golden hour and avoid crowds
Try parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat, and paddleboarding
$40-80 per person for multiple activities (estimate, April 2026)Negotiate package deals directly with beach operators for better rates
Browse local handicrafts, souvenirs, and enjoy diverse restaurant options
$20-50 per person for dining (estimate, April 2026)Visit during happy hour (4-6pm) for discounted drinks and appetizers
Things to See
- Willy's Rock — Iconic rock formation with Virgin Mary statue, perfect for photos
- Mount Luho Viewpoint — Highest point on the island offering panoramic views of the coastline
- Puka Shell Beach — Quieter northern beach known for collecting puka shells
- Ariel's Point — Cliff jumping and snorkeling spot accessible by boat tour
What to Eat
Beachfront grill stalls
$3-5 (estimate, April 2026)Jonah's Fruit Shake
$2-4 (estimate, April 2026)D'Talipapa wet market
$8-15 (estimate, April 2026)Beachfront grills
$6-10 (estimate, April 2026)Where to Stay
A hostel or budget hotel near White Beach ($20-35/night)
Search on ExpediaRed Coconut Beach Hotel ($60-90/night) or Boracay Beach Club ($70-110/night)
Search on ExpediaShangri-La Boracay ($180-280/night) or Henann Regency Resort ($120-200/night)
Search on ExpediaGetting There
Fly Puerto Princesa to Manila (1.5 hours), then Manila to Caticlan (about 1 hour), the closest airport and a short transfer from the jetty — or to Kalibo, the cheaper alternative, 1.5–2 hours from Caticlan by bus ($3) — $80-150 total (estimate, April 2026). Then the boat to Boracay (about 20 minutes, $1, plus the port's terminal and environmental fees). Allow 5-8 hours including connections.
Getting Around
Electric tricycles (e-trikes) $2-8 per trip, rental bicycles $8-12/day, walking along the beach, or multicabs for longer distances $1-3 per person.
Day 10: Manila, Philippines
Final night near the airport for departure shopping and last-minute Filipino experiences before flying home.
Things to Do
One of the world's largest malls for souvenirs and pasalubong shopping
$20-100 depending on purchases (estimate, April 2026)Visit the IMAX theater or SM Skating Rink if flight is delayed
Catch a Filipino performance or art exhibition if time permits — the CCP's Main Building has been closed for rehabilitation since January 2023 (reopening targeted for early 2027), so check where its shows are being staged
$10-30 per person (estimate, April 2026)Check schedule in advance as shows aren't daily
Final Manila Bay sunset walk and street food sampling
$5-15 for food and drinks (estimate, April 2026)Perfect spot for last-minute photos and reflection on the trip
Things to See
- SM Mall of Asia Eye — Giant ferris wheel offering city and bay views
- Seaside Boulevard — Waterfront promenade perfect for evening walks
- Manila Ocean Park — Aquarium and marine theme park if traveling with family
What to Eat
Street vendors near Rizal Park
$0.50-1 (estimate, April 2026)Max's Restaurant
$8-12 (estimate, April 2026)Airport shops for takeaway
$5-8 (estimate, April 2026)Where to Stay
OYO Hotels near airport ($20-35/night) or Z Hostel Makati ($25-40/night)
Search on ExpediaBelmont Hotel Manila ($45-70/night) or another hotel near the airport
Search on ExpediaEDSA Shangri-La ($100-150/night) or Marriott Manila ($120-180/night)
Search on ExpediaGetting There
Fly Kalibo to Manila (1.5 hours, $60-100; estimate, April 2026). Allow 3-4 hours total including bus connections from Boracay. Book airport hotel through Expedia for convenience.
Getting Around
Airport shuttle services ($5-10), Grab rides to malls ($3-8), MRT for city center access ($0.50-1.00).
Visa Requirements
US citizens can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days with a valid passport (6+ months remaining) and a return or onward ticket. Extensions available at immigration offices for additional fees. Ensure travel insurance coverage and check CDC vaccination recommendations before travel.
Always verify current requirements with official embassy sources. See our visa guide for details.
eTravel (mandatory): Complete your free eTravel registration within 72 hours before your arrival in or departure from the Philippines, as applicable. Have your QR code ready before boarding. Use only the official website, etravel.gov.ph.
Packing Tips
- Reef-safe sunscreen (easier on the reefs you'll snorkel over)
- Quick-dry clothing and waterproof phone case for boat tours and water activities
- Comfortable walking sandals that can get wet plus closed-toe shoes for city exploration
- Portable power bank as electricity can be unreliable in some areas
- Cash in small bills (many places don't accept cards or large denominations)
See the full travel gear guide for detailed recommendations.
Honest Downsides
- Domestic flights are frequently delayed or cancelled due to weather, especially June-November
- Island hopping tours are weather-dependent and may be cancelled on short notice during monsoon season
- Internet connectivity can be slow or unreliable outside major cities, affecting navigation and communication
- Traffic in Manila is among world's worst - allow 2-3x estimated travel time during rush hours
- ATMs frequently run out of cash and many establishments are cash-only, requiring careful money management
Search Flights
Compare prices on Google Flights; Expedia is one place to book.
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