This 14-day Philippines itinerary covers the country's highlights from Manila's old quarters to Palawan's limestone lagoons, historic Bohol, and Siargao's surf scene. Perfect for first-time visitors wanting to experience diverse landscapes, rich culture, and world-class beaches while maintaining a realistic travel pace.
Quick Budget Estimate
Best Time to Go
Best time is December to May during dry season, with March-May being hottest. Avoid June-November rainy season when typhoons are possible and some island activities may be cancelled. Peak crowds and prices occur December-February. For detailed weather information, read our rainy season guide.
Your Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1-3: Manila, Philippines
Gateway city perfect for acclimatizing, exploring Filipino history, and experiencing urban culture before heading to the islands.
Things to Do
Explore the historic walled city with Spanish colonial architecture and Fort Santiago
$15-25 for guided tour (estimate, April 2026)Start early morning to avoid heat and crowds
Learn Philippine history and see impressive art collections
Free — both Rizal Park and National Museum have free admission dailyCombine both in one afternoon for efficiency
Sample authentic Chinese-Filipino cuisine in the world's oldest Chinatown
$20-35 for food tour (estimate, April 2026)Bookable through Klook
Watch famous Manila Bay sunset from Roxas Boulevard
FreeArrive 30 minutes before sunset for best spots
Things to See
- San Agustin Church — UNESCO World Heritage baroque church from 1607
- Casa Manila — Reconstructed Spanish colonial house showcasing 19th century lifestyle
- Malate District — Manila's older bar district, with late-night eats and heritage streets (less polished than BGC)
What to Eat
Local carinderias or Aristocrat Restaurant
$3-8 per dish (estimate, April 2026)Chowking or Jollibee for authentic experience
$2-4 (estimate, April 2026)Street vendors in Binondo
$1-3 per serving (estimate, April 2026)Where to Stay
Z Hostel Makati $15-25/night or GV Tower Hotel $30-45
Search on ExpediaMakati Shangri-La $80-120 or City Garden Grand Hotel $60-90
Search on ExpediaThe Peninsula Manila $200-300 or Manila Hotel $180-250
Search on ExpediaGetting There
Fly into Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Airport taxi to city center takes 45-90 minutes depending on traffic, costs $8-15 (estimate, April 2026). A Yesim eSIM can be installed before you fly.
Getting Around
Grab rides ($3-8 per trip), jeepneys ($0.25-0.50), or LRT/MRT trains ($0.50-1). Traffic can be extremely heavy, especially during rush hours 7-9am and 5-8pm.
Day 4-7: El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
World-renowned destination featuring dramatic limestone cliffs, banca-accessible lagoons, and some of the Philippines' most spectacular island-hopping experiences.
Things to Do
Visit Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Shimizu Island
about ₱1,200–1,800 ($19–29) per person for a joiner tour (A, B, C or D) including lunch (as listed in August 2026), plus El Nido's Eco-Tourism Development Fee — collected once for a validity period, not per tour; verify the current amount with the Municipal Tourism Office when bookingBook the day before, not in advance, for better weather flexibility
Explore Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Helicopter Island, and Star Beach
same joiner range as Tour A — about ₱1,200–1,800 ($19–29) per person (as listed in August 2026)Less crowded than Tour A, better for photography
Self-guided kayak exploration of the famous lagoon
₱200–400 ($3.20–6.50) for kayak rental at the lagoons (our Palawan guide)Go early morning for calmer waters and better lighting
Watch spectacular sunset while zip-lining or relaxing on the beach
$8-12 for zip-line, free for beach access (estimate, April 2026)Take a tricycle there 1 hour before sunset
Things to See
- Nacpan Beach — 4-kilometer stretch of golden sand, less crowded than main town beaches
- El Nido Marine Reserve — Protected waters with incredible snorkeling and diving opportunities
- Makinit Hot Springs — Natural hot springs surrounded by mangrove forests, 45 minutes from town
What to Eat
Beachfront restaurants along Rizal Street
$12-20 for grilled fish dinner (estimate, April 2026)Art Cafe or Squidos Restaurant
$8-12 per serving (estimate, April 2026)Any beachfront bar or restaurant
$2-4 (estimate, April 2026)Where to Stay
Mad Monkey Nacpan Beach $20-30/night (about half an hour from town) or Spin Designer Hostel $25-40
Search on ExpediaEl Nido Cove Resort $80-120 or Dolarog Beach Resort $60-95
Search on ExpediaLagen Island Resort $300-500 or Pangulasian Island Resort $400-650
Search on ExpediaGetting There
Fly Manila to Puerto Princesa (1.5 hours, $80-150; estimate, April 2026), then van or bus to El Nido (about 5-6 hours, roughly ₱600-1,000 / $10-16 — check the operator). Alternatively, direct flights to El Nido leave from Clark (since March 29, 2026), not Manila. Flights can be booked through Expedia.
Getting Around
Tricycles for town transport ($2-5 per ride), motorbike rental ($15-20/day), or bicycle rental ($8-12/day). Most island tours include transport.
Day 8-11: Bohol (Panglao Island), Philippines
Combines unique geological wonders like Chocolate Hills with excellent diving, beautiful beaches, and the chance to see endangered tarsier primates.
Things to Do
Visit the iconic cone-shaped hills and Tarsier Conservation Area
₱3,390–4,860 ($55–78) per person depending on group size (our Bohol guide); the Loboc River lunch cruise is usually extraBookable through Klook
Scenic river cruise with traditional Filipino lunch and cultural show
₱1,000 ($16) per person (our Bohol guide)Choose lunch cruise for better value and entertainment
World-class diving with sea turtles, dolphins, and coral walls
about ₱3,000 ($48) for a two-dive trip (our Bohol guide)Even snorkelers can see turtles easily from the surface
White sand beach with restaurants, bars, and water sports
Free beach access, $5-15 for activities (estimate, April 2026)Go to the eastern end for quieter spots and better swimming
Things to See
- Baclayon Church — One of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines, built in 1727
- Blood Compact Monument — Historical site commemorating the first treaty between Filipinos and Spanish
- Hinagdanan Cave — Underground cave with natural pool for swimming
What to Eat
Local pasalubong (souvenir) shops
$3-6 per box (estimate, April 2026)Bohol Bee Farm Restaurant
$4-8 per dessert (estimate, April 2026)Alona Beach restaurants
$20-35 per crab (estimate, April 2026)Where to Stay
Alona Gecko Inn $25-40/night or Mad Monkey Hostel Bohol $20-35
Search on ExpediaBohol Beach Club Resort $70-110 or Panglao Island Nature Resort $85-130
Search on ExpediaAmorita Resort $200-350 or South Palms Resort $180-280
Search on ExpediaGetting There
Fly El Nido to Bohol direct — Cebgo flies the route five times a week (Cebu Pacific via Philstar, June 2026) — or connect through Clark or Cebu. Alternatively, take ferry from Cebu if including that city. Airport to Alona Beach takes 20-30 minutes by taxi ($8-12).
Getting Around
Motorbike rental ($12-18/day), tricycles ($3-8 per ride), or habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) for rougher roads ($5-15 depending on distance).
Day 12-14: Siargao Island, Philippines
The Philippines' main surf stop — Cloud 9's reef break, Naked/Daku/Guyam island hops, and a laid-back pace that makes it a natural final stop.
Things to Do
Visit three distinct islands: sandbar, large island with local village, and tiny coconut paradise
about ₱1,500 ($24) per person for the three-island joiner tour (our Siargao guide)Start early to avoid crowds, especially at Naked Island
Surf the world-famous right-hand reef break, suitable for intermediate+ surfers
board rental about ₱150 ($2.40) an hour; lessons ₱500–1,000 (about $8–16) an hour with board and instructor (our Siargao guide)Beginners should try Jacking Horse or Stimpy's Point instead
Kayaking and swimming in a turquoise brackish lagoon ringed by mangroves
about ₱2,500–3,000 ($40–48) per person as a private tour combined with Magpupungko (our Siargao guide)Bring waterproof phone case for photos from the kayak
Natural tide pools perfect for swimming when tide is low
₱50–100 ($0.80–1.60) entrance (our Siargao guide), plus transportCheck tide schedules - only accessible during low tide
Things to See
- Coconut Palm Forest — Dense forest of towering coconut palms perfect for photography
- Cloud 9 Boardwalk — Wooden pier extending over the reef break, great for watching surfers
- Tayangban Cave Pool — Freshwater cave pool surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites
What to Eat
Kermit Siargao or Bravo Beach Resort restaurant
$8-15 per serving (estimate, April 2026)Anywhere on the island, straight from the tree
$1-2 per coconut (estimate, April 2026)General Luna beachfront restaurants
$10-18 per serving (estimate, April 2026)Where to Stay
Mad Monkey Hostel Siargao $18-30/night or Hayahay Treehouse Bar & View Deck $25-40
Search on ExpediaSiargao Bleu Resort $60-95 or Romantic Beach Villas $70-110
Search on ExpediaNay Palad Hideaway $300-500 or Dedon Island Resort $400-650
Search on ExpediaGetting There
Take the ferry from Bohol to Cebu, then fly Cebu to Siargao's Sayak Airport (about 1 hour) — the Manila–Siargao turboprop flights moved to Clark (Cebgo in March 2025, Philippine Airlines on March 29, 2026). Airport to General Luna town takes 45 minutes by van ($8-12). Flights can be booked through Expedia.
Getting Around
Motorbike rental essential ($12-20/day), habal-habal for rough roads ($5-15 per trip), or tricycles within General Luna ($2-5).
Visa Requirements
Americans can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days with a valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months). Travelers must show proof of onward travel (return or exit ticket). Extensions possible at Bureau of Immigration offices for longer stays. For detailed visa information, visit our visa guide.
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 (many areas ban regular sunscreen to protect coral)
- Quick-dry clothes and swimwear - you'll be in and out of water frequently
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag for island hopping and water activities
- Comfortable walking shoes for city exploration plus flip-flops for beaches
- Power bank and universal adapter - power outages can occur on smaller islands
See the full travel gear guide for detailed recommendations.
Honest Downsides
- Domestic flights can be delayed or cancelled, especially to smaller airports - always have backup plans
- Internet connectivity is slow and unreliable outside major cities - don't rely on it for important work
- Plastic pollution is visible on many beaches and in the ocean, which can be disappointing
- Transportation between islands takes much longer than expected - this itinerary involves significant travel time
- ATMs frequently run out of cash on smaller islands, and card acceptance is limited - bring extra cash
Search Flights
Compare prices on Google Flights; Expedia is one place to book.
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