In 10 days, you can hop between the Philippines' most idyllic islands, take in its coastal and inland wonders, and head out to sea to discover incredible marine life. This classic tour, which includes time on three different islands and in the bustling city of Manila, is the perfect introduction to the country. The trip begins with a night in Manila, taking in the capital city's vibrant nightlife. Then, head to Siquijor Island for a thrilling day cliff jumping at Salagdoong Beach, swimming under waterfalls at Cambugahay Falls, and watching the sunset from Paliton Beach.
Another must-see highlight is the island of Bohol, reachable by boat from Siquijor. Here, you can admire the mystical Chocolate Hills, explore the mahogany forests of Biliran, and cruise along the lively Loboc River. Afterward, catch a boat to Cebu, where you can experience canyoneering at Kawasan Falls and embark on a boat trip to swim with sea turtles and snorkel among thousands of sardines. With a mix of relaxation and adventure, you'll leave this trip with a well-rounded view of the Philippines' culture and natural beauty.
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If you have less time in the Philippines, you'll want to focus on one region. Choose between experiencing the exotic geography of Palawan, snorkeling in the CalamianIslands, or embarking on a trek through the Cordillera region's famous rice terraces. If you have more than 10 days, you can hop between islands and add exciting day trips to your itinerary, such as visiting Coron, Balicasag, and Ticao.
A shorter stay in the Philippines is possible, especially if you narrow your exploration to one region. Six days give you enough time to hike and snorkel your way around Palawan on a classic itinerary or trek through sacred waterfalls and quaint villages on a Cordillera-focused trip. You could also head farther afield and discover Calamian Islands' abundant marine life on a six-day snorkeling trip.
The Philippines in 9 Days
With nine days, you can take your time experiencing the Philippines' vibrant marine biodiversity, spectacular coral reefs, and world-class beaches on a scuba diving trip. Head underwater near the coasts of Panglao Island and Balicsag Island to encounter sea turtles and jackfish, experience the famous muck dives sites of Dauin, and explore the marine reserves surrounding Apo Island. Then, continue to Moalboal for wall diving and Malapascua to scuba among thresher sharks.
The Philippines in 15 Days
In 15 days, you can join a Philippines highlights tour and paddle, snorkel, and hike your way across the country. Start on Luzon, the archipelago's largest island, to discover the ancient Banaue Rice Terraces and ponder the famous hanging coffins in Echo Valley. You'll also explore the Chocolate Hills on Bohol, go canyoneering on Cebu, and cruise through karst islands offshore from Palawan. If you skip extended time on Luzon, you can snorkel above Coron's shipwrecks and coral reefs and relax on the pristine beaches of Boracay, like on this 15-day tour.
The Philippines in 20 Days
If you're fortunate enough to have 20 days to spend in the Philippines, you can opt for a slower-paced trip and split your time between the country's renowned highlights and remote islands. Each day offers incredible landscapes to explore, including the Catandayagan Falls on Ticao, the Chocolate Hills on Bohol, and the underground river in Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park. You'll also be able to join snorkeling adventures off the coast of Anilao and Ticao, island hop in El Nido, and swim with whale sharks.
More Helpful Information
With over 7,640 islands in the Philippines to discover, there's plenty to keep you busy. Yet, with 10 days, it's a good idea to base yourself on three to four different islands. On Luzon, you can experience the vibrant city life of Manila, explore Banaue and Batad rice terraces, and snorkel or dive offshore from Anilao.
Bohol Island is another excellent addition to any Philippines itinerary and is known for its impressive interior. While on the island, you can ATV among the Chocolate Hills, spot at least one of the world's smallest primates at the Tarsier Sanctuary, and go ziplining in Loboc Ecotourism Adventure Park. Then, a 1.5-hour ferry ride from Bohol brings you to Cebu, where you can embark on a thrilling Kawasan Falls canyoneering adventure and head out on an island hopping tour, complete with stops at Pescadoresand a sea turtle sanctuary.
For more time relaxing on white sand beaches, boating alongside karst islands, and discovering unique landscapes, head to Palawan. Home to the impressive Puerto Princesa Underground River, the limestone cliffs and turquoise waters of El Nido, the colorful coral reefs of Ulugan Bay, and the cascading Estrella Falls, there's plenty to explore.
One week is how long to spend in the Philippines if you have no other option. A week may be just enough for you to explore a mixture of places; a blend of quiet, secluded spots and crowded, bustling tourist destinations. Yet we'd suggest doing at least a minimum of 10 nights to make the most of your trip.
While six days is a popular duration for kimkim travelers, 10 days are recommended for a more thorough trip to the Philippines. You can spend time on the archipelago's largest island, Luzon, swim under waterfalls on Siquijor, admire the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, and snorkel among colorful fish off the coast of Cebu.
While there are so many things to see and do, we can say a very basic and packed tour can be done within 7-10 days already with some beach activities and touches of culture and adventure all perhaps in 2 or 3 destinations. You can check our samples of Tours of the Philippines or our list of the Best Destinations!
With five days in the Philippines, focusing on one or two regions is wise. First-timers seeking a mix of history, cuisine, and adventure will enjoy Manila heritage and street food tours paired with Boracay watersports.
With 10 days in the Philippines, you can split your time between Manila, Cebu Island, and Boracay during a well-rounded tour of the city, mountains, and beaches. Or, delve into the local culture and stay in rice terrace-surrounded villages while making your way between Manila, Banaue, and Baguio.
If you're a budget traveler, you can expect to spend around $30 to $50 per day in the Philippines. This includes accommodation, meals, transportation, and some activities. On the other hand, if you prefer a more comfortable mid-range experience, you should plan to spend approximately $70 to $100 per day.
How many days is enough to explore the Philippines? I would say around 2 weeks more or less would be enough to explore the Philippines – we were only there for 12 days and found our Philippines 12 day itinerary to be plenty.
When is the best time to visit the Philippines? The best time to visit the Philippines is from December to February, when temperatures are around 24°C to 31°C. At this time the country is fully accessible, including its many beautiful islands and more remote areas.
For travelers planning a trip here, the best spots to explore are Puerto Princesa, Coron, and El Nido. Each district has its own charm and is home to lush forests, pristine beaches, and towering limestone formations.
A two week trip to the Philippines on average costs around $935 (₱52,749) for one person and $1,871 (₱105,498) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables.
How much it costs to travel in The Philippines really depends on your travel style and where you go. Manila (especially) and Boracay are significantly more expensive than other parts of The Philippines and once you are out of the tourist hot spots it's relatively easy to thrive on a budget of $35-40 USD a day.
Spending at least a week in the Philippines is a good start to fully grasp what traveling in the country really is. From the capital of Manila to its stunning beaches, here is our travel guide for you. The best place for visitors to enjoy Manila is to go to the Walled City of Intramuros.
This tropical archipelago is hot and humid all year round, with most rain falling between June and October – our vacations keep this in mind. The best time to go to the Philippines is from December to February, when temperatures are at their coolest and the rain generally stays away.
How many days do I need to see Manila? Spending three or four days in Manila is probably about right before you start to get worn down by the constant movement and the endless traffic. It's enough time to get your bearings and see the major sights before moving on and seeing the rest of the country.
While it's possible to complete this itinerary in a little over two weeks, I suggest adding few extra days in the destinations you're most excited about, for a more relaxed trip. In the guide below I've included itinerary ideas, travel tips, resorts, restaurants, transportation details and more.
If you are looking for a place with beautiful beaches and islets you can easily island-hop to, but at the same time want to see more culture and nightlife, with clubs, bars, and galleries abounding, we say go for Cebu.
Nationals of a number of countries with which the Philippines maintains diplomatic relations, including the United States, may avail themselves of visa-free entry into the Philippines, provided their stay will not exceed 30 days.
Introduction: My name is Eusebia Nader, I am a encouraging, brainy, lively, nice, famous, healthy, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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