A culturally diverse country with a long and interesting history, the Philippines is home to hundreds of awe-inspiring destinations that see millions of tourists every year. Manila, the capital city, is a bustling metropolis filled with historic sites worth exploring. To its north is the tranquil Paoay Lake, the pine trees of Sagada, and the cobblestone streets of Vigan, while to the south of the capital are natural landmarks like the magnificent Kawasan Falls in Cebu and Palawan’s underground river. Whether you want to relax on a beach, go island-hopping or conquer the mighty Cordillera Central, you are sure to head home with fond memories of the country.
How Much Time Should I Spend in the Philippines?
There is a wealth of cultures and adventures to be experienced in the Philippines. A short, four-day stay should be enough for anyone who wishes to experience a city or two, but spending at least two weeks is highly recommended. Most tourists head over to the world-class beaches of Palawan and Boracay and stay nearby for the whole duration of their vacations. Others prefer the thrill of island-hopping in Cebu and Bohol.
As a small-ish country, many provinces in the Philippines are just about an hour and a half away from Manila by flight. However, some destinations are only accessible via land or by boat. There are 12 international airports in the Philippines, so booking a ticket to and from the airport nearest to the cities you wish to visit would save a lot of time.
If you are planning a 4-day Philippines itinerary, you might want to spend the first two days touring a city. Allot one or two days in Manila to explore its busy streets before spending the rest of your vacation outside the city. From Manila, you can head on to the beaches of Batangas, chase waterfalls in Laguna, or enjoy surfing in Baler or La Union.
Of course, you can also skip the capital altogether and head straight to any other city of your choice. Cebu, for example, is popular among beach bums and nature lovers. From here you can go sardine run diving in Moalboal, canyoning in Kawasan Falls, and swimming with whale sharks in Oslob.
A ten-day Philippines itinerary would allow you a more holistic travel experience, offering you ample time to immerse in the country’s beautiful landscapes, vibrant cultures, and rich history. Drive north from Manila to explore the hidden gems of Mountain Province. See the Banaue Rice Terraces, a UNESCO natural heritage site. More than relaxing sights of lush greenery, a tour to the country’s Cordillera gives you the chance to observe first hand and immerse yourself in the culture of the Ifugaos, an indigenous group of mountain folks. Visit the unique Sagada hanging coffins, go spelunking in Samaguing Cave, and watch the sunrise from above the clouds in Mount Kiltepan.
Head for the southern Philippines if beaches are more your cup of tea. Having explored Cebu, you can either board a ferry or book a flight to the neighboring island of Bohol. Known for the unique Chocolate Hills, a tarsier sanctuary, enchanting cave pools, and at least a dozen of fine white sand beaches, Bohol is an ecological paradise that you should not miss out on.
Philippines in 2 weeks
You can combine the northern highlands with a full-blown island-hopping in the south with a two-week Philippines itinerary. Spend a couple of days in Cebu and Bohol, then hop on a plane for a quick flight to Palawan. Consistently voted by travel publications as one of the best islands in the world, Palawan boasts of powdery white sand beaches, breathtaking limestone formations, and crystal clear blue waters that would put the Maldives to shame.
While there, do not miss out on visiting Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a complete mountain-to-sea ecosystem with diverse flora and fauna. Experience a breathtaking shipwreck dive in Coron and kick back in El Nido.
Explore the spiny Cordillera after you are done with the beaches. Brave chilly weather conditions on your way to the top of Mount Pulag and see the hanging coffins of Echo Valley. Soak up the quaint colonial architecture of Vigan and explore the rice terraces that adorn the hills in northern Luzon.
Planning a Trip to the Philippines?
Get in touch with one of our travel experts in the Philippines for a customized trip. If you would like to book a package trip or join a group, check out our tours in the Philippines.
A trip to the Philippines might involve checking out the street food markets in Manila, learning how to dive in El Nido, or relaxing on the soft white sands of Boracay. So, when you're working out how many days to spend in the Philippines, it's worth setting aside at least two weeks for a complete experience.
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.
A short, four-day stay should be enough for anyone who wishes to experience a city or two, but spending at least two weeks is highly recommended. Most tourists head over to the world-class beaches of Palawan and Boracay and stay nearby for the whole duration of their vacations.
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.
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.
Traveling in the Philippines takes time because all islands are divided by the ocean. Experiencing the entire country in 3 weeks is impossible. However, this 3-week route takes you along some of the country's highlights.
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.
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.
Price data was last updated on April 14, 2024. Currently, September is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight to Philippines (average of $1,050). Flying to Philippines in June will prove the most costly (average of $1,611).
Coron is more so for people that want to take it easy, relax on different beaches and discover the beautiful marine life of the Palawan islands; The scenic views of the lakes are super impressive. El Nido offers more to explore and discover on the main island, and is accompanied by a lively nightlife.
Stay in a safe neighborhood such as Makati, Pasay, and Taguig, so you won't have to worry as much about safety. Avoid the Malate and Ermita areas in the center of Manila. Be aware of pickpockets—they're out there. Keep your bags close to you and never put valuables in your back pockets.
The Philippines is one of the most incredible budget travel destinations in the world due to its perfect white-sand beaches, enchanting seas, mesmerizing sunsets, friendly locals, and relaxed, tropical vibes. What is this?
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.
The emerald archipelago is strung across turquoise waters, making island-hopping the best way to experience signature Palawan experiences like floating through an underground river, swimming in hidden lagoons, and diving among World War II shipwrecks.
If you plan to visit only one destination in the province, the shortest Palawan travel itinerary you can enjoy is 3 days and 2 nights. For two destinations, the minimum duration for the Palawan trip itinerary should be 5 days and 4 nights.
Do US citizens need a visa for the Philippines? If you're a US citizen and want to visit the Philippines, you can stay there for up to 30 days without a visa. But if you plan to stay longer than that, you'll need to get a visa from a Philippine embassy or consulate in the USA before you go.
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 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.
Introduction: My name is Wyatt Volkman LLD, I am a handsome, rich, comfortable, lively, zealous, graceful, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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