All the highlights of the Philippines
This itinerary has been put together for a 3.5 week trip. If you have less time to discover all the beautiful islands, there are a number of options at the bottom of the route to shorten your trip. I also give a number of other options that are also very worthwhile! Traveling in the Philippines always takes a lot of time, so take this into account when planning your trip.
Day 1: Manila
Your journey starts in the capital of the Philippines: Manila. I personally left here as quickly as possible. I arrived late in the evening and had my flight to Cebu Island the next day in the morning! Manila has a few nice sights, but I decided to visit the islands as soon as possible.
Day 9-10: Bohol
Travel by ferry from Moalboal to the islandBohol. Here you can visit the famous Chocolate Hills and the rare tarsiers. Furthermore, this island also has beautiful white beaches, like almost every destination in the Philippines! The most beautiful beaches can be found on Palawan (El Nido and Coron), so one full day on Bohol is sufficient
Day 2-5: Malapascua
From Manila you fly to Cebu City. Stay here for one night or leave immediately by bus to the islandMalapascua. Malapascua is a mini island known for its underwater world! Dive with thresher sharks, go snorkeling and enjoy the beautiful beaches of the beautiful idyllic and extremely quiet island. There are no cars here!
Day 11-13 Siquijor
Enjoy the enchanting destination Siquijor: a beautiful island with beautiful white sandy beaches and a beautiful jungle with many waterfalls. Swing like Tarzan along these waterfalls and enjoy breathtaking sunsets!
Day 6-8: Moalboal
Time for another beautiful diving destination on Cebu Island: Moalboal. Swim with turtles and discover the beautiful underwater world. Enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches or discover the adventurous waterfalls.
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Day 13-17: El Nido
During your trip in the Philippines you cannot avoid a number of domestic flights. Via Puerto Princesa you travel to beautiful El Nido.El Nidois a heavenly coastal town known for its beautiful imposing islands, secluded beaches and beautiful marine life. Time for a wonderful island hopping trip on a boat! I would also certainly choose to end your trip in Palawan, under the motto of 'save the best for last'.
Day 18-21: Expedition
Finally the time has come: the most special activity in the Philippines, namely the expeditionbetween El Nido and Coron. An unforgettable adventure through the breathtaking Bacuit Archipelago and Calamian group of islands. During the expedition you will sail past deserted beaches, beautiful lagoons and colorful coral reefs. You sleep on uninhabited islands in cute huts. Really back in nature for four whole days! I really had great days with a fantastic crew on our boat.
Day 22-24: Coron
You arrive at Coron via the expedition. A paradise island with world-famous diving spots, beautiful beaches and enchanting lagoons. Enjoy snorkeling, diving and island hopping! Just like El Nido, this is a paradisiacal coastal town where you can enjoy your trip before you fly back to Manila. A great contrast is almost impossible... Unfortunately I have less pleasant memories of Coron, because I could hardly leave the hostel because of mosquito bites that had become inflamed... so unfortunately I cannot give any tips about this destination.
Day 25: Back to Manila
You end your adventure in the Philippines back in Manila. From Coron you can easily fly back to the capital of Manila. Because Manila does not have much to offer, I would choose to connect your return flight as much as possible to your flight from Coron!
Other options for a beautiful itinerary
Longer than 25 days:
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For surfers and beach lovers, a few days on the beautiful island of Siargao is highly recommended! It is a popular surfing destination with a wonderfully chill atmosphere. Enjoy yourself under the palm trees. This will cost you an extra flight, because Siargao cannot be reached by boat from any of the above destinations. I would then choose to book a return ticket via Cebu after a visit to Moalboal. You can then choose to skip Siquijor if time constraints do not suit you.
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Another option for sun, sea and beach is Boracay. Until 2018, this was an extremely popular destination in the Philippines that had been completely taken over by tourism. As a result, the island was closed for a while, after which it still has many strict rules today (such as no beach parties and no more drinking in public). Here you will find one of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines! However, it would cost you an extra flight to visit this destination.
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From Manila you can choose to visit Batad, a destination with perhaps the most beautiful rice terraces in Southeast Asia. From Manila you take a bus via Banaue to Batad. It is an authentic village where time has stood still (read: poor coverage, poor electricity and no luxury hotels).
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Shorter than 24 nights:
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Do you have less time in the Philippines? Palawan is definitely not to be missed! The expedition from El Nido to Coron (or vice versa) was my highlight of the trip. If you don't have a diving certificate then I would recommend skipping Malapascua and/or Moalboal. If you like diving, then it is a must to go to Malapascua! Moalboal is also a beautiful destination for snorkelers, while Malapascua is less known for this. Of course, it is also possible to get your diving license at one of these destinations, or do a fun dive to experience diving. Another option is to skip Siquijor Island.
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