philippines - 16 days
itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cebu, transfer to Moalboal
Day 2: Moalboal
Day 3: Moalboal
Day 4: Moalboal
Day 5: Flight to Boracay
Day 6: Boracay
Day 7: Boracay
Day 8: Boracay
Day 9: Fly to El Nido
Day 10: El Nido
Day 11: EL Nido
Day 12: El Nido
Day 13: Ferry to Coron
Day 14: Coron
Day 15: Coron
Day 16: Fly back
Ok so now let’s talk about Philippines for a second. This country has over 7 thousands islands and if you really want to see it properly you should spend at least 2 months here, so it is important to understand what you really like to do and then select the islands. The above itinerary is the one I would go for if it was the first time visiting Philippines with 16 days available, but I would highly recommend you spending at least 3 weeks, as it normally takes a day to move from one island to another one.
El Nido, Coron and Boracay are the most popular islands, all about white beaches and snorkelling, while Cebu is more about nature and waterfalls (still there are beautiful beaches here).
If you have more time I would highly recommend you to add to your itinerary Bohol, Siargao, Malapasqua and Bantayan (there is just so much to see!😎).
TO DO & TO SEE
CEBU
- Canyoning in Kawasan Falls
- Inambakan Falls
- Sunrise Hike to Osmena Peak
- Swim with sardines in Moalboal
- Sunset from White beach in Moalboal
- Swim with turtles early morning in Moalbo
BORACAY
- White beach
- Puka beach
- Island hopping tours
- Sport activities
- Snorkelling or diving
- Sunset at Diniwid beach
EL NIDO
- Island hopping Tour A: Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, 7 Commando beach
- Tour B: Snake Island, Pinagbuyutan beach, Entalula beach, Cudugnon Cave
- Tour C: Helicopter island, Matinloc Shrine, Secret beach, Talisay beach, Hidden beach
- Tour D: Ipil beach, Cdlao Lagoon, Paradise beach, Pasadingan beach, Natnat beach, Bukal beach
CORON
- Island hopping Tour A: Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake, Coral Garden Snorkel, Cyc Beach
- Tour B: Skeleton Wreck, Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoon
- Tour C: Malcapuya Island, Banana Island, Bulog Dos Island
- Tour D: Pass Island, Lusong Gunboat Snorkel, Lusong Coral Garden
green stays
Banana Bay Boracay
Glamping Karuna El Nido
Alon Hotel El Nido
Club Paradise Coron
Moalboal Eco Lodge
Tongo Hill Cottages Moalboal
USEFUL LINKS
Anything you need in El Nido: transfer, tours, activities
All about Coron
Coron Tours
Ferry from El Nido to Coron
Kawasan Falls Canyoning
Find our more about Philippines here
TIPS
Cash needed everywhere
Allow a full day when moving from one island to another, Philippines have their own pace
Don’t take any flight that arrives/stops in Manila, it’s a dangerous city and there is nothing to see there, fly directly to Cebu
Book private tours: they have really good price, you have more space on the boat and the flexibility to leave/return when you want
You cannot miss Malcapuya island (Tour C Coron)
Get ready to eat rice with fish/meat every day, if you are vegetarian/vegan buy your food before the boat tour
In Oslob - Cebu there is a very popular attraction where you can swim with whale sharks: DON’T. First when you get there at 5am you will see about 100 people at least waiting to do the same. You’ll find yourself in the water surrounded by boats and people, with locals attracting these poor animals with food. It was just the most fake and horrible experience, especially for the whale sharks, just don’t do it.
