The Philippines is an incredible destination to visit, and one that remains relatively overlooked in favor of its South East Asian neighbors. Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, they all get their fair share of love, and understandably so. But, if you are looking for a truly unforgettable adventure through a hidden gem less-traveled, the Philippines might be calling your name. With over 7,000 islands to choose from, choosing where to travel to in the Philippines can be a daunting task.
With tourists only getting a 30-day visa into the country, it is only natural to want to fit in as much as possible in that one month. Many travelers make the mistake of rushing through the Philippines, not accounting for long transit days and unreliable modes of transportation. Keep in mind that the Philippines is an island country. Getting from place to place is not as straightforward as simply taking a night bus like in Thailand or Vietnam. Prioritize a few islands instead of trying to squeeze in a dozen different destinations in one go. Rather than wear yourself out with a fast-paced island-hopping itinerary, explore deeper into each island. One can easily spend a few weeks exploring Palawan and Coron alone. We take life slow in the Philippines, so just enjoy the beach vibes and laid-back living and you will have a good time.
For a first-timer visiting my home country, here is my one month backpacking itinerary for the Philippines. From the world-famous beaches of El Nido to the remote cordilleras of Northern Luzon, it’s a great way to see hidden gems and world wonders alike.
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Oh, and before you go, make sure to have good travel insurance handy while you’re off adventuring across the world. I use SafetyWing to keep me covered throughout my travels for just a few dollars a day, and their coverage includes the Philippines among the 190+ countries that they cover. It’s handy to have travel insurance in the Philippines, especially if you plan on island-hopping to remote areas, hiking in its cordilleras, and taking to those crazy winding roads with even crazier drivers.
Manila: 2 Nights
Love it or hate it, Manila is where you’ll be starting your Philippine adventures. It is a sprawling urban jungle, and one that many travelers are more than happy to skip in favor of our dramatic landscapes. I can’t fault them for it, but if you do decide to stick around Manila for a day or two, here’s what I’d get up to.
Wander (or rent a bamboo bike and cycle) through the old city of Intramuros and its historic colonial-style buildings. Pop into Casa Manila to see a well-preserved house from the olden days and check out the cathedral and main plaza. From there, one can walk through the nearby Rizal Park, or take a short tricycle ride up to the bustling Quiapo market and Binondo Chinatown. If you’re visiting on a weekend, Manila has a number of weekend markets, like the Salcedo Saturday Market, that you can go to.
Need some air-conditioning? Continue the shopping spree at one of Manila’s enormous malls, with the Mall of Asia being a must. Stroll along the boardwalk afterwards to take in the sights of Manila Bay. If you don’t mind heading a bit further out of downtown Manila, head over to Antipolo to visit the breathtaking Pinto Art Museum. It is my favorite place that I’ve visited in Metro Manila.
Catch a stunning view of the skyline from Lub D Hostel in Makati before stepping out and experiencing Makati’s pulsing nightlife scene. The Spirits Library, Agimat at Ugat, and Run Rabbit Run are a few of my favorites. Keep the night going by hitting up one of the electronic clubs, like Octopus or Apotheka, or tuck in early and catch a flight to Palawan the next day.
Palawan: 7 Days
From Manila, catch a flight to Puerto Princesa on the paradise island of Palawan. Stay a day in Puerto Princesa to see its famous underground river. Otherwise, there isn’t much to do in Palawan’s capital. Find a bus or shared minivan heading to Port Barton, a small seaside village with very relaxed vibes. Go island-hopping for the day and stroll along its long strip of beautiful beach. It isn’t the most exciting town, but it is a great way to split up the otherwise long journey up to El Nido.
It’s another three hours by road to reach El Nido. In my opinion, it is the most beautiful part of the country, boasting dramatic landscapes and beaches that seem straight out a fantasy world. The main beach in El Nido is gorgeous, but you’ll want to hop on a bangka and go island-hopping. There are several tours to choose from, lazily named Tour A, B, C, and D. I don’t know how far we’ve gotten into the alphabet by now, but those are the classics. I’d do all of them if you have time, otherwise, mix and match to see which highlights you want to prioritize. Nacpan Beach is also worth the visit, and can be reached by a short drive from El Nido.
Aside from its beaches and island-hopping, El Nido also serves as a fantastic home base. It has plenty of amazing restaurants, shops, bars, and clubs. The dining and nightlife scene here is varied and very fun. Frendz Hostel is the best place to stay in this town, offering stunning views from its rooftop pool and a lively social atmosphere.
Optional: Daracotan Island (2 Days)
One of my favorite stops in Palawan was the island of Daracotan. It is a remote island with a local population numbering in just the dozens, but there is a beach hostel there that has nothing but great vibes. Having your own private island for a couple days is a pretty neat thing to add to your Philippines itinerary. It isn’t part of the typical tourist trail, so it will take a bit more effort to get to, but if you want a unique experience, it is worth it.
Afterwards, head back to El Nido and catch the ferry to Coron.
But before you go island hopping in the Philippines, be sure to have a plan to stay connected. I use Saily eSIM to keep me online during my travels, ensuring that I have internet from the moment I land to when I leave. It’s a game-changer for figuring out directions on the fly, coordinating plans with new hostel mates, or keeping family back home updated. Having an eSIM simply makes travel that much easier. Philippines eSIMs start at just $3, and you can use my code “eli5” for an additional 5% off of your first Saily eSIM.
Coron: 3 Days
From El Nido, we head on over to Coron Island. The ferry from El Nido town to Coron town takes about four hours, although if you’ve got time to kill, you can take the scenic route. There is a three-day island-hopping excursion that departs from El Nido and drops you off in Coron. It’s a great way to see some of the islands that most tourists will miss, and a fun bonding experience with some fellow travelers.
Once you’re in Coron, head over to Outpost Hostel, my favorite spot to stay in town. Similar to El Nido, island-hopping is the main activity of choice in Coron, although divers will find themselves in paradise. Visit the blue lagoon and Barracuda Lake, two of the top highlights of the region. Coron Town is much smaller and less happening than El Nido, but that adds to the charm of this place. There are still plenty of good restaurants and bars, and you’ll find a good crowd dancing the night away at Tribu.
Coron is a decently-sized island with plenty of hidden gems to see and explore, but it can be difficult to get around without your own transportation. Feel free to rent a scooter to hit the island’s lesser-known spots, otherwise, catch a flight from Coron’s airport and go to Cebu.
Cebu: 3 Days
Cebu is the second-largest city in the country, and similar to Manila, it is often just a stopover city for travelers. I don’t know Cebu well enough to defend it, so I’ll agree for now. Ditch the city and head to Moalbal for some more beach time. Kawasan Falls is worth the excursion if you feel like swimming in freshwater for a change. If you’re visiting during whale shark season, nearby Oslob is a must-visit, and many travel agencies offer it as a tour option.
If you’re in town for the Sinulog Festival in January, definitely stick around for that. It’s a great experience, similar to the Ati-Ati Festival in my hometown of Ibajay, but much larger and much more happening. After Cebu, continue onwards to Siargao.
Siargao: 4 Days
Everyone raves about Siargao, and for good reason. This backpacker-favorite is the surfing capital of the Philippines. It offers natural beauty, adventure, relaxation, and a fun-loving crowd. It’s a very international island with many people from all over the world falling in love with Siargao and staying much longer than planned. Digital nomads, yogis, surfers, backpackers, it doesn’t matter. Siargao does not discriminate. Mad Monkey Hostel is a tried-and-true backpacker haven for those looking for a balanced social and relaxing atmosphere.
The vibes here are immaculate, and you might find yourself sucked into its vortex. I’m suggesting four days for Siargao, but I already know you’ll probably end up staying longer. Take a boat ride to the stunning Sugba Lagoon surrounded by limestone cliffs. Kayak, swim, or simply admire its natural beauty. Trek through the jungles to find Taktak Falls. There’s a lot to do here, but Siargao’s charm lies in its laid-back island vibe. Whether you’re an adventure-seeker or looking for a tranquil escape, you will understand why Siargao has a stranglehold on every person who sets foot here.
Bohol: 3 Days
Tired of the beach life? Okay, let’s switch things up. Although Bohol is home to plenty of beaches, its main attractions are more inland. The Chocolate Hills are some of the Philippines’ most iconic landmarks. Take a hike through these unique landscapes resembling Hershey Kisses, hence, their name. Bohol is also home to the tarsier, tiny little primates with large eyes. Whether they’re cute or ugly, it’s up to you to decide.
Nearby Panglao Island is where you’ll find the best beaches in the region. Spend about three days exploring Bohol before catching a flight back up to Manila. Don’t want to spend any more time in Manila? Just hang around for the day and then catch a night bus to Sagada. The Coda Lines buses leave from Cubao’s bus station in the north of the city, but even with Manila’s suffocating traffic, you should have plenty of time to make it up from the airport. Say bye to the ocean for now. We are heading into a wildly different region of the Philippines compared to what you’ve seen so far.
If you’ve got a few days to spare, a day or two in Baguio is an excellent way to break up this lengthy journey.
Sagada: 3 Days
Night buses are crazy, right? You fell asleep in the urban jungle of Manila and woke up to rolling green mountains and cascading rice terraces. Welcome to the Philippines’ wildly underrated Cordillera region. Let’s dive in. Hop off the bus at Sagada, grab breakfast at Bana’s and sip on a cappuccino fresh from the Philippines’ renowned coffee region. Once you’re caffeinated, tent a motorbike and begin the day’s adventures.
Check out the thundering Bomod-Ok Falls, hiking through the village of Fidelisan on the way. Check out the Marlboro Hills, explore some of the nearby caves, and hike to the Hanging Coffins. This unique burial method is reserved only for respected elders of the indigenous community. Visiting the north of the Philippines not only introduces you to new landscapes, but new cultures as well. The Philippines is home to many tribes and indigenous peoples, and many of those tribes are in the remote regions of the north. While many parts of the Philippines have become Westernized, the secluded tribes of the north maintain many of their long-standing traditions and customs.
With culture, coffee, and stunning views, Sagada is an often-overlooked gem.
Optional: Kalinga Tattoo at Buscalan
The increasing celebrity of Apo Whang-Od has skyrocketed this small village into global fame. The 107-year old tattoo artist is the last living mambabatok and nothing short of a national treasure and international legend. Filipinos and travelers far and wide make the pilgrimage to visit her.
Now that you’re in Sagada, the journey is 95% of the way done. Take a Jeepney to Bontoc and then catch a bus passing by the village of Buscalan. It will drop you off on the highway, from where you’ll have to hop on a van to the village gates, and then hike about 45 minutes to the village itself. Spend a night in Buscalan before heading back to Bontoc and continuing to Banaue. Here’s a full guide on visiting Apo Whang-Od and the Kalinga village of Buscalan.
Banaue: 2 Days
Finish your time in the north in arguably the most breathtaking place in the country. Steep stacks of rice terraces cascading down a mountain with lush, jungly hills serving as its dramatic backdrop, Banaue is simply otherworldly. While there are plenty of them to see in the area, the Batad Rice Terraces are the ones to prioritize. It’s easy to hire a tricycle driver to take you to the many scenic spots of Banaue, from its rice fields to tranquil villages.
There are also some multi-day treks through the area, although I couldn’t do them due to time constraints and the rainy season.
Time flies, doesn’t it? Just like that, a month has passed and you’re on a night bus chugging its way back to Manila. We’ve barely scratched the surface of what the Philippines has to offer, but this itinerary should give you a varied mix of experiences in a country overflowing with natural treasures and rich cultures.
Like, I’ve had to exclude Boracay, perhaps the Philippines’ most famous beach, just because I felt there were so many more places worthy of your time. If you do make it to Boracay, nearby Romblon, Carabao Island, and Tablas are also well worth the visit. I could rattle off dozens and dozens of destinations, but like I said before, we take things slow here. You’ll be back again someday, I’m sure of it. Ingat lagi!
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If this post helped you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going by buying me a beer! My adventures are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated, and allows me to keep writing helpful travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world on a budget.