Two weeks in the Philippines is like trying to eat a whole lechon in one sitting: ambitious, messy, and totally worth it. With around 7,641 islands, you have plenty of places to explore, from bustling cities to serene beaches. Let’s dive into how to make the most of your time in this tropical paradise, whether you’re a beach bum, a culture buff, or just there for the food (who can blame you?).
Week 1: City life and cultural immersion
Start your journey in Manila, the capital. Spend about three days here. You’ll want to experience the chaotic charm of this city. While the traffic might make you question your life choices, the food and culture will remind you why you came.
- Day 1: Arrival in Manila
- Morning: Land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), take a taxi to your hotel (30-minute drive). - Afternoon: Visit Intramuros, the historic walled city. Explore Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church. - Evening: Dinner at Ristorante Delle Mitre, famous for its traditional Filipino dishes. - Day 2: Explore Manila
- Morning: Visit the National Museum Complex (free entry) and learn about Filipino art and history. - Afternoon: Stroll through Rizal Park, then grab lunch at the nearby food stalls. - Evening: Check out the nightlife in Poblacion, Makati, famous for its bars and street food. - Day 3: Day trip to Tagaytay
- Morning: Take a 2-hour drive to Tagaytay for stunning views of Taal Volcano. - Afternoon: Have lunch at a lakeside restaurant; try the bulalo (beef bone marrow soup). - Evening: Return to Manila, and enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel.
Next, head to the island of Palawan for five days. This is where the magic really begins. Make sure you have your sunscreen, because the beaches here are Instagram-worthy.
- Day 4: Travel to Puerto Princesa
- Morning: Fly from Manila to Puerto Princesa (1.5-hour flight). - Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and grab lunch at Bona’s Chao long. - Evening: Explore the local market and try some street food. - Day 5: Underground River tour
- Morning: Take a guided tour to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (1.5-hour drive). - Afternoon: Enjoy a boat tour of the underground river. - Evening: Return to Puerto Princesa and have dinner at KaLui Restaurant. - Day 6: Travel to El Nido
- Morning: Take a 5-6 hour van ride to El Nido (book in advance). - Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax on the beach. - Evening: Dinner at El Nido’s beachfront restaurants. - Day 7: Island hopping in El Nido
- Morning: Join an island-hopping tour (Tour A is popular) to lagoons and secret beaches. - Afternoon: Snorkel and swim in the turquoise waters. - Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner at one of the local eateries. - Day 8: More beach time
- Morning: Rent a kayak to explore nearby beaches on your own. - Afternoon: Visit Seven Commandos Beach for some relaxation. - Evening: Enjoy a beach bonfire if you’re lucky.
Week 2: Island hopping and culinary adventures
Week two is all about more islands, more food, and more fun. Travel to Cebu for a mix of culture and beaches. Spend about three days here. It’s like the best of both worlds, really.
- Day 9: Travel to Cebu
- Morning: Fly from El Nido to Cebu City (1-hour flight). - Afternoon: Visit Magellan’s Cross and the Basilica del Santo Niño. - Evening: Dinner at The Pig and Palm, known for its modern take on Filipino cuisine. - Day 10: Day trip to Moalboal
- Morning: Take a 3-hour drive to Moalboal. - Afternoon: Snorkel with sardines at Panagsama Beach. - Evening: Return to Cebu City and enjoy some lechon! - Day 11: Kawasan Falls adventure
- Morning: Head to Kawasan Falls (1.5 hours from Cebu) for canyoneering. - Afternoon: Swim in the stunning turquoise waters. - Evening: Return to Cebu City and rest.
Finally, wrap up your journey on the stunning island of Boracay for a few days of relaxation and partying. Spend your last three days soaking up the sun and enjoying the beach life.
- Day 12: Travel to Boracay
- Morning: Fly from Cebu to Caticlan (1-hour flight), then take a short boat ride to Boracay. - Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax on White Beach. - Evening: Enjoy dinner at D’Talipapa, where you can choose fresh seafood and have it cooked. - Day 13: Beach day
- Morning: Rent a paddleboard or go parasailing. - Afternoon: Explore the local shops and cafés. - Evening: Join the party at one of the beach bars. - Day 14: Last day in paradise
- Morning: Have a leisurely breakfast and soak up the sun. - Afternoon: Do some last-minute souvenir shopping. - Evening: Fly back to Manila for your return flight.
Two weeks in the Philippines will leave you with unforgettable memories, a sun-kissed tan, and likely a few extra pounds from all that delicious food. Don’t forget to enjoy every moment, take loads of photos, and maybe even pick up a few Tagalog phrases to impress the locals. You might just find yourself planning your next trip before you even leave!
