Philippines 10-Day Itinerary: The Perfect First Trip Covering Manila, Palawan, and the Visayas

Ten days is the sweet spot for a first trip to the Philippines. It’s enough time to experience Manila’s chaotic energy, Palawan’s world-famous lagoons, and at least one island in the Visayas — without spending half your holiday on planes. This itinerary balances the highlights with realistic travel times and budget-friendly logistics.

Before You Go: Practical Basics

Most nationalities can enter the Philippines visa-free for 30 days, so there’s no paperwork required for a 10-day trip. Book domestic flights in advance — Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines connect Manila to El Nido (Palawan) and Cebu at surprisingly low prices. The rainy season runs June to November, while November to May is generally dry and ideal for travel. See our Best Time to Visit the Philippines guide for month-by-month detail.

Days 1–2: Manila

Arrive in Manila and spend your first full day exploring Intramuros, the walled Spanish colonial city, and Rizal Park. Take a calesa (horse-drawn carriage) through the old streets, visit Fort Santiago, and end the day at the Manila Ocean Park or the rooftop bars of Makati. On day two, head to Binondo (the world’s oldest Chinatown) for breakfast, then catch a late afternoon flight to El Nido, Palawan.

If you have extra time in Manila, BGC (Bonifacio Global City) is worth an evening for street food, rooftop bars, and the National Museum of Natural History, which is free and world-class.

Days 3–5: El Nido, Palawan

El Nido is the crown jewel of Palawan and arguably the most beautiful place in Southeast Asia. Three days is the minimum to do it justice. Spend day three on Tour A — the classic island hopping route covering the Big and Small Lagoons, Secret Lagoon, and Shimizu Island. Day four, do Tour C for the Secret Beach, Helicopter Island, and Matinloc Shrine. Save day five for a slower morning kayaking the coastline, then catch the van transfer or flight to Puerto Princesa for your evening flight to Cebu.

El Nido island hopping tours cost around ₱1,200–1,500 per person and include lunch. Book through your guesthouse or directly at the pier. Wear reef-safe sunscreen — the lagoons are a UNESCO-protected marine area.

Days 6–7: Cebu City and Surroundings

Cebu City is the Philippines’ second city and a gateway to the best of the Visayas. Spend your first morning at Magellan’s Cross and the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, then rent a motorbike or join a day tour south along the coast. Stops worth making: Carcar’s lechon market (the best roast pig in the Philippines), the Simala Shrine, and Kawasan Falls in Moalboal.

Day seven — get up early for the drive to Oslob to swim with whale sharks (early morning is best before crowds arrive), then stop at Tumalog Falls on the way back. In the late afternoon, catch the ferry to Bohol or stay a second night in Cebu and fly direct.

Days 8–9: Bohol

Bohol packs an extraordinary amount into a small island. Day eight: rent a scooter and hit the Chocolate Hills viewpoint at sunrise (the 1,268 conical hills turn brown in the dry season, giving them their name), then visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella — these enormous-eyed primates are found almost nowhere else on earth. End the day with a sunset river cruise on the Loboc River. Day nine: head to Panglao Island, connected to Bohol by a causeway, for snorkelling at Balicasag Island or simply relaxing on Alona Beach, one of the finest stretches of white sand in the Visayas.

Day 10: Return to Manila

Fly from Tagbilaran (Bohol) back to Manila for your international connection, or extend a day in Cebu if your flights work better from there. Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport has four terminals — confirm which one your airline uses before heading out.

Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

A mid-range budget for 10 days works out to roughly ₱35,000–50,000 ($600–900 USD) including domestic flights, accommodation at 3-star guesthouses, island hopping tours, meals, and transport. Budget backpackers can do it for ₱20,000–28,000 ($350–500) staying in dorms and eating at carinderias (local food stalls). See our Philippines budget guide for a full cost breakdown.

Practical Tips

Book domestic flights at least two weeks ahead — El Nido routes fill up fast in peak season (December to April). Download Google Maps offline for each island before you go; connectivity is patchy outside cities. Always carry small bills in Philippine pesos — many island guesthouses and ferry operators don’t take cards. A SIM card from Smart or Globe at the airport will cost around ₱100–150 with a decent data plan included.