5 Days in the Philippines - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Philippines City & Beach Tour: Manila & Boracay

This city and beach tour is a fit for first-time visitors and travelers seeking a blend of historical sites, outdoor adventures, and local cuisine. You'll take a guided tour of Manila's historic districts, sample street food on a tasting tour, and experience Boracay's white sandy beaches and watersports.

On arrival in Manila, the country's capital, get your first taste of the Philippines with a street food tour. The following day, you'll delve into the city's history with a full-day tour of the Intramuros district—known for its old defensive walls built by Spanish settlers—and the more modern Makati. Here, you'll visit landmarks like Casa Manila and San Agustin Church, ride a traditional horse-drawn carriage, and peruse the markets of Quiapo and the shops and eateries at Bonifacio Global City. 

On Day 3, you'll fly to the resort island of Boracay, known for its beaches and coral reefs. Spend the day as you wish, perhaps hiking to Mount Luho, the island's highest peak, sunbathing at White Beach or Puka Shell Beach, or trying an optional activity such as scuba diving or kiteboarding. The next day, embark on an island-hopping boat tour that includes snorkeling at Coral Garden and checking out the caves at Crystal Cove. Finally, celebrate your adventures with a beachside barbecue at Tambisan Beach before flying back to Manila to catch your international flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Cultural Traditions in the Philippines: Rice Terraces & Hanging Coffins in Luzon

Travelers keen on culture and hiking will appreciate this itinerary that focuses on the island of Luzon. Highlights include hikes in the Bangaan Rice Terraces and Echo Valley, visiting the hanging coffins, and taking advantage of meeting Ifugao people and woodworking artisans in the Tam Awan Village.

Your driver will meet you at the airport in Manila and whisk you away north to Banaue in the highlands of Luzon, the Philippines largest island. Here, you can marvel at the UNESCO-protected Batad and Bangaan Rice Terraces and witness the daily life of the Ifugao people on a hike to the villages tucked amid the watery rice terraces. After a good night's rest, you'll take another hike on Day 3, this time in the Echo Valley of Sagada, a little farther north, where you can see the unusual hanging coffins set into a cliffside and enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool at Bomod-ok Waterfall.

On your final full day, you'll begin to make your way south via your driver to Baguio, also known as the "Summer Capital of the Philippines." You'll have some time to enjoy a city tour followed by a visit to the Tam Awan Village, where you can admire the craftsmanship of local woodworkers and purchase some souvenirs. The morning of Day 5 sees you transferring the rest of the way south to Manila in time to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Discover Siargao: Surf Capital of the Philippines

Focusing solely on the island of Siargao, this trip is an excellent option for travelers who enjoy watersports and the relaxed island life. You'll have the chance to take a surf lesson at one of the world's leading surfing destinations, kayak the aquamarine waters of Sugba Lagoon, swim at the beautiful Magpupungko Rock Pools, and enjoy a barbecue at Daku Island during a day of island hopping.  

On arrival in Siargao, the surf capital of the Philippines, you'll be transferred to General Luna, where you'll have free time to sink into the slow pace of island life and experience the nightlife. In the morning, you'll set off on an island-hopping adventure along the southern coast, visiting the palm-fringed island of Guyam before savoring a barbecue lunch beneath the palms on Daku Island and ending the day taking in the sunset on the powdered sands of Naked Island, so named for its barren appearance.

On Day 3, you'll enjoy a swim and barbecue at the azure Magpupungko Rock Pools, followed by watersports, such as kayaking and paddleboarding, at Sugba Lagoon. On your final full day, partake in a popular pastime with a surf lesson, then spend a leisurely afternoon at Cloud 9 Beach, where you can watch the surfers (or join in if your skill level allows!). Before departure, indulge in local specialties in General Luna, such as bulalo (a traditional beef shank stew) or a freshly baked pan de coco (coconut bread). Learn more

Itinerary #4: Island Hopping in the Philippines: Cebu City & El Nido

Enjoy this island-hopping adventure centering around El Nido, ideal for travelers interested in a tropical getaway filled with snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, and a bit of history and culture. After a heritage tour of Cebu City, you'll have the chance to snorkel, sunbathe, and swim off small islands and secluded lagoons, like Shimizu Island and Secret Lagoon, and explore a shipwreck at Darocotan.

Ease into your Philippines adventure with free time on arrival in Cebu City, where you can visit local landmarks, such as the Cebu Taoist Temple and the ancient Basilica del Santo Nino, and sample Filipino fare like lumpia (deep-fried spring rolls) and pancit (noodles with meat and vegetables). The following day, you'll visit the AFOS Foundation, where you'll learn about their work supporting local fishermen, then embark on a guided heritage tour of the city, pausing at important sites such as the Cebu Heritage Monument and Fort San Pedro, an old military structure built by Spanish settlers.

Next, you'll fly to El Nido on Palawan Island and spend Day 3 island hopping. Stops will include the towering cliffs of the Big Lagoon, snorkeling at Shimizu Island, sunbathing on the white sands of Payong-Payong Beach, and swimming and snorkeling at the secluded Secret Lagoon and Seven Commandos Beach. Make the most of your final full day with a trip to the small island of Darocotan, where you can bask on the soft sands, snorkel in the clear waters, and explore the surrounding reefs and a nearby shipwreck before returning to Cebu City for your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Philippines Island Escape: Snorkeling & Beaches in Coron

Escape to the Philippines with this option, suitable for those interested in checking out the northern Palawan island of Coron. After a free day for a self-guided tour of Cebu City, you'll fly to Coron for three days of snorkeling and swimming that includes Lusong Coral Gardens, the famous World War II shipwrecks, underwater limestone landscapes, seafood barbecues, and more. 

Take your time to get acquainted with Cebu City as you explore the historic Spanish structures, like the Basilica del Santo Niño, at your own pace. Get an early start on Day 2 with a quick flight to Coron in the Palawan region. Once settled in your accommodation for the next three nights, you'll get out to scuba or snorkel World War II shipwrecks, including the Lusong and East Tangat wrecks, Japanese boats marooned during a US airstrike. Next, enjoy a snorkel of the Lusong Coral Gardens, breaking to feast on seafood on the remote Pass Island.

Then, Day 3 has you island-hopping along Coron's northern shore on a bangka (an outrigger boat) tour. You'll snorkel at Siete Pecados, marvel at the limestone cliffs at the Green Lagoon and Twin Lagoon, check out the mangroves of CYC Beach, snorkel above the Skeleton Wreck, and refuel with a seafood barbecue on the beach. Cap off your trip with one final day of snorkeling and sightseeing on a Coron Island ecotour and snorkeling excursion that includes some favorite sites from the previous day and new ones like Twin Peaks Coral Garden and Kalachuchi Beachon. Learn more

More Great 5-Day Philippines Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to the Philippines? Check out these other five-day Philippines itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.