2 Weeks in the Philippines - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Essential Philippines: Culture, Nature & Islands

Perfect for first-time travelers to the Philippines, this well-rounded two-week trip promises a taste of the country's rich culture, unique natural wonders, and tranquil islands. Starting in the bustling city of Manila, you'll delve into local life with a food tour and market visits before immersing yourself in the history of Dumaguete. Exciting nature encounters await in Bohol with a trip to the Chocolate Hills and whale watching and snorkeling excursions, while Cebu promises heritage tours and a trip to the beautiful Kawasan Falls.

Welcome to the Philippines! Your two-week trip kicks off in the energetic capital city of Manila, and with two days here, you'll enjoy an introduction to the city's cultural highlights. Delve into the Poblacion district's street food, visit storied churches, and join a cooking class before continuing to Dumaguete. Get your bearings in this coastal city during a guided heritage tour, then dedicate a day and a half to exploring independently, perhaps swimming alongside turtles or visiting Malatapay Market. Next, ferry over to the idyllic Bohol Island and see for yourself the fascinating Chocolate Hills during a countryside tour.

While using Bohol Island as your base, you'll also spend a day snorkeling in Balicasag Marine Sanctuary and seek out marine life on a dolphin-watching cruise. Yet, there's plenty more Philippines to explore, so following another ferry ride, you'll find yourself on the lush Cebu Island on Day 9. Four days here ensure you have time to savor its many splendors, first during a self-guided tour of Cebu City, followed by a leisurely day at nearby Nalusuan Island and an excursion to Kawasan Falls. Afterward, fly back to Manila and squeeze in an afternoon of shopping before wrapping up your adventure. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Philippines Active Adventure: Manila, Banaue, Sagada & Palawan

Hike among UNESCO-listed rice terraces, cruise an underground river, snorkel among sea turtles, and swim under waterfalls on this active adventure. Throughout, rest up while transferring between Manila, Banaue, Sagada, Puerto Princesa, and El Nido, and during your stay at each destination, pack in nature-based excursions. You'll also enjoy guided city walks, cooking classes, and free time to laze on the beach.

Your journey starts in Manila, where you'll shake off any jet lag while delving into urban adventures, including a self-guided city tour, a chef-led cooking class, and a bamboo biking excursion. Energized and eager for more, you'll next transfer north to Banaue, a picturesque municipality sitting among terraced rice paddies. Experience the region's renowned landscapes firsthand while hiking to Tappiyah Falls before continuing north to Sagada. Kick off your stay here with a hike into Echo Valley to ponder the storied hanging coffins, then spend the following day trekking to Bomod-ok Waterfall.

After a transfer back to Manila, the second leg of your journey kicks off with a flight to Puerto Princesa on the tropical island of Palawan. Upon arrival, join a local guide for a city's highlights tour, then rest up as Day 9 features a cruise through mangrove forests and along the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. Your next destination is El Nido, where a free afternoon awaits to lounge on Nacpan Beach or hike to Nagkalit-Kalit Waterfall. While in El Nido, you'll also dedicate two days to exploring the pristine islands and waters of the Bacuit Archipelago before returning to Manila. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Philippines Explorer: Manila, Banaue, Bohol, Cebu & Palawan

Ideal for travelers who enjoy keeping on the move, both during adventures and around the country, this faster-paced trip packs in stays in six different destinations across three main islands. Throughout, you'll experience the bustling city of Manila, the serene rice terraces of Banaue, the white sand beaches of Bohol and Cebu, and the turquoise water of Palawan. Plus, dive into the local culture while sampling Filipino cuisine and pondering traditional hanging coffins and get your heart rate up during canyoning, hiking, and swimming excursions.

Your fast-paced trip around the Philippines begins in the capital city of Manila. After settling in over a day of self-guided exploration, you'll wake early for a memorable canoe trip to Pagsanjan Falls. Next, experience Luzon Island's lush interior during a scenic transfer to Banaue, and upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing evening in your accommodation tucked in the Cordillera Mountains. The following two days are filled with exciting adventures, including a hike among rice terraces and a day trip to Sagada to marvel at the hanging coffins of Echo Valley. Afterward, return to Manila in preparation for a flight to Bohol Island on Day 7.

Upon arriving on Panglao, an island just off Bohol, you can unwind by the pool or dive into a local activity. Then, embark on a guided tour of the island, featuring the Sipatan Hanging Bridge and the Chocolate Hills, before continuing to Cebu Island by ferry. In Cebu City, delve into the flavor-packed local cuisine, visit the historic Magellan's Cross, and embark on an exhilarating canyoning adventure at Kawasan Falls. Next, fly to Puerto Princesa in Palawan to experience the intriguing Subterranean River and venture to El Nido for an idyllic day of island hopping prior to your return to Manila. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Philippines Relaxed City & Island Getaway: Manila, Boracay, Cebu & Coron

Slow down and relish the Philippines' tropical beaches, crystal clear bays, and jungle-surrounded waterfalls in between urban exploration on this relaxed city and island getaway. Crafted for travelers looking to unwind in unimaginably beautiful locations, you'll embark on a sunset cruise, spend long afternoons at the spa, stroll through fields of flowers, and soak in hot springs nestled among a mangrove forest. In between, enjoy laid-back adventures, including an island-hopping excursion, a stroll through Lugutan Mangrove Park, and time to snorkel among shipwrecks off the coast of Coron Island.

Before heading to the beach, your trip begins with two engaging days in Manila. Here, you'll enjoy a gentle introduction to the Philippines while hopping between local markets, attending a cooking class, and exploring the walled Intramuros district by bamboo bike. Then, catch a flight to Boracay Island and kick off the tropical island portion of your adventure with a leisurely sunset boat cruise. Sink deeper into relaxation over the next two days during an island-hopping excursion and an afternoon at the spa, followed by a serene walk in Lugutan Mangrove Park and an easy transfer by flight to Cebu Island.

For the following four nights, your home is Cebu City, an ideal base to get to know the island's scenic interior during guided tours and independent exploration. Highlights include a visit to Sirao Flower Farm and a picnic by Kawasan Falls, and you'll also detour to Bohol Island to admire the iconic Chocolate Hills. Next, catch a flight to Coron Island in the Calamian Archipelago, where you'll snorkel among World War II shipwrecks, visit Calahuit Safari Park, and unwind at Maquinit Hot Springs. Sun-kissed, you'll return to Manila for an afternoon of shopping before bidding farewell. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Island Paradises of the Philippines: Bohol, Palawan & Coron

The Philippines is renowned for secluded beaches and pristine islands, and this two-week adventure immerses you in the best of them. With three or more nights each on Bohol Island, Palawan Island, and Coron Island, you'll quickly embrace the slower pace of island life while lazing on soft sand beaches, cruising between hidden lagoons, and enjoying dinners with coastal views. In addition, time in Manila on both ends of your adventure ensures a well-rounded introduction to the country's rich heritage.

Upon arriving in Manila, you'll ease into your Philippines adventure with a guided heritage tour covering Fort Santiago, Casa Manila, and Rizal Park. Next, set your sights on Panglao, a small island off Bohol Island, and treat yourself to an afternoon at Alona Beach. Explore Bohol's interior the following day during a full-day tour featuring the Chocolate Hills and Loboc River, and test your luck spotting dolphins while boating between Balicasag Island and Virgin Island. Then, pack your bags and transfer to Palawan via ferry and flight, and dedicate your day here to cruising the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. 

Your next destination is El Nido, and you'll quickly discover why this region and the nearby Bacuit archipelago are deemed the stars of Palawan Island. Experience the region's wonders while boating between hidden lagoons and secluded shorelines, dining on fresh seafood, and sunbathing on white-sand beaches. Yet, more paradise awaits, so on Day 10, you'll ferry to Coron Island. During your stay, discover fascinating marine life while snorkeling Siete Pecados and Skeleton Wreck, treat yourself to a soak in Maquinit Hot Springs, and embark on a firefly-watching tour before returning to Manila. Learn more

More Great 2-Week Philippines Itineraries

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