Island Hopping in the Philippines: Cebu City & El Nido - 5 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Cebu City, Free Time to Explore

Welcome to the Philippines! After landing at Mactan Cebu International Airport, you'll take an approximately hourlong transfer to your accommodation in the heart of Cebu City. Situated on the eastern coast of Cebu Island, this is one of the Philippines' most populous cities. Check yourself in and take the time you need to settle into your new surroundings. 

Or, if you feel up for it, you can step out and start exploring right away. Some of the big landmarks to check out include the Cebu Taoist Temple, with its immensely decorative design and dragon statues, as well as the 16th-century Basilica del Santo Nino, which is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the country. You'll also find dozens of diverse restaurants dotted across the city, serving up everything from traditional Filipino fare like lumpia (deep-fried spring rolls) and pancit (noodles traditionally served with mixed vegetables and meat) to Mexican and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Day 2: AFOS Foundation Visit, Cebu Heritage Tour, Fly to El Nido

Day two kicks off with a visit to the AFOS Foundation. AFOS is the driving force behind the FISH Visayas Project, an important initiative designed to support local fishermen in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. You'll be driven directly to the AFOS HQ, where you can learn all about the project and the fascinating work it does. Then, around lunchtime, enjoy a delicious meal at one of the city's popular eateries before continuing your day with a guided heritage tour.

Your tour will begin at the Cebu Heritage Monument, a mixed-media sculpture made by multiple local artists that depict the stories and structures that make up Cebu City. You'll then move on to an old Jesuit priests' home, followed by the 17th century Yap San Diego House, with its hand-carved furniture and decorative interiors. Your tour takes a religious turn next with trips to the city's most famous churches: the Basilica del Santo Nino and Cebu Cathedral.

Your guide will then take you to Magellan's Cross, a famed stone kiosk installed by famed explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his party upon their arrival in the Philippines back in 1521. The lively Carbon Market is your next stop, where the smell of fresh produce fills the air, and you'll finish up at Fort San Pedro, an old military structure constructed by Spanish settlers. With the tour complete, take an hourlong transfer to the airport for a 90-minute flight to your next destination—the town of El Nido on Palawan Island.

Day 3: El Nido Island-Hopping Adventure

Today, you'll experience a totally different side of the Philippines, enjoying the nation's beaches, caves, and lagoons at El Nido. Located on Palawan Island, El Nido is a peaceful, pristine area of white sands, coral reefs, and dramatic cliffs. It's also known as the gateway to the Bacuit archipelago, made up of dozens of islands spread across crystal-clear turquoise waters.

And it's those islands you'll be hopping across on today's scheduled boat tour. You'll visit the Big Lagoon, with its towering limestone cliffs, as well as Shimizu Island, which is popular for its pretty beaches and snorkeling spots. The tour will also take in the sugar-like white sands of Payong-Payong Beach, the secluded, romantic spot of Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commandos Beach, where you can swim, snorkel, and enjoy the scenic surroundings.

Day 4: Day Trip to Darocotan Island

The seaside exploration continues today as you take a trip over to the small island of Darocotan. Situated off the northeast coast of El Nido, Darocotan is only a 15-minute boat ride away, but this hidden gem feels like an undiscovered paradise. You'll be taken over in the morning and given almost a full day to enjoy and explore the beaches and soak up the island's tropical beauty.

It's up to you how you spend that time. Rest and relax on the soft sands or dive into the blue waters. Darocotan is a prime snorkeling spot, surrounded on all sides by pristine reefs. There's even a shipwreck just 164 feet (50 m) off the shore, which plenty of colorful tropical fish, like clownfish, have turned into a thriving habitat. Turtles and rays can also be spotted around Darocotan, so keep your eyes peeled!

Day 5: Fly to Cebu City, Depart

Day five brings your island-hopping adventure to an end. You'll be picked up from your accommodation and taken on a short ride (less than an hour) to El Nido Airport. From there, you'll take a 90-minute flight back to Cebu before boarding your next flight in the direction of home. Safe travels!

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to the Philippines? Check out these other Philippines itineraries, explore different ways to spend five days in the Philippines, or discover the best time to visit the Philippines.