Philippines Two Week Itinerary Guide

If you’ve got two weeks to spare, you’ll have the perfect amount of time to explore this hidden gem in Southeast Asia. While travellers commonly choose to flock to popular counterparts such as Thailand and Bali, the Philippines has plenty to offer those willing to immerse themselves in a unique culture while surrounded by postcard-perfect island life. Keen to start planning your dream trip? Read on for a recommended Philippines two-week itinerary complete with expert tips! 

The bustling capital, Manila, is the perfect first base for your Philippines Travel Itinerary. Located on the island of Luzon, this populous city offers a chance to shop, eat, and recover from any jetlag. The historical Spanish colonial heart of Manila, Intramuros, will provide a cultural introduction to the Philippines and it’s recommended to do a guided half day tour here. Explore the lush grounds of Fort Santiago for a dose of history, and stroll through the urban Rizal Park while learning how Jose Rizal inspired the Philippine revolution. Why not try a night market tour one evening, and taste popular Filipino delicacies with the help of a local guide? 

Relax into a slower pace on Palawan next, an archipelago that offers arguably some of the best snorkelling and diving in Southeast Asia, with vibrant corals, colourful fish, sea turtles, manta rays, and even WWII wrecks. Pair this with perfect white sand beaches, and you’ve got yourself an incredible few days of sun, salt and sand island hopping between Coron to El Nido. 

Make sure your Coron Island travel itinerary includes stops at Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoon, Kayangan Lake and Skeleton Wreck for absolutely stunning snorkelling. From El Nido, discover Nacpan Beach, take a surf lesson at Duli Beach, check out the big lagoons nearby that are perfect for kayaking and snorkelling, and visit Snake Island for its extended sandbar.

You can opt to stay in either Coron town or El Nido town and do day trips from them as a base, or to tick both off and make the most of your time you can also opt for a 3-day, 2-night boat tour in either direction. These boat tours generally make 3-4 stops each day at coral reefs and secluded beaches on remote islands, provide snorkelling gear, basic accommodation, freshly cooked meals usually with fresh seafood, and is a great way to meet new people.

If you’ve got more time, head down to Puerto Princesa where you can visit the Subterranean River National Park – home to an underground river, limestone karst landscapes and a large cave system. Stop in peaceful Port Barton on the way, a hidden beach town growing in popularity thanks to its laid-back nature and unspoiled coastline.

Cebu City is a great base to cover a range of attractions, including a full day trip ticking off two adventure activities – canyoneering through Kawasan Falls and swimming with the sardines (often called the “sardine run”) from Moalboal. The long day is well worth the early start and the adrenaline is bound to keep you going as you jump safely into the refreshing turquoise waters of the cascading Kawasan Falls, and snorkel through the breathtaking spectacle that is hundreds of thousands – if not millions – of shiny silver sardines swimming in shoals around you.  

TRAVEL TIP: Arguably one of the most sought-after sharks to swim with, the gentle whale shark, resides amongst the Filipino islands and whilst the most common way to see them is in Oslob (from Cebu City), the general consensus is that there are more ethical locations where they aren’t fed by humans purely for tourism purposes; a practice disrupting their natural migratory patterns and teaching them to associate private boats with food which has sadly led to propeller collisions. If you’d like to swim with whale sharks, Donsol has a strict no-feeding policy at time of writing and is a protected area for this endangered species. It is, however, located on a different island which just means you’d need to tweak your travel itinerary accordingly for these boat expeditions. 

For a change of scenery, Bohol’s iconic Chocolate Hills are a natural marvel and the island can also be visited on a trip from Cebu in conjunction with Tarsier Sanctuary – a wildlife sanctuary with a conservation mission of saving the Philippine Tarsier, a small nocturnal primate with distinctive large eyes. The nearby Panglao Island boasts the idyllic Alona Beach, and is worth a visit while on Bohol. 

You’ve made it – your final stop for relaxation, water sports and nightlife. With two options to choose from, you can tailor your trip depending on your vibes!

Boracay is a very popular destination for local visitors and foreign tourists alike; sunsets on White Beach see flocks of travellers catching the pink-hued skies whilst beach bars prepare their karaoke machines regardless of the night of the week. During the day, discover Sigbin Cave in a clear kayak, try an underwater helmet dive, or relax into a massage from one of the many parlours after a big two weeks of island hopping and exploring!

Siargao is the surfing capital of the Philippines and is rapidly gaining popularity amongst younger travellers. It’s known for its world-famous surf breaks, secret lagoons and tide pools where you can spend your days surfing, kayaking, cliff jumping, and enjoying a growing trendy culinary scene. If a laid-back vibe is more your travel style, consider Siargao over Boracay before wrapping up your island hopping itinerary and heading home with a phone gallery full of new memories and, hopefully, a desire to come back and keep exploring the natural beauty of the Philippines. 

So, when is the best time to visit? The rainy season in the Philippines is between June and October which can mean mostly rainy days at best and sometimes typhoons at worst. The best time of year for a drier, sunnier climate would be the dry season between December and April. Although this is considered peak season with crowds and higher prices. If you’re flexible, try aiming for the shoulder seasons of November and May for a balance of good weather and fewer crowds. 

Most trips start with a flight, and the best way to save time and money is to book your flights early! Domestic flights within the Philippines usually become more expensive closer to departure and can even sell out in peak season. A common mistake made by first-time visitors is trying to see too many islands in one trip and underestimating the travel time needed island hopping between destinations. Flying is generally the easiest way of island hopping between hotspots, though many ferries are also available. Some ferry rides (such as the popular route between El Nido and Coron) are shorter and worthwhile, whereas others can be full travel days. It’s important not to overpack your itinerary with long travel days to allow you to make the most of your two weeks, so consider ferry times against flight times. In addition, combining sightseeing using full-day tours can be an efficient way to explore.

TRAVEL TIP: Download the Grab app, a local rideshare app which is the most commonly used and is safe, convenient and an affordable way to get around. 

The Philippines is a relatively affordable destination too, and can suit both luxury and budget travellers from accommodation types to food. Local eateries are a popular option for those travelling on a budget, where you can try local delicacies such as lechon (whole roasted pig), adobo chicken, and the popular halo-halo dessert (shaved ice with purple yam flavour and a variety of toppings). For those with more in the budget, you’ll find endless restaurants in popular tourist destinations to choose from. The Philippines is a cash-heavy society and ATMs are easy to find so be sure to carry the local currency, the Philippine peso, at all times. 

Filipinos are very respectful and hospitable, and I'd recommend observing a few local customs to ensure you have a pleasant trip. Tipping, while not mandatory, is customary and greatly appreciated – restaurants will generally add a service fee to cover this, and you can provide smaller tips for individuals such as taxi drivers, hotel staff, and day tour guides as a thoughtful gesture. To show respect to the local environment, consider eco-friendly travel guidelines (e.g. don’t touch the marine life) and only use trusted travel providers.

TRAVEL TIP: Bring your own sunscreen and bring plenty of it – ideally enough for your whole trip and bonus points if it’s reef-safe. While sunscreen is available for purchase in the Philippines, many bottles sold by street vendors and even some from pharmacies are fake and offer no protection despite the high price tags. 

Two weeks is the perfect amount of time to get a real taste of what this beautiful country has to offer, but consider it the tip of a stunning iceberg. So if you’ve got two weeks for an island hopping adventure and want a flexible, picture-perfect island destination, the Philippines awaits. Pick the destinations, hidden gems and experiences that match your travel style and start planning your unforgettable two-week Philippines itinerary today!