Philippines Island Highlights Loop
Starting from Manila, this two-week first-timer's route connects Coron, El Nido, Bohol, and South Cebu.
The two-week route recommended by most travel guides: Palawan and the Visayas each take up half the time, without squeezing in Siargao. The itinerary includes multiple flights and ferry rides, with Day 9 being mostly a travel day. The pace is relatively tight, but you will stay in each area for about three nights. It is perfect for first-time visitors who want to see the island lagoons, Chocolate Hills, and the sardine run.
Sea conditions and flight schedules are subject to change. Do not schedule ferries and international flights on the same day at the end of the trip.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Manila and Explore Intramuros
Manila（Intramuros、San Agustin Church、Fort Santiago）
Take a taxi from the airport to the Malate area, which takes about 40–90 minutes depending on traffic. Explore Intramuros on foot in the afternoon.
Stay: Malate and Ermita
Day 2 · Fly to Coron and Hike for Sunset
Take an early flight (about 1–1.5 hours) to Busuanga, then take a van (about 40 minutes) to Coron Town.
Stay: Coron Town
Day 3 · Coron Island Lakes and Lagoons
Coron（Kayangan Lake, Coron、Barracuda Lake、Twin Lagoon, Coron）
Take a boat from Coron Town pier, spend the day exploring around Coron Island, and return to town.
Stay: Coron Town
Day 4 · Reef Shipwrecks and Hot Springs
Coron（Siete Pecados Marine Park、Skeleton Wreck & Coral Garden、Maquinit Hot Spring）
Go snorkeling or diving by boat in the morning. After returning to town in the afternoon, take a tricycle to the hot springs.
Stay: Coron Town
Day 5 · Fast Ferry South to El Nido
El Nido（Las Cabanas Beach (Marimegmeg)）
Take an early morning fast ferry (about 3.5–5 hours) to El Nido. Rest and relax in town in the afternoon.
According to the October 2026 announcement, ferries only run on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Plan your dates backward accordingly.
Stay: El Nido Town
Day 6 · Tour A Lagoon Island Hopping
El Nido（El Nido Big & Small Lagoon、Secret Lagoon (Miniloc)、Shimizu Island）
Take a boat from El Nido town beach for a full-day tour of about 7–8 hours, lunch included.
Stay: El Nido Town
Day 7 · Tour C Hidden Beaches Island Hopping
El Nido（Hidden Beach (Matinloc)、Matinloc Shrine、Star Beach (Tapiutan Island)）
Take a boat from El Nido town beach for a full day of island hopping, returning in the afternoon.
Stay: El Nido Town
Day 8 · Relax at Nacpan Beach
Rent a motorcycle or take a tricycle north to Nacpan Beach (about 1 hour), and return to town in the evening.
Stay: El Nido Town
Day 9 · Transfer and Fly to Cebu
Cebu（Magellan's Cross & Basilica del Santo Niño）
A direct flight from El Nido is preferred; otherwise, take a van for 5–6 hours to Puerto Princesa and fly to Cebu.
This is a travel day. If you arrive late, skip the city sights.
Stay: IT Park, Lahug
Day 10 · Ferry to Bohol and Inland Day Tour
Bohol（Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary、Loboc River Cruise、Chocolate Hills）
Take a fast ferry from Cebu Pier 1 to Tagbilaran (about 2 hours), take a chartered car for the inland route, and head to Panglao.
Stay: Alona Beach, Panglao Island
Day 11 · Balicasag Island and Virgin Island
Bohol（Balicasag Island、Virgin Island、Alona Beach）
Take a boat from Alona Beach in the early morning, arrive at Balicasag in about 1 hour, and return in the afternoon.
Stay: Alona Beach, Panglao Island
Day 12 · Return to Cebu and Transfer to Moalboal
South Cebu (Moalboal & Oslob)（Moalboal）
Take a fast ferry from Tagbilaran to Cebu (about 2 hours), then transfer to a bus at the South Bus Terminal for about 3 hours to Moalboal.
Stay: Panagsama Beach
Day 13 · Kawasan Falls Canyoneering
South Cebu (Moalboal & Oslob)（Kawasan Falls、Pescador Island）
Take a motorcycle or chartered car to Kawasan Falls (about 40 minutes), and return to Moalboal in the afternoon to watch the sardine run.
Stay: Panagsama Beach
Day 14 · Return to Cebu Airport and Depart
Take a chartered car to Mactan Airport (about 3–3.5 hours). Taking a bus will require extra transfer time.
Schedule your international flight for the afternoon and allow plenty of time for the journey from the south.