My Perfect 2 Week Philippines Itinerary: What I Did & Loved in This Island Paradise

The Philippines is without a doubt one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia, maybe even the world.

I’m sure you’ve seen all those photos of palm trees, sandbars, incredible white sand beaches, and towering limestone cliffs. And yes, it really does look like that.

But with over 7,000 islands, figuring out where to go and how to plan the Philippines itinerary isn’t exactly easy.

I’ve spent almost three months backpacking the Philippines and have seen quite a few islands and places, so in this little travel guide, I’ll share my personal ultimate 2 week Philippines itinerary, including the spots I loved the most and how I think a perfect two-week trip could look.

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My Perfect 2 Week Philippines Itinerary: What I Did & Loved in This Island Paradise

2 Week Philippines Itinerary – My Experience

As I mentioned above, I spent almost three months in the Philippines, hopping between islands, working remotely, scuba diving, surfing, island hopping, and eating so much good food. It was an incredible time.

Now just to be clear: I didn’t follow this exact two-week itinerary myself. It’s more like a highlight reel of the best parts of my trip. Basically, if someone asked me, “What were your favorite places and what should I absolutely not miss?”, this is what I’d tell them.

I definitely have my favorites and one of the absolute best experiences I had was doing a 3-day, 2-night boat expedition from Coron to El Nido. It was incredible and I will never forget it.

I snorkeled in the clearest blue water, stayed overnight on remote islands, watched some of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen, and ate fresh-caught fish every single day. It honestly felt like my own personal Cast Away moment. That trip was definitely the highlight of my time in the Philippines.

Another place that still has a special place in my heart is Siargao. Without a doubt, it’s the coolest island in the Philippines.

If I were to go back or even move there long term, this is where I’d want to live. It has such a great surf culture, loads of palm trees and tropical landscapes, and probably the best food scene in the country. I had some of the most delicious meals in Siargao (and I’m a bit of a foodie).

Everything You Need to Know About Visiting the Philippines Travel Tips

Not everywhere in the Philippines is in dry season at the same time. Palawan (including El Nido and Coron) is best from December to April, while places like Siargao and Siquijor are in dry season from May to August.
Filipino food is… interesting. It’s not my favorite, but I definitely think you should try it and make up your own mind. That said, there’s a surprisingly great international food scene across the islands and I always found something amazing to eat no matter where I went.
Rent a scooter wherever you can. It’s the best way to explore off the beaten path, especially on islands like Siargao, Siquijor, or even Camiguin. That freedom made a huge difference in my experience.
Not every part of the Philippines looks like that picture-perfect turquoise water and dramatic limestone cliffs you see on Instagram. That’s mostly in places like El Nido, Coron, and parts of Boracay.
Skip Manila. There’s not much to see, and it’s a hectic city. If you land there, I’d recommend booking a connecting flight straight to your first island destination.
Come with the right expectations. The Philippines is all about islands, beaches, snorkeling, island hopping, and chill tropical life. If you’re looking for deep cultural or historical experiences like in Vietnam or Thailand, you won’t really find that here.
The country unfortunately has a trash problem. Waste management systems aren’t the best, and it’s not uncommon to see trash on beaches or even in the ocean. It’s frustrating, but it’s also a good reminder to travel responsibly and support places that are making an effort.
And finally, Filipinos are genuinely some of the friendliest and funniest people I’ve met. Be kind, be respectful, and you’ll feel incredibly welcomed wherever you go.

14 Day Philippines Travel Itinerary

Alright, let’s get into the actual itinerary. Just to be clear, this is my personal highlights itinerary for the Philippines. I’m not saying this is the only way to do it, but it’s exactly what I’d recommend to a friend if they asked me how to spend 2 weeks in the Philippines.

Of course, there are way more islands worth visiting and I’ve seen a bunch of them, but it’s just not realistic to cram everything into 14 days.

That said, at the very end of this post I’ll give you some great alternatives so you can swap things in and out depending on your interests.

Day 1: Arrive & Explore Coron Island

Alright, so depending on what time you land, this will probably still be a bit of a travel day, but I’d definitely recommend starting your trip in Coron.

It’s the best place to begin because from here, you can do one of the best things I did in the Philippines: the Coron to El Nido boat expedition. It’s a multi-day island hopping trip through remote beaches, epic snorkeling spots, and some of the most beautiful nature I saw anywhere in the country. More on that in a bit.

Getting to Coron is super easy. It’s a small island, but there are direct flights from Manila and they usually cost around $35 USD. Honestly, don’t even leave the airport in Manila. There’s nothing to see there, and traffic is always a mess. Just land and book your connecting flight straight to Coron.

Coron itself is stunning. If you arrive early enough, there’s plenty you can already explore on day one. I jumped straight on a tour and visited Twin Lagoon and Barracuda Lake, and they were unreal. Diving at Barracuda Lake was one of my personal highlights, the thermocline there is super trippy, and I watched a bunch of pro freedivers disappear into the depths like it was nothing. I could barely make it down a few meters and they were just gone.

Where to Stay in Coron Island
$ The Ridge Coron // $$ El Rio y Mar Resort // $$$ Pearl Vista Coron

Day 2: Start Your Coron to El Nido Expedition

This is when the real adventure begins. On Day 2, you’ll set off on the Coron to El Nido expedition and honestly, this was one of the absolute highlights of my entire time in the Philippines. That’s why I’m starting the trip with it right away.

One important tip: book this tour as soon as you’ve got your flights locked in. It fills up fast, and you don’t want to miss out.

The first day of the expedition is already packed. We stopped at places like Bulog Dos Island, Banana Island, Ditaytayan Island, and the Coring waterfalls near Culion, all of them remote, all of them stunning. The water was insanely blue, the beaches were empty, and I just couldn’t believe how quiet and untouched everything felt.

But honestly, it wasn’t just the islands. Sitting on the boat, having a cold beer, watching the limestone cliffs go by as the sun started to set, that moment really stuck with me.

I remember just staring out at the water and thinking, this is exactly why I came to the Philippines.

Day 3: Island Hopping & Snorkeling (Coron to El Nido Boat Tour)

Day 3 of the Philippines itinerary and the second day of the expedition and honestly, this is where things really started to feel special. If I had to pick just one day from the tour that stuck with me the most, it would probably be this one.

We packed in a lot: cliff jumping off sharp limestone ledges (I wish I had photos because it was just amazing), snorkeling with sea turtles, and stopping at even more hidden islands along the way. Every spot felt a little more remote and a little more surreal.

We ended the day at a new campsite, and that beach honestly felt like something off a screensaver. Soft white sand, crystal-clear water, total silence. This was the day where I thought, yep, this is what I imagined the Philippines to be like. And it absolutely delivered.

Day 4: Island Hopping & Arriving in El Nido (Coron to El Nido Boat Tour)

Day 4 of this 2 week Philippines itinerary starts off on one of those remote little islands where we camped the night before. Mornings on the tour are usually packed with activities, more island hopping, snorkeling, paddleboarding but honestly, the itinerary often changes depending on the weather, the currents, or how busy certain spots are.

When we did it, we visited two more islands in the morning, both completely beautiful and super quiet. I also got to try paddleboarding, which I weirdly loved. Gliding across that glassy turquoise water surrounded by limestone cliffs was just such a cool experience.

In the afternoon, we wrapped up the expedition and arrived at San Fernando port, a sleepy little town on the east coast of Palawan. From there, we jumped in a van and made our way to El Nido town. We arrived pretty late, and I was honestly wrecked, salty, sunburnt, and ready to go to bed asap.

Where to Stay in El Nido Palawan
$ Frendz Hostel // $$ Morgan Villas // $$$ Angkla Beach Club

Day 5: Explore Duli Beach & Nacpan Beach (or join another Island Hopping Tour)

I spent quite a bit of time in El Nido, but for this 2 week Philippines itinerary, I’m keeping it to just one full day and what you do with it is totally up to you.

Personally, I started the day off with something I really missed after the boat trip: land, comfort, and a proper coffee. I went to Hama Coffee in El Nido town since they’ve got great brunch, amazing flat whites, and an amazing view of the bay. It was exactly what I needed.

After days on the water, I was ready to be back on land, so I rented a scooter and rode out to Nacpan Beach and Duli Beach, two long, quiet stretches of coastline just outside of town. Both were nearly empty when I went, and I loved that. Duli Beach even has surfable waves at the right time of year, which not a lot of people know.

But if you’re not sick of boats yet and you want to make the most of being in the Philippines, you could definitely squeeze in one more tour. El Nido’s Tour A is the most popular island hopping trip in town, and it’s famous for a reason. You’ll see crystal clear lagoons, go snorkeling and kayaking. I did this one too and was so glad I didn’t skip it.

Day 6: Take a Flight to Siargao Island (My Favorite Island in the Philippines)

Day six of my 2 week Philippines itinerary is more or less a travel day. And this is something no one really warned me about but getting around the Philippines takes time and money. It makes sense in hindsight (it’s all islands after all), but I didn’t fully realize it until I was in the middle of it.

This is also one of those things I highly recommend booking in advance. Flights between islands fill up quickly, and prices go up the longer you wait. From El Nido, you’ll usually fly to Siargao via Cebu, and with a bit of luck, the connections won’t be too bad.

Once you land in Siargao, the easiest way to get to General Luna (where you should be staying) is to jump into one of the shared minivans waiting just outside the airport. They run on a fixed rate set by the government and will drop you right at your accommodation.

After a long day of travel, I was more than ready for dinner and Kermit was exactly what I needed. It’s technically a surf and yoga resort, but their restaurant honestly serves some of the best Italian food I’ve had in the Philippines. I went there more than once. My go-to order there is a pepperoni pizza, spaghetti carbonara, and a glass of cold white wine. Perfect end to a travel day.

Where to Stay in Siargao Island Philippines
$ Araw Homestay // $$ Casitas Santa Fe // $$$ Las Palmas Villas

Day 7: Surf Lesson & Amazing Food in Siargao

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Siargao is, in my opinion, the coolest island in the Philippines. I actually ended up living here for over a month, and this day pretty much sums up what my usual Siargao routine looked like. If you’re anything like me, you’ll love it too.

I usually start my mornings with a coffee and a cheese toastie from Marmalade, a tiny little cute cafe that easily has the best coffee on the island.

From there, I’d walk just around the corner to Ocean 9 (not to be confused with Cloud 9). It’s a super chill beach bar and a great beginner-friendly surf spot with mellow waves, which makes it perfect for a first-time surf lesson. The vibe here is way more relaxed than Cloud 9, and it’s a great place to just hang out even if you’re not surfing.

After that, dinner is always an easy choice: Cev. This place is hands-down my favorite restaurant in Siargao. It’s stylish, a little upscale, and known for its ceviche and kinilaw (basically the Filipino version of ceviche). They get fresh fish in daily, and everything I’ve had there has been top-tier. Definitely make a reservation, it’s popular for a reason.

Day 8: Drive up to North Siargao (Maasin River & Pacifico Beach)

One of my favorite things to do in Siargao was actually leaving the tourist bubble of General Luna and exploring the north of the island. Just to give you a bit of context, the south is where General Luna is (the main tourist area), but the further north you go, the quieter and more rural it gets.

You can book a driver for the day, but I’d absolutely recommend renting a scooter and doing it yourself. The drive is beautiful with endless palm trees, ocean views, rice fields, and barely any traffic. It’s one of the best scooter drives I’ve done in Southeast Asia.

Along the way, I usually stop at a few spots: the Beto Cold Springs for a quick dip, the Coconut Plantation Viewpoint, Maasin River (yes, the one that used to have the iconic bent palm tree), and the Magpupungko Rock Pools and Flats, but only if the tide is low. Definitely check tide times in advance.

From there, I’d keep going until I reached Pacifico Beach, a quiet little surf town with a totally different vibe from General Luna. The beach is stunning, the waves are great for surfing, and there are a few small boutique hotels and relaxed cafés. I’d usually stay the night because it’s my favorite town up north.

Where to Stay in North Siargao
$ Pacifico Surf Bayay // $$ Yapak Beach Villas // $$$ Trogon’s Perch

Day 9: Alegria Beach & Pasikon Beach

From Pacifico Beach, I kept heading even further north to visit what I think are the best beaches in Siargao. The first one is Pasikon Beach and honestly, I don’t care what anyone says, this is the best beach in Siargao. It’s super off the radar and definitely qualifies as a hidden gem.

It’s a tiny little bay that I think is privately owned. There’s usually a woman at the entrance charging about 80 pesos to get in but totally worth it. The beach is stunning, with soft white sand, barely any people, and cold beers for sale.

After that, I usually head over to Alegria Beach, which a lot of people claim is the best beach in Siargao but I disagree. I think those people just haven’t made it to Pasikon.

On the way back down south to General Luna, I like to stop in Burgos for lunch. There are a few cool local spots there or back in Pacifico, where my favorite café is Common Ground. Their smoothie bowls and iced coffees always hit the spot, especially after a long morning of exploring and riding the scooter.

Day 10: Secret Beach, Coffee Culture, Cloud 9 & Sunset Night Market

This next day was honestly just another version of what my typical day in Siargao looked like. Thinking back, I still can’t believe that was my life for a little while.

One of my favorite morning activities was going for a paddle, and my go-to spot was always Secret Beach. You can find it easily on Google Maps, just ride your scooter there. Once you get to the parking area, don’t stop where all the shops are. Keep walking down past the resort to get to the actual secret beach. The water is super calm and peaceful, and that’s where I usually rented a SUP for a morning paddle.

After that, it’s time for coffee and brunch as always. My two favorite spots in town are White Beard Café and The Spotted Pig. These two were my go-tos. Honestly, Siargao has some of the best café and food culture in the Philippines. It kind of reminds me of a mini Bali but in a good way.

In the afternoon, I’d usually head to the Cloud 9 pier to watch the surfers and get some amazing views of the waves. And in the evening, one of my favorite little local events is the Sunset Night Market, which takes place on Sunset Bridge which is the bridge leading north out of General Luna. It’s a small night market with snacks, drinks, and a few souvenirs, and the vibe is just super laid back.

Day 11: Flight to Cebu & Ferry to Bohol

This next day was a full travel day and yes, I actually did it exactly like this. It was long, chaotic, and exhausting, but it is doable in one day if you’re prepared (which I kind of wasn’t).

I caught an early morning flight from Siargao to Cebu, with the goal of making it all the way to Bohol by evening. I didn’t bother staying a night in Cebu, personally, I don’t think the city is all that special, so I just tried to get through it as quickly as possible.

Once I landed at Cebu airport, I immediately booked a Grab (basically the Southeast Asian version of Uber) and headed straight to Pier 1 Ferry Terminal, which is where ferries leave for Bohol. That’s the next stop on this itinerary.

Now, I made a few mistakes on this day that made the whole thing more stressful than it needed to be, so here are some tips to make it smoother for you:

Get a SIM card in advance so you can easily book a Grab. You’ll find the Grab pick-up area just outside the Jollibee at the airport. There’s also airport WiFi if you need it, but don’t rely on it.
Buy your ferry ticket online, you can even do it while you’re in the Grab on the way to the port. Just do not wait to buy it at the terminal. The line was completely ridiculous when I went (like two hours long). Total waste of time.

With all that said, I still managed to make it to Bohol by early evening, tired, yes, but glad to finally be there.

Where to Stay in Bohol Philippines
$ Island World Panglao // $$ Moana Dive Resort // $$$ Modala Beach Resort

Day 12: Chocolate Hills & Tarsier Sanctuary

Day 12 of my 2-week Philippines itinerary is a full sightseeing day and while I don’t think Bohol as a whole is the most exciting island, this particular day I really enjoyed, which is why I’m including it.

I did the whole thing as a day trip on my scooter. It’s definitely a lot of riding, but doable, although, not gonna lie, my butt was very sore by the end of it.

First up, we visited the famous Chocolate Hills, which were honestly cooler in person than I expected. Then we headed to the Tarsier Sanctuary, and wow, I was obsessed. These little guys are absolutely adorable, and I loved seeing how much effort the team there puts into conservation and protecting their natural habitat.

Important tip: There are actually two tarsier sanctuaries in Bohol. One of them is more like a zoo and isn’t ethical, while the other is a proper conservation site. I’ll make sure to link the correct one for you so don’t get them mixed up.

Day 13: Ferry to Siquijor & Sunset at Paliton Beach

This morning we’re already leaving Bohol and hopping over to one of my absolute favorite islands in the Philippines, Siquijor. It’s only about a 3-hour ferry ride, so I’d definitely book the earliest one possible to make the most of the day.

Siquijor has a bit of a reputation among locals. It’s known for its witches, healers, and mountain magic and I genuinely loved that. It was the first time on this trip that I felt like there was some real culture and mystery around. You’re not just island-hopping and snorkelling, there’s much more to the island.

The island is super chill and way less developed than any of the other places we’ve been to so far. I always stay in San Juan, which is the main area with cute cafés and places to stay.

And for your first evening, I’d say head straight to Paliton Beach, it’s my favorite beach on the island, especially for sunset. Perfect for a swim and a cold beer to relax after a day of travelling.

Where to Stay in Siquijor Philippines
$ Dolce Amore Resort // $$ South Mountain Resort // $$$ Coco Grove Resort

Day 14: Cambugahay Falls & Pitogo Cliffs

My favorite thing to do in Siquijor, without a doubt, is visiting Cambugahay Falls. Honestly, I think it’s the best waterfall in the entire Philippines.

I rented a scooter for the day, typed the name into Google Maps, and headed out first thing in the morning. This place gets busy, so showing up early is 100% worth it.

The waterfalls are incredible, it’s basically a multi-level cascade with thick turquoise water and natural pools.

It looks like something out of a movie. The main waterfall has two massive rope swings, one on each side, and I’m not exaggerating when I say I went up at least ten times to launch myself into the water, it was so much fun.

On the way back from Cambugahay Falls, I stopped at Pitogo Cliff, a stunning spot where you can climb out onto a little platform and do a proper cliff jump into crystal-clear water. Super refreshing and a bit of an adrenaline hit after the waterfall.

Just make sure to bring plenty of water, wear your swim gear, and maybe pack some snacks, it’s a full day out in the sun.

Day 15: Ferry Back to Cebu & Fly Out from Cebu International Airport

And just like that, it’s the final day of the trip and it’s all about getting back home.

From Siquijor, you’ll take the ferry back to Cebu, which always stops in Bohol along the way. The full journey takes around 5 hours, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time if you’re flying out that same day.

Once you arrive in Cebu, it’s the same drill as before: hop in a Grab from the ferry terminal and head straight to the airport.

I highly recommend booking your ferry ticket online in advance. It’s super easy to do and will save you a lot of stress, especially on your last day. The last thing you want is to get stuck on Siquijor and miss your flight.

Alternatives for a Philippines Itinerary 2 Weeks

I know everyone travels differently and what feels like the perfect itinerary for me might not be the same for you. So I wanted to throw in a few alternative ideas in case you’re into something a little more offbeat or adventurous.

There are actually a few more incredible things I did in the Philippines that didn’t make it into my main itinerary, not because they weren’t amazing (they were), but because they might be a bit too niche or different for most travelers.

But if you’re the kind of person who likes to go off the beaten path, here are two experiences I absolutely loved:

Alternative 1: Scuba Diving with Thresher Sharks in Malapascua

One of the most unforgettable things I’ve ever done was scuba diving with thresher sharks in Malapascua, a tiny island just off the coast of Cebu. It’s honestly one of the best diving experiences of my life, and if you’re into scuba diving, I can’t recommend it enough.

Getting to Malapascua is pretty easy from Cebu, and if diving is a bigger priority for you than sightseeing, you could swap out Bohol and Siquijor and spend about 4 days in Malapascua instead. The island itself is quiet and chilled out a great spot to relax on the beach between dives.

Alternative 2: Island Hopping in Balabac (Southern Palawan)

If you haven’t had enough island hopping and boat tours (and I don’t blame you), then instead of heading straight to Siargao, you could take a trip down to Balabac, a remote group of islands in southern Palawan.

This was honestly another big highlight for me. Balabac felt like a rougher, more off-the-grid version of the Coron to El Nido expedition with untouched beaches, tiny uninhabited islands, and some of the best snorkeling I’ve ever done. I saw so many turtles I lost count. It’s definitely a bit more raw and adventurous, but that’s exactly what I loved about it.

FAQs About 2 Week Itinerary Philippines

Are the Philippines worth visiting?

Yes, definitely. Some of the most paradise-like places and most beautiful nature on the planet are right here, at least in my humble opinion.

Is it expensive to visit the Philippines?

It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. The Philippines can work for any budget. I’ve got a full budget breakdown of our trip, but in general, it can range from a luxury 5-star vacation to a proper backpacker trip, depending on how you like to travel.

When is the best time to visit the Philippines?

That’s a tough one, the dry seasons vary depending on the island. I went around March and April, and we got lucky with the weather for the most part. Some areas had short showers, but overall, it was a good time to go.

Do I need travel insurance for the Philippines?

Absolutely. I never travel anywhere without insurance. My go-to is SafetyWing, it’s flexible and works well for trips like this.

Final Thoughts on My 14 Days Itinerary Philippines

To wrap things up, the Philippines is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever been to, and it’s not just the nature. The people are some of the kindest and most welcoming I’ve met while traveling.

With this Philippines itinerary 2 weeks, I tried to put together a route that felt balanced, exciting, and actually doable. I also included some alternative options in case you want to mix things up and create your own version of the trip.

I hope you’ll enjoy your time here as much as I did. Happy travels!