While some people may only spend a week or two in the Philippines hitting the major spots, one month allows so much more time to explore the diverse and beautiful country. The pace of travel in this Philippines itinerary will be pretty relaxed, with plenty of time allowed to explore or even chill out. This Philippines itinerary will start in Puerto Princesa and finish in Cebu City but can be travelled in reverse. You can also mix up the order of destinations depending on flight prices, weather and preferences. Just be mindful of leaving at least 12 hours between your last dive (if you dive) and your flight to the next island. For the best experience, try to get an early flight into Puerto Princesa (PPS) on Day 1 and the latest flight out of Cebu City (CEB) on Day 14. Do you have less than one month in the Philippines? Check out my 7-day, 14-day or 21-day Philippines itineraries.
Day 1 – Arrive in Manila, Fly to Puerto Princesa
Don’t think about stopping when you touch down in Manila; hop on your next flight straight to Puerto Princesa, where you’ll really begin this Philippines itinerary.
If you arrive with daylight to spare, snag a seat in a van bound for El Nido to kick off the island vibes right away. But if you arrive after 5 pm, chill out in Puerto Princesa for the night. Hit up a local joint for dinner, soak in the city vibes, and prep for an epic journey north in the morning.
Day 2 – Port Barton
If you’re coming in from Puerto Princesa, enjoy the scenic van ride in the morning. Once in Port Barton, grab brunch at Fat Cat to fuel up for a day of exploration.
Check out the local waterfalls in the morning, then pack a to-go lunch and hit White Beach and Coconut Beach for an afternoon of sun, sea, and sand. Finish your day watching a breathtaking sunset on Port Barton Beach.
For dinner, head back to Fat Cat for some tasty bites, and if you’re in the mood, Coco Rico is perfect for a nightcap or some lively drinks.
Day 3 – Port Barton
Start your day with breakfast at Fat Cat, then embark on a boat tour to Starfish Island and German Island, soaking in the sun and sea.
After your day on the water, dinner at Coco Rico is a must, followed by night out there if you’re looking to party and meet fellow travellers.
Day 4 – Port Barton to El Nido
Rise with or before the sun and catch a van to El Nido, a true paradise waiting to be explored. Once you’ve dumped your bags, head to Dryft El Nido for lunch with a view.
Feeling adventurous? Tackle the Taraw Cliff hike in the early afternoon for some jaw-dropping panoramic views. If you’re more beach than boulders, skip the hike and head straight to the sand for some quality chill time. As the sun sets, go to Las Cabanas beach for one of those sunsets you’ve seen all over Instagram.
The Happiness Beach Club offers some tasty dishes in a chill atmosphere for dinner. Outpost is perfect for a few pre-drinks with fellow backpackers to cap off the night.
Day 5 – El Nido
Fuel up with breakfast at Happiness Beach Club, setting you up right for Island Hopping Tour C. Spend the day exploring secret lagoons and snorkelling in crystal clear waters among vibrant corals and marine life.
After a day of sun and sea, you’ll be ready to wind down—or turn up, depending on your mood—at Outpost for dinner. Stick around for the evening’s events and enjoy drinks with a side of unforgettable beachside nightlife.
Day 6 – El Nido
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at El Nido Boutique Artcafe, soaking in the good vibes and ocean views. If you’re up for an organized exploration, join a land tour through Frendz Hostel. Alternatively, rent a bike and chart your own course around El Nido.
Either way, make sure to wind down your afternoon at Nacpan Beach, a perfect spot for sun, surf, and sand. For dinner, head back to Dryft El Nido for another round of their fantastic cuisine. Cap off the day with an early night to recharge for the adventures ahead.
Day 7 – Expedition Tour
Kick off your expedition tour to Coron today, which is one of the best experiences in the Philippines! Get ready for a day packed with island hopping, snorkelling in clear blue waters, lounging on white sandy beaches, and making many new friends.
Come evening, camp out under the stars on a secluded beach, where dinner is cooked over an open fire, and you spend the night forging even closer friendships.
Day 8 – Expedition Tour
Continue your expedition tour with more adventures. Today involves more beaches, snorkelling, volleyball, great food and maybe even cliff jumping.
Enjoy another night of beachside camping with a family-style meal, games, and hanging out with your expedition mates as the day winds down.
Day 9 – Expedition Tour
Wrap up your epic expedition today as you sail to your next destination: Coron. On the way, you’ll stop at many more secluded beaches and have plenty of opportunities to swim and snorkel in the ocean.
Once you hit the mainland, there’s just enough time to freshen up before heading out for a celebratory dinner and drinks at Outpost. It’s the perfect spot to reminisce about the past few days with your new travel buddies, eat great food and join in on the free nightly social events at the hostel.
Day 10 – Coron
Grab a quick breakfast to go (I recommend Outpost Hostel) before spending your day diving at some of Coron’s famous dive sites. After a major bucket-list day on this Philippines itinerary, diving in sunken WWII ships and seeing underwater wildlife, I arrive back in Coron town just before dinner.
For dinner, indulge in the fresh catches at Sharkys Restobar, followed by drinks and playing games back at Outpost.
Day 11 – Coron
Kick off your morning in Coron with a satisfying breakfast at La Voyage, fueling up for a day of exploring. Dive into a day tour of Coron’s stunning lakes and lagoons, including the enchanting Kayangan Lake and the tranquil Twin Lagoons.
Wrap up your day with a delicious dinner at La Pacifico, known for its fresh catches and cozy atmosphere. Then, head to bed early to recharge for your last day of adventures.
Day 12 – Coron
Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at La Voyage. Spend the day soaking in Coron’s natural beauty: unwind in the hot springs, lounge on the pristine sands of Cabo Beach, and catch a breathtaking sunset from the Coron Viewpoint.
For dinner, return to your favourite spot where the flavours and atmosphere are just too good to pass up once.
Day 13 – Coron to Siargao
Start your day with a quick breakfast before catching your flight to Siargao via Cebu. Settle into the island vibe with dinner at La Mesa, offering a mix of international and local flavours.
Afterwards, head to Sibol for drinks. The night comes alive with good music and great company, making it the perfect place to make new friends and enjoy the laid-back island nightlife.
Day 14 – Siargao
Enjoy breakfast at Happiness Beach Club, then rent a bike to explore Siargao’s stunning landscapes. Visit the iconic Palm Tree Viewpoint, refresh yourself at the cold springs, and swing high at the Palm Tree Swing for photos. As the day closes, find a spot on the bridge to watch a mesmerizing sunset.
For dinner, savour the local Filipino dishes at La Carinderia, and then carry on the night with drinks at Strum, where the island’s chill vibe continues to enchant.
Day 15 – Siargao
Start your day with a vibrant breakfast at Happiness, preparing for an adventurous day trip snorkelling with jellyfish. These gentle creatures create a surreal underwater ballet that’s not to be missed.
After a day in the water, dine on some hearty fare at Big Belly. If you want to keep the night rolling, head to Sibol or Strum for drinks. Don’t miss the Siargao Beach Club for afters, where the party kicks into full gear.
Day 16 – Siargao to Cebu
Fuel up with delicious smoothie bowls at Shaka before heading out to Cloud 9 Beach for top-notch people-watching. Later, explore the rock pools at low tide to see what marine life you can spot.
Enjoy an early dinner back at Happiness, soaking up the last bits of Siargao’s chill vibe before catching the night ferry to Cebu.
Day 17 – Cebu to Bohol
Once you dock in Cebu, grab a to-go breakfast at the port and then ferry over to Bohol. First stop in Bohol: lunch at the Bohol Bee Farm, where you can enjoy organic and fresh foods in a rustic setting. Spend your afternoon soaking up the sun at Alona Beach and stay to watch the sunset—it’s a must.
For dinner, head to Garlic n’ Lemon Bistro for some delightful local foods.
Day 18 – Bohol
Fuel up with breakfast at Shaka before renting a bike for a day of exploration. Ride out to see the iconic Chocolate Hills, then visit the Tarsier Sanctuary to spot these tiny primates. Check out the historic Baclayon Church, cruise through the Bilar Manmade Forest, and end your ride along the scenic Loboc River.
After a day full of sights, enjoy dinner at Sisa Bistro. Nightlife calls at Mad Monkey, then continue your evening bar-hopping at Aluna Beach Lounge and Paddy’s Irish Pub.
Day 19 – Bohol to Siquijor
Enjoy breakfast at Overgrown Cafe & Bar, then catch the ferry to the mystical island of Siquijor. Once you land, head to Dagsa Resto Bar for a leisurely lunch.
Spend your afternoon relaxing or exploring the beautiful Salagdoong Beach. As the day winds down, settle in for dinner and drinks at Baha Bar, where you can enjoy the chill island vibe and meet fellow travellers.
Day 20 – Siquijor
Start your day with breakfast at Larena Triad Coffee Shop, where you can enjoy panoramic views. Then, gear up for an adrenaline-filled day with a canyon swing adventure, where you can experience the thrill of Siquijor’s natural landscapes.
Wind down with dinner at Dagsa Resto Bar, where you can enjoy a relaxed setting and tasty cuisine to cap off a day of excitement and exploration.
Day 21 – Siquijor
Fuel up with breakfast at Luca Loko before renting a scooter for a day of island exploration. Zip around Siquijor to check out the refreshing Lugnason Falls, snorkel at Tubod Marine Sanctuary, visit the mystical Century Old Balete Tree, and unwind at Capilay Spring Park.
After a day full of adventure, enjoy a satisfying dinner at Twenty4 Restaurant and Burger Bar, known for its hearty meals perfect for refuelling.
Day 22 – Siquijor to Moalboal
Start with a quick breakfast to go as you prepare for your travel day to Moalboal, a haven for divers, adventurers, and waterfall lovers.
Once you’ve settled in, head out for a delicious dinner at Trattoria Altrove, where the pizza tastes like it’s straight from Italy. After dinner, hit Moho for free drinks and join their nightly event before an early night.
Day 23 – Moalboal
Fuel up with breakfast at Bewod before diving into a full day of canyoneering—an exhilarating adventure through gorges and waterfalls. After the adrenaline rush, unwind at White Beach, staying to catch a glorious sunset.
Enjoy dinner at Hungry Monkeys, known for its vibey atmosphere and tasty Filipino dishes. Then, continue your night with drinks at Moho and Black Summer, exploring more of Moalboal’s vibrant nightlife.
Day 24 – Moalboal
Start with a late brunch at Bewod, then head out for the famous sardine run, an unforgettable snorkelling experience where you swim amidst thousands of sardines just off the shore. If you’re into diving, I highly recommend diving instead of snorkelling, as you can get much deeper with the sardines.
In the afternoon, make your way to White Beach and stay to catch another stunning sunset. Return to Hungry Monkeys for dinner, then round off your night with drinks at Moho and Black Summer, enjoying the local nightlife.
Day 25 – Moalboal
Grab breakfast at Shaka and prepare for a morning dive with the sardine run, an unforgettable underwater experience. If diving isn’t your thing, you can always rent a snorkel from one of the beachside cafes and restaurants to snorkel above the sardine run.
After surfacing, rent a bike and explore local waterfalls such as Cambais Falls or Montpellier Falls.
End your day with sunset views at Panagsama Beach, followed by another great meal at Hungry Monkeys, making the most of your last evening in Moalboal.
Day 26 – Malapascua
Catch an early breakfast to go as you set off for Malapascua, the second-last destination on the Philippines itinerary. Arrive just in time to watch the sunset on Bounty Beach, a picture-perfect welcome to this serene island.
For dinner, head to Hippocampus to enjoy the seaside ambience and fresh dishes. Post-dinner, stick around for drinks and chat up fellow travellers or locals for the best island tips.
Day 27 – Malapascua
Kick off your day with an early thresher shark dive, a must-do while in Malapascua for any diving enthusiast. After the dive, enjoy a leisurely brunch at Kokay’s Maldito.
Spend your afternoon chilling at North Beach, then return to Bounty Beach for another stunning sunset. For dinner, immerse yourself in the markets’ local scene, sampling various street foods.
Day 28 – Malapascua
Kick off your day with breakfast at Safety Stop, then embark on an island tour to explore the hidden gems of Malapascua.
After a day of sun and sea, return to the markets for dinner, where you can try different dishes each night. Top off the evening with a few relaxed drinks and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
Day 29 – Malapascua
Start with breakfast at the markets, then head out for a baby shark snorkel session, a fun and memorable underwater adventure.
In the afternoon, it’s time to head back to Cebu. Settle in with dinner at Mad Monkey, where the food and drinks keep flowing — a great spot to reminisce about your island adventures.
Day 30 – Cebu
The last day of this Philippines backpacking itinerary is yours to enjoy at leisure. Dive into some souvenir shopping at SM City Mall, where you can pick up gifts and mementos of your travels. For a taste of local Cebuano cuisine, indulge in a lechon dish (seasoned roasted pork) and cool off with a halo-halo dessert at Kuja J.
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