21 days gives you enough time to explore the Philippines but be warned: this backpacking itinerary will be jam-packed. From beaches to waterfalls to street art to adventure sports, this Philippines backpacking itinerary has a bit of everything. This guide 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. Have a bit longer than 21 days to spend in the Philippines? Check out my complete 30-day Philippines backpacking itinerary here. Are you a bit shorter on time? I have a 7-day and 14-day Philippines backpacking itinerary, which might be better suited for you!
Day 1 – Arrive into 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 to kick-start this Philippines backpacking 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 – 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 begins to set, make your way 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 3 – 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 4 – 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 5 – 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 6 – Expedition
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 7 – 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 diving in sunken WWII ships and seeing underwater wildlife, 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 8 – 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. After a day spent swimming in crystal-clear waters, hike up to the Coron Viewpoint for a breathtaking sunset for your last proper night in the Philippines.
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 9 – Coron to Siargao
Start your day early 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 10 – 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 11 – 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 12 – 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 13 – Cebu to Bohol
Grab a quick breakfast to-go at the port in Cebu and then catch the ferry over to Bohol. Once you arrive, enjoy a fresh lunch at Bohol Bee Farm, famous for its organic spreads and scenic views.
Rent a bike and spend your day visiting Bohol’s iconic spots: Chocolate Hills, the Tarsier Sanctuary, Baclayon Church, Bilar Manmade Forest, and Loboc River.
Finish your day with a stunning sunset at Alona Beach, then dinner at Sisa Bistro. Keep the night alive with drinks at Mad Monkey, followed by bar-hopping at Aluna Beach Lounge and Paddy’s Irish Pub.
Day 14 – 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 15 – Siquijor
After breakfast at Luca Loko, prepare for an adrenaline-filled day with a canyon swing adventure, where you’ll experience breathtaking views and heart-stopping moments.
After your thrilling day, wind down with dinner at Twenty4 Restaurant and Burger Bar, offering some of the best burgers on the island. It’s the perfect way to cap off a major bucket-list day.
Day 16 – 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 17 – 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 18 – 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 19 – Malapascua
Catch an early breakfast to-go as you set off for Malapascua. 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 20 – 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 21 – Malapascua to Cebu
Start with breakfast at the markets before heading back to Cebu (your final destination in this Philippines backpacking itinerary). If time permits, indulge in some last-minute souvenir shopping at SM City Mall or savour traditional Cebuano dishes like lechon or grab a halo-halo (Filipino dessert) at Kuya J.
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