If you’ve only got one week in the Philippines, you can still get to the major sights, but it will be a jam-packed itinerary. In this timeframe, you would do better to limit yourself to one island than attempting to jump between different islands. I think the best island for first-time visitors is Palawan, which covers destinations like Puerto Princesa, El Nido and Coron. This itinerary starts in Puerto Princesa and ends in Coron but can be done in reverse. Ideally, I would recommend an early flight into Puerto Princesa (PPS) on Day 1 and a later evening flight out of Coron (USU) on Day 7 to make the most of this one-week Philippines itinerary. Do you have more than one week in the Philippines? Check out my 14-day itinerary, 21-day itinerary or 30-day itinerary.
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.
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 – 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 4 – Expedition Tour
Continue your expedition tour with more adventures. Today involves more beaches, snorkelling, volleyball, great food and maybe even cliff jumping.
As the day winds down, enjoy another night of beachside camping with a family-style meal, games, and hanging out with your expedition mates.
Day 5 – 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 6 – Coron
Kick off your first 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, and then head to bed early to recharge for your last day of adventures.
Day 7 – Departure Day
Begin your final day of this one week Philippines itinerary with breakfast at Outpost, reflecting on your whirlwind trip. You may need to head straight to the airport, depending on your flight time. If you have an evening flight (recommended), spend your last day visiting some of the more relaxing sights of Coron.
Start with Cabo Beach, the perfect beach for swimming or relaxing on the sand with a good book. Afterwards, head to Maquinit Hot Springs to truly unwind.
After drying off, gather your things and head to the airport to catch your flight after a bumper one-week exploration of the best of the Philippines!
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