2 weeks backpacking in the Philippines is enough time to tick off many of the highlights but at a very fast pace. 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. This 2-week Philippines backpacking guide will cover all the best bits: beaches, lagoons, snorkelling, diving, beach parties, waterfalls, hiking and great food. Do you have less than 2 weeks backpacking in the Philippines? Check out my 7-day itinerary here. Are you looking for a more relaxed travel pace? Consider 21 days in the Philippines, which I have a guide for here, or check out my ultimate 30-day Philippines itinerary here.
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 to make the most of your 2 weeks backpacking in the Philippines!
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 snorkeling 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 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 7 – Coron
Grab a quick breakfast and prepare for a full day of diving in Coron’s famous underwater landscapes, including WWII shipwrecks and vibrant coral reefs. After resurfacing, spend your late afternoon at the Coron Viewpoint, catching a breathtaking sunset that paints the sky in hues of gold and pink.
For dinner, head to Sharkys Restobar, where you can continue the aquatic theme with some of the best seafood in town. Finish your night with a visit to Outpost for a few casual drinks among fellow divers and travellers.
Day 8 – Coron
Begin the day with a hearty breakfast at La Voyage to fuel up for a day of exploration in Coron. Embark on a tour of the stunning lakes and lagoons, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoons.
After swimming and snapping unforgettable photos, unwind with a delicious dinner at La Pacifico, known for its fresh seafood and serene sunset views. Call it an early night to recharge for more adventures tomorrow.
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 Moalboal
Once in Cebu, grab a quick breakfast to-go at the port and then hop on a bus to Moalboal. Upon arrival, start your visit with brunch/lunch at Bewod, known for its chill atmosphere and delicious food.
Dive into the famous sardine run for an underwater spectacle like no other. Spend your afternoon at White Beach, sticking around to catch a breathtaking sunset.
For dinner, head to Hungry Monkeys for some delicious meals, then cap off your evening with drinks at Moho and Black Summer, where the nightlife buzzes with energy.
Day 14 – Moalboal to Cebu
Enjoy an early breakfast at Shaka, then brace yourself for an exhilarating canyoneering tour, exploring Moalboal’s stunning gorges and waterfalls. This thrilling adventure will end your 2 week Philippines backpacking trip on a high note. In the afternoon, head back to Cebu City.
If time allows, indulge in some last-minute souvenir shopping at SM City Mall, savour traditional Cebuano foods like lechon at a local eatery, and top it off with a halo-halo at Kuja J. For your final dinner, Mad Monkey offers a festive atmosphere to celebrate the end of an epic journey with new friends and a few drinks.
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