24 Days in Paradise: A Personal Travel Guide to the Philippines (Itinerary)
The Philippines is a tropical paradise that captured my heart from the moment I stepped off the plane. In this blog post, I'll take you on a personal 24-day journey through the most common route in the Philippines, sharing my experiences and recommendations for exploring this incredible country. You are welcome to use or share this Itinerary with our friends. I hope you enjoy!
Day 1-3: Manila
My trip began in the bustling capital of Manila, where I was immediately struck by the energy and diversity of the city. I spent my days exploring the historic walled city of Intramuros, trying delicious street food at the night markets, and admiring the stunning architecture of the city's many churches and monuments. One of my favorite things about Manila was the street art - every corner seemed to have a colorful mural or graffiti that added to the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Day 4-6: Palawan
Next, I took a short flight to the island of Palawan, where I finally got to experience the famous beaches I had been dreaming about. I spent my days island hopping, snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, and soaking up the sun on the pristine beaches of El Nido and Coron Island. One of my favorite memories from Palawan was swimming in the clear lagoons of Bacuit Bay, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and tropical foliage. I also went diving in Coron Island, where I encountered a school of jackfish at the famous Barracuda Lake dive site, and saw a WW2 Japanese shipwreck at the Morazan Maru dive site.
Accomodation
I can recommend the Spin Designer Hostel and the really beautiful Maligaya Beach Bungalow if you are travelling as a couple.Day 7-9: Bohol
After Palawan, I flew to Bohol, where I was amazed by the natural wonders of the island. The Chocolate Hills were even more impressive in person, and the mystical Hinagdanan Cave was an unforgettable experience. I also had the opportunity to visit the Tarsier Sanctuary and see the world's smallest primates up close. One of the highlights of my time in Bohol was getting to ride a motorbike around the island, taking in the lush rice paddies and quaint villages along the way. I stayed both nights in Alona Beach which has an incredible laid back beach life vibe - you will love it!
Accomodation
Alona Beach has some really excellent hotels for every budget and interest. As a backpacker travelling alone, Mad Monkey is always a fun option and a great place to find like-minded people. If you prefer it have it more quiet or are travelling as a couple, Alona Pawikan is a great option and if you want to experience some luxury but keep the laid-back vibe, check out Amorita Beach Resort!Day 10-12: Cebu
From Bohol, I took a ferry to Cebu, where I immersed myself in the rich history and culture of the island. I visited the historic Magellan's Cross, climbed to the top of the Taoist Temple for panoramic views of the city, and even swam with whale sharks in Oslob. One of my favorite experiences in Cebu was exploring the local markets and trying all sorts of exotic fruits and street food - from sweet mangoes to spicy lechon.
If you are more of an island person (as myself), you have plenty of options in Cebu:
Mactan Island
Mactan Island is a popular destination in Cebu, known for its beautiful beaches, water sports, and diving spots. There are many resorts, hotels, and hostels on the island, making it a great place for backpackers. The island is just a short drive from the airport, making it convenient to get to.Accomodation
I personally can't recommended any accomodation but check this out for inspiration :)Moalboal
Moalboal is a small town on the southwestern coast of Cebu, known for its beautiful beaches and diving spots. The town has a laid-back vibe and is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are several hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels in the area, as well as restaurants and bars.Accomodation
I personally can't recommended any accomodation but check this out for inspiration :)Malapascua Island
Malapascua Island is a small island off the northern coast of Cebu, known for its beautiful beaches and diving spots. The island is popular with backpackers and budget travelers, and there are several budget-friendly accommodations, including hostels and guesthouses. The island is a bit more remote than Mactan Island and Moalboal, but it's a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet. Also you can have some great dives with Tresher Sharks. Highly recommended!Accomodation
If you need a stay you can check out Treshershack Inn. If you prefer a more quiet option or are traveling with your partner, I met people you were blown away by Blanco Beach Resort.Bantayan Island
Off the coast of northern Cebu is a little island called Bantayan Island. Don't let this tranquil fishing community mislead you; the beaches on this small island have the same allure and beauty as those on the well-known Boracay Island. The nicest thing is that Bantayan Island is less developed and populated than Boracay. Bantayan Island won't let you down if what you desire is a quiet holiday by the beach where you can see one of the most breathtaking sunsets. You will also find a nice laid-back atmosphere. The island is popular with backpackers and budget travelers, and there are several budget-friendly accommodations, including hostels and guesthouses. The island is a bit more remote than Mactan Island and Moalboal, but it's a great place to relax and enjoy the beach.Accomodation
I personally can't recommended any accomodation but check this out for inspiration :)Day 13-15: Siargao
Next, I flew to the island of Siargao. Wow! From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the island's natural beauty, with its pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush green landscapes. During my stay, I made sure to hit up all the popular spots, including the famous Cloud 9 surf break, Magpupungko Rock Pools, and the stunning Sugba Lagoon. Each of these destinations offered something unique, from the adrenaline rush of surfing to the peaceful tranquility of the lagoon. One of my personal highlights was visiting the Naked Island, which is literally just a sandbar in the middle of the ocean, with no shade or shelter from the sun. It was a surreal experience to be standing in the middle of the ocean with nothing around me but the vast blue sea.
One of the highlights of Siargao for me definetely was watching the sunset from Cloud 9, one of the most iconic surf spots in the world. I also went diving at the Coral Garden dive site, where I saw a variety of colorful fish and coral.Accomodation
If you travel alone Mad Monkey Hostel has always been a fun stay for me. If you prefer a more quiet and higher class option or are travelling with your beloved partner, check out Siargao Island Villa. If you are looking for surfing, here's hidden gem (but book early!): Mao Mao Surf.Day 16-18: Camiguin
On the first day, I hiked to the top of the active volcano Mount Hibok-Hibok for panoramic views and relaxed in the natural hot springs of Ardent. It was a challenging hike, but the views from the top were worth it! A unique experience which I highly encourage every visitor to go for. In the evening I had a great time at the lively beach party which was full of awesome people. One of the most memorable moments occured at my first night: I was stargazing on the beach at night, exhausted from this incredibly awesome day and the sound of the waves lulled me into a peaceful sleep.
On mysecond day in Camiguin, I decided to explore the underwater world of the island. I went on a diving tour and was blown away by the vibrant and colorful marine life that I saw. It was like being in a completely different world, and I couldn't believe how diverse and rich the underwater ecosystem was. It was the perfect way to end my trip in Camiguin, relaxing in the warm waters and reflecting on the beauty of this small but mighty island province.
Accomodation
Highly recommend accomodation: Camiguin Volcan Beach Eco Retreat & Dive Resort. Hidden Gem for Couples: SomeWhere Else Boutqique Resort.Day 19-21: Cagayan de Oro
From Camiguin, I took a ferry to Cagayan de Oro. On the first day, I joined a white-water rafting tour down the Cagayan de Oro River and had a thrilling time navigating the rapids with my new friends. The next day, I visited the famous Divine Mercy Shrine and marveled at the stunning views from the hilltop. In the evening, I headed to Limketkai Center for some shopping and delicious street food. On my last day, I went island hopping and snorkeling at the nearby beaches and was amazed by the colorful marine life. You may also want to check out Hugo Sky Lounge and and High Rigeh - two famous but very touristic places.
Accomodation
Go check out AirBnB - there are some really great private stays!
Day 22-24: Boracay
My final stop on the trip was the famous island of Boracay, and it did not disappoint. The white sandy beaches and turquoise waters were truly paradise, and I spent my days lounging on the beach, snorkeling, and trying out various water activities like parasailing and jet skiing. Boracay offers some great diving. I had a dive at at the Yapak dive site, where I encountered vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of tropical marine life, including clownfish, sea turtles, and even a majestic manta ray.
Aside from diving, I also enjoyed some unforgettable beach parties in Boracay. The island is famous for its nightlife scene, and there were plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. One of the most memorable moments for me was dancing on the beach under the stars, with the sound of the waves and the music blending together into a magical experience.Accomodation
If you want to finish your trip with a fun hostel, go to Frendz Hostel. If you prefer a nice relaxed closing, here's a gem: Ferra Hotel and Garden Suites.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my 24-day trip to the Philippines was an unforgettable adventure that exceeded all my expectations. From diving in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life to experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the locals, every moment was an absolute joy. The people I met along the way, both fellow travelers and locals, added to the richness of the experience, and the beach parties were an absolute blast. I left the Philippines with a deep appreciation for the beauty of this country, the kindness of its people, and a desire to return as soon as possible. It's safe to say that the Philippines has captured a special place in my heart, and I can't wait to explore more of this incredible country in the future.
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