14-day itinerary
2 Weeks in the Philippines
Palawan, Cebu & Boracay
The Philippines is a tropical paradise of 7,641 islands where powdery white sands meet crystal-clear turquoise waters at every turn. This 14-day adventure takes you through three of the country's most breathtaking destinations — the dramatic limestone karsts of Palawan, the vibrant dive sites of Cebu, and the legendary white beach of Boracay.
Morning: Fly into Puerto Princesa Airport and check into your mid-range guesthouse near the city center, freshening up after the journey.
Afternoon: Visit the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center to see endangered Philippine crocodiles and exotic birds up close.
Evening: Head to Rizal Avenue for a dinner of grilled tuna belly and kare-kare at one of the lively open-air local restaurants.
Morning: Take an early 1.5-hour van transfer to Sabang wharf, then a short bangka boat ride to the entrance of the UNESCO World Heritage underground river.
Afternoon: Paddle through the cathedral-like limestone cave system on a guided boat tour, marveling at massive stalactites and hidden chambers.
Evening: Return to Puerto Princesa and enjoy a relaxing dinner of fresh seafood at Kinabuch's Bar and Grill on the waterfront.
Morning: Board a shared van or private transfer for the scenic 5-hour journey north along Palawan's coast road, passing rice paddies and fishing villages.
Afternoon: Arrive in El Nido, check into a beachfront guesthouse in the town proper, and stroll down Corong-Corong beach to decompress.
Evening: Explore El Nido town's charming main street, grab a cold San Miguel at a clifftop bar, and watch the sun dip behind the karst formations.
Morning: Join the iconic Tour A departing at 9am, sailing first to the stunning Big Lagoon where you kayak between towering limestone walls.
Afternoon: Swim through the tight entrance of the Secret Lagoon, snorkel at Shimizu Island's vibrant coral garden, and sunbathe on Seven Commandos Beach.
Evening: Back in town by 5pm, shower and head to Altrove for wood-fired pizza and chilled white wine — a surprisingly great spot in this remote town.
Morning: Set sail on Tour C to the Hidden Beach, accessible only by swimming through a small rocky gap that opens into a completely private white-sand cove.
Afternoon: Snorkel the dramatic Cathedral Cave, drift over star-fish laden sandy flats at Helicopter Island, and picnic on a deserted sandbar.
Evening: Dine at La Salisa Restaurant overlooking the bay, ordering their garlic buttered prawns and fresh mango shake as the sky turns pink.
Morning: Rent a scooter for €6 and ride 45 minutes north to Nacpan Beach, one of the Philippines' most beautiful and least-visited long stretches of golden sand.
Afternoon: Swim in the calm, shallow waters, hammock between palms at a small beach shack, and enjoy a fresh coconut lunch cooked by locals.
Evening: Ride back to El Nido at golden hour for spectacular inland views, then pack your bags for an early morning transfer tomorrow.
Morning: Transfer to El Nido Airport for your short flight to Cebu via Manila or direct, arriving by early afternoon depending on your routing.
Afternoon: Check into your hotel in Cebu City's IT Park or Ayala area, then visit the 500-year-old Magellan's Cross and the ornate Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.
Evening: Explore the vibrant Sugbo Mercado night market in IT Park, sampling lechon, puso rice, and fresh mango with bagoong.
Morning: Depart Cebu City at 4:30am by bus or private car (2.5 hours south) to arrive at Oslob before 7am for the calmest water and smallest crowds.
Afternoon: After your whale shark swim, visit the nearby Tumalog Falls — a misty, curtain-like waterfall hidden in the jungle just 10 minutes away.
Evening: Stop in Dalaguete on the way back for fresh highland vegetables and seafood at a roadside eatery, returning to Cebu by 7pm.
Morning: Head southwest to Badian for the full canyoneering experience — scrambling over boulders, jumping off cliff ledges, and swimming through gorges for 4 hours.
Afternoon: Emerge triumphantly into the iconic three-tiered Kawasan Falls, swimming in its electric turquoise pools surrounded by lush jungle.
Evening: Return to Cebu City tired and exhilarated, reward yourself with a cold San Miguel and a fresh seafood dinner at the waterfront Larsian BBQ strip.
Morning: Take an early bus north to Maya port (3 hours) and catch a 30-minute bangka to tiny Malapascua Island, checking into a beachfront dive lodge.
Afternoon: Join an afternoon dive or snorkel at Monad Shoal — one of the only places in the world where thresher sharks regularly visit a cleaning station.
Evening: Watch the sun set from the white sands of Bounty Beach with fresh grilled fish from one of the simple bamboo restaurants along the shore.
Morning: Return by bangka and bus to Cebu City, catch your afternoon flight to Caticlan Airport (1 hour), then a 10-minute bangka crossing to Boracay Island.
Afternoon: Check into your hotel on White Beach Station 2, change immediately and walk the 4km powdery white sand beach in the warm evening light.
Evening: Watch Boracay's legendary sunset from any beachfront bar on Station 2, cocktail in hand, as fire dancers perform along the waterline.
Morning: Try kitesurfing or windsurfing at Bulabog Beach on the island's calmer eastern side — instructors offer 2-hour beginner lessons for around €40.
Afternoon: Rent an e-trike to Puka Shell Beach in the north, a quieter stretch of coarser sand with far fewer tourists and great natural scenery.
Evening: Dine at Real Coffee & Tea Café for their famous calamansi muffins and fresh lumpia, then stroll the main path as the beach lights glow.
Morning: Join a half-day island hopping tour to Crocodile Island and Crystal Cove, snorkeling over rich coral gardens teeming with sergeant fish and angelfish.
Afternoon: Try helmet diving off White Beach — walking on the seabed at 5 meters depth surrounded by fish requires no diving certification and costs around €25.
Evening: Splurge on your final Boracay dinner at Aria at Astoria restaurant for fresh lobster thermidor and chilled prosecco overlooking the glowing white beach.
Morning: Wake early for a final barefoot walk on White Beach at sunrise before the crowds arrive, collecting shells and taking in the empty, dreamlike scenery.
Afternoon: Enjoy a slow brunch of fresh fruit, pandesal, and strong Sagada coffee, then pack and take the bangka back to Caticlan for your onward flight.
Evening: Connect through Manila or Cebu for your international departure, carrying memories of limestone lagoons, whale sharks, and electric blue waterfalls.
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