If you’re dreaming of turquoise water, limestone cliffs, jungle waterfalls, and golden sunsets, the Philippines delivers all of that, and more. Over the course of three weeks, I traveled through some of the country’s most stunning places: Coron, El Nido, Port Barton, Puerto Princesa, Bohol, Siquijor, Moalboal, and Cebu.
This 3 week Philippines itinerary is a mix of adventure, slow travel, and unforgettable nature. Here’s exactly how my trip went, day by day, with my favorite experiences, food spots, and tips along the way.
Coron – Limestone Cliffs & Island Adventures (Days 1–3)
Coron is the perfect introduction to the Philippines. Think dramatic limestone cliffs, impossibly clear lagoons, and some of the best snorkeling in the country.
Day 1:
I arrived in Coron, checked into my accommodation, and spent some time wandering through the town and soaking in the laid-back island atmosphere. To end the day, I hiked up Mount Tapyas for sunset. The climb is definitely a sweaty one with more than 700 steps, but the panoramic view over Coron Bay at golden hour made every step worth it.
Day 2:
I spent the day on the Super Ultimate island hopping tour, and honestly, everything was incredibly well organized from start to finish. We visited some of Coron’s most iconic spots, including Kayangan Lake, easily one of the clearest and most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, along with Twin Lagoon and several amazing snorkeling spots above WWII shipwrecks. Every stop looked like something straight out of a postcard, and the entire day felt surreal from beginning to end.
Day 3:
On day 3, I decided to slow things down a bit and spent the day wandering through Coron town, grabbing good food, and soaking in the laid-back island atmosphere. After a busy day of island hopping, it was the perfect way to recharge.
If you have more time in Coron though, I’d definitely recommend either going on another island-hopping tour, this time focusing on quieter beaches and some of the best snorkeling spots, or heading to Maquinit Hot Springs to unwind in the warm natural pools surrounded by mangroves. It’s the perfect way to end a long day in paradise.
Food tips:
- Coffee Kong – great for breakfast and smoothie bowls
El Nido – Iconic Beaches & Island Magic (Days 4–8)
I traveled from Coron to El Nido by ferry, arriving to dramatic limestone cliffs and a laid-back beach town vibe, an exciting change of pace after Coron.
Day 4:
The ferry ride from Coron to El Nido was actually pretty smooth and comfortable, with beautiful ocean views along the way. After arriving in El Nido, I spent the rest of the day wandering through the lively little town, browsing local shops, and soaking in the relaxed beach atmosphere. I went for a swim at El Nido Beach before ending the day with a beautiful sunset right on the shore, watching the sky turn shades of orange and pink behind the limestone cliffs.
Day 5:
This day was much slower paced, which honestly felt perfect after traveling and island hopping. I spent the day taking it easy, walking over to Corong Corong Beach, which had a much calmer and more laid-back vibe compared to the main beach in town. It was the kind of place where time slows down a little. Later in the evening, I headed back to El Nido Beach to catch yet another incredible sunset, with the sky lighting up behind the boats anchored along the shore.
Day 6:
One of the absolute highlights in El Nido was doing the famous Tour A island hopping trip. Yes, it’s one of the more popular tours, but once you see the towering limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and unreal turquoise water, you completely understand why. We explored iconic spots like Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Shimizu Island, spending the day swimming, snorkeling, and cruising between some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever seen. It truly felt like stepping into a postcard.
One of my favorite moments was stopping at a beach lined with endless palm trees, where we played volleyball in the sand while the sun slowly started to set. It was such a fun and wholesome way to end the day. On the boat ride back to El Nido, the entire group started singing karaoke, using our snorkels as microphones, which somehow made the whole experience even more memorable.
Day 7:
My last day in El Nido was slow and easygoing, the kind of travel day you end up appreciating the most. I spent the afternoon swimming at El Nido Beach, wandering through town, and just soaking in the atmosphere one last time. Later, I headed out to Las Cabañas Beach for sunset, which quickly became my favorite sunset spot in El Nido. Watching the sun dip behind the islands while the sky turned golden and pink was the perfect way to end my time there.
Food tips:
- Taste El Nido – smoothie bowls & brunch
- Ver De El Nido – incredible vegan food
- Big Bad Thai – great for dinner
Port Barton- Slow Island Life (Days 8–9)
After El Nido, Port Barton felt like a breath of fresh air. Fewer crowds, slower pace, and a more local vibe.
Day 8:
Getting from El Nido to Port Barton meant another shared van journey, which was definitely a bit bumpy at times, but overall, the ride went surprisingly smoothly. After arriving, the atmosphere immediately felt calmer and more laid-back compared to El Nido. I spent the rest of the afternoon walking along the beach, taking in the quiet surroundings, and ended the day watching the sunset at Port Barton Beach as the sky slowly turned soft shades of orange and pink.
Day 9:
I made my way over to Coconut Beach, which is actually a pretty popular spot, but when I got there, it still felt like a hidden gem. The atmosphere was calm, the water was crystal clear, and there was this relaxed, almost untouched feeling to it despite the visitors. As a fun bonus, a few cute pigs were casually hanging out on the sand, which made the whole place even more memorable. In the afternoon, I went for a swim and spent the rest of the day wandering along the beach, taking it all in at a slow, easy pace.
Food tips:
- Milano Café – great coffee & breakfast
- Dam Dam Place – good vegetable curry
Puerto Princesa – Gateway to Nature (Day 10)
Puerto Princesa is more of a stopover, but worth it for one major highlight.
Day 10:
I explored Puerto Princesa during the day, and if you have the time, the Underground River in the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is definitely worth visiting. Floating through the cave is a surreal experience, with massive rock formations towering above you and an almost complete silence all around.
In the evening, the weather suddenly shifted and heavy rain started pouring down. By the next morning, when I was supposed to leave, the streets were flooded and the city had come to a standstill. My flight ended up being delayed by around four hours because the plane couldn’t land due to the intense rain, turning an already slow travel day into a bit of an unexpected adventure.
Later that night, I continued my journey and took a ferry to Bohol. It turned into a long travel day, and unfortunately I developed an allergic reaction on my legs, which made the journey quite uncomfortable. I eventually arrived in Bohol around 1 a.m., where I took a tuk-tuk to my hostel and finally got some rest after a pretty intense day of travel.
Bohol – Chocolate Hills & Countryside Adventures (Days 11–13)
Bohol is best explored by scooter, it’s all about the journey here.
Day 11:
I arrived in Panglao and spent the rest of the day easing into island life, heading straight to the beach to unwind after a long travel day. The pace slowed down immediately as I relaxed on the sand, swam in the warm water, and just took in the atmosphere. Later in the evening, I stayed to watch the sunset, which marked the perfect, peaceful start to my time in Bohol.
Day 12:
I spent the day exploring Bohol on a full countryside scooter loop, which ended up being one of the most fun and scenic days of the trip. The ride itself was just as memorable as the stops, cruising through lush green landscapes and quiet rural roads.
One of the first highlights was driving through the Man-Made Forest, where towering mahogany trees create a shaded, almost tunnel-like stretch of road that feels completely different from the rest of the island.
From there, I made my way to the iconic Chocolate Hills, an absolute must-see in Bohol. Seeing the perfectly shaped hills stretch across the horizon in every direction was easily one of those “this is really real” travel moments.
Next up was the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, where I got to see the tiny, wide-eyed tarsiers up close. They’re incredibly small and delicate, and it was fascinating to observe them quietly in their natural environment.
I finished the loop with a stop at the Loboc River, where the calm, emerald-green water and surrounding jungle created the perfect peaceful break before heading back.
Day 13:
I spent the day taking it easy by the beach, soaking in the warm water and slow island atmosphere that Bohol is known for. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, it’s also a great place to head out on an island-hopping tour or go diving to explore the vibrant underwater world just off the coast, where you’ll find colourful reefs and plenty of marine life.
Food tips:
- Shaka Bohol – smoothie bowls
- Bohol Bee Farm – unique local dishes
Siquijor – Waterfalls & Island Magic (Days 14–16)
Siquijor has a unique, almost mystical atmosphere, and some of the best waterfalls in the Philippines.
Day 14:
I took a speedboat to Siquijor, which was surprisingly smooth and an easy crossing overall. From the harbor, I continued by motorbike to my hostel, already getting my first glimpse of the island’s relaxed, almost mystical atmosphere along the way.
After settling in, I ended the day at Tubod Beach, where I watched a beautiful sunset unfold over the water, the perfect introduction to Siquijor.
Day 15:
I spent the day waterfall chasing across Siquijor, which quickly turned into one of my favourite days on the island.
First up was Cambugahay Falls, a series of multi-level turquoise waterfalls surrounded by jungle. It’s the kind of place where you can swing into the water, swim between tiers, and just spend hours enjoying the natural pools, it’s lively, fun, and absolutely beautiful.
Later in the day, I headed to Lugnason Falls, which had a completely different vibe. It was much quieter and far less crowded, making it feel peaceful and almost hidden away. I spent some time there just relaxing by the water and enjoying the calm after a more energetic morning.
Day 16:
I walked to Bucafé, which made the experience feel even more rewarding. After a bit of an uphill stroll, I arrived just in time for a refreshing break and ordered a lemonade that turned out to be served as a massive ice tower in a cup, which was honestly hilarious and a perfect surprise in the Siquijor heat.
After taking my time enjoying the view and the drink, I made my way down to Tubod Beach to catch another unforgettable sunset. The sky slowly shifted into soft shades of orange and pink, reflecting over the calm water and wrapping up the day in the most peaceful way.
Food tips:
- Bucafé – amazing views and great coffee
- Shaka Siquijor – healthy bowls and smoothies
- Tabalayon restaurant – great local dishes with fresh flavors and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere
Moalboal – Marine Life & Adventure (Days 17–19)
Moalboal was easily one of my favorite stops.
Day 17:
I arrived in Moalboal after a ferry ride where I even spotted dolphins swimming alongside us, which made the journey feel extra special. From the port, I shared a ride to my hostel with an Irish couple I met along the way, and then spent the evening settling in and getting my first feel for the town.
Later, I walked along Panagsama Beach, taking in the relaxed coastal vibe, and wandered through the streets to explore a bit more. I ended the day with some of the best vegan food I had in the Philippines, simple, fresh, and exactly what I needed after a long travel day.
Day 18:
Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls was an absolute highlight of the entire trip, and easily one of the most fun days I had in the Philippines. I went there with a German couple from my hostel, which already made the day feel like a shared adventure from the start.
The route through the canyon was incredible: cliff jumps, turquoise natural pools, and lush jungle scenery at every turn. The adrenaline really kicked in with the jumps, especially the highest one at around 10 meters, which was both terrifying and unbelievably fun at the same time. Our guide also took videos and photos along the way, so we could fully enjoy the experience without worrying about capturing it ourselves.
After finishing the canyoning route, we were rewarded with a well-deserved local meal, which felt like the perfect ending to an intense and unforgettable adventure. In the evening, I also tried the classic Filipino dessert mango float, which was incredibly delicious and the perfect sweet way to end the day.
Day 19:
I spent the day snorkeling in Moalboal, and it honestly couldn’t have been easier or more rewarding at first. I literally walked straight from the beach into the water and within just a few minutes I was already swimming alongside sea turtles, which felt completely surreal.
The highlight was definitely the famous sardine run, thousands of fish moving in massive, swirling formations just offshore. Floating in the middle of it felt like being inside a living, moving wall of fish, and it’s easily one of the most unforgettable experiences of the trip.
Unfortunately, the day wasn’t entirely perfect. I also got quite badly stung by jellyfish while snorkeling, and the stings were way more intense than I expected. Even after the initial pain faded, the marks lingered for weeks, which definitely took a bit of the shine off what was otherwise an incredible day in the water.
Food tips:
- Lovegan Café – everything here is amazing
- Smooth Café – great breakfast & brunch
- Hungry Monkeys Moalboal – a laid-back spot with tasty comfort food and generous portions
Cebu City – A Quick Stop Before Flying Home (Day 20–21)
Cebu City is mostly a transit hub, but still worth a short visit.
Day 20:
I travelled from Moalboal to Cebu City by local bus, which overall went pretty smoothly, but it was honestly so hot inside that it turned into its own little endurance test.
Once I arrived in Cebu City, I slowed things down a bit and spent the rest of the day just relaxing and exploring the city at an easy pace after a long travel ride.
Day 21:
Departure day came around quickly, and it was time to say goodbye to the Philippines. After an incredible few weeks of island hopping, beaches, waterfalls, and unforgettable adventures, I headed to the airport and flew onwards to Japan, already feeling grateful for everything this trip had been.
Final Thoughts
This 3-week Philippines itinerary is the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. From the dramatic lagoons of Coron and El Nido to waterfall-filled days in Siquijor and unforgettable marine life in Moalboal, every destination felt completely different.
If you’re planning your own trip, this route gives you a little bit of everything, without feeling rushed.
And honestly? It’s the kind of trip that stays with you long after you’ve left.
Philippines FAQ
Is 3 weeks enough for the Philippines?
Yes, 3 weeks is the perfect amount of time to explore several islands in the Philippines without feeling too rushed.
What is the best route for island hopping in the Philippines?
One of the best island-hopping routes in the Philippines is Coron → El Nido → Port Barton → Bohol → Siquijor → Cebu because it perfectly combines adventure, relaxation, beaches, waterfalls, and marine life. The route flows naturally between islands, making travel logistics relatively easy while allowing you to experience some of the very best destinations in the Philippines.
When is the best time to visit the Philippines?
The dry season from December to May is generally the best time for island hopping and beach weather.
How much does a 3-week Philippines trip cost?
Budget travelers can expect around €30–€50 per day, while mid-range travelers may spend €80–€150 daily depending on accommodations and tours.
If this got your interest, check out our other Asia posts to get inspired for your next trip to Asia!
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