2 Weeks in the Philippines: Short Itinerary for Social Travelers
By Daniella from Sampler Platter Travel – this guide to the Philippines contains affiliate links to trusted partners!
Only have 2 weeks in the Philippines and want a short itinerary perfect for social travelers?
Two weeks is a great amount of time to explore multiple destinations in the Philippines without feeling too overwhelmed as well as meet a lot of brand-new friends. The Philippines is an incredibly social country, from backpackers to locals alike.
Planning a trip with a lot of stops can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Last year, my close friend and I had the pleasure of traveling to tons of destinations in the Philippines, and this is our exact itinerary.
We adored our time there and thought our 2 week itinerary worked very well. Not pictured are the hours and hours that went into planning the trip, so we’re glad that it all worked out!
In this travel guide, we will outline the must-see destinations, how to island hop, what to do once you’re there, where to stay, and other considerations.
It is a 2 week itinerary, but there are only 12 days of activities as the other two days are padding for traveling to and from your home country.
While you could certainly spend a lot of time in the Philippines as it is one of the most beautiful destinations in Southeast Asia, Sampler Platter Travel is dedicated to fast itineraries helping you prioritize things to do if you only have a short amount of time.
We want to inspire you to travel, even if you only have a two-week period to do so. Busy travelers, this short itinerary is for you to get a little sample of everything.
Happy sampling!
2 Weeks in the Philippines at a Glance
- Days 1-3: Moalboal, Cebu
- Days 4-5: Bohol
- Days 6-8: El Nido, Palawan
- Days 9-11: Coron, Palawan
- Day 12: Manila
2 days added to the beginning and end of the trip for travel cushion.
Days 1-3: Moalboal, Cebu
Moalboal is a wonderful town on the island of Cebu, perfect for young travelers. It attracts a lot of backpackers, although older individuals and tranquil couples will enjoy this location as a prime spot for adventurous canyoneering, diving, and snorkeling.
Moalboal is a bit difficult to get to, although we promise that it is worth the journey. Take a flight to Cebu City, and ride a van, taxi, or bus around 3.5 hours to the town itself. Pro tip: request a van with A/C to keep those heat-induced migraines at bay.
Cebu City is a major airport, with frequent flights from larger cities such as Taipei and Manila.
Things to Do in Moalboal
- Grab a snorkel and do the sardine run, the most famous activity in town. It also happens to be completely free! All you have to do is swim 20 meters off the coast to snorkel with thousands of sardines.
- Get your adventure on and go canyoneering in Kawasan Falls. Get fitted with a helmet, life jacket, and some water shoes to traverse through a river via jumps, swims, and more. If you are afraid of heights, a lot of the jumps are optional and can be skipped.
- Take a boat ride to Pescador Island, a must-do for all snorkeling and diving lovers. It is only a 10-minute ride from central Moalboal. Head out early for the best chance of seeing tons of marine animals.
- Relax on Basdaku White Beach, a beautiful narrow strip of soft sand, perfect for reading a book, sun tanning, and splashing around in warm water. The 25 peso entrance fee goes towards conservation, and crowds are rarely present.
- Drive 1.5 hours south to the city of Oslob and swim with the whale sharks. Make sure to do your research – a lot of travelers have mentioned wishy-washy conservation efforts. While it is one of the most popular activities on the island of Cebu, we chose not to go for this reason.
- Hike up Osmeña Peak, a quick walk only taking 20 to 30 minutes. Plan your trip in the afternoon as fog tends to be heavy in the morning, and be rewarded with stunning views of Cebu Island.
Our Top Pick: Do the sardine run! Not only is it a free activity, but it is truly mesmerizing. If you have an underwater camera, you will want to bring it with you as you swim with thousands of fish surrounding you.
The coolest thing is that it occurs right off the coast of Panagsama Beach, and there is no fee other than a snorkel rental.
Where to Stay in Moalboal
| Price | Name | Benefits |
| Budget Option | Pig Dive Hostel (where we stayed) | Perfect for young backpackers looking for clean dorm roomsIt feels like a five-star hotel at a one-star priceGreat tour planning services |
| Budget Option | Chief Mau | Great for travelers looking for a party vibeLocated incredibly close to the beach, in the heart of Panagsama RoadNot as clean and quiet as Pig Dive but has great nightlife options and social activities |
| Mid-Range Option | Pescador Suites Moalboal | For travelers who want something in between a luxury hotel and a dorm roomBeautiful boutique hotel with a pool overlooking the oceanFeels like a jungle cabanaOffers a shuttle to Cebu City |
| Luxury Option | Dolphin House Resort | Great ecotourism goalsAwesome place for travelers who love snorkeling and diving |
Top Experiences in Moalboal
Days 4-5: Bohol
Next, we are going to visit the island of Bohol, one of our personal favorites because it is so different from the rest of our beach-focused Filipino destinations.
Bohol is an island where the main attractions are inland in the heart of the jungle, providing you with a chance to connect with nature and step away from the coastline.
To get to Bohol from Moalboal, it’ll be quite a long travel day. We recommend taking a van or bus back to Cebu City and taking the ferry from Cebu City to Tagbilaran City. This journey takes approximately 2 hours, and once you’re in Tagbilaran, it’s a further 45-minute taxi or tricycle ride to Loboc, our recommended town to stay in.
Loboc is super cute, with restaurant options and a picturesque river, all while remaining secluded in the jungle.
Things to Do in Bohol
- Visit the Chocolate Hills, one of the most well-known activities in Bohol. Over 1,000 protruding hills look like pimples in the landscape. In the dry season, the hills turn brown, giving them their name. The hills themselves cannot be climbed, so it’s best to see them from an overlook at the Chocolate Hills Complex.
- Take a quick stop along the Bilar Man-Made Forest. Your tricycle driver will pull over on the side of the road to take a photo of a 2 km (1.24 mile) strip of densely packed trees.
- Visit the Tarsier Sanctuary, home to tiny primates almost entirely endemic to the Philippines (only existing in Borneo and Bohol). The sanctuary has done a great job of protecting the animals, and the guides will help point out the little creatures hanging on trees.
- Take a dip in Pangas Falls. There are so many waterfalls in Bohol, but Pangas Falls in Biloy Dagohoy is incredibly secluded, so most people don’t visit. We recommend adding a bit of extra time to your drive to get an almost private experience at a waterfall.
- Hang out in the town of Loboc. We stayed in Loboc and had a fantastic time thanks to the town’s restaurant options and the picturesque Loboc River to walk along. The town is located inside the jungle, providing a secluded and relaxing experience.
Our Top Pick: Visit the Tarsier Sanctuary! Even if you aren’t a fan of traditional zoos, the Tarsier Sanctuary does a great job with its conservation efforts. It is a plot of forest that has been fenced in to keep the animals safe from surrounding deforestation.
If you don’t see the little fist-sized mammals here, you’ll have to travel to Borneo! It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Where to Stay in Bohol
| Price | Name | Neighborhood/Area | Benefits |
| Budget Option | Water to Forest Ecolodge (where we stayed) | Loboc | Relaxed and peaceful, tucked away in the forestGreat food service & kind staffRooms aren’t private, only provided with a mosquito net over a mattress (rustic but great!) |
| Mid-Range Option | Fox & Firefly Cottages | Loboc | Private roomsOverlooking the beautiful Loboc RiverHelps you book toursFull bar and restaurant |
While we recommend staying in the town of Loboc, other parts of Bohol are popular among visitors such as Panglao Island. It is a smaller island connected to Bohol via bridges, but keep in mind that it is further from the main attractions listed above.
If you would prefer to have a beach-style resort, check out the Bohol Cocoa Farm (budget) or the Mayana Resort (mid-range).
The final option is to stay in the bigger city of Tagbilaran. We don’t recommend it because it is crowded and overwhelming, but if you want to be closer to the ferry port, it can be a convenient area.
We suggest the Gomez Guesthouse and the Ocean Suites Bohol Boutique Hotel if you are set on staying in Tagbilaran City.
Days 6-8: El Nido, Palawan
The next destination on our itinerary is El Nido, located in Palawan, all the way at the top of the long and skinny island. This is a great town for travelers who love island hopping, beach relaxation, nightlife opportunities, and meeting other travelers.
To get from Bohol to El Nido, we recommend taking the ferry from Tagbilaran City back to Cebu City. We promise that this is the last time you will be in Cebu!
Fly from Cebu to El Nido, a flight that only lasts 1 hour and 40 minutes. If you have more time, you could also fly into Puerto Princesa and make the 5-hour van journey north, stopping at the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.
Things to Do in El Nido
- An essential aspect of El Nido is spending the day island hopping. Because of the sheer number of tour operators and accommodations running boat trips, El Nido has done a great job of standardizing everything and calling them boat tours A, B, C, and D. Check out how to choose a boat tour in El Nido.
- Hang out in the town of El Nido and explore the nightlife scene. SAVA Beach Bar is loved among travelers, as well as the town’s plentiful supply of cafes and restaurants.
- Relax on a white sand beach. While the town of El Nido doesn’t have sandy beaches, there are two beautiful ones within walking or tricycle distance. Check out Corong Corong Beach close to the town with fewer crowds and Marimegmeg Beach for a secluded feel and cabanas available for rent.
Our Top Pick: Take a boat tour! There is a reason that El Nido is so well-known for this activity. You’ll want to visit all of the wonderful attractions that the town has to offer, most of which are only accessible by boat. Boat tours are even perfect for budget travelers, as they are always incredibly well-priced.
Where to Stay in El Nido
| Price | Name | Neighborhood/Area | Benefits |
| Budget Option | Frendz Hostel El Nido | El Nido Town | Right in the center of townDaily food specials and eventsRooftop poolPerfect for young, social travelers |
| Mid-Range Option | H Hotel El Nido | El Nido Town | Amazing locationRestaurant, bar, terracePrivate rooms with great amenities |
| Budget Option | Outpost Beach Hostel (where we stayed) | Corong Corong | Amazing hotel for backpackers who want to socialize and meet new friendsMultiple floors looking out over the oceanDaily social events |
| Mid-Range Option | Corong Beach Resort | Corong Corong | Along the beachfront, just steps from Corong Corong BeachHotel has a terrace and bar |
| Luxury Option | El Nido Bayview Resort | Marimegmeg Beach | Luxury vibes of Marimegmeg BeachLocated 5 minutes away from the beachHas amazing panoramic views of the rainforestDining area with international and Filipino cuisines |
Days 9-11: Coron, Palawan
From El Nido Palawan, take a 3-hour ferry to Coron, Palawan. While the two towns may seem very similar at first glance, they offer very different ambiances.
El Nido is for young backpackers who like to relax on the beach, do social activities, and enjoy island hopping.
Coron is a family-friendly place with wonderful natural attractions. It is a lively town with great restaurants and is perfect for snorkeling lovers.
We recommend going to both towns to get a taste of what each has to offer.
Things to Do in Coron
- Just like in El Nido, one of the best things to do is take a full-day boat tour. The top 5 highlights of things to see in Coron (Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake, Wreck Diving Site & Malcapuya Island) are only accessible by boat. Check out our top tips for picking a tour that fits your needs.
- For land activities, hike up Mount Tapias to get amazing views of Coron, climbing over 700 steps to get there. At the top, you’re greeted by the Coron sign – the Filipino version of the Hollywood sign.
- Take a tricycle to the Maquinit Hot Springs – 20 minutes from the center of Coron – to relax and recover. It is said to be one of the only saltwater springs naturally occurring in the Philippines with temperatures averaging 102 to 104 F (39 to 40 C).
- Check out Coron’s restaurant scene – Coron has significantly better restaurants than El Nido, with a lively center area with cafes, restaurants, and bars. The best thing to do is to walk down Real Street and see what spots are busy.
Our Top Pick – Take another boat tour! Even if you are winded from your adventure in El Nido, a boat tour in Coron is a completely different experience, with a bigger focus on natural wonders. The top highlights in Coron are only accessible by boat.
Where to Stay in Coron
| Price | Name | Benefits |
| Budget Option | AvisalaHostel (where we stayed) | Great for young backpackers who want a homey and clean place to stayGreat breakfast |
| Mid-Range Option | DK’s Inn | Located an 8-minute walk from the center of townFantastic terrace and private rooms |
| Luxury Option | Corto del Mar Hotel | Beautiful resort, garden, and poolElegant restaurant optionGreat for quieter couples and older travelers |
Day 12: Manila
Finally, end the trip by flying from Coron’s Busuanga Airport to Manila, a trip that only lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes. We have only given Manila one day in this itinerary because it is really not worth it to spend a lot of time in the city.
However, the chances are high that you will transit through it at some point, so you might as well take a bit of time to explore.
Even getting into Manila in the morning and leaving in the evening gives you enough time to see the city in an extended layover.
Things to Do in Manila
- Walk around Rizal Park, a beautiful, tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. It is a total of 58 hectares with green areas, a central lagoon, and a Japanese garden.
- Hang out in Intramuros, a Spanish-style neighborhood with stone walls surrounding an old area. Despite its antiquated architecture, it is a young and lively neighborhood home to multiple universities. You can walk along the top of the mural walls, look inside the Manila Cathedral, or spend time in Fort Santiago.
- History lovers should dedicate an hour or two to exploring the National Museum of Fine Arts. It is home to Filipino art and artifacts.
- For a fantastic meal, walk down the famous Ongpin Street in Binondo which is Manila’s Chinatown. This is a pedestrian-friendly area with stores selling a bunch of fantastic snacks. It also happens to be the oldest Chinatown in the world!
- Shopping lovers should check out Makati, a popular upscale area with a bunch of well-known chains. Clothing prices are set much lower than in other countries, attracting tons of clothing addicts.
Our Top Pick – Parts of Manila can be seedy, especially for young female travelers. For the safest but most authentic experience, we recommend spending time in Binondo.
Our Anti-Pick – Okay, we may have lied in the introduction about this being our exact itinerary, as we cut out an excursion for this article.
We did a day trip to the Batad Rice Terraces. It was recommended to us, but it was a crazy experience that was far too fast, inefficient, and we do not suggest doing it.
We had to fly into Banaue, an hour away from Manila. From Banaue, it was a further 3 hours by car to the rice terraces.
We do not recommend doing this at all, as it is a logistical nightmare and is completely out of your way. To save you the headache, we have removed this day from this Philippines travel itinerary altogether.
Only add the rice terraces to your Philippines bucket list if you have more than 2 days to dedicate to the trip up North.
Where to Stay in Manila
| Price | Name | Area | Benefits |
| Budget Option | Lub D Makati (where we stayed) | Makati | Super clean facilitiesRooms have curtains and beds almost feel like podsGreat for travelers who want peace and quiet after a long tripGood rooftop restaurant with great views |
| Mid-Range Option | Uptown Parksuites BGC | Taguig | Has a great restaurantInfinity poolComes with a fully equipped kitchenPerfect for couples |
| Luxury Option | Discovery Primea | Makati | Infinity pool, fitness center, restaurantsLocated next to the famous Glorietta and Greenbelt MallsSpa facilities perfect for ending a trip |
Now it’s time to head back home after your wonderful two weeks in the Philippines!
General Travel Tips For the Philippines
- Cash is king
Things in the Philippines are very cheap, but you will get nickel and dimed for everything. You will find that while you won’t spend much overall, you will be taking your wallet out constantly. It’s best to have as much change as possible.
We recommend taking out a lot of cash at the beginning of the trip and slowly breaking it down. Many restaurants and cafes will refuse to accept large bills but a lot of ATMs in smaller towns won’t be stocked.
- Take reputable boat tours
I know a lot of us travelers like to get off the beaten path and explore areas that are lesser known and less crowded, but in the Philippines, the best way to avoid a headache is to take a well-known and well-rated tour. This is best done with your hostel or hotel instead of a random ticket counter.
- Wi-Fi can be spotty
Digital nomads may not be happy to hear this, but the Wi-Fi connection in the Philippines, especially El Nido, is not the best. Even cafes and restaurants that have free Wi-Fi will not have the best connection.
We found that at our hostel, the connection was spotty at best and blacked out at worst.
For El Nido, you should plan your trip accordingly so that you visit the town during the weekend and get all of your work done before you arrive. It’s very nice to unplug and enjoy the company of fellow travelers.
- Don’t visit during the rainy season
If we can give you one piece of advice, stay away from the Philippines during the rainy season! The Philippines will be hot and humid most of the year, but at least you can stay cool by jumping in the water.
However, during the rainy season, tours, ferries, and even plane rides can get canceled from smaller airports!
We highly recommend avoiding the country from June to November to avoid any headaches. In this short itinerary, we want to have as little kerfuffle as possible.
- Don’t be afraid to say no
The Philippines is a massive country, and Manila is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. With that comes an extra air of caution that you should have.
It is important to note that Filipino locals are incredibly friendly, so a lot of people on the street will come up and talk to you. If you do not appear Filipino, you will inherently attract a certain amount of attention, especially for female and solo travelers.
Even if it is not usually malicious, you might be overwhelmed by the number of people who approach you. We had a group of young children come up to us in Manila because they wanted us to take a photo of them! This was one of many, many occasions where people wanted to have a chat.
It may come as a surprise that you can say ‘no’ and people will take it at face value. I know that some of us (especially big-city US girls) have been taught not to engage with people trying to sell us something on the street.
However, in the Philippines, respect is encouraged, so if someone wants to give you a tricycle ride, it is best to say ‘No, thank you’, and they will go on their merry way.
- Get travel insurance
We highly recommend buying travel insurance as the Philippines is home to a bunch of outdoor activities where things can go wrong. When you are taking a boat tour along the different islands, remember to stay safe.
I got stung by a jellyfish, and while it was not a big deal, it definitely could have been. It was nice to have travel insurance in case anything got bad.
We love the brand AXA Travel Insurance which offers coverage up to 75% of nonrefundable trips as well as medical problems, lost luggage, rental car damage, and more. Things happen.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Weeks in the Philippines
Is 2 weeks enough in the Philippines?
Honestly, you could spend an entire lifetime in the Philippines, but if you only have two weeks, it is enough time to get a good taste of what the country has to offer in a short itinerary. From beach relaxation to jungle exploration to making new friends, you can get a little sample of everything in the Philippines in 2 weeks.
If you are a slower traveler, we recommend taking one or two destinations off this itinerary to spend more time in the others. This itinerary was written for fast travelers who like to move around and maximize things to see.
How much money do you need for 2 weeks in the Philippines?
For two weeks in the Philippines, your biggest cost will be flights getting there. Unless you’re lucky enough to live somewhere like Taiwan or Japan, flying to the Philippines can cost over 1,000 USD.
Once you’re there, however, expect only to spend around 300 USD for accommodations if you are staying in dorm hostels and around 500 USD for private hotels.
On top of that, except to take out about 700 USD total in cash for all other expenses including activities, tours, transportation, and more. Credit cards are neither popular nor accepted in most places.
We hope you enjoyed this 2 weeks in the Philippines itinerary. Whether you want to relax on a beach, explore every island on an adventure, or hike through the jungle, The Philippines has something for everyone.
Don’t forget to check out other destinations in Asia while you’re in the Philippines!
Happy Sampling!