Philippines 10-Day Itinerary – Best places to visit in the Pearl of the Orient

  • 12.01.2025 16:59
  • Bruno Arcos

Best things to see and do in the Philippines in 10 days. Discover the country’s most famous landmarks and tourist hotspots in our Philippines 10-day itinerary!

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This Philippines 10-day itinerary is a part of our broader travel guide for the country. We recommend you check it out for the best travel tips and the most accurate information on transportation, hotels, restaurants, beast island and safety in the Philippines.

Philippines 10-Day Itinerary – Where to go in the Philippines in 10 days

Welcome to the Philippines, the Pearl of the Orient! If you’re considering a journey to this amazing destination, we’re here to make sure you get the most out of your experience. While 10 days may only scratch the surface, we believe this timeframe offers the bare minimum for a decent trip around the Philippines (though we promise it will leave you aching for more). With that in mind, we recommend visiting the islands of Luzon, where you can find the capital Manila as well as the Banaue Rice Terraces and the Hanging Coffins of Sagada; Palawan, known for the beaches and islets located close to El Nido; Cebu, where you can go canyoning in waterfalls and swim with sardines and sharks; and Bohol, home to the Chocolate Hills, the Loboc River and the adorable Philippine tarsier.

That being said, whether you have more or less available time in your hands, feel free to explore our alternative routes in the Philippines:

So, without further ado, here are the cities, places and tourist attractions you should visit in a 10-day itinerary through the Philippines:

Philippines 10-Day Itinerary: Day 1 – Manila

Time to kick off your adventure through the Philippines! Since you’ll inevitably land in Manila, the country’s largest and busiest airport hub, it makes sense to spend a few days exploring the island of Luzon, starting off with the capital city. While Manila may not be the most charming or picturesque destination in Southeast Asia – in fact, it has a reputation for being a bit dangerous – it offers a unique opportunity to experience authentic Filipino life away from the usual beach resorts. That being said, your first stop will take place at Malacañang Palace, the official residence of the President of the Philippines and one of the country’s most impressive buildings. Originally a Spanish colonial mansion, tours of the interior are free but require prior booking online. Next up, visit the fabulous Quiapo Church, a testament to the strong Catholic faith in the Philippines, before crossing the river to enter Intramuros, known as the Old Town of Manila. Surrounded by an ancient city wall, within this historic quarter you’ll immediately notice a shift in atmosphere, with noisy, chaotic streets giving way to quiet cobblestone paths and beautifully preserved colonial architecture.

While strolling through Intramuros is an experience in itself, there are several must-visit attractions inside the quarter, like Fort Santiago (₱75), a 16th-century fortress built to help defend the Old Town; the Manila Cathedral, the city’s main place of worship; Casa Manila (₱75), a restored colonial mansion and museum offering a sample of 19th-century Philippine life; San Agustín Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest stone church in the country; and Baluarte de San Diego, the remains of a former watchtower. Once you’ve explored Intramuros, head outside the walls to Rizal Park, the largest public park in Manila, home to countless monuments and memorials, gardens, fountains, theaters and even an observatory. Finally, wrap up your day with a stroll along the Baywalk, a seaside promenade offering the undisputed best sunset in all of Manila. At the end of your first day, you’ll collect your bags and board an overnight bus (9 hours) to Banaue, your next destination. As usual, check out the transport section of our guide for more detailed travel information.

First day wrap-up:

  • Malacañang Palace
  • Quiapo Church
  • Intramuros
    • Fort Santiago
    • Manila Cathedral
    • Casa Manila
    • San Agustín Church
    • Baluarte de San Diego
  • Rizal Park
  • Baywalk

Where to eat in the Philippines – Best restaurants in Manila

Philippines 10-Day Itinerary: Day 2 – Banaue Rice Terraces

After a rough night aboard a Filipino bus (at least you’ll get a sleeper seat), you’ll arrive in the early morning at Banaue, a small village in northern Luzon known for its mountainous terrain, scenic rice terraces, and indigenous tribes. While you could easily spend a few days exploring the landscape, going on treks and experiencing the local rural culture, you’ll have to prioritize the key sights given the super tight schedule. That said, the main highlight of the day is undoubtedly the iconic Banaue Rice Terraces, split into five distinct sections. Home to the Ifugao people, these vast and awe-inspiring terraces showcase the inventive irrigation systems developed by these tribes over the centuries to cultivate rice on the steep mountain slopes. The result is the highest rice terraces in the world and one of the most surprisingly beautiful landmarks in the Philippines. Like most visitors, you’ll have to choose what area to explore, which is why we recommend going with the Batad Rice Terraces, regarded as the most spectacular of them all. Start your visit by stopping at the Banaue Tourism Office, where you’ll need to pay the mandatory ₱50 environmental fee.

The tourism office also offers guided tours for 1 or several days, so it might be worth having a look. Nonetheless, if you prefer to go solo and follow this itinerary, stop a local tuk-tuk (locally known as a “trike”) and ask to be dropped off at Saddle Point, where you can start your hike to the terraces. However, be sure to ask the driver to wait for you and negotiate a round-trip fare, as finding transportation back to Banaue can be rather challenging. Expect to pay around ₱1500 for the trip + waiting times, a sum that can be split among all passengers. From Saddle Point, it’s a short 20-minute hike to reach the terraces. Once there, you can wander freely, visit nearby villages and immerse yourself in the stunning scenery. You might also want to continue the trek to Tappiya Falls or climb to the Awa View Deck, where you’ll be greeted by one of the most breathtaking views you’ll ever lay your eyes upon! After returning to Banaue, you’ll embark on a 3-hour bus or jeepney ride to Sagada, where you’ll spend the night.

Second day wrap-up:

  • Batad Rice Terraces
  • Tappiya Falls
  • Awa View Deck

Philippines 10-Day Itinerary: Day 3 – Sagada

After a well-earned night’s sleep, you’ll wake up in the idyllic, picturesque setting of Sagada, another quaint village located in Luzon. While the town itself may be small and doesn’t really offer much to see or do, the surrounding landscapes is a treasure trove of natural landmarks. Once again, time is of the utmost importance, so you’ll need to be quite selective when it comes to tourist attractions/activities. Start by heading to the Sagada Tourism Information Center to pay the mandatory environmental fee of ₱100 and take a moment to check the available tours. In fact, you won’t really have much of an alternative, since pretty much every single place worth exploring in Sagada requires visitors to hire a certified guide. Luckily, fees are quite affordable and can be split among groups of up to 10 people, helping bring down costs. Be that as it may, and whether you choose to witness the sunrise atop Marlborough Hills (₱1450 with shuttle), explore the striking blue terrain of Blue Soil Hills (₱1650 with shuttle) or venture into the mysterious Sumaguing Cave (₱1450 with shuttle; max 4 people), if there is one place you simply cannot miss here are the extraordinary Hanging Coffins of Sagada!

Possibly the most important cultural and historical legacy of the Igorot tribe, these coffins showcase the natives’ beliefs and traditions when it comes to death. Since ancient times, their funerary rituals have been based on the assumption that placing the deceased high above the ground will ease their passage to the afterlife. As a result, burials were extremely frowned upon, so the tribe started hanging coffins on cliffs or at cave entrances, creating this eerie and fascinating sight. Plus, this method would also help protect the bodies from wild animals! When visiting the Tourism Information Center, their hanging coffins tour is called the Paytokan Walk, and the guide fee currently stands at ₱1000 (split among the group), with an additional ₱10 access fee per person. Strange as it may seem, this is definitely Sagada’s most iconic place! As the day draws to a close, you’ll board an overnight bus back to Manila, where you will finally catch your flight to paradise the next day. On a sidenote, we understand these initial days in the island of Luzon may feel long and demanding (and they are), but they also offer a rare glimpse into a side of the Philippines that many travelers miss – especially those who stick to the more popular, idyllic islands. After all, true travel is about embracing both the comfort and the challenge, right? Enjoy and savor every moment, because soon enough you’ll be back in your office cubicle, daydreaming about your adventures in Banaue and Sagada.

Image Credits: Tripadvisor

Third day wrap-up:

  • Choose 1:
    • Marlborough Hills
    • Blue Soil Hills
    • Sumaguing Cave
  • Hanging Coffins of Sagada (Paytokan Walk)

Philippines 10-Day Itinerary: Day 4 – Flight to Palawan

After what we promise will be your final night away from the comfort of a hotel bed, it’s finally time to explore the picture-perfect Philippines you’ve seen all over social media. Think white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and lush green landscapes – you can’t go wrong with that! Since you’ll likely be feeling the effects of several fascinating but exhausting days in Luzon, we’ve kept today’s plan light, focusing entirely on your journey to Palawan Island.

Just take a short 90-minute domestic flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa, followed by a 5-hour bus or private transfer to the stunning town of El Nido, your home base for the next few days. You can find more detailed information in the general guide, this time under the section that covers how to move between the country’s airports and their nearest cities. As you might expect, chances are you’ll be completely depleted once you make it to your hotel, so the best way to wrap up the day is to grab a bite to eat and take the rest of the afternoon to relax on a nearby beach or catch up on sleep.

Fourth day wrap-up:

  • Flight to Palawan

Philippines 10-Day Itinerary: Day 5 – El Nido: Island Hopping Boat Tour

Congrats – you’ve finally made it to paradise! The Philippines is full of stunning, untouched locations, but none quite embody the stereotypical Southeast Asian beauty like the island of Palawan. Especially in the north, around the town of El Nido, the landscape is simply breathtaking, with towering limestone formations leading the way to numerous small islands amidst long stretches of golden sands and crystal-clear waters. For your first day here, we recommend heading out to explore these islands off the coast of Bacuit Bay! This activity is so popular that both local and online agencies offer nearly identical services, with four predefined island-hopping routes available:

  • Tour A: Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, 7 Commando Beach and Payong-Payong Beach.
  • Tour B: Entalula Island, Snake Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, Cudugnon Cave and Cathedral Cave.
  • Tour C: Helicopter Island, Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Talisay Beach and Matinloc Shrine.
  • Tour D: Cadlao Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Bukal Beach, Nat Nat Beach and Paradise Beach.

Depending on which route you choose, each tour (lasting 6 to 8 hours) will take you to a mix of islands, beaches, caves and lagoons, and many even include kayaking and snorkeling activities. Lunch is also provided. As for prices, it will likely be in the range of ₱1800 to ₱2000 per person, inclusive of all mandatory environmental fees. A regular tour usually carries about 20 people, but if you’d prefer a private boat for two, the price will be around ₱10.000 (for both people). If you don’t know what tour to choose, just know that most visitors usually go with either Tour A or C. On the other hand, if you’re happy to spend a little extra and take a private boat, you can even combine Tours A and C in one day to see the highlights of El Nido’s coastline. In that case, the total price for the boat will be ₱15.000.

Fifth day wrap-up:

  • Island Hopping Boat Tour
    • Tour A, B, C or D

Where to eat in the Philippines – Best restaurants in El Nido

Philippines 10-Day Itinerary: Day 6 – El Nido: Beaches and Taraw Cliff

After a day spent island-hopping on a boat, you’ll wrap up your time in Palawan (and El Nido) by staying on solid ground to visit some of the region’s most beautiful beaches. After all, isn’t that what you came for? Your adventure begins at the northern tip of the island with a visit to Duli Beach, known for its perfect waves that have turned it into a hub for surfers. From there, you’ll begin your journey southward, covering around 40 km. Along the way, make sure to stop at Nacpan Beach, one of Palawan’s most famous stretches of sand and a place that seems to have been taken straight out of a tropical vacation catalogue. Back in El Nido, we recommend heading up to Taraw Cliff, the town’s main viewpoint. To reach the top, you’ll need to purchase a ticket for the Via Ferrata Canopy Walk (₱430), a series of rope bridges that wind through the treetops.

Further down, now south of El Nido, you’ll pass through Corong Corong Beach, one of the liveliest and most touristy beaches in Palawan, before capping off your time on the island at Las Cabanas Beach. If you want to give your experience a boost, consider trying the Palawan Zipline Adventure, an exhilarating 750-meter zipline running from a cliff behind Las Cabanas Beach to Depeldet Island, just a short distance offshore. The round-trip ticket costs ₱800. Given that the total journey for the day will cover over 60 km, we recommend hiring a taxi or a trike driver to take you between stops and wait for you at each one. If you’re experienced enough, you could also rent a scooter. Either way, keep in mind that by the end of the day you’ll need to travel back to Puerto Princesa Airport by bus, where you’ll catch a flight to your next destination!

Sixth day wrap-up:

  • Duli Beach
  • Nacpan Beach
  • Taraw Cliff (Via Ferrata Canopy Walk)
  • Corong Corong Beach
  • Las Cabanas Beach
  • Palawan Zipline Adventure

Philippines 10-Day Itinerary: Day 7 – Cebu: Kawasan Falls and the Sardine Run

After spending the night near Puerto Princesa Airport, we recommend taking an early flight to the island of Cebu, the next stop on your itinerary. Once you make it to downtown Cebu City and drop off your luggage at the hotel, you’ll hurry up and head to Moalboal, a town on the western side of the island (about 3 hours away) and the perfect base for those wishing to take tours for two of its most popular activities. To kick things off, you’ll want to join a boat tour to watch Cebu’s famous sardine run! If the concept of swimming with shoals of sardines doesn’t sound particularly impressive, we urge you to look up how these enormous schools move in perfect sync, forming massive, wavy walls that seem straight out of a sci-fi movie. Definitely one of nature’s most underrated phenomena! Coincidently, the coastline of Moalboal, especially around Panagsama Beach, offers the ideal conditions for these massive shoals to thrive, making it possible to spot millions of sardines year-round. While it’s technically possible to observe the sardines independently, since they gather just 30 meters offshore, you’ll still need to rent snorkeling gear. Plus, there’s always an element of risk involved, which is significantly reduced when accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. Therefore, we recommend joining a tour.

In addition to the sardine run, most tours also include a visit to the coral reefs around Pescador Island and snorkeling/diving at Turtle Bay, where (surprise, surprise) you can swim alongside sea turtles! These tours usually start early in the morning, leaving you with plenty of time to visit the spectacular Kawasan Falls, arguably Cebu’s most famous attraction! Spread across several interconnected tiers, these stunning waterfalls and their crystal-clear waters are ideal for canyoneering, an adventurous activity where you can explore, swim, jump and slide through various gorges and rocky passageways, completing the aquatic trail that links the falls’ three levels. It’s an extremely fun and adrenaline-filled experience, though it’s only available through guided tours for safety reasons (unless you have the proper gear and extensive canyoneering experience). If canyoneering isn’t really your thing, then you can visit Kawasan Falls independently. From Moalboal, just negotiate with a trike driver for a round-trip to the falls + waiting time. Alternatively, you can hop on any bus heading south and tell the driver your destination. While the bus won’t drop you directly at the entrance, it will leave you about 15 minutes away. It may not be as exciting, but you’ll still be able to enjoy the falls and go for a swim, though access will be limited to only one of the levels. The admission fee (without a tour) is ₱200.

Seventh day wrap-up:

  • Sardine Run (Panagsama Beach – Moalboal)
  • Pescador Island
  • Turtle Bay
  • Kawasan Falls

Where to eat in the Philippines – Best restaurants in Cebu City

Philippines 10-Day Itinerary: Day 8 – Cebu: Whale Sharks in Oslob

Another day, another adventure! If you’ve read our guides before, you already know we’re big fans of the DIY approach, always striving to offer independent alternatives to guided tours. Unfortunately, in the Philippines – and especially in Cebu – it’s often difficult to do things independently and avoid the tours. Whether it’s because of government regulations or safety concerns, joining a tour is frequently the only way to visit some of the places. Luckily, today’s destination is an exception to that frustrating rule, as – believe it or not – you can actually plan a trip to go swim with sharks without relying on a local agency! Without further ado, your day will start bright and early in Cebu City, where you’ll catch a bus (no later than 06h00) heading south to Oslob, a town famous for being one of the few places in the world where whale sharks are spotted daily. These gentle giants, officially the largest fish species in the world, can grow up to an astonishing 12 meters in length! Once in Oslob, head to the Whale Shark Watching Center, where you’ll pay a ₱500 fee before being taken on a boat with a group of five other tourists to the spot where the sharks gather. The fee includes snorkeling gear rental.

Needless to say, being up close and sharing space with several creatures that are over 10 meters long is a breathtaking experience! Unfortunately, it’s also important to note that this activity has received increasing criticism for ethical reasons. While no sharks are directly harmed throughout the experience, the only reason they gather at this specific location is because locals have been actively luring them in with food for tourism. As a result, and despite how awe-inspiring the experience might be (and it is), it’s actually like visiting a glorified aquarium, since sharks have their hunting instincts and migratory patterns affected by human behavior. If this is a dealbreaker, then you might want to have a look at other possible activities for the day. For those who are certified divers, a better alternative would be swimming with thresher sharks around Malapascua Island or diving in the Sumilon Marine Reserve. If you prefer something that isn’t animal-related, consider island-hopping off the coast of Mactan Island, hiking up Osmeña Peak, exploring the caves of Camotes Island or simply soaking up the sun at the beach in Bantayan Island. Whatever you choose, though, just make sure you return to Cebu City in time to collect your luggage and catch the ferry to Tagbilaran, in neighboring Bohol (4 hours, ₱1000).

Eighth day wrap-up:

  • Swimming with whale sharks in Oslob

Philippines 10-Day Itinerary: Day 9 – Bohol: Chocolate Hills, Loboc River Cruise and the Philippine Tarsier

Often overlooked in favor of its more popular neighbor of Cebu, Bohol offers much more than the pristine beaches and coral reefs you’ve grown accustomed to in the Philippines. Yes, those are still present, but Bohol also boasts with one of the most distinctive landscapes in the country and a captivating endemic primate species that has become a social media sensation. For convenience, we recommend staying near Tagbilaran (the island’s main city), where transportation is readily available for exploring Bohol’s key attractions. From there, start your day by taking a bus to the small town of Carmen, perhaps the most popular gateway to the legendary Chocolate Hills, arguably the most famous landmark on the island. A true geological wonder, these are approximately 1000 rolling hills spread across an area of more than 50 km², creating a rather surreal landscape. There are several viewpoints where you can admire the scenery, but this one is among the very best (₱100). Once you’ve taken in the view, go back down and find a trike to take you to Villaflor, a small village where you can board a Loboc River Cruise.

Actually, most of the boats that operate on this stretch of the river double down as both floating restaurants and tourist cruises, offering a buffet lunch while you sail along a picturesque 1.5 km section of the river. The whole experience costs ₱1000. No need to pre-book, just head to the riverbanks in Villaflor and you’ll find several operators offering to take you aboard. When arranging for the trike ride, make sure to ask the driver to follow the route through the Bilar Man-Made Forest, which lies along the road connecting the Chocolate Hills to Loboc. Though only 2 km long, this is a beautiful road section framed by thousands of mahogany trees planted to combat deforestation, creating a tunnel-like appearance this is just perfect for a quick photo-op! Lastly, before heading back to your base in Tagbilaran, a stop at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary (₱80) is an absolute must. This conservation center provides a rare opportunity to observe the adorable, wide-eyed tarsiers – one of the world’s smallest primates – in their natural habitat while ensuring they are protected and their well-being respected.

Ninth day wrap-up:

  • Chocolate Hills
  • Bilar Man-Made Forest
  • Loboc River Cruise
  • Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary

Where to eat in the Philippines – Best restaurants in Bohol

Philippines 10-Day Itinerary: Day 10 – Bohol: Panglao Island

Now that we got to the final day of your trip, and after a super-busy first day in Bohol, you’ll bid farewell to the island – and the country – at a much more relaxed pace. Earlier, we mentioned that Bohol stands out from the rest of the Philippines because of its unique Chocolate Hills and adorable primates. However, its similarities to other parts of the country – especially when it comes to the holy triad of sun, sand and beautiful beaches – should never be understated! However, before diving into beach time, you’ll start your day wth a cultural visit to Baclayon Church, considered one of the oldest churches in East and Southeast Asia. While the current structure dates back to 1727, the church was originally founded in the 16th century by a group of Jesuits. After visiting this important historical site, you’ll then head south to Panglao Island, a small islet connected to Bohol by two road bridges. Panglao is known as the most idyllic corner of Bohol, famous for its stunning beaches and must-see caves. In order to move around the small island, just go with a different trike every time you need a trip.

Once you make it to Panglao Island, your first stop will take place at Hinagdanan Cave, which served as a shelter during air raids in World War II and whose interior hides a beautiful natural pool. When sunlight filters at just the right angle, the water glows so brightly that it looks almost fluorescent! The entrance fee is ₱50, and you’ll need to pay an additional ₱75 if you want to swim in the pool. Speaking of swimming, the rest of your day will be spent enjoying the sea at several of Panglao’s pristine beaches. Highlights include Alona Beach, one of the most beautiful in the Philippines, Danao Beach, great for snorkeling, and Momo Beach, a great spot for those seeking a quieter, less crowded experience. After spending a few delightful hours basking in the sun, you’ll pick up your bags and head to the local airport. That’s where you’ll board your flight back to the capital Manila, followed by the long journey back to Europe.

Tenth day wrap-up:

  • Baclayon Church
  • Panglao Island
    • Hinagdanan Cave
    • Alona Beach
    • Danao Beach
    • Momo Beach
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