Complete 10 days in the Philippines itinerary

The Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands, and each one has its own charm. You’ll find pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery wherever you go. There’s so much to see, from the famous Chocolate Hills in Bohol to the peaceful lagoons of El Nido. This 10-day Philippines itinerary is focused on the islands of Bohol, Palawan, and Coron. I’ve tried to design it to give you plenty of time to enjoy the highlights without feeling rushed.
 

10-day Philippines itinerary overview

This 10 day Philippines itinerary starts in Manila before heading to Bohol. Then, you’ll travel to Palawan, where El Nido is, for some island-hopping. Finally, you’ll end your trip in Coron.

• Day 1: Arrive in Manila
• Day 2: Fly to Bohol and relax on the beach
• Day 3: Bohol Countryside Tour
• Day 4: Travel to El Nido, Palawan
• Day 5: El Nido island-hopping Tour A
• Day 6: El Nido island-hopping Tour C
• Day 7: Ferry to Coron and town exploration
• Day 8: Coron island-hopping tour
• Day 9: Maquinit Hot Springs and Mt. Tapyas
• Day 10: Departure via Manila

I’ve created this itinerary as a mix of organized tours with free time, so you can explore at your own pace too. Transfers between islands are easy, with flights connecting the major destinations and boat rides for the shorter trips. Let’s dive into the details:
 

Day 1: Arrive in Manila

This 10 day Philippines itinerary starts as you land in Manila, the country’s busy capital. Once you've cleared immigration and grabbed your luggage, head to the arrival hall. 

There are plenty of transportation options, but the easiest way to get to your hotel is either by airport taxi or a pre-arranged hotel shuttle. As you drive through the city, you’ll get your first taste of Manila: a mix of modern skyscrapers and colonial buildings.

Manila has a lot to see, but for this trip, we’ll keep things simple and use it as a quick stopover before heading to the islands. Take it easy after your flight, and get ready for an early start tomorrow. If you’re hungry, you can have dinner at your hotel or explore a nearby restaurant. You might want to try some Filipino favorites like adobo (meat marinated in vinegar and soy sauce) or sinigang (sour soup). 

Where to stay in Manila

For your night of rest, you have some options:

• Makati: If you're looking for convenience, Makati is a great spot. It’s Manila’s business district, so you'll find plenty of hotels, restaurants, and shopping all within walking distance. Many international hotel chains are here, with comfortable rooms and easy access to airport shuttles. 
• Pasay City: If you want to be closer to the airport, Pasay City is another good choice. It’s practical, with lots of budget-friendly and mid-range hotels, and it’s ideal for minimizing travel time before your early morning flight. Pasay might not be as polished as Makati, but it has everything you need.

Once you get a good night’s rest, you’ll be all set to head out early for your flight to Bohol.
 

Day 2: Fly to Bohol and hit the beach

You’ll start this day early with a quick breakfast before heading to Manila’s domestic terminal for your flight to Tagbilaran, the gateway city to Bohol. The flight is short, but the views are stunning. When you land, you’ll feel the change from Manila’s fast pace to the more laid-back vibe of Bohol.

From Tagbilaran Airport, take an airport taxi or shuttle to your resort, which is usually about 30 minutes away on Panglao Island’s gorgeous coastline.

Once you check in, the afternoon is yours to unwind and switch to island time. Sink your toes into the soft sand of Alona Beach, one of the best beaches in the Philippines. The water is clear, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some colorful fish swimming by. 

A word of advice: the tropical sun can be stronger than it feels, so make sure to apply plenty of reef-safe sunscreen, even on cloudy days. See our Philippines travel health tips for more pointers.

For dinner, try the fresh seafood and local Filipino dishes. Some local favorites include kinilaw (Filipino ceviche), grilled fish, or sinigang (a tangy soup made with tamarind). 

Day 3: Bohol countryside tour

Day 3 of this 10 days Philippine itinerary is designed for getting up close with some of Bohol’s top sights. After breakfast, your guide will meet you for a day of exploring the island’s highlights. 

First stop, the Chocolate Hills—they’re one of Bohol’s most iconic spots. Next, you’ll head over to the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella. These tiny creatures are some of the world’s smallest primates. The sanctuary makes sure the tarsiers are respected and not disturbed.

Then, you’ll hop onto the Loboc River Cruise. You’ll board a floating restaurant for a peaceful trip down the emerald river, with a buffet lunch of Filipino dishes. As you glide along the water, local musicians sometimes play traditional music.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit Baclayon Church, one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines, built during the Spanish colonial period. 

Lastly, you’ll drive through the man-made mahogany forest, where the road is shaded by tall trees and is significantly cooler. By late afternoon, you’ll head back to your hotel, with a little downtime to relax. See our guide to the best time to go to the Philippines for more tips about beating the heat.

Day 4: Travel to El Nido, Palawan

Start the day with a relaxing breakfast in Bohol before checking out and heading to your next stop. By midday, you’ll catch your flight from Tagbilaran Airport to Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan.

Travel time: 5-6 hours total (1-hour flight plus 5-hour road transfer)

Getting around the Philippines is often done in stages, and the journey to El Nido is broken up into two parts. You’ll first fly from Tagbilaran to Puerto Princesa and then take a 5-hour road trip north.

The drive takes you through rural villages, rice fields, and jungle-covered mountains, and then you’ll start to see the dramatic limestone karst formations that signal you’re nearing El Nido.

When you arrive in El Nido around early evening, check into your accommodation and take a breather after your travels. If you’re up for it, take a stroll along the beach to catch the sunset—it’s a beautiful way to end the day. El Nido town has a variety of seafood restaurants, so you can grab a bite and relax.

Where to stay in El Nido

You’ll have options for where to stay:

• El Nido Town is an easy spot to base yourself, especially since it’s right on the beach and close to where the island-hopping tours depart. You’ll find a mix of places to stay, from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels, many of which have great views. See more in our guide to accommodation in the Philippines.
• If you’d prefer something a little quieter, Corong Corong, just south of El Nido town, is a nice option. The beach here has great sunset views, and it’s only a short tricycle ride into town for restaurants and tours. Accommodations in this area range from mid-range to luxury.
   

Day 5: El Nido island hopping (Tour A)

For day 5 of this 10 day Philippines itinerary, I suggest you take the day to go island hopping through Bacuit Bay’s stunning limestone scenery.

After breakfast, head to the beach, where you’ll hop onto one of the outrigger boats for Tour A—one of the most popular routes in El Nido (where you'll find some of the best islands in the Philippines). As your boat sets off, you’ll get a great view of El Nido town and the limestone cliffs that surround it.

First stop: the Small Lagoon. You’ll make your way through a narrow gap in the rock and then either swim or kayak into the lagoon. The water here is clear, and you’ll be surrounded by towering cliffs covered in greenery. 

After some time here, your boat will take you to the Big Lagoon, a place you’ve probably seen in photos. 

Around lunchtime, you’ll stop at Shimizu Island to enjoy a beachside meal. The boat crew will serve up fresh grilled fish, tropical fruits, rice, and vegetables—all picnic-style. After lunch, you’ll head to the Secret Lagoon, which you reach by crawling through a small hole in the rock. Once inside, you’ll find a hidden beach surrounded by cliffs.

Your last stop for the day is 7 Commando Beach, where you can relax on the soft white sand or cool off with a swim. On your way back to El Nido, keep an eye out for the changing light on the limestone cliffs. Afterward, you can wind down with dinner in town.  For more ideas, see our guide to the best things to do in El Nido.
 

Day 6: El Nido island hopping (Tour C)

Building on yesterday, Tour C takes you to even more hidden gems around El Nido—quiet beaches and some prime snorkeling spots. After breakfast, head back to the beach and hop on your outrigger boat for today’s tour.

Your first stop is Hidden Beach, tucked behind a wall of cliffs. To get there, you'll swim through a narrow opening in the rock and emerge on a peaceful beach.

Next, you'll head to Matinloc Shrine, an abandoned religious retreat perched on a limestone island. The shrine itself is interesting, but the real treat is the panoramic view from the top, which you can reach by climbing a rocky path. It’s a bit of a climb, but definitely worth it.

Your next stop is Secret Beach, one of the highlights of the day. This hidden gem is accessible only at low tide, and you’ll need to swim through a small hole in the rock to enter.

By late afternoon, you’ll head back to El Nido. For something extra special, treat yourself to seafood at one of the beachfront restaurants along the shore. You’re sure to find a variety of fresh catches from the day’s haul—grilled fish, succulent prawns, or maybe even some tender lobster. Pair it with a cold buko juice (coconut water) or a local lambanog (coconut spirit).  For more pointers, see our Philippines travel tips.
 

Day 7: Ferry to Coron 

On day 7 of this 10-day Philippines itinerary, it’s time to head to Coron Island (one of the best things to do in the Philippines). After breakfast, check out of your place and head to El Nido’s port to catch the fast ferry to Coron. The journey across the Linapacan Strait is a nice change of scenery, as you leave behind El Nido’s limestone cliffs and cruise out onto open water.

Travel time: 3.5–4 hours by ferry

The ferry ride is on a modern, fast passenger boat run by companies like Montenegro Lines or Atienza Shipping. You’ll have air-conditioned cabins, but it’s also worth spending some time out on the deck to get some fresh air. 

When you arrive at Coron Port, you’ll notice that the vibe here is a little different from El Nido. While El Nido is a bit more developed for tourism, Coron Town has kept more of its local, island feel. After checking into your accommodation, take a stroll around town.

Next, head up to Mt. Tapyas, Coron’s most iconic spot, with the huge cross and the "CORON" sign. The 700+ steps to the top can be a little tough, but the view is worth it. You’ll get a great look at the town, the harbor, and the surrounding islands. 

If you time it right, you can catch a beautiful sunset over Coron Bay. Once you’re done, make your way back down and grab dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants.

Where to stay in Coron

While you're making your plans, here are some options for where to stay:

• Coron Town Proper is the most convenient place to stay, especially if you want easy access to everything: restaurants, tour operators, and the port for island-hopping boats. The town is compact and walkable, with options ranging from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels.
• If you’re looking for something quieter, check out Busuanga Island in areas like Concepcion or Sandcrest, which are about 30 minutes away from Coron Town. These places are peaceful, with some mid-range and upscale resorts set on private beaches.
   

Day 8: Coron island hopping tour

Today, you’ll see why Coron is such a favorite of mine. After breakfast, head to the port where your boat will be ready for a full day of exploring. While El Nido is known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, Coron is famous for its incredibly clear lakes, vibrant coral reefs, and WWII shipwrecks. The island-hopping tour takes you to the best spots around Coron Island.

Your first stop is Kayangan Lake, which is often called the cleanest lake in the Philippines. To get there, you’ll take a short but steep hike over a limestone ridge. The freshwater sits on top of saltwater, and the water is so clear you can easily spot the underwater rock formations below you.

Next up are the Twin Lagoons, where cold freshwater meets warm saltwater. The mix of temperatures as you swim is a really unique experience. At lunchtime, the boat will anchor at Beach 91 (so named because it’s 91 nautical miles from Manila), where the crew will prepare a spread of grilled fish, pork, rice, and tropical fruits.

In the afternoon, you’ll stop to snorkel at Coral Garden, a shallow reef. Some tours also include a visit to the Japanese shipwrecks from World War II. These wrecks have become artificial reefs, and they’re accessible to snorkelers. 

After a full day of exploring, you’ll head back to Coron Town in the late afternoon, giving you time to rest and freshen up before dinner. Be sure to try local dishes like kinilaw (a Filipino ceviche) or sizzling sisig.
 

Day 9: Maquinit hot springs and Mt. Tapyas

For your last full day in the Philippines, take it slow and check out some of Coron’s land-based destinations. Start the day with breakfast, then rent a motorbike or grab a tuk-tuk for a 30-minute ride to Maquinit Hot Springs. 

These saltwater hot springs are pretty unique, one of the few like them in the world. The pools stay at a comfy 104°F (40°C ).

The springs are nestled in among mangrove trees, and there are wooden walkways that connect different pools at various temperatures. It’s the perfect place to soak.

After you’ve relaxed, there are a few small seafood spots nearby where you can grab a bite. The fresh seafood from local fishermen makes for a great last meal in the Philippines.
 

Day 10: Departure via Manila

Today’s the day you say goodbye to the Philippines and the last day of this 10 day Philippines itinerary. Have a relaxing breakfast before checking out and heading to Busuanga Airport for your flight to Manila. The airport is small and laid-back, but it’s still a good idea to get there around 90 minutes before your flight, just in case. 

Your flight from Busuanga (Coron) to Manila is about an hour, giving you a final aerial view of Palawan’s beautiful landscapes. Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirSwift all have daily flights between these two airports. 

When booking your international connection, make sure you have enough time between flights—3 to 4 hours is ideal to navigate Manila’s airport. Depending on your airline, you might need to transfer between terminals, so giving yourself a little extra time is key.