Ultimate 2 Weeks In Philippines Itinerary🏝️For Your Perfect Adventure! [2024]

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Looking for a 2 weeks in Philippines itinerary?

Lucky you! The Philippines is a great destination which you’ll love, and while no 2 weeks itinerary Philippines will ever allow you to explore the whole country, you can see a lot and have a great time with 2 weeks in the Philippines.

An archipelago of over 7000 islands, most with pristine white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters, the Philippines is without a doubt an exotic destination! Within this Philippines travel itinerary, 2 weeks are spent exploring – what we feel – are some of the ultimate beaches, lagoons, lakes, rivers and towns of this stunning country.

This two week itinerary Philippines offers includes beaches that are consistently named as the best in the world, a UNESCO natural wonder, and incredible diving and snorkelling spots, plus not forgetting historic churches, forts, and rich local culture.

As you travel the country, appreciate the lush biodiversity, taste the unique cuisine and savour the renowned hospitality of the Filipino people. Days are warm but breezy and nights tropical, full of twinkling stars.  It’s really no wonder the country is a firm travel favourite!

However coming up with the perfect 2 weeks Philippines itinerary can be hard with so many great choices. That’s why I have done the hard work for you!

Below, you will find our best 2 week itinerary Philippines. You simply need to read it and follow our exact itinerary step-by-step. Simple!

Let’s start!

Visiting for longer? Find our full 3 weeks to 1 month Philippines itinerary here. Travelling shorter? Find our 10 day itinerary here and our 7 day itineraries here.

Philippines Itinerary 2 Week Detailed Plan

Map Of 2 Weeks In Philippines Itinerary

Philippines 2 Week Itinerary map
Click the Map to open in Google Maps. You can then access directions to each of the locations discussed in this article.

We kick-off your epic two weeks in Philippines itinerary at our favourite destination of Coron, with its stunning lagoons, empty beaches and marvellous marine life. On to the equally gorgeous El Nido – a true slice of paradise – with karst cliffs, stunning sandbanks and bluest lagoons of Bacuit Bay awaiting your discovery.

Drop by Sabang for a day, cruising the UNESCO Underground River, followed by two nights at Puerto Princesa – a city with important WWII history and even more island-hopping on offer!

Take a short flight over to Cebu, where the pace picks up for the day in hectic Cebu City. Explore the Spanish heritage of this old city and enjoy some delicious local delicacies.

Finally, it’s a short ferry ride over to Bohol – keeping an eye out for dolphins along the route – and into the interior of this large lush island. Marvel at the eye-popping Chocolate Hills and the world’s smallest monkeys, tarsiers. Cruise the Loboc River in search of fireflies and local wildlife, before spending your last few days at one of our favourite towns, Panglao. Mostly untouched by tourism, the slow relaxing pace of the island lulls you gently into submission, enjoying a relaxing end to your Philippines itinerary, two weeks. Days are spent on the water – in search of turtles, colourful fish or playful dolphins –  or chilling at white sandy beaches, perhaps with a cocktail in hand.

Come with us on this journey, ticking off some of the top island and beach adventures that the country has to offer, and prepare to be amazed at the scenic beauty along the route on this two weeks in Philippines itinerary.

Day 1-2 Coron

Blue Lagoon Coron
Blue Lagoon

Welcome to the Philippines and the start of your 2 week Philippines Itinerary! And there’s nowhere more beautiful to start than at Coron Town, Busuanga Island. Fly in from Manila on a short 50 minute flight (find available flights here), followed by a 30 minute transfer through farmlands to Coron Town (not to be confused with the nearby island of Coron!).

Your first taste of the Philippines and it doesn’t disappoint… A small rustic town, Coron has a handful of restaurants, dive operator shops, spas and hotels. Unspoiled – as yet – by tourism, everyday life continues with humming karaoke bars and (what feels like!) the endless crowing of chickens.

Check into your hotel and relax. Later, head out to the port area to source an afternoon kayak tour around the bay and nearby islands. Ask your hotel about arranging an evening fireflies cruise & dinner… a magical tour, under a star-filled sky on a small boat in search of glittering fireflies, followed by a delicious local meal on a floating bamboo restaurant.

Next morning and it’s a full day Island Hopping experience! Nearby El Nido is world famous for its lagoons and karst islands, but quite honestly Coron blows us away! Stunning coral gardens for snorkelling, brilliant white-sand beaches and epic lakes, plus a glittering ocean full of exotic fish.

Kayangan Lake in Coron Island
Kayangan Lake in Coron Island

Similar to El Nido, tours are set to follow general patterns and you can save money by joining a group trip. Alternatively, barter your way to a good deal with a boat captain at the CTBA Boat Pier and push to include some of our recommended locations:

  • Twin Lagoon – be here for 7 am if your boat captain gets moving!  Breath-taking… Buy a discounted ticket here.
  • Kayangan Lake – good to arrive around 7.30 am, to avoid the mass of people from 9 am. With approx 360 steps to reach the Lake, avoid the heat of the day! Buy a discounted ticket here.
  • Barracuda Lake – beautiful light-blue water, great for a cooling dip.
  • Banul Beach – picture-postcard stunning and a great spot for early lunch (again before the crowds).
  • Skeleton Wreck – a great snorkelling spot!
  • Coral Garden – another epic snorkelling spot!

If you prefer to really get-away-from-it all, spend your day at these slightly distant islands (approx 1h30m by boat from Coron Town). You won’t be disappointed as they are a handful of Palawan’s most stunning islands:

  • Malcapuya – a beautiful tropical island with a huge white-sand beach (busy from 11 am). Buy a discounted ticket here.
  • Ditaytayan Island –  an awesome sandbar and a favourite spot for lunch.
  • Banana Island – similar to Malcapuya, where you can chill in beach hammocks.

Wherever you choose, ensure to start early and save money by picking up your lunchtime bbq food before you depart from the Coron Local Market, right next to the pier. Remember to buy charcoal and drinks too, plus expect to pay an entrance fee at each spot/island that you visit, and definitely don’t forget your snorkelling gear! …sure to be a highlight day within your 2 week travel itinerary, Philippines.

Click here to see day tour options.

Best Accommodation: Two Seasons Coron Island Resort & Spa

Budget Accommodation: Treetop Suites

Find our full guide to the best places to stay in Coron here.

Day 3-4 El Nido

El Nido Palawan Miniloc Island with diving boats
Miniloc Island in El Nido with diving boats

Another early start today, with the ferry from Coron to El Nido. Taking approximately 4 hours, there is usually a fastcraft 6 am sailing. It’s an idyllic boat ride, taking you past the islands of Linapacan province, once listed as having the world’s most transparent waters. You can find schedules here.

Upon reaching El Nido, check into your hotel in Town proper. A busy little town, El Nido Town has a surprisingly large amount of restaurants, catering for many cuisines, along with snack bars, doughnut sellers, ice-cream parlours, etc. You’ll also find a plethora of operators tempting you with island-hopping tours, inner-island excursions and diving trips.

Backpacker and low-cost accommodation abound, making this a favourite destination if you are enjoying a Philippines backpacking itinerary, 2 weeks. And, in the middle of town, you’ll find a few funky beach bars and karaoke joints that mostly open out onto El Nido beach – a long curving bay that’s always busy with pump boats and luxurious island speed boats coming and going.

In the afternoon, head to Las Cabanas Beach for an afternoon swim and a thrilling Zipline that takes you across the ocean to a nearby island! Enjoy a more peaceful return via a slither of a sandbank that connects the two islands. Find yourself a good spot on the beach or at one of the many outlets along the beach, and sit back to enjoy possibly one of the best sunsets you’ll ever see!

Las Cabanas Beach Zipline
Las Cabanas Beach Zipline

Day 4 and guess what? It’s another early start on your Philippines two week itinerary! Join any one of the organised tours to discover the beautiful Bacuit Bay of El Nido… that which you see in almost every magazine advertising the Philippines!

There are four official tours, simply named A, B, C and D, and you can save money by joining with other travellers or treat yourself to a private pump boat for the day.

Departing from El Nido beach, tour options include:

After your trip, refresh at your hotel before taking dinner in Town and checking out some of the bars.

Best Accommodation: Cauayan Island Resort

Budget Accommodation: Amakan Bed | Bunk | Breakfast

Find our full guide to the best places to stay in El Nido here.

Day 5 – Sabang

Cave Entrance Of Puerto Princesa Subterranean Underground River
Cave Entrance Of Puerto Princesa Subterranean Underground River

Today is yet another early start, but you can catch up on sleep during the drive. Arrange a van-with-driver (or find other van ride schedules here), and hit the road to your first destination of Sabang, approximately 5 hours away. Home to the famous Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park, this may well be a highlight of your Philippines 2 week itinerary!

The famous Underground River is 8.2km-long, with stunning cave formations, limestone cliffs and mirror-clear waters. From Sabang Port, join a boat taking you to the Underground River entrance, where you’ll transfer to a smaller boat to go inside for viewing unique stalagmites, stalactites and more… Click here to get discounted day tour tickets.

You can also choose to return to Sabang on foot, taking the Monkey Trail – a 5km trail (with a steep climb) through overgrown forests and up close to spectacular limestone karsts. Wildlife galore here, with monkeys and monitor lizards!

Relax the remainder of your day at Sabang Beach, before taking the van on – just one hour – to Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan. You can find schedules here.

Best Accommodation: Best Western Plus The Ivywall Hotel

Budget Accommodation:  Hostel Privado

Day 6-7 Puerto Princesa

Luli Island, Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa
Luli Island, Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa

Relax through the morning, starting out after lunch to discover the history of this greenest and cleanest city of the Philippines. Join an organised tour (click here for discounted City Heritage Tour tickets) or self-discover by visiting:

  • Plaza Cuartel
  • World War II Museum
  • Palawan Heritage Centre

In the evening, join with locals at the Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park for an alfresco picnic-style dinner of grilled seafood. A lively spot, where often street-artists perform, it’s a great way to end your day!

All refreshed and midway through your 2 weeks in the Philippines itinerary, on Day 7 discover the joy of island-hopping at Honda Bay! Pack your sunglasses, sunblock and snorkel as you spend another “typical Philippines day” out on the water, stopping at beautiful sandbanks and almost deserted idyllic islands. Click here to purchase discounted tickets for this tour.

Day 8 – Cebu

Magellan's Cross Cebu
Magellan’s Cross Cebu

It’s a quick flight to Cebu today, taking a little over an hour (find available flights here). This “Queen City of the South” is one of the oldest cities in the Philippines.

Spend the afternoon admiring buildings from its 16th-century Spanish colonial past, including Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, Fort Pedro and Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. And ensure to capture a photo at Magellan’s Cross, marking the spot where Portuguese and Spanish explorers first landed in 1521. Click here to purchase discounted tickets for a half day tour.

In the evening, check out Ayala Mall or SM Mall for shopping and dinner.

Best Accommodation: Radisson Blu Cebu 

Budget Accommodation:  La Gloria Residence Inn

Day 9 Bohol

Chocolate Hills, Bohol
Chocolate Hills, Bohol

Another busy day ahead! Catch an early morning ferry from Cebu Port over to Bohol, a quick 2 hours trip. You can see schedules here.

We recommend staying at the Loboc River Resort, to really immerse yourself in Bohol’s jungle interior. From there, join an organised tour or arrange a van-with-driver to explore the famed Chocolate Hills and Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary. Back at the hotel, discover Loboc River with an afternoon cruise or an early evening firefly-watching experience.

Best Accommodation: Loboc River Resort – I can’t recommend this place enough!

Budget Accommodation:  Water to Forest Ecolodge Bohol

You can read our full guide to where to stay in Bohol here.

Day 10-14 Panglao

After a relaxing morning and lunch in Bohol, travel the short 30-40 minutes drive to beautiful Panglao, a delightful destination on your Philippines 2 week itinerary. Connected by a short bridge to Bohol, Panglao Island is epic Philippines. A small island, with only a handful of villages, the centre for entertainment and tourism is Alona Beach. Check into your beachside hotel and relax at the pool, in the sea, or with a well-earned massage.

On day 11 it is again time to get out on the water, this time with a really early start around 5 am! From Alona Beach join a pump boat for a couple of hours in search of dolphins and pilot whales, cameras forever at the ready!

Alona tropical beach in Panglao
Alona tropical beach in Panglao

After refreshing at your hotel and having lunch, spend the afternoon discovering Panglao’s natural attractions, culture and historical sites:

  • Bohol Bee Farm
  • Nova Shell Museum
  • Hinagdanan Cave
  • Panglao Watchtower
  • San Agustin Parish Church
  • Old Panglao Municipal Building

Click here to purchase discounted Panglao Island tour tickets.

Day 12 and it’s your last chance for island-hopping, this time Panglao style:

  • Balicasag Island – a treasure trove of marine life and coral reefs (lots of turtles here)
  • BBQ lunch, beachside
  • Virgin Island – a white powdery sandbar, surrounded by azure waters

For dinner, dine at Alona Beach with tables set up adjacent to the beach under the stars… with cooking stations offering sumptuous grilled seafood.

Day 13 and sadly today is your last full day. Sit back and relish the tranquillity of the Philippines, take a swim or snorkel, and catch your last sunset.

Best Accommodation: Henann Resort

Budget Accommodation: Mithi Resort and Spa

…time to start planning your next Philippines travel itinerary 2 weeks!

Final Words For Your 2 Weeks Itinerary Philippines 2024

Island hopping in El Nido
Island hopping in El Nido

A wonderful tour, our Philippines two week itinerary encapsulates the quintessential Philippines, with island hopping in Coron, El Nido and Panglao. With a pinch of history in Puerto Princesa and Cebu and the unique Chocolate Hills of Bohol and the world famous UNESCO Underground River, this is one monumental trip!

We hope you found this Philippines itinerary 2 weeks useful! You can find all our guides to planning your Philippines adventure here or check out our three week itinerary here and 10 day itinerary here.

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By Julia Rolph

Julia first discovered the Philippines in 2011, eventually settling in beautiful Bantayan Island, Cebu, with her daughter and Filipino partner.  The family spend every vacation exploring the Philippines, and Julia enjoys helping others discover this wonderful destination. When she's not sharing her vast Philippines knowledge here, she works as a travel planner planning trips for people who want to visit the Philippines