This comprehensive Philippines 1 month itinerary navigates the best destinations, cultural gems, and top activities, ensuring an extraordinary journey. From idyllic islands to vibrant cityscapes, and authentic cultural encounters to thrilling adventures, this guide crafts a perfect balance for every kind of explorer. Use this flexible guide as your starting point, allowing you to tailor the activities based on your preferences and experience a truly personalised exploration of this tropical paradise!
Day 1-2: Manila
Welcome to Manila – The Capital of the Philippines. The City balances nature, culture and history perfectly. Taste test the local street foods (especially the Adobo), or wander the museums to learn about the Philippine’s history.
- Fly into Manilla Airport and spend 2 nights in the city overcoming jetlag
- Explore Rizal Park and Fort Santiago
Day 3-10: Northern Luzon
Your trip is now heading North – be prepared for a cooler climate, that is unique in comparison to the normal hot sticky weather common in the rest of the country. Experience The famous UNESCO Heritage Site of the Banaue Rice Terraces, or head even further north towards Sagada – a true nature escape! Be prepared, there are some long buses in this part of the adventure (make sure you allow yourself lots of travel time here).
Baguio:
- Take the bus north to Baguio
- Stroll around Burnham Park
- Explore Camp John Hay
- Explore the Wet & Dry Market
Sagada:
- Take the bus north to Sagada
- Wake up early to enjoy the famous Sea of Clouds during sunrise
- Hike the Blue Mountains
- Witness the unique Hanging Coffins
- Go on a Spelunking adventure in the caves
- Take a bus to Banaue and stay 1-2 nights
- Enjoy a delightful day trek through the rice terraces and to a magnificent waterfall
Day 11-13: Puerto Princessa & El Nido
No Philippines 1 month itinerary would be complete without exploring the gorgeous region of Palawan! Famous for its golden sand beaches, crystal clear oceans and impressive island hopping, your trip is bound to reach a high.
- Fly into Puerto Princessa from Manilla and visit the underground River
- Take a bus up to El Nido
- Embark on an island hopping tour to Big and Small Lagoon
- Relax on the beaches of Nacpan & Las Cabanas
- Hike up Taraw Cliff for panoramic views of El Nido
- Enjoy the Local Town Shopping, Cuisine & Nightlife
Day 14-16: Coron
Welcome to Coron. An island quite far from the rest, but full of magic. If you are an ocean lover, then this part of the trip is certainly for you! The island boasts crystal-clear lagoons and world-class shipwreck diving. Experience diverse marine life and healthy coral reefs. Or, for those who love land adventures, hike up to the famous viewpoint to get a magical overview of the island.
Essential Read: The Ultimate Coron Travel Guide: Best Things To Do
- Take the ferry From El Nido (ENI) to Coron (CEB)
- Island Hop in Coron (Baraccuda Lake, Kagayan Lake, Snorkelling, Lusagno Gun Boat
- Explore Maquinit Hot Springs
- Do a day diving through WW2 Shipwrecks
- Head to the View Point for Sunset
- Head North to Snorkel with Dugongs
For an extra adventure: Book the tour from El Nido To Coron (4 days of camping, island hopping and secluded adventures. Check out the adventure here.
Day 17-20: Cebu
Your trip is now heading to Cebu. It’s up to you whether you crave some city time or prefer beaches and nature. Why not both? The city offers a bustling nightlife and an array of street food to try (make sure not to miss the lechon)! If you are staying in the city, head up to the mountains in Busay to experience a gorgeous sunset over the city lights. Alternatively, you can road trip around the island-beaches, waterfalls, hiking, and diving – endless opportunities await! Tailor the trip to your preferences. That’s the beauty of Cebu: There is something for everyone.
- Fly From siargao to Cebu (CEB)
- Visit the Historical sites in the City: Fort San Pedro, Magellans Cross
- Explore Moalboal: Canyoneering, Kawasan Falls and the Sardine Run
- Scuba dive in Mactan or Moalboal
Read More About Cebu: Best Things To Do in Cebu Island | Badian Canyoneering Guide | Things To Do In Samboan
Top Tip: If you prefer nature, beaches and waterfalls, skip the city and explore South Cebu
Day 21-23: Bohol
Welcome to Bohol. It is best to book your accommodation on the tiny adjoining island of Panglao, to be in the midst of the action. You are in for a treat from caves, beaches and unique creatures! You can experience an underwater paradise in the nearby dive sites or take a tour of the island. If you are comfortable riding a scooter, road trip Bohol’s beauty yourself to get the most out of the scenery – it is always best to explore at your own pace.
- Head back to Cebu & Take the Ferry from Cebu to Bohol
- Explore the Chocolate Hills & Tarsier Sanctuary
- Enjoy the beaches of Panglao & the famous fire show
- Explore Hinagdanan Cave
- Scuba Dive or snorkel with turtles in Balicasag Marine Sanctuary
Day 24-27: Siquijor
You are now off to Siquijor – the Voodoo Island of the Philippines. It is known as Isla Del Feugo or Island of Fire due to its mesmerising sunsets. Siquijor offers places to relax, party and sightsee, accompanied by a few hidden gems only the locals can show you. Swim in crystal clear rivers, jump into bright blue waterfalls or relax at the beachfront bars. Siquijor is an island that truly feels magic and is bound to leave a lasting impression on you.
- Take the Ferry to Siquijor
- Check out the famous Cambugahay Falls & Lugnason Falls
- Discover the beautiful beaches of Salagdoong and Paliton
- Scuba Dive with Barracudas
- Watch breathtaking sunsets
- Visit the enchanted Balete Tree
Essential Read: The Top Tourist Spots In Siquijor
The best area to stay for backpackers in Siquijor is San Juan. If you fancy a secluded Jungle Airbnb away from the crowds, explore Jungle Hut
Top Tip: Visayas has so much to discover. Head to the Visayas Page to explore the interactive map and uncover new places to add to your Philippines bucket list.
Adapting Your Philippines 1 Month Itinerary
Other Places To Visit
Its a well known fact that not everybody enjoys the same thing. We might love a place you might hate! Here are some other islands and regions you can explore:
- Siargao (surfing, island hopping & beaches)
- Camiguin (best for nature lovers)
- Boracay (party life & bougie resorts)
- Negros Island (best for authentic roadtrips)
- Calicoan (for uncrowded surfing)
- Legazpi (volcanoes & nature)
- Camotes (relaxing & beaches)
- Malapascua (epic scuba diving & ocean sunsets)
- Bantayan (best for beach lovers)
Making It Less Active
Our Philippines 1 month itinerary is very active! It requires vast amounts of travelling and moving around, making it great for backpackers who want to see as much of the country as possible. The activities included are often adventurous and involve significant physical activity.
If you prefer to lounge on the beach, do the occasional adventure tour and take things slower, consider visiting just two or three of these places!
Thank you for reading our blog!
We are Em & Yul – An English & Filipino Travel Couple. Now based in Cebu, we frequently explore the best destinations, hidden gems and cultural attractions across the Philippines.
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