The Philippines, with its lush green rice fields, vibrant townships, and stunning natural landscapes, offers a diverse and captivating experience for travelers. Whether you’re drawn to its pristine beaches, historical sites, or adventurous activities, this guide will help you navigate through the best places to visit in this tropical paradise.

Getting There

While there are no direct flights from India to the Philippines, you can easily reach Manila via connecting flights from cities like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore. Opting for flights from Chennai, Kolkata, or Bengaluru during the offseason can provide more economical options. Airlines like Philippines Air Asia, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and Scoot offer convenient connections to Manila. Plan your trip around the dry season from November to April for ideal weather conditions.

Day 1-2: Manila

On the island of Luzon, the capital of the Philippines, Manila, is a bustling metropolis with constant activity. When visiting Manila’s most popular tourist destinations, opt to travel in colorful jeepneys, which are the primary mode of transportation, to gain a firsthand understanding of the ultimate drive of the local culture. One of the most memorable aspects of your trip will be the jerky journey between the streets on the vintage, jazzy jeeps, which are always packed with locals.

Accommodation

• Recommended Areas: Makati, Manila Bay Area
• Options: Hotels starting from INR 2500 per night

Things to Do

• Intramuros: Explore the historic walled city of Intramuros, home to Spanish colonial architecture and landmarks like Fort Santiago.
• Rizal Park: Visit this urban oasis and pay respects at the Rizal Monument.
• Binondo: Discover the bustling Chinatown of Manila, known for its vibrant markets and authentic Chinese food.
• National Museum: Dive into Filipino culture and history through artifacts and art collections.

Day 3-5: Boracay

With a total of twelve beaches, Boracay Island might rightfully be regarded as the beach capital of the Philippines. Situated in the western part of the Visayas, this island is ideal for beachgoers looking to unwind on the sand. This White Beach, regarded as one of the greatest in the Philippines, is located on the western side of the island. It’s not a big difficulty to search for a comfy place to stay after a demanding day at the beach on this island because it’s also known for having top resorts.

Accommodation

• Location: Stations 1-3 on White Beach
• Options: Resorts and hotels starting from INR 3500 per night

Things to Do

• White Beach: Relax on the powdery white sands and indulge in water sports like snorkeling and parasailing.
• Puka Shell Beach: Escape the crowds and enjoy a serene beach day at this quieter spot.
• Ariel’s Point: Cliff diving and boat trips for adventurous spirits.
• Bulabog Beach: Ideal for wind and kite surfing enthusiasts.

Day 6-7: Cebu

Located in the important Visayas region, the island of Cebu is known for being the home of some of the best places in the Philippines to go scuba diving. Cebu is the ideal place to go if you’re passionate about underwater sports and activities because it puts you in close proximity to whale sharks, gorgeous coral reefs, and sea turtles. Sea caves in Cebu offer some of the nicest vistas from the water, attracting a lot of fans and photographers from all over the world, especially those looking for unique diving opportunities.

Accommodation

• Location: Cebu City or Mactan Island
• Options: Hotels starting from INR 3000 per night

Things to Do

• Oslob: Swim with whale sharks in their natural habitat.
• Kawasan Falls: Trek through lush jungles to reach these stunning waterfalls.
• Magellan’s Cross: Visit this historical landmark in Cebu City.
• Moalboal: Explore the underwater beauty through diving and snorkeling.

Day 8-9: Bohol

The Philippines’ terrain ranges from tropical and mountainous to metropolitan in all directions. A day trip to Manila’s historic colonial alleys could be enjoyable, or you might happen upon a rare sighting of baby tarsier monkeys at a private hideaway on the island of Bohol. Trekking in the luscious highlands is a unique experience. Given that the Philippines is encircled by the Pacific Ocean, it is also not surprising that this region has some of Asia’s top beaches and fantastic scuba diving spots. The Philippines has a lot to offer when it comes to tourism; to get a good sense of what this place has to offer, scroll down.

Accommodation

• Location: Panglao Island
• Options: Resorts and guesthouses starting from INR 4000 per night

Things to Do

• Chocolate Hills: Marvel at the unique geological formations.
• Tarsier Sanctuary: Spot the world’s smallest primates in their natural habitat.
• Hinagdanan Cave: Swim in the natural pool inside this enchanting cave.
• Alona Beach: Relax and enjoy the vibrant nightlife after a day of exploration.

Day 9-12: Palawan (Coron and Puerto Princesa)

Known for being one of the world’s top diving spots, Coron Island is a veritable paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Perched atop the westernmost portion of the Philippines, the Palawan island area, this majestic island boasts turquoise green and royal blue ocean. Hiking and snorkeling are well-known activities on this island because of the complicated detritus present.

Accommodation

• Location: Coron Town or Puerto Princesa City
• Options: Resorts and lodges starting from INR 3500 per night

Things to Do

• Coron Island Tour: Discover hidden lagoons, shipwrecks, and stunning coral gardens.
• Puerto Princesa Subterranean River: Cruise through the underground river, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• El Nido: Explore the limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters on island-hopping tours.
• Nacpan Beach: Relax on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Additional Tips:

• Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying Filipino delicacies like adobo, sinigang, and halo-halo.
• Transportation: Get around using local jeepneys, tricycles, and ferries for an authentic experience.
• Safety: Be cautious of your belongings and follow local customs and regulations, especially in remote areas.

Explore the Philippines’ diverse landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality on this unforgettable journey. Whether you’re a beach lover, adventure seeker, or history enthusiast, this itinerary ensures you make the most of your time in this tropical paradise.

Plan your next adventure to the Philippines and create memories that will last a lifetime!