Philippines 7-Day Itinerary 2026
One week in the Philippines delivers an unforgettable introduction to this incredible archipelago. This itinerary takes you from the buzzing streets of Manila to the turquoise paradise of either Boracay or Palawan — we give you both options so you can choose your style. Beaches and nightlife? Choose Boracay. Lagoons and raw nature? Choose Palawan.
Route Overview
Option A: Manila (2 days) → Boracay (4 days) → Manila (departure)
Option B: Manila (2 days) → El Nido, Palawan (4 days) → Manila (departure)
| Day | Option A (Boracay) | Option B (Palawan) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manila — Intramuros, Binondo | Manila — Intramuros, Binondo |
| 2 | Manila — Makati, BGC, fly to Boracay | Manila — Makati, BGC, fly to El Nido |
| 3 | Boracay — White Beach, water sports | El Nido — Tour A (Big/Small Lagoon) |
| 4 | Boracay — Island hopping, Puka Beach | El Nido — Tour C (Secret Beach, Matinloc) |
| 5 | Boracay — Diving/helmet dive, D'Mall | El Nido — Nacpan Beach day trip |
| 6 | Boracay — Sunset sailing, nightlife | El Nido — Tour B or kayaking |
| 7 | Fly Boracay → Manila → depart | Fly El Nido → Manila → depart |
Day 1 – Manila: History & Food
Morning
Arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). Grab a Grab (ride-hailing app) to your hotel — avoid airport taxis which overcharge. If staying in Makati, expect 30-60 minutes depending on traffic (₱200-400). Check into your hotel and head to Intramuros, the historic walled city built by the Spanish in 1571. Walk the walls, visit San Agustin Church (UNESCO, 1607) and Fort Santiago (₱75 entry) where Jose Rizal was imprisoned. Rent a bamboo bike (₱200/hour) to explore the cobblestone streets.
Afternoon
Cross the Pasig River to Binondo — the world's oldest Chinatown, founded in 1594. This is Manila's food capital. Join a walking food tour (₱1,500-2,500) or self-guide through the streets. Must-eats: machang (sticky rice), lumpia shanghai (spring rolls) at Dong Bei Dumplings, and hopia (flaky bean pastries) at Eng Bee Tin. Visit Binondo Church (Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz).
Evening
Dinner in Poblacion, Makati — Manila's hippest neighbourhood with rooftop bars, craft cocktails and international restaurants. Try Tambai for Filipino-fusion tapas or Lampara for fine-dining Filipino. End with drinks at a rooftop bar overlooking the Makati skyline.
Stay: Makati — Budget: Z Hostel (from ₱600) | Mid: Seda Residences (from ₱4,000) | Luxury: Fairmont Makati (from ₱10,000)
Day 2 – Manila: Modern City & Flight Out
Morning
Explore Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Manila's most modern district. Walk through Bonifacio High Street and the street art murals. Visit the Mind Museum (₱800, excellent science museum) or The National Museum complex in Ermita (free entry) — the National Museum of Fine Arts houses Juan Luna's massive Spoliarium, the most famous Filipino painting.
Afternoon
Quick lunch of lechon (whole roast pig) at Elar's or Rico's — Manila's best. Then head to the airport for your afternoon/evening flight. Manila to Boracay (Caticlan/MPH): 1 hour flight on Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines (₱1,500-4,000), then 15-minute boat to Boracay. Manila to El Nido: 1.5-hour direct flight on AirSWIFT (₱5,000-8,000) landing right in El Nido town.
Evening
Arrive at your island destination. Check in, walk the beach at sunset, have dinner at a beachfront restaurant. Welcome to paradise.
Days 3-6: Option A – Boracay
Day 3 – White Beach & Water Sports
Spend your first full day on White Beach — 4 km of powder-fine white sand divided into Station 1 (upscale), Station 2 (busy, D'Mall) and Station 3 (quieter, budget-friendly). The sand is so fine it feels like flour. Try parasailing (₱2,500, 15 mins), stand-up paddleboarding (₱500/hour) or just swim in the warm, calm turquoise water. Environmental fee: ₱300 per person, valid for your stay.
Day 4 – Island Hopping & Puka Beach
Book an island hopping tour (₱1,200-2,500, half day). Visit Crystal Cove Island (₱200 entry), Magic Island (cliff jumping) and snorkelling spots. Afternoon at Puka Shell Beach on the north end — wilder, quieter and strewn with tiny puka shells. Sunset paraw sailing (₱2,000-3,000) on a traditional outrigger sailboat is the most romantic Boracay experience.
Day 5 – Diving & D'Mall
Try a discover scuba dive (₱3,000-4,000 including equipment) at Crocodile Island or Angol Point. Already certified? Fun dives from ₱1,800. Alternatively, try a helmet dive (₱800) — walk on the seafloor with fish swimming around you. Afternoon shopping at D'Mall for souvenirs, Filipino fashion and halo-halo (shaved ice dessert).
Day 6 – Sunset Sailing & Nightlife
Relax at the beach, get a ₱400 beachfront massage. Try kite surfing at Bulabog Beach (windward side, best December-March). Evening: watch the legendary Boracay sunset from Station 1, then hit the nightlife. Epic and Club Galaxy are the main clubs. Fire dancers perform on the beach around 7pm.
Days 3-6: Option B – El Nido, Palawan
Day 3 – Tour A (Big & Small Lagoon)
Tour A (₱1,200 + ₱200 environmental fee + ₱200 lagoon fee) is the most famous El Nido experience. Kayak through the narrow entrance of Big Lagoon surrounded by towering limestone karsts draped in jungle — the water shifts from emerald to turquoise. Swim in Small Lagoon (even more magical, accessible through a rock opening). Snorkel at Shimizu Island and visit 7 Commando Beach for lunch.
Day 4 – Tour C (Secret Beach & Matinloc)
Tour C (₱1,400) visits Secret Beach — swim through a hole in a limestone cliff to emerge in a hidden lagoon enclosed by walls of rock. Visit Matinloc Shrine (abandoned chapel on a cliff), Helicopter Island (shaped like one) and Star Beach. This tour has the best snorkelling in El Nido with vibrant coral and tropical fish.
Day 5 – Nacpan Beach Day Trip
Hire a motorbike (₱500/day) or tricycle (₱800 return) to Nacpan Beach, 45 minutes north. This 4-km stretch of golden sand backed by palm trees is regularly voted one of the best beaches in the world. Far quieter than the town beaches, it is pure tropical perfection. Have fresh grilled fish and San Miguel at one of the beach shacks. Return via Las Cabanas Beach for sunset zipline (₱500).
Day 6 – Tour B or Kayaking
Tour B (₱1,300) visits caves (Cudugnon Cave with ancient burial sites), Snake Island (long sandbar) and Pinagbuyutan Island. Alternatively, rent a kayak (₱500/half day) and explore the coastline at your own pace. Afternoon: wander El Nido town's restaurants and shops. Try Trattoria Altrove for Italian pizza or Happiness Beach Bar for cocktails at sunset.
Day 7 – Return to Manila & Departure
Morning flight back to Manila. From Boracay: boat to Caticlan, fly to MNL (1 hour). From El Nido: AirSWIFT to MNL (1.5 hours) or van to Puerto Princesa (5 hours) then fly. Allow extra time for island-to-airport transfers. If your international flight is late evening, squeeze in last-minute shopping at SM Mall of Asia or Greenbelt in Makati.
Budget Summary
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (6 nights) | $60-120 | $300-600 | $900-1,800 |
| Domestic flights (2) | $60-100 | $100-160 | $160-300 |
| Food & drinks | $60-100 | $150-250 | $300-500 |
| Tours & activities | $50-100 | $100-200 | $200-400 |
| Transport (Grab, boats) | $30-50 | $50-80 | $80-150 |
| Total per person | $350-500 | $700-1,050 | $1,750-3,150 |
Prices in USD. El Nido flights (AirSWIFT) are more expensive than Boracay flights (Cebu Pacific). 2026 estimates.
Booking Tips
- Flights: Book Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines domestic flights 2-3 months ahead for best prices. Download the Cebu Pacific app for flash sales (seats from ₱99).
- Boracay: Book accommodation with environmental fee included. The island caps daily visitors, so book ahead in peak season (December-April).
- El Nido: AirSWIFT direct flights to El Nido are worth the premium over the 5-hour van from Puerto Princesa. Book tours through your hotel (similar prices everywhere).
- Grab: Download the Grab app before arriving — essential for Manila transport. Works like Uber.
- SIM card: Buy a Globe or Smart SIM at the airport (₱500 for SIM + 15GB data). Essential for Grab and maps.
- Cash: Bring Philippine Pesos. ATMs in Manila are plentiful but can be scarce on islands. Boracay has ATMs but they run out of cash on busy weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trip Snapshot
- Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
- Flights: 2 domestic
- Budget from: $350
- Best months: Nov-May
- Highlight: Boracay or El Nido