The Philippines in 5 Days: 4 Recommended 5-day Itineraries to Philippines
- Katie Savill
- From Wales
- Katie Savill
- From Wales
- Freya. M
- From
- Alicia. S
- From
The Philippines 5-day itinerary Options
Check out our Philippines 5-day itinerary suggestions below and discover all you can see and do in this tropical paradise with just a short stay. From exploring vibrant Manila to relaxing on the white sands of Palawan, these plans will help you make the most of your visit.
Itinerary #1: The CULTURAL JOURNEY in the Philippines
| Overview | Activity | |
| Day 1 | Start your trip in Manila with a visit to Intramuros, the historic walled city. Explore Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church. | Arrival and exploration |
| Day 2 | Travel to Taal, a well-preserved colonial town, and visit the Taal Basilica, ancestral houses, local markets, and handicraft shops. | Exploration |
| Day 3 | Head to Angono, known as the Art Capital of the Philippines, and visit the Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs, and art galleries and museums displaying works of local artists like Botong Francisco. | Cultural exploration |
| Day 4 | Fly to Baguio and then drive to Sagada to see the famous hanging coffins and Echo Valley. | Valley exploration |
| Day 5 | Travel to Banaue and explore its famous rice terraces; then, visit the Banaue Museum and meet local farmers, before returning to Manila for departure. | Departure |
Immerse yourself in the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the island nation with this 5-day Philippines itinerary. Explore historic landmarks, traditional villages, and vibrant local markets. Wander around the historic walled city of Intramuros and explore Fort Santiago and the beautiful San Agustin Church. Visit less-touristy sites like the artistic town of Angono and the traditional villages of the Mountain Province. Discover the famous hanging coffins and Echo Valley in Sagada, and engage with local communities to learn about their way of life. Enjoy hands-on activities like traditional embroidery in Taal and enjoy intimate cultural performances.
Itinerary #2: THRILLS AND SPILLS IN THE PHILIPPINES
| Overview | Activity | |
| Day 1 | Tour Manila then fly to Cagayan de Oro, and go white-water rafting on the Cagayan River | Arrival and rafting |
| Day 2 | Travel to Bukidnon and spend the day at Dahilayan Adventure Park; try the longest dual zipline in Asia and enjoy other activities like ATV rides and tree-top adventures | Outdoor activity |
| Day 3 | Fly to Samar and head to Calbiga Caves, and spend the day spelunking in one of the largest cave systems in the Philippines | Cave exploration |
| Day 4 | Fly to Siargao, the surfing capital of the Philippines, and hit the waves at the famous surf spot, Cloud 9 | Exploration |
| Day 5 | Go island hopping and visit Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island | Island hopping and departure |
Prepare for an adrenaline-packed adventure with this 5-day itinerary in the Philippines. Designed for thrill-seekers looking to push their limits and explore the natural wonders of the Philippines, this tour offers a unique blend of extreme sports and off-the-beaten-path destinations. You'll experience the thrill of white-water rafting, zip-lining, spelunking, and surfing, all while exploring some of the country's most beautiful and rugged landscapes. Ride the exhilarating rapids of the Cagayan River, explore the underground wonders of Calbiga Caves, and surf world-class waves in Siargao. Visit eco-adventure parks, interact with local communities, and enjoy memorable experiences that go beyond the typical tourist trail.
Itinerary #3: THE ULTIMATE BEACH ESCAPE
| Overview | Activity | |
| Day 1 | Start your trip in Boracay, relax on White Beach, and watch fire-dancing performances | Arrival and beach exploration |
| Day 2 | Go parasailing, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. Explore D'Mall for shopping and nightlife | Water activities |
| Day 3 | Join an island-hopping tour, visiting Puka Shell Beach, Crystal Cove Island, and Magic Island; then, snorkel in vibrant coral reefs and enjoy a beach picnic | Island exploration |
| Day 4 | Explore Boracay’s inland trails on an ATV tour, and visit the Motag Living Museum to learn about traditional Filipino farming and crafts | Museum visits |
| Day 5 | Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare Filipino dishes; visit local markets to shop for souvenirs before your departure home | Cooking class and departure |
Experience pure relaxation and tropical bliss with this 5-day itinerary in Boracay. Spend your days lounging on powdery white beaches, enjoying water sports, and exploring nearby islands. Visit the famous White Beach and discover hidden gems like Puka Shell Beach and Magic Island. Enjoy eco-adventures and cultural activities like ATV rides, visits to local markets, cooking classes, and beachfront massages.
Itinerary #4: NATURE AND WILDLIFE of The Philippines
| Overview | Activity | |
| Day 1 | Travel from Manila to Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and visit the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a Unesco World Heritage site | Arrival and exploration |
| Day 2 | Head to Sabang, explore the Sabang Mangrove Forest on a paddleboat tour and join a guided night walk to spot nocturnal wildlife | Exploration and walking tour |
| Day 3 | Travel to El Nido for a tour that includes visits to Hidden Beach, Secret Lagoon, and Big Lagoon | Exploration |
| Day 4 | Visit the El Nido Marine Sanctuary and learn about local conservation efforts; spend time in a local village, participating in community-based tourism activities | Village exploration |
| Day 5 | Relax on the beach or take a kayak trip around the islands, before returning to Puerto Princesa to catch a flight back to Manila for departure | Beach relaxation and departure |
This 5-day Philippines itinerary explores the country's beautiful natural landscapes and diverse wildlife. Visit Unesco World Heritage sites, pristine beaches, lush forests, and vibrant marine sanctuaries. Discover off-the-beaten-path destinations like the Sabang Mangrove Forest and El Nido Marine Sanctuary. Enjoy eco-friendly activities, from paddleboat tours through mangroves to snorkeling in protected marine areas and engaging with local communities.
Need help in planning your 5-day itinerary to the Philippines
Can’t decide where to begin on your 5-day Philippines adventure? Our four unique itineraries are a great place to start. Alternatively, you can create your own customized trip to the Philippines with the help of our local travel experts. For more the Philippines 5-day itinerary options, read our travel guide on the Philippines. Our guides on how many days to spend in the Philippines and the best time to visit the Philippines will also come in handy.
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