Great Philippines Itineraries: How Many Days to Spend?

The Philippines offers a wealth of cultures and adventures, making it an ideal destination for travelers wondering how long to stay in the Philippines. A short, four-day stay can be enough to experience a city or two, but spending at least two weeks is highly recommended. Most tourists head to the world-class beaches of Palawan and Boracay and stay nearby for the whole duration of their vacations. Others prefer the thrill of island-hopping in Cebu and Bohol.

As a small country, the Philippines has many provinces that are just about an hour and a half away from Manila by flight. However, some destinations are only accessible via land or by boat. There are 12 international airports in the Philippines, so booking a ticket to and from the airport nearest to the cities you wish to visit would save a lot of time.

If you plan a 5-day Philippines itinerary, you might want to spend the first two days touring a city. Allot one or two days in Manila to explore its busy streets before spending the rest of your vacation outside the city. From Manila, you can head on to the beaches of Batangas, chase waterfalls in Laguna, or enjoy surfing in Baler or La Union.

Of course, you can also skip the capital altogether and head straight to any other city of your choice. Cebu, for example, is popular among beach bums and nature lovers. From here you can go sardine run diving in Moalboal, canyoning in Kawasan Falls, and swimming with whale sharks in Oslob.

Check out our 5-day tours to the Philippines for more inspiration.

Similar durations for the Philippines
The Philippines in 4 days: Unique 4-day Philippines Itinerary Ideas

If you are still wondering how long should you spend in the Philippines then, a ten-day Philippines itinerary would allow you a more holistic travel experience, offering you ample time to immerse in the country’s beautiful landscapes, vibrant cultures, and rich history. Drive north from Manila to explore the hidden gems of Mountain Province. See the Banaue Rice Terraces, a UNESCO natural heritage site. More than relaxing sights of lush greenery, a tour to the country’s Cordillera gives you the chance to observe first hand and immerse yourself in the culture of the Ifugaos, an indigenous group of mountain folks. Visit the unique Sagada hanging coffins, go spelunking in Samaguing Cave, and watch the sunrise from above the clouds in Mount Kiltepan.

Head for the southern Philippines if beaches are more your cup of tea. Having explored Cebu, you can either board a ferry or book a flight to the neighboring island of Bohol. Known for the unique Chocolate Hills, a tarsier sanctuary, enchanting cave pools, and at least a dozen of fine white sand beaches, Bohol is an ecological paradise that you should not miss out on.

Check out our 10-day tours to the Philippines for more inspiration.

You can combine the northern highlands with a full-blown island-hopping in the south with a two-week Philippines itinerary. Spend a couple of days in Cebu and Bohol, then hop on a plane for a quick flight to Palawan. Consistently voted by travel publications as one of the best islands in the world, Palawan boasts of powdery white sand beaches, breathtaking limestone formations, and crystal clear blue waters that would put the Maldives to shame.

While there, do not miss out on visiting Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a complete mountain-to-sea ecosystem with diverse flora and fauna. Experience a breathtaking shipwreck dive in Coron and kick back in El Nido.

Explore the spiny Cordillera after you are done with the beaches. Brave chilly weather conditions on your way to the top of Mount Pulag and see the hanging coffins of Echo Valley. Soak up the quaint colonial architecture of Vigan and explore the rice terraces that adorn the hills in northern Luzon.

Get in touch with one of our travel experts in the Philippines for a customized trip. If you would like to book a package trip or join a group, check out our tours in the Philippines. For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit the Philippines.