The Philippines is a tropical paradise with over 7,000 islands known for stunning beaches, rich marine life, lush jungle landscapes, and vibrant culture.
As a travel blogger and content creator planning an epic adventure, I wanted to experience the diversity of this archipelago nation.
So I put together this ambitious 10-day Philippines itinerary packed with a mix of popular tourist destinations and off-the-beaten-path locales across three main islands.
Day 1: Manila
Land in the sprawling capital city of Manila. Take an introductory walking tour of sites like Intramuros – the historic walled city from the Spanish colonial era.
Wander through cobblestone streets to Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago, and sample local street food for dinner.
Day 2: Taal Volcano & Tagaytay
Journey south of Manila to hike Taal Volcano – one of the world’s smallest active volcanoes located on an island in Taal Lake.
Take a bamboo raft to Volcano Island then climb to the crater rim for views of the volcanic crater lake and lush landscapes.
Head to Tagaytay city for sightseeing with majestic views overlooking Taal Volcano and Lake.
Days 3-4: Puerto Princesa Underground River
Fly to Puerto Princesa in Palawan. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.
Cruise through the epic underground river cave system beneath the lush mountainous landscape. Enjoy jungle hikes to waterfalls and white sand beaches like Ugong Rock.
Days 5-7: El Nido Island Hopping
Take a short flight up to the stunning Bacuit archipelago region around El Nido. Base yourself in the idyllic beach town of El Nido.
Join multi-day island hopping boat tours to swim in crystal clear lagoons, snorkel over reefs, kayak through mangroves, and explore remote beaches backed by dramatic limestone cliffs.
Day 8: Port Barton
Hop on a local bus and boats up the coast to sleepy coastal town Port Barton for more off-the-beaten-path island vibes.
Relax on tranquil beaches, take a snorkeling trip to isolated coves, and watch the sunset while enjoying a beachfront happy hour.
Days 9-10: Siargao Island
Catch a short flight to Siargao Island, renowned as the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines.” Ride the glassy waves at renowned Cloud 9 surf break.
Explore palm-fringed islands by standup paddleboard. Tour mangrove forests and lush lagoons. End your Philippines adventures on this quintessential tropical island paradise!
This Philippines travel itinerary mixes world-famous destinations with hidden gems for an epic island-hopping adventure showcasing lush jungle landscapes, volcanic craters, tropical beaches, rich marine life, and the warm hospitality of Filipino culture over 10 exhilarating days.
