2 Weeks in the Philippines: An Awesome Itinerary (With Map)
I spent 2 weeks in the Philippines, back in February. Loved it. It was my second time there and I hope one day I’ll get a third. I flew direct from London to Manila on the new Philippine Airlines flight, and then went to Boracay Island, to Bohol and finally to Siargao. The first time I went to the Philippines, again for two weeks, I went to Palawan and Cebu.
– Me having a great time at the Chocolate Hills in Bohol on my Philippines vacation
This Philippines itinerary is for two weeks in Boracay, Bohol and Siargao, but I’ll give some helpful tips on how you can visit Palawan and Cebu too.
If you’re planning on going to the Philippines for two weeks, and you need some help on how to put the trip together, and how it’ll fit, then read on my friend.
2 Weeks in Philippines
Here’s my exact itinerary for 2 weeks in the Philippines, complete with costs, reasoning, hotel recommendations (or ones to avoid) and links to my experiences in more depth.
Summary of this 2-week Philippines itinerary
Last time I spent two weeks in the Philippines, I visited
- El Nido, Palawan – white sand Philippines beaches and looming cliffs – one of the most famous islands in the Philippines too.
- Coron, Palawan – picturesque islands with jungle treks.
- Cebu and Malapascua Island – an island with amazing diving.
- So if you have any questions about visiting there, let me know.
♥
13 Reasons Why The Tao Experience Was So Good
Exploring the Incredible Kawasan Falls in Cebu
– If you’re feeling confident enough I’d totally recommend hiring a moped during your 2 weeks in Philippines
I’d strongly recommend you choose a maximum of three places to go if you only have 2 weeks in the Philippines. The Philippines are made up of 7,107 islands and getting between them, with the unpredictable island weather, can take some time. There are often delays with flights and ferries and you don’t want to ruin your two weeks in the Philippines itinerary by missing a connection.
Don’t try and fit too much into your Philippines travel itinerary or you’ll end up rushing around too much. If you’re looking for advice on where to go in Philippines, read on!
– I accidentally took this pic with the touch screen on my camera. I really like it!
This is a super detailed breakdown of how I spent two weeks in the Philippines, to help you plan your trip.
Day 1: the flight and arrival into Manila
Day 2: Manila to Boracay
Day 3: yoga and ATV in Boracay
Day 4: yoga, and beach time in Boracay
Day 5: island hopping and massage in Boracay
Day 6: Boracay to Cebu
Day 7: Chocolate Hills and Tarsiers in Bohol
Day 8: Motorbikes of Panglao
Day 9: Ferry to Cebu
Day 10: Cebu to Siargao
Day 11: Motorbike around Siargao Island
Day 12: Chilling on the beach / island hopping tour
Day 13: Motorbiking around Northern Siargao
Day 14: Mangapunko Beach and back to Manila, via Cebu
Day 15: Flight from Manila to London
It’s going to be an amazing Philippines vacation, trust me!
My Philippines 2 week itinerary
– views like this on your Philippines itinerary? Of course!
Day 1: the flight and arrival into Manila
I travelled with Philippines Airlines on the new direct flight from Heathrow to Manila.
It took 13 hours 55 minutes from 21:50 to 19:45, overnight.
The excellent flying hours meant I could just go to bed when I arrived and it didn’t really matter if I slept or not on the flight. Great start to the trip when you’re going that far. It felt like a new plane, with a great entertainment system, and even Wi-Fi on board too. I didn’t actually indulge but it’s $20 for the whole journey, or $5 for an hour and you got 30 mins free. There weren’t any plugs on board but there was a USB charger, so get your Netflix series’ downloaded to your phone before you fly.
Philippine Airlines definitely kept us well fed.
- Meal one: Chicken and rice with a choc dessert
- Meal two: Mushroom panini
- Meal three: Egg and sausage concoction
Just to note though, at Heathrow they’d told me my luggage was going all the way through to Caticlan, Boracay, which I’d thought was strange. So I checked when I got to Manila. And it wasn’t. There was then some confusion about whether I needed to pick it up and check it in again, which unfortunately cost me an hour’s time at the airport that I could’ve been sleeping.
If you’re travelling on from Manila, like you will do with this 2 week Philippines itinerary, then check when you’re at Heathrow.
Basically, if you’re travelling on the Philippine Airlines flight to Boracay, stopping in Manila, you need to just pick up your luggage, take it with you, and bring it back the next morning when it’s time to check in for your flight. Triple check if they tell you different.
I’d recommend you compare your flight prices for the Philippines on netflights.com.
More tips for your arrival into Manila
- Get your hotel to sort a pick up, so nice to have your driver actually know where your hotel is.
- None of the ATMs at the airport worked, so don’t rely on them. Take some currency with you, like any sensible person would. I had to get the taxi to stop at an ATM along the way.
- Have your flip flops at the ready, arriving into Manila was HAWT.
Where I stayed in Manila
I stayed at the NoMadsMNL Backpackers Homestay for 995 php (£13) for one night. It was a decent hotel room, for the price, but did have shared facilities. Definitely more for the backpacker end of the market, although I did have a balcony and the owners were really nice. The taxi from the airport cost 200php (£2.80).
Day 2: Manila to Boracay
I was up at 4am from the early night and ravenous from the jetlag. I had a noodle cup from downstairs for 50 (70p). I lay in bed and watched the sun rise over my little Manila street above my balcony. Breakfast was included in the price and I went downstairs for one of the free coffees and saw the tuna sandwich breakfast laid out for me.
With the night and morning in Manila, you could go out and explore with this Philippines itinerary. I was too tired though, and didn’t really have the desire. Cities weren’t my intention for my two weeks in the Philippines.
My flight to Caticlan (Boracay) was at 12 noon to 12:50 with Philippine Airlines. I paid the hotel price of 200php (£2.80) back to Manila Airport. No dramas.
The flight was 50 quick minutes and the beautiful Filipino beaches of Boracay appeared in front of me. Boracay airport is actually on Caticlan, the island next door, and a boat journey away.
– 2 weeks in the Philippines and you’ll definitely need a few planes
I arrived into the airport and tried to do the crafty thing of getting to my hotel by paying the vendors separately to save money. Didn’t work though and I think at these rates it’s just easier to pay a rep for a package to get to get a taxi to the port, boat across, and transfer to my hotel (600php / £9). Always trying to find the hack when I’m backpacking in the Philippines, but sometimes it’s easier to just pay!
The journey to the port ended up being totally walkable and on the other side she seemed to prioritise everyone else, getting them into a van, which I was annoyed about as she left me hanging there. And then, for some reason, she got me my own private tricycle and I was taken straight to my hostel.
Sweet. I did not question this.
Got to the W Hostel. Looked ok, excited to see they had yoga, dropped my stuff and went off to explore.
Gawd I was overwhelmed. It was sooo busy and crazy on White Beach at Station 2. I’d pictured private sands but no, nuh uh.
– seriously, this is the best Philippines 2 week itinerary you’ll find
I got a mango shake and went to watch the sunset with a few thousand other people. I spotted a place advertising Tuna Poke bowls, and so got involved. Yum. I was so tired but it was only about 8pm so went for a massage at Shy for (400 php / £6). So relaxing, and needed. And then came home and went to sleep for hours.
Didn’t even wake up when the other people came in my dorm.
Where I stayed in Boracay
W Hostel Boracay – 4-bed dorm for 5,300 php for 4 nights (£74)
W Hostel was ok. I really liked my bed, and my room, and the fact that there was a rooftop garden with a pool to dip in and cool off. Big points there. It was the staff and the toilets that let it down. I feel like everywhere else I went people were lovely, not here. Also, they kept telling me yoga was on, which it clearly wasn’t, and I’d arrive ready. The toilets and showers were disgusting. As in, it was always wet in there and stunk of piss. Good WiFi though. And great location.
If you’re backpacking in the Philippines, and have low standards but a desire to party and be in the centre of the action – this is the hostel for you.
Day 3: yoga and ATV in Boracay
Woke up early to do yoga at the hostel, yet no yoga despite asking three people and being assured it was on. Meant to be at 8. Realised at 8.10 there was a yoga class up the road at Vessel. Walked fast there and paid my 40ophp / £6 in. The class was in a really, really beautiful setting, had a lovely teacher, and was at a beginner / intermediate level, which just felt amazing for my travel-tight limbs.
– Two weeks in the Philippines, and you can definitely fit in some yoga practice
Afterwards I walked down to the beach to ask about the diving. It was 1200 php / £17 for a dive out. I was tempted but with the island being so busy I was feeling intimidated by the thought of being underwater with so many other people. I was in Boracay for Chinese New Year, accidentally, and it was way, way busier than normal. I didn’t want to go by myself.
I walked up from Station 2 and found Sunny Side Café so had Shakshuka, a mimosa and a coffee to start the post I wanted to write on the best breakfasts in Boracay.
Spent the afternoon reading a book on the beach, it was amazing. I read Elle Croft’s, The Guilty Wife, if you were interested.
Decided I should do something so walked up to one of the many, many hawkers lining the beach and booked onto ATV driving. First guy quoted me 1500 / £21, and then I walked up a bit and someone else said 1000 / £14.
Done.
– Definitely include some ATV driving in your Philippines itinerary 2 weeks
The trip was pretty average. We didn’t go far on the bike and it wasn’t rough terrain but I had gone for the sightseeing option. Go for the adventure option instead. We ATV’d up to Mount Luho and looked out over the view. When you get back you get to look round the Dream Land Trick Art Museum for free, and at all the Cocks tied up ready to fight, and the old Happy Land Amusement Park, which has been annihilated by past typhoons.
Spent the rest of the day reading on the incredible Philippines beach at Station 2, and then went for a pizza at the busiest place I could find. Popular for a reason, right?
Day 4: yoga and beach time
I was up super early again thanks to jet lag so went for a walk on the beach. I found a morning yoga class at True Food, an Indian restaurant. It was an incredible location right on the beach but on the second storey, so we had amazing views out to the water. Thought I was gonna be the only one for a while and was cringing inside, thankfully one other turned up.
The class cost 600 pesos (£9).
I basically spent the day chilling out on the beach, wandering round The D Mall, eating a burger at the wonderfully air conditioned Pig Out and getting too much sun. Also, vowing to do something touristy tomorrow.
I think if you’re planning a trip to the Philippines, it’d be rude not to fit in an excessive amount of beach time here and there.
Day 5: island hopping and massage in Boracay
Went for breakfast at Little Wave, then went island hopping. Time to ramp up this two week trip to the Philippines!
READ MORE: Where to Find the Best Breakfasts in Boracay
– Getting out on the water is one of the best things to do in the Philippines
We met at 9am, although didn’t actually leave until 10. People and boats were everywhere. The trip was 800php / £11.50 and included three beaches on Boracay, and at Crystal Cove. I had a great time and the trip was full of people backpacking in the Philippines so was a good crowd.
I came back and went for an ice cream at Halowich. I’d seen epic queues outside this shop since I arrived, so decided to join it for TWENTY minutes, to see what the fuss was about.
It was totally worth it.
– 2 weeks in the Philippines? Plenty of time for some mango ice cream!
Then went for a really good massage at a parlour nearby – the D’Spa – the massages on Boracay have just been amazing. Definitely recommend.
I decided I wanted to go more local for my dinner and ate at the little place next to the W Hostel called Munchies. For 190php (£3) I got Porksilog – two piece of pork in a tasty sauce with rice and a tomato, and had a mango smoothie too.
Think I actually had a mango smoothie every day on Boracay, so cheap and tasty but always get them to hold off on the bowl of sugar they add. No need.
More things you could do in Boracay
- Ziplining
- Dress up like a mermaid to go swimming
- Helmet diving
- Cliff dining from Ariel’s Point
- Go out – Boracay is well known as the party island in the Philippines!
- READ MORE: 21 Things to Do in Boracay on a Budget
If you like this 14-day itinerary for the Philippines, let me know in the comments box below. It’d be great to hear your thoughts.
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Day 6: Boracay to Cebu
I woke up early and went out to fly the drone, ideally in peace, but thanks to the three little kids and some curious dogs, that just didn’t happen. I walked all the way down White Beach to try and get away from the people, which I’d actually also recommend, drone or not. Seemed a lot more local down there, away from the hotels.
– Boracay is one of the most stunning places to see in the Philippines
I had breakfast at Nonnie’s – the final stop on my tour of Boracay by breakfast. Gawd they had a good menu in there. I was ravenous so went for beef brisket eggs benedict with an aero press coffee. Really cute place.
There was a stall just up the road selling mango juice for 50, so I had one of those too.
I went to check out Bugalog Beach, which is known as the Kitesurfing Beach, and right next to my hotel. It was a lot emptier than White Beach, but also very windy, which you’d expect.
And then it was time to leave. I’d seen my hostel reception advertise to go to the ferry for 400 (£3). I thought that was a bit steep so went outside with my suitcase and a motorbike rocked up.
“How much do you want to pay?” he asked.
“Errr, 100?” he nodded.
And so off I went on the back of a motorbike, him with my bag on his front, me with the big bag on my lap and then my drone bag on my back. All the hard work from the three massages in four days was probably eradicated as we drove the 15 minutes to the port.
We discussed English politics vs Phillippines / What he thought of Brits abroad / The overtourism of Boracay. It was great.
Apart from the fact it was highly dangerous and pretty stupid considering I was carrying about £3k of equipment, and my life, it was actually one of the most interesting conversations I had in the whole two weeks in the Philippines.
Wouldn’t do it again, but you’ve got to try these things.
– please let me know if this Philippines itinerary helps you!
At the port I paid 25php (40p) for the boat crossing and 100 php (£1.60) for the port fee. I got on the little boat – apparently they go every 5 mins – and 10 minutes later I was in Caticlan, where Boracay Airport is.
I ignored the hawkers and walked out to find Shenzi’s Café. A little number I’d found while looking for breakfast places on Boracay. Nice coffee, great air con, but they didn’t have anything I asked for on the menu. It was fine. I could sit and edit my photos before making my way to the airport.
The airport was actually only a 15 min walk but a guy was sat outside on his bike and said he’d do it for 40php (60p), so seeing as it was so hot I thought, why not?
I jumped in.
– I loved travelling around in these things during my time in the Philippines
I had a chori burger at the airport, the burgers were apparently invented on Boracay and I had kept meaning to go to the actual place, Mendeleys, but with all the other food I had to fit in I hadn’t had time.
It was, ok. Wouldn’t bother with another one but it filled a hole ready for the flight. Also, it was only 110php (£1.60) with cheese, and they delivered to your seat at the airport gate, so it passed some time too.
My flight from Caticlan to Cebu
I got the 15:20 to 16:10 Philippines Airlines flight from Caticlan to Cebu, no bother. They gave out carrot cake and water on the flight and I had the row to myself.
Ferry from Cebu to Bohol
I arrived in Cebu and got a taxi from the airport to the ferry terminal. This cost 190 (£3) and I gave him a 30php (40p) tip, because he was nice, told me what I needed to do to get a ticket and I felt like I should. He dropped me at Terminal 1 with the instructions repeated to me.
I went with OceanJet and the next one was at 5:40pm, in 40 minutes time. Just enough to give my phone a quick charge at the charging booth inside.
The journey from Cebu to Bohol took two hours.
Bohol ferry to my hostel
And then it was around 35 minutes to HM&B Backpackers near Alona Beach, the main place for people to hang out. I’d already booked my transfer through the hostel, thankfully.
Unfortunately it was absolute torrential rain when I arrived and so I had no desire or means to go anywhere. I had a kettle in my room, and a Korean pot noodle thing the guys in my hostel room in Boracay had given me, so I stayed by myself in that little room until morning
Where I stayed in Bohol
I stayed at the HM&B Backpackers, £36, PHP 2,565, for 3 nights.
It was a shack, so definitely one for the backpackers. I liked that I had my own room and bathroom, but it was at least a mile from the town which was annoying with the bad weather. If you’re definitely going to rent a bike, like I did, then you’ll be ok. If you’re backpacking in the Philippines, this is a good shout.
Day 7: Chocolate Hills and Tarsiers in Bohol
The rains had cleared so I walked down to Alona Beach from my hotel, which took about 20 mins. It was still really early and so there weren’t many people about. It was beautiful.
I flew the drone, checked out where I could get my washing done and had a look at a few of the activities you can do in Bohol. Most importantly though, I ate at Shaka Restaurant. It’s a hipstery / vegetarian type place serving these amazing fruit smoothie bowls for breakfast, as well as vegan burgers and salads.
– This was one of the best restaurants in the Philippines, in Bohol
I couldn’t be bothered to walk back in the hot heat of the rain so paid a local 40php (60p) to take me back to my hostel. I had a bike delivered there so I had the freedom to go out and explore for myself for the day. The bike cost 450 (£6.50) a day.
And in case you were interested, a carrier bag of washing, and a towel was 270 (£4) on a 24 hour service.
If you’ve got 14 days in the Philippines, that could be very useful knowledge. And if you’re wondering where to go in the Philippines, you should definitely add Bohol to your list.
So with the bike I had the freedom to explore the island as I wished. I drove to the Chocolate Hills, went to the Tarsier Sanctuary and the manmade forest. Loved the journey there, including the amazing sushi at Tokyo Road House, but thanks to the torrential rain and genuine typhoon that hit on the way back, that last hour’s drive was NOT the best.
You can rent a bike and explore for yourself, or you can join one of the tours in Bohol pretty inexpensively. More details in my blog post on the 11 Top Tourist Spots in Bohol. Also, how to get there.
– if you’re backpacking the Philippines, you definitely need to see a tarsier!
Day 8: Beaches of Panglao
I had another day with the moped and did a self-guided tour round the coast of Panglao to check out the beaches and and the forests. It really is a beautiful place. I had no purpose to the day, and loved the freedom of exploring. I did eat a huge and delicious pizza at Giuseppe Pizzeria & Sicilian Roast. I seem to remember it was comparatively expensive but I decided I’d earned it.
– You can expect lovely views like these when you’re travelling in the Philippines
More things to do in Bohol on your Philippines trip
Day 9: Ferry to Cebu
Oh gawd, today didn’t go very well for me (thanks typhoon ‘Busyang’), but let me tell you what should’ve happened on my Philippines trip.
I went for an early morning motorbike ride round Panglao Island and went to Shaka again for a breakfast bowl and a coffee. Love that place. Then I drove back to my hotel and the man came to pick up the bike, all good. Thirty minutes later and the dude came to take me to the airport on his tricycle. I was there at 10am and planned to get the 11:40am ferry over to Cebu.
NO SUCH LUCK.
The boats for the last few days had been cancelled thanks to the weather, so it was absolute carnage. I queued for an hour in the scorching sun and managed to get a ticket for the 4pm crossing (500 / £7.19 inside, 450 / £6.47 out).
This is what I mean about not relying on the transport in the Philippines – don’t let it put you off, but it’s something you need to be prepared for when you plan your Philippines 2 week itinerary.
– Your holiday in the Philippines will include a lot of boat rides, guaranteed
Also, just to note, they have some weird system there where you have to queue for your ticket, then queue for your seat number, then queue for the port ticket (25 pesos), and then queue to drop your luggage off, which you pay 50 pesos for too.
As it was blisteringly hot and I was sweating in my leggings I decided to go inside the port for the air con rather than enjoy the sun. Went to the toilet and found a great seat in the corner, and then sat there for four hours too scared to move in case I lost my place. No food, no drink, no toilet – just a few things I’d thankfully downloaded on Netflix to keep me busy.
And then a two hour crossing and I arrived safe and sound. Technically you can then get a taxi to your accommodation – I had a few issues – but let’s save them for another time.
Think ‘car crash’ and being left on the side of the road…
Where I stayed in Cebu
I stayed at the wonderful Little Norway Guesthouse for 1095 php for one night (£14)
I loved it and it was right by the airport and around a 300 peso ride from Cebu Ferry Port. I had a little single room with bathroom, really comfy bed and just an all round comfortable room. I’d strongly recommend you stay here if you’re looking for somewhere cheap to stay near Cebu Airport. There was also a great little food market nearby the guesthouse, if you have the energy to go out.
Day 10: Cebu to Siargao
I had a good breakfast of eggs and rice at the hotel, and the delicious mango (120php), and then the owner Johannsen, ordered an Uber for me to Cebu Mactan Airport (90php). Nice to feel looked after on my Philippines trip!
Cebu Airport was a good one, with lots of facilities. I got a good, big, strong coffee, from Bo’s, and noted that there were a lot of good food options for my return when I got through security.
Unfortunately I found out that I was going to have to pay for 5kgs of my luggage, or get rid of it. She said it was because it was a small plane I was only allowed 10kg – I was picturing one of the tiny ones I’d taken in Florida or Papua New Guinea – but it was still a four-seater with an aisle. Anyway, another 1000 pesos down, annoyingly and unexpectedly.
I flew with Philippines Airlines from Cebu to Siargao direct on the 11:30 to 12:30, and it was pretty much on time. The flight was beautiful – one of those scenic flights you’d pay for just to see out of the window, never mind get from A to B.
As is the Philippine Airlines way, they gave us a little snack on board, this time it was the best of the lot – a cinnamon roll. Eating that while looking down on this, and listening to the new Alabama Shakes album, was all kinds of brilliant.
Landing, security and getting out of the airport were all pretty straight forward. When I got out taxi drivers were saying 1500 (£21) to my hotel in Siargao, but I knew I could get it cheaper. I walked out the airport grounds and there were lots of men with motorbikes waiting. Not scary motorbikes with no space, but specially adapted ones for luggage.
Cheapest I could get was 500php (£7.19), not too bad, the hotel had told me 400, so I went with it.
Such a nice ride. And 25 minutes later we were there.