The Perfect 1 Week in Philippines Itinerary- Palawan’s Stunning Islands

1-Week in the Philippines Overview

Struggling to plan the perfect 1 week in Philippines itinerary? Look no further! In this all-inclusive guide, we’ll dive into the vibrant heart of its bustling metropolis, uncovering its hidden gems and must-see attractions. But that’s not all – we’ll also explore the breathtaking natural wonders and pristine white sand beaches that make the Philippines a dream destination for travelers worldwide. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey filled with excitement, stunning beauty, and endless adventure!

In this article, we will not only go over the best cities and islands to visit during your short time in the Philippines but also my top recommendations for the best activities to do to maximize your time in each area and truly get to experience the unparalleled beauty this county has to offer.

But first, before describing the perfect 1 week in Philippines itinerary, I’ll begin by covering some logistics you should know before arriving in the country, like how to travel from one island to another, or within the town itself. I will then end the post with some FAQs someone planning a 1 week in Philippines itinerary may have.

Transportation Overview

But first, some logistics. Not the funest, but most definitely necessary if you plan on navigating around the Philippines, and not just staying in one spot. Spoiler alert, this 1 week in Philippines itinerary will have you hopping on ferries, planes, and more traditional modes of transportation, like the infamous jeepney to explore the most you can in your seven-day period in the Philippines!

Flights

You can find many affordable and direct flights to hop from one island to another in the most efficient manner. Flight times and prices can vary depending on when purchased, so purchase flights in advance to prevent having to over pay last minute.

Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) Manila airport is the main international airport and will be where you are likely flying in from. Another airport that will be included in this itinerary will be Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU) [also known as Busuanga Airport] in Coron, Philippines.

Ferry Rides

An alternative to airport costs to travel from one island to another is ferry rides. They can be a more affordable option, however, the speed to arrive at one’s destination will be greater than what the flight time would be.

Grab

Grab (an Asian version of Uber) is mainly available in city centers, like Manila. You are not likely to find them on the islands or in remote locations. I did not see any offered during my time in the islands of Palawan.

Day 1-2: Manila, Luzon, Philippines

What can I expect from Manila?

Manila is the lively capital city of the Philippines and it is located on the main island of Luzon, the main island of the archipelago. Manila beckons with its bustling city center and rich cultural heritage and is the start of our 1 week in Philippines itinerary. Here we’ll provide you with insights and tips to navigate through the diverse experiences awaiting you in this dynamic metropolis. Whether you’re drawn to its historical landmarks, culinary delights, or vibrant nightlife, get ready to immerse yourself in the eclectic tapestry of Manila!

Where to stay in Manila?

During my stay in Manila, I had the luxury of staying at the Swiss- Belhotel Blulane. My experience included world-class accommodation, pristine cleanliness, convenient amenities, and exceptional Filipino hospitality.

It was a major bonus getting to witness the extravagant Christmas tree they had set up during the holidays, as well. It made being away from home during the festive times so much more enjoyable.

Additionally, the hotel is in a prime location, located to everything you’d possibly want to explore during your time in Manila. National landmarks are easy to reach from the entrance and allow you to make the most of your time while in the country’s capital.

What to do in Manila?

Tours

• Walking Tour– Hits the highlights and must-see things of the city.
  • Manila Cathedral
  • San Agustin Church
  • Intramuros “Walled City”
  • Fort Santiago
• Jeepney Tour- Similar to the walking tour, but travel is in the Jeepney, the local way of transportation, rather than on foot.
• Food Tour– wander through Manila’s neighborhoods while getting to try its well-known street foods.

Places to Stroll

• Chinatown
• Greenbelt Mall
• SM Mall of Asia
• BGC Mall
• Greenhills Shopping Center
• Manila Bay Harbour
• Manila Ocean Park
• Venice Canal Mall

Rooftop at sunset

• SkyDeck

How to maximize your time in Manila?

With such an extensive list, you’re probably wondering how to make the most of your short time in Manila. My recommendation is to begin your day bright and early with a tour of some sort. Be it a walking or food tour, it will provide you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the country’s culture and learn more about its history quickly all while directly exploring the city.

I found Jeepney tours were offered in person when wandering around the city, where locals will often come up to you offering the tour. This was unlike the other tours I suggest, which can be booked in advance online.

Then? Take the afternoon to wander around one of the areas on my “places to stroll” list and grab lunch in the area. I chose to wander around the SM Mall of Asia and found there were endless stores and sites to see during my time exploring here.

The mall was festively decorated for Christmas, having huge animal figures dressed in their holiday outfits and festive photo opportunities scattered all around the mall. I got plenty of my steps in that day wandering the three-floor mall and taking necessary food breaks at its ample food halls offering a delicious variety of cuisines and beer selections.

If you’re interested in a more jam-packed itinerary, feel free to try and cross off several areas on my “places to stroll” list for your afternoon in Manila.

Finally, in the evening, I suggest splurging on a lovely dining experience at a rooftop bar or restaurant to fully bask in the city’s beauty while hovering above all its twinkling lights. Bonus points when booking a reservation during sunset so you get to dine with a cold beer while also indulging in the transition of the city from day to night.

I recommend getting a good night’s rest, as you will likely have to be up bright and early to travel to your next island!

*Please feel free to mix and match the events to your choosing and not exactly in the order I describe. For example, perhaps you may wish to opt out of the rooftop experience and decide to do a food tour in the evening instead. And in the morning you can choose to do a walking tour instead. Then, include your choice(s) from the “places to stroll” list to explore for your afternoon activity.

How long to stay in Manila?

This itinerary provides one day to explore Manila. I highly recommend making your flight time arrive as early as possible to make the most of your time in the city center. The next stop in your 1 week in Philippines itinerary will be Coron Island, so be sure to purchase your flight in advance for the next morning. Again, I recommend as early as possible to have as much time as you can in your new destination.

Palawan Island

Embark on a journey to paradise as we uncover the pristine beauty of Palawan Island when exploring the islands of Coron and El Nido. Nestled amidst the shimmering waters of the Philippines, Palawan is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and unparalleled island hopping adventures. In this guide, we’ll dive into the wonders of this beautiful island, exploring its hidden gems and must-visit attractions. From secluded beaches to vibrant coral reefs, get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of Palawan, where every moment is a picturesque escape!

Days 2- 4: Coron

How to travel from Manila to Coron Island?

You can travel from Manila to Coron Island by either taking a ferry or a flight.

Ferry rides can be booked in advance on 12Go and are close to a 16-hour ride. Alternatively, I decided to travel from Manila to Coron by taking a direct flight. I booked an affordable flight with Cebu Pacific Air from the Manila Airport to the Busuanga Airport and it took a little over an hour to arrive at my new destination.

What can I expect from Coron?

Indulge in the allure of Coron, Palawan Island, where pristine beaches and breathtaking vistas await your discovery. Nestled amidst the shimmering waters of the Philippines, Coron is renowned for its powdery white sands and untouched natural beauty. In this part of our 1 week in Philippines itinerary, we’ll navigate through the charms of Coron, from its serene beaches to the vibrant Coron Town. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on secluded shores or adventure in the clearest waters you’ve ever seen, Coron promises an unforgettable escape into paradise.

Where to stay?

My experience in Coron was truly elevated by my stay at the Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel- a luxury resort located on the island. Its location offers breathtaking ocean views and provides easy access to other modes of transportation, whether arriving by plane or leaving by ferry.

The amenities that this excellent resort offers hands down made my stay that much more pleasant, whether it was enjoying dinner at the Baya Resto Lounge, basking in its stunning infinity pool, or indulging myself in its complimentary delightful breakfast.

The class and service you’ll experience at Two Seasons are top-notch as well. The staff were more than happy to answer my million and one questions about island hopping tours and learning how to rent a boat for the day. And, they easily made me feel considered from the first moment when taking my bags to my room, to the last, when they prepackaged my complimentary breakfast to-go since my ferry ride was to depart at 6:00 am.

I can’t recommend Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel in Coron Town enough. It is a wonderful luxury resort that will be sure to elevate your own experience on the island of Coron. It is an excellent resort that truly made a difference in my experience in Coron, Philippines, and will no doubt for you as well!

What to do in Coron Island?

Day 2: Arrive at hotel

• Explore Coron Town
• Lounge in Infinity pool
• Coron Town

Day 4: last day in Coron

• Rent a Boat
• Take the ferry (or plane) to El Nido

How to maximize my time in Coron, Island?

Although other tours are offered to island hop around Coron, I highly recommend the Super Ulitmate tour to see as much of the vast natural beauty this stunning island has to offer. It will take you to the major highlights of the area and will not leave you disappointed. I had the chance to encounter the cleanest and most turquoise water I have ever seen during my time on this tour.

How long to stay in Coron Island?

Your stay in Coron, Island will be your days 2-4. I provide a sample itinerary of how to spend your 3 days in Coron. Please feel free to mix and match which activities will best serve you during your time on the island.

You may choose to spend your first day at Coron renting a boat for yourself, and then decide on your last day you may just wish to lounge in the hotel’s infinity pool.

Depending on what time your flight arrives on the Island will also determine whether or not you will be able to do an island hopping tour that same day or not, as they often start early in the morning and tend to be all-day activities.

On day 4 of this itinerary, you will enjoy your last hours of Coron and then make yourself to your next destination- El Nido. The quickest way will be to book and ride a ferry to travel to the next island. Alternatively, a 40-minute plane ride will take you to Puerto Princesa, but it will be a 6-hour drive from El Nido.

Days 4-6: El Nido

How to travel from Coron to El Nido?

To travel from Coron to El Nido, you can either take a ferry or a flight. I decided to take the fast ferry on the Montenegro Line which consisted of a five-hour ride that departed at 6:00 am.

What can I expect from El Nido?

Escape to the idyllic paradise of El Nido, Palawan Island, where turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs beckon to be explored. Tucked away in the Philippines, El Nido boasts unparalleled natural beauty and is celebrated as an island paradise like no other. In this captivating journey of our 1 week in Philippines itinerary, we’ll immerse ourselves in the stunning landscapes and pristine waters of El Nido, discovering its hidden gems and must-visit attractions. Whether you’re drawn to snorkeling in vibrant coral gardens or lounging on secluded beaches, El Nido promises an unforgettable adventure in paradise.

Where to stay?

El Nido Beach Hotel is a comfortable hotel that’s also a budget-friendly option that I decided to stay in during my time in El Nido. It’s a clean hotel that offers all the basic necessities one would need with the major perk of having your room located just a few feet from the soft sand white beaches. Any beach lover would rave about the location of this hotel the way I did.

As someone who goes to sleep every night with ocean waves playing in the background, it was a true pleasure getting to hear the real thing roaring just outside my door every evening.

The hotel has friendly staff and also offers a complimentary delightful breakfast which was lovely to take advantage of right before the start of my island hopping tours. I would also find my fridge refilled daily with bottled water, which would give me peace of mind over having to drink the tap water during my time in this comfortable hotel.

What to do?

• NacPan Beach
• Hidden Beach
• Stroll around the night markets
• Island Hopping Tours:

How to maximize your time in El Nido?

I decided to go for tours A and B, as A seemed to be jam-packed with El Nido’s must-see attractions, while C seemed to be at a more leisurely pace while still getting to cross off some of the island’s must-see highlights. This allowed me to experience both types of travel during my time in El Nido.

No matter which Palawan tour you choose, you will still be sure to experience the beautiful natural landscapes, turquoise water, and stunning idyllic beaches El Nido has to offer. Each one will provide the opportunity to visit blue lagoons, and deserted islands, and experience the vast nature that Palawan Island has to offer.

How long to stay in El Nido?

You will arrive at El Nido on your 4th day, and the ferry you decide to book will determine the time you arrive on the island and what else you may be able to do as well. I recommend taking advantage of the island hopping tours to view as many scenic places as you can in one day.

However, if you arrive too late on your first day, you can take the opportunity to visit nearby areas that are also stunning, such as NanPac Beach or Hidden Beach. Then, the next day you can book a full-day island hopping tour.

On the evening of day 6, you will need to book a van to start your 5-6 hours ride to Puerto Princess, where you will arrive pretty late at night to your next accommodation.

Days 6-7: Puerto Princessa

How to get to Puerto Princesa?

Traveling from El Nido to Puerto Princesa will require a five to six-hour van ride. You can either book your transfer in advance or book it the day you plan on traveling. My comfortable hotel near the ocean assisted me with the latter option, resulting in a stressfree ride through El Nido’s vast nature ending with me being dropped off at the steps of my next accommodation.

What can I expect from Puerto Princesa?

Embark on an extraordinary adventure to Puerto Princesa, Palawan Island, home to the mesmerizing Subterranean River, also known as the Underground River. Join us as we delve into the depths of Puerto Princesa in this part of the 1 week in Philippines itinerary, uncovering why it’s a must-visit destination for travelers seeking awe-inspiring experiences. Whether captivated by natural wonders or seeking an adventure off the beaten path, Puerto Princesa offers an unforgettable escape into Palawan’s enchanting landscape

Where to stay in Puerto Princessa?

A backpacker and budget-friendly accommodation I can highly recommend would be Guni Guni Hostel. I found it on Booking.com as an excellently rated accommodation and it did not disappoint. The rooms were very clean and spacious, and so was the property itself. It offered board games I easily took advantage of during my stay, and it also has a wonderful restaurant located on the premises. I was able to enjoy delicious meals while having the pleasure of sitting outside in its lovely patio, which had ample comfortable seating options, and ceiling fans. Free evening entertainment was also offered, which was always lovely getting to hear beautiful singers while indulging in my dinner.

It is also in a wonderful location, being an 18-minute walk from Pristine Beach and 0.6 miles from the airport, which the hostel easily helped me in booking a taxi to arrive on time for my 4:00 am flight.

What to do in Puerto Princesa?

• Underground River “Subterranean River” Tour
• Firefly watching tour
• Palawan butterfly ecological garden and tribal village tour
• Palaweno Brewery

How to maximize your time in Puerto Princesa?

I highly recommend the Subterranean river tour. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the area.

Depending on your decision to complete a full or half-day tour will determine how much time you have to complete another activity during your time in Puerto Princesa.

How long to stay in Puerto Princesa?

We are scheduled to arrive in Puerto Princesa the night of our 6th day in our 1 week in Philippines itinerary and it will take our last day of this trip. I recommend waking up bright and early to take full advantage of every last minute you have left on the island. Please feel free to choose any of the activities from above that best align with your preferences and interests that you wish to experience during your time in the Philippines. Then, your flight should be booked back home at the end of this day, or if it is possible for you, tomorrow morning.

Conclusion

This perfect 1 week in Philippines itinerary will prepare you with everything you need to explore this stunning country. From transportation logistics to daily activities, with a sprinkle of personal recommendations from my last visit, I equip you with all you need to create the ultimate experience to bask in the Philippines’s divine beauty stress-free. With my guide, you will be able to island hop with ease and fully focus on floating in the crystal clear waters of the Philippines. Happy Travels!

1 Week in Philippines Itinerary- FAQs

What should I bring with me on the island-hopping tours?

I highly recommend purchasing a wet bag on the island (as they are very cheap) and packing sunscreen, sunglasses or a wide-brim hat, bottled water, and wet shoes.

Should I bring cash with me on the tours?

I highly recommend packing some amount of cash. First off, to tip the Filipino people who took care of you during your tour. It may also be needed to purchase extras, like renting a see-through kayak, which was a lovely experience I had during one of my tours in Coron, or perhaps snorkeling gear to see the coral. It was also a surprise to see Filipino people on kayaks paddling near our boat during certain stops offering a beer selection, water bottles, or coconuts for sale. So, having cash on hand will ensure you will have the opportunity to take advantage of all the opportunities presented your way during the tours.

If I only have time to do one Palawan tour in the Philippines, which one should I do?

If you only have time to do one tour during your time in Palawan, Philippines, it hands down must be the Ultimate Tour in Coron, or Tour A in El Nido where you will get to experience the Big Blue Lagoon.

Where do I book the island hopping tours?

You can purchase the tours online in advance with websites such as Trip Advisor or Get Your Guide. However, I recommend purchasing the tours with locals in the area, as often the prices tend to be cheaper than what I find online.

Is the Philippines safe to solo travel as a female?

During my solo trip to the Philippines, I spent a few days exploring Manila on my own before meeting up with my mother for island hopping in Palawan. As a solo female traveler with experience in various Asian countries, I personally wouldn’t recommend starting your solo journey in the Philippines. While I didn’t feel in immediate danger, I found it more comfortable to explore cities like Thailand or Vietnam alone compared to my time in the Philippines, especially in Manila.

I want to highlight the difference I noticed between the country’s capital and its less crowded islands of Palawan. In Manila, I often felt uneasy, with children clinging on to me and asking for money, as well as men paying unwanted attention. However, the islands felt much safer and more relaxed. I didn’t feel like I was a target for theft, and exploring the towns and night markets was enjoyable and secure.

But remember, it’s essential to stay cautious no matter where you travel. While the Philippines offers incredible experiences, it’s crucial to take safety precautions, just like you would anywhere else- be it at home or far abroad.

What should I pack for my Philippines trip?

I have a thorough post on the ultimate traveling packing list, which provides a thorough description of exactly what to pack. It also includes a PDF guide you can print out and have with you as you pack to ensure you don’t forget a thing! Or, if you are mainly curious about what the essentials are that you should carry, then check out this post that discusses the best products for travel in 2024!