This 3 weeks Philippines itinerary is filled with a mecca of adventurous things to do such as island hopping, waterfalls, cave pools, beach bumming, viewpoints, and much more!
The Philippines is rapidly becoming one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia and you’ll see why once you have experienced it firsthand.
In this Philippines travel guide, you’ll discover the best places to visit and all the information on the best time to visit the Philippines, how to get around, where to stay in each location, and more!
OVERVIEW – PHILIPPINES ITINERARY 3 WEEKS
In this 3 weeks Philippines itinerary, you’ll find the top 4 most popular islands for first-timers backpacking Philippines and how long to spend on each island.
- Cebu (5 Days)
- Bohol (3 Days)
- Siargao (7 Days)
- Palawan (6 Days)
CEBU (5 DAYS)
Cebu Island is located in the Central Visayas region and it’s one of my favorite destinations in the Philippines. I highly recommend starting your 3 weeks Philippines itinerary here!
There are daily flights to Cebu Mactan International Airport welcoming international arrivals from around the world and also connecting domestic travelers from many destinations within the Philippines.
From Cebu Mactan International Airport, it’s approximately a 30-minute drive to Cebu City and you can pre-book a hassle-free transfer from the airport to your hotel.
Book Now → Cebu City Airport Transfer
CEBU CITY TOURS
To maximize your time in Cebu City and to see all of the sites on the first day of your itinerary, I recommend booking a guided city tour online in advance with Viator.
WHERE TO STAY IN CEBU CITY
Cebu City has hundreds of accommodation options to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
Luxury: Radisson Blu Cebu City
Radisson Blu Cebu is the best 5-star accommodation in Cebu City! The hotel is centrally and located features direct access to SM Mall, a large outdoor swimming pool, 3 dining options, and is close to the airport.
The rooms offer panoramic views of the city and are fitted with a flat-screen tv, a large memory foam bed, 24-hour room service, air conditioning, a spacious living area, and a private bathroom.
It’s perfect for couples, families, and friends.
Mid Range: Cebu Parklane International Hotel
Parklane International Hotel is a 3-star accommodation in the heart of Cebu City and is within walking distance of Ayala Center and other nearby attractions.
This property features an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center with a sauna, 3 dining options, and free wifi.
The rooms are spacious and fitted with air conditioning, flat-screen tv, a work desk, sofa seating, and a private bathroom.
Recommended place to stay for couples, friends, and families.
Budget: Murals Hostel & Cafe
I personally stayed at Murals Hostel on several occasions and can’t recommend this place enough!
Murals actually have 3 properties in awesome locations, one is in Mactan near the airport and the other two are in the city center.
There are dorm rooms, private rooms, and capsule-style rooms available perfect for solo travelers, friends, and couples.
There is also a really great co-working space at Murals Hostel & Cafe with high-speed wifi!
FOR MORE OPTIONS IN CEBU CITY, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
THINGS TO DO IN SOUTH CEBU (MOALBOAL)
One day in Cebu City and the beginning of your trip is more than enough time as there are many more fun-fuelled adventures to be had in Moalboal which is located in the south of Cebu.
I have put together a complete 5 Days Cebu Itinerary including epic waterfalls, panoramic viewpoints, swimming with whale sharks, island hopping, and more!
HOW TO GET FROM CEBU CITY TO MOALBOAL
From Cebu City to Moalboal, the best option is to take the public bus from South Cebu Bus Terminal in Cebu City.
There are hourly departures from Cebu City to Moalboal from South Cebu Bus Terminal starting as early as 5 am.
From Cebu City to Moalboal, the journey time is around 3 to 4 hours on the bus and the cost is 160 pesos.
When you arrive at the bus station in Moalboal it’s best to take a tricycle to your accommodation in the tourist area of Moalboal which is a 15-minute drive and the cost is around 100 pesos.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN SOUTH CEBU
- Kawasan Falls Canyoneering
- Osmena Peak
- Casino Peak
- Aguinid Falls
- Binalayan Hidden Falls
- Dao Falls
- Inambakan Waterfalls
- Swimming With Whale Sharks
- Tumalog Falls
- Sumilon Island Hopping
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WHERE TO STAY IN MOALBOAL
Moalboal has hundreds of accommodations to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay during your visit.
See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend.
Luxury: Dolphin House Resort Moalboal
Dolphin House is the best luxury accommodation in Moalboal, located a stone’s throw away from the ocean. Features included a pool, a restaurant and bar, free wifi, and ocean views.
There are double rooms, triple rooms, family rooms, and bungalows available at Dolphin House Resort.
It’s recommended for families, friends, or couples looking for a luxurious stay.
Mid Range: Pescadores Seaview Suites
One of the most recommended places to stay in Moalboal, Pescadores Suites offers double rooms, twin rooms, and a garden villa.
There is an outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace, restaurant, mini-market, table tennis, billiards, board games, karaoke room, and wellness spa.
It’s a great place to stay for friends or couples.
Budget: Chief Mau Hostel
The best budget accommodation in Moalboal, centrally located just minutes from the beach and a 1-hour drive to Osmena Peak.
Chief Mau hostel offers dorm rooms and private rooms with free wifi. The owner Trish is super lovely and goes out of her way to make all of her guests feel welcome and comfortable.
There is a shared lounge with hammocks, a billiards table, and an in-house restaurant and bar serving up the best western food in Moalboal.
For solo travelers, couples, or friends on a budget, this is the spot for you.
For More Options In Moalboal, Search On Booking.com
BOHOL (3 DAYS)
The next stop on this Philippines itinerary is Bohol Island, boasting amazing waterfalls, pristine beaches, cave pools, cliff jumping, island hopping, and, of course, the famous Chocolate Hills!
There are so many epic things to do in Bohol that you could spend weeks here if you had the time but 3 days is enough to see all the highlights!
I have also put together a massive guide of the 31 Best Things To Do In Bohol that you should definitely check out!
HOW TO GET TO BOHOL
The most common route is the ferry from Cebu to Bohol which takes approximately 2.5 hours and the cost is around 600 pesos.
There are daily ferry departures from the Cebu Pier 1 Ferry Terminal and it arrives at Tagbilaran Port in Bohol.
Get Your Ticket → Cebu to Bohol ferry
BEST THINGS TO DO IN BOHOL
- Chocolate Hills
- Bilar Man-Made Forest
- Tarsier Conservation Area
- Dimiao Twin Falls
- Ingkumhan Falls
- Hinagdanan Cave
- Panglao Beach
- Molave Cliff Jumping
- Balicasag Island Hopping
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WHERE TO STAY IN BOHOL
Panglao is the main tourist area in Bohol and has hundreds of accommodation options to choose from.
I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
LUXURY: AMORITA RESORT
Experience 5-star luxury at Amorita Resort in Panglao Bohol, featuring ocean views, an outdoor infinity pool, an in-house dive shop, free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and bar, and breakfast included.
The rooms are elegantly furnished each with large comfortable beds, air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, a private ensuite bathroom, and a minibar.
Amorita Resort is the perfect place to stay for couples or families on a luxury budget.
MID RANGE: ALONA VIDA BEACH RESORT
Centrally located on Alona Beach in Panglao, Alona Vida Beach Resort features an outdoor pool, direct beach access, massage services, and watersport activities.
They have many room options to choose from including standard, deluxe, superior, and family rooms to suit all travelers.
Rooms are spacious with comfortable beds, private bathrooms, air-conditioning, a balcony with pool views, flat-screen TV, and a minibar.
BUDGET: MOON FOOLS HOSTEL
Located right in the middle of the tourist hub of Panglao, Moon Fools Hostel is a modern, green, and eco-friendly hostel perfect for budget backpackers.
It’s within walking distance of local restaurants, cafes, and a convenience store, and public transport is easily accessible.
Breakfast is included for all guests and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
For More Options, See My Complete Guide On Where To Stay In Bohol
BOHOL TOUR PACKAGES
Another great way to see all of the best Bohol tourist spots is to book a Bohol Countryside Tour.
This particular tour is the top-rated tour in Bohol with great reviews.
I can’t recommend this amazing tour enough, especially for first-timers to Bohol!
The Bohol Tour includes the following:
- Chocolate Hills Bohol
- Bilar Manmade Forest
- Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary
- Loboc River Cruise with lunch
- Baclayon Church
Check Availability & Rates: Bohol Countryside Tour
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SIARGAO (7 DAYS)
Next up on this Philippines itinerary 3 weeks is Siargao Island, awarded for being the BEST island in the world (2018/2019) and since then, it has become the most popular island in the Philippines!
Siargao is almost completely covered in coconut palm trees and surrounded by crystal clear turquoise waters, making it a ‘hard to beat’ tropical destination.
The reason I have allocated 7 days in Siargao on this itinerary is that there are many fantastic things to do to keep you entertained in Siargao and I guarantee you won’t want to leave by the end of the week!
HOW TO GET TO SIARGAO
This leg of the Philippines itinerary will likely be a full day of travel just to get to Siargao from Bohol. It’s not ideal but that’s just the way it goes in the Philippines.
From Bohol, you’ll have to take the ferry from Tagbilaran Port back to Cebu City and then fly directly to Siargao from Cebu Mactan Airport.
Get Your Ticket → Bohol to Cebu ferry
BEST THINGS TO DO IN SIARGAO
- Cloud 9 Surfing
- Magpupungko Rock Pools
- Sugba Lagoon
- Siargao Island Hopping
- Tayangban Cave Pool
- Sohoton Cove National Park
- Corregidor Island
- Pacifico Beach
- Siargao Palm Tree Swing
- Secret Beach Siargao
Full Blog Post → 15 Things To Do In Siargao
Sohoton Cove
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WHERE TO STAY IN SIARGAO
General Luna is the place to be when searching for the best places to stay in Siargao!
There are hundreds of accommodation options to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to fit the needs of luxury, mid-range, and budget travelers.
LUXURY: NAY PALAD HIDEAWAY VILLAS
Nay Palad Hideaway offers the most luxurious, all-inclusive island resort that you may be seeking, with choices of a sea view room, a garden view room, or a luxurious villa.
Features include an outdoor swimming pool, a private palm tree-fringed beach, an in-house restaurant, a games room with billiards and table tennis, and more!
Guests can also make use of the complimentary paddleboards, surfboards, kayaks, and bicycles, and even jump on board an island-hopping tour.
MID RANGE: SURFING CARABAO BEACH HOUSES
Surfing Carabao Beach Houses are popular among most travelers visiting the island due to the prime beachfront location at an affordable price!
Features include well-kept gardens, a private beach area, and BBQ facilities, and all beachside bungalows have air conditioning and a balcony.
It’s the perfect place to stay for couples, friends, or families on a mid-range budget.
BUDGET: MAD MONKEY HOSTEL
Mad Monkey is the most popular hostel in Siargao, centrally located in General Luna. It’s just a 7-minute walk from the famous Cloud 9 surf break and other nearby attractions.
The hostel features a tiki-themed bar, a restaurant, and a swimming pool, and the dorm rooms have air conditioning and free Wi-Fi for all guests.
For backpackers, solo travelers, and surfers on a budget, this is the place for you!
For More Options, See My Complete Guide On Where To Stay In Siargao
PALAWAN (6 DAYS)
Last but not least on this Philippines itinerary 3 weeks is Palawan Island which is where you’ll find the two most talked-about locations – El Nido and Coron!
There is so much to do in Palawan itself that you could spend weeks here, but seeing as you only have 6 days left you’re going to want to focus on seeing the highlights.
HOW TO GET TO PALAWAN
Once again, this leg will be a full day of travel to get from Siargao to Puerto Princesa in Palawan but it’s the only way to go.
From Siargao, you’ll first have to fly to Cebu Mactan Airport and then transfer flights from Cebu to Puerto Princesa in Palawan.
Search All → Flights from Siargao to Palawan
PALAWAN OVERVIEW
Here’s a quick overview of how to spend 6 days in Palawan:
DAY 1:
- Arrive at Puerto Princesa Airport in the morning
- 6-hour bus ride from Puerto Princesa to El Nido
- Sunset at Las Cabanas Beach in El Nido
DAY 2:
DAY 3:
- Sunrise hike to Taraw Peak
- Depart El Nido at 9 am for 3D2N Island Hopping Expedition to Coron
DAY 4:
- El Nido to Coron Island Hopping Expedition
DAY 5:
- El Nido to Coron Island Hopping Expedition
- Arrive in Coron at 4 pm
DAY 6:
BEST THINGS TO DO IN EL NIDO
- El Nido Island Hopping – Tour A
- Taraw Peak Sunrise Hike
- 3D2N El Nido To Coron Island Hopping Expedition
Taraw Peak Sunrise
El Nido to Coron – 3 Weeks Philippines Itinerary
WHERE TO STAY IN EL NIDO
El Nido has hundreds of accommodation options to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay in El Nido to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
Luxury: Lagùn Hotel
Lagùn Hotel is one of the best and most modern hotels in El Nido featuring an outdoor swimming pool, terrace, restaurant, bar, and free wifi throughout the property.
The rooms are fitted with a flat-screen tv, wardrobe, work desk, fridge, kettle, private bathroom, and some with a balcony.
Recommended place to stay for couples, families, or friends.
Mid Range: Sea Cocoon Hotel
I personally stayed at Sea Cocoon Hotel which is located right in the heart of El Nido town and just a minute’s walk to the beach.
Sea Cocoon Hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, terrace, restaurant, bar, and a shared lounge.
The rooms are spacious and modern with air-conditioning, large comfy beds, a wardrobe, a balcony, and a private bathroom. A buffet breakfast is also included for all guests.
Affordable place to stay for couples, families, or friends.
Budget: One Hostel El Nido
One Hostel is one of the best budget accommodations in El Nido which is centrally located and within walking distance of the bus terminal, shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, and beaches.
There are dorm rooms, double rooms, and quadruple rooms available with air-conditioning. The hostel also has free wifi and a shared lounge area for guests to hang out.
It’s the perfect place to stay in El Nido for solo travelers, couples, or friends on a budget.
FOR MORE OPTIONS IN EL NIDO, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
BEST THINGS TO DO IN CORON
Mt Tapyas Viewpoint
WHERE TO STAY IN CORON
Coron has countless accommodation options to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
Luxury: Bacau Bay Resort Coron
Bacau Bay Resort is a beautiful 4-star accommodation close to the town.
Featuring an outdoor swimming pool, on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, kids club, a relaxation spa, and free wifi throughout the property.
Choose from a deluxe room or premier suite which is fitted with air conditioning, flat-screen tv, seating area, wardrobe, kitchenette, private bathroom, spacious living, and large comfortable beds.
It’s the perfect place to stay in Coron for couples, families, or friends.
Mid Range: Vienna Hotel
One of the best mid-range accommodations in Coron is Vienna Hotel.
Centrally located in Coron town, featuring a swimming pool, massage services, in-house restaurant, bar, free wifi, and a rooftop terrace overlooking Coron Bay.
The rooms are fitted with a desk, flat-screen tv, fridge, seating area, private bathroom, outside balcony, and large comfortable beds.
American, Asian, Continental, English, or buffet breakfast is included for all guests. Recommended for couples, families, or friends.
Budget: Hop Hostel
Hop Hostel is one of the best and most popular hostels in Coron, perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers on a budget.
Centrally located in Coron town near cafes, restaurants, bars, and public markets.
Choose from either a Dorm room, Queen room, or Quadruple room with air conditioning and comfortable beds.
The private rooms are fitted with a fridge, microwave, coffee machine, and wardrobe. There’s also free WiFi, a shared kitchen, a lounge area, and a rooftop bar/terrace with incredible views of Coron Bay.
FOR MORE OPTIONS IN CORON, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
CORON TO MANILA
When it comes time to depart the Philippines, the most convenient option is to fly from Coron to Manila, which takes around 1.5 hours.
From Manila, there are daily international flights available, onwards to your next destination.
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE PHILIPPINES
The best time to visit the Philippines, weather-wise, is between April and July when temperatures are hot and there is barely any rainfall.
This is also the high season in the Philippines, so expect to see many tourists during these months.
I recommend planning your 3 Weeks Philippines Itinerary on the shoulder months of the high season between November and March which sees a bit of rainfall but usually only lasts for a couple of hours and the rest of the day is sunny.
Try to avoid the typhoon season in the Philippines which is typically between August and October.
PHILIPPINES ITINERARY MAP
WHAT TO PACK FOR 3 WEEKS IN THE PHILIPPINES
When visiting the Philippines, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:
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Travel Backpack
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More Philippines Travel Guides
Click the button below to view all articles related to the Philippines!
FINAL THOUGHTS – PHILIPPINES ITINERARY 3 WEEKS
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions, please leave me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.
TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!
Search and book accommodation worldwide.
Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.
Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.
Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.
Search all rental cars in your next destination.
Need travel insurance for your next trip?
THANKS FOR READING
Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!
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Many thanks!
Hi, what time of the year did you visit the Phillippines?
Thanks,
Aoife
Hi there, I visited in September/October 🙂
We would love to visit the Phillipines but do not want to go to touristy places. Can you recommend any islands/beaches to visit and stay and avoid the crowds?
Yes, Romblon, Tablas, Carabao and Camiguin Islands are relatively untouched and amazing! All of these guides can be found on the blog. Enjoy!