Philippines Beaches & Nightlife: Manila, Boracay, Cebu & Coron - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Manila, Capital of the Philippines

Welcome to the bustling capital of the Philippines, Manila! When you arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, meet your driver outside to transfer to your hotel in the city. After settling in, venture out to explore on your own. If you want to immerse yourself in Filipino culture, visit the National Museum Complex to discover the three museums within. Start at the National Museum of Natural History to learn about the country's biodiversity, geology, and ecosystems.

Continue to the National Museum of Anthropology, where you can delve into the Philippines' ethnographic and archaeological history. Your last stop is the National Museum of Fine Arts, which showcases a collection of Filipino visual arts from different periods. In the evening, head to Malate, a vibrant district full of bars, pubs, and nightclubs catering to different tastes. If you're on a budget, the nearby Remedios Circle has more affordable bars and small clubs that are popular among tourists and locals, so you can party the night away without breaking the bank.

Day 2: Bike Tour of Intramuros, Explore the Poblacion District

Start your morning with a guided bike tour across Intramuros, the historic walled city. Hop on a bamboo bicycle and follow your guide down the cobbled streets, passing architectural wonders and iconic landmarks, such as Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church. Your guide will stop at notable sites to teach you about their history and give you time to explore. After the four-hour sightseeing tour, you can continue to discover the city on your own or return to the hotel to rest before you go bar hopping tonight.

In the evening, head to Señor Pollo, a popular Latin chicken chain serving roast or grilled chicken with a variety of sides. After a delicious dinner, stroll over to Lokal Hostel to admire the colorful murals painted by local artists lining the building's interior and exterior. If you're not too full, stop for some street food or visit Avenue Night Market to browse the array of snacks and handmade crafts. Cap off the night at City Garden Hotel for a chilled cocktail on the rooftop overlooking the district's skyscrapers, then return to your hotel for the night.

Day 3: Full-Day Tour to Taal Volcano & Taal Town

Trade the city for the countryside today, as you venture two hours south to see the Taal volcano, a large caldera filled by Taal Lake. One of the best spots to enjoy this natural landscape is People's Park in the Sky, as it provides panoramic views of the volcano and the blue water within. Sit down to enjoy a delicious Filipino lunch while you take in the view before continuing to Taal, a small heritage town founded by Augustinian friars in 1572. Follow your guide across the cobblestone streets, passing well-preserved Spanish colonial houses to get to the historic center.

From here, you can continue to explore by foot or jump in a carabao-drawn cart to see the Basilica de San Martin de Tours, built in 1575. Admire the imposing facade and intricate details, then enter to see the religious artifacts. Continue the tour at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay to marvel at the centuries-old image of the Virgin Mary and visit the nearby Well of Santa Lucia, believed to be full of water with healing properties. After an action-packed day, return to your hotel in Manila for the night.

Day 4: Market Tour & Cooking Class, Fly to Boracay Island

Save your appetite this morning, as today, you get to learn how to cook traditional Filipino dishes from a local. Your lesson starts at a bustling market, where your guide will teach you about the produce and ingredients commonly used in Filipino cooking. Once you gather the supplies you need, follow your guide to their house to start cooking. Choose between a hands-on lesson or a cooking demonstration to prepare delicious recipes that have been passed down through generations. When the meal is ready, sit down with your group to enjoy it before ending with a sweet treat of calamansi pie.

In the afternoon, head to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight to Boracay, a small island renowned for its pristine beaches, crystalline waters, and vibrant atmosphere. Meet your guide outside the airport, then transfer to a boat to get to your hotel. After checking in, get ready to experience the island's famed nightlife. Visit White Beach to watch the sunset and see how the landscape transforms when night falls, as beachfront bars, lounges, and nightclubs light up the shoreline. Enjoy colorful cocktails while you dance the night away on the sand.

Day 5: Self-Guided Bike Tour, Sunset Boat Cruise

One of the best ways to see the island is on a bicycle, so today, you embark on a self-guided bike tour that starts back at White Beach. Pedal along the shoreline to discover the white-sand beach and the bustling markets lining the road. As you cycle, look out for hidden gems, like Diniwid Beach, where you can lock up your bike and rest on the sand. Continue the tour beyond the sand and sea, cycling through lush landscapes and quaint villages as you ride to Mount Luho, the highest point of the island, to enjoy panoramic views of Boracay and its surrounding waters. 

In the evening, you'll get another perspective of the island as you hop on a 65-foot (19.8 m) boat for a sunset cruise. Pack your bathing suit, as you can jump into the water from the three-story high jump-off pad to cool off while the sun paints the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple. As you cruise along the coast, enjoy delicious drinks and canapés while relaxing on the sundeck. When darkness falls, return to the pier for another night of partying along White Beach. If you like electronic dance music, pop over to the renowned nightclub, Epic Boracay, to enjoy the music and high-energy atmosphere. 

Day 6: Spend a Free Day Relaxing on Boracay's Beaches

The day is yours to spend as you wish on the island. Revisit White Beach or Diniwid Beach for a relaxing day in the sun, or join a boat tour to discover the natural beauty of the surrounding islands. Set sail on a traditional fishing boat or modern catamaran, and depending on the tour you choose, you may start at Puka Beach, named for the beautiful shells lining its shores. The sand is coarser here compared to other beaches in Boracay, but it's the perfect place for a quieter retreat from the lively atmosphere of White Beach. 

Lay on the sand, look for shells, or swim in the crystal-clear water before continuing to Crocodile Island, named for its reptile-like shape when viewed from afar. Put on your snorkeling gear and jump in the water, as the island's coral reef is full of vibrant marine life. Look out for tropical fish and exotic creatures like eels or sea snakes. End the tour at Crystal Cove to explore the two islets and mysterious caves. Disembark and discover the islets connected by a bridge for easy access. Take in the panoramic views of the surrounding seascape, then venture into the caves to admire the rock formations.

Day 7: Fly to Cebu City, Capital of Cebu Province

Leave one tropical island behind for another as this morning, you fly to Cebu City, the capital of Cebu Province and the eponymous island. Meet your driver outside the airport after the one-hour flight and transfer to your hotel, where you can stay in to relax or venture out to explore the city on your own. One of the best ways to see the island is from the water, so depending on your arrival time, you can join a boat tour to Nalusuan Island, situated in the heart of the Visayan Sea. 

When you arrive at the island after the one-hour cruise, put on your snorkeling gear and jump in the water to discover the sanctuary underneath. Look out for tropical marine life like stingrays, moray eels, and starfish. If you get hungry, don't worry—the island has its own floating restaurant where you can indulge in the freshest seafood. Once you're rejuvenated, stroll around the island to see the pier, lighthouse, and overwater bungalows for those staying overnight before cruising back to Cebu.

Day 8: Full-Day Heritage Tour of Cebu City

Today you get to explore more of Cebu City, this time on a guided tour to notable heritage sites, starting at the Lapu-Lapu Monument. Admire the monument dedicated to the Indigenous chieftain who defeated the Spanish explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, in 1521. Continue your history lesson of the explorer at Magellan's Cross, placed there to mark his arrival in the Philippines. Next, visit the neighboring Santo Niño Church, the oldest Catholic church in the country. Take in the blend of Muslim, Romanesque, and neoclassical architecture, then enter to see the revered Santo Niño statue.

Break up the tour with a delicious lunch of lechon (roasted pig), which you'll see all over the island. After you eat, head to another religious site, the Chinese Taoist Temple, nestled in the picturesque Beverly Hills. Ascend the grand staircase to see the intricate carvings, colorful tiles, and statues of mythical creatures. At the top, enjoy panoramic views of the city, then wrap up this educational tour at Fort San Pedro, dating back to the Spanish colonial period in the 16th century. Enter the triangular-shaped fortress to see the old watchtowers, stone walls, and cannons, then return to your hotel to rest.

Day 9: Full-Day Tour to Kawasan Falls

This morning, set off on a 2.5-hour road trip south to the three-tiered Kawasan Falls. Your driver will take you along scenic roads through quaint villages to reach the town of Badian, your starting point for the trek to the falls. It's a short, 15 to 20-minute walk along the flat trail, and when you arrive, you'll first be greeted by the soothing sounds of rushing water. As you get closer, the cascading waters and turquoise pool underneath welcome you.

Explore all three levels of the falls, refreshing with a swim in each pool. If you want to get even closer to the falls, jump on a bamboo raft with a local guide and paddle beneath the water. Enjoy the refreshing spray on your skin, then paddle back to shore to lay out and relax on the rocks. When you get hungry, enjoy a Filipino picnic lunch overlooking the water before returning to the car along the same path for your ride back to Cebu.

Day 10: Fly to Coron, the Third-Largest Calamian Island

After breakfast, fly to your final tropical destination on this trip, Coron, the third-largest island in the Calamian archipelago. Following the 1.5-hour flight, meet your driver outside the airport, and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish, so you can unwind at Maquinit Hot Springs if you want to relax. Enter the mangrove forest to find the saltwater hot spring nestled within with pools ranging from 98°F to 104°F (37°C to 40°C).

Enjoy the spring's mineral waters, believed to have healing properties, while you take in the view of the lush greenery and nearby mountains. After a relaxing day, head to the nearby Kawayanan Grill, where you can choose from a selection of seafood and traditional Filipino dishes for dinner. If you're up for it, meander to the town center to discover the island's nightlife. Pop into one of the many bars or restaurants featuring live music, then choose from an array of local and international drinks to unwind even more. When you're ready, return to the hotel to rest for the night.

Day 11: Boat Tour to the World War II Shipwrecks of Coron

Dive under the waters around Coron this morning to see two of the many Japanese shipwrecks from World War II, starting at the Lusong shipwreck. Jump in a boat, cruise to the sunken vessel, and put your snorkeling gear on to discover the world underneath the surface. Finding the shipwreck may take a minute, as nature has taken over, covering the mass in colorful coral formations inhabited by an array of marine species. 

Climb back on board and set sail to Pass Island, one of the smaller islands in the Calamian archipelago. Enjoy a barbecue picnic lunch with tropical fruits and chilled drinks, then lay on the island's shores to relax. Wrap up the tour at the second shipwreck, Sangat Gunboat, on the eastern side of Sangat Island. Snorkel around the underwater landmark just 10 feet (3 m) below the surface, similarly covered in coral and tropical fish, before cruising back to Coron.

Day 12: Visit the Islands of Malcapuya, Ditaytayan & Bulog Dos

Set off on another boat tour this morning, this time to see the islands surrounding Coron. You'll start at Malcapuya Island, renowned for its powdery white sands and turquoise waters. When you arrive, bask in the sun, take a refreshing swim, or snorkel amid the vibrant coral gardens that fringe the island's shores. Next, cruise to Ditaytayan Island, an untouched gem surrounded by azure waters. Revel in the raw beauty of this secluded paradise, where you can explore the untouched landscapes or snorkel in the rich underwater ecosystem.

Enjoy a delicious lunch on board while you head to the final stop, Bulog Dos, a small island with a sandbar connecting two islets. Wade through the shallow waters of the sandbar to discover both islets before returning to Coron. Refresh back at the hotel, then meander to Coron Baywalk for a stroll. When you get hungry, choose one of the restaurants along the baywalk to enjoy a delicious dinner overlooking the water. 

Day 13: Fly to Manila, Shopping Tour of the City's Malls & Markets

Say goodbye to the islands this morning, as you return to Manila on a 1.5-hour flight. After settling into your hotel, venture out on a shopping tour around the city to find some of the best deals. Start at Greenhills Shopping Mall to explore the combination of upscale and mass-market shops. Head to the Mall of Asia next, one of the largest malls in all of Southeast Asia. You can find any kind of store you can imagine here, from local boutiques to high-end brands. You'll also find an IMAX theater, an Olympic-sized ice rink, and an amusement park, so you won't struggle to fill your time.

In the afternoon, look for bargains at Divisoria Market, as vendors here sell their wares in bulk. Browse the stalls full of everything from home decor to jewelry to clothing. End your shopping tour at the nearby 168 Mall, a labyrinth of stalls, shops, and boutiques selling an array of electronics, toys, clothing, and home goods. After all that shopping, drop your bags off at the hotel, then grab dinner and a drink in Makati. End the night at one of the many bars, pubs, or clubs lining the road to celebrate your last night in the Philippines.

Day 14: Depart Manila

Enjoy your final breakfast in the Philippines, as your tropical vacation comes to a close today. If you have some time before your flight, head over to Manila Ocean Park, a marine-themed amusement park with a massive aquarium home to 14,000 marine creatures. Watch an animal show, interact with the many educational exhibits, and visit the sharks and rays. Just keep an eye on the clock, as a driver will meet you back at the hotel to take you to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!

More Great Philippines Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to the Philippines? Check out these other Philippines itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.