PS – Useful Travel Resources that will help you plan better for your Trip to Philippines –
- Book the best Philippines Tours at GetYourGuide or Viator
- Book your Accommodation in Italy on Agoda or Booking.com
- Book your flights at the cheapest rates on Kiwi.com
- Get an eSIM by Airalo to stay connected and Save on Roaming Fees
- Sign up for a Travel Insurance to enjoy a hassle free vacation in Philippines.
Why This 12 Day Philippines Travel Itinerary Works
This carefully crafted 12 Day Philippines Travel Itinerary hits all the highlights without feeling rushed. You’ll experience:
- Natural wonders: Underground rivers, limestone cliffs, and hidden lagoons
- Marine adventures: Diving with sea turtles, swimming with sardines, and exploring shipwrecks
- Adrenaline activities: Canyoneering, island hopping, and waterfall rappelling
- Beach bliss: Relaxation on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches
- Cultural immersion: Local cuisine, traditional experiences, and Filipino hospitality
The route is optimized for efficient domestic flights and ferry transfers, minimizing travel time and maximizing exploration. Let’s dive into your day-by-day adventure.
The 12 Day Philippines Travel Itinerary and Guide
Contents
- The 12 Day Philippines Travel Itinerary and Guide
- Day 1: Arrival in Puerto Princesa—Gateway to Palawan
- Day 2: Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour—UNESCO World Heritage Wonder
- Day 3: Puerto Princesa to El Nido—Journey to Paradise
- Day 4: El Nido Island Hopping Tour A—Lagoons and Paradise Beaches
- Day 5: El Nido to Coron Ferry Transfer—Sailing Between Islands
- Day 6: Coron Ultimate Tour—Wreck Diving and Hidden Lakes
- Day 7: Coron to Cebu Flight—Central Visayas Adventures Begin
- Day 8: Kawasan Canyoneering and Moalboal Sardine Run—Adrenaline and Marine Magic
- Day 9: Cebu to Boracay Flight—Welcome to Paradise
- Day 10: Boracay Diving—Underwater Adventures
- Day 11: Chilling in Boracay—Pure Relaxation
- Day 12: Boracay to Manila to International Departure—Journey Home
- Essential Philippines Travel Planning Tips
- Pin This 12 Day Philippines Travel Itinerary for future reference
- Final Thoughts on Your 12 Day Philippines Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Puerto Princesa—Gateway to Palawan
Your 12 Day Philippines Travel Itinerary begins in Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan province and your gateway to one of the world’s most beautiful islands. Puerto Princesa International Airport welcomes direct flights from Manila, Cebu, and international destinations.
What to Do:
After checking into your hotel, take it easy on your first day. Explore the laid-back Puerto Princesa City Baywalk, where you can watch the sunset over the bay while enjoying fresh coconut water. The city is known for being one of the cleanest and greenest in the Philippines.
Where to Eat:
Head to Kinabuch’s Grill & Bar for your first taste of authentic Filipino cuisine. Their famous Crocodile Sisig (a spicy, sizzling dish) is a must-try, along with grilled seafood and traditional favorites like kinilaw (Filipino ceviche).
If you have energy, consider joining the Firefly Watching Tour at Iwahig River—a magical evening experience where thousands of fireflies illuminate the mangrove trees like natural Christmas lights.
Insider Tip:
Book your Underground River tour for Day 2 in advance, as permits are limited and the site often sells out, especially during peak season (December–May).
Day 2: Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour—UNESCO World Heritage Wonder
Day two is dedicated to exploring one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature—the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the crown jewel of any 12 Day Philippines Travel Itinerary.
The Experience:
After an early breakfast, you’ll take a scenic 1.5-hour drive north to Sabang, followed by a short boat ride to the cave entrance. The Underground River tour takes you through an 8.2-kilometer navigable cave system carved through limestone karst mountains.
As you glide silently through the cavernous chambers on a paddle boat, your expert guide will point out fascinating rock formations resembling everything from cathedral ceilings to vegetables, fruits, and even religious figures. The river flows directly into the sea, creating a unique brackish ecosystem home to diverse wildlife.
Puerto Princessa Underground River Tour is a must do thing in Philippines. Its beautiful, unique and very informative as well.
What to Expect:
- Duration: Full-day tour (8–9 hours including transfers)
- Entrance fee: PHP 500 (approximately $9 USD)
- Lunch: Buffet-style Filipino lunch at Sabang Beach
- Wildlife: Watch for monitor lizards, monkeys, and exotic birds
Photography Tip:
Flash photography is not allowed inside the cave to protect the ecosystem, so bring a camera with good low-light capabilities.
Day 3: Puerto Princesa to El Nido—Journey to Paradise
After breakfast, embark on one of the most scenic overland journeys in the Philippines—the 5 to 6-hour drive from Puerto Princesa to El Nido, Palawan’s island-hopping capital.
The Journey:
The route winds through lush jungle landscapes, traditional Filipino villages, coconut plantations, and dramatic limestone cliffs. Most travelers take a comfortable shuttle van with stops for restroom breaks and photo opportunities.
Pro tip: Book a window seat and keep your camera ready—the coastal views as you approach El Nido are absolutely stunning.
Arrival in El Nido:
Once you arrive in this backpacker paradise turned upscale destination, check into your beachfront accommodation, or a boutique hostel such as Spin Designer Hostel and spend the afternoon exploring the town. Walk along Las Cabañas Beach for sunset cocktails and incredible photo opportunities.
Evening Activities:
El Nido’s main beach strip comes alive at night with beach bars, fire dancing performances, live acoustic music, and a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere. Try the local delicacy Tamilok (woodworm)—if you’re feeling adventurous!
Day 4: El Nido Island Hopping Tour A—Lagoons and Paradise Beaches
No 12 Day Philippines Travel Itinerary is complete without experiencing El Nido’s world-famous island-hopping tours. Tour A (also called the “Lagoon Tour”) is the most popular for good reason.
Tour Highlights:
Big Lagoon: Kayak through emerald-green waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. The morning light reflecting off the water creates an otherworldly atmosphere.
Small Lagoon: Navigate through a narrow opening into a hidden lagoon—one of El Nido’s most Instagrammed spots.
Shimizu Island: Excellent snorkeling with vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life including parrotfish, clownfish, and sea turtles.
Seven Commandos Beach: Pure white sand beach perfect for swimming and a freshly grilled seafood lunch prepared by your boat crew.
Secret Beach: Accessible only by swimming through a small hole in the rock face—a truly hidden paradise.
What’s Included:
- Island hopping boat with experienced crew
- Snorkeling equipment
- Fresh BBQ lunch (grilled fish, chicken, vegetables, rice, tropical fruits)
- Environmental fee and entrance permits
- Life jackets and kayaks
We recommend booking the El Nido Deluxe Islands Hopping Tour with Kayaking by Happiness Tours. The vibes are just awesome.
Day 5: El Nido to Coron Ferry Transfer—Sailing Between Islands
Today marks a unique segment of your 12 Day Philippines Travel Itinerary—a ferry journey from El Nido to Coron, another stunning island destination in northern Palawan.
The Ferry Experience:
The ferry ride takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours across the Linapacan Strait, known for having some of the clearest water in the world. The journey itself is part of the adventure, with views of uninhabited islands, fishing villages, and crystal-clear waters.
Ferry options:
- Montenegro Lines (most reliable, air-conditioned cabin)
- Phimal Fast Ferry (budget-friendly option)
Arrival in Coron:
Coron Town is smaller and less developed than El Nido, offering a more authentic local experience. After checking into your accommodation, such as the famous Hop Hostel, explore the town’s main strip, where you’ll find dive shops, tour operators, and local restaurants.
Sunset Viewpoint:
If you arrive early enough, hike up to Mt. Tapyas (700+ steps) for a panoramic sunset view over Coron Bay and the surrounding islands—it’s challenging but absolutely worth it.
Day 6: Coron Ultimate Tour—Wreck Diving and Hidden Lakes
Day six delivers one of the most spectacular experiences in your 12 Day Philippines Travel Itinerary—the Coron Ultimate Tour, combining the best of what this island paradise offers.
Tour Highlights:
Kayangan Lake: Consistently ranked among the cleanest lakes in Asia, Kayangan offers crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by limestone cliffs. The iconic viewpoint here is one of the most photographed spots in the Philippines.
Twin Lagoon: Separated by a towering limestone wall, these two lagoons are connected by a small opening. Experience the unique phenomenon of warm and cold water mixing.
Siete Pecados: Seven small islets with excellent snorkeling among coral reefs teeming with tropical fish.
Skeleton Wreck: A Japanese supply ship sunk during World War II, now an underwater attraction for snorkelers and divers.
CYC Beach: White sand beach perfect for lunch and relaxation.
Coral Garden: Vibrant coral reef with the most diverse marine life of the day.
Diving Option:
Coron is world-famous for its World War II shipwreck diving. If you’re a certified diver, consider adding a wreck diving excursion to explore Japanese warships resting 10–40 meters below the surface.
Day 7: Coron to Cebu Flight—Central Visayas Adventures Begin
After breakfast, catch your flight from Coron’s Francisco B. Reyes Airport to Mactan-Cebu International Airport in the Central Visayas region. Flight time is approximately 1.5 hours.
About Cebu:
Cebu is the Philippines’ second-largest metropolitan area and the “Queen City of the South.” It offers a perfect blend of urban culture, historical sites, and natural wonders.
Afternoon Activities:
After checking into your Cebu City or Mactan Island hotel, explore some cultural highlights:
- Magellan’s Cross: Historic site marking Ferdinand Magellan’s 1521 arrival
- Basilica del Santo Niño: Oldest Roman Catholic church in the Philippines
- Fort San Pedro: Spanish colonial fortress with ocean views
Dinner Recommendation:
Try STK ta Bay! for authentic Cebuano seafood, or head to Anzani for upscale Mediterranean-Filipino fusion with panoramic city views.
Day 8: Kawasan Canyoneering and Moalboal Sardine Run—Adrenaline and Marine Magic
Today is the most action-packed day of your 12 Day Philippines Travel Itinerary, combining extreme adventure with underwater wonders.
Kawasan Canyoneering:
This full-day adventure starts in Badian, about 3 hours south of Cebu City. The Kawasan Falls Canyoneering experiencetakes you through jungle canyons, natural waterslides, cliff jumps (ranging from 3 to 15 meters—all optional), and swimming through turquoise pools.
The journey culminates at the stunning three-tiered Kawasan Falls, where you can swim in milky-blue waters surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.
