Philippines 10 Days: The Best Route for First-Timers

PANA.PH Team · Philippines travel teamPublished June 5, 2026 · 3 min read

Philippines 10 Days: The Best Route for First-Timers

Ten days is a tight but workable window for the Philippines. With smart routing you can see two distinct regions without spending every other morning at an airport. This itinerary covers Manila to El Nido to Puerto Princesa to Cebu to Bohol - a classic loop that showcases the country's best without overpacking the schedule.

Day 1: Arrive Manila

Clear immigration, grab a SIM card from Globe or Smart (299 PHP, unlimited data for 10 days), and take a Grab to your hotel. Eat at a Filipino carenderia (canteen) near your hotel - garlic rice, sinangag, and fried bangus for breakfast is the local way to start the day.

Day 2: Fly to El Nido, Palawan

Morning flight to El Nido with AirSWIFT (~1 hour). Check in, walk the beach road, book Tour A for tomorrow. Sunset at Las Cabanas Beach is free and unmissable - the limestone cliffs glow orange over the South China Sea.

Day 3: El Nido Island Hopping - Tour A

The Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon are the heart of El Nido. Tour A hits both plus Shimizu Island and Secret Lagoon. 1,200 PHP including lunch. The water inside the lagoons is impossibly calm and clear.

Day 4: El Nido - Tour C or DIY

Tour C explores the western side: Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Helicopter Island. If tour fatigue is setting in, rent a kayak (500 PHP/half day) and paddle independently. Book tours in El Nido here for the best rates.

Day 5: Puerto Princesa - Underground River

Van to Puerto Princesa (~5-6 hours, 600 PHP). Pre-book the Underground River permit online - it is one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature and permits are strictly capped.

Day 6: Fly to Cebu

Morning flight Puerto Princesa to Cebu (1 hour). Spend today exploring Cebu City: Magellan's Cross, the Basilica del Santo Nino, and Carbon Market. Evening: Sugbo Mercado night market for dinner.

Day 7: Oslob Whale Sharks and Kawasan Falls

Early bus/van to Oslob (3 hours). Whale shark swim at 7am (~1,500 PHP). Drive 30 minutes south to Kawasan Falls for canyoneering (1,200-1,800 PHP) - you rappel through waterfalls and jump into crystal pools. Return to Cebu city by evening.

Day 8: Bohol - Chocolate Hills and Tarsiers

Fast ferry to Bohol (2 hours, 350 PHP). Rent a motorbike and do the Chocolate Hills and Tarsier sanctuary loop. Evening: check into Panglao Island.

Day 9: Panglao Diving or Snorkeling

Alona Beach is Bohol's dive hub. Two-tank dive: 2,500 PHP. Snorkel trip to Balicasag Marine Sanctuary: 800 PHP. Non-divers can rent a bangka and explore the coastline. Lunch at a beachside grill - whole grilled fish for 350 PHP.

Day 10: Return to Manila

Ferry back to Tagbilaran, fly to Manila. If your international flight is late evening, you have time for a final lunch in Cebu or a quick stop in Makati.