Planning a 3 week Philippines route and itinerary in 2025? This is our detailed travel guide on how you can visit The Philippines in 3 weeks exploring beautiful waterfalls, crystal clear beaches and some of the best underwater sights!
We’ll show you the best places to visit in the Philippines, how to find the best accommodation, vegan-friendly food and tips on how to get around the Philippines! Let’s explore what to do in the Philippines and create your 3 Week Philippines itinerary!
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Quick Tips for 3 weeks in the Philippines
- Currency – Philippine Peso (compare to your own currency here)
- Language – Filipino/Tagalog
- Cuisine – Filipino Cuisine (seafood, rice, bbq & curries)
- Apps – Grab (like Uber) & Sakay.ph (Similar to GoogleMaps)
- Form of Payment – Always carry cash
- Philippines Power Voltage – Plugs C & F (220 V)
- Visa – Free 30 Day Visa for UK Citizens (more info here!)
Best time to visit The Philippines
Ultimately the best time to spend 3 weeks in the Philippines is November to May. This is the country’s dry season and all islands are usually accessible with minimal rain and sunny days. The rainy season runs from June to October and when it rains in the Philippines – it rains a lot and typhoons can be a risk.
Super Typhoon Odette (Super Typhoon Rai) was a Category 5 Typhoon and caused so much damage and destruction to huge areas of the Philippines including destinations that are popular to visit. Always check the weather before visiting any islands in the Philippines – check the weather here!
How to get around The Philippines
The Philippines is definitely a bit trickier to travel around than some of its neighbouring Southeast Asia countries. But the long travel days are rewarded with the natural beauty of magical islands in the Philippines! Here are a few modes of transport you’ll be using on your Philippines 3 week itinerary.
Flights – Flights are the best way to get around the islands of the Philippines – Check Skyscanner for flight times and prices!
Ferries – If you’re planning a 3 week Philippines route, you’ll definitely be taking some ferries! There are many different ferry companies depending on where you are in the country. Some of the companies you’ll be using are Montenegro and OceanJet.
Buses – Another great way to get around the big islands in the Philippines is by bus! Always ask your hostel or local bus station for the best information on how to get around the country.
Tricycles / Taxis – Tricycles are the Philippines version of TukTuk’s, they are always around tourist areas helping you get from A to B. You’ll have to bargain with them to get a good price as it’s always negotiable. If you want a quick way to order a taxi use the Grab App.
Scooters / Rental Cars – If you’re comfortable and know how to ride a scooter, then it’s totally possible to find scooter rentals in the Philippines. Rental cars are less common but are still found in the most popular destinations.
Want to switch to sustainable travel products before visiting the Philippines? Check out our
18 Great Eco Friendly Travel Products You Need to Swap guide!
- The Best 2 Days in Manila: Things to do & Itinerary (2025)
- Moalboal Itinerary: The Best Things To Do (2025)
- The Best Bohol Itinerary: 3 Days in Bohol, Philippines
- Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls: 2025
- The Best 3 Days in Siquijor Itinerary – Philippines (2025)
3 Week Philippines Route & Itinerary (Best Places to Visit)
Okay, now we’re finally getting into the 3 week Philippines Route and Itinerary. If needed, this route can be changed slightly or done in reverse. Let’s plan a Philippines 3 week itinerary!
Day 1 – 3 | Manila
One of the best ways to start your trip to the Philippines is to touch down in the capital. It is possible to arrive in Cebu or Puerto Princessa, but it’s most likely the best flights will take you to Manila.
We’ll show you some of the best things to do in the city to add to your 3 week Philippines route! For a more in-depth guide about Manila, check out our 2 days in Manila travel itinerary!
How to get to Manila
It’s likely you’ll be arriving at Ninoy Airport when you enter Manila! The most recommended way to get from the airport to Manila city centre is by Grab. If you’re staying in the Makati area, the journey will up to 30 minutes – costing around 250-450 pesos. Coupon Taxi is another easy way of getting to the city – however, you must have the correct change!
It’s also a great time to pick up a Simcard for the rest of your trip – we picked up our 30-Day Smart sim from a 7/11 in Manila city centre. We highly recommend having a Simcard with data on it as the Internet isn’t the best throughout the Philippines and not every accommodation has great wifi.
Tip: Before your 3 weeks in the Philippines trip make sure you download Grab (like Uber), it’s also possible to download it on free Wifi at the airport.
How to get around Manila?
Grab – Easiest but sometimes long waits to find a driver
Jeepneys – Cheapest, but hard to get around without asking the driver or locals
Public transport (MRT/LRT) – Fast, but limited routes
White metered taxis – Pricey but reliable if Grab is taking too long to pick up your order
What to do in Manila
Our 2 day Manila itinerary is created to accomplish one day exploring the history of Manila and the other day spent seeing the modern side – such as the malls. Here’s how to start your 3 week Philippines route!
Explore historical Intramuros
The Philippines has a long colonial past and Intramuros is one of the most interesting places to see that. The Philippines was colonised from 1521 until 1898 and when the American war happened in 1898, it changed to America being in power until 1946.
Since then The Philippines has independence but it’s led to a mix of Spanish and American influence all throughout the country. Some areas in Intramuros feel like the streets of Europe and try to spot the American Jeepneys – converted war vehicles being used as buses!
Once you arrive in Intramuros there will be people asking if you want a tricycle tour, this is a good option if you don’t want to walk around as it’s quite a big area! It’s also possible to rent bikes and tour it this way. We love exploring in our own time frame so we walked and wandered around and it was perfect for us! (Intramuros Location)
Highlights of Intramuros
- The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
- Casa Manila
- Fort Santiago
- San Agustin Church
Visit Chinatown (Binondo)
If Manila is in your 3 weeks in the Philippines itinerary then you need to visit the oldest Chinatown in the world! From Intramuros, it’s only a walk or Grab ride away.
Chinatown in Manila was established in 1594 and although small, has a lot going on! We highly recommend Vege Select (Vege Select Location) – a buffet-style vegetarian restaurant with delicious Chinese food!
Head over to Rizal Park
- Rizal Monument – The first thing to see in Rizal Park is the Rizal Monument – and you can see the Filipino flag! (Location)
- Chinese Gardens – As you walk through the long stretch of park, you’ll find the Chinese Gardens. (Location)
- Japanese Gardens – Not too far away from Chinese Gardens is a Japanese-themed garden, with monuments and bridges to walk over. (Location)
All of these are free things to do – which is a great help for your Philippines 3 week itinerary. The best way to get to Rizal Park is to book a Grab or check Google Maps for transport options!
Check out the Malls in Manila
So now, after a good night’s rest – it’s time to check out the malls of Manila! There are SO many malls in this capital city, but there’s only so much shopping a person can handle. Here are the malls we’ve selected during your 3 week Philippines route:
Glorietta Mall – A huge mall located in Makati with four buildings, so you can probably find anything you may need! (Glorietta Malls Location)
Greenbelt Mall – Greenbelt has more luxurious shops compared to Glorietta. Even if you’re not interested in shopping, they’re beautiful to walk around and there’s air-con! (Greenbelt Mall Location)
Check out Greenbar for lunch near Greenbelt Mall – an all-vegan restaurant serving delicious food from Asia and international cuisine!
SM Mall of Asia – The biggest mall in the Philippines! Try out activities such as ice skating, bowling, going to the cinema, hitting the shops, supermarkets, amusement parks and there are even regular shows in their arena! (SM Mall of Asia Location)
If you still have some time in Manila, check out the Salcedo Saturday Market, Bonifacio Global City neighbourhood or the SM Megamall. With the right planning, it’s also possible to take a day trip to Lake Taal or Mt Pinatubo – which we definitely recommend! We didn’t get the chance to go in 2022.
Where to stay in Manila
We highly recommend staying in Makati when staying in Manila – it’s the safest neighbourhood and there are lots of great restaurants and malls nearby!
Mark & Christines Airbnb – $-$$ (Makati) – This is where we stayed during our time in Manila and we loved it! It’s a big share house with private rooms and free breakfast. Airbnb link here – Mark & Christines Airbnb
Zula Residences / Abraham Manila – $$ (Makati) – In the same neighbourhood is Zula Residences, and it’s a place we almost stayed at! The rooms look so luxurious and it’s more of a hotel vibe with also hostel rooms! Find them on Booking.com here – Link to Zula Residences
Z hostel – $$ (Makati) – Another great hostel recommended by other travellers is Z Hostel. This is definitely a well-designed hostel similar to Zula. Find them on Booking.com here – Link to Z Hostel
Where to eat in Manila
Cosmic Poblacion ($-$$) – Amazing vegan Filipino cuisine with a great atmosphere (location)
Greenbar ($$) – Tasty vegan cafe & bakery near the malls of Makati (location)
Day 3 – 6 | Bohol
Bohol has to be on your 3 week Philippines route and itinerary! Bohol is one of our favourite islands in the Philippines and there is so much to explore, if you have any extra time – the island is huge! Check out our 3 day Bohol itinerary for more detailed information!
From watching dolphins to swimming with turtles and the bustling energy of Tagbilaran city after a day of visiting the famous Chocolate Hills, there may be something for everyone here in Bohol.
How to get to Bohol from Manila
The best way to get to Bohol from Manila is by flight – Check Skyscanner for flight times and prices! If you’re on a budget, you may want to fly from Manila to Cebu, then catch a ferry from Cebu to Bohol (OceanJet – 3 hour ferry & 800 pesos – location here).
Otherwise, the quickest way is from Manila to Bohol, directly into Panglao International Airport. (There are ferries that run from Manila to Cebu but they take almost 24 hours)
How to get around Bohol
There are a few ways to get around Bohol depending on where your accommodation is based. If you feel comfortable on a scooter, we highly recommend renting one for your time in Bohol.
Bohol JCD Motorbike Rental – 100% recommend this scooter rental company in Bohol! We messaged him on Facebook Messenger (link here!) and he met us at the ferry port with the scooter ready for us to go! Find the location here – JCD Motorbike Rental for his shop.
Other ways to get around Bohol are by booking countryside tours or island hopping tours or using taxis or tricycles to take you around short distances.
What to do in Bohol
Bohol has a big variety of things to do and we’re excited to add Bohol to our 3 week Philippines itinerary! Here’s a selection of activities you can do on this beautiful island!
Diving in Bohol
Bohol is an amazing place to dive on your 3 week Philippines route – so if you’re only on the island for a short amount of time it’s best to book a dive on the first day! We recommend Bohol Divers Club – message them on Facebook or visit them at their shop at Alona Beach! (Location here).
💡 Travel Tip: Did you know that most regular travel insurance companies don’t cover diving? When going on a dive trip we recommend getting covered with Dive Assure. They offer comprehensive coverage for different types of diving, allowing you to dive with peace of mind! Check out their website here.
With Bohol Divers, we did 3 fun dives in one day to Danao Wall, Black Forest and Royal Garden at Balicasag Island. It was such a magical day as we spotted a pod of dolphins from the boat!! We swam with dolphins and spotted many different types of fish.
Admire the Chocolate Hills
The Chocolate Hills are an amazing geological formation located in the centre of Bohol island. It’s said that they were created by limestone weathering and plate tectonic elevations in the ocean. Visiting the Chocolate Hills is a must on your 3 week Philippines itinerary! It takes around 2 hours on a scooter from Alona Beach.
Price for Chocolate Hills: 50 pesos & find the location here – Chocolate Hills location
Bilar Man-Made Forest
Pass through the man-made forest in Bohol- we stopped to snap a few photos and it actually reminded me of the forests in England. Find the location here: Bilar Man-Made Forest Location
Note: It’s not recommended to visit the Tarsier Conservation Area near the forest. This isn’t really a sanctuary and is classed as a zoo.
We recommend Tarsier Sanctuary if you want to see wild tarsiers! It’s 150 pesos per person. It’s important to be very quiet in the sanctuary as Tarsiers are nocturnal. (Tarsier Sanctuary Location)
Loboc River
Another one of our favourite things during our 3 weeks in the Philippines was seeing the Loboc River! The colour of the water is unbelievably beautiful! Lunch river cruises are very popular here for the price of 500 pesos. However, we recommend heading over to Food & Fables Cafe for some healthy Filipino food and a private spot on the river to do some watersports.
Alona Beach
This is the main spot for travellers and the best area to stay in Bohol! The beach is lined with beautiful palm trees, restaurants and dive shops! (Location)
Island Hopping in Bohol
If you’re not a diver you can still discover the beauty of Balicasag island or Pamilacan island on day trips from Alona Beach. Many tour guides will offer boat trips to these islands right off the beach and you’ll have a chance to see dolphins too!
Do you still have more time in Bohol on your Philippines 3 week itinerary? Check out Candijay Rice Terraces, Cabagnow Cave Pool or more beaches such as White Beach, Dumaluan Beach, Doljo Beach and Anda Beach.
Hinagdanan Cave
Hinagdanan Cave is an interesting underground cave on Panglao Island and although it’s dark, it’s possible to swim in the water here! The best time to go is midday when the sun shines through! Price: 50 pesos or 125 pesos if you want to swim (Hinagdanan Cave Location)
Pangas Falls
Close to Chocolate Hills is the beautiful Pangas Falls! It’s quite a bumpy road to get to the water, but it’s definitely a little hidden gem on your Philippines 3 week itinerary! Price for Pangas Falls: 30 pesos each & find the location here – Pangas Falls Location
Where to stay in Bohol
The main area to stay in Bohol is Panglao Island – this is where the beaches, best restaurants and accommodation are! However, it’s possible to stay in Tagbilaran, Anda and Loboc. Here are a few places we recommend:
Greenspace Inn $ – A lovely little stay in what feels like a jungle with puppies! Greenspace is located near Alona Beach and we recommend having a scooter if you stay here! (Greenspace Inn Location) & Find them on Booking.com here!
Fox & The Firefly Cottages $$ – The perfect base if you want to explore Loboc River and the Chocolate Hills. They are a fully set up with a restaurant, excursions and sup-board rentals. (Fox & The Firefly Cottages Location) & Find them on Booking.com here!
Where to eat in Bohol
The Vegan Shack $$ – Located in Tagbilaran City, serving vegan Filipino fusion cuisine! (location)
Bollywood Tadka $$ – A taste Indian restaurant on Panglao Island! (location)
Food and Fables $$ – Located in Loboc at Fox & The Firefly Cottages, serving Filipino cuisine! (location)
Our full detailed The Best Bohol Itinerary: 3 Days in Bohol, Philippines – right here!
Day 6 – 9 | Siquijor
Siquijor is another beautiful and magical island on your 3 week Philippines travel itinerary. We found some of our favourite beaches here and the island really is an opportunity to completely relax. Definitely add Siquijor to your 3 week Philippines route and itinerary and you’ll have a great trip!
How to get to Siquijor from Bohol
The best way to get from Bohol to Siquijor is by ferry! Head to Tagbilaran City Sea Port and get the OceanJet speedboat ferry. It will take around 2 hours and the price is 800 pesos. Check Facebook for the most updated information in 2025 – OceanJet ferry Website. The ferry arrives at Siquijor Pier and from there you can either get a tricycle to your accommodation or rent a scooter!
What to do in Siquijor
There are many things to do in Siquijor during your 3 weeks in the Philippines, but we really encourage you to relax here! Exploring waterfalls and beaches will be your main task in Siquijor!
Salagdoong Beach & Cliff Diving
Test your dive skills at Salagdoong Beach on the east side of Siquijor. It’s also possible to visit the beach!
Paliton Beach
This is one of the best beaches to see during your Philippines 3 week itinerary – there’s such an atmosphere with restaurants, street food and lots of spots to chill. The water is unbelievably clear here in the Philippines. Paliton Beach is on the southwest tip of the island – see here for the location!
Cantabon Cave
In the heart of Siquijor Island is Cantabon Cave – a cave that stretches up to 800m. To do this activity, there is an entrance fee that covers the guide, environmental fee and equipment/gear that you’ll use inside the cave. (Location!)
Tubod Marine Sanctuary
Tubod Beach is our absolute favourite beach on our 3 week Philippines itinerary and we even saw Nemo’s! We came here twice as it’s one of the best places to relax on the island.
To enter the marine sanctuary there is a small entrance fee and the path is from the main road through trees (it doesn’t feel like the right way).
Want to be a more sustainable traveller in The Philippines?
Here are 18 Great Eco Friendly Travel Products You Need to Swap!
Lugnason Falls
If you’re nearby Tubod Beach – it’s worth giving Lugnason falls a visit too! (Location!) Yes, you can jump into this waterfall! It’s best to get here early when the water is most settled. There’s a slightly marked path to find this waterfall and there are sometimes guides wanting to help you for a small fee.
Cambugahay Falls
Okay, so this is one of the most popular waterfalls in your 3 week Philippines route and itinerary! It’s totally worth visiting though, especially if you get here early. Even locals love visiting this waterfall. Cambugahay has 3 beautiful pools of water all with their own falls and some have swings! (Location!)
Where to stay in Siquijor
Tagbalayon Lodging House $ – The hosts at this accommodation are some of the nicest people in the Philippines! They always remembered our name and will do anything to help you out, we rented a scooter from them too! They’re right next to Tubod Beach. (Location!) & Find them on Booking.com here!
JJ’s Backpackers Village $ – The best place to be to meet other friendly backpackers! This place gets filled up fast, so make sure to book more than a couple of days in advance! (JJ’s Backpackers Location) & Find them on Booking.com here!
Where to eat in Siquijor
Twenty4 Restaurant and Burger Bar $-$$ – Great international menu with a chill atmosphere! (location)
Dolce Amore Italian Restaurant & Resort $$ – The tastiest Italian food on the island! (location)
Day 9 – 12 | Moalboal
Moalboal is on the west coast of Cebu Island – and a spot to add to your 3 week Philippines route! This destination is known for snorkelling, canyoning and there are a few hikes to do in the area!
Check out our Moalboal Itinerary: The Best Things To Do for more info!
How to get to Moalboal from Siquijor
We’re not going to lie, this was one of our most difficult travel days here on our 3 Week Philippines route. Typhoon Odette destroyed part of the road leading up to Moalboal on Cebu island, it made things a little more time-consuming. We’re hoping it’s fixed by the time you visit! But just in case here’s what we did:
Arrive at Siquijor Pier (location) and catch a ferry over to Dumaguete port or Liloan Port. It’s better to get the ferry straight to Liloan as then you won’t have to catch another ferry from Sibulan Seaport (in Dumaguete) to Liloan Port or Bato port, however, the times for these ferries are not very frequent.
Once you’ve made it onto the island of Cebu, there will be buses running up the west side of the island passing by Moalboal. This is where the broken road was, so hopefully, the buses can now go all the way through. Make sure to tell your driver Moalboal and you’ll jump off in the town area of Moalboal – from here you can get a tricycle 150 – 200 pesos.
Note: Most ferries in the Philippines charge a terminal fee to enter the waiting area (which is mandatory anyway). The buses and ferries are inexpensive, but prices do change frequently.
What to do in Moalboal
We recommend using Moalboal as a base on the island of Cebu as the best things to do are not all close by, but surrounding Moalboal. It’s very easy to find transport whether you rent a scooter, book an activity or grab a tricycle! Here are a few of the things you can get up to in Moalboal on your 3 weeks in the Philippines itinerary!
See the Sardine Run
Moalboal is home to one of the world’s biggest sardine runs – right on the main beach! If you don’t already have a snorkel, you can rent them from many places in Panagsama Beach and maybe your accommodation. It’s also possible to go diving in the area, although snorkelling is perfectly okay too. Add this to your 3 week Philippines route! Here’s the area where you can find the famous sardine run: Location of the sardine run!
Admire the turtles
In the same waters as the popular sardine run are beautiful turtles grazing on the sea grass. It’s best to snorkel early morning or before 8am as the water is the clearest at this time and there will be fewer people crowding around the beloved turtles.
Important – It’s extremely important not to touch the turtles at any point and to give them enough space to move. The bacteria on our skin isn’t too friendly for turtles and they can become stressed.
Adventure to Osmena Peak
At this point you would have already visited Chocolate Hills in Bohol on your Philippines itinerary, they look so similar! The view is pretty cool and feels so surreal that it’s possible to snorkel with turtles, go canyoning and climb a peak all in one or two days! When you arrive here, there will be guides asking for a small donation to take you to the top, even though it’s a very easy hike, it’s mandatory to have a guide.
How to get to Osmena Peak? The road to the trailhead is a very long but beautiful drive. It’s possible to rent a scooter from the main town or hire a driver for the day! Here’s the start of the short hike – Location of Osmena Peak (Trail Head)
Casino Peak
Another beautiful view on the island of Cebu is Casino Peak! Similar to Osmena Peak, but a little harder to get to. Here’s the location – Casino Peak Hiking Trail! It’s actually possible to hike from one peak to another as our guide offered!
Explore Badian
Along with these peaks, there are many waterfalls and viewpoints to admire near Moalboal. If you zoom in on Google Maps, you could spend days finding all the hidden gems! Unfortunately, we ran out of time, but we’d love to recommend you just explore and discover the island!
Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls
Finally, canyoneering at Kawasan Falls is one of the best things to do on your 3 week Philippines route and itinerary. There’s also a zipline you can do flying down to the river! Typhoon Odette majorly affected the main Kawasan Falls waterfall and the river at the end of 2021. The destruction the typhoon caused changed the natural river and also knocked over buildings.
We booked this through our hostel for 1,500 pesos each (MoalBoal Backpackers Lodge). It included the journey to the falls, lunch and the canyoneering equipment! Our hostel booked us with ICanyon Cebu Canyoneering Group who were amazing!
Here are their details if you’d also like to book a tour with these guys:
- Check out their Facebook here: ICanyon Cebu Canyoneering Group
- Location on GoogleMaps: ICanyon Cebu Canyoneering Group Location
- And here’s their phone number which you can call or Whatsapp (+63977 126 9689)
Where to stay in Moalboal
Moalboal has a few good areas to stay in, but the most popular area is Panagsama Beach. It’s a great base for any activities in Moalboal and it’s where all the best restaurants are.
Moalboal Backpackers Lodge $ – It’s only a minute’s walk away from Panagsama Beach, this hostel is in the best location for anything you want to do in Moalboal. They have snorkels for rent and even helped us get to our next destination! Find them on Hostelworld – Moalboal Backpackers Lodge link here!
Moho Hostel $-$$ – Even though it’s a short walk from the beach, Moho Hostel has such a great atmosphere over here and as there are more rooms, it’s a great place to meet other travellers. Find them on Hostelworld – Moho Hostel link here!
Where to eat in Moalboal
Smooth Cafe Moalboal $$ – Global cuisine and a great place to hang out & grab brunch! (location)
Shaka $$ – Serving smoothie bowls and smoothies, it’s a good spot for a luxury breakfast! (location)
Sidenote – We’re not including Oslob on our itinerary as we don’t want to recommend the way the whale sharks are treated, as the town feeds them to keep them around for tourists. It leads to poor nutrition for the whale sharks as they don’t migrate and feed off their regular plankton diet. It’s possible to find whale sharks in the wild in places such as Donsol or areas around Bohol.
Day 12 – 13 | Cebu City
Cebu is a province in the Philippines surrounded by many beautiful islands. At this point in the 3 week Philippines route, you would have already visited two or three of them! Cebu City is the biggest city on the island and similar to Manila has kept its Spanish history.
How to get to Cebu City from Moalboal
The best way to get from Moalboal to Cebu City is by bus! If you’re staying at Panagsama Beach – catch a tricycle back to the main town road and find the Moalboal Bus Stop to Cebu City (location here) The buses are inexpensive, but they do take a few hours. The buses usually come at least every hour and only some will have AC. Once you arrive at the South Bus Terminal in Cebu, catch Grab to your accommodation!
What to do in Cebu City
Sadly we didn’t get to spend much time in Cebu City, but the size of the city surprised us! We didn’t expect a mini Manila on the islands in the Philippines. There are so many malls, shops, cinemas and restaurants! Here are a few things our Grab driver recommended for us to do next time we come back:
Temple of Leah
Our driver recommended we visit the Temple of Leah! It’s a Roman-style temple built in 2012 and of course, is dedicated to Leah Villa Albino-Adarna. The Temple of Leah is even nicknamed the Taj Mahal of Cebu. (Location!)
The Best View in Cebu
Whilst you’re visiting Temple of Leah – head over to Tops (Location!) for the absolute best view of the city. It’s an observation desk with a view of Cebu City and there is a small entry fee of 100 pesos. There are many restaurants up on the mountain too, but our driver recommended a picnic!
Colon street
This is the most famous street in the city and in the heart of downtown – the shopping area! It’s a very historic area in Cebu City.
Other things to do in Cebu City
- Fort San Pedro
- Magellan’s Cross
- Cebu Taoist Temple
- Carbon Market
- Hit the Malls!
Where to stay in Cebu City
Depending on how much time you have in Cebu City, we recommend you stay near to the form of transport you’re going to get next. There’s even accommodation on Mactan Island as it’s very likely you’ll be getting a flight the next day. Here’s a hostel we stayed in during our 3 weeks in the Philippines:
Happy Nest Hostel $ – Great location near the ferry port and some of the historical things to do in Cebu! We do recommend using Grab to get here from or to the airport. – Find them on Hostelworld here!
Where to eat in Cebu City
Little India – Lahug Cebu City $ – Amazing South Indian food with vegan-friendly options! (location!)
The Green Pantry $ – Serving a variety of delicious food & close to Happy Nest Hostel (location!)
Day 13 – 15 | Port Barton
Port Barton is the beginning of your island adventures over in Palawan! After a long travel day on your 3 weeks in the Philippines, take a couple of days to detox and relax here in Port Barton. It is a little slice of paradise!
How to get to Port Barton from Cebu City
In Cebu City take a Grab or public bus to Mactan-Cebu International Airport with a booked flight to Puerto Princessa. Once you arrive in Puerto Princesa Airport you can find mini-vans heading to Port Barton or you can take a tricycle to San Jose Bus Terminal and take a public bus or mini-van there. It will work out cheaper than getting a mini-van at the airport, but it depends on how you’re feeling!
What to do in Port Barton
Here are a few things that we had on our list for Port Barton on our 3 week Philippines itinerary. Be prepared for a lot of relaxation!
Itaytay Beach
The main beachfront in Port Barton is lined with gorgeous palm trees and many shops and restaurants for you to enjoy here in Palawan! (Location)
Check out White Beach
This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Port Barton and an amazing spot to relax. There is a small entrance fee and a boat journey or island hopping tour is needed to visit this paradise! (Location!)
Pamuayan Falls
If you’re feeling like an adventure – head to Pamuayan Falls! It’s a 15-minute tricycle ride from the Port Barton beach area and then it’s a short hike to the falls! You can even swim here! It’s also possible to hike from Port Barton and it takes 1 hour each way. (Location!)
Where to stay in Port Barton
The main area in Port Barton is all around the Port Barton Bus Terminus – this is where most of the accommodation is and all the restaurants are. There are beaches within walking distance and you’ll find a lot of things to do.
Palayan Paradise Huts $ – Just outside of the main town is this little slice of paradise. The accommodation is literally huts as if you’re camping, and there are hammocks to super relax. Here’s the Location! & Find them on Booking.com here!
Back Trippers Inn $ – Also outside of the main town in a different spot is Back Trippers Inn! These are also huts in Port Barton and a great place to chill and meet new people! Here’s the Location! & Find them on Booking.com here!
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Day 15 – 18 | El Nido
El Nido may be one of the most popular places to visit on your 3 week Philippines route, but there’s a reason why! The area of El Nido is filled with beautiful beaches and islands that only we’ve ever dreamt of. The town is definitely getting bigger and aimed at travellers, but there are still a few places that make you feel like you’re staying in a tropical heaven.
How to get to El Nido from Port Barton
One of the ways to get from Port Barton to El Nido is by mini-van! Be prepared, the journey does take around 4.5 hours. The other way is to get two buses starting from Port Barton to Roxas and then Roxas to El Nido. The buses will be slightly cheaper, which is good for a budget traveller!
How to get around El Nido
If you base yourself in El Nido town, a lot of activities are going to be easy to book or find. Island Hopping is right from the beach and sometimes they can pick you up at your accommodation. If you want to rent a scooter, we recommend Bella’ Motorbike Rental although the prices are definitely higher in El Nido compared to the rest of the places on this 3 week Philippines itinerary.
What to do in El Nido
El Nido is the main base for a variety of activities you can do in Palawan. We’ll share some of our favourite things to do in El Nido and how you can spend your time in this tropical jungle! Have a look at our The Best El Nido Itinerary: 3 Days in El Nido for a more in-depth guide!
Las Cabañas Beach
Okay, we may have said this a few times already, but this is another one of our favourite beaches in the Philippines! Las Cabañas Beach should definitely be on your 3 week Philippines route and itinerary! Take a scooter or tricycle to the McDonalds south of El Nido town and walk down the strip of shops to the beach! (It’s also best to go at sunset – here’s the location!)
Island Hopping Tours
El Nido and Coron are the most popular places in the Philippines to go island hopping! It’s the main reason so many people love visiting El Nido. At first, it’s a little overwhelming how many different tours you can do from El Nido town – Tour A, B, C and D plus various mixes of the four and private boats.
Each tour goes to different beaches and islands that you can only get to by boat. Here’s a view of what you can get up to on each tour:
El Nido Tour A – Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island & 7 Commando Beach
El Nido Tour B – Snake Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, Entalula Beach, Cudugnon Cave & a Snorkeling Spot
El Nido Tour C – Helicopter Island, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Talisay Beach & Hidden Beach
El Nido Tour D – Ipil Beach, Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise & Pasandigan Beach, Natmat Beach & Bukal Beach
We chose tour A (the most popular one) and had a great time! The weather wasn’t completely in our favour, but we met some people and our boat host was super nice.
If you want fewer crowds at each spot, choose B or D. You can book a tour with any company around the town or your accommodation. The price is around 1,400 pesos per person. We think it’s definitely worth it on your 3 week Philippines route!
Lio Beach
Lio Beach is a big stretch of beach lined with tall palm trees located near El Nido Lio Airport. The area has some trendy shops and restaurants and a long pier to watch the planes land. It’s a great place to chill before a flight or any time of day! (Location!)
Nacpan Beach
Napcan Beach is another lovely spot to visit on your 3 week Philippines itinerary! There are quite a few nice resorts here, but that also means there are some good restaurants and we found some budget-friendly restaurants too! (Location here!) Whilst you’re visiting Napcan Beach, also check out Twin Beach just nearby – a beautiful double beach with an awesome view!
Where to stay in El Nido
Frendz El Nido Hostel $$ – This is definitely the place to be if you want to splurge on a hostel! Frendz hostel is in the perfect location in El Nido and even has a pool! Find them on Hostelworld here!
Raje Residence $ – A basic and budget-friendly accommodation within walking distance from El Nido. Find them on Booking.com here!
Where to eat in El Nido
Seed Dreams $-$$ – Our favourite restaurant with the friendliest family, great food & drinks! (location)
Taste El Nido $$ – Serving the best cafe food & coffees in El Nido! (location!)
Happiness Beach Bar $$ – Located near the beach, this is a chill hostel with a big menu! (location!)
Day 18 – 21 | Coron
Lastly on this 3 week Philippines route is Coron – another lovely island in the Philippines. There are a few reasons why travellers like visiting this island and some are above and underwater!
Take a look at our The Best Coron Itinerary: 3 Days in Coron, Philippines!
How to get to Coron from El Nido
There are three ways you can get from El Nido to Coron. The first way is by ferry – head to the ferry terminal in El Nido to buy your tickets to Coron (do it as soon as possible to avoid tickets selling out!)
- Ferry tickets are 2830 pesos and it takes around 4-6 hours!!! Yes, this sounds a little crazy for the Philippines, but ticket prices shot up in 2022. (Coron Ferry Port Location)
- The other way to get to Coron from El Nido is by flying! Check Skyscanner for flight times and prices! As the price of the ferry has gone up, flights are sometimes cheaper or the same price if booked in advance.
- Spend 3-5 days on a Tao Expedition tour! Hop aboard a boat of travellers heading to Coron and meet other backpackers, sleep on islands and eat fresh food. Here’s the link if you want to find out more!
Note – When you enter the island of Coron – there is a 200 pesos environmental fee. The island doesn’t have public transport or Grab, so the only way to get to or from Coron airport is to take a minivan which now costs 250 pesos in 2022.
What to do in Coron
Once you’ve reached your accommodation in Coron town, it’s time to start booking anything you want to do whilst you’re in Coron. Here are a few suggestions of what you should do in Coron on your Philippines 3 week itinerary!
Go Diving in Coron!
Coron is one of the best places to go diving in the Philippines and is famous around the world for shipwreck diving! Just off the coast of Coron Bay, there are around ten Japanese shipwrecks in the underwater world. We were lucky enough to visit two of them during our time in Coron!
The ships were part of WWII and were sunk by the US Navy in 1944. Since then they have become home to fish and a great place for scuba diving!
We highly recommend diving with Reggae Divers in Coron, they took us on 3 dives and everything was perfect! Our dive master even took us into the shipwrecks and it felt so surreal.
Head to their shop in Coron – Dive Shop Location or check out their website to speak to them before visiting Coron – Reggage Diver’s Website. Our 3 dives cost 4000 pesos including equipment, fresh lunch and entrance fees to the wrecks. Make sure to check out Dive Assure for comprehensive dive insurance too!
Diving in Baraccuda Lake
This experience deserves a title in itself on this 3 week Philippines itinerary! Diving in Baraccuda Lake is like going to a spa and it’s a completely tropical experience! When you first jump into the water it will be 28°C fresh water which is normal for the Philippines.
Then as you descend it becomes salt water and there’s a Thermocline with the water becoming 38°C! It feels like a hot bath and it’s the most interesting experience! We did our dive with Reggae Divers!
Coron Island Hopping
Nearly coming to the end of your Philippines 3 week itinerary – another one of the best things to do in Coron is going island hopping! Similar to El Nido there are different tours you can do around the area. Get ready to see lagoons, beaches and snorkel spots and it’s even possible to snorkel at the shipwreck sites!
We booked the Super Ultimate Island Hopping Tour with Calamian Islands Travel and Tour for around 1,600! Despite it being cloudy, we saw some awesome spots and even saw a barracuda at Barracuda Lake!
- Kayangan Lake
- Barracuda Lake
- Twin Lagoons
- Beach 91
- Balinsasayaw Reef
- Twin Peaks Coral Garden
- CYC Beach
The crew were amazing and even made sure we had a vegan-friendly lunch on board! We really recommend them and any other tours that they do! Message them online to book a tour or you can book it on Klook!
Sunset at Mount Tapyas
After all the water adventures in Coron on your 3 week Philippines travel itinerary, it’s time to hike up to the best viewpoint in Coron and appreciate the sunset. Mount Tapyas can be seen from the boats around Coron Bay as it towers over the town with a Hollywood-style sign.
It takes about 30 minutes to reach the top, so make sure you leave yourself enough time! Here’s the location of the trailhead – Location!
Where to stay in Coron
Anywhere near Coron Town is a good place to stay whilst visiting Coron. As a lot of the activities are water-based, anywhere within walking distance is perfect!
Coron Visitors Hotel $-$$ – We stayed here for our visit to Coron and it was a great location, close to restaurants and shops! They organised a tricycle ride for us when we needed to get somewhere. Find them on Booking.com here!
Where to eat in Coron
Levine’s Eatery $ – A cute restaurant with a view from their rooftop, mostly Filipino food! (Location
Trattoria Altrove Coron $$ – Amazing pizza and pasta here in Coron! (Location)
Day 21 | Coron – Manila
Islands in the Philippines aren’t all internationally connected, which means on your last day of the trip you’ll most likely need to take a flight to Cebu or Manila from Coron. Make sure you have enough time to get to your connecting flight in Manila.
If you need to amend your 3 weeks in the Philippines itinerary to spend the night in Manila, we recommend cutting Moalboal from 3 nights to 2 nights.
How to get to Manila from Coron
The best way to get from Coron to Manila is by flying – book your tickets in advance to get the best prices. There’s also a ferry that runs to and from Coron and Manila. It can take 15 hours of travel time and costs around 1,350. As your itinerary is 3 weeks in the Philippines, we would recommend flying, but it depends on your budget.
Where to stay in Manila before leaving
We recommend staying in the Makati area on your last night before leaving the Philippines. It’s a great area in Manila and there are great restaurants nearby. Here are some of the places we recommended at the start of your trip: Mark & Christines Airbnb – $-$$ (Makati)– Mark & Christines Airbnb / Zula Residences – $$ (Makati) – Link to Zula Residences / Z hostel – $$ (Makati) – Link to Z Hostel
The Philippines 3 Week Itinerary Breakdown
Manila – 2 nights / Bohol – 3 nights / Siquijor – 3 nights / Moalboal – 3 nights / Cebu City – 1 night / Port Barton – 2 nights / El Nido – 3 nights / Coron – 3 nights / Manila – day/1 night (to fly out of the Philippines)
Other places to visit in The Philippines
Siargao – A tropical surfers paradise on the east side of the Philippines!
Camiguin – Known as the island of fire due to its volcanos, this island also has incredible beaches!
Boracay – The perfect honeymoon spot in the Philippines!
How do I plan a 3 week trip to the Philippines?
Now that you’ve read our 3 week Philippines route, it’s time to start planning your trip!
Here’s a quick list of things you can check or book before your trip!
- Check for any public holidays on your date of visit (check here!)
- Book your flights (check prices here!)
- Book your accommodation (book here for hotels & here for hostels!)
Phrases to know before 3 Weeks in The Philippines
Tagalog is the main language spoken in the Philippines however a lot of Filipinos speak English too and they’re very friendly – here are some phrases that may help you spark up a conversation:
- Hello (informal) – Musta
- Hello (formal) – Kumusta
- How are you? (formal) – Kumusta po kayo
- How are you? (informal) – Kumusta ka
- Thank you (informal) – Salamat
- Thank you (formal) – Salamat po
Budget for 3 weeks in the Philippines
The Philippines is a budget-friendly country in Southeast Asia, however, the prices are higher than in Thailand, Vietnam or Indonesia. Compared to these countries, you’ll have to pay for flights to get around the country and accommodation is a little more expensive. Averagely we recommend 2000 pesos per day for a basic but fun budget (depending on the price of flights).
- Accommodation – 650 – 100 pesos
- Restaurants – 130 – 260 pesos
- Island Hopping Tour – 1640 pesos
- Scuba Diving (per dive) – 1600 pesos
- Slow or Speed Ferries – 150 – 800 pesos
- Scooter Rentals – 350 – 500 pesos
How to get to The Philippines
The only way to reach The Philippines is by flight! You can get international flights into Manila, Cebu City or Puerto Princessa. If you arrive in Manila, we’ve explained how to get from the airport to the city on day 1 of our 3 week Philippines route and itinerary!
How many days in the Philippines is enough?
The Philippines is a huge country with many different islands. There’s no amount of time that would cover the whole country, but we would recommend spending at least 2 weeks in the Philippines. If you only have a 1 week trip to the Philippines then focus on an area and visit two destinations.
El Nido and Coron can be paired together or Siquijor and Bohol as there is a good connection between these islands.
Where to go after The Philippines
Indonesia – Not too sick of beaches yet? Take a short flight over to Indonesia to explore incredible islands and jungles. The food is amazing!!
Malaysia – Catch a flight to Kuala Lumpur, Penang or even Borneo and discover the country with your own eyes!
South Korea or Taiwan – Both countries have amazing nature and good flights from the Philippines!
More Philippines guides:
- The Best 2 Days in Manila: Things to do & Itinerary (2025)
- Moalboal Itinerary: The Best Things To Do (2025)
- The Best Bohol Itinerary: 3 Days in Bohol, Philippines
- The Best El Nido Itinerary: 3 Days in El Nido
- Canyoneering at Kawasan Falls: 2025 (After Typhoon Odette!)
- The Best Coron Itinerary: 3 Days in Coron, Philippines
- The Best 3 Days in Siquijor Itinerary – Philippines (2025)
- All our Philippines posts!
That’s the end of our 3 Week Philippines Route & Itinerary: Where to visit in 2025! Enjoy your well-planned trip to the Philippines and if you need any more help planning – send us a message on Instagram (@thesunrisedreamers) or leave a comment below!
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Very helpful, thanks! We are thinking of going to the Philippines and don’t wanna move around much when we get there. I am trying to decide between Bohol and El Nido (or Coron).. any thoughts?
Hi Laura, thank you! 🙂 We really loved Bohol & Siquijor as a combo and there’s more variety of things to do in Bohol if you don’t want to move around different islands. El Nido & Coron are more popular and aimed more towards tourism, they do have lovely sights and beaches. It’s tough to choose! El Nido could be a great first visit, however, Bohol has more hidden destinations around the island if you want to explore the island further than the tourism areas.
Thank you! This was so helpful and very well written.