10-Day Philippines Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Philippines tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffPhilippines travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Days in Philippines West, incl. Manila and El Nido

  A comprehensive 10-day tour visits Manila, Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, El Nido, Daracotan Island, and Coron. Features 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, beachfront accommodations, and unique experiences from cooking classes to shipwreck snorkeling.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Manila & Travel to Palawan

    Start your trip in Manila's Makati district where you'll find great nightlife options. "The neighborhood felt safe and welcoming, with plenty of great bars within walking distance." Take a morning flight to Puerto Princesa (about 1 hour) before heading to Port Barton. Book flights before 11 AM to avoid Manila's heavy traffic.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Port Barton

    Port Barton gives you a more authentic experience than other spots in Palawan. Go island hopping to see beautiful beaches and swim with sea turtles. "Watching turtles swim gracefully in their natural habitat was humbling," one traveler said. Visit fishing villages for lunch to see how locals live. You can stay right on the beach, close to restaurants and sunset views.

    
  • Days 5-6

    El Nido

    The trip from Port Barton to El Nido takes 4 hours on bumpy roads. Consider taking motion sickness pills. Once in El Nido, go island hopping through stunning limestone lagoons. "The kayaking through the small lagoon was breathtaking - just make sure to wear water shoes as the rocks can be sharp." Try the beach zipline for some excitement and visit Nacpan Beach, one of Asia's best.

    
  • Day 7

    Daracotan Island Experience

    Meet the 88 locals who live here, learn to cook traditional dishes, and discover island customs. Bring reef-safe sunscreen for snorkeling near the coral. The beach accommodations are simple but comfortable, and you'll sleep well with the ocean waves nearby.

    
  • Days 8-10

    Coron

    Take the ferry from El Nido to Coron (3-4 hours). The water can be rough during monsoon season. You can explore WWII shipwrecks, clear lakes, and hidden lagoons. "The Kayangan Lake visit was otherworldly - go early around 7 AM to beat the crowds," one traveler suggested. Finish your trip with island hopping around Coron's limestone cliffs before flying out.

    

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• 10 Days in Philippines, incl. Manila and El Nido

  The Philippine archipelago opens up in this 10-day tour through Manila, Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, Palawan, and El Nido. Highlights include UNESCO Underground River tour, 2 days island hopping, cultural immersion day, and beach camping, with stays at Z Hostel Manila and Spin Hostel El Nido.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Manila to Puerto Princesa

    Enjoy a welcome dinner at a rooftop terrace in Manila overlooking the city lights. Take a short flight to Puerto Princesa the next morning with 20kg checked luggage included. One traveler's insight: "I wouldn't stress too much about getting to Manila prior to the tour starting. Manila doesn't have much going for it - the tour really starts in Puerto Princesa."

    
  • Day 3

    Underground River & Port Barton

    Visit the UNESCO Underground River early at 7 AM before the crowds arrive. Take a scenic 3-hour drive to Port Barton and check into beachfront bungalows. A visitor shared: "Port Barton island hopping had some of the best snorkel spots I've ever seen."

    
  • Days 4-5

    Port Barton Island Experience

    Spend two days island hopping with local guides. Visit a remote island school and bring school supplies if you can. You'll snorkel beautiful reefs and spend one night camping on a private beach. A traveler's memory: "Camping on the private island felt like something out of a dream. The boatboys cooked incredible fresh seafood and we played volleyball on the beach."

    
  • Days 6-7

    El Nido Cultural Immersion

    Take a 4-hour trip to El Nido with its stunning limestone cliffs. Learn traditional skills like coconut climbing and Filipino stick fighting. You can also try the island zipline if you want an extra thrill. According to one visitor: "The cultural day with Mark & Shenny was a highlight - we learned so much about local life."

    
  • Days 8-9

    El Nido Island Hopping & Relaxation

    Explore the beautiful Bacuit Archipelago by boat. Swim and snorkel around coral reefs and hidden lagoons. Start your next day with a morning canopy walk for great views of the bay. Treat yourself to a traditional Filipino massage afterward. The afternoons are better for activities since mornings can be quite hot.

    
  • Day 10

    Departure

    Leave for Puerto Princesa at 7 AM (6-hour drive). Book flights after 3 PM. You can also fly directly from El Nido to Manila on AirSwift if you prefer a shorter but more expensive option.

    

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• 10 Day Philippines Itinerary, incl. Manila and El Nido

  Vibrant 10-day tour through Manila, Boracay, Cebu, Puerto Princesa, and El Nido. Highlights include UNESCO's Underground River, whale shark encounters in Oslob, and Big Lagoon exploration. Features 4 domestic flights, 9 nights accommodation, and daily breakfast.

  

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  • Day 1

    Manila to Boracay

    Land in Manila early and catch your morning flight to Boracay. After landing at Caticlan Airport, take a short boat ride to Boracay Island. "The port transfer can get chaotic, so keep your vouchers handy and follow the guides' instructions carefully." Once you've checked into your hotel near White Beach, spend the evening walking through D'Mall to explore the shops and restaurants.

    
  • Day 2

    Boracay Island Hopping

    Book an early morning island hopping tour. "The water is incredibly clear at Puka Beach in the morning before the crowds arrive. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes as some areas can be rocky." The tour includes snorkeling at Coral Garden and lunch. Book activities like parasailing or helmet diving separately to avoid rushed schedules.

    
  • Day 3

    Boracay to Cebu

    Fly to Cebu City in the morning. Plan for a 45-minute airport transfer to downtown or 2 hours during rush hour. After checking into your city center hotel, visit Magellan's Cross and Fort San Pedro. A local tip: "Skip the fancy restaurants - the best local lechon (roasted pork) is at small local spots like CNT."

    
  • Day 4

    Moalboal & Canyoneering

    Your day starts at 4am with a 3-hour drive to Kawasan Falls. "The canyoneering was intense but amazing - wear proper water shoes and be ready for 3-4 hours of climbing, jumping and swimming through gorgeous canyons." After lunch, go snorkeling with massive sardine schools at Moalboal before returning to Cebu City.

    
  • Day 5

    Cebu to Puerto Princesa

    Take a morning flight to Puerto Princesa in Palawan. Check into your hotel and spend time exploring the local markets and baywalk for fresh seafood. Pro tip: "Book an evening firefly watching tour - it's magical and less crowded than doing it as a day trip."

    
  • Day 6

    Underground River Tour

    Your tour pickup is around 7:30am to visit the UNESCO-listed Underground River. "The wait for boats can be long, bring snacks and water. The actual river cave tour is about 45 minutes and absolutely worth it." You'll be back in Puerto Princesa by late afternoon.

    
  • Day 7

    Puerto Princesa to El Nido

    The van journey takes 5-6 hours on winding roads. A recent visitor suggests: "Sit near the front if possible and take motion sickness pills if needed. The vans can get crowded but they make rest stops every few hours." You'll reach El Nido by late afternoon.

    
  • Day 8

    El Nido Island Hopping Tour A

    Take the popular Tour A route. "The Big Lagoon was breathtaking, but rent a kayak when you get there - it's the best way to explore the hidden corners." You'll visit Secret Lagoon and Seven Commando Beach with lunch included. Boats return by 4pm, perfect timing to watch the sunset.

    
  • Day 9

    Free Day in El Nido

    Choose between another island hopping tour (Tour C comes highly recommended) or explore El Nido town. "Do the Canopy Walk in the morning for incredible views over the bay, then spend the afternoon at Las Cabanas Beach." The beach offers great sunset views and plenty of restaurants.

    
  • Day 10

    El Nido to Manila

    Catch your morning flight back to Manila. "Get there 90 minutes early and be prepared for strict baggage weight limits - they're very particular about the 10kg restriction."

    

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