7-Day Philippines Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Philippines tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffPhilippines travel expert at TourRadar

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

  Manila's Intramuros district and El Nido's Bacuit archipelago unfold over 7 days. Split between Tryp by Wyndham and Hotel Covo, the tour features Manila Cathedral, Saint Augustine's Church, and Seven Commandos Island.

  

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  • Day 1

    Manila Arrival

    Land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport where you'll feel Manila's humidity right away. Pick afternoon flights to avoid the worst morning traffic. Getting to your hotel takes between 45-90 minutes. Take the rest of the day to relax and get used to the time zone.

    
  • Day 2

    Historic Manila

    Start your day at 8 AM in Intramuros, the old Spanish colonial district. Walk the cobblestone streets early before it gets too hot. Visit Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church (a UNESCO site). Remember to dress modestly since these are working churches. You can take a horse-drawn calesa ride but set the price first - about $10-15 for 30 minutes. The heat peaks from 2-3 PM so head inside to the National Museum or join a cooking class.

    
  • Day 3

    Manila to El Nido

    Take the morning flight to Puerto Princesa (1.5 hours) then drive 5-6 hours to El Nido. The road is better now but still winding. Pick a seat on the right side of the van for great ocean views. You'll get to El Nido in time to watch the sunset at Las Cabanas Beach.

    
  • Days 4-5

    El Nido Island Hopping

    Spend two full days exploring El Nido's lagoons and beaches. Book Tour A for lagoons or Tour C for beaches - they're popular favorites. Book ahead for the Big Lagoon since they only allow 100 people per day. Pack water shoes for the sharp limestone. A recent visitor shared: "Swimming into the Small Lagoon through that narrow opening was like discovering a hidden world. Go early around 7 AM before other boats arrive."

    
  • Day 6

    El Nido to Puerto Princesa to Manila

    The return drive to Puerto Princesa takes 5-6 hours. Book a late afternoon flight to Manila. Stop for lunch at Ka Lui restaurant in Puerto Princesa for excellent seafood but make a reservation first. You'll reach Manila in time for a final Filipino dinner.

    
  • Day 7

    Manila Departure

    Most international flights leave in the morning. Leave your hotel 3-4 hours before your flight time since Manila traffic is unpredictable. If you have extra time the SM Mall of Asia near the airport has luggage storage and shopping options.

    

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• 7 Days in Philippines, incl. Puerto Princesa and El Nido

  Puerto Princesa's Underground River, Port Barton's snorkeling spots, and El Nido's hidden beaches fill 7 memorable days. The itinerary includes 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and activities from firefly watching at Iwahig to cultural immersion at Sibalton Heritage House.

  

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  • Day 1

    Puerto Princesa

    Arrive in Puerto Princesa by early afternoon to get settled. Plan to take the Iwahig Firefly Tour at dusk. Bring light clothing and insect repellent for the humid mangroves. Book a flight that lands before 2 PM so you can make it to the firefly watching. The boats leave around sunset when viewing is best.

    
  • Day 2

    Puerto Princesa to Port Barton

    Visit the UNESCO Underground River first thing in the morning. Try to get on the first boat at 8 AM to avoid crowds and heat. You'll see about 1.5 km of the 8.2 km cave system. Wear shoes that can handle water splashes. After lunch, drive 3 hours to Port Barton. The road is mostly paved but gets rough in spots. Bring motion sickness pills if you need them.

    
  • Day 3

    Port Barton

    Go island hopping in Port Barton's quiet waters. The boat tours here are less busy than El Nido, giving you more space to enjoy each spot. Pack reef-safe sunscreen and keep your electronics in a dry bag for snorkeling with sea turtles. German Island and Twin Reef have beautiful coral gardens just below the surface.

    
  • Day 4

    Port Barton to El Nido

    Take the 3-hour coastal drive to El Nido. In the afternoon, visit Sibaltan Heritage House to experience local culture. Watch local women cook traditional Cuyonon food like kinilaw (Filipino ceviche) using old family recipes. You can also see how they create beautiful woven patterns that have been passed down for generations.

    
  • Day 5

    El Nido

    Explore El Nido's lagoons and beaches by boat. Visit Hidden Beach and Secret Beach. You'll need to swim through a small gap in the rocks to reach Secret Beach, so wear good swimwear. Look for eagle rays while snorkeling at South Miniloc. Start your day early when the water is calm for the best underwater views.

    
  • Day 6

    El Nido

    Spend a free day in El Nido. You can hike Taraw Peak for amazing views, but you'll need proper gear and a guide because the limestone rocks are sharp and slippery. Or try Kuyawyaw Falls, an easier 45-minute jungle walk. The first waterfall is easy to reach, but getting to the top ones takes more effort.

    
  • Day 7

    El Nido Departure

    Most flights leave from El Nido's small airport outside town. Try to book afternoon flights since morning fog can cause delays. The airport is 20 minutes away, but road work might slow you down, so leave 2 hours before your flight.

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• Tailor-Made 7 Days Best Philippines Tour, Daily Depart & Private Guide

  Manila's historic Intramuros, Tagaytay's Taal Volcano views, and Boracay's beaches create a perfect 7-day blend. Luxuriate in 4-star hotels while visiting Fort Santiago and island hopping to Coral Garden.

  

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  • Manila Philippines

    33 mi

  • Tagaytay Philippines

    162 mi

  • Boracay Philippines

    192 mi

  • Manila Philippines

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