📍 Philippines

PHILIPPINES DISCOVERY: RICE TERRACES TO CORAL KINGDOMS

Terraced rice paddies cascading like stairways to the sky, limestone lagoons of unreal blue, islands guarding ancient secrets. The Philippines amaze.

≈ 18
Days
3040
Km
11
Stops
📖 7 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Climb into Batad's hand-sculpted rice terraces, then let Palawan unfold its clear lagoons. Explore Bohol and its hills, reach Camiguin and its volcanic landscapes, then head to Siquijor and its waterfalls. An itinerary blending traditions, fresh water and sea, with a touch of island mystery.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Batad

ifugao rice terraces cascade through cloud-wrapped valleys

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10 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the historic district of Intramuros and Manila Cathedral
2
Stroll along the Manila Bay waterfront at sunset
🎯

Activities

→
Carriage ride in the old colonial center
→
Typical Filipino dinner with adobo and halo-halo
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 340 km
Travel time: 8h
2
Day

Manila

colonial intramuros anchors sprawling metro pulse

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10 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Hiking in the terraced rice fields classified as a world heritage site in Batad
2
Viewpoint over the rice terraces of Banaue
🎯

Activities

→
Meeting with Ifugao inhabitants and discovering their agricultural traditions
→
Refreshing swim at Tappiya Falls
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 340 km
Travel time: 8h
3
Day

Coron

twin lagoons shimmer beneath volcanic island peaks

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10 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Boat exploration of Coron lagoons: Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon
2
Snorkeling in Japanese wrecks from World War II
🎯

Activities

→
Walk in downtown Coron Town and local market
→
Sunset from Mount Tapyas
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 120 km
Travel time: 3h
4
Day

El Nido

hidden beaches nestle between towering limestone cathedrals

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10 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of limestone cliffs and lagoons around El Nido (Big Lagoon, Secret Beach)
2
Relaxation on Nacpan Beach and Las Cabanas Beach
🎯

Activities

→
Scooter tour on the north coast of El Nido
→
Dinner by the sea in Corong-Corong
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 170 km
Travel time: 5h
5
Day

Port Barton

fishing boats bob in palm-fringed tranquil bay

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9 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Bangka boat trip to the islands and reefs around Port Barton
2
Observation of sea turtles and tropical fish
🎯

Activities

→
Relaxation on White Beach
→
Discovery of the village and sunset over the bay
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 150 km
Travel time: 4h
6
Day

Puerto Princesa

subterranean river navigates ancient cave galleries

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9 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Walk in the city center and visit to the Immaculate Conception Cathedral
2
Discovery of the central market of Puerto Princesa
🎯

Activities

→
Cruise on the underground river of Sabang (UNESCO)
→
Local dinner and walk on Rizal Avenue
→
Dinner at a typical Cebu restaurant
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 550 km
Travel time: 10h
7
Day

Cebu

spanish colonial heart meets modern island hub

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10 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to Fort San Pedro and the Basilica of Santo Niño
2
Stroll on Colon Street, the oldest street in the Philippines
🎯

Activities

→
Dinner with music and local karaoke atmosphere
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 130 km
Travel time: 3h
8
Day

Bantayan

sugar-white sand stretches toward endless horizon

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10 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Exploration of Sugar Beach and Kota Beach
2
Bike tour between Santa Fe and Bantayan Town
🎯

Activities

→
Sunset observation at Paliton Beach
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 250 km
Travel time: 6h
9
Day

Bohol

chocolate hills roll beneath wide philippine sky

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10 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of Cambugahay Falls and swimming in natural pools
2
Island tour by scooter through villages and isolated beaches
🎯

Activities

→
Loboc River cruise with musical lunch
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 300 km
Travel time: 7h
10
Day

Siquijor

mystical island where healers guard ancient traditions

Siquijor - Photo 1Siquijor - Photo 2Siquijor - Photo 3Siquijor - Photo 4Siquijor - Photo 5Siquijor - Photo 6Siquijor - Photo 7Siquijor - Photo 8Siquijor - Photo 9Siquijor - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Panorama of the Chocolate Hills
2
Visit to the Corella tarsier sanctuary
🎯

Activities

→
Discovery of Katibawasan Falls
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 90 km
Travel time: 2h30
11
Day

Camiguin

sunken cemetery crosses rise from volcanic waters

Camiguin - Photo 1Camiguin - Photo 2Camiguin - Photo 3Camiguin - Photo 4Camiguin - Photo 5Camiguin - Photo 6Camiguin - Photo 7Camiguin - Photo 8Camiguin - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 11
🔍

Discover

1
Walk through Ardent plantations and hot springs
2
Excursion to White Island and snorkeling
🎯

Activities

→
Discovery of Katibawasan Falls
✈️
Next stop
✈️ Flight / transfer day
Distance: 600 km
Travel time: 10h

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

FROM CORON TO PUERTO PRINCESA: TURQUOISE LAGOONS AND SECRET BEACHES OF PALAWAN

📅 10 days 🛣️ 1293.4 Km

🛡️ Travel advice - Philippines

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Dry Season (December-May): Peak tourist season with minimal rainfall, comfortable temperatures (26-32°C), and excellent conditions for island hopping and beach activities. Highest prices and crowds.

Cool Dry Season (December-February): Most comfortable temperatures and lowest humidity. Perfect weather for all activities, though expect highest accommodation rates and tourist numbers.

Hot Dry Season (March-May): Hottest temperatures but still dry conditions. Good for beach activities, though midday heat can be intense. Shoulder season pricing.

Rainy Season (June-November): Monsoon season with typhoon risk, but lower prices and fewer tourists. Some islands remain accessible, afternoon rains common.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 14 and 22 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Philippines?

Archipelago paradise with pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and incredible diversity. Experience traditional festivals, beautiful islands, and warm Filipino hospitality. The country offers cultural authenticity with natural beauty and adventure activities. Philippines provides diverse experiences with cultural richness and natural wonders. ⚠️ SAFETY NOTE: The Philippines is generally safe in main tourist areas, though avoid southern Mindanao and Sulu archipelago due to terrorism and kidnapping risks. Stick to established tourist destinations like Luzon, Visayas, and northern Mindanao. Check current government advisories and use reputable transportation and accommodation.