Your 7-Day Philippines & Palawan, Philippines Itinerary

Step back in time at Fort Santiago, a historical fortress within Intramuros. Wander through its gates, dungeons, and admire the beautifully preserved grounds, which offer a glimpse into the Philippines' Spanish colonial past and the life of national hero Jose Rizal.

"Fort Santiago is one of the most fascinating historical sites within Intramuros and was a highlight of my visit to Manila. Inspired by photos and videos seen online, I decided to experience this place firsthand, and it fully lived up to expectations. The fortress is surrounded by greenery and offers a peaceful yet powerful atmosphere. The visit can be done quickly in under an hour, but I chose to take my time and spent over three hours exploring the area, walking through the grounds, and appreciating the historical context. Despite a grey and slightly rainy day, the experience remained enjoyable and atmospheric. Inside the complex, there are souvenir shops and small museum areas that help tell the story of the site. Unfortunately, due to high water levels from recent rains, I was unable to access the lower areas during my visit. Overall, the experience was very positive. Staff members were friendly, helpful, and supportive. If I ever return to Manila, Fort Santiago would definitely be a place I would revisit. It is a must see for anyone interested in history, culture, and scenic views."— Andrea

Discover San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the Philippines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at its Baroque architecture, intricate trompe l'oeil ceilings, and rich historical significance.

"This is another amazing church we saw during our weekend walking tour of the city. Alas, there was an event going on inside so it was closed to the public that day. I will definitely come back again when I visit Manila the nex time. Impressed that this old building is listed as a Unesco World Heritage site."— gevs

Immerse yourself in the Philippines' rich biodiversity and natural heritage at the National Museum of Natural History. The grand building houses impressive exhibits on flora, fauna, and geological formations, including the iconic Tree of Life structure.

"My wifes first time going to a museum. I'm happy to say it exceeded hee expectations. A real learning experience as you see how the Philippines history is documented with exhibits. From skeletons to taxidermy the museum does a excellent job presenting the history with animals and dioramas. The staff is available on every foor and the museum building is safe and clean We recommend this free museum to all ages. My wifes first time going to a museum. I'm happy to say it exceeded hee expectations. A real learning experience as you see how the Philippines history is documented with exhibits. From skeletons to taxidermy the museum does a excellent job presenting the history with animals and dioramas. The staff is available on every foor and the museum building is safe and clean We recommend this free museum to all ages. National Museum of. Natural History. The National Museum of Natural History houses 12 permanent galleries that exhibit the rich biological and geological diversity of the Philippines. It includes creatively curated displays of botanical, zoological, and geological specimens that represent our unique natural history."— Cebu Food Critic

Relax and enjoy a leisurely walk through Rizal Park, a sprawling urban park and a significant historical site commemorating national hero Jose Rizal. Admire the gardens, monuments, and various features.

"Rizal Park is a beautiful and historic landmark in the heart of Manila and definitely worth visiting. The park is spacious, well maintained, and offers a peaceful break from the busy city surrounding it. There are several monuments, gardens, and open areas to explore, including the iconic Rizal Monument which holds deep historical significance for the Philippines. It’s a great place to walk around, learn about the country’s history, and enjoy the greenery. Whether you’re visiting during the day or stopping by in the evening, Rizal Park is a meaningful and enjoyable place to experience an important part of Manila’s culture and history."— Roland Palaypay

Visit the only all-steel church in Asia and a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture. Admire its intricate details and unique construction.

"The design of the church is super unique. You can already see the belfry from far distance and the gothic design of the church gave me an exhilarating feeling. The interior is also a masterpiece, the ceiling, tho old and a little corroded, the artwork can still be recognised and the erosions only add to its beautiful history. One of the best Church to visit in the Philippines!"— Altus Vision

Wander through the bustling streets of the world's oldest Chinatown, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, historic architecture, and unique cultural blend.

"Walking through Binondo Chinatown feels personal every street has a story, every food stop feels earned. The flavors are authentic and bold, the kind you only get from places that have been doing it right for generations. It is lively, real, and full of character no rush, just good food and culture all around."— Dailycent

Immerse yourself in Philippine art and history at the National Museum of Fine Arts, home to masterpieces by Filipino artists including Juan Luna's Spoliarium.

"We visited the National Museum of Fine Arts and it was really impressive. The place is huge and full of amazing paintings and sculptures by Filipino artists. One of the highlights for me was seeing the famous Spoliarium in person—it’s even more incredible up close. The museum is clean, well organized, and the best part is the entrance is free. Definitely worth visiting if you want to learn more about Filipino art and history. 🎨"— Hobart Ferry

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Roxas Boulevard and the Manila Baywalk, offering scenic views of Manila Bay and a refreshing urban waterfront experience, especially beautiful during sunset.

"What a beautiful sunset"— Emie LPedrito

Spend a relaxing afternoon at Las Cabañas Beach (also known as Marimegmeg Beach), famous for its soft sands, clear waters, and stunning views of the surrounding islands. Enjoy swimming or simply unwinding by the sea.

"We stayed at Las Cabanas Resort for three nights and truly loved the experience. The listing description is very accurate, and the location is absolutely beautiful. The resort is right in front of the beach, with a lovely pool area and comfortable lounges where you can relax and enjoy the view. The food is really fresh and excellent, and we enjoyed every meal we had there. Our room was very clean, well organized, and the air conditioning worked perfectly, which made our stay very comfortable. The service was also excellent — the staff were friendly, attentive, and always willing to help. There are just a couple of small suggestions that could make the experience even better. One of them would be accepting card payments. Currently, only cash is accepted, and because the resort is a bit far, it requires a long walk to reach any ATM, which can be a little inconvenient. Another detail is that the hotel works with a pay-as-you-go system, meaning there is no option to add expenses to a room tab and pay everything at checkout. Having a guest account or room charge system could make things easier for guests during their stay. Also, the walk to reach the resort is a bit long, but once you arrive, the beauty of the place definitely makes it worth it. Overall, we had a wonderful stay and would definitely come back. Thank you for the care and attention during our visit."— Jéssica Ullrich

Embark on an adventurous climb to the peak of Taraw Cliff for breathtaking panoramic views of El Nido town, Bacuit Bay, and the surrounding limestone karsts, especially beautiful during sunset. This is a challenging climb.

"Me and my girlfriend went up and it was definitely worth it. Some people may find it a small challenge because of the heat but it only takes about 10-15 minutes to get to the top. The view is stunning looking over the town below and the cliffs higher up."— gareth dyble

Embark on the iconic Tour A to explore the breathtaking limestone karsts, emerald waters, and pristine beaches of El Nido's Bacuit Bay. Kayak through the majestic Big Lagoon (kayak rental typically additional), discover the hidden wonders of Secret Lagoon, and relax on the white sands of Seven Commandos Beach. Includes opportunities for swimming and snorkeling to observe marine life.

"Big Lagoon was honestly beyond amazing — absolutely breathtaking! The water is crystal clear and that unreal turquoise color looks even better in real life. The limestone cliffs around it make the whole place feel magical. The view? 10/10. The vibe? Peaceful, dreamy, and unforgettable. Whether you’re kayaking or just floating and taking it all in, it feels like you’re inside a postcard. Everything about Big Lagoon was incredible — one of those places that truly stays in your memory. If you’re in El Nido, this spot is a must. Totally worth it!"— Nojan K

Embark on a full-day island hopping tour exploring the stunning limestone karsts and turquoise waters of El Nido. Swim across the open sea to discover the secluded Hidden Beach, snorkel amongst vibrant marine life, and explore other beautiful spots like iconic Helicopter Island (not verified official name) and Matinloc Shrine (not verified official name) known for their unique rock formations and pristine beaches.

"Had the best 3 days! Jerick and TP11 boat created the best atmosphere for our group and gave us unforgettable memories! We seen the most beautiful sights and felt safe while doing so. The whole crew had a very light hearted attitude and were happy to chat with all the guests. There was a great variety of food and I was accommodated as a vegetarian. Jerick went above and beyond to make everyone on our boat feel comfortable and at ease. He had a great sense of humour and got on with all guests. I would recommend this tour to all of my friends ❤️"— Laura Smithers

Embark on the iconic Island Hopping Tour B, starting with the unique S-shaped sandbar of Snake Island (Vigan Island), where you can walk across the sand at low tide. Afterwards, relax and swim at the pristine beaches of Pinagbuyutan Island, famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs and serene atmosphere.

"The 3 days and 2 nights expedition from Coron to El Nido was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Exploring the untouched islands of the Coron to El Nido route is simply insane in the best possible way. Every day felt like stepping into paradise, surrounded by crystal-clear waters, hidden lagoons, white sand beaches, and breathtaking landscapes. What makes this trip even more special is not just the places you visit, but everything you experience along the way. You get to meet amazing people from all over the world, share unforgettable moments, and truly disconnect from the routine of everyday life. The boat crew was absolutely fantastic. From the guide to the chef, everyone was incredibly friendly, professional, and always available for us. They made us feel safe, comfortable, and completely taken care of. The food was delicious — freshly prepared meals every day, way beyond expectations for a boat expedition! During snorkeling sessions, they even followed us with a kayak to keep an eye on us and make sure everyone was safe. That level of attention and care really made a difference and allowed us to fully enjoy the experience without any worries. I highly recommend this expedition to anyone traveling to the Philippines. It’s an adventure, a social experience, and a chance to discover some of the most beautiful places on Earth — all in one unforgettable journey."— Francesca Marsili

Continue Tour B with an exploration of Cudugnon Cave, a natural rock shelter with a small chamber that requires a short climb to enter. Afterwards, enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the clear waters of nearby secret coves, discovering vibrant marine life around the stunning limestone formations.

"Cudugnon Cave is a significant natural and historical site located in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines, specifically on the west part of Lagen Island at the foot of Mount Maa Teg. It is a popular destination for tourists seeking a blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural exploration, often included as a highlight in El Nido's island-hopping Tour B . Historical and Cultural Significance Cudugnon Cave holds immense anthropological significance, believed to have been a Neolithic burial site for ancient Palawenos and settlers from Borneo. Archaeological excavations within the cave have unearthed pottery, jewelry, and even human bones, with artifacts traced back to the Sung Dynasty (960-1279 A.D.). These findings provide valuable insights into the life and death practices of early civilizations in the Palawan area. Furthermore, local legends suggest the cave served as a hiding place for locals during World War II ."— Joshua Tolentino (Byahe ni juswa)

Spend a leisurely morning on the expansive, golden sands of Nacpan Beach. Enjoy swimming in the clear waters, walking along the 'twin beaches' stretch, and soaking in the tranquil island atmosphere.

"We had an absolutely wonderful stay at this hotel! The place itself is fantastic, and the beach is truly paradise – beautiful, peaceful, and perfect for relaxing. The rooms are stylish and incredibly clean. Everything was spotless and very well maintained. What really made our stay special was the amazing team. Everyone was extremely helpful and flexible throughout our visit. We loved it so much that we extended our stay twice! The staff made everything possible for us and even arranged extra mattresses on the floor for our kids, which was incredibly thoughtful. All in all, it was a perfect holiday and we would love to come back again!"— Paula Neidhart

Browse the local shops in El Nido Town for unique souvenirs, handicrafts, and local products to remember your trip by.

"They definitely had their name perfectly. It's a little shop right in the corner of the street at one of the paradise island of Palawan. Good quality at a good price souvenir available here."— Satria Wira