Over seven thousand islands means the route is really a question of which two or three you commit to. Fly between island groups and take boats only within them — that single rule saves days.
Mostly a transit stop. Intramuros is worth the morning if your connection allows it.
Onward: Flight, 1 hr 20. To El Nido direct, or to Puerto Princesa and 5 hr by van
Island-hopping tours A through D around Bacuit Bay. Tour A for the lagoons, Tour C for the beaches and better snorkelling.
Onward: Fast ferry, 3 hr 30. North to Coron. Cancelled in rough weather — keep a spare day.
Wreck diving over a sunken Japanese fleet, Kayangan Lake, and hot springs. Quieter and more dramatic than El Nido.
Onward: Flight, 1 hr 30. Via Manila or Cebu
Bohol for the Chocolate Hills, tarsiers and Panglao’s beaches; Siargao for surf and a slower, sandier pace.
On nine nights, do Palawan alone — El Nido and Coron together are a complete trip.
Add Siquijor or Malapascua from Cebu, or Batanes in the far north if you want somewhere almost no one goes.
Trying to link distant islands by ferry to save money. Sea routes between island groups can take twenty hours or run twice a week, and a cancelled sailing strands you. Domestic flights are frequent and cheap, and they buy back whole days of your trip.
Read the full Philippines travel guide or take the Philippines packing list.