More often than not, when people travel to the Philippines, they go for the islands and beaches. For me, I go for the volcanoes and wildlife. I decided to dedicate half of my time exploring the volcanoes while leaving the other half for the islands, and boy, was that a great idea.
I got to see the most symmetrical cone-shaped volcano in the world. I also got to swim with the whale sharks in the wild (not the ones where they feed them) and hang out with the kids of Palawan in Sibaltan. What more could I ask for?
Within this itinerary, you will be able to experience both adventure and relaxation within one trip. From the thrills of hiking volcanoes to sitting on a hammock and enjoying the sunrise in Palawan, here is the ultimate 3-week Philippines itinerary for backpackers!
- The Philippines Itinerary Map
- 3 Weeks Backpacking Philippines Itinerary
- The Philippines Travel Video
- Why go to the Philippines?
- When To Visit the Philippines?
- How to Get to the Philippines?
- How To Get Around Philippines?
- Which tourist SIM card is best for The Philippines?
- What to Pack for Philippines?
- Further Reading for Backpacking in Southeast Asia
The Philippines Itinerary Map
| ☀️ Day 1: | Manila |
| ☀️ Day 2: | Mt Pinatubo |
| ☀️ Day 3: | Lake Ta'al |
| ☀️ Day 4-5: | Legazpi |
| ☀️ Day 6: | Donsol - Whale Sharks |
| ☀️ Day 7-10: | Cebu |
| ☀️ Day 11-13: | Bohol |
| ☀️ Day 14-17: | Palawan |
| ☀️ Day 21: | Coron |
3 Weeks Backpacking Philippines Itinerary
Day 1: Manila (4 nights)
First day arriving in Manila, take a day to walk around the streets of Makati and explore the Intramuros district where the colonial architecture is located. San Agustin Church and Fort Santiago are a few attractions worth seeing when you are there.
After you are done with the old town, take a jeepney (it is an adventure in itself) and visit the World's first Chinatown, find a local restaurant and enjoy the local cuisine. The food here is amazing with plenty of choices to choose from. Plus, it's really REALLY cheap!
- Philippines One Life Adventures - 10 Days (10 days)
- Wanderlands Philippines - 12 Days (12 days)
- Philippines Island Hopper (17 days)
Day 2: Mt Pinatubo (1 night or day trip from Manila)
Note: Mount Pinatubo is currently closed to all tourism activities, including hiking and other tourist-related programs, as of May 2, 2025. This suspension was ordered by the Botolan LGU and it is in effect "until further notice". The closure follows concerns raised by the Aeta community regarding their ancestral domain and fair compensation for tourism activities in the area.
After a day in the city, take a taxi to the Pasay Bus Station and hop on a bus bound for Capas (2 - 3 hours). Make sure to tell the bus driver to drop you off at the McDonald junction and take a tricycle to Santa Juliana (30 mins), where you can get a jeep up to Mt .Pinatubo.
If you arrive early, you may be able to get a shared jeep from the tourist office in Santa Juliana. If not, you can stay overnight and get a shared jeep with the hotel instead. You can also go on a day trip from Manila if you do not wish to stay overnight in Pinatubo.
Day 3: Lake Ta'al (Day trip from Manila)
To visit Lake Taal, you are going to have to go with an organized tour. Lake Ta'al is about 100 km south of Manila and there is no direct public transport between 2 places except via an organized tour. The tour should take about 8 hours. They will take you from Manila to the lake and then you will be ushered on a chartered boat to the trailhead where you can begin hiking its crater.
The hike is best done in the morning to avoid the scorching heat of the Philippines. Once you reach the lookout point, you will have a view of the entire crater from the top. You have the option to climb down and swim (in a designated area only!) or stay up at the lookout point and enjoy the view. It was definitely worth the hike!
Day 4 - 5: Legazpi (3 nights)
After Manila, you can either take a bus or a plane to Legazpi City, where you will be met with a view of Mayon Volcano. If you take a flight from Manila, be sure to seat yourself on the left side of the aircraft for a view from above.
There are plenty of adventures to be found in Legazpi. First, take a tricycle to the Cagsawa ruin early in the morning (7 AM) and beat the crowd. After seeing the Mayon Volcano, walk out from the ruin towards the road; you will find many ATV operators offering an ATV tour to one of the many spots around the volcano.
I went with this ATV tour and I happened to be the only one in the group and had a blast exploring the beautiful scenery around the volcano.
With the tour, you will also be able to get up close and personal with the volcano, which is something you can not do now that trekking the volcano is prohibited. Highly recommended!
On your way back, you can drop by the Daraga Church and enjoy another perspective of the Mayon volcano.
Day 6: Donsol - Whale Sharks (day trip)
From Legazpi, you can easily take a day trip from the city to Donsol with transportation available at the Legazpi Bus Terminal. Once you arrive in Donsol, you can take a tricycle to the Donsol Whale Shark Interaction Center, where you can charter a boat to swim with the whale sharks in the wild, the way it should be done.
Avoid the whale tours in Oslob and Cebu at all costs! There, the whale sharks, especially the young ones, are being lured in by food just so that tourists can take photos with them. This practice disrupted their migration patterns and behavior toward humans, which is not good in the long run. It is also extremely painful for whale sharks to be above water for too long due to severe sunburn.
If you care about nature and its sustainability, Donsol and its whale-watching practice is the way to go. In Donsol, they track down the whale sharks in the wild and we swim with them when we find one. This allows us tourists to enjoy the wildlife in its habitat without having any long-lasting impact like in other places.
Day 7 - 10: Cebu (4 nights)
The city itself is not very attractive, but Cebu City gives us the perfect base for exploring the surrounding natural wonders such as Kawasan Falls, Osmeña Peak, and Pescador Island.
You can also spend more days in Cebu doing day trips like going canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, tour around Moalboal Islands, before heading next to Bohol, our next destination.
Day 11 - 13: Bohol (3 nights)
When you are in Bohol, I highly recommend renting a motorbike and exploring the landscape at your own pace. Visiting the Chocolate Hills, the Tarsier Sanctuary and Bilar Man-Made Forest can be done in one trip, and riding a motorbike between these places is a highlight in itself as it takes you through lush forests on curvy roads.
If you have time left in Bohol, you can also go to Anda to explore the Cabagnow Cave Pool or simply chill out at the beach.
Day 14 - 17: Palawan (4 nights)
Spend a day or two in El Nido and explore all the beautiful lagoons and beaches around Palawan with a boat tour. I highly recommend the Palawan Boat Tour A to see everything the area has to offer in one trip. It is touristy here but still beautiful nonetheless.
Personally, El Nido was a bit too crowded for me. So, if you want to avoid the tourists, rent a motorbike, drive to Sibaltan, and stay at the Erlittop Resort. With the price of a hostel, you will get the whole cabin to yourself, overlooking the sunrise beach. They also offer a snorkeling tour around the northern part of Palawan, away from the crowd.
Day 21: Coron (4 nights)
You can also spend a few days on Coron Island, where you can hike Mount Tapyas, explore Kayangan Lake, and go on a snorkeling tour. If you are lucky enough, you might even be able to see the Dugongs munching on seagrass along the coast of Busuanga.
For the easiest and most convenient way to visit Coron Island, I highly recommend going on a day trip with an organized tour from El Nido to Coron Island instead, to save time.
Why go to the Philippines?
I can write a whole article on why you should come to the Philippines, but to keep it short, here is a list of reasons why you should make the Philippines your next destination:
- The people are really friendly and they all speak English so communication is easy and efficient.
- You get to experience rare wildlife up close. Seeing tarsiers and whale sharks is definitely the highlight of my trip.
- For thrill-seekers, there are plenty of stunning volcanoes to hike.
- Palawan is literally heaven on Earth.
When To Visit the Philippines?
The peak season is the dry season which is from November to April when most of the attractions are accessible. The number of whale shark encounters in the wild also peaks around April, and if you are like me and looking forward to swimming with these wonderful creatures, March to April is probably the best time. One downside is that it is really hot in April. If you can't handle the heat, traveling from December to February is a good idea as the temperature is a little lower.
How to Get to the Philippines?
Browse through Skyscanner or Expedia to find a cheap flight from where you live to Manila or the main city hubs like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Bangkok. Then, you might be able to find a cheap flight from there to Manila via AirAsia. To find a cheap flight, I would recommend you browse through Skyscanner or Expedia before comparing prices, so you will get the cheapest one possible.
How To Get Around Philippines?
Traveling around the Philippines can be quite a pain since the country is an archipelago. Bus rides take longer than they should, while flights might not be as budget-friendly.
The fastest way is by plane, and airlines such as Cebu Pacific and AirAsia are well-connected and offer affordable prices.
Buses are the cheapest form of transportation in the Philippines. They can be quite reliable if you are traveling within the main islands. Some operators, like Victory Liner, have scheduled trips that connect the provinces together.
Train is also another great option if you are not in a rush. The Philippine National Railways (PNR) offers many routes with different tiers of services, from executive sleeper to economy. It is slower than the bus, though, but more comfortable.
Traveling within a city or taking short-distance trips is as simple as flagging down a tricycle from the road. They are widely available and relatively cheap if you bargain hard enough. Jeepneys are also great as backup transportation in case the vans or buses are not running as they are supposed to (it happens).
Which tourist SIM card is best for The Philippines?
Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Philippines without having to switch out your physical SIM card.
Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Philippines:
Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.
The Internet situation in the Philippines is quite complex, as the industry is being run by two companies: Globe and Smart. Their coverage is both subpar, with the focus mainly on urban areas. That said, I used Globe and had no problem getting 3G speed in most places mentioned here, except Pinatubo. For more info, read here.
Daily Budget
This place is quite affordable compared to all the other countries in the world. If you are planning a trip here, you can expect to spend around $25 - $45 USD per day per person, which should include accommodation and three meals.
Please keep in mind that these are suggested daily budgets based on my own style of travel, which leans more towards the budget side of things. If you aim to stick to this budget, anticipate sleeping in dormitories, dining out only occasionally, and being comfortable with the cheapest and most convenient modes of transportation, which often involve a considerable amount of walking.
What to Pack for Philippines?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Philippines:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Philippines in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Backpacking in Southeast Asia
Looking for more information for your trip to Southeast Asia? Here is a selection of articles that might help you with your trip planning:
- Looking for a complete itinerary for Southeast Asia? Here is the ultimate 3-Month Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
- Vietnam is a great place to start your journey to Southeast Asia. If you are looking for more details about Vietnam, check out my complete Vietnam itinerary here: 2 Weeks Itinerary for Vietnam.
- Cambodia is home to one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, Angkor Wat. If you are wondering what it's like there, here is my experience traveling around Angkor Wat and Siem Reap.
- Want to travel to Siem Reap and see Angkor Wat with your own eyes? Here is a complete travel guide and 3-day itinerary for Siem Reap.
- Bagan is one of my favorite places in the world. With over 2000 pagodas waiting for you to explore, you will need a travel guide. Here's a complete travel guide to Bagan temples and more.
- Bangkok is a city that you will likely pass through quite often, and it might get a bit overwhelming to plan something. Here is my One Day in Bangkok Itinerary.
- Khao Sok National Park is, hands down, one of my favorite places in Thailand, and it would be a shame if you missed it on this trip. Here is a guide on how to travel to Khao Sok National Park.
- Looking to go snorkeling in Thailand? Koh Lipe is one of the best places out there and I have a travel guide for you: The Snorkeling Guide to Koh Lipe.
- Malaysia is a country often overlooked by most travelers, and that is a mistake you shouldn't make. Here is a complete 10-day itinerary for Malaysia.
- Want to visit the Philippines and not sure where to start? Here are the 8 Most Beautiful Places in the Philippines to Visit.
- Indonesia is not a country you can simply travel to once and say you've seen it all. It's a country so diverse that it requires at least one month to really get the feel of it. Here is a complete one-month itinerary for Indonesia.
- Borneo is another place in Malaysia that is often overlooked, which is the perfect place for us to visit and go off the main Southeast Asia path that most backpackers take. If you are going that way, be sure to check out our 2-week itinerary for Borneo and Brunei.
- Not convinced by my words about Southeast Asia? Here are 64 photos that will inspire you to visit Southeast Asia now.
- You can also watch my travel video about Southeast Asia here: Watch the "Asia Alive" travel video.
- You can see all my Southeast Asia-related articles on my Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.
9 Comments
Very good read! One of the best I came across so far.
Could you mention the prices for transport and food in your future articles? would make it even better!
Thank you Hatem for the comments! Yes, the budget parts are missing but I'll work on that in my future articles. Budget is a difficult subject to tackle since it is always changing. I always find the budget provided in travel blog posts outdated since the price of everything is always changing, but i'll come up with something :)
This is just the kind of article I was looking for during my research period, both in your destination choices and conciseness. Most of the others focus on the touristy beaches only. Thanks!
Thank you Chris! I am glad you like the post. That is the idea of the article. I went there trying my best to avoid the tourist traps and I am pretty happy about it. :) I hope you enjoy the Philippines! Safe travels!
Hey! Just came across your article and found it super helpful! Please could you tell me what time of year you went to the Philippines? I'd really like to swim with the whale sharks around Donsol, but as i'm going in November, maybe I won't have much luck? Thanks!
Hi Sophie,
I went in early May. I think Feb - April are the peak months but you never know. I was there later than the peak months and we found one. There were also some sighting in November too so you might be lucky. :) I hope this helps!
Hey! I really like your itinerary as I am also primarily going to the Philippines for hiking and getting off the beaten track. I've already decided to spend some time on Cebu, Bohol, and Luzon, but I am not sure about Palawan/Coron. They seem a bit touristy trap-y to me and it seems like activities there a geared towards (American) families with money and don't extend much further than boat tours and chilling on the beach. Is my perception too negative and would you agree that Palawan is the 'most beautiful of the Philippines' as most itineraries put it? I also have three weeks in the country but I am thinking of skipping the area in favor of having more time exploring the Visayas and the North.
Hey Chris,
Thank you for the comments! Palawan and Coron are quite touristy indeed and the boat trips out to explore the islands around it are quite crowded at times but you can choose to stay a little bit outside of the tourist area and you will feel as off the beaten track as it can get in Palawan. You will just have to deal with the crowdedness of the daily boat trips that go to all the beautiful places around it.
If that doesn't sound interesting to you, then I would recommend just skip Palawan. If you don't mind spending a day on a touristy boat trip, I would still recommend Palawan as the lagoons are quite a sight to behold. :)
I hope this helps!
Yes, it does. Thanks so much for taking the time to respond! I’ve decided to stick to the visayas and Luzon.