This 2 week Philippines itinerary is full of adventure, scuba diving, and backpacking hubs. Full of crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and stunning landscapes, the Philippines offers endless opportunities for adventure.
In this post, I’ll share my ultimate itinerary 2 week Philippines itinerary. Since this itinerary is action-packed, it can easily be extend to allow more time for relaxation or spontaneity. I will also share suggestions for how to extend your trip if you have more time.
Day 1-3: Malapascua Island, Home to the Thresher Sharks
Malapascua Island, located off the northern coast of Cebu, is famous for its rare thresher sharks. The island primarily attracts divers, although the small island size offers the opportunity for tranquil beachfront relaxation without the crowds. We’re kicking off our 2 week Philippines itinerary here.
Day 1: Settle into Malapascua
After you have flown into Cebu, head to Malapascua Island, famous for its dive sites and encounters with thresher sharks. Spend your first day flying to Cebu and heading to Malapascua.
To get to Malapascua from Cebu city, you’ll first need to get to Maya Port. You can do so via a 4-6 hour public bus from Cebu North Bus Terminal. Non-air-conditioned buses depart roughly every 30 minutes, and air-conditioned buses depart every hour. The journey will cost 200-300 pesos, and the non-air-conditioned bus makes fewer stops, saving an hour of time. Once you arrive at Maya Port, take a ferry to Malapascua. The 200-300 peso journey takes 35 minutes and the ferry will depart when it reaches the 15 person limit, approximately every 30 minutes.
Day 2: Dive with Thresher Sharks and Mandarin Fish
On Day 2, dive at Kimud Shoal, and get mesmerized by the maestic tails of the thresher sharks. In the afternoon, don’t miss the opportunity to witness the Mandarin fish dance during a twilight dive. I never would’ve thought I’d be the type of person who thinks watching fish have sex would be a fun way to spend an evening, but here I am.
Day 3: Gato Island
Day 3 brings another unique dive excursion, this time to Gato Island. Here, there’s a tunnel under the island that you dive under until you pop out out the other side. The underwater cave is a lot of fun, and you can often spot sleeping white-tip sharks.
In the evening, check out the Malapascua Market near Bounty Beach. It’s a lively outdoor food market full of fresh seafood vendors and offers a variety of dishes at great prices.
Day 4-8: Moalboal, Waterfall and Snorkeling Galore
The next stop on our 2 week Philippines itinerary is Moalboal, a backpacking hub where you can snorkel with millions of sardines. It’s easy to meet people here and there’s plenty of waterfalls and hikes nearby. This is a great place for those who want to get off the beaten path.
Day 4: Travel day to Moalboal
Bid farewell to Malapascua as you head to your next destination, Cebu. Unfortunately, getting back to Cebu can be a slow and unpredictable process.
First, you’ll need to take the ferry from Malapascua to Maya Port in Cebu. The ferry (30 minutes) will not depart from Malapascua until it contains 10 or more tourists, so leave plenty of time. Next, take a shared van or a bus to Cebu City from Maya, which will take 4-5 hours. I went with a van as it generally makes less stops than the bus. That said, my van ended up picking up and dropping up several people, and the journey took around 5.5 hours.
You will be dropped off at the North Bus Terminal in Cebu, and will need to transfer to the South Bus Terminal. This can be done via a Grab/taxi. From the South Bus Terminal you can take a bus to Moalboal ( 3-4 hours), or a shared van. The bus stop in Moalboal is about 5km from where most people stay by the beach, so you can complete the journey with a tricycle, a motorbike taxi, or an hour long walk.
If you can spare the extra time, this journey would be more enjoyable. Split into two days: on the first, head to Cebu and spend a night there, and the second day go to Moalboal in the morning.
Day 5: Explore Waterfalls
There are plenty of waterfalls within an hour of Moalboal. The full day canyoneering adventure at Kawasan Falls was often recommended to me, and everyone I talked to enjoyed it. I wanted something less busy, so I rented a motorbike with a friend from the hostel and explored some of the other falls. These falls tend to have a mandatory guide, but the cost is less than $1 USD. It’s helpful to have someone show you the best cliff jumping spots and how to safely get to them.
In the evening, relax at White Beach for sunset. Grab some fresh coconuts, bring some snacks, and people watch.
Day 6: Snorkel with Sardines and Turtles, Evening Hike
In the morning, head out to the famous sardine ball for some snorkeling. Millions of sardines gather in front of Panagsama Beach, dancing around and forming new shapes and sizes. They tend to stay at a depth of 1-12 meters, making it easily accessible for snorkelers if you bring fins. This is free if you bring your own gear, and several shops along the beach offer snorkel and fin rentals.
Turtle sightings are also fairly common here, though not guaranteed. I saw a few turtles snacking on tiny jellyfish, but watch out – the small jellyfish still sting.
In the evening, hike up Osmena Peak for sunset. The road to the peak is challenging, so I would only recommend it for experienced drivers. Otherwise, you can hire a driver to take you up the road. The hike is only around 15-30 minutes, but bring plenty of water as there is very little shade.
Day 7-10: Bohol, Exploring the Countryside and Scuba Diving
Bohol, an island province in the Philippines, offers a lot of natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Hike the iconic Chocolate Hills, cruise along the Loboc River, dive protected dive sites, and see the adorable and rare Tarsiers. Bohol is one of the best places to visit in the Philippines to rent a scooter and explore.
Day 7: Travel day to Bohol
To get to Bohol, you’ll need to either take a ferry from Cebu or from Oslob. Since the traffic in Cebu can add a lot of time, I recommend taking the ferry from Oslob instead.
First, you need to get to the bus stop in Moalboal. I walked the 4km journey but you can also catch a tricycle for roughly 150PHP. Next, take the bus from Moalboal to Oslob, which will take around 3 hours. There are sometimes direct busses, or you may need to stop at Bato and switch busses. The total cost for this was roughly 100-200PHP. The walk from the bus drop-off point to Quartel Beach, where you get the ferry, is about 10 minutes. If you have lots of baggage, you could also catch a tricycle for 100PHP. Here, take an Apekop Travel ferry to Panglao. There is usually only one departure a day, so check the times before you go. This will cost 1000PHP and drop you at Alona Beach after roughly 1.5 hours.
Day 8: Dive Balicasag
Balicasag Island in Bohol blew me away with its’ thriving coral reefs, marine biodiversity and crystal-clear waters. As a protected marine sanctuary, the number of divers who can access it each day is limited, so you’ll want to plan ahead to book this site. This was my favorite dive site during my month in the Philippines.
In the evening, try one of Bohol’s many yoga or meditation classes. Some hostels, hotels and wellness centers also offer ice baths, which is a nice way to rejuvenate your muscles and get an adrenaline rush.
Day 9: Dive Pamilacan
Pamilacan Island boasts healthy coral reefs, making it an ideal habitat for various fish species, including barracudas, trevallies, and colorful reef fish. While my dives in Balicasag were a step above Pamilican, I still recommend this site over the regular house reef dives in Bohol.
Day 10: Bohol Countryside Tour
Spend a day exploring the countryside. You can either rent a motorbike and explore on your own, or pay a TukTuk driver a flat rate for the day. I went with a TukTuk and split the cost with two friends from the hostel. Here are some of the highlights you can visit:
- Chocolate Hills: These iconic geological formations are Bohol’s most famous attraction. The hills turn brown during the dry season, resembling chocolate kisses, hence the name.
- Tarsier Sanctuary: Bohol is home to the Philippine tarsier, one of the world’s smallest primates. You can visit a sanctuary where these adorable creatures are protected and learn more about their conservation.
- Loboc River Cruise: Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the beautiful Loboc River while being serenaded by local musicians and enjoying a buffet of Filipino dishes.
- Baclayon Church: This historic church is one of the oldest in the Philippines, dating back to the 16th century. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases beautiful Spanish colonial architecture.
- Man-made Forest: Drive through a dense mahogany forest planted by locals as part of a reforestation project. The towering trees create a refreshing canopy and provide a scenic backdrop for photos.
- Hanging Bridge: Walk across one of Bohol’s hanging bridges suspended over a river. Hold onto the railings as the bamboo bridge swings, and keep your camera ready to capture the views of the surrounding landscape.
- Bilar Rice Terraces: While not as extensive as those in other parts of the Philippines, Bilar has picturesque rice terraces that showcase traditional farming practices in the region.
- Hinagdanan Cave: Explore this natural limestone cave with its underground pool. It’s a fascinating geological formation with stalactites and stalagmites, and you can even take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters.
- Local Villages and Markets: Get a glimpse of everyday life in Bohol by visiting local villages and markets. Interact with locals, sample traditional snacks, and shop for souvenirs like handwoven textiles and handicrafts.
Day 11-14: Coron, Unforgettable Island Hopping
A tropical paradise with dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and hidden beaches and lagoons, Palawan is a staple for any 2 week Philippines itinerary. We’ll visit Coron, known for its World War II shipwrecks and awe-inspiring landscapes.
Day 11: Sunset Hike
After taking the ferry back to Cebu City, fly to Coron. If your flight lands before the evening, hike Mt Tapyas for sunset. Bring some drinks and snacks and stay for a while, enjoying the views and people watching.
Day 12: Wreck Diving
Coron is home to several World War II Japanese shipwrecks that have become diving or snorkeling sites. Some of the notable wrecks include:
- Kyokuzan Maru: A cargo ship lying at a depth of around 26 meters, known for its intact structure and coral growth.
- Okikawa Maru: A tanker ship sunk by aerial bombardment, now home to a diverse array of marine life including schools of fish and colorful coral formations.
- Akitsushima: A seaplane tender with a depth ranging from 5 to 36 meters (16 to 118 feet), featuring intact artifacts such as a crane and guns, as well as coral-covered decks.
- Olympia Maru: A cargo ship lying at a depth of around 27 meters, offering opportunities to explore its cargo holds and deck structures.
Check with the different dive shops to see which wrecks they’re heading to, and pick one of the most interest to you. Be sure to check that the wreck is at an appropriate depth for your certification level, as many are below 18m and require an advanced certification.
Day 13: Coron Island Hopping
It’s time to see the highlights of Coron in an island-hopping tour. The “Super Ultimate Tour” is offered by many different companies, and generally involves 7 stops:
- Kayangan Lake: A pristine oasis with crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, offering a quick hike to a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the rock formations and a serene escape for swimming.
- Barracuda Lake: Dive into the emerald waters of this unique lake, famed for its thermocline phenomenon where warm surface waters meet cooler depths.
- Twin Lagoons: Discover the magical allure of these twin lagoons nestled amidst dramatic limestone formations, where you can access the inner lagoon either by swimming through a small crevice or via kayak.
- Beach 91: A picturesque beachboasting powdery white sands and tranquil waters, perfect for enjoying a local lunch.
- Balinsasayaw Reef: Snorkel where colorful coral gardens and diverse marine life await.
- Twin Peaks Coral Garden: Delight in the kaleidoscope of colors while snorkeling at Twin Peaks Coral Garden, home to an array of coral species and tropical fish.
- CYC Beach: A small isolated island, CYC Beach has dreamy white sand and crystal clear waters. It can get crowded depending what time you arrive, so you may end up skipping this spot and spending more time at one of the others.
This is a great way to see all the highlights of Coron in a single day, making it a perfect addition to your 2 week Philippines itinerary. I highly recommend taking the kayak out at Twin Lagoons to get the full experience.
In the evening, rest at the Maquinit Hot Springs, one of the few saltwater hotpools in the world. Nestled amidst lush mangrove forests, visitors can immerse themselves in the warm waters while taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Day 14: Farewell
I hope you enjoyed this 2 week Philippines itinerary! Today you’ll be heading onwards to your next destination. If you have some spare time before your flight today, treat yourself to a massage to relax after all the action.
Have more time?
If you have a few extra days: There is plenty to do in Moalboal and Bohol, so you could easily add 2-3 days to each location. Since this itinerary is action-packed, you might also enjoy just spreading out the activities and adding time for relaxation or spontaneity.
If you have an extra week: I recommend going from Coron to El Nido via a multi-day expedition aboard a traditional Filipino outrigger boat. This offers adventurers a unique opportunity to explore the untouched beauty of Palawan’s remote islands and turquoise waters, and to visit the most beautiful parts of Palawan without all the day trip tourists. Stop at hidden lagoons, snorkeling spots, and spend the night in tents on picturesque islands. While I didn’t do this personally, I met several people who consider it to be one of the best travel experiences they’ve had. The expeditions are typically 2-5 days, with 3-4 days being the most popular options. Popular options include Tao and Big Dream Boatman. You will also want a few days to explore El Nido, so this addition to the trip could take around 3-8 days.
Conclusion
With its unparalleled beauty and endless opportunities for adventure, the Philippines offers the perfect destination for an unforgettable two-week getaway. From thrilling scuba diving experiences to island hopping through awe-inspiring natural wonders, this 2 week Philippines itinerary has it all. So pack your bags, dive into the crystal-clear waters, and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime in the stunning archipelago of the Philippines.
Questions? Any places I missed? Let me know in the comments!
