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1. Enjoy Island Hopping in El Nido, Immerse in Big Lagoon’s Dramatic Limestone Views
Want the best among all the best? Go to El Nido! Ranked as the #1 choice for most travelers to the Philippines, El Nido is famed for its relaxing style of exploration. With no physical demands, it is suitable for travelers of all ages. There are four island-hopping tours: A, B, C, and D.
| Tour | Best for | Routes | Selection prob. |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Lagoon lovers | Big Lagoon - Secret Lagoon - Seven Commandos Beach - Shimizu Island - Payong-Payong Beach | >90% |
| C | Snorkelers | Helicopter Island - Tapiutan Island - Secret Beach - Hidden Beach | 60%-70% |
| B | Cave explorers | Snake Island - Cathedral Cave - Cudugnon Cave - Entalula Beach | 30%-40% |
| D | Tranquility seekers | Cadlao Lagoon - Small Lagoon - Paradise Beach - Serenity Island - Bukal Beach | <10% |
Learn More Differences between Tours A, B, C, and D in El Nido >>
How to Choose Island Hopping Tours in El Nido (2-4 Days)?
Usually, travelers on long vacations in the Philippines spend two full days on island hopping - Tours A and C. For those focusing solely on El Nido, consider choosing three to four island-hopping tours here.
Among all the sites in El Nido, the must-do is the Big Lagoon. This is the postcard-perfect moment of El Nido. Paddle through turquoise waters surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs, or rent a kayak to explore the lagoons, beaches, and coves at your own pace.
What to Do in El Nido? Top 13 El Nido Things to Do (2025)
Expert Tip: Many regret not spending at least 3 days here - add Tour B (Snake Island - Cathedral Cave - Cudugnon Cave - Entalula Beach) for more pristine beaches.
2. Swim at Kayangan Lake & Dive into WWII Ship Wreck Sites in Coron
Looking for real adventure in the Philippines? We recommend Coron in Palawan. It's a rustic gateway to some of the planet's most extraordinary diving and island-hopping experiences. Coron is the top choice among local adventurers who love diving.
Why Coron Beats Other Tropical Destinations:
✔ More adventure than Boracay (diving, snorkeling, beautiful lagoons)
✔ More raw beauty than El Nido (same stunning scenery, fewer crowds)
✔ More affordable than the Maldives (luxury experiences at backpacker prices)
While Coron town itself isn't large or modern, you can easily spend 3-5 days exploring through island-hopping tours.
| Tour | Recommendation | Key Spots |
|---|---|---|
| A | ★★★★★ | Kayangan Lake, Green Lagoon, Quin Reef, Atwayan Beach or Shaniah Cottage, CYC Beach, Las Isla De Coral |
| B | ★★★★★ | Barracuda Lake, Banol Beach or Shaniah Cottage, Skeleton Wreck, Reef Garden, Twin Lagoon |
| Super Ultimate | ★★★★☆ | Kayanga Lake, Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoon, Skeleton Wreck, Atwayan Beach or Shaniah Cottage, CYC Beach |
| Reef & Wrecks | ★★★★★ | Pass Island, Lusong Gun Boat, Lusong Coral Garden, East Tangat Wreck |
| Island Escapade | ★★★★☆ | Banana Island, Malcapuya Island, Ditaytayan Island |
| Calauit Safari | ★★★☆☆ | Calauit Wildfire Safarri, Black Island, Malbato Church |
Learn more about the differences between Tours A, B, Reef Wreck, and Island Escapade in Coron >>
Best Experiences in Coron:
Don't miss Kayangan Lake. It is Asia's cleanest and most photogenic spot. Swim in crystal-clear waters surrounded by jagged limestone cliffs, then hike to the viewpoint for Palawan's most Instagrammable shot.
Want a diving experience? Coron is the Philippines' best wreck diving site, with WWII Japanese shipwrecks at just 5-30m depth. The Reef & Wreck Tour covers Lusong Gunboat and East Tangat Wreck—and no certification is needed for shallow wrecks (5-15m).
10 Best Things to Do in Coron: Places to Visit & Travel Tips
"Diving Coron's wrecks feels like time travel - one moment you're eye-to-eye with a sea turtle, the next you're floating past a WWII truck frozen in time." - Maria, PADI Instructor
3. Enjoy A Countryside Tour in Bohol for Chocolate Hills & Philippine Tarsier
"Bohol is where you’ll pet a wide-eyed tarsier by morning, float past jungle-clad rivers by noon, and toast to sunset over hills that look like they're from Mars." - Daisy, Traveler from Singapore
Bohol is an amazing, well-rounded destination and definitely one of the top places to visit in the Philippines. This storybook landscape is where geology, wildlife, and culture collide in spectacular ways. You'll find Panglao Island, Bohol Island, and other island-hopping opportunities around Bohol, making it perfect for 2 to 3 days stay.
Top Things to Do for One-day Bohol Countryside Tour
(1) Chocolate Hills: Witness 1,268 perfectly conical mounds that turn cocoa-brown in summer (like giant Hershey's Kisses!)
(2) Philippine Tarsier: Meet the world's smallest primate (just 10cm tall!) at an ethical sanctuary - their saucer eyes will melt your heart.
(3) Loboc River Cruise: Glide through emerald jungle on a floating buffet with live serenades (Pro tip: Sit at the front for the best views!)
Activities in Bohol: 13 Things to Do & Places to Visit
Expert Tips for Bohol:
- Ideal Stay: 3 days (1 countryside tour + 1 island-hopping day + 1 free day)
- Best Time: Dry season (December-May) - hills turn "chocolate" by April
- Where to Stay: Base yourself around Alona Beach on Panglao Island
4. Relax on White Sand Beaches on Boracay Island: Ultimate Luxury Resort in the Philippines
“Boracay is where you’ll trade shoes for sand between your toes, meetings for mango margaritas, and stress for the sound of waves kissing the shore.” - Jennifer, Traveler from New Zealand
Ready to experience Asia’s most famous beach without the famous price tag? Picture this: Maldives-like perfection meets Philippine warmth and affordability. Yes, this is Boracay Island, the ultimate resort destination famed for its white sand beaches.
With your loved ones or family, enjoy a leisurely walk on a powdery, 4km stretch of flour-soft sand - consistently ranked among the best beaches globally (TripAdvisor, Condé Nast). By day, it’s a turquoise playground; by sunset, it transforms into a golden-hour dreamscape.
Expert Tip for Romance on Boracay Island: During sunset time, sip cocktails at Station 1’s luxury beach clubs or join a paraw sail (traditional outrigger ride) as the sky erupts in tangerine hues.
5. Explore the UNESCO Underground River in Puerto Princesa, Palawan
"Floating through those pitch-black caves, with only the sound of dripping water and the guide’s voice echoing off 45-million-year-old walls - it felt like being in a Jules Verne novel." - Mark, Adventure Travel Blogger
What are the New7Wonders of Nature? Why visit a cave? The Puerto Princesa Underground River, located in Palawan, has been protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. It is the world's longest navigable underground river (8.2 km).
With Asia Odyssey Travel, glide through caverns in a paddleboat (helmets provided!) as your guide points out formations with a spotlight. Marvel at cathedral-like chambers with stalactites named "The Holy Family" and "The Candle." Once out of the cave, you can spot Palawan bearded pigs, monitor lizards, and thousands of bats.
Expert Tips:
- Location: 50 km north of Puerto Princesa City
- Tour Duration: Half-day (4-5 hours)
- Best Time: Dry season (Dec-May)
- Combine with a Honda Bay island-hopping trip the next day.
6. Dive Into Paradise: Explore Marine Life You Should Do At Least One
"In 20 years of diving, I’ve never seen reefs as alive as the Philippines’ - schools of jackfish so thick they block the sun, coral walls buzzing with color, and turtles that swim right up to say hello." - David, Marine Biologist & Travel Blogger
The Philippines isn’t just another diving destination - it’s a living kaleidoscope of marine magic. For those who dream of swimming alongside gentle whale sharks, floating over rainbow-colored coral gardens, and discovering hidden underwater caves, the Philippines offers the richest marine biodiversity on Earth.
Top Marine Encounters You Can’t Miss in the Philippines
| Marine Life Exploration | Location | Best Season | How to Get There |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whale Sharks | Oslob in Cebu | November-May | 3-4 hours' drive to Oslob from Cebu |
| Sea Turtles | Apo Island | Year-round | 1-hour boat ride from Dauin to Apo Island |
| Balicasag Island | March-October | 45-minute boat ride from Alona Beach to Balicasag Island | |
| Sardine Run Snorkeling | Moalboal, Cebu | Year-round | 3-hour drive from Cebu City to Panagsama Beach |
| Napaling Reef | Year-round | 1-hour drive from Alona Beach on Panglao Island | |
| Dolphin Watching | Balicasag Island, Bohol | December-May | 30-45 minute boat ride from Bohol. (Tip: Sunrise trips (5:30-7 AM) have the highest sighting rates. Spinner dolphins are frequently seen.) |
| Coral Gardens & Reefs | Lusong Garden | Year-round | Take a reef wreck tour in Coron |
| Thresher Sharks | Malapascua Island | March-May | 30-minute boat trip from Maya Port in Cebu |
Expert Tips: Dear travelers, if you would like to include any of the above marine life snorkeling experiences, contact our travel expert to incorporate it into your Philippines trip.
- Have Enchanting Escape to Siquijor Island: Fish Spa, Rope Swing, Cliff Diving
"Siquijor seduces you slowly - one waterfall massage, one sunset with fireflies, one conversation with a village healer. Before you know it, you're questioning if magic might be real after all." - Catherine, Traveler from Australia
Ready to experience the Philippines’ best-kept secret? Let’s go to Siquijor. With a 2-hour ferry ride from Bohol, you can explore mystical traditions, pristine nature, and unspoiled beaches on Siquijor Island.
It will be a full-day visit to Siquijor Island. Explore the Century-Old Balete Tree with its natural fish spa roots. Swing from rope vines into turquoise pools (a 3-tiered paradise!) at Cambugahay Falls. Pair history with a dip in Cantabon Cave’s crystal pool nearby. Cliff jump from Salagdoong’s 25-ft platforms, very cool. Diverse experience on this peaceful island.
8. Ride the Waves at Cloud 9 in Siargao, the Surfing Capital of the Philippines
"My first Cloud 9 barrel felt like time stopped—just me, the spray, and the roar of the wave. Ten seconds that rewired my soul." - Jake, Surfer from California
Calling all thrill-seekers and wave warriors! This activity isn’t for everyone - it’s for adventurers and surfing enthusiasts. If you’re looking to chase the ultimate thrill, head to the surfing capital of the Philippines, Siargao. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer chasing perfect barrels or a curious beginner eager to catch your first wave, Siargao’s Cloud 9 promises an adventure like no other.
Siargao Attractions: 10 Best Things to Do in Siargao (With Itinerary)
Picture this: the warm tropical sun on your back, the crystal-clear waters beneath your board, and the rhythmic roar of the waves calling you to ride. Cloud 9 is world-renowned for its powerful reef breaks, attracting surfers from across the globe to test their skills on its legendary swells.
Expert Tips for Visiting Siargao:
- When to Go: April to October (dry season). Avoid November to February due to monsoons.
- 3-Day Itinerary: Combine surfing with visits to Magpupungko Rock Pools and island hopping to Naked Island, Daku Island, and Guyam Island.
- Getting There: Fly with Cebu Pacific from Manila (2 hours) or take the ferry from Surigao.
9. Have UNESCO Masterpiece Banaue Rice Terraces Hiking: Asia's Most Meaningful Hike
"Climbing these 2,000-year-old stairways to the sky, where clouds kiss emerald steps carved by hand - you’re not just hiking; you’re walking across the backbone of Philippine culture." - Miguel, Cultural Explorer from France
Need a land tour in the Philippines? Head to Northern Luzon Island! Experience hiking at Banaue Rice Terraces. It’s a peaceful escape from the bustling city of Manila.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," the Banaue Rice Terraces were hand-carved into the mountains by the Ifugao people over 2,000 years ago. This ancient engineering marvel demonstrates how humans can live in harmony with nature. Explore villages like Batad and Bangaan, where the terraces form amphitheater-like formations. Are you ready to step into the "stairway to heaven"?
Best Time to Visit: March to May (Dry Season): The terraces are lush green during planting season, making it perfect for hiking and photography.
How to Get to Banaue Rice Terraces?
(1) By Bus: Manila to Banaue, 8–9 hours (overnight).
(2) By Flight: Manila → Cauayan Airport (Isabela Province), 1-hour flight + 4–5-hour land transfer to Banaue.
10. Enjoy Some History Learning in Cebu or Manila: Spanish-style Sites
The Philippines' rich history is deeply influenced by over 300 years of Spanish colonization, which left behind stunning Spanish-style architecture, churches, and historical landmarks. Cebu and Manila, two of the country's most important cities during the Spanish era, are home to some of the best-preserved Spanish-style sites. If you are interested in historical sites and would like a break from endless sea explorations, why not spend some time discovering history in either Cebu or Manila?
Why Choose Cebu or Manila for Your History Tour?
Cebu: Perfect for a mix of history and a relaxed pace, with landmarks that highlight the beginnings of Christianity in the Philippines. Great for a half-day exploration, you can easily cover Magellan's Cross, Fort San Pedro (an 18th-century triangular Spanish fort), and the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño (built in 1565).
Top 10 Tourist Destinations in Cebu: Attractions & Activities
Manila: Ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in the grandeur of the Spanish colonial era, with a focus on cultural and political history. Explore Intramuros (The Walled City), which houses landmarks such as San Agustin Church, Manila Cathedral, and Fort Santiago. Don’t miss Rizal Park and the National Museum Complex. A half-day is perfect to cover these iconic sites.
What to Do in Manila for a Day or More? 17 Manila Must-Dos
Combine Best Things to Do in Your Philippines Itineraries
How to plan your trip to the Philippines? For most first-timers to the Philippines, 7-12 day trip is ideal. Be sure to cover at least El Nido, Bohol, and Coron. For those who want an in-depth, longer vacation, consider adding Boracay, Puerto Princesa, Siquijor, and Dumaguete. A 16-day trip will allow you to experience all the best things the Philippines has to offer.
| Trip Style | Destinations | Recommended Things to Do | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relaxing Vacation | Bohol - El Nido - Boracay | Kayaking in El Nido, Sunset Paraw Sailing in Boracay | 7-10 Days |
| Vacation + Adventure | El Nido - Coron | Relaxing El Nido Tours A & C, Reef and Wreck Diving | 7 Days |
| Adventure | Coron - Cebu - Siargao - Cebu | Shipwreck Diving in Coron, Surfing in Siargao | 7 Days |
| Snorkeling & Diving | Cebu - Bohol - Siquijor Island - Dumaguete - Oslob - Cebu | Whale Shark and Dolphin Watching, Sardine Run, Rope Swing, Cliff Diving, Sea Turtle Encounters | 8 Days |
| Panorama Philippines | Manila - Puerto Princesa - El Nido - Coron - Cebu - Bohol - Siquijor - Dumaguete - Oslob - Cebu | Experience all the best things to do in the Philippines | 16 Days |
Tips: If you have your own ideas or favorite things to do in the Philippines, contact us, and we can design a personalized itinerary for you.
Explore the Philippines with Asia Odyssey Travel
We are Asia Odyssey Travel, a locally owned travel agency with offices in Manila, Puerto Princesa, and Bohol, offering authentic expertise for first-time visitors to the Philippines.
To suit every traveler’s needs, we provide:
✅ 10 Best Philippines Group Tours - Budget-friendly adventures, small group;
✅ 40+ Private Itineraries - Customized experiences beyond guidebook highlights.
✅ 50+ Latest Travel Articles - Insider tips, fresh updates maps & must-see spots..
Let’s escape to the Philippines - more than just islands, but a world of endless fun and adventure!
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