Limestone cliffs and turquoise lagoon in El Nido — Philippines Essentials itinerary
First-time Philippines

Philippines Essentials

Manila + El Nido + Cebu + Bohol · 12 nights — four stops, thousands of islands, one incredible introduction.

12 nights · 13 days 1 night Manila · 4 nights El Nido · 3 nights Cebu · 4 nights Bohol
Your journey at a glance

Where you'll stay

Manila — 1 night

Arrive, reset and get your first taste of the Philippines.

El Nido — 4 nights

Limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, hidden beaches and unforgettable island hopping.

Cebu — 3 nights

Culture, coast, waterfalls and adventure in one of the country's most varied destinations.

Bohol — 4 nights

Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, tropical countryside and time to relax beside the sea.

Why this itinerary works

Every destination earns its place

  • Manila introduces you to the country.
  • El Nido delivers the spectacular island scenery.
  • Cebu adds energy, culture and adventure.
  • Bohol slows everything down with nature and beach time.

The result is a holiday that feels varied without feeling like a race between airports and ferry terminals.

Your escape

Day by day

Day 1

Welcome to the Philippines

Arrive in Manila and transfer to your hotel.

After the journey from the UK, today is deliberately simple. Settle in, get your bearings and enjoy your first evening in the Philippines.

Overnight: Manila
Day 2

Manila to El Nido

Leave the capital behind and continue to Palawan.

Arrive in El Nido, where towering limestone cliffs and tropical islands set the scene for the next few days.

Check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight: El Nido
Days 3–5

El Nido

This is one of the reasons you came to the Philippines.

Spend your days exploring islands, lagoons and beaches by boat, snorkelling in clear tropical water or simply finding somewhere beautiful to stop.

With several nights here, there's time for the experiences El Nido is famous for without making every day feel scheduled.

Overnight: El Nido

Make it extra special

Looking for even more from your escape? Here are a few experiences you might like to consider adding to your plans.

El Nido Island-Hopping Adventure

Spend the day travelling between lagoons, beaches and snorkelling spots around the Bacuit Archipelago.

Private Island-Hopping Experience

Make the scenery feel even more special with your own boat and a more flexible day on the water.

Nacpan Beach Escape

Swap the boat for the beach and spend some time on one of the area's best-known stretches of sand.

These experiences are suggestions for inspiration only and are not included in your Eastbound Escapes package or currently available to book through us. Prices and availability may vary locally.

Day 6

El Nido to Cebu

Today, continue to Cebu.

Arrive and settle into your hotel, with the rest of the day free to explore or relax.

Overnight: Cebu
Days 7–8

Discover Cebu

Cebu offers something different from Palawan. There are historic neighbourhoods and local food, but venture beyond the city and you'll find waterfalls, beaches, reefs and dramatic tropical landscapes.

Choose adventure, culture or simply enjoy some downtime.

Overnight: Cebu

Make it extra special

Looking for even more from your escape? Here are a few experiences you might like to consider adding to your plans.

Cebu Heritage & City Experience

Discover some of Cebu's historic landmarks and learn more about the island's place in Philippine history.

Kawasan Falls & Canyoneering Adventure

A more active day among turquoise pools, waterfalls and tropical scenery.

Moalboal Marine Experience

Head beneath the surface for the chance to experience Cebu's remarkable marine life.

These experiences are suggestions for inspiration only and are not included in your Eastbound Escapes package or currently available to book through us. Prices and availability may vary locally.

Day 9

Cebu to Bohol

Leave Cebu and make your way to Bohol.

The atmosphere changes again as you arrive among tropical countryside, palm-lined roads and beautiful coastline.

Check in and slow things down.

Overnight: Bohol
Days 10–12

Beautiful Bohol

Your final few days bring together some of the Philippines' most distinctive landscapes with time to simply enjoy being on holiday.

Explore Bohol's countryside, see the famous Chocolate Hills and discover one of the country's most characterful little residents – the Philippine tarsier.

Then head back towards the coast and enjoy Panglao's beaches and warm tropical water.

Overnight: Bohol

Make it extra special

Looking for even more from your escape? Here are a few experiences you might like to consider adding to your plans.

Bohol Countryside Experience

Discover the Chocolate Hills, countryside and some of Bohol's best-known sights.

Tarsier Conservation Visit

See one of the world's smallest primates while learning more about efforts to protect them.

Balicasag Island & Snorkelling Trip

Take to the water again for reefs, marine life and another beautiful island day.

Private Bohol Experience

Explore at your own pace with a private guide and vehicle.

These experiences are suggestions for inspiration only and are not included in your Eastbound Escapes package or currently available to book through us. Prices and availability may vary locally.

Day 13

Until next time

Enjoy your final breakfast before beginning your journey home.

You'll leave with photographs of lagoons and beaches – but probably also a much longer list of Philippine islands you'd like to come back and see.

Highlights

Don't miss

From
£X
per person, based on two sharing

We book over the phone — no online checkout, no pressure.

Included

What's included?

  • International flights
  • Carefully selected accommodation
  • Domestic flights and/or ferry travel shown within the itinerary
  • Airport and hotel transfers
  • Checked baggage allowance where applicable
  • ATOL protection

Your final package will clearly show everything included in your chosen escape. Optional excursions and experiences will be clearly identified separately.

Want a little more?

Upgrade your escape

Your itinerary is already planned, but optional upgrades are available while your trip stays just as easy.

Flights

Upgrade to Premium Economy or Business Class.

Hotels

Upgrade to a higher hotel category.

Your room

Choose an upgraded room, suite, view or other available room category.

We'll show you the available options and additional cost when you book.

Ready for Philippines?

Turquoise lagoons, tropical islands, incredible marine life and days when shoes feel entirely optional. Philippines Essentials gives you a taste of what makes this country extraordinary – while leaving plenty more to come back for.

12 nights · Manila, El Nido, Cebu & Bohol From £X per person
ATOL Protected – This flight-inclusive holiday is financially protected under Times Travel Ltd, ATOL 74904.