On this 10-day adventure, you'll set out from Manila to explore three of the Philippines' most idyllic islands with an itinerary full of immersive experiences and active excursions. Experience the thrill of cliff jumping in Siquijor, see the famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol, snorkel with sea turtles off of Cebu, and get your adrenaline pumping with a canyoning excursion across the turquoise waters of Kawasan Falls.

Highlights

  • Discover three of the Philippines' loveliest islands
  • Try your hand at cliff jumping on the "mystical" island of Siquijor
  • Explore the famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol 
  • Spot dolphins and swim with sea turtles on the island of Cebu
  • Take a canyoning expedition to Kawasan Falls

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Manila Manila
Day 2 Fly to Dumaguete, Ferry to Siquijor Island Siquijor Island
Day 3 Explore Siquijor: Waterfalls & Cliff Jumping Siquijor Island
Day 4 Boat Transfer to Bohol Island  Bohol Island
Day 5 Bohol Countryside Tour Bohol Island
Day 6 Banka Boat Cruise: Island Hopping & Dolphin Watching Bohol Island
Day 7 Boat Transfer to Cebu Island, Transfer to Moalboal Moalboal
Day 8 Kawasan Falls Canyoning Adventure Moalboal
Day 9 Moalboal Boat Trip & Turtle Sanctuary Moalboal
Day 10 Transfer to Cebu City, Depart  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Manila

Manila Skyline
Watch the sunset over Manila's modern skyline

Welcome to the Philippines! Upon arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your accommodation in the capital of Manila. Take some time to relax and settle in, then spend the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure. If you feel like heading out and exploring for the evening, you'll find lots of cool restaurants within the neighborhood, serving almost every cuisine from Filipino to Mexican to Middle Eastern. The area is also known for its nightlife, with no shortage of hotspots to grab a few drinks or enjoy a night out. 

Day 2: Fly to Dumaguete, Ferry to Siquijor Island

Siquijor
Palm-fringed beaches await on the island of Siquijor

Today takes you south to the paradise of Siquijor, known as the "Mystical Island" to locals. Your journey starts after breakfast when your driver transfers you to the airport for your flight south to Dumaguete. Upon arrival, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to the ferry station, where you'll set sail for the island. Another driver awaits as you land to whisk you to your accommodations.

After a day of traveling, feel free to spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the resort. Choose to take a dip in the pool, swim in the ocean, walk along the beach, or just chill and read a book. The resort has a restaurant and 24-hour bar, but if you feel like heading out for dinner, the nearby Monkey Business offers great food and live music. 

Day 3: Explore Siquijor: Waterfalls & Cliff Jumping

Cambugahay Falls
Soar across Cambugahay Falls by swing and dive into the pool at its base

Enjoy breakfast at the resort before being picked up for an exciting day of island exploration. The day starts with a visit to a local faith healer, then continues to a stunning hilltop lookout point where you'll have lunch and take in panoramic views over Siquijor. Continue to Salagdoong Beach, where the adventurous can practice cliff jumping from 20 to 30 foot (6 to 9 m) heights. The adrenaline rush doesn't end there as you head to Cambugahay Falls to swing across waterfalls and dive into the refreshing cascades.

Next, you'll visit an ancient tree (said to be enchanted by the locals) with a cool spring at its base. Feel free to dip your feet in the cool waters to be nibbled on by the fish! The day draws to a close at Paliton Beach, where you can sit back and watch a gorgeous Siquijor sunset before returning to the resort for the evening.

Day 4: Boat Transfer to Bohol Island

Chocolate Hills
You'll see more of Bohol's spectacular Chocolate Hills tomorrow

Say your goodbyes to Siquijor this morning as you enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Afterward, you'll be picked up and taken to the port to board a boat for the island of Bohol. Besides its plethora of perfect beaches, you'll also find plenty of treasures in the interior of this Philippine island—known for its lush forests, rare wildlife, and the distinctive shape of its Chocolate Hills.

Upon arriving in the island's city of Tagbilaran, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your accommodations in Panglao. After check-in, feel free to relax or go for a walk around town. You can also head down to the beach to enjoy the town's relaxed bars that often have great live music.

Day 5: Bohol Countryside Tour

Spot rare (and adorable) tarsiers at a sanctuary in Bohol

Experience the natural wonders of Bohol today, starting with a pick-up by your guide after breakfast. You'll visit many of the island's most fascinating spots, such as Baclayon Old Church, the Blood Compact shrine, the human-made mahogany forest of Biliran, and the Butterfly Garden. Cross the rickety Sipatan Hanging Bridge for a rush of adrenaline, then go for a cruise along the Loboc River, where you'll be serenaded by a band of Filipino singers and performers.

After lunch, continue to the Chocolate Hills—Bohol's most famous tourist attraction—then get quiet as you spot the island's shy and sensitive tarsiers in their natural habitat. End the day with a stop at Aproniana Souvenir Shop to browse gifts and keepsakes and hunt for the perfect souvenir. After a day full of activities, you'll return to your hotel for some rest.

Plan your trip to Philippines
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Day 6: Banka Boat Cruise: Island Hopping & Dolphin Watching

Filipino Banka
Board a traditional Filipino banka boat for today's island-hopping excursion

Set your alarm for early this morning, but the wake-up call will be worth it as you get the chance to meet the playful dolphins of Bohol. At 5:30 am, a local guide will pick you up for the boat ride to Balicasag Island. Along the way, the expert spotters on your private boat will help you keep an eye out for dolphin pods as they frolic alongside the boat.

After taking some time to swim in the clear waters and enjoy a locally-made snack, your journey continues to the fascinating Virgin Island, where you can see local market vendors selling food and drinks on a tiny sand bar. Head back to Bohol in time for lunch, then spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. If you want to party when the sun goes down, head to town for some drinks and dancing.

Day 7: Boat Transfer to Cebu Island, Transfer to Moalboal

Moalboal
Set sail for the island of Cebu next—known for its world-class diving

Leave the shores of Bohol behind today as you transfer to Tagbilaran's port and catch a boat over to the island of Cebu. Peppered with Spanish colonial landmarks and pristine white-sand beaches, this island's greatest treasures are found beneath its waves, where thriving coral reefs and diverse marine life make it a hotspot for divers and snorkelers. 

Upon arrival, a driver will transport you straight to your accommodations in the laid-back coastal town of Moalboal. After checking in, you can spend the rest of the day as you please. Get some rest, go swimming in the pool, chill in the Jacuzzi with a drink in hand, get a massage, or explore the area. If you fancy some drinks, check out the lively Chili Bar nearby.

Day 8: Kawasan Falls Canyoning Adventure

Kawasan Falls
Today's excursion takes you to the stunning Kawasan Falls

Today you'll get to try your hand at canyoning— one of the major highlights of any trip to the Philippines. After breakfast by the beach, you'll be picked up by your local guide and taken on an action-packed day of trekking, swimming, cliff jumping (optional), and waterfalls. The trek takes around 4-5 hours to reach Kawasan Falls, whose turquoise waters and breathtaking setting are the perfect backdrop to your outdoor adventures. After the canyoning and swimming, you'll be treated to a spread of Filipino food before heading back to the hotel.

Day 9: Moalboal Boat Trip & Turtle Sanctuary

Turtle Moalboal
See protected sea turtles up close—you might even get the chance to swim alongside them

Have your snorkels and masks at the ready today, as you're picked up after breakfast for a full day of sailing. On the boat, your first stop will be Pescadores Island, where you'll see lots of colorful fish and thriving reefs and corals. Your second stop is an incredible sardine run, where you can snorkel and experience being surrounded by thousands of sardines.

Next, it's on to a turtle sanctuary, where you'll have the opportunity to see sea turtles—and even swim with them. Watch them munch on the seagrass as you observe these protected creatures from a respectful distance. After a long day of fun in the sun, the private boat will take you directly to your hotel for the evening.

Day 10: Transfer to Cebu City, Depart

Banka
Take a final dip in the crystal-clear waters before your departure

After a leisurely breakfast (and maybe a final morning at the beach), it's time to bid your island paradise farewell. At the arranged time, you'll be picked up and transferred to Cebu City to catch your departing flight. Safe travels! 

More Great Philippines Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to the Philippines? Check out these other Philippines itineraries, explore different ways to spend 10 days in the Philippines, or discover the best time to visit the Philippines.

Map

Map of Philippines Island Hopping: Manila, Siquijor, Bohol & Moalboal - 10 Days
Map of Philippines Island Hopping: Manila, Siquijor, Bohol & Moalboal - 10 Days