{"id":6058,"date":"2016-01-29T12:36:42","date_gmt":"2016-01-29T20:36:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dontforgettomove.com\/?p=6058"},"modified":"2023-06-28T14:18:05","modified_gmt":"2023-06-28T21:18:05","slug":"philippines-travel-itinerary-ultimate-bucket-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dontforgettomove.com\/philippines-travel-itinerary-ultimate-bucket-list\/","title":{"rendered":"Philippines Travel Itinerary for 2021: The Ultimate Bucket List"},"content":{"rendered":"

Once an off-the-beaten-path destination for travelers in the know, the Philippines is now becoming a popular stop on the Southeast Asian backpacking<\/a><\/span> route. From lush rainforests to world class beaches, the landscape is one of the most diverse we\u2019ve ever seen. And with over 7,000 islands you really have to choose your Philippines travel itinerary carefully if you want to take in all of this incredible country. Whether you\u2019re a true adventurer ready to take on grueling hikes up an active volcano, or prefer to spend all your time relaxing on the sand, you will not be disappointed in the Philippines!<\/p>\n

Although we stayed in the Philippines for over 6 months, most of our time was spent volunteering with typhoon Yolanda relief<\/a> <\/span>in Tacloban, so we didn\u2019t get to see as much as we would have liked. What we were able to see during our three week motorcycle trip through the Visayas, two weeks in Palawan and our weekends off from volunteering was incredible. From the famous Chocolate Hills in Bohol<\/a><\/span> to walking one of the country\u2019s longest sandbars on the incredible Kalanggaman Island, we were continually impressed with the Philippines\u2019 natural beauty. There\u2019s no doubt that we\u2019ll return one day (hopefully soon!) to keep exploring.<\/p>\n

With all those other locations in mind, to help us craft the best Philippines travel itinerary, we asked our blogging friends to tell us the spots they’d most recommend. And here\u2019s what they said:<\/p>\n

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Tibiao: Top Ecotourism Spot in the Philippines | Nomad is Beautiful<\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

If you want to experience village life, where locals welcome you with a huge smile and you\u2019re surrounded by lush green forests, then Tibiao<\/a><\/span> won\u2019t disappoint you. Located on the Antique island, not far from the popular Boracay beach, this place has lots to offer to eager ecotourists.<\/p>\n

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You can learn a lot about local life while walking along the main road. Busy villagers will show you how they build fishing boats, how to produce natural salt on the beach shore or make pottery and bricks, too. If you\u2019re lucky to make some friends in Tibiao, they might introduce you to a local healer, Remedios Maniba, who can show you that miracles are possible. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Once you\u2019re done with the village experience, we strongly recommend visiting a jungle near Tibiao. There you can try the zipline from above a gorgeous valley with some stunning views! Don\u2019t miss out on jungle trekking to the Bugtong-bato Falls, where you can have a refreshing dip on the top. Tired after hiking? No worries! On the way back there\u2019s a hot kawa bath with some soothing herbs waiting for you. There’s no doubt that Tibiao is a one of the best body and soul retreat in the Philippines.<\/p>\n

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El Nido’s Secret Beach | Teacake Travels<\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

Far away from the increasing hustle and bustle of El Nido\u2019s main beach there is a way better place that you can escape to! Where the crowds are nowhere in sight and the locals are chilling out in true Filipino style. Apart from one or two tourists who have discovered the secret already, you\u2019ve got this patch of sand to yourself (woohoo!). Tuk tuk drivers are going to try and convince you that to see the best sunset in El Nido you should head to \u2018Las Cabanas\u2019. You don\u2019t need to go there.<\/p>\n

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Skip the ride, use your legs and pop around the corner from the main drag to bid adieu to another amazing day in this tropical paradise. The cheapest beer on the island is also here as well as a lovely table (there\u2019s just one!) where you can pitch your bottom and soak up all the beauty. To find out this location, pop along to Teacake Travels<\/a><\/span> to get the coordinates!<\/p>\n

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Siargao: A Little Island With A LOT Of Good Vibes | Backpacker Banter<\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n

Over the last few years I\u2019ve been island hopping all over the globe – the allure of empty beaches, barefoot living and pumping surf constantly driving my travels. But from the first time I stepped foot on Siargao Island<\/a><\/span> in the South of the Philippines, (about an hours flight East of Cebu) I knew I\u2019d found my ultimate island retreat.<\/p>\n

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Siargao – and in particular the General Luna are – ticks all the boxes for a traveling surfer or anyone looking to kick back on island time. Enjoy world class waves such as Cloud 9 or start to learn on fun breaks like Jacking Horse or Dacu – my personal favourite. The palm tree fringed beaches are near empty and the lagoon surrounding the island is the ideal place for a high tide swim, kayak or SUP in the clear, warm waters. And the best thing about it all? It doesn’t come with a budget killing price tag!<\/p>\n

Dedicated surf camps offer great surf and stay packages, restaurants like Mamas Grill and Kityas serve up a range of local and western dishes and there are a few budget hostels kicking around too if you\u2019re really wanting to live on a dime. One part of me wants to tell everyone about it, the other part wants me to keep this slice of Filipino paradise secret a while longer\u2026<\/p>\n

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Heading to the Philippines and want to know what to pack? Check out our GIRLS and GUYS packing lists for SOUTHEAST ASIA!<\/h2>\n
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Snorkeling in Moalboal | One Modern Couple<\/span><\/h2>\n

Cebu is an island filled with activity, but between exploring Cebu city and heading north to the beautiful outlying islands, it\u2019s easy to miss out on one of the most amazing experiences the island offers \u2013 snorkeling in Moalboal.<\/p>\n

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Moalboal is a snorkeler\u2019s playground with clear water, a large coral reef and plenty of marine life to be found. By hiring a boat, you can spend several hours in the waters off Moalboal, and around the nearby Pescador Island, observing some incredible underwater life and enjoying island life in the sun. In fact, if you look carefully you\u2019ll most likely see several sea turtles and clown fish up close! The sardine run, one of the most unique and fascinating sights, can also be found in these waters where a huge school of countless sardines swim in one unbelievably large group.<\/p>\n

Snorkeling in Moalboal is one of the best experiences to be had while visiting the Philippines. It showcases the natural beauty of the country and its islands, and after a day spent in the water, you can come back to the shore and enjoy some fresh and delicious local cuisine.<\/p>\n

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Diving in Coron | Travelstache<\/span><\/h2>\n

One of the most unique experiences you can have in the Philippines, and possibly the world, is in Coron. Here you can scuba dive the famous WWII Japanese ship wrecks. These ships have been at the bottom of the sea since a U.S. airstrike back on Sept. 24, 1944. On this day the U.S. sank 24 ships that were part of the Japanese supply fleet, 12 of them are now accessible to diving today.<\/p>\n

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This is an adventure not for the faint of heart. You’ll be diving down around 100 feet, making your way inside through gaping bombed out holes. Swimming through the narrow passages is like stepping back in time, you get to see the actual supplies still laying as they were. The hundreds of cement bags still intact and ready for delivery and the anchor awaiting deployment. It’s an experience that will send chills through your body and bring you down to the deep dark depths of history.<\/p>\n

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