Itinerary · 8 days
Philippines Itinerary, 8 Days From India
Eight days is the smart Philippines rhythm: 1 day Manila transit, 3 days Palawan (El Nido lagoons), 3 days Cebu (Kawasan Falls plus Oslob), 1 day return via Manila. Shorter and you cut Palawan; longer and the resort lethargy sets in.
The 8-day arc
Arrive Manila Aquino Airport plus transit hotel near airport.
Rest plus light Intramuros walk if time.
Early dinner plus crash for tomorrow's Palawan flight.
Fly Manila to Puerto Princesa (1.5 hours) plus van to El Nido (5 hours).
El Nido town orientation plus check in.
Beachside dinner at Stunning Republika plus prep for tour.
Boat tour: Big Lagoon kayaking, Small Lagoon swim.
Secret Lagoon plus Seven Commandos Beach.
Sunset on the beach plus dinner.
Boat tour: Hidden Beach plus Matinloc Shrine.
Helicopter Island plus Star Beach snorkelling.
Final El Nido dinner plus rest.
Van back to Puerto Princesa plus fly to Cebu City (1 hour).
Cebu hotel check-in plus Magellan's Cross visit.
Cebu seafood dinner at SuTuKil market.
Drive to Badian plus Kawasan Falls canyoneering (cliff jumps plus turquoise pools).
Lunch plus return to Cebu.
Rest plus light dinner.
Early drive to Oslob (3am start) plus whale shark swim at sunrise (optional).
Tumalog Falls plus Sumilon Island sandbar.
Return to Cebu plus final group dinner.
Fly Cebu to Manila plus airport transit.
Fly back to India.
In flight.
Budget breakdown (per person)
Mid-range solo traveller estimate. Couples sharing rooms save around 25% per person. Luxury upgrades add 50% to 100%.
Booking tips
- Visa on arrival free for Indians for stays up to 14 days; bring confirmed return ticket and hotel bookings
- El Nido boat tours sell out 30 days out in peak season; book through ElNidoTours.com or your hotel
- Kawasan canyoneering: only use NRC-certified operators (avoid the cheapest); life jacket plus helmet mandatory
- Oslob whale shark: ethical concerns (feeding habituates wild animals); OJ provides briefing so members can opt in or out
- Cebu to Bohol day trip can be added on extension (1.5 hours by ferry); Chocolate Hills plus tarsiers
Frequently asked
Can I do Philippines in less than 8 days?
Possible but you cut Palawan or Cebu. 6 days: Palawan focus (skip Cebu). 7 days: tight combo. 8 days is the standard. Below 6 days the inter-island logistics consume the trip.
Is Oslob whale shark swimming worth it?
Controversial. Whales are fed daily which habituates them to tourism. Ethical alternatives: Donsol (volunteer-based, non-fed) or Sumilon Island. OJ provides briefing; members opt in or out.
What is the actual total cost from India?
INR 1,55,000 solo mid-range. As a couple INR 1,25,000 per person. Luxury (private boat tours in El Nido) push to INR 2,50,000 plus.
When does the OJ Philippines trip run?
February. Peak dry season, calm seas for El Nido boat tours. Trip cost INR 1.55L for 8 days including flights from Bangalore.