Are you dreaming of a round trip through the Philippines but want to look beyond the well-known hotspots? With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines offers a treasure trove of opportunities, from secluded tropical beaches to pristine jungles and local villages where time seems to stand still. Do you want to avoid the crowds in the Philippines? Together with Links12, we have compiled three unique travel itineraries, complemented with handy insider tips. This way, you will discover the Philippines in a special manner that is not found in the ‘standard’ travel guides.
3 Unique Itineraries for the Philippines
Undiscovered Route 1: Island Hopping in the Visayas
The Visayas form the central part of the Philippines. Here, crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and swaying palm trees effortlessly alternate with hidden jungles, rice terraces, and stunning waterfalls. During this itinerary, you will explore the most beautiful islands and discover places where the crowds have not set foot yet. You start in Dumaguete on Negros Island, where the colorful coral reefs off the coast leave an unforgettable impression. A day trip to Apo Island brings you face to face with giant turtles. Afterward, you will travel by ferry to Siquijor, a small island shrouded in mystique. Here, you’ll ride a scooter along crystal-clear waterfalls, ancient Balete trees, and deserted coves.
Next, Bohol beckons, an island you’ll reach after a short ferry ride. On this island, you will find not only the famous Chocolate Hills but also unknown adventures such as a SUP trip on the Loboc River or a mountain biking trip through the inland villages. This excursion takes you to places you would never have seen otherwise. You end your journey after a short flight on Siargao Island, a surfer’s paradise synonymous with laid-back vibes and expansive fields of palm trees. Whether you want to (learn to) surf, island hop, or relax by the pool – Siargao wraps up this varied round trip through the Philippines in a relaxed way!
- Ideal travel duration – About 3 weeks
- Type of travelers – Adventurous travelers, families
- Why this route? – Short travel distances & yet enormous variety
Day-to-Day Itinerary
- Days 1-3: Manila
- Days 3-7: Dumaguete
- Days 7-10: Siquijor
- Days 11-14: Bohol
- Days 15-18: Siargao
→ Tip: This itinerary is an example route from travel organization Links12, the travel specialist in the Philippines! Check out the private tour for Visayas Island Hopping and customize the round trip to your preferences.
Undiscovered Route 2: The Stunning Beaches of Palawan
This itinerary takes you to the hidden paradises of the Philippine province of Palawan. Here, rugged limestone cliffs rise out of crystal-clear water, and white sandy beaches stretch as far as the eye can see. This is the Philippines of the famous images on Google!
Your travel adventure begins on Dimakya Island, an exclusive island surrounded by a fantastic house reef where you also have the chance to spot manatees. Then, you travel to Coron. Here, you will discover the azure blue lagoons around Coron Island via a private kayaking excursion. Next, you head to El Nido, the renowned gateway to the Bacuit Archipelago; 45 islands with unique geological rock formations. You explore this area best by boat with a private guide who grills lunch fresh on one of the spectacular beaches.
For a relaxing conclusion, you will finish your trip through Palawan on the untouched Darocotan Island. Due to the remote location of this island, you will find minimal tourism and see a special side of Palawan. A perfect ending to a varied island-hopping route through one of the most beautiful pieces of the Philippines!
- Ideal travel duration – 2 to 3 weeks
- Type of travelers – Beach lovers, seekers of peace
- Why this route? – Azure blue lagoons & paradise islands
Day-to-Day Itinerary
- Days 1-3: Manila
- Days 3-5: Dimakya Island
- Days 6-8: Coron / Coron Island
- Days 9-12: El Nido / Bacuit Archipelago
- Days 13-15: Darocotan Island
→ Tip: This itinerary is an example route from travel organization Links12. Check the private tour for Distant Shores and customize the schedule to your preferences.
Undiscovered Route 3: The Ultimate Philippine Experience
This adventurous itinerary takes you off the beaten path and shows the Philippines in its purest form. The itinerary is packed with surprising destinations and unique activities, such as paddleboarding through the jungle, snorkeling with whale sharks, a quad tour along a volcano, and even a two-day kayaking expedition. This way, you experience the Philippines uniquely.
You start this itinerary in Donsol, the only place in the Philippines where you can ethically snorkel with whale sharks, the largest fish in the world. After this magical experience, you will be greeted by the impressive Mt. Mayon, a perfectly shaped volcano in the Philippines. By quad, you will explore the lava fields and ruins surrounding the volcano, after which you will fly on to Bohol. Here, experience the green hinterlands by mountain bike and go paddleboarding on the Loboc River. You will also visit the iconic Chocolate Hills and the Rajah Sikatuna National Park.
After a few days of relaxation on Panglao Island, you will then fly to Coron. Here, you will embark on a two-day kayaking expedition along hidden beaches, azure lakes, and impressive limestone cliffs. You will camp on a secluded beach under a starlit sky, guided by a member of the Tagbanua tribe, which grants you access to places where others never go (in short: your own version of Expedition Robinson!). After this unique experience, you will conclude your trip with a few days of relaxation in Coron.
- Ideal travel duration – 3 weeks
- Type of travelers – Adventurous travelers, nature lovers
- Why this route? – A diverse adventure through different regions
Day-to-Day Itinerary
- Days 1-3: Manila
- Days 3-5: Donsol
- Day 6: Mt. Mayon
- Days 7-9: Bohol (Loboc)
- Days 10-11: Panglao Island
- Days 12-16: Coron – including a two-day kayaking expedition
→ Tip: This itinerary and the unique activities are part of an example route from travel organization Links12. Check out the private tour for the Philippine Experience and customize your itinerary to your preferences.
Tips for Experiencing the Philippines Away from the Crowds
Last but not least, we have a few tips for you to avoid the crowds in the Philippines.
1. Choose the Right Travel Time per Region
Online, you will find countless blogs about the best travel time for the Philippines, but what is often overlooked is that the best travel time greatly depends on the region you are visiting. The Philippines covers a vast area, comparable to the distance from the Netherlands to Italy. Eric, a Philippines specialist and owner of Links12, explains: “As a rule of thumb, you can say that the best travel time for a round trip in the Philippines runs from November to June. However, do not let the rainy season deter you. This does not mean that it rains for weeks on end. The weather also varies by region, so in some areas, you can encounter pleasantly calm weather during the rainy season.” Read here for extensive information about the best travel time for the Philippines.
2. Avoid Tourist Hubs (or Handle Them Smartly)
More and more travelers and backpackers are discovering the beauty of the Philippines, and as a result, popular places like El Nido and Boracay are becoming increasingly crowded. Luckily, even in well-known destinations, there are still plenty of opportunities to experience the Philippines without the masses. Here are some tips:
- Many tourist hubs, such as El Nido and Coron, are not known for the village itself but for the proximity to fantastic islands nearby. Avoid the crowds by staying in the archipelago. This also gives you more freedom to explore highlights outside of busy day tours.
- Make sure to get informed about alternative routes, accommodations, and islands. The Philippines boasts over 7,000 islands, many of which are worth visiting. You will find beautiful accommodations that you wouldn’t consider in an initial search. Real Philippines specialists can assemble a unique travel route for you.
3. Opt for Slow Travel Instead of Hasty Island Hopping
We mentioned it earlier; the Philippines covers a large area. However, many travelers try to cram the most famous destinations from different regions into one trip. The result: endless travel days filled with domestic flights, ferries, and transfers that often take longer than you initially thought. Just as you wouldn’t discover Europe in three weeks, it’s also better to choose one region in the Philippines and truly explore it.
This way, you will have more time to relax, discover hidden beaches, and connect with the local population. Moreover, another complete new region awaits on your next trip, giving you an excellent reason to return to this beautiful country.
Links12 has been a specialist in the Philippines for over 12 years, developing many routes and excursions to avoid tourist flows and enhance the experience. All private trips are tailor-made and provide complete peace of mind during your round trip. Check out more on the website of Links12.
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