The Philippines is made up of over 7,000 different islands, which can make getting around the country a bit challenging. For backpackers who want to cover a lot of ground at one time, planning your route and trying to visit major tourist destinations spread apart the country can be a bit of a puzzle. While there are ferries and boats that connect major islands, it’s difficult to know exactly where to go.
In most cases, it’s practical and faster to just fly between islands to maximize your trip. For some places in Northern Luzon without commercial flights, you have no option but to take a bus or travel by land from major cities. For first time travelers to the Philippines, it really helps to focus on particular regions and aim for quality instead of trying to visit every major tourist hub.
I’ve listed some of the most popular and tourist-friendly destinations for international backpackers traveling to the Philippines. Each major hub can be explored on its own for 3-5 days or if you have the time and money to spare, you could cluster and compress the destinations near each other (ex. 1 week in Palawan, 1 week for Central Visayas and 1 week for Northern Luzon).
For hassle-free connections between cities and islands, you can use apps and booking platforms like Bookaway to plan your buses and ferries in-between major flight hubs better. Founded by travelers for travelers, Bookaway is an online ground transportation booking platform that takes the stress out of travel so you can enjoy the ride. The platform allows users to book bus, train, and ferry tickets to the world’s best locations online so they can travel freely.
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Manila
For international travelers, Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is often considered as a stopover destination between flights. The city can be overwhelming with the heavy traffic and crowded streets, but there are some fun and unique things to do there as well. Most flights to major domestic destinations like Cebu and Palawan arrive and depart from Manila or the Clark International Airport, which is accessible by land travel from Manila. If you’re exploring Northern Luzon, this is where you need to land to take a bus.
READ MORE: 10 Unique and Fun Things to Do in Manila
El Nido
Composed of 45 islands and islets, each with its own unique geological formations, El Nido consistently ranks as one of the best island destinations in the Philippines and the world. This coastal town in Palawan is renowned for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and stunning limestone cliffs. The easiest way to get to El Nido is by land travel from Puerto Princesa. Sea travel is also possible in between Coron and El Nido.
READ MORE: 10 Things to do in El Nido
Coron
Coron is a tropical island in Palawan known for world-class WWII-era wreck diving, limestone karst landscapes, crystal-clear freshwater lakes and shallow-water coral reefs. Direct flights are available from Manila to Coron and there’s a sea route in between Coron and El Nido.
READ MORE: 10 Things to Do in Coron
Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa is a highly urbanized city in the center of Palawan that provides a good mix of laid-back beach vibes and city comforts and is the jump off to the Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Puerto Princesa has an international airport. From here you can travel to other major hubs like Manila and Cebu.
READ MORE: 10 Things to Do in Puerto Princesa
Boracay
The most popular island destination in the country, Boracay is a small island in the central Philippines known for its resorts and beaches. Along the west coast, White Beach is backed by palm trees, bars and restaurants. There are no direct flights into Boracay. Visitors must fly to either Caticlan (the closer airport) or Kalibo (60 km away), take a vehicle to Caticlan Jetty Port, and then take a boat from Caticlan Jetty Port, where there is a 10-20 minute boat ride to Boracay. Flights from Manila go to both Kalibo and Caticlan. Sea travel is also possible via Batangas.
Cebu
Most tourists associate Cebu with religious and historic sights and dining and entertainment establishments in the city. But just a couple of hours from the city, you can access dive sites and beach resorts, trek to waterfalls and mountains and visit many beautiful natural attractions. Cebu has an international airport with flights to major hubs like Manila and Puerto Princesa and smaller islands in the South like Siargao and Camiguin. You can also travel between Cebu and Bohol by ferry.
READ MORE: 10 Things to do in Cebu
Bohol
Most known for its chocolate hills, tarsiers, and beautiful beaches, the island province of Bohol is one of the most popular and tourist-friendly destinations in the Philippines. Bohol offers stunning natural wonders and is a favorite among couples, families and friends because of its beautiful white beaches, stunning landscapes and various fun adventures and activities. You can get to Bohol with direct flights from Manila or sea travel from Cebu.
Siquijor
The island of Siquijor is shrouded in stories of sorcery and witchcraft. Dubbed the “Mystic Island,” this province in the Central Visayas is reputed to be the home of witches and shamanistic folk healers. It’s a rising destination for backpackers looking for something a little offbeat. There are no flights directly to Siquijor, but you can get here via sea travel from Dumaguete or ferry from Bohol.
Banaue
Banaue is a town in the province of Ifugao widely known for being the home of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Batad Rice Terraces and Bangaan Rice Terraces. Banaue is popular with international backpackers who prefer hiking and mountain destinations and cooler climates rather than beaches in Central Visayas and Palawan. Most tourists get to Getting to Banaue via bus from Manila or land travel from any point in mainland Luzon.
Sagada
The mountain town of Sagada nestled in a valley in the Mountain Province is one of the most ideal places in the Philippines to enjoy the outdoors. This scenic town in the Cordillera region offers the most spectacular view of mountains, cooler climate due to its high elevation and well-preserved culture. Getting here requires long bus travel from Manila or other parts of mainland Luzon.
There are many other destinations around the Philippines that are worth visiting, such as Batanes, Siargao and Camiguin, but due to their geographical locations and limited flight options, they may be harder or more expensive to get to for backpackers. However, if you do have extra time, I recommend these places as they are less crowded than the usual tourist circuit.
While the tourist destinations listed above may be the most popular and accessible to international tourists and backpackers in terms of connectivity, every region and province in the Philippines has something different to offer. You don’t have to go to a place just because everyone goes there. Take the time to explore and choose for yourself.
READ MORE: Travel Guide: 81 Provinces of the Philippines
While the COVID-19 pandemic may have put a damper on travel plans, you still can use the time productively to plan for future trips. Consider using Bookaway for hassle-free booking of your buses, ferries and trains for your future trips.
NOTE: Expect some disruptions or cancellations to various bus, ferry and train rides. We’re here to help you in any way during this tough time.