In short: A 14-day backpacking trip to the Philippines typically focuses on Luzon (Manila, Banaue) and a major island group like Palawan (El Nido, Coron) or Cebu (Moalboal, Kawasan Falls), offering a mix of culture, adventure, and island hopping for independent travellers.
In this guide
- Welcome to the Philippines: Before You Go
- Getting Around the Philippines
- Your 14-Day Philippines Backpacking Itinerary
- Philippines Backpacking Budget & Tips
Dreaming of turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and unforgettable adventures? Backpacking the Philippines in 14 days is an incredible way to experience this stunning archipelago. While it's a vast country with over 7,000 islands, two weeks is enough to get a fantastic taste of its highlights, culture, and incredible natural beauty. This guide is built for independent travellers and backpackers aged 18-39, focusing on practical advice, budget-friendly options, and authentic experiences.
Welcome to the Philippines: Before You Go
- Best Time to Visit: November to May (dry season)
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Visa: Check requirements for your nationality
Before you even think about packing your flip-flops, there are a few essentials to sort out. The Philippines dry season (November to May) offers the best weather for island hopping and outdoor activities. Remember to check your visa requirements well in advance; many nationalities can enter visa-free for 30 days, but it's always best to be sure. You can find more info on getting your visa at How To Get Your Philippines Visa. Don't forget travel insurance – it's a non-negotiable for any adventure. We recommend travel insurance for backpackers.
For money, having a travel money card like Wise is super handy for withdrawing pesos from ATMs, which are widely available in cities and larger towns. However, always carry some cash, especially when heading to more remote islands or smaller establishments. For packing tips, check out our guide on Pack Your Bags for the Philippines.
Getting Around the Philippines
- Main Transport: Flights, ferries, buses
- Local Transport: Tricycles, jeepneys
- Booking: Online or local agencies
The Philippines is an archipelago, so flights are your best friend for covering long distances quickly. Domestic airlines like Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia offer frequent and often affordable flights between major hubs. For shorter island hops or scenic journeys, ferries are a great option, ranging from fast crafts to overnight slow boats.
On land, buses are the backbone of inter-city travel on larger islands like Luzon and Cebu. Within towns, you'll be zipping around in tricycles (motorbikes with sidecars) or jeepneys (colourful, extended WWII jeeps that are a cultural icon). Embrace the local transport – it's part of the adventure!
Tip: Always negotiate tricycle fares before you get in, especially in tourist areas. A little friendly haggling can save you money!
Your 14-Day Philippines Backpacking Itinerary
Day 1-2: Manila – Arrival & Urban Exploration
Most international flights land in Manila. It's a sprawling, energetic city that can feel overwhelming at first, but it's got a rich history and vibrant street life. Spend your first couple of days getting acclimatised.
- Explore Intramuros, the historic walled city. Rent a bamboo bike or join a walking tour to see Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, and Casa Manila.
- Wander through the National Museum Complex to delve deeper into Filipino art, history, and natural sciences.
- Experience the local food scene – try street food like *kwek-kwek* (quail eggs) or *isaw* (grilled chicken intestines) from vendors, or head to a local *carinderia* for budget-friendly meals.
- In the evening, check out the lively areas of Makati or Poblacion for rooftop bars and live music.
Day 3-5: Palawan – El Nido's Island Paradise
Catch an early flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa (Palawan), then take a 5-6 hour minivan ride to El Nido. This journey is worth every minute for the paradise that awaits. El Nido is famous for its towering limestone karsts, crystal-clear waters, and hidden lagoons.
- Book an Island Hopping Tour A or Tour C. These are the classic El Nido experiences, taking you to Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Seven Commandos Beach, and more. Prepare to be amazed!
- Relax on Nacpan Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, perfect for chilling out away from the main town bustle.
- Hike up to Taraw Cliff for panoramic views of El Nido town and Bacuit Bay (requires a guide and can be challenging).
- Enjoy the sunset from Las Cabanas Beach or one of the many beachfront bars.
Day 6-8: Palawan – Coron's Shipwrecks & Lakes
Take a 3-4 hour fast ferry from El Nido to Coron. Coron is another gem in Palawan, renowned for its incredible WWII wreck diving sites and stunning freshwater lakes and lagoons. It's a must-do for any adventurer.
- Go on an Island Hopping Tour focusing on Coron's unique attractions. Visit Kayangan Lake (one of the cleanest lakes in Asia), Barracuda Lake, and the Twin Lagoons.
- Snorkel or dive the Japanese shipwrecks from WWII – even snorkelling offers a glimpse into this underwater history.
- Hike up Mount Tapyas for a spectacular sunset view over Coron town and the surrounding islands.
- Relax at Maquinit Hot Springs after a day of adventuring.
Day 9-11: Cebu – Waterfalls & Marine Life
Fly from Coron (via Busuanga airport) to Cebu City, then take a bus or van south to Moalboal (around 3-4 hours). Moalboal is a backpacker hub known for its incredible marine life and adrenaline-pumping activities.
- Experience Kawasan Falls canyoneering – jump, slide, and swim your way down stunning turquoise waterfalls. It's an unforgettable adventure!
- Snorkel or dive with millions of sardines in the famous Sardine Run just off Panagsama Beach.
- Spot sea turtles – they're frequently seen around Moalboal's reefs.
- Take a day trip to Osmeña Peak, the highest point in Cebu, for panoramic views of the 'chocolate hills' landscape.
Day 12-13: Bohol – Chocolate Hills & Tarsiers
From Cebu, take a fast ferry to Tagbilaran, Bohol (about 2 hours). Bohol offers a different kind of charm with its unique geological formations and tiny primates. Panglao Island, connected by a bridge, is where you'll find most of the accommodation and beaches.
- Rent a scooter and explore the iconic Chocolate Hills, a geological wonder of over 1,268 cone-shaped hills.
- Visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary to see the adorable, tiny tarsiers – some of the world's smallest primates – in their natural habitat.
- Relax on Alona Beach on Panglao Island, or explore the less crowded white sand beaches nearby.
- Consider a stand-up paddleboard tour on the Loboc River, or even a firefly watching tour in the evening.
Day 14: Departure from Cebu/Manila
From Bohol, you can fly directly from Tagbilaran back to Manila for your international departure, or take a ferry back to Cebu and fly from there. Make sure to account for travel time between islands and airports. This 14-day adventure will leave you with a lifetime of memories!
Philippines Backpacking Budget & Tips
- Accommodation: Hostels are abundant in popular areas, costing around 500-800 PHP per night for a dorm bed. For private rooms, expect 1000-2000 PHP.
- Food: Local eateries (carinderias) offer meals for as little as 100-200 PHP. Western food is more expensive. Street food is your budget-friendly friend!
- Activities: Island hopping tours typically cost 1200-2000 PHP, often including lunch. Canyoneering can be 1500-2500 PHP.
- Transport: Domestic flights can range from 1500-4000 PHP. Ferries are cheaper, usually 500-1000 PHP. Tricycles are cheap for short distances (50-150 PHP).
- Daily Budget: A comfortable backpacker budget is around 2000-3000 PHP (approx. $35-$50 USD) per day, excluding major flights.
Tip: Always keep your valuables secure, especially in crowded areas and on public transport. A padlock for your hostel locker is a must!
Ready for Your Philippine Adventure?
The Philippines is an incredible destination for backpackers, offering a perfect blend of adventure, stunning scenery, and warm hospitality. While this 14-day guide gives you a solid route, don't be afraid to adjust it based on your interests and pace. If you're looking for a structured, social, and hassle-free way to explore, consider joining our 14 Day Philippines Group Tour. We handle the logistics so you can focus on the fun!
For those with more time, our 23 Day Philippines Small Group Tour offers an even deeper dive into this amazing country. If you're wondering about the best time to visit, check out our Philippines Weather: Best Time To Visit article. Happy travels!
Frequently asked questions
Is 14 days enough for the Philippines?
While the Philippines has over 7,000 islands, 14 days is enough to experience a good mix of cultural sites, island hopping, and adventure in a few key regions like Palawan and Cebu.
What is the best way to travel between islands in the Philippines?
Domestic flights are the fastest way to cover long distances between major islands. For shorter hops, fast ferries are efficient and widely available. Tricycles and jeepneys are used for local transport on land.
What is the average daily budget for backpacking the Philippines?
A comfortable backpacker budget for the Philippines is generally 2000-3000 PHP (approx. $35-$50 USD) per day, covering hostel accommodation, local food, and activities, but excluding major international or long-haul domestic flights.
What are the must-do activities in the Philippines for backpackers?
Must-do activities include island hopping in El Nido or Coron, canyoneering at Kawasan Falls in Cebu, seeing the Chocolate Hills and tarsiers in Bohol, and exploring the historic Intramuros in Manila.
Do I need a visa for the Philippines?
Many nationalities can enter the Philippines visa-free for 30 days. However, it's essential to check the specific visa requirements for your country of origin before travelling. Sherpa can help you find out.
Why book with Backpacking Tours?
Backpacking Tours offers real, hand-crafted itineraries for the Philippines, led by local guides who know the islands inside out. We run the trips ourselves, ensuring an authentic experience with small groups of like-minded 18-39 year old travellers. Our tours balance iconic highlights with genuine local encounters, providing the freedom of backpacking with the ease of an organised group, all at great value and award-rated by past adventurers.