3-week roadtrip to discover the must-sees of Philippines

You want to explore all the must-sees of the Philippines and you only have three weeks of vacation? Well this itinerary is made for you!

Go for a beautiful road trip across the country and get to see the main and loveliest places. From Manila, the capital, to the smallest but iconic islands. You will make many amazing memories, and have fantastic stories to tell your friends!

Here is a glimpse of the beautiful experiences awaiting in this 3-week road trip in the Philippines:

• Stroll around Intramuros district, the historic part of Manila, with many stories to tell
• Go swimming in the Bukilat Cave in Cebu
• Go on a snorkelling trip to the fabulous Apo Island from Negros
• Explore the beautiful seabed at Dauin, highlighted by the black volcanic sand
• Walk to Tumalog Waterfall, near Oslob
• Get up close to the mystical Balete Tree in Siquijor
• Enjoy the idyllic beaches of Bohol – Panglao
• Hike to the top of Hibok-Hibok volcano for a beautiful view of Camiguin Island
• Enjoy Ginataan Gilo-Bilo, a local dish on San Vincente beach
• Take a trip to the beautiful Chocolate Hills from Tagbilaran

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Itinerary of a 3-week road trip in the Philippines

Manille > Cebu > Negros > Dauin > Oslob > Siquijor > Bohol > Camiguin > San Vicente > Tagbilaran

Some practical information before your trip to the Philippines

First and foremost, we recommend that you do not rent a car in the Philippines, as driving is very different from here and quite dangerous if you are not used to it. The roads are not always adapted, scooters are very (very) numerous and especially at rush hours, which makes traffic complicated (high density). Moreover, you need an international driving licence or you will not be able to drive a car. When you are in the big cities, you can use the “Grab” application to get around, it is the equivalent of Uber in Southeast Asia.

You want to buy a paper travel guide? We recommend this one! In our opinion, it is the most complete and the most visual!

Need a road map to prepare your itinerary? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read !

Contents: 3-week road trip in the Philippines

1- Manila – Stop 1 of the 3-week road trip in the Philippines
2- Cebu – Stop 2 of the 3-week road trip in the Philippines
3- Negros – Stop 3 of the 3-week road trip in the Philippines
4- Dauin – Stop 4 of the 3-week road trip in the Philippines
5- Oslob – Stop 5 of the 3-week road trip in the Philippines
6- Siquijor – Stop 6 of the 3-week road trip in the Philippines
7- Bohol – Stop 7 of the 3-week road trip in the Philippines
8- Camiguin – Stop 8 of the 3-week road trip in the Philippines
9- San Vicente – Stop 9 of the 3-week road trip in the Philippines
10- Tagbilaran – Stop 10 of the 3-week road trip in the Philippines

3-week road trip in the Philippines: step by step

What to do in Manila?

Philippines’ capital, Manila is constantly changing. Big city blending past and future. Its nightlife is very busy. It is the first stop of this 3-week road trip in the Philippines. 

• Explore the city’s historic neighbourhood: Intramuros. It is the oldest in the city with its churches, cathedrals, museums… The best way to get to know almost everything about the history of this area is to take a guided tour, either on foot to get around or by bike for a more sporty alternative.
• Rent a jeepney (military jeeps transformed as typical Philippines public transport) or just walk around the many streets.
• Start your visit of Intramuros with the Saint Augustin Church, which will tell you about the history of Philippines.
• Interested in Spanish colonisation?  Head to Santiago Fort (Intramuros), one of the rare ruins in the Philippines. And if you want to save money, keep in mind that you can get in for free on Sundays!
• Take advantage of a beautiful end of the day to go and have a drink on one of the many rooftops of the capital. Beautiful views and sunshine are to be expected!

More experiences in Manila:

• Stroll through Rizal Park (Intramuros) where locals spend most of their spare time having fun, having a picnic or just relaxing.
• You love animals? Go to Manila Ocean Park (Intramuros) a theme park that will let you get a closer look at the local wildlife, from small fishes to big reptiles.
• Let’s get out of the Intramuros neighbourhood and head to Chinatown. Go shopping in the huge malls with international brands.
• In Quiapo neighbourhood, explore Saint Sebastien Basilica, a hidden gem not many tourists know about. This basilica is entirely made out of steel, which is very unusual in Asia. Beautiful walls, sculptures and gardens to admire.
• Do not leave without having tasted the traditional Lechon. This spit-roast suckling pig dish is delicious!

Where to sleep in Manila?

• Mid-range: Sleep close to Intramuros in order to be ideally placed to discover the capital. For this we recommend the modern The Bayleaf Intramuros and its rooftop, or the more traditional Manila Prince Hotel.
• High-end: 2.5 km from the centre, the Okada Manila is a complex with an outdoor pool overlooking the famous Manila Bay, a casino, a spa and a wellness centre. It is the perfect place to start your trip in Manila.

What to do in Cebu?

The second stop of this 3-week road trip in the Philippines and the second city of the country, Cebu, nicknamed “Little Manila“, resembles the capital but with an unconditional advantage: a paradisiacal beach. 

• Discover the Sky Adventure at Crown Regency Cebu, live thrilling experiences and enjoy a stunning view over the city.
• Take the time to walk around Cebu City, including Fort San Pedro, the Taoist temple and the lively Colon Street. If you are interested, we can also recommend this guided tour.
• Enjoy the vibrant-blue beaches.
• Explore Bukilat cave, the island’s largest, during high tide you can even swim in it. A unique experience!
• Dive in Timubo cave and relax in the clear fresh water.
• On the way to Kawasan Falls, there are 3 falls more or less accessible depending on the weather. Admire the roosters on their perches and after a 10 min walk get to the first fall, quite popular but so pretty! From there, you can even go canyoning and make sure to “fall” in the water! The most convenient way to get there is to book a tour like this one.
• If you want to combine the Kawasan waterfalls with a stop at Moalboal to admire the beautiful seabed, we can recommend this excursion!
• Dance the Sinulog at the river’s pace during Cebu’s oldest celebration (in January).

Where to sleep in Cebu?

• Mid-range: Just 2 km from the Grand Cebu Convention Centre, 18 Suites Cebu offers accommodation with free Wi-Fi and private parking. Located on a quiet street with a shopping mall at the end, it is a strategic stop.
• High-end: Located in the Nivel Hills, enjoy mountain or sea views at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, which offers 4 restaurants, a swimming pool and comfortable rooms.

What to do in Negros?

With its Spanish tones, Negros and its island are perfect to admire the ocean life. But that’s not it! The island is also called the Sugar Island because of its many sugar cane plantations.

• Negros is divided into two parts: Negros Occidental (to the west) and Negros Oriental (to the east)
• Get a chance to try diving, air tank on your back in this famous diving spot. Or try going snorkelling!
• By boat, head to Apo Island and get to swim with turtles, making amazing memories. This small island is a real little paradise for seabed lovers during this 3-week road trip in the Philippines.
• Appreciate a beautiful sunset on Apo Island after a 15/20 min hike up to the lighthouse.

Where to sleep in Negros?

• Mid-range: With an outdoor pool overlooking the sea, Punta Bulata White Beach Resort & Spa offers modern and luxurious accommodation, as well as free breakfast and newspapers. We love it!
• High-end: With various themed rooms, Takatuka Beach Resort offers comfortable and spacious accommodation along Sugar Beach. The resort has a terrace and even offers you a view of the sea. It’s nice and more typical than the high-end hotels previously offered.

What to do in Dauin?

Need to just stroll around and get a little tanned? Go to Dauin! A small seaside town famous for being a gorgeous diving/snorkeling spot. Enjoy a heavenly white sand on the shore, and a volcanic black sand once you get in the water! A stunning setting.

• Go diving/snorkeling and appreciate the black sand, making the colorful fish pop out!
• Go and relax in the natural Basley Hot Springs. Beware, the road to get there is not the easiest.
• Take a walk through the town of Dauin, which remains fairly authentic despite the tourism. Don’t miss the church of St Nicholas of Tolentine and the Malatapay market which takes place every Wednesday morning. The markets are a great way to experience the local culture during this 3-week road trip in the Philippines.
• If you didn’t have the time to go there during the previous stop, head to Apo Island. It is a dream island, where you can admire turtles, go up the lighthouse to enjoy the view or swim while listening to the locals playing music on the beach.

Where to sleep in Dauin?

• Mid-range: Facing the beach and about 100 metres from the centre, Mike’s Dauin Dive Resort offers a restaurant, bar and garden. With a swimming pool and the possibility of doing water activities, this hotel is great!
• High-end: Located just a few hundred metres from the centre, the Atlantis Dive Resort Dumaguete offers a private outdoor pool, restaurant and private beach. Take advantage of this hotel to relax and unwind in the spacious rooms with a breathtaking view of the sea.

What to do in Oslob?

When talking about Oslob, the only word that comes up is: sharks. Swimming with sharks was your childhood dream? Come and make it come true in Oslob!

• Go snorkeling/diving from a boat and get very close to the whale sharks. It is quite a crazy and unique experience during this 3-week road trip in the Philippines!
• Get a scooter and go to Tumalog Falls, be impressed by its height. Swim in this fresh water and enjoy a calm moment.

Where to sleep in Oslob?

• Mid-range: With a swimming pool overlooking the sea, the GingGing Hotel & Resort also has comfortable rooms, a bar and a very friendly staff. Free private parking is available for your convenience for a better experience. Do not hesitate!

What to do in Siquijor?

This island is called « Isla de fuego» because of the thousands of fireflies it is the home to. Also called the Mysterious Island, Siquijor got its name from the local belief that witches and healers live on the island. But nothing evil, don’t worry!

• Go see the Balete Tree, a mystic and gorgeous place. Take a moment to get some me-time at the fish spa and get your feet cleaned up by these tiny fish! It is quite touristic but still is a nice experience.
• Relax on the turquoise water and white sand beaches surrounding the island’s shores, such as Paliton Beach or Salagdoong Beach. You will surely fall in love with this place during your 3-week road trip in the Philippines.
• Go night diving and discover rare nocturnal species.
• Walk through the vegetation and get to the Calbugahay falls, lost in wild nature. Take a dip in the fall’s refreshing water.

Where to sleep in Siquijor?

• Mid-range: 400 metres from Tubod Beach, the Chekesh Casa offers a quality restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a garden. All rooms are comfortable and have a view of the garden.

What to do in Bohol?

The heavenly island of Bohol is considered to be the 10th largest island of the Philippines but also one of the most popular destinations in the country. It is divided into 2 parts: Panglao and Tagbilaran. Since you will visit Tagbilaran at the end of this itinerary, we will focus on Panglao first! 

• Panglao is in fact a small island connected to Panglao, and if you go there, it is mainly to relax at the beach. Indeed, it has several absolutely idyllic beaches such as White Beach, Dumaluan Beach or Panglao Beach.
• It is also a great spot for snorkelling and admiring the colourful seabed. For the more experienced, diving is also very developed here! It is also possible to explore the seabed of the small neighbouring islands such as Pamilacan. For this, there are organised excursions such as this one.
• From Bohol Beach Club, after a 45 min cruise, discover Pamilacan Island Dolphin and Whale Watching and admire wild dolphins and whales.
• If you want to make cultural visits, it is also possible! You can visit the Panglao Watchtower or St. Augustine’s Church.
• Take a look at Hinagdanan Cave, a beautiful karst cave.

Where to sleep in Bohol?

• Mid-range: If you don’t want to miss a thing and have a great welcome, then head to The Three Shooting Stars. With a 24-hour reception, arrive at any time and enjoy the garden and restaurant.
• High-end: Decorated in a tropical style, South Palms Resort Panglao has a spa, gym and outdoor pool. Enjoy the beach and a hearty breakfast to recharge your batteries before continuing your 3-week road trip in the Philippines.

What to do in Camiguin?

Head to Camiguin. This city is ideal for relaxing because it is a volcanic island where very few people live. It has 7 volcanos, and is known for its beautiful black sand beaches!

• Walk by Katibawasan Falls, the power of the water will amaze you! You can swim in the waterfall’s basin, but don’t get too close to the fall, as it can be quite dangerous with the high pressure. Better get there early before all the tourists get there.
• Head to the Via Cruzes Calvary, a pathway overlooking the ocean where you can see 14 statues representing the stages of Jesus’ Way of the Cross.
• You love swimming in hot water? Do not hesitate and head to Hibok Hibok Ardent Spring. Ideal for relaxing, you’ll enjoy many natural hot-water pools, thanks to the volcano’s heat.
• Soda Pool is a cool water source that the locals love. It is worth going there to refresh yourself.
• Hikers, go up the top of Hibok-Hibok volcano and get a breathtaking view over the island, its volcano and surroundings. It’s a rather unique landscape during this 3-week road trip in the Philippines.

Where to sleep in Camiguin?

• Mid-range: With a private area on Agoho Beach, SomeWhere Else Boutique Resort offers villas in a heavenly location, surrounded by nature and overlooking the sea. During your stay you will have the opportunity to go canoeing and snorkelling.
• High-end: With a terrace overlooking the sea, Bintana Sa Paraiso offers a restaurant, an outdoor pool and a very nice garden. The view is crazy and definitely worth a visit! Even just for a drink!

What to do in San Vicente?

San Vicente is a small town part of the city of Baclayon on Bohol Island. It is a very nice stop during this 3-week road trip in the Philippines. 

• Play Mahjong, a Chinese board game, with the locals.
• Taste the local speciality, the Ginataan Gilo-Bilo, a mix of lentil, banana, coconut, sweet potato, sugar tapioca and other mysterious ingredients.

Where to sleep in San Vicente?

• Mid-range: Meet Roberto and his wife at the Sunset Beach Resort. They will give you all the tips and make you food every day in this resort with an outdoor pool overlooking the sea and the sunset, and 2 bars. The Sunset Colors is also recommended, and although it is not easy to get to by car, it will be a nice surprise when you arrive. Enjoy a heavenly beach and tables set up on the beach for evening meals!

What to do in Tagbilaran?

Capital of the province of Bohol, Tagbilaran is the “nature” part of Bohol, with many points of interest. It is also where the airport with direct flight connections to Manila, which is convenient for return flights!

• Take a scooter to the Chocolate Hills. This world-famous site is made up of 1260 hills that look like chocolate due to their colour. You will surely get it once you see it with your own eyes! It is a must-see during this 3-week road trip in the Philippines.
• Do you know the tarsiers? It is a tiny monkey with big eyes that you can meet at the Tarsier Conservation Area. This primate is a protected species. If you want to see a lot of them, it’s simple: Shhh! Click here to get all the information you need for your visit.
• Looking for adrenaline? Run to the Loboc Ecotourism Adventure Park and try the Zipline. This consists of hanging over the river flat on your stomach thanks to a harness.  The round-trip is done in about 30 seconds!
• Relax on the beach of Mabaw Reef, also known as a diving spot and admire the colourful corals.
• History lovers, go visit the Blood Compact. This monument commemorates the Blood Compact between the Spanish and the Filipinos.
• Go see the beautiful Bilar Forest, with its hundreds of mahogany trees, which create a beautiful road.
• The Baclayon River flows through Bohol, so take the time to go for a boat ride on it to enjoy the scenery in a different way.
• If you don’t have a car, it’s best to go on an organised tour to see the main places of interest. We can recommend this one or that one which includes some more sporty activities like mountain biking or paddle boarding.

Where to sleep in Tagbilaran?

• Mid-range: 170 metres from the beach, Sofias House Rental offers a 120 square metre, 3 bedroom holiday home. This is the best plan to end your trip if you are travelling with your family!
• High-end: Located in the city, close to the harbour, the Sweet Home Boutique Hotel, combining tradition and modernity, is perfect for enjoying Tagbilaran and its surroundings. You can also enjoy the beautiful view from the terrace, a restaurant and a concierge service. Cleanliness and a warm welcome are also on the agenda!

Learn more about your road trip in the Philippines…

• You want to know all the information about the country ? It’s here.
• To book a flight at the best price, we advise you this website.
• You are looking for a great travel insurance for your 3-week road trip in the Philippines? We recommend this one!

Do not hesitate to share your trip with us, we can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!

If you have any information, good tips, or simply a comment about this itinerary, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below! The whole team will be happy to hear from you!