Quick answer
Land in Manila and spend a night there, fly to El Nido for three nights of island-hopping, take the fast ferry to Coron for two nights of lakes and snorkelling, then fly back to Manila for your flight home. Mid-range land costs start at about ₹68,000 per person, including domestic flights. Go between January and April for calm seas.
The route
- Delhi
- Manila
- El Nido
- Coron
- Manila
- Delhi
Day-by-day plan
- 1
Day 1
Arrive in Manila
Morning: Land at Manila's international airport and transfer to your hotel.
Afternoon: Walk Intramuros, the old walled city, with Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church.
Evening: Sunset over Manila Bay, then dinner in Makati.
Stay: Makati, or Pasay near the airport
Use Grab for rides; it is cheaper and safer than street taxis.
- 2
Day 2
Fly to El Nido
Morning: Morning flight to El Nido, about 80 minutes, or fly to Puerto Princesa and take a five to six hour van.
Afternoon: Check in and settle into the town or Corong-Corong beach.
Evening: Sunset at Las Cabanas beach.
Stay: El Nido town or Corong-Corong
Direct flights to El Nido cost more but save most of a day compared with the Puerto Princesa route.
- 3
Day 3
Island-hopping Tour A
Morning: Boat to the Small Lagoon and Big Lagoon, kayaking between limestone walls.
Afternoon: Beach lunch, then snorkelling at Seven Commando Beach.
Evening: Seafood or vegetarian curry on the town's beachfront.
Stay: El Nido town or Corong-Corong
Pay the one-time eco-fee of about PHP 400 and keep the receipt; it is checked on every tour.
- 4
Day 4
Tour C or Nacpan Beach
Morning: Island-hopping Tour C to Hidden Beach and Secret Beach, or a tricycle to Nacpan Beach.
Afternoon: Snorkelling stops on Tour C, or a slow afternoon on Nacpan's 4 km of sand.
Evening: Pack for an early ferry.
Stay: El Nido town or Corong-Corong
- 5
Day 5
Fast ferry to Coron
Morning: Early fast ferry from El Nido to Coron, about four hours.
Afternoon: Check in and rest, then climb Mount Tapyas, about 700 steps, for the bay view.
Evening: Soak in the Maquinit saltwater hot spring.
Stay: Coron town
The ferry is cancelled when weather warnings are raised; keep a spare day in the plan in shoulder months.
- 6
Day 6
Coron lakes and lagoons
Morning: Boat to Kayangan Lake and its famous viewpoint.
Afternoon: Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake and snorkelling over Skeleton Wreck or Siete Pecados reef.
Evening: Farewell dinner in Coron town.
Stay: Coron town
- 7
Day 7
Fly to Manila and home
Morning: Transfer to Busuanga airport, about 30 minutes, and fly to Manila, about one hour.
Afternoon: Connect to your international flight, or rest at an airport hotel if it leaves late.
Evening: Flight home to India.
Leave at least five hours between the domestic arrival and your international departure.
Is 7 days enough for the Philippines?
A week is right for two island bases plus a night in Manila. This plan picks Palawan's two stars, El Nido for lagoons and beaches and Coron for lakes, reefs and wrecks, because they are linked by a single ferry and need no backtracking.
Why start with a night in Manila?
Most flights from India land in Manila, often after a long connection. Domestic flights to El Nido leave in the morning, so a Manila night protects you from missed connections and gives you an afternoon in Intramuros.
What will it cost?
Mid-range land costs start at about ₹68,000 per person, twin sharing. That covers six nights in 3★ hotels and resorts, the flight to El Nido, the El Nido–Coron ferry, the flight back to Manila, three boat tours and transfers, excluding international flights. Domestic transport is the biggest single cost. Our Philippines trip cost page shows the full picture, including flights from India.
How can you adapt it?
- Five days only: skip Coron and fly in and out of El Nido.
- Ten days: add Cebu and Bohol for canyoneering and the Chocolate Hills.
- Wet season: swap the ferry for flights and build in buffer days.
Indian passport holders can stay visa-free for 14 days for tourism, enough for this plan. Fill in the eTravel form before flying; see our Philippines visa guide.
Check the best time to visit, the things to do list, and our food guide if you are vegetarian.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from El Nido to Coron?
Is El Nido or Coron better for a honeymoon?
Can vegetarians manage on this Philippines itinerary?
How we checked this page
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Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.
