Things to Do in the Philippines: Palawan to Cebu

Quick answer

The best things to do in the Philippines are island-hopping in El Nido, the lakes and Second World War wrecks of Coron, the Puerto Princesa Underground River, Bohol's Chocolate Hills and tarsiers, canyoneering at Kawasan Falls in Cebu and a walk through Intramuros in Manila. On a week, pick two island bases rather than trying to see everything.

13 things worth your time in Philippines

01
El Nido Tour A: Big and Small Lagoons
Nature
Kayaking into limestone-walled lagoons is the image most people have of the Philippines, and the tour includes a beach lunch.
Full day (8–9 hours)About ₹1,800–2,300 (PHP 1,200–1,500) plus a one-time eco-fee of about ₹600 (PHP 400)
Lagoon entry is capped and time-slotted. Book through your hotel or an accredited operator and confirm the lagoon slot is included.
02
El Nido Tour C: Hidden and Secret beaches
Nature
Beaches reached through gaps in the rock, good snorkelling and the Matinloc Shrine viewpoint.
Full dayAbout ₹2,100–2,700 (PHP 1,400–1,800)
This route faces open sea and is the first to be cancelled in rough weather. Keep a spare day.
03
Nacpan Beach
Nature
A 4 km sweep of golden sand about 40 minutes north of El Nido town, quieter than the tour beaches.
Half dayTricycle about ₹750–1,200 (PHP 500–800) return
04
Coron: Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon
Nature
Kayangan's viewpoint over the karst cove is Coron's signature photo, and Twin Lagoon mixes warm and cool water under limestone cliffs.
Full dayAbout ₹2,300–3,300 (PHP 1,500–2,200) plus site fees
The climb to Kayangan is a steep 10 minutes of steps. Tours that start at 7 am beat the crowds.
05
Coron wreck diving or snorkelling
Experience
Japanese supply ships sunk in 1944 lie in the bay. Some are shallow enough for snorkellers to see the hulls.
Full dayTwo-dive trip about ₹6,000–8,300 (PHP 4,000–5,500)
06
Puerto Princesa Underground River
Nature
A paddle boat takes you into a navigable underground river cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Full day from Puerto PrincesaTour about ₹2,700–3,800 (PHP 1,800–2,500) including permit
Daily permits are limited. Book two to three days ahead through your hotel or a licensed agent.
07
Bohol: Chocolate Hills and tarsiers
Day trip
More than a thousand grassy domes that turn brown in the dry season, plus a river cruise on the Loboc and the palm-sized tarsier.
Full dayPrivate car tour about ₹3,800–5,300 (PHP 2,500–3,500) per car, plus entry fees
See tarsiers at the Philippine Tarsier Foundation sanctuary in Corella, not at roadside enclosures where they are handled.
08
Panglao island-hopping
Nature
An early boat for dolphin spotting, then snorkelling over Balicasag Island's reef wall and turtles.
Half dayAbout ₹1,500–2,300 (PHP 1,000–1,500)
09
Kawasan Falls canyoneering, Cebu
Experience
Jumping, sliding and swimming down a turquoise river canyon to the falls. Helmets and guides are included.
Full dayAbout ₹2,300–3,800 (PHP 1,500–2,500)
Fit non-swimmers can do it in life jackets, and the highest jumps are optional.
10
Moalboal sardine run
Nature
Millions of sardines swirl a few metres off Panagsama Beach, reachable by swimming from shore.
2–3 hoursSnorkel hire about ₹300 (PHP 200)
We usually suggest this over the Oslob whale-shark encounter, where the sharks are hand-fed and marine scientists have raised concerns.
11
Boracay White Beach and a sunset paraw sail
Experience
Four kilometres of powder-white sand and calm water from November to May, with traditional outrigger sailboats at sunset.
2–3 daysParaw sail about ₹2,300–3,800 (PHP 1,500–2,500) per boat
You need a booking at a government-accredited hotel to be allowed onto the island.
12
Intramuros and Fort Santiago, Manila
Landmark
The Spanish-era walled city, with San Agustin Church, a UNESCO site, and the fort where José Rizal was held.
3–4 hoursFort Santiago about ₹110 (PHP 75)
Hire a bamboo bike or a kalesa (horse cart) for the walls; agree the price before you set off.
13
Binondo food walk
Food
Manila's Chinatown, often called the oldest in the world, is good for dumplings, hopia pastries and vegetarian Buddhist eateries.
2–3 hoursAbout ₹1,500–3,000 (PHP 1,000–2,000) guided

What are the best things to do in the Philippines?

The Philippines has more than 7,600 islands, so on a week you pick two bases rather than trying to see everything. For Indian travellers the usual pairings are El Nido and Coron in Palawan for lagoons and island-hopping, or Cebu and Bohol for canyoneering, the Chocolate Hills and easier logistics. Most international flights from India arrive in Manila, so plan a night there at one end. Air India flies non-stop from Delhi.

How do island-hopping tours work?

El Nido tours are labelled A to D, with fixed routes, a boat crew and a beach lunch. Coron's tours work the same way. Prices are set and similar between agencies, but quality varies, so book through your hotel or an accredited operator. When the Coast Guard raises a weather warning, all tours stop, which is why the best time to visit matters so much here.

Bring a dry bag, water shoes, reef-safe sunscreen and cash for the environmental fees. Life jackets are provided, so non-swimmers can join most tours.

How do you get between islands?

Domestic flights on Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific link Manila with Puerto Princesa, El Nido, Busuanga (for Coron), Cebu and Bohol. A fast ferry runs between El Nido and Coron in about four hours. Treat every transfer as a half day at least, and do not book a domestic flight on the same day as your international one if you can avoid it.

Indian passport holders get 14 days visa-free for tourism, which suits a week-long trip. See our Philippines visa guide for the conditions.

What does a week cost?

Tours run ₹1,500–4,000 a day per person, and domestic flights are the biggest add-on. Our Philippines trip cost page breaks down a six-night plan, and the itineraries hub has a seven-day El Nido and Coron route. Vegetarians should read our food guide before going, as meat and fish sauce turn up in most local dishes.

Frequently asked questions

El Nido or Coron: which is better?

El Nido has more beaches, sunset bars and variety across its four tours. Coron is wilder, with clear lakes and Second World War wrecks for divers and snorkellers. On a week, do both and link them with the four-hour fast ferry. If you must pick one, choose El Nido for beaches and Coron for snorkelling and diving.

Is the Philippines safe for Indian tourists?

The main tourist areas, including Palawan, Cebu, Bohol, Boracay and central Manila, are generally safe. Watch for pickpockets in Manila's crowded areas and use Grab rather than street taxis. Check the Indian government's travel advisories for parts of Mindanao, where travel warnings apply, and follow local storm warnings in the rainy season.

How many days do I need in the Philippines?

Seven days covers two island bases, such as El Nido and Coron, with a night in Manila. Ten days lets you add Cebu or Bohol without rushing. With only five days, pick one base like El Nido, as inter-island transfers eat up half a day each.

Can non-swimmers do island-hopping tours in the Philippines?

Yes. Boats carry life jackets for every passenger, and most snorkelling stops have shallow, calm water. Lagoon visits in El Nido involve kayaking or a short swim, so tell the crew in advance. Kawasan canyoneering is also possible for fit non-swimmers wearing life jackets, with the bigger jumps optional.

How we checked this page

Last reviewed 28 October 2026

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.