Although I would always recommend more than just 1 week in the Philippines, being able to get to this incredible country for any amount of time is still a win. Even in such a short time, you will most certainly fall in love with the country.
The Philippines, one of the world’s best countries, has many attractions to explore. From the big crazy city of Manila to the sparkling tiny remote islands, there’s a bit of something for everyone. And I’ve included a great introduction the main island of Luzon in this 1 week Philippines itinerary.
You’ll be moving quickly, but not so fast that you’ll miss out on the big things. You’ll have a few days in the city, in the mountains, and in the rice terraces so you can get a full dose of the Philippines in a week.
Sure, there are tons of other destinations in the Philippines, but I have created this itinerary to be the perfect introduction to the best sights and things to do here. If you can visit the islands afterwards, that would be the next step.
Travel Requirements for the Philippines
Passengers flying to the Philippines must register with the One Health Pass to Travel to the Philippines and submit an electronic Health Declaration Card. During C*VID-19, the Philippines has an online system to safeguard public health.
Before boarding a journey to the Philippines, incoming passengers must register their personal information and flight details. The obligatory electronic Health Declaration Card can be completed by travelers using the One Health Pass. They are required to supply their contact information, medical information, and other details concerning their travel.
Getting to the Philippines
The largest airport and most practical place to fly into in the Philippines is the capital, Manila. This airport has the most international flights and is the best place to start exploring the Philippines. Check flights to Manila from most international airports.
Getting Around the Philippines
The Philippines are larger than you may think! Many locations are reachable only via flight, while you can take busses throughout the mainland and boats between most of the islands. Book your transport ahead of time here.
1 Week Philippines Itinerary
With the Philippine Sea, the Sibuyan Sea, and the South China Sea enclosing Luzon’s eastern, southern,
and western shores, this island boasts a 3,000-mile-long coastline (5,000km).
Rice terraces, valleys, lush jungles, cave systems, mist-filled mountains, and the majestic pine forests of the Cordillera Region make up the country’s interior. The bustling metropolis of Manila, Spanish historical towns like Vigan, and the flawless stratovolcano Mayon may all be found on the island of Luzon.
There are tons of adventures in the Philippines and incredible places to visit. Among the highlights of this one-week Philippines itinerary are Sagad, the “Eighth Wonder of The World,” Banaue Rice Terraces, and Manila, the country’s capital city.
Phillipines Day 1: Tuguegarao
In the northeastern section of Luzon, Tuguegarao City, the capital of Cagayan province, is well-served by domestic flights from Manila and other major Philippine airports.
If you have time after your arrival, visit Penablanca’s Callao Caves, or stay in Tuguegarao City to see the Buntun Bridge, Horno Ruins, San Jacinto Church, and Tuguegarao Cathedral before sampling some of the city’s delicious offerings.
Phillipines Itinerary Day 2-4: Banaue
Today’s bus trip to Banaue will take roughly five hours, so you have to get an early start. As you drive through small towns, take in the scenery and say hello to any friendly Filipinos you see— finally, witness the rice terraces!
The Banaue Rice Terraces, cut into the mountains of Banaue, Ifugao, are world-renowned for their stunning, world-class landscape. It is said that if all the terraces were placed end-to-end, they would span half of the planet! This was built approximately 2000-6000 years ago, most likely by hand.
Take a tricycle to the Banaue Viewpoint and then trek for 3-4 hours back down the trail. It’s a must in any 1 week Phillippines itinerary.
On the third day, make your way to Batad, where the view is even more spectacular! To begin your walk, head to Batad Saddle, which can be reached in about 40 minutes by tricycle. To get to the Tappiya Waterfall, you’ll have to trek through the town and carefully balance on rice terraces, all while taking in the grandeur of this exceptional place.
Phillipines Itinerary Day 4-6: Sagada
Begin your journey to Sagada with a four-hour bus or van ride. Sagada is recognized for its gorgeous and tranquil mountain valleys, rice fields, limestone caverns, waterfalls, and cliffs that seem to protrude out of a sea of clouds. It is located in the Cordillera Mountains, approximately 5,000 feet above sea level.
The cool mountain temperatures make this a perfect hiking destination, and the town is famous for its Hanging Coffins, which can be found inside caves or on the face of cliffs in Echo Valley. The Hanging Coffins are a 30-minute climb from town and a fantastic way to spend your first afternoon in Sagada.
On day 5, you have a variety of gorgeous hikes to choose from– Marlboro Hill to Blue Soil, Sumaguing Cave, Lumiang Burial Cave, or Danum Lake.
Day 6, and you’re on your way to Manila by bus (12 hours journey), which is usually quite an adventure in itself.
Phillipines Itinerary Day 6-7: Manila
The capital of Luzon, Manila, is the penultimate stop on this 1 week Philippines itinerary in Luzon. Explore the existing Gates, Fort Santiago and its adjacent park, San Agustin Church, and the Manila Cathedral today. Visit the Rizal Museum, located near the Fort, to learn about local history and the national hero, Jose Rizal.
You can still get a great introduction to Manila, even with just 1 day. Many people opt for a bicycle tour of Manila’s most historic neighborhood before walking around and trying some different Filipino food.
You’ll feel moved from Asia to perhaps Latin America with its magnificent Spanish influences, cobblestone streets, plazas, and cathedrals!
Music Festivals in the Philippines
The Philippines is mainly famous for its beautiful beaches and vibrant cities. However, in recent years, the country has gained a reputation for its vibrant nightlife scene. If you’re a first-time visitor to the Philippines, you won’t have a problem finding a nightlife option that suits your tastes.
You can enjoy anything from classical to indie to disco and electronic dance music (EDM) at their world-class music festivals. Click here for details of the most extraordinary events taking place across the country in 2022 for those lucky enough to be here.
Best spots for Photographers in the Phillipines
The Philippines is a photographer’s dream because of its unique mix of urban vibrancy, rich history, and natural beauty. You don’t need to go far. One of Manila’s most popular Instagram-worthy spots, Bonifacio Global City is the best place to start. BGC is a popular destination for Instagrammers who enjoy urban landscapes, thanks to its bustling city lights, skyscrapers, and stunning wall art.
Aside from being Instagram-worthy, Rice terraces in Banaue are also a must-see for most foreign tourists. Although tourism has opened up a previously unknown culture to the West and created a large tourist sector, those seeking a more genuine experience can travel to less-visited areas where rice harvests are still the mainstay of the economy.
Osmena Peak has dominated Cebu’s Instagram feeds for years, but Casino Peak is about to take its place. Casino Peak is a must-see while visiting Cebu because of its chocolate-hills-like beauty, breathtaking views, and awe-inspiring rock formations.
Unique Experiences to have in the Philippines
The Philippines is one of those places where everyone can have a unique experience. If you ever find yourself in the Philippines, you must try the local delicacy known as Balut. If you’re ever in the Philippines, you must try this hard-boiled duck egg with an embryo inside. You can buy this high-protein snack on the street.
The Philippines offers a wide variety of food options. You can eat on the beach, in a skyscraper, or a public park. Eating next to a waterfall is one dining experience you might like to try. You may dine right next to the falls at the Villa Escudero Waterfall Restaurant. You can choose from a broad selection of seafood and beef items on their menu. This family-friendly spot offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience in the Philippines.
If you have more than just a week, add onto your 1 week Philippines itinerary with a flight from Manila to any of the islands. Start in Boracay or Cebu for some other-worldly sights.
Passionate, full-time travel blogger with over 230k on social media and 150kMPV blog. Extraordinary photographer with two DSLR's + a drone with a love for capturing candid moments, epic drone shots, and magical compositions. I'm a natural-born content creator originally from California, but I've been on the road for 9 years living, working, traveling, blogging, and photographing my way around the world. I recommend the most amazingly adventurous and unique + boutique travel experiences/stays and helpful products to my audience and write comprehensive guides on my website that have helped millions of travelers so far. I love to inspire people to plan their dream trips, and many readers have given feedback as such. The reach on my platforms continues to soar, especially when combining cutting-edge social content with optimized articles on my high-authority website.