Phillipines 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Itinerary for Philippines Travel (Manila & Banaue)

Day 1: Exploring Manila

Places to Go:

  1. Rizal Park: Start your day at this iconic park, home to the National Museum of the Philippines and Rizal Monument.
  2. Intramuros: Visit this historic walled city, once the center of the Spanish colonial government, now filled with historical sites, museums, and old-world charm.
  3. Mall of Asia: Experience a shopping spree at one of Southeast Asia’s largest malls, offering various retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
  4. Greenhills Shopping Center: Known for its bargain shopping, Greenhills is a haven for fashion enthusiasts and haggling fans.
  5. Escolta Street: Step back in time as you explore this historic street, once the “Wall Street of Asia,” now undergoing revitalization.
  6. Binondo: Discover Manila’s Chinatown, where you can indulge in Chinese cuisine and shop for unique items at Divisoria Market.

Things to Know:

  • Traffic in Manila can be heavy, so allow extra time for travel.
  • English is widely spoken, making communication easy for most tourists.
  • Be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas.

Transportation:

  • Jeepneys and buses are the main public transportation options. Grab (the Philippines’ version of Uber) is also popular.

Visa Requirements:

  • Citizens from 167 countries can enter the Philippines without a visa for stays up to 30 days. Check if your country is included in this list before traveling. Visit Philippines DFA for more information.

Day 2: Journey to Banaue

Activities:

  1. Travel from Manila to Banaue: Book a bus or flight to Banaue (flights are usually more expensive but save time). The scenic 7-hour bus ride offers breathtaking views of rice terraces and mountains.
  2. Banaue Rice Terraces: Explore these UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the most stunning examples of human interaction with the environment.
  3. Tappiya Waterfalls: Hike for approximately 45 minutes to reach this beautiful waterfall and refresh yourself in its cool waters.

Things to Know:

  • The bus ride from Manila can be tiring, so make sure to rest well beforehand.
  • Bring appropriate footwear for hiking.
  • Always ask locals for directions when exploring off the beaten path.

Day 3: Hanging Coffins of Sagada

Activities:

  1. Travel from Banaue to Sagada: Take a van or bus to Sagada (around 4 hours).
  2. Hanging Coffins of Echo Valley: Witness the unique and mystical Igorot tradition of hanging coffins in this scenic valley.
  3. Sumaguing Cave: Explore this stunning limestone cave, with its stalactites, pools of water, and fascinating history.
  4. Kiltepan Point: Watch the sunrise over the sea of clouds at this iconic viewpoint.
  5. Bomod-ok Falls: Trek to this breathtaking three-tiered waterfall, enjoying the lush surroundings along the way.

Things to Know:

  • Always ask for a local guide when exploring caves or remote areas.
  • Some activities may require good physical fitness due to steep hikes and uneven terrain.
  • Check the weather forecast, as some activities can be affected by heavy rain.

Transportation:

  • Vans and buses are the primary transportation options between Banaue and Sagada.

Visa Requirements:

  • Refer to Day 1 for visa requirements information.