Phillipines 7 Day Itinerary

Here’s a 7-day itinerary for traveling in the Philippines, using Markdown format:

Day 1: Manila

  • Arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
  • Check-in at a hotel in Makati or Bonifacio Global City.
  • Visit Intramuros, the old walled city of Manila, and Rizal Park.
  • Explore Greenhills Shopping Center for souvenirs and local goods.
  • Dinner at a local restaurant serving Filipino cuisine.
  • Tips: Be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas. Learn basic Tagalog phrases such as “Mabuhay” (Hello) and “Salamat” (Thank you).

Day 2: Manila to Banaue (By Bus)

  • Take a bus from Cubao or Pasay terminal to Banaue (around 8 hours travel time).
  • Arrive in Banaue and check-in at a local guesthouse.
  • Visit the Banaue Rice Terraces, one of the most iconic sights in the Philippines.
  • Explore the Ifugao Museum to learn about the local culture.
  • Dinner at a local restaurant serving native Ifugao dishes.
  • Tips: Bring trekking shoes for exploring the rice terraces. Take the early morning bus to avoid traffic and enjoy scenic views.

Day 3: Banaue to Sagada (By Jeepney)

  • Ride a jeepney from Banaue to Sagada (around 2 hours travel time).
  • Visit the Hanging Coffins of Echo Valley, an ancient burial tradition.
  • Explore Sumaguing Cave and its stunning limestone formations.
  • Take a walk through the town and visit the Sagada Weaving Loom and Pottery.
  • Dinner at a local restaurant serving native Igorot dishes.
  • Tips: Bring a jacket as it can get cold in Sagada. Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring.

Day 4: Sagada to Baguio (By Jeepney)

  • Ride a jeepney from Sagada to Baguio (around 2 hours travel time).
  • Visit the Mines View Park for panoramic views of the Cordilleras.
  • Explore the Burnham Park and the Bell Church.
  • Take a walk along Session Road and try local dishes like Strawberry Taho and Longanisa.
  • Dinner at a local restaurant serving Filipino cuisine with a Baguio twist.
  • Tips: Bring an umbrella as it can rain frequently in Baguio. Check the weather forecast before your trip.

Day 5: Baguio to La Union (By Bus)

  • Take a bus from Baguio to San Juan, La Union (around 2 hours travel time).
  • Check-in at a resort or hostel along the Urbiztondo Beach.
  • Spend the day surfing, sunbathing, and swimming in the sea.
  • Dinner at a local restaurant serving Filipino dishes with a coastal twist.
  • Tips: Book your accommodation ahead as La Union is popular among tourists. Rent a surfboard or take surf lessons from local instructors.

Day 6: La Union to Vigan (By Bus)

  • Take a bus from San Juan, La Union to Vigan (around 3 hours travel time).
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vigan’s historic center and its traditional houses made of wood and bamboo.
  • Explore the Calle Crisologo, the city’s main street, and try local dishes like Empanada and Longganisa de Vigan.
  • Take a horse-drawn kalesa ride around the city.
  • Dinner at a local restaurant serving native Ilocano cuisine.
  • Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for walking in the historic center. Bring cash as some establishments do not accept credit cards.

Day 7: Vigan to Manila (By Bus)

  • Take a bus from Vigan back to Manila (around 6 hours travel time).
  • Arrival at your hotel or the airport for departure.
  • Tips: Allow extra travel time for traffic and plan activities before your flight if necessary.

Things to know:

  • The Philippines has two main islands, Luzon and Mindanao, with numerous smaller islands in between. This itinerary covers the northern part of Luzon island.
  • The local currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP). US dollars are accepted in some establishments but often at an unfavorable exchange rate.
  • English is widely spoken and understood, especially among younger generations.
  • To enter the Philippines, most nationalities require a tourist visa, which can be obtained online or upon arrival for a fee. Some countries have Visa-Free agreements with the Philippines; check the requirements for your passport.