This 15-day Philippines beach itinerary takes you from Cebu to El Nido and Siargao for sun, sea and slow island travel. Vivien Beduya shares her ultimate guide to exploring the Philippines’ best beaches
There’s an absence of long lines and busy crowds when I landed at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Odd yet refreshing, I thought, a stark contrast to the chaos I was used to at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila.
I pick up my luggage, breeze through customs and step outside the air-conditioned building when the piercing heat hit me. The peace and quiet that welcomed me at the airport is no longer. A row of people lined up outside the arrivals gate – chattering, gossiping, laughing – all awaiting a loved one’s return.
I hop into the car, greeted by Cebu standstill traffic. Drivers aren’t afraid to use their horns, not just to display annoyance, but also to say hello to a friend, or signal giving way. Roads still filled with jeepneys – leftover American military jeeps from WWII repurposed into the country’s most iconic public transport. Food and fruit vendors line up the streets, some knocking on your car window for when you’re feeling snackish while stuck in traffic.
All these combined are tell-tale signs that I’m back in the Philippines, that I’m home. As an adult, I finally get to see more of the Philippines as a traveller. But since it’s an archipelago of 7,641 islands, it’s impossible to see and experience it in its entirety in a lifetime, let alone one trip. Situated in the Pacific Ocean, the island nation boasts the world’s fifth-longest coastline, abundant with white sand beaches and marine life.
I always thought it would be the easiest Asian country for tourists because of its relative affordability. It’s also easy to get around because English is one of the its official languages, a result of being under American colonial rule between 1898 to 1946. But tourists have long failed to notice the Philippines, often skipped over for its more popular Southeast Asian cousins. In 2025, it welcomed 5.6 million international tourists. Thailand had 32.9 million, Vietnam 21.2 million, and about 14 million in Indonesia. What that means though is that it’s a destination not overrun by overtourism – a real blessing for locals and tourists alike.
The Ultimate 15-Day Philippine Tropical Getaway
As someone who was born and raised in Cebu City, I naturally gravitate to the islands for some R&R, with a touch of city life. So my ultimate Philippine itinerary is all about the sun, sand and sea! (Don’t get me wrong though, the Philippines also has way more on offer.)
Cebu City, Cebu (Day 1-2)
Cebu, the first capital of the Philippines under Spanish rule, is famous for its grilled seafood, beaches and diving. Download Grab, Southeast Asia’s version of Uber, to get around the city. Book an Airbnb or hotel in IT Park, Lahug for its central location. Get your shopping fix at Ayala Central Bloc. For food, you will be spoilt for options since you’ll be surrounded by several restaurants and the Sugbo Mercado night market. Eat puso (hanging rice) and lechon (roasted pig), once described by Anthony Bourdain (may he rest in peace) as “the best pig ever”. Another must-eat is Cebu’s take on baked scallops, it’s topped with bread crumbs, butter, garlic, parsley and mozarella. For dessert, mango float is an absolute must-try. Cap the night at Straight Up Rooftop Bar at Seda Central Bloc for panoramic views of the city.
Where else to eat in the city:
Dimsum Break or Harbour City: Different names, but they’re all the same. A large Chinese population settled in Cebu from the 18th century, so our cuisine is heavily influenced by Chinese food. Distinctly Cebuano-Chinese dishes to try: The steamed fried rice, orange-tinted rice smothered with a thick, savoury gravy of braised pork, shrimp and peas. For some of the best shao mai in your life, get the pork and prawn shao mai, and quail egg shao mai.
Cafe Laguna: Endless traditional Filipino food on offer: humba (braised pork belly), pork sisig, crispy pata (deep fried pig trotters or knuckles served with a soy-vinegar dip), can’t you tell we love pork? Lumpia (our version of crispy Chinese spring rolls). If you’re more adventurous, try sinigang (sour soup that comes with either pork, fish or shrimp), rated by TasteAtlas as the “best soup in the world” in 2021.
Abli [ab-lee]: Situated in Capitol, this modern cafe-restaurant elevates Cebuano cuisine from mains, snacks, desserts and beverages. You can never go wrong with their mains, paired with a signature cocktail or cold brew. Try their bestselling dessert morta – a twist on torta (a traditional sponge cake shaped like a muffin). It rightfully earned a spot in the 2026 Michelin Guide Restaurants.
Bantayan Island, Cebu (Day 2-5)
Bantayan Island is a well-kept secret amongst Cebuanos. It’s a laid-back, tranquil small island, famous to locals for its powdery white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters. Take a four-hour bus ride, taxi or Grab from the city to Hagnaya Port, then hop on 1.5 hour ferry to Bantayan Island. On the islands, Grab won’t be of much use, but you can get around with motorised tricycles or jeeps. Book your stay in the top beaches: Santa Fe, Kota Beach and Paradise Beach. Eat all the fresh, affordable seafood you can get on the island. Go snorkelling, kayaking or stand up paddle boarding. Lie down on a stand up paddle board and watch the sunset upside down on the calm waters. Truly so magical. I guarantee it will be a ‘core memory unlocked’ moment. Go cave swimming in Ogtong Cave. At night, you can check out MJ Square for shopping, food and a taste of island nightlife.
El Nido, Palawan (Day 5-10)
On your last day on Bantayan Island, expect a pretty intense travel day to the airport. Book a direct flight from Cebu Airport to El Nido through AirSwift, the only carrier offering that direct flight. El Nido, Palawan is world-renowned for its limestone islands and you guessed it, white sand beaches. Again, so underrated when compared to Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay and Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands.
Stays in El Nido town centre can be quite expensive, so we booked Charlie’s El Nido, about 15 minutes away from the townsquare. The food was remarkable for hotel food, handy after a long day of island hopping and you just want to stay in. Airport and town transfers were complimentary when we stayed, or you can hail motorised tricycles or jeeps to get around.
Book island hopping day tours with local tour operators. A quick Google search can help you find the one best suited for you, group and private tours are available. There are four island hopping tours – Tour A, Tour B, Tour C and Tour D – with slight variations on the islands between tour companies. Make the most out of your stay by doing at least two tours, and make sure you tick off kayaking through the crystal clear waters of the Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon. A word of caution, most tours are on pump boats with no bathrooms. Do what you will with that information.
Explore El Nido’s Townsquare for souvenir shopping and dining. Eat at Nanay’s Grill and Resto Bar for Filipino cuisine. Cool down with our iconic Filipino dessert halo-halo (shaved ice dessert) or ube ice cream. Wind down with cocktails at beachside bar, The Pangolin Cocktail Bar. Or hit the town at night for music, dancing and drinks at District El Nido Bar. Do a day trip to Nacpan Beach, a massive stretch of golden sans and another perfect spot to swim, sunbathe and watch the sunset.
Siargao Island (Day 10-15)
Another big day of travel from El Nido to Siargao. You’ll need to book separate flights with Airswift to Cebu, then book with another airline, Cebu Pacific, to Siargao. Just allow enough to get your baggage in between flights. Siargao Island is the surfing capital of the Philippines, and was once a well-kept secret by Australian surfers escaping the busy surf spots in Bali. But Siargao isn’t just popular for its surf breaks, it’s well-loved by tourists for its welcoming, relaxed and fun atmosphere. Locals and travellers alike are so friendly, it’s impossible to leave the island without making new friends.
Book an Airbnb anywhere in General Luna. If you’re confident riding a motorcycle, hire one to get around the island. Or again, get on a motorised tricycle. Go surfing (or learn how to) on Cloud 9 beach. At Siargao Beach Club, find when the next beach party is, or pick a spot to watch the moon rise. Go to Coconut Road for the best views of the coconut trees on the island, but it’s also where the famous ‘human drones’ are located (pay them P150 about $4, they’ll be happy!). What are they, you ask? A uniquely hilarious Siargao experience that’s best explained by showing you:
Book a day trip to Bucas Grande Island, go snorkelling with stingless yellow jellyfish in Sohoton Cove, and swim to see the inside Hagukan Cave. Have lunch with your group budol fight style, a communal way of eating, traditionally with your hands, where a large spread of food is plastered onto banana leaves on a long table.
Back in General Luna, reserve a table at Cev, a ceviche and kinilaw shack. Order the Swordfish Pacifico Ceviche and fish skin chicken chicharon for the best meal you will ever have in you life. In the evening, go to Secret Breach just outside of General Luna, and take a small boat or a paddle board to watch fireflies, and if you’re lucky, the glow of bioluminescent planktons.
General information:
- Bring cash. You can get away with paywave and credit cards in major establishments in the city. But most places, especially the islands, still operate on a cash basis. You can also withdraw P10,000 at a time in ATMs.
- Tipping is customary, so have 20, 50, 100 peso notes handy. Locals unfortunately don’t make much on their wages, and rely heavily on tips. Please tip accordingly, especially to those who go above and beyond with their service.
- Travel during the dry season, January to May. While it’s nice and warm year-round, the -ber months bring in storms and typhoons.
All photos by Vivien Beduya.
