17-Day Epic Luxury Escapes Route in Philippines
The Philippines is a sprawling archipelago that offers some of the most exclusive and breathtaking travel experiences in Southeast Asia. This itinerary focuses on the "Luxury Escape" style, prioritizing seamless domestic flight connections, private boat charters, and stays at the country’s most prestigious resorts.
From the historic streets of Manila to the limestone lagoons of El Nido and the powdery sands of Boracay, you will experience the Filipino warmth (Mabuhay!) paired with world-class amenities and secluded tropical paradise vibes.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Manila, Philippines - Arrival and Urban Elegance
Arrival at NAIA Terminal 1
Touch down in Manila and receive a VIP meet-and-greet service to bypass the queues and head straight to your private luxury chauffeur.
Check-in at The Peninsula Manila
Settle into one of the most iconic luxury hotels in the country, known for its grand lobby and world-class service in the heart of Makati.
Tasting Menu at Toyo Eatery
Enjoy a modern Filipino culinary experience at this award-winning restaurant, which focuses on local ingredients and cultural heritage.
Cocktails at The Curator
End your first night at one of Asia's 50 Best Bars, specializing in bespoke cocktails and craft coffee.
Day 2: Manila, Philippines - Heritage & High-End Shopping
Private Bambike Tour of Intramuros
Explore the historic walled city of Intramuros on handcrafted bamboo bicycles with a private historian guide.
Lunch at Blackbird at the Nielsen Tower
Dine in a converted Art Deco airport terminal that now serves as one of the city's most sophisticated international restaurants.
Art Exploration at Ayala Museum
View the Gold of Ancestors exhibit, showcasing pre-colonial gold artifacts that highlight the rich history of the Philippines.
Dinner at Antonio's (Tagaytay Excursion)
Take a private car to Tagaytay for a world-class fine dining experience overlooking the Taal Volcano.
Day 3: El Nido, Philippines - Flight to Paradise
Luxury Flight to El Nido
Board a private boutique aircraft from the dedicated ITI hangar for a scenic flight directly to Lio Airport in Palawan.
Speedboat Transfer to Pangulasian Island
Travel by private speedboat to your eco-luxury villa at El Nido Resorts' most exclusive island property.
Sunset Hike to the Viewing Deck
Take a short guided hike to the island's peak for a 360-degree view of the Bacuit Bay at sunset.
Private Beach Dinner
Enjoy a curated seafood barbecue under the stars on a secluded stretch of white sand.
Day 4: El Nido, Philippines - Private Lagoon Expedition
Private Charter to the Big Lagoon
Beat the tourist crowds with an early morning private boat charter to the iconic Big Lagoon for kayaking in crystal clear waters.
Secret Lagoon Exploration
Swim through a small crevice in the limestone walls to discover a hidden pool of turquoise water.
Luxury Picnic on Entalula Island
Enjoy a gourmet lunch prepared by your private chef on a beach reserved exclusively for El Nido Resorts guests.
Snorkeling at South Miniloc
Dive into the vibrant house reef to swim with sea turtles and schools of tropical fish.
Day 5: El Nido, Philippines - Wellness & Relaxation
Island Yoga Session
Begin your day with a private yoga class on the jetty, overlooking the limestone karsts.
Spa Treatment at Pangulasian
Indulge in a traditional Hilot massage, a Filipino healing art using warm coconut oil and banana leaves.
Paddleboarding in the Cove
Explore the calm waters around the resort at your own pace on a premium stand-up paddleboard.
Cocktails at the Pool Bar
Sip on a signature mango daiquiri while watching the sky turn purple over the Palawan horizon.
Day 6: Coron, Philippines - Expedition to the North
Seaplane Transfer to Coron
Take a breathtaking seaplane flight over the archipelago for the fastest and most scenic route to Coron.
Check-in at Two Seasons Coron Island Resort
Arrive at this luxury eco-friendly resort located on its own private peninsula in Malaroyroy.
Lunch at Sulu Restaurant
Sample the resort's famous 4-Cheese Pizza and traditional Filipino delicacies by the infinity pool.
Private Sunset Cruise
Charter a private yacht to navigate the Coron Bay as the sun dips below the horizon.
Day 7: Coron, Philippines - Lakes & Shipwrecks
Early Access to Kayangan Lake
Visit the "cleanest lake in Asia" before the general public arrives to enjoy the mirror-like waters in silence.
Twin Lagoons Swimming
Swim under a small rock opening to enter the second lagoon where warm and cold water currents mix.
Shipwreck Snorkeling at Skeleton Wreck
Explore a sunken WWII Japanese ship that is now home to a thriving coral ecosystem.
Maquinit Hot Springs
Relax in one of the few saltwater hot springs in the world, located right by the mangrove forest.
Day 8: Coron, Philippines - Calauit Safari and Seclusion
Private Calauit Safari Tour
Take a private boat and car to see African giraffes and zebras living alongside endemic Filipino wildlife.
Lunch at Black Island (Sangat)
Dine on a remote beach featuring massive caves and a pristine white coastline.
Caving Exploration
Walk through the cathedral-like limestone caves of Black Island with your private guide.
Farewell Dinner in Coron Town
Enjoy a premium dining experience at Sine-Gue Bistro, known for its creative fusion of local flavors.
Day 9: Cebu, Philippines - The Queen City of the South
Flight to Mactan-Cebu
Fly from Busuanga to Cebu and transfer via luxury SUV to your beachfront resort in Mactan.
Check-in at Shangri-La Mactan
Experience the ultimate in beachfront luxury at this sprawling resort with its own marine sanctuary.
Visit Magellan’s Cross & Basilica del Santo Niño
Take a private tour of Cebu's historical core to see the cradle of Christianity in the Philippines.
Dinner at Cowrie Cove
Savor fresh seafood and steak at the resort’s signature outdoor waterfront restaurant.
Day 10: Bohol, Philippines - Chocolate Hills & Tarsiers
Business Class Ferry to Bohol
Cross the sea to Bohol in the comfort of the OceanJet Business Class cabin.
Chocolate Hills Private Viewing
Witness over 1,200 symmetrical brown hills from a private vantage point away from the main tourist deck.
Private Loboc River Lunch Cruise
Enjoy a traditional Filipino buffet on a privately chartered river boat with live acoustic music.
Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary
Visit the world's smallest primates in a protected, quiet environment with a private naturalist.
Day 11: Bohol, Philippines - Coastal Luxury & Relaxation
Panglao Island Beach Morning
Relax on the shores of Alona Beach or enjoy the private beach club at your luxury resort.
Lunch at Bohol Bee Farm
Dine on organic, farm-to-table dishes with a stunning view of the Mindanao Sea.
Hinagdanan Cave Swimming
Visit this naturally lit cavern with a deep lagoon for a refreshing afternoon dip.
Dinner at Tarsier Paprika
Enjoy a sophisticated international menu at this cliffside restaurant known for its panoramic ocean views.
Day 12: Boracay, Philippines - The World’s Best Beach
Flight to Caticlan
Transfer back to Cebu and fly to Caticlan, the gateway to the world-famous Boracay Island.
Private Speedboat Transfer
Skip the public ferry and arrive at your resort via a private speedboat provided by the hotel.
Settling into White Beach
Take a walk along the powdery soft sands of Station 1, the island's most upscale area.
Dinner at Indigo Restaurant
Experience high-end coastal dining at Discovery Shores, featuring a creative seafood-forward menu.
Day 13: Boracay, Philippines - Sailing & Sunsets
Helicopter Island Tour
See the white sands and turquoise waters of Boracay from a different perspective with a 15-minute aerial tour.
Lunch at Sunny Side Cafe
Enjoy a gourmet brunch with a twist on Filipino classics at this beachfront favorite.
Private Paraw Sunset Sailing
Board a traditional Filipino outrigger sailboat for a private cruise as the sun sets over the horizon.
Beachfront Fire Show and Dinner
Enjoy a lively dinner at one of the upscale beachfront lounges with spectacular fire dancing entertainment.
Day 14: Boracay, Philippines - Water Sports & Wellness
Private Scuba Diving Session
Explore the vibrant dive sites around Boracay with a private instructor, perfect for beginners or pros.
Lunch at Kasbah
Indulge in authentic Moroccan cuisine right on the sand at Station 1.
Spa CHI at Shangri-La
Treat yourself to a luxury spa ritual in a private villa sanctuary surrounded by lush tropical gardens.
Farewell Island Feast
Enjoy a final beach dinner at Vintana, sampling international flavors and local delicacies.
Day 15: Siargao, Philippines - The Surfing Capital
Flight to Siargao Island
Fly to the world-renowned surf island of Siargao and take a private transfer to your luxury villa.
Check-in at Nay Palad Hideaway
Arrive at the ultimate all-inclusive luxury retreat, where every detail is tailored to your preferences.
Cloud 9 Boardwalk Walk
Walk the famous wooden boardwalk and watch professional surfers tackle the legendary Cloud 9 break.
Dinner at the Hideaway
Experience a personalized dinner menu created by the resort's executive chef based on your tastes.
Day 16: Siargao, Philippines - Island Hopping & Lagoons
Private Island Hopping (Guyam, Daku, Naked Island)
Visit the three iconic islands of Siargao on a private luxury speedboat with a gourmet lunch on Daku Island.
Boodle Fight Lunch
Enjoy a traditional Filipino "boodle fight" feast—food served on banana leaves—at a private beach spot.
Maasin River Palm Tree Swing
Take a scenic boat ride down the Maasin River and try the famous palm tree swing for a classic Siargao photo.
Final Evening Cocktails
Sip on craft spirits as you celebrate the end of your epic journey through the Philippines.
Day 17: Manila, Philippines - Departure
Last Tropical Breakfast
Enjoy a final breakfast of fresh mangoes and local coffee at the resort before your flight.
Flight back to Manila
Take a domestic flight back to the capital to connect with your international departure.
Duty-Free Shopping at Luxe Duty Free
Visit the high-end duty-free mall near the airport for premium Filipino gifts and international brands.
International Departure
Relax in the PAGSS Premium Lounge before boarding your flight home, ending your 17-day luxury journey.
Best Time to Visit Philippines
The best time to visit the Philippines is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to April. During these months, the weather is most stable, and the seas are calmest, making it ideal for island hopping and domestic flights. For the ultimate luxury experience, aim for the months of January and February when the humidity is lower and the temperatures are slightly cooler.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP). While high-end hotels, restaurants, and shops in Manila, Cebu, and Boracay widely accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), it is essential to carry some cash for smaller islands and tips. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 10% is standard in restaurants if a service charge is not already included in the bill.
Getting Around Philippines
Intercity travel in the Philippines is best handled via domestic flights due to the archipelago's geography. Airlines like Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific offer extensive networks, while boutique airlines like AirSwift provide direct luxury access to El Nido. Within cities, private car services or ride-hailing apps like Grab are the safest and most efficient options. Between nearby islands, private speedboats or business-class ferries are recommended for comfort.
