nadoo2k

I will be traveling to the Philippines , March 28-April 15. This gives me around 17 days. I am interested in seeing the rice terraces, couple of the country's finest beaches, a night or two in Manila for nightlife, and if time permits snorkeling with the whale sharks or couple days of diving. From what I've gathered and I know 17 days to see a country is nothing, but some of the must sees for a short trip such as this are (excluding manila):

1. Boracay
2. Bohol
3. Palawan
4. Sagada/Banaue/Batad
5. Donsol (Do I have time/is it conducive to my route?)

Could anyone advise me on number of days I should spend in each and also what the most efficient route would be and how/airlines/flights? Since I am limited in time is it necessary to visit all Sagada/Banaue/Batad? Is Cebu worth spending a couple days in or is Bohol preferred and Cebu just a stopover place? Also please advise where to go in Palawan. Did my list include the nicest beaches. Really appreciate any help. Thanks again

nadoo2k

how about 2 days in Boracay, 2 days in Bohol, 1-2 days in Padre Burgos, 5 days in Palawan, 3 days in the rice terraces of Banaue/Batad/Sagada?

vyv

I think it would be better if you arrive in Cebu, spend 2 nights for Island hopping or divng in mactan area then night life... after Cebu you may go to Bohol for Chocolate hills and see the tarsier, for best stay I think it would be nice if you choose Chillout Guest house in Alona beach, Panglao cause this place will let you embrace the beauty of nature. As what I have experience the PrAna dive center is the one you could rely on with your diving, instructors are professional and friendly... So maybe you could dive for 3 days in Bohol.
Then I guess you could fly to Palawan or Coron Island for another 3 days diving... then Banaue before Manila...

wandering_gal

17 days is short to see the Philippines, given your target places. Bare in mind that Philippines is a archipelago and our transportation is not that advance. even by just touring Manila it will take you so much time just to see an attraction then move on to another.

Night life in Manila is considered the best. If you from a country where in Club are mainstream (eg. LA,NYC, AMSTERDAM and European countries) then you will find Provincial club cheesy and cheap. HOttest club ryt not is "the republic" if you get bored you can always visit the World Resort Casino which is in the same place. If you are just curious then go visit any grill or bars like paddy's point or comedy bars along Timog avenue and Tomas Morato, or Taguig, its more attractive.

You have to go to Banaue and Saga. One of the best experiences that i had. trip from manila to Banaue is more or less 12 hrs via bus. Then you can drop by Vigan and see old historical site and white sand beaches. Then before going back to Manila drop by Baguio, which is the summer capital of the philippines.

If you have days left visit either Palawan or Boracay if its summer if not then proceed to Cebu-Bohol option.

hope this helps.

OkieTim

I would agree with has already been said. Your wish list is a good one, yet may be one stop too many in the time frame. One of the killers in the philippines is that you usually have to fly from Manila or Cebu to get to anywhere else. When you arrive in Manila, head north and enjoy Baguio, Banaue, Batad and definitely Sagada 4-5 days.

Once finished fly to Cebu and set forth a doable 4-5 day trip throuh the Visayan region. You have a few opitions..I love Siquijor, Bohol is nice (Nuts Huts..awesome Hostel) I also like taking the ferry to Southern Leyte and hitting Padre Burgos for a couple days. This could offer you the opportunity of seeing whale sharks just as you would in Donsol, but in a far less touristy place. Stay at Sogod Bay Resort..nice and clean.

Make your way back by ferry to Cebu and catch a flight to Palawan 4-5 days, or take a ferry further south from Padre Burgos to Siargao (More Pritstine than Boracay worldclass surfing) over to Butuan/CDO and fly back to manila..can't miss on either option just plan time right.