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Turquoise water between limestone cliffs at Big Lagoon in El Nido, Palawan

Philippines in 10 days

A selective three-base route gives Manila, Cebu and El Nido two full days each, with protected island flights and a final night near Manila before departure.

10 days, 60 stopsBalanced paceDecember to MarchApproved by TravPa Editors, Nov 6, 2026
Limestone cliffs frame the entrance channel to Big Lagoon on El Nido's Miniloc Island.

Trip at a glance

Add your first day to see each day's date, weather, sunset and closing days.

Day 1: Intramuros on foot

Follow the walled city from its fort to house-museum rooms and the southern defenses.

Check the weekday. Casa Manila Museum is closed on Mondays. Centro de Turismo Intramuros is closed on Mondays.

  1. 1
    9:00 AMFort SantiagoStart with the fort and memorial exhibits before the day grows hotter. Carry water for the exposed grounds.About 1 hour 30 min here
    Standard adult: ₱75 (about $1) · Regular admission; eligible concessions require proof. Allow time for memorial exhibits as well as the grounds.

    Official fees: Intramuros AdministrationLast verified

    Walk about 15 min
  2. 2
    10:45 AMManila Cathedral exteriorLook at the facade and square; enter only if visitors are welcome and no service is being disturbed.About 1 hour here
    Exterior visit; worship, services and private events take priority inside.
    Walk about 10 min
  3. 3
    12:00 PMPlaza San Luis lunch areaChoose lunch around Plaza San Luis and take a proper break before the indoor museum visit.About 1 hour here
    Pay as you go; the pin marks the complex rather than a particular restaurant.
    Walk about 5 min
  4. 4
    1:00 PMCasa Manila MuseumVisit the furnished rooms at a steady pace. Move this day if it falls on the museum's Monday closure.About 1 hour 15 min here
    Standard adult: ₱75 (about $1) · Regular museum ticket; closed Monday. The current last entry is at 5 PM.

    Official fees: Intramuros AdministrationLast verified

    Walk about 10 min
  5. 5
    2:30 PMOptionalCentro de Turismo IntramurosUse the free orientation galleries if you want more context; skip this stop for a slower afternoon.About 45 min here
    Visit the free visitor center and Centro museum only; other galleries and levels have paid access. Closed Monday.
    Walk about 15 min
  6. 6
    3:30 PMBaluarte de San DiegoReach the ticket gate before the published 4 PM last entry, then explore the fortification and grounds.About 2 hours 15 min here
    PHP[fee]; current standard tariff unverified. Arrive before the published 4 PM last entry.
    Walk about 15 min
  7. 7
    6:00 PMIntramuros dinner areaReturn to the central restaurant area for dinner; check the menu and opening time before sitting down.
    Pay as you go; check an open restaurant and its menu before settling in.

Before you go

Where to stay for this plan

Plan three nights in Manila before the Cebu flight, three in Cebu, three in El Nido and one final airport-area night if arriving the evening before Day 1. Adjust nights to your actual arrival date.

Map and live prices from Stay22 and its booking partners. TravPa earns a commission if you book; your price stays the same.

Plan last checked Nov 4, 2026. Check individual fee sources before you go. TravPa earns a commission when you book through a partner; your price stays the same.