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El Nido limestone cliffs and kayak

Philippines 7-Day Itinerary from India

Manila → El Nido (Palawan) → Bohol → Manila. Island hopping, lagoons, Chocolate Hills.

Written by Nisha Chaudhary — Asia Travel Specialist
Reviewed by Namrata Sethi · Asia Travel Reviewer
Last updated after reviewing:
  • AirSwift flight schedule Manila–El Nido (2026)
  • El Nido Tour A and Tour C availability and pricing
  • Bohol countryside tour typical itinerary
Fact-checked April 2026

Last updated: April 2026

Day-by-Day 7-Day Philippines Itinerary
Designed for Indian travelers – balances sightseeing, travel time, and relaxation.

Day 1: Arrive in Manila

  • Morning/afternoon arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)
  • Clear immigration, buy local SIM (Smart/Globe), withdraw PHP
  • Take Grab to hotel in Makati or BGC (₱300-500)
  • Evening: stroll in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) or Greenbelt Mall
  • Dinner at a local restaurant – try sinigang or adobo

Day 2: Manila to El Nido (Palawan)

  • Morning flight Manila to El Nido (AirSwift or Cebu Pacific via Puerto Princesa?) – direct AirSwift to El Nido Airport (ENI) – 1.5 hrs
  • Arrive El Nido, take tricycle to hotel (₱150-200)
  • Afternoon: relax at Corong Corong beach or Las Cabañas beach
  • Evening: watch sunset from Marimegmeg Beach, dinner at a beachfront restaurant

Day 3: El Nido Tour A (Big Lagoon)

  • Full-day island hopping – Tour A (most popular)
  • Stops: Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach
  • Lunch included (grilled fish, rice, fruits)
  • Back by 4 PM, rent a kayak or explore El Nido town
  • Cost: ₱1,200-1,500 per person (group tour)

Day 4: El Nido Tour C (Hidden Beach)

  • Second island hopping – Tour C (more adventurous)
  • Stops: Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Helicopter Island, Star Beach
  • Deeper lagoons and dramatic limestone cliffs
  • Optional: snorkeling gear included
  • Back by 4 PM. Evening free for souvenir shopping.

Day 5: El Nido → Puerto Princesa → Bohol

  • Morning van transfer El Nido to Puerto Princesa (5-6 hours, ₱600-800)
  • Flight Puerto Princesa (PPS) to Cebu (CEB) via Manila or direct? Usually via Manila. But better: fly PPS–MNL–Tagbilaran (TAG) or PPS–CEB–TAG.
  • Alternative faster route: Fly ENI–MNL (AirSwift) then MNL–Tagbilaran (TAG) – more expensive but saves time.
  • Arrive Bohol, check into hotel in Panglao.
  • Evening relax at Alona Beach.

Day 6: Bohol Countryside Tour

  • Full-day private or group tour (₱1,500-2,500 per person)
  • Highlights: Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, Loboc River cruise with lunch, Baclayon Church, Blood Compact Shrine
  • Optional: ATV ride at Chocolate Hills base (extra ₱1,000)
  • Return to Panglao by 5 PM.

Day 7: Depart from Manila

  • Morning flight Tagbilaran (TAG) to Manila (MNL) – 1.5 hours
  • Arrive Manila by 10 AM. If time permits, quick visit to Intramuros (Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church).
  • Reach airport 3 hours before international flight.
  • Evening departure to India.

Note: Domestic flights within Philippines are affordable but book early (Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, AirSwift). Consider adding 1 extra day in El Nido for Nacpan Beach or a relaxing day.

Route Map & Transport Summary
  • India → Manila: Direct flight (7-12 hrs with layover) – arrive Day 1
  • Manila → El Nido (ENI): AirSwift direct – 1.5 hrs
  • El Nido → Bohol (Tagbilaran): Fly ENI–MNL–TAG (via Manila) – 4-5 hrs total including layover
  • Tagbilaran → Manila: Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines – 1.5 hrs
  • Manila → India: International flight

Total domestic flights: 3 segments. Consider booking a multi-city ticket (India → Manila → El Nido → Tagbilaran → Manila → India) to save time.

Planning Tips for This Itinerary

Packing Essentials

  • Swimwear (2 sets), rash guard, aqua shoes
  • Quick-dry towel, waterproof bag for electronics
  • Reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent
  • Light jacket for air-conditioned flights and buses

Booking Windows

  • International flights: 3-4 months in advance
  • AirSwift (El Nido): 2-3 months – seats sell out
  • Hotels in El Nido: book 2-3 months ahead for peak season (Dec–May)
  • Island tours: can book 1-2 days before in El Nido town
Frequently Asked Questions – Philippines Itinerary
1Can I replace Bohol with Boracay in this 7-day plan?
Yes. Instead of flying to Bohol, fly Manila–Caticlan (MPH) for Boracay. Day 5: El Nido → Manila → Caticlan. Day 6: Boracay island. Day 7: Boracay → Manila → India. It’s tight but possible.
2How much does this 7-day itinerary cost?
Approximately ₹85,000–₹1,30,000 per person including all flights, mid-range hotels, tours, and food. Excludes international flights to Manila.
3Do I need to book island hopping tours in advance?
In peak season (Dec–Feb), book 1-2 days ahead. In off-season, you can book a day before. Many tour operators in El Nido town.
4Is this itinerary suitable for families with young children?
Yes, but consider reducing activities. Skip Tour C (more waves) and focus on Tour A and Bohol countryside. Add rest days.
5What if my flight from India arrives in Manila late at night?
Stay overnight in Manila near the airport (e.g., Resorts World Manila area). Take next morning’s flight to El Nido. Adjust day 1 accordingly.

Plan your Philippines trip step by step: Read the Complete Philippines Travel Guide for visa, costs, and best time.

Also check: Philippines Trip Cost | eVisa Guide

Request a Custom Philippines Package →

Disclaimer: Flight schedules and tour availability subject to change. Confirm domestic flight timings before booking. This itinerary is a suggestion; adjust based on your interests and travel pace.

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