Things to do in Philippines

4 destinations in Philippines, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.

Places to visit in Philippines

When flights to each destination are cheapest.

Boracay: Flying to Boracay is cheapest during the shoulder months of June through early July and September through October, when you can save 25-40% versus peak December-April fares. Avoid Holy Week (Easter) and the Christmas-New Year window, which see the highest prices and crowds of the year.
Cebu: Flying to Cebu is cheapest from late January through March and again in September to early November, avoiding Christmas, Holy Week, and the Sinulog Festival (third Sunday of January), when fares spike 40-70%. Mid-week departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently beat weekend prices by 15-25%.
El Nido: Flying into Puerto Princesa during the shoulder seasons of May and early December can be 20-35% cheaper than peak dry-season months of November through April, with the lowest fares typically found on Tuesday and Wednesday departures booked 6-10 weeks in advance. Avoid Holy Week (Easter) and the Christmas-New Year window, when prices spike sharply and El Nido is at maximum capacity.
Manila: The cheapest months to fly to Manila are September and October (the tail end of typhoon season), when round-trip fares from US hubs can be 25-35% lower than December-January peak; midweek departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) consistently beat weekend prices by another 10-15%.

A day on the ground for one person travelling alone, before flights: somewhere to sleep, food, something to do and getting around.

Set your dates, budget and home airport on any destination below for a total that includes flights.

Boracay: Sunset watching at White Beach Station 1 Consistently ranked among Asia's most spectacular sunsets, completely free from the beach.
Boracay: Bulabog Beach kitesurfing spectator Watch world-class kiteboarders shred the waves on the island's windy eastern shore.
Cebu: Carbon Market wander The Philippines' oldest public market is a sensory explosion of produce, dried fish, and local street food, best experienced at dawn.
Cebu: Tops Lookout hike (free sections) Walk the hillside trails above Busay for sweeping panoramic views of Cebu City and the strait, no entrance fee on the trail itself.
El Nido: Corong-Corong Beach Sunset Walk Stroll the laid-back fishing village beach for stunning sunset views over the bay at no cost.
El Nido: El Nido Town Viewpoint Hike A short climb above town rewards you with a panoramic vista of islands and sea.

Andok's Boracay in Boracay, Litson manok (roasted chicken) with garlic rice Plates $2-4
Jonah's Fruit Shake & Snack Bar in Boracay, Fresh mango shake and banana pancakes Plates $1-3
STK ta Bay! sa Fuente in Cebu, Lechon (roast pig), order a mixed plate with rice Plates $1-3
Sutukil Restaurants (Mactan area) in Cebu, Sugba (grilled fresh seafood) chosen straight from the display, typically tuna or squid Plates $3-6
Altrove in El Nido, Fresh tuna pasta or local catch of the day Plates $4-7
Midtown Eatery in El Nido, Pork sinigang or chicken adobo with rice Plates $2-4