4-Week Philippines Travel Blueprint
A complete 4-week itinerary for the Philippines — from Manila to the islands — including transport, accommodation, budget, health, and must-see spots.
Difficulty
Beginner
Estimated time
4–6 hours planning
Tags
What this helps with
- ✓Planning a first trip to Southeast Asia
- ✓Understanding transport between islands
- ✓Budgeting for a 4-week trip
- ✓Finding the right balance of city and beach
- ✓Health and visa requirements
Step-by-step plan
- 1
Visa and entry requirements
EU/NL passport holders get 30 days visa-free. Extend to 59 days at a Bureau of Immigration office. Book return flight before arrival (required at immigration).
- 2
Plan your route
Suggested: Manila (2 nights) → Palawan/El Nido (7 nights) → Cebu/Moalboal (5 nights) → Bohol (4 nights) → Siargao (5 nights) → Manila (1 night). Book inter-island flights early.
- 3
Budget planning
Budget traveller: €50–70/day. Mid-range: €80–120/day. Includes accommodation, food, transport, activities. Main costs: flights (±€700 return from NL), diving, boat tours.
- 4
Health and vaccinations
Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, routine vaccines. Consider Rabies and Japanese Encephalitis for rural areas. Bring a travel medical kit. Get travel insurance with medical evacuation.
- 5
Pack smart for the tropics
Lightweight clothes, quick-dry fabrics, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent (DEET), water shoes, snorkel set, dry bag, universal power adapter.
- 6
Transport on the ground
Book Cebu Pacific or AirAsia for inter-island flights. Use Grab for city rides. Jeepneys and tricycles for short hops. Rent a scooter in Siargao and Bohol.
Download this blueprint
4-Week Philippines Itinerary + Budget Sheet (PDF)