Most people come to the Philippines for the stunning beaches on the more than 7,000 islands and the incredible diving, some of the best in the world, and they bypass Manila heading straight to one of the islands. If you want to see a little more of the Philippines and its people, maybe a sampler with small tastes of this and that, would be the right experience for you? See the colonial history in Manila and experience the beating heart of the modern Philippines. Enjoy the beautiful nature in the mountains and lakes and spend some time on a beach, all in just over one week in the Philippines!
Dream Itinerary Sample
Traveler: 2 people
Starting from: San Francisco, Los Angeles
Experience: Beach, Getaway, History, City Trip
Trip Duration: 10 days
Region: Asia
Comfort Level: mid-price
Budget for Air fare and Hotels for two people: $2,500 Flight: Eco SFO/LAX – MNL
You fly to Manila in economy class and arrive on a Saturday, going straight to your hotel near the historic Intramuros district. The next morning, you explore Manila’s Spanish colonial history with visits to the old Fort Santiago and the massive Manila Cathedral. You take a break over lunch at the old-style restaurant Barbara’s before visiting St. Augustin church and museum. You finish the busy day with drinks watching the sunset from the Bayleaf’s rooftop bar.
The next day, a driver is taking you to Taal Lake and Volcano. You check into the Taal Vista Hotel and enjoy the gorgeous views from your balcony! The next day you are off to see the crater close up and take a boat across the lake to the island. You are welcomed by the friendly locals and ride a horse up to the rim of the volcano – to discover that there is another lake with yet another island in it! You have the crater pretty much to yourself, take in the scenery and relax. After making it back to the hotel, you enjoy dinner with a view!
In the morning, your driver takes you to the Punta Fuego Resort, part of a private enclave stretching along the ocean. You have an oceanfront suite and can relax at one of the private beaches or pools that are part of the property. Enjoy the sunshine and warm waters, read a book, get pampered at the spa and enjoy the tasty local food.
After three days of beach relaxation, you drive up the coast through the national park back to Manila to see what the modern capital city looks like. You check into your hotel in the upscale Bonifacio Global City. Your last day in Manila is reserved for shopping, people watching, some of the best food the country has to offer and partying with the locals.
You have seen the historic Manila and the modern city, the beautiful nature and had time to relax on one of the many stunning beaches of the islands, giving you a sampler of all the best the Philippines has to offer in just one week.
If this sounds like a perfect experience, check out my Travel Made Easy – Getting to Manila and around and click on the links above for more information on the sights and hotels. If that all sounds to take more time than you have – let me help you with my Travel Made Easy Services and I’ll put an itinerary together that is just the experience you are looking for!