2-week roadtrip to discover the Filipino Islands

🏖 You love the beach ? You love learning new things ? You have 2 weeks of vacation and you don’t know what to do with ? This itinerary is perfect for you ! Between two beach days, discover the surrounding cities’ architecture. 😍

Itinerary of this two weeks road trip in the Filipino Islands

Iloilo > Roxas City > Kalibo > Boracay > Bulalacao > Calapan > Batangas > Manilla

🗺 Need a road map to prepare your itinerary ? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read !

📗 You want to buy a paper travel guide ? We recommend this one ! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date !

The itinerary : step by step

What to do in Iloilo ?

In the middle of the Philippines, Iloilo is a city with a unique architectural style, influenced by the colonizations.

• Visit the many churches like Molo Church or Jaro Cathedral.
• A must-see : Iloilo River Esplanade, by day and by night ! You’ll be amazed by the gorgeous view.
• Stop at Barangay San Jose Riverside Eco-Park.
• Go by  Lapaz District Plaza Park, one of the most popular places in the city, relax by the pond and watch the colourful fish.
• Walk along Banate Beach.

What to do in Roxas City ?

From beaches to religious monuments, you won’t know where to look in Roxas City. 

• On the seaside, walk along Baybay beach, enjoy seafood with wind blowing through your hair and end the night watching the sunset.
• For the believers, go discover the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, rebuilt in 1954 and restored with beautiful inkeriror design. Be sure to go to Santa Monica Parish Church too, it is made of stone and bricks and has Asia’s largest bell !

what to do in Kalibo ?

At he country’s heart, Kalibo is one of the oldest cities of the Philippines. 

• Walk through the city and discover the typical Filipino houses.
• Go shopping and don’t forget to get souvenirs for your friends and family !
• Get to know about the art of pineapple silk weaving.
• For the brave explorers and nature lover, go to Bakhawan Eco-park and Research Centre to recharge your batteries, take pictures and try nautical activities.
• A 40 min drive away, head to Pandan Island and dissocier this mystical place, you’ll build amazing memories there.
• End your day with a Filipino massage !

What to do in Boracay ?

Voted best island in the world in a 2012 travel magazine, Borocay is a popular sea resort.

• Walk on White Beach, famous for being the place for night life and parties.
• « Philippines’ Saint Tropez » also have an amazing view point, Mount Luho, an ideal place to take pictures of the island and its beaches.
• You like partying ? Spend a least one night in Boracay, you will not be disappointed.

[Update : The Island of Borcay is being cleaned-up and is closed to tourists until October]

What to do in Bulalacao ?

Entirely made of white sand and rocks, Bulalacao is not very touristic letting you enjoy the calm and relax ! 

• Photography lovers, this is one the best spots ! Vibrant-blue water, white sand, rocks, shells and bushes will make your pictures heavenly.

What to do in Calapan ?

Located on Mindoro Island, capital of  Mindoro Oriental region, Calapan is a calm city. 

• Walk through the Silonay Mangrove Conservation Area and Ecotourism, which revelry got the local tourism actor’s Excellence Prize. Small bridges were built in the vegetation to go from tree to tree.
• Off the shore of  Calapan, get on a boat to discover the marine sanctuary of Harka Piloto on Silonay Island. A very good diving/snorkeling spot where you’ll get to see corals and many local fish.

What to do in Batangas ?

Batangas region’s capital, this city is one of the most urbanized places in the Philippines. 

• In the city center, Tanuan Church will catch you eye with all its statues.
• An hour away, Anilao is a very popular place for diving and snorkeling in the Philippines because of all its strange creatures ! Besidessnorkeling, you can also try other nautical sports out, like jet ski or windsurf !
• For those who prefer calmer activities, go on a boat tour around the islands or explore Taal Lake.

What to do in Manilla ?

Philippines’ capital, Manilla is constantly changing. Big city blending past and future. Its nightlife is very busy.

• Explore the city’s historic neighbourhood. The Intramuros neighbourhood is the oldest in the city with its churches, cathedrals, museums … For instance the Saint Augustin Church, which will tell you about the history of Philippines.
• Rent a jeepney or just walk around the many streets.
• Passionate about Spanish colonization ?  Head to Santiago Fort (Intramuros), one of the rare ruins in the Philippines. And if you want to save money, keep in mind that you can get in for free on Sundays !
• Stroll through Rizal Park (Intramuros) where locals spend most of their spare time having fun, having a pic-nic or just relaxing.
• You love animals ? Go to Manila Ocean Park (Intramuros) a theme park that will let you get a closer look of the local wildlife, from small fish to big reptile.
• Let’s get out of the Intramuros neighbourhood and head to Chinatown. Go shopping in the huge malls with international brands.
• In Quiapo neighbourhood, explore Saint Sebastien Basilica, a hidden gem not many tourists know about. This basilica is entirely made out of steel, which is very unusual in Asia. Beautiful walls, sculptures and gardens to admire.
• Do not leave without having tasted the traditional Lechon. This spit-roast suckling pig dish is delicious !

To learning more…

• You want to know all the information about the country ? it’s here.
• Finally, to book a flight at the best price, we advise you this website.