OT Travel Itinerary: Five Days In The Philippines

The archipelago of the Philippines is teeming with rice fields, megacities, graffiti-splashed jeepneys, smouldering volcanoes and friendly people who will go to great lengths to help you. Perhaps this is why newly-married couple Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal are celebrating their one-month anniversary in the tropical paradise. Consisting of more than 7,500 islands, the country’s main tourist attractions are its world-class beaches, natural icons and diving spots. The favourable climate and low cost of living pull travellers and remote workers alike to live their days in this scenic country.

Here’s a five-day itinerary to the Philippines for you to follow on your next travel outing.

Day 1

Morning

Land at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila and start your exploration in the capital city. Visit the Intramuros which served as the Spanish seat of government from 1571 to 1865. This historic walled area is entirely surrounded by fortifications that protected the city from foreign invasions and pirate attacks. The places to see here are Fort Santiago, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the San Augustin Church, the Manila Cathedral, the Casa Manila, the Baluarte de San Diego and the Bahay Tsinoy.

Afternoon

After all that walking, head to the adjacent Rizal Park. It is one of the largest urban parks in the Philippines, covering an area of 58 hectares. The park played a significant role in shaping the history of the country as it was the site where the execution of Filipino patriot José Rizal took place in 1896. Thus, the park was officially named in his honour and a bronze-and-granite monument was erected to enshrine his remains. There’s a children playground, a Japenese garden, a Chinese garden, an orchidarium and even a butterfly pavilion to keep visitors busy. Take photos at the Kilometer Zero which serves as the nation’s marker for measuring distances to different provinces and cities on Luzon Island (where Manila is situated) and the rest of the Philippines.

Rizal Park is also home to a plethora of museums, libraries and galleries that safeguard the history, culture and heritage of the Philippines. This includes the National Library of the Philippines, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of Fine Arts and the National Museum of Anthropology.

Evening

Head to Binondo, informally known as the city’s Chinatown. It is supposedly the oldest Chinatown in the world as it was established in 1594 by the Spaniards as a settlement near Intramuros. Check out the Chinatown Museum and the Binondo Church. Eat and drink at the Wai Ying Fast Food, the Tea Brothers, Sincerity Restaurant, Dong Bei Dumplings and New Po Heng Lumpia House.

Day 2

Morning

Fly south to Tagaytay, one of the country's most popular destinations because of its scenery and cooler climate thanks to the altitude at which it is located (634 metres above sea level). Check out the Taal Lake and gaze at the Taal Volcano Island which sits in the middle of the water body. The freshwater Taal Lake is the country's third-largest lake after Laguna de Bay and Lake Lanao. The Taal Volcano Island is an active volcano with 38 recorded historical eruptions.

Visitors can step foot on the island depending on the latest volcanic activity updates. Link up with a tour outfitter to check out Crater Lake which offers stunning views of the landscape. You can also go horse riding, birdwatching and picnicking here.

Afternoon

Next, head to the People’s Park in the Sky at Tagaytay’s eastern end. This was former president Ferdinand Marcos’s unfinished summer home. It's a derelict yet strangely intriguing ruin, with a decrepit Greek-style amphitheatre, viewpoints and souvenir stalls. A weather tower and a telecommunications tower are newer additions. The 360° view of the area alone is worth the trip up.

Afterwards, check out the Puzzle Mansion, one of the most famous spots in Tagaytay. It houses the biggest jigsaw puzzle museum in the world with at least 1,028 sets of jigsaw puzzles coming in all sizes, shapes and forms. The collection consists of 2D, 3D and 4D puzzles including replications of world-renowned paintings like Michelangelo’s “The Creation of Adam” and “The Mona Lisa” by Leonardo da Vinci. There’s also a souvenir shop for visitors to purchase jigsaw sets of their own.

Evening

Fly back to Manila to rest before you catch a flight to Boracay the next day.

Day 3

Morning

Fly to the resort island of Boracay off the northwest coast of Panay Island. It is globally renowned for its beaches, nightlife and serenity. Step onto White Beach with its long stretch of powdery white sand and pristine water. The place is divided into three boat stations. Station 1 is where the sand is the finest and where most luxury resorts are located. Station 2 is the busiest and most crowded due to a concentration of restaurants, resorts, bars and shops. Station 3 has a more relaxed vibe and is where cheaper accommodation can be found. Scuba dive, snorkel, kiteboard, swim and surf to your heart’s content.

Afternoon

Next, head to D’Mall, the island’s bustling alfresco shopping plaza which is conveniently situated between Station 1 and Station 2. Here you’ll find beachwear, souvenirs and a variety of dining options. It’s also the perfect spot to cool down and relax on a hot day. Eat and drink at the Lemoni Café and Restaurant, the Jardin Mediterranean Cuisine or the Aria Restaurant.

Evening

Time to let your hair down and experience Boracay’s nightlife firsthand. Consider visiting the OM Boracay, Club Galaxy, the Exit Bar, Summer Place, the Paraw Beach Club and the Epic Boracay for a night to remember.

Day 4

Morning

Take a boat tour of Boracay Island today. Tour operators will take you to see Puka Shell Beach, which gets its name from the gorgeous puka shells which line its shores; Crystal Cove Island where you can swim, trek and relax amid limestone cliffs and coral gardens; the Sigbin Cave for a photo-op; and Magic Island for a quaint and relaxing time. Add in plenty of swimming and snorkelling to make this a morning well spent.

Afternoon

Lunch at The Hobbit Tavern which is staffed by people with dwarfism. Their motto is “small is great” and the hospitality is second to none. The pub has cold beer, delicious food and live music. Afterwards, head to Bulabog Beach for another round of kitesurfing and windsurfing. Give in fully to the tranquility and adventurous spirit of Boracay.

Evening

Watch the sunset from Willy’s Rock. This is a volcanic rock formation that is located along the shallow waters of Station 1. Apart from its unique shape, it has also become a popular attraction due to the shrine dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary that sits on its surface. Man-made steps leading to the shrine have been constructed on the rock formation to help visitors ascend. The view from the top gives a spectacular view of the long shoreline of White Beach.

Day 5

Morning

Fly back to Manila. Start your final day with a visit to the Ayala Museum. It houses archaeological, ethnographic, historical, fine arts, numismatics and ecclesiastical exhibits. Since its establishment in 1967, the museum has been committed to showcasing overseas collections and contemporary Filipino art.

Next, check out the presidential museum and library at the Malacañang Palace. Located in the old Manila district of San Miguel, the sprawling palace complex includes numerous mansions and office buildings designed and built largely in the bahay na bato and neoclassical styles. Marvel at the impressive colonial architecture with its elegant balconies, open galleries and high ceilings. Explore the interior of the palace where you will discover state rooms adorned with exquisite furnishings and artworks used by past presidents. Don’t miss the oldest part of the palace—Kalayaan Hall.

Afternoon

Pay a visit to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, popularly known as Quiapo Church. It is the home of the Black Nazarene, a dark statue of Jesus Christ which is said to have miraculous powers. Built in the Baroque style, Quiapo Church's façade is distinctive with twisted columns on both levels. The Corinthian columns on the second level have a third of their shaft twisted near the base, while the upper portion has a smooth surface. The topmost portion of the four-storey belfries are rimmed with balustrades and decorated with huge scrolls.

Next, head to the Greenbelt Mall for a fun shopping experience. The mall offers a mix of high-end retail shops, restaurants, amenities, leisure and entertainment options for visitors. There’s also a sprawling 2.8-hectare garden for visitors to explore. Try to spot the complex’s colony of cats who lounge around walkways and in unoccupied alfresco café seats.

Evening

Head down to the two-kilometre-long Manila Baywalk to see the sunset and reflect on all the memories and experiences you have had in the last five days.

Getting There

Fly from any major Indian airport to Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam or Malaysia and travel onwards from there to Manila.