14 days in the Philippines: Siargao, Bohol and Siquijor
One night in Manila, then three different island moods: Siargao’s surf and evenings, Bohol’s green interior and Siquijor’s sunsets. An active route including transfer days and a buffer before flying home. This 14-day route is a suggested itinerary drawn from our own, sometimes longer, stays. Transfers are included; international flights are not.
14 days4 stops
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01
Days 1
One night in Manila
Settle in and recover. This transition night avoids squeezing a domestic flight straight after your long-haul arrival.
Day 1 · An easy arrival
Choose a hotel around tomorrow’s actual airport, not just its price. With Cebu Pacific, connecting through Cebu avoids confusing Manila-NAIA with Clark, two different airports.
Check the exact airport on both tickets before choosing accommodation. This night is a travel buffer, not a full Manila sightseeing day. A practical location and a rested departure matter more than adding another attraction.
Transport · SiargaoFlight to Siargao, via Cebu depending on airline and booking
Next stop · Siargao02
Days 2–5
Siargao
Base yourself near General Luna for sea, surf and evenings without crossing the island daily. Malipaya Villas and Pop Up Bar are among our guide recommendations.
Day 2 · An easy General Luna afternoon
After the flight and transfer, enjoy the pool or waterfront. Finish with dinner near General Luna rather than a major outing straight away.
Day 3 · A first surf session
Book a lesson suited to your level, then leave the afternoon free. We loved alternating activity and rest. Pop Up Bar is an option for a relaxed evening near Jacking Horse.
Day 4 · A day between islands
Choose an outing to the small islands off General Luna. Daku and its shared meal were a favourite memory. The route depends on the operator and sea conditions.
Day 5 · The north or one last slow day
If you want to explore, spend the day around Pacifico and Alegria with suitable transport. Otherwise stay around General Luna and enjoy the beach. Arrange tomorrow’s transfer before going out.
Road transport links places on each island, not the islands themselves. A sea route through Surigao and Cebu would need more time than this 14-day plan allows. From General Luna, we alternated outings with quieter time. Do not put the island’s north, a surf lesson and a boat outing into the same day: small roads and pauses are part of the stay. Plan the journey back before extending the evening.
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Transport · BoholSiargao–Cebu flight, taxi to the port, then Tagbilaran ferry if the connection allows
Next stop · Bohol
03
Days 6–8
Bohol
These three days include arrival. Keep one day for inland Bohol and another for Panglao or rest: the right balance depends on your hotel’s location.
Day 6 · Reach Bohol
Choose an early Cebu flight and allow a proper airport-to-port buffer. If the last ferry is too tight, sleep in Cebu and shorten tomorrow’s visits: this connection is not guaranteed.
Day 7 · Tarsiers, hills and river
Arrange a driver day around Corella’s Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, the Chocolate Hills and Loboc. Choose two highlights if you want a relaxed river lunch rather than rushing between all three.
Day 8 · Panglao or the pool
Enjoy Alona Beach or a suitable outing with Bohol Divers Club. If staying in Loay as we did, factor in travel to Panglao; a resort day is a valid option too.
Choose accommodation before arranging your days: Loay and Panglao create different journeys. Time at our accommodation was a real part of the stay. When seeing tarsiers, prioritise quiet observation rather than forcing a close-up photo on the animals.
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Transport · Siquijor, then homewardTagbilaran–Siquijor ferry, then tuk-tuk or car to San Juan
Next stop · Siquijor, then homeward
04
Days 9–14
Siquijor, then homeward
San Juan is our base for the sea, waterfalls and evenings. The final two days are for returning through Cebu or Manila, not six full days on the island.
Day 9 · Settle in San Juan
Take the ferry and continue to San Juan. Later, Lekwed Beachbar on Lala-o Bridge or CocoRico offer the atmosphere we loved here.
Day 10 · Cambugahay’s pools
Head towards Lazi for Cambugahay Falls, then return without filling the afternoon. Check pool conditions and activity fees locally rather than relying on an old price.
Day 11 · Apo Island if conditions allow
An organised trip can take you to the turtles that amazed us at Apo Island. Confirm an actual Siquijor departure first; otherwise swap this day with tomorrow’s downtime.
Day 12 · One last island day
Beach and rest in the morning, then coffee at La Canopée if you fancy a different view. Prepare your return tickets before one last San Juan sunset.
Day 13 · Reach your departure hub
Leave Siquijor through Dumaguete or Cebu according to available ferries. For a Manila flight, book the domestic connection and spend your last night in the departure city. Avoid relying on a ferry on long-haul departure day.
Day 14 · Fly home without another excursion
Keep this day for departure from Cebu or Manila. Match the airport and terminal to your ticket: a transition night is part of the trip even without a big sightseeing stop.
Lala-o Bridge and CocoRico offer different San Juan evenings: we liked the former for a simple sunset and the latter for games and meeting people. Choose the atmosphere you want rather than trying everywhere. The mainland return is still a travel day.
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