Philippines Travel: 3-day Boracay itineraries

One of the most popular beach destinations in the Philippines, Boracay Island is famous for its fine white sands and lush tropic scenery. Tourists from all over the world have found solace in this tiny piece of paradise, making it a place people come back to again and again. Below are the perfect 3-day Boracay itineraries for your next trip.

Swim like a mermaid

It is only on Boracay Island where you will actually get to fulfill your dreams of becoming a mermaid. Let the Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy teach you the basics, complete with a glittering fish-tailed outfit. Be warned that it is a bit of a workout as it teaches swimming techniques that involve a lot of core movement and upper body strength. If that is something you are not ready to try yet, you can simply have your picture taken on the shore while wearing your favorite mermaid tail.

Dare to jump off a cliff at Ariel’s Point

A 45-minute ride from Boracay Island, Ariel’s Point is an unspoilt eco-adventure paradise, it is even recognised as one of the world’s best cliff diving destinations! Apart from cliff diving, Ariel’s Point also offers other activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkelling. A day tour package gets you a boat cruise, BBQ buffet lunch, unlimited drinks, and island activities, plus a whole new set of friends!

Take the reverse bungee ride

Challenge yourself by taking the G-Max reverse bungee experience on Boracay. Originally from New Zealand, this thrilling ride is the first attraction of its kind in the country. Experience what it feels like to be shot up into the sky as the capsule reaches up to 60 feet above. While the entire ride only takes less than 10 minutes, this adrenaline-pumping activity will definitely be one of the main highlights of your trip.

Go parasailing and get a bird’s-eye view of Boracay

How about getting a bird’s-eye view of Boracay? Hopefully, you are not afraid of heights like I am! But if you are, I still recommend that you try it out, the view is worth it! You are usually given around 30 minutes to stay up in the air, but feel free to have them bring you back down when you are satisfied.

Visit Puka Shell Beach

Located on the north of the island, Puka Shell beach offers something that the other popular beaches do not, privacy. Maybe it is because this beach does not have bright white sand or maybe it is because this beach does not offer enough food and drinks- but Puka Shell beach sees far less tourists than White Beach.

You will not find more than a couple guesthouses and cabanas for lounging on Puka Shell Beach. Play in the sand to discover shells and crabs, have a long walk, or take a quiet swim and enjoy the moment.

Witness the sunset on the island

Do not leave Boracay without seeing its picture-perfect sunset view. Apart from the spectacular sunset view seen along Manila Bay, Boracay is another top location in the Philippines where you can catch sight of a stunning sunset. Head over to Diniwid Beach to watch the sun dip below the waves from an elevated point or go to Manoc-Manoc Beach for a gorgeous backdrop of Caticlan’s mountain ranges. The most popular view is in White Beach, where you will get a silhouette of boats and people amongst the waves.

Get a henna tattoo

As you walk around Boracay, you might notice a lot of people sporting tattoos. Chances are, most of them are actually henna tattoos. They are great practice for the real deal, or just cool “accessories” to flaunt when you are in your beach wear! Just ask around, and any local will be able to point your way to one of the talented henna tattoo artists around the island. You can trust them to bring almost any of your most interesting tattoo ideas to life!

See more: A getaway with most luxury resorts in the Philippines

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How to spend 24 hours in Manila, Philippines

As the capital center of the Philippines, Manila is a mix of urban development and historical nostalgia. It is one of the busiest and most diverse cities in the world, and there is always something new to do in its sprawling metropolis. 

From historical museums and Spanish colonial architecture to an exciting nightlife, Manila has everything that every traveler is looking for. If you only have 24 hours to explore Manila, what would you do? Below are some activities for you to make the most out of your short trip in Manila.

Experience Pinoy breakfast

The best way to truly immerse yourself in a country’s culture is to try their food. Skip your usual bacon and eggs in the morning and have some of our Filipino breakfast instead.

You should try “tapsilog,” which is a combination of tapa (cured beef), sinangag (fried rice), and itlog (egg), then partner this with Kapeng Barako, a strong variation of coffee from Batangas and Cavite. This meal is served almost everywhere, may it be in the hotel that you are staying in, restaurants, or at a nearby carinderia (small eatery).

Explore Intramuros

No first-time traveler would dare miss the remnants of the Spanish colonial era in Manila, which can be found in the walled city of the Philippine capital, Intramuros. This historic area is the heart of the old Manila that houses Fort Santiago, which was witness to numerous lives lost during the Spanish occupation.

The country’s national hero, Dr. José Rizal, spent his last days and wrote his famous literary work, Mi ultimo adios, in Fort Santiago. Within the area, there are old churches such as the Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church, colonial houses, and defense structures being preserved by the government today.

Take a ride in a Jeepney 

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There are few things as iconically Filipino as the Jeepney. These brightly coloured and dramatically decorated jeeps are a popular form of public transportation in Manila. The Jeepney has face-to-face seating and an opening at the back to let passengers on and off. They grumble vibrantly from stop to stop along their pre-determined route, and you pay for whatever length of the route you take. It’s the cheapest way to get around Manila and certainly the most entertaining.

Chicken Adobo for lunch

Time to replenish your stomach after a morning of exploration in Manila! If you are looking for Filipino food to add to your historical tour, you can eat at Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant right in front of San Agustin Church. It is the perfect place to go if you want to try Filipino dishes.

Visit the National Museum

Within walking distance from Intramuros is a chance to immerse yourself further in Filipino culture and history as you visit the National Museum. This museum, which houses the country’s famous works of art and preserves historical artifacts, has two great divisions including The National Museum of Fine Arts and the National Museum of Anthropology.

Be amazed by the innate talent and creativity of both young and old artists in the country at the National Museum of Fine Arts. But you will also appreciate the Philippines more as you navigate through the historical and contemporary galleries of the National Museum of Anthropology. You will spend a good two hours going through the halls of the buildings.

Take a sunset stroll on the bay walk

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Running alongside Manila Bay is the BayWalk. This paved walkway extends for several kilometres along the waterfront. It is a hub for locals to stroll and cycle, as well as food and trinket vendors to gather.

City nightlife

Manila is also known to have great nightlife. Filipinos know how to party, so before leaving Manila, make sure to grab a few drinks. Some recommended places for your dose of Manila nightlife are Palace Pool Club, Revel, and Valkyrie in Bonifacio Global City.

See more: Things to know before visiting Manila

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Top Christmas foods in the Philippines

With 80% of the population are Roman Catholic, Philippines is one of the Asian countries that celebrates Christmas the most. Consequently, the country has a lot of traditional dishes for the festive season.

Puto Bumbong

Puto bumbong is an icon in the Filipino Christmas holidays and it’s a breakfast staple for people who go to church to attend the Misa de Gallo, the Catholic mass held during the early mornings before Christmas day.

The dish is a type of purple rice cake that is baked inside a bamboo tube. It is served on a pre-cut banana leaf and then topped with other ingredients like butter, thin strips of coconut, and sugar.

Lechon

Roasted whole pig is no stranger to Filipino celebrations and in Christmas, preparing this very special food makes family members excitedly look forward to Christmas every year. One whole pig can feed an entire family, but the best thing about lechon can be experienced after the holidays.

The leftover roasted pig can be re-cooked and transformed into a Filipino after-holiday favorite: lechon paksiw. Basically, it’s chopped meat that is slow-cooked in the concoction of coconut vinegar, garlic, onion, and seasoned with salt and pepper.

Paella

The dish is a reminder of the enduring Spanish influence on Filipino cuisine and festival celebrations. This very special Christmas food, however, is not that easy to make because of its long list of ingredients including fresh seafood.

Preparing paella in earlier times signifies the wealth of a family or clan because the ingredients are usually expensive. While it’s still true nowadays, anyone with the recipe and the ingredients can experience the delectable and unique flavors that paella has to offer.

Queso de Bola

Literally translates as a “ball of cheese”, keso (or queso) de bola is a staple Christmas food for Filipinos all over the country. This particular cheese variety does not have a strong flavor like its other cousins. However, just like other types of cheese, it’s creamy and salty. It also has a unique sweetness to it – and its appearance is also one-of-a-kind: it’s covered in red, edible wax.

Embutido

Embutido is a local name for the Filipino-style meatloaf that is often prepared during special occasions like town fiestas, birthdays, weddings, and most importantly, Christmas. Just like any meatloaf, it is made of ground meat, added with other ingredients like carrots, raisins, cheese, garlic, etc.

Aside from the fact that it is easy to prepare, it does not take a lot of effort to cook embutido (bake or fry). Moreover, several commercial meat vendors even offer pre-made embutido so you won’t go through the hassle of starting from scratch.

Leche Flan

Leche Flan is one of the most popular Filipino desserts and is also a top item in the list of the most delicious Christmas food in the country. It is made with ingredients that you can easily find in the kitchen: eggs, milk, and sugar.

Leche flan is like a Filipino v ersion of the European crème caramel. It is basically an egg custard with a soft caramel on top. Unlike other Filipino desserts, it is easier to make and it usually has a longer shelf-life so it can just be stored in the fridge even after the holidays.

See more: Top 5 popular Christmas dishes in Japan

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Best destinations to visit in Visayas, Philippines

While Visayas seems small compared to its neighboring island groups in the Philippines - namely Luzon and Mindanao - this island group should not be underestimated. We round up the best destinations in Visayas in this article.

Bohol

For a nature lover’s perfect getaway, Bohol is the ideal destination in the Visayas Region. Find lush landscapes and the amazing Chocolate Hills (which turn chocolatey brown in color during the summer), experience eating a meal on a river cruise in Loboc, and see the furry, small creatures called the Philippine Tarsiers, which are considered endemic to the country.

Cebu

Known as the province where the oldest city of the Philippines is found, the island of Cebu offers stunning views, land and sea adventures, and the grand festival of Sinulog, celebrated every third week of January each year. Apart from immersing yourself in nature and having the chance to see whale sharks on the island, Cebu also plays an important role in Philippine history; it is where the Battle of Mactan was held and the first successful resistance to Spanish colorization was recorded.

Boracay Island in Aklan

Part of the country’s pride comes from the island group of Visayas’ world-famous Boracay Island, which was hailed as the best island of 2017! Popular to tourists for its white, fine sand beaches and crystal clear waters, this island is the best location for a variety of water sports, adventure activities that seem endless, and late-night island parties. Of course, you shouldn’t skip the food trip, where you can taste freshwater seafood.

Siquijor Island

If you’re in search of pristine beaches and natural wonders that offer unique experiences, then Siquijor Island is the place to be! While it’s infamously known for dark myths (they say you can find voodoo doctors here), this remote island will satisfy your wanderlust, as it provides the perfect place to relax, unwind, and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city.

See more: Find the most beautiful towns in the Philippines

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Where to go shopping in Cebu, Philippines

Cebu, being a historic center of trade, can also be considered as a shopper’s paradise. The city offers a variety of shopping, from upscale malls with international brands to small stalls offering the best local products the island has to offer. And since it is almost the holidays, what perfect timing to know where to go to find the best bargain and shopping in Cebu.

Robinsons Galleria Cebu

One of the largest Robinsons shopping malls outside of Manila, Robinsons Galleria Cebu contains over 300 stores across 6 floors. While exploring the mammoth shopping complex, you will find boutiques, stores, restaurants and bars, including international brand-name stores such as True Value.
Naturally, there is also the Robinsons Department Store and Robinsons Appliances. The entertainment section of the complex is no less impressive, containing a 6-screen cinema. All of this is conveniently found just a stroll away from the Port of Cebu.

Ayala Centre Cebu

The six-storey complex, Ayala Centre, is an up-market mall with international street-fashion brands like Armani Exchange, Guess, Lacoste, Esprit. This is one of the major spot for clothes shopping in Philippines. The mall has two supermarkets, a modern department store, cinemas, health spas, restaurants and other stores.

Unitop

Unitop Enterprises Inc. is a store that sells almost everything and anything under the sun (except for grocery and food items). There are three branches here in Cebu, one in Osmeña Blvd., in Mandaue, and in Lapulapu. The store sells household essentials, kitchen items, electrical appliances, small furniture, decorations, clothing and other fashion items, toys, gadgets, and a whole lot more. Although some would question the quality of the products being sold here, it really is a one-stop-shop for all your needs, sold at a low price.

SM City Cebu

SM City Cebu is a huge shopping mall, easily among the biggest in the city in Philippines. The 4-storey complex comprises a large department store, a supermarket, over 500 shops and restaurants, cinemas (including an IMAX theatre) and a fully computerised bowling centre.

Many people come here to buy electronic items such as digital cameras, smartphones because of the unusually low prices. Even so, you will also find plenty of fashion, fragrances, healthcare items and food, among other items. The stores and brands tend to be around the mid-range, with a few big-name standouts also available.

Carbon Market

The Carbon Market has been operating for over 100 years and still offers great prices on a staggering range of goods. The wares available at this local market range from fresh meat and vegetables to clothing, home décor and religious items.

The market is relatively big, though you can hire a horse carriage to take you around. Also, there are food stalls and restaurants serving inexpensive local dishes until late afternoon. Large parts of the market are under metal roofing and, with little air circulation, it can get very stuffy and sweaty, especially in the midday heat – make sure you keep well hydrated!

See more: How to spend 2 days in Cebu, Philippines

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Top interesting things to do in Bohol, Philippines

While Bohol may not have a fast-paced environment like Metro Manila, it takes pride in its laid-back ambiance that puts one closer to nature. With so many activities to do and tourist spots to visit in the province of Bohol, travelers may want to prioritise these things when visiting the home of the Chocolate Hills.

Bamboo Hanging Bridge

Visit the Bamboo Hanging Bridge where you will walk across a bamboo-weaved bridge over the slow flowing river. Each step on the bridge gives you a little tingle up your back as it feels quite delicate but not to worry as the bridge is suspended with sturdy cables that will not let you fall! Once you cross the bridge, there are little souvenir shops to purchase magnets, bags, shirts, and more.

Chocolate Hills

This is the awesome thing that will probably pop into your heads when talking about Bohol. It is also one of the top 10 things to do in Bohol. The Chocolate Hills are the most popular tourist destination among locals and foreigners. Nope, these are not made of chocolate so save your sweet tooth from that thought.

These hills, which resemble giant mole hills, turn chocolate brown after the dry season thus, the name “Chocolate Hills” was formed. Located in Carmen, Bohol, tourists can start their trip either in Tubigon or Tagbilaran. If you decide to go on your own, you can take the bus going to the Chocolate Hills complex and from there, the ticket office is just 10 to 20 minutes away.

Mahogany Forest

Rent a motorbike to experience the beauty that is the Mahogany Forest. The roads wind and bend making for a seriously fun ride. The roads are nicely paved and the traffic is not too heavy so even new riders can handle the journey.

Park your bike on the side of the road and meander up the hill to get a closer look at the massive roots that tangle together in the soil. With the sun peering through the trees and the fresh air surrounding you- you will get a feeling of what Bohol is all about.

Baclayon Church

The Baclayon Church (officially the "Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception") is regarded as the second-oldest church in the Philippines; only the San Agustin Church in Intramuros is older. Symbolizing Catholicism's influence in the island, the Baclayon Church was built from corals bound together by mortar mixed from eggwhite.

The Baclayon parish museum is particularly interesting, as the church has been quite assiduous in preserving religious mementos since the parish's founding. Among the relics, you will find at the museum are ivory icons of Jesus and Mary; relics of Jesuit saints; church music written on sheepskin; priestly vestments; and religious artwork. Photography is not allowed in the museum.

Cambuyo Rice Terraces

Rice terraces, with their sprawling flat plains and bright green colors, are a signature of Asia. In mucky plains of muddy water, farmers plant rice seeds that grow long green stems creating gorgeous landscapes. It is not that rice needs water to grow, but rather, the water ensures that the rice do not become compromised with fungus or disease.

In the Philippines, rice represents a huge source of sustenance and commerce with thousands of Filipinos working in rice fields day to day. Hop out of your vehicle on the side of the road to take it all in and you will surely see some farmers working away. Feel free to snap a few photos of the rice plains, just be respectful of the farmers.

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Best foods you have to try in the Philippines

Cuisine is one of the things that Filipinos take pride in the most as their foods are always rich in flavour and variety in ingredients. The 10 dishes below are definitely what you should try if you have the chance to visit the Philippines.

Adobo

No list of the top 10 Filipino foods can begin without the famous Adobo on top. The unofficial Philippines national food is made with pork or chicken simmered in soy sauce and vinegar with loads of black pepper and crushed garlic. Adobo is one of the few dishes in the Philippines with local origins as it was given the Spanish name later. This lip-smacking dish is as Filipino as you can get, and it goes with nothing else but rice. Every family in the Philippines has its own way of cooking adobo, so it might taste a little different from place to place.

Lumpia

Feel like tasting Filipino dishes for lunch? Try Lumpia. Influenced by Chinese cuisine, this dish is a delicious deep-fried spring roll. The roll is stuffed with a mixture of chopped vegetables and minced meat. Combined with the right sauces, it is the most scrumptious dish you will ever have for lunch. This is definitely a traditional Filipino dish after trying which, you will never look at spring rolls the same way again. It is a major part of Philippines food culture.

Inasal

Do you love roast chicken? Then you are in for a treat! The Visayan islands’ residents have perfected the dish, and you will never taste anything like Inasal. Marinated in ginger, lemongrass, and calamansi juice, the chicken is roasted over fire and basted with annatto oil. Served with rice, soy sauce dip, and sometimes liquid chicken fat, Inasal is definitely one of the Philippines food items one shouldn’t miss at all.

Pancit

This is another one of the most delicious Philippines foods influenced by Chinese cuisine. This simple dish is a combination of noodles and whatever meat or vegetables you want to add. Pancit is a name that originated from the Hokkien term ‘pian e sit’, which means ‘something conveniently cooked.’ It might be simple but it is rich with flavor and you will definitely love every bite of it.

Sinigang

Often associated with tamarind, Sinigang is a Philippines traditional food that is sour and savory. The dish is a stew made with spinach, eggplant, tomatoes, onions, ginger, and fish sauce. You can choose the meat you want to make the dish with pork, beef, fish, or shrimp. No matter which one you choose, the result is always a mouthwatering stew served with rice or eaten on its own as soup.

Chicharon

Brought to the Philippines from Andalucia in Spain, chicharon is a dish of deep-fried pork crackling. It is quite similar to the chicharron of Mexico – crunchy rectangles of deep-fried pork rinds. In the Philippines, chicharon is dipped in coconut vinegar instead of salsa. This dish is one of the most popular Philippines foods to eat as a snack with beer. Over the years, locals have experimented with the dish, creating new variations. But nothing comes close to the original chicharon.

Lechon

When it comes to popular Philippines food items present at every special occasion, lechon is probably one of the top ones. This is another dish with Spanish influence and no fiesta in the country is complete unless there is enough lechon for everyone. This dish is roast suckling pig that is cooked to perfection. Everyone loves the delicious crunchy skin. If you want to taste one of the most popular authentic Filipino dishes, you should definitely look for a place that serves traditional lechon.

See more: Explore typical breakfast in the Philippines

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Street food in Philippines and dishes you must try

Filipinos’ love for food is unparalleled. Despite three large meals comprising their day (all of which typically consist of at least a cup of rice), they still enjoy taking several snacks in between. This is where street food comes in. Filipinos like having access to a quick bite anywhere, anytime. So a great variety of street snacks have developed — some sweet, some savory, and some just outright bizarre.

Kikiam

Kikiam was originally taken from Chinese cuisine, and authentically consists of minced meat and vegetables. The kikiam used by street food vendors in the Philippines however, are a more scrimped version, sometimes containing fish meat instead and a lot of fillers. They are brown in color and about the size of a finger.

Kwek-Kwek

These brightly colored treats could be quite deceiving to the unaware foodie. They are round and a vibrant shade of orange, but they aren’t sweet, nor do they taste like the Cheetos they match in color. They are actually quail eggs, coated in an orange batter and then deep fried. Most of its goodness relies on the sauce the street food cart has to pair it with.

Balunbalunan

Not only do Filipinos skewer and grill chicken intestine, they also do the same to chicken gizzard. In Filipino cuisine, nothing goes to waste. Balunbalunan has a chewier, more rubbery texture than isaw, slightly resembling that of squid. But like isaw, it gets much of its flavor from the sauce it is brushed with during grilling, or its dipping sauce after.

Betamax

This is one that’s definitely not for the faint-hearted. Betamax, named after the black tapes of the 70’s it resembles, is grilled coagulated pork or chicken blood. Yes, you read that right. But in fact, grilled animal blood is not as repulsive as it may sound. It doesn’t possess any foul or robust taste or smell. Aside from the variety in texture, many of these grilled animal innards depend on sauces for taste.

Turon

This is a classic Filipino favorite, made by enclosing slices of saba banana and jackfruit in egg roll wrappers and deep frying them along with a generous coating of brown sugar.

Kakanin

Kakanin refers to Filipino delicacies made mainly of sticky rice. With the country’s love for rice, a long list of desserts fall under this category, and that might just need a separate article to explain it altogether. Keep an eye out for these especially during Christmas time. The best kakanin are the ones they sell outside churches after the late night masses held during the weeks approaching Christmas.

Sorbetes

Sorbetes or “dirty ice cream” (dubbed as such for being sold in the streets, and not necessarily mean a lack in cleanliness), is Filipino ice cream sold from colorful wooden carts. Though there’s still the usual chocolate, mostly Filipino flavors are available such as ube (purple yam), queso (cheese), mango, and coconut. Have it the Filipino way and opt to have it served in a burger bun instead of a regular cone or cup.

Read more: Explore typical breakfast in the Philippines

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