A Budget Backpacker's 10-Day Island-Hopping Adventure in the Philippines

Arrive in Cebu and pick up a local SIM card from Smart or Globe at the airport terminal. Set up your Grab and Angkas apps here for easy local transport.

Check into this quiet, clean, and budget-friendly hostel. It is located just a short walk from the main street, offering a peaceful night's sleep away from the party noise.

Embark on an unforgettable, full-day canyoneering adventure. You will climb, swim, and jump off cliffs into stunning turquoise waters. It is highly recommended for solo travelers to meet people.

Experience the famous Sardine Run. If you want a unique perspective, the creator recommends booking a cheap scuba dive to see the massive schools of sardines from below.

Board the fast ferry from Cebu City to Tagbilaran, Bohol. This is a quick and scenic way to transition between the two islands.

Visit the world-famous Chocolate Hills. Climb up to the main viewing deck to see the endless rolling dome-shaped hills stretching across the horizon.

Spend your afternoon relaxing on Bohol's pristine white sand beaches, taking in the laid-back coastal atmosphere.

Check into this centrally located hostel. While it can be a bit noisy due to its prime city-center location, it features an amazing open-air rooftop kitchen where you can cook and work.

Climb the stairs to the summit of Mt. Tapyas for a breathtaking 360-degree sunset view over Coron Bay. The hike takes about 15-20 minutes.

Visit the iconic Kayangan Lake, famous for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic limestone cliffs. The creator recommends booking a private boat tour to beat the crowds.

Dive or snorkel in Barracuda Lake, a unique thermocline lake where you can experience dramatic water temperature shifts amidst underwater limestone formations.

Swim through a narrow opening to enter the stunning Twin Lagoon, where warm saltwater meets cool freshwater inside towering limestone walls.

Check into this incredible beachfront hostel. It features a lively common area right on the sand, hosting sunset parties and offering a very social vibe for solo travelers.

Join an island-hopping tour (a combination of Tour A and C is highly recommended) to explore the Secret Lagoon, hidden caves, and secluded beaches.

Head south to Puerto Princesa to explore the world's longest navigable underground river. Note that tours can occasionally be suspended during bad weather, so check conditions in advance.