Best Visayas Philippines Itinerary Guide: Where to Go and Things to Do in Boracay, Cebu, Bohol and More!

What are the top destinations in Visayas?

There are a lot of Visayas tourist spots worth exploring. If you're wondering where to go in Visayas and what things to do in Visayas, look no further. Here are some of the top destinations in Visayas that you shouldn't miss.

• Boracay - This island in the Philippines is famous for being a top beach destination, thanks to its stunning White Beach. It's a great place for water activities like snorkeling and cliff diving. The nightlife in Boracay is also renowned, with lots of clubs and bars to choose from. There are also a lot of accommodation options, such as Boracay Station 1 resorts, Boracay Station 2 resorts, and Boracay Station 3 hotels, with choices ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious, including beachfront resorts and family-friendly hotels.

• Cebu - Renowned for its historical landmarks, beautiful islands, and as a top destination for diving and swimming with whale sharks in the Philippines, Cebu offers a blend of urban excitement and natural beauty. It is also famous for its lively culture, showcased in the Sinulog Festival with its vibrant parades and street parties.

• Bohol - Known for its iconic Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, and serene countryside, this is one of the best places to visit in the Philippines for a family vacation. Besides its unique natural wonders and vibrant local culture, a staycation at one of the best resorts in Bohol is a must.

• Iloilo - Celebrated for its delicious Filipino cuisine, grand heritage sites, and lively festivals, Iloilo is one of the best places for cultural activities in the Philippines. The province boasts well-preserved colonial architecture, including majestic Philippine churches and natural wonders like Islas de Gigantes.

• Bacolod - This city is recognized as the "City of Smiles" for its friendly locals and vibrant MassKara Festival, a colorful celebration marked by lively street dances and mask displays. The city is also renowned for its mouthwatering food, particularly chicken inasal, as well as its ancestral houses.

• Dumaguete - Known for its laid-back atmosphere and its scenic coastal landscape, the city serves as a gateway to numerous breathtaking dive sites in the Philippines and picturesque natural attractions. Apo Island, which sits off the southern tip of Dumaguete, is one of the best snorkeling spots in the Philippines. The city is also one of the top honeymoon destinations in the Philippines.

• Leyte - Recognized for its historical significance, pristine beaches, and diverse marine life, Leyte is a destination for both history buffs and nature enthusiasts. Additionally, it is famous for Kalanggaman Island, one of the most famous sandbars in the Philippines. 

• Book this Kalanggaman Island tour package from Leyte

• Siquijor - Called the "Island of Fire," this island is famous for its beautiful beaches, lush forests, and diverse marine life, making it one of the top romantic places in the Philippines. It is also known for its mystical tales of witchcraft and mythical creatures, adding to its charm.

When is the best time to visit Visayas?

For your Visayas trip, the best time is from November to May when there's less rain. This season offers the perfect weather to explore the stunning beaches and islands included in Philippine travel packages, with fewer tour cancellations compared to the rainy months.

How to go to Visayas? How to get around the islands of Visayas?

Photo by Mactan-Cebu International Airport

Many international flights directly connect to Cebu Airport, making it a convenient entry point to the Visayas region. For getting around the Visayas, you have multiple options. Flights are the quickest way to move between destinations. From Cebu, you can take a flight to Boracay, a flight to Bohol, and more destinations in Visayas.

Sea transfers like ferries are used for traveling between the major islands. Buses, tricycles, and jeepneys are common for land trips. For more flexibility and privacy, you can rent a car in the Philippines or book airport and city transfers.

How many days to spend in Visayas destinations?

To make the most of your Philippines itinerary in Visayas, consider spending at least 3-5 days in each destination. This timeframe gives you ample time to explore the attractions and try various activities at each location.

If you have longer days to spare, you can try some of the best Philippines itinerary tour packages. Consider booking a 1-week Philippines itinerary tour package if you want to follow a 1-week Philippines itinerary, a 2-week Philippines itinerary tour package if you want to follow a 2-week Philippines itinerary, or a 3-week Philippines itinerary tour package if you want to follow a 3-week Philippines itinerary. There are also 8-day Philippines itinerary tour packages and 10-day Philippines itinerary tour packages available.

Best Boracay to Cebu & Bohol Itineraries

Best for: If you want to visit the 3 most popular Philippine destinations in Visayas

If you’re looking for a Philippine itinerary that combines visits to natural wonders like beaches and waterfalls with cultural experiences at heritage sites, consider a Boracay itinerary combined with stops in Cebu and Bohol.

Your trip begins in Manila. You can relax at your hotel in Manila, explore the city at your own pace, or book Manila tours that feature top tourist spots in Manila, like Intramuros and Makati Central Business District, before your flight to Bohol. You’ll then follow a Bohol to Cebu itinerary. Once you have checked in at your Bohol hotel, you can visit Chocolate Hills, Bilar Man-made Forest, and more attractions included in most Bohol tour packages the next day.

You can also embark on an island-hopping adventure, keeping an eye out for dolphins near Balicasag Island and enjoying the white sandbar at Virgin Island. You’ll then travel to Cebu by ferry, settle in at your hotel, and prepare for the start of a Cebu to Boracay itinerary.

You can explore Cebu City first and its surrounding highlands, visiting tourist spots in Cebu such as Magellan's Cross, Temple of Leah, Sirao Flower Farm, and Tops Lookout. You can also go on a tour of Moalboal tourist spots, explore Oslob tourist spots, discover Malapascua tourist spots, and see the beauty of Bantayan Island tourist spots in your free time.

Fly to Boracay the next day and settle into your hotel in Boracay. Some of the highly recommended hotels include Boracay Discovery Shores and Crimson Boracay. Then, explore the renowned White Beach and try some water activities. You can also go on an island hopping tour in Boracay the next day, visiting stunning beaches like Puka Beach and Balinghai Beach. 

Make the most of your free time checking out other things to do in Boracay, such as visiting inland attractions like Mt. Luho and the Keyhole Rock Formation or going to nearby destinations, such as Aklan and Antique. There are a lot of Aklan tourist spots and Antique tourist spots you can explore, which are side trips to some Boracay travel packages.

Most Boracay packages with both Cebu and Bohol, such as the 12-Day Boracay to Cebu to Bohol Philippine Tour Package, follow the above itinerary. You can also explore similar packages, like Cebu to Boracay packages and other packages with Boracay tours. The best examples include the 5-Day Cebu to Boracay Philippine Tour Package, the 1-Week El Nido to Cebu to Boracay Philippine Tour Package, and the 1-Week Siargao to Cebu to Boracay Philippine Tour Package.

• Day 1: Arrival in Manila

• Day 2: Free Time

• Day 3: Arrival in Bohol

• Day 4: Bohol countryside tour

• Day 5: Bohol island-hopping tour

• Day 6: Arrival in Cebu

• Day 7: Cebu City & Highlands Vista tour

• Day 8: Free Time

• Day 9: Arrival in Boracay

• Day 10: Boracay island-hopping tour

• Day 11: Free Time

• Day 12: Depart from Boracay

Bohol to Cebu Itinerary

Best for: If you want to see Bohol’s iconic Chocolate Hills, explore some of the best diving spots, and lounge on pristine white sand beaches in Visayas

A Bohol to Cebu itinerary is perfect if you’re eager to see natural wonders such as diving spots, white sand beaches, and unique geological formations. It’s your ticket to experiencing two major island destinations, Cebu and Bohol, renowned for their stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Your getaway starts with a Manila flight to Cebu. Settle into your hotel in Cebu before going on a Bohol countryside tour from Cebu the next day. This is one of the popular Bohol tours, where you'll go to some of the best places to visit in Bohol, like Chocolate Hills and Loboc River cruise. If you have more time, visit Abatan River, a top place for firefly watching in the Philippines.

The next day, you can explore the top attractions often included in most Cebu travel packages. Visit landmarks like Magellan's Cross and Basilica Minore del Santo Nino. Spend the afternoon at your own pace exploring Cebu. You can try a Moalboal sardine run activity or a Cebu canyoneering tour. You can also take some time to shop or dine in at the best restaurants in Cebu before you leave.

Most Cebu to Bohol packages, such as the 4-Day Cebu to Bohol Philippine Tour Package, follow the above itinerary. You can also book longer Bohol-Cebu tours, such as the 1-Week Cebu to Bohol Philippine Tour Package. or the 12-Day Bohol to Cebu Philippine Tour Package, for a more complete experience.

• Day 1: Arrival in Cebu

• Day 2: Bohol countryside tour

• Day 3: Cebu City sightseeing tour

• Day 4: Depart from Cebu

Cebu to Dumaguete & Siquijor Itinerary

Best for: If you want to lounge on white sand beaches, explore the best diving spots, and visit an emerging small tropical island in the Philippines

If you’re seeking a beach getaway, exceptional diving experiences, and an opportunity to explore an underrated tourist spot in the Philippines, check out this Cebu to Dumaguete and Siquijor itinerary. 

Settle in Manila and prepare for an exciting trip the following day as you take a flight to Dumaguete. Visit tourist spots in Dumaguete like Bais and Manjuyod, where you can spot dolphins, stroll along the pristine Manjuyod Sandbar, and more. There are also other Dumaguete tours you can try, such as going on an Apo Island tour.

Discover the beauty of Siquijor next. There are a lot of Siquijor tourist spots to discover, such as Paliton Beach, the Old Balete Fish Spa, and Cambugahay Falls. You can book Siquijor tours for a complete experience.

You will then ride a ferry from Dumaguete to Cebu. Upon arriving in Cebu, settle into your hotel. Aside from Cebu hotels near the airport, it’s highly recommended to stay at one of the beachfront hotels in Cebu for quick access to the beach. You can also explore the marine life of Cebu by going on an Oslob whale-watching and island-hopping tour. 

One of the top Cebu to Dumaguete and Siquijor packages is the 1-Week Cebu to Dumaguete to Siquijor Philippine Tour Package, which follows the above itinerary. You can also check out other similar itinerary packages, such as the 1-Week Bohol to Cebu to Dumaguete Philippine Tour Package, the  9-Day Cebu to Bohol to Dumaguete Philippine Tour Package, and the Cebu to Bohol to Siquijor Philippine Tour Package.

• Day 1: Arrival in Manila

• Day 2: Arrival in Dumaguete

• Day 3: Bais and Manjuyod tour

• Day 4: Siquijor island tour

• Day 5: Arrival in Cebu

• Day 6: Oslob whale-shark watching & Moalboal island-hopping tour

• Day 7: Depart from Cebu

Iloilo to Guimaras & Bacolod Itinerary

Best for: Travelers who want to go on a food tour at the best food destinations in Visayas, taste the sweetest mangoes, and explore heritage landmarks

Explore the hidden gems of Visayas by following this Bacolod-Iloilo-Guimaras itinerary. If you're seeking a different kind of adventure, combining food trips and visiting heritage landmarks, this itinerary, which features Iloilo, Guimaras, and Bacolod, is perfect for you.

You'll begin your itinerary with a hotel stay in Manila. You'll take a flight to Iloilo the next day and settle in at your Iloilo hotel. You can join an Iloilo tour, where you’ll see tourist spots in Iloilo, like Molo Church, Casa Mariquit, and Jaro Cathedral, or explore the city on your own. You can visit some of the best Iloilo restaurants and bars at night.

The next day, you can go on a Gigantes Island tour with a side trip to Sicogon Island. These two are some of the top attractions in most Iloilo tour packages. Islas de Gigantes has beaches, lagoons, mangroves, and secluded coves, including Antonia Beach and Cabugao Gamay Island, while Sicogon Island has calm beaches and tropical views.

You can also go to Guimaras from Iloilo, known for its sweet mangoes and top Guimaras tourist spots. You can join a Guimaras tour that features attractions like the Mango Icon, Mango Market, and National Mango Research and Development Center. Most tours include a side trip to Naburot Island, Lamurawan Beach, Natago Beach, and other natural wonders.

The next day, you can go to Bacolod and settle into your hotel in Bacolod. After settling in, you can discover Bacolod tourist spots on your own or join a Bacolod tour. Discover Balay Negrense, the Ruins, and more attractions. Relax at Lakawon Island Resort the next day, a stunning tropical spot. Enjoy beach activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and banana boat riding, or relax at the Tawhai Floating Bar. 

If you have 1 week to spare, consider booking the 1-Week Iloilo-Guimaras-Bacolod Philippine Tour Package, one of the top Bacolod-Iloilo-Guimaras itinerary tour packages. This package follows the above itinerary. For packages combined with Boracay, you can check out the 9-day Iloilo-Guimaras-Bacolod-Boracay Philippine Tour Package or the 11-Day Bacolod, Iloilo, Guimaras and Boracay Philippine Tour Package. Meanwhile, you can also check out a 5-Day Cebu to Bacolod Philippine Tour Package for a Bacolod to Cebu itinerary.

• Day 1: Arrival in Manila

• Day 2: Arrival in Iloilo

• Day 3: Islas de Gigantes & Sicogon Island tour

• Day 4: Guimaras tour

• Day 5: Arrival in Bacolod

• Day 6: Lakawon Island resort tour

• Day 7: Depart from Bacolod

Discover the Vibrant Destinations of Visayas Now!

One of the top reasons to visit the Philippines is the Visayas region, known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and lush forests. Aside from Visayas tourist spots, the authentic local cuisine and the warm, welcoming locals can further enhance your travel experience.

Whether you plan to visit the Philippines in August, in September, or during any other time of the year, Visayas offers a plethora of attractions and fun activities to try. So, pack your bags, get the necessary Philippine travel requirements done, and get ready for a trip to Visayas!