If you’re looking to plan a 2-week Philippines itinerary in August, you’ve come to the right place! Although we already have a 15-day Philippines itinerary that we love, we get tons of questions about whether it needs to be adapted for travel during the summer months (which is why it’s also valid for July and September).
As we explain in Traveling to the Philippines in August, it’s the rainy season across much of the country. While this doesn’t mean it will rain heavily throughout your trip, you may experience the occasional downpour, which can be a little unsettling. That’s why we’ve put together another 15-day August itinerary for the Philippines that includes several parts of the country experiencing their dry season.
Of course, don’t take this as gospel. It’s just an example of what you could do to avoid the rain; that doesn’t mean you have to follow it exactly or that it won’t rain at all. The most important thing when planning a trip to the Philippines is to research the different destinations thoroughly and decide what works best for you. No two trips are the same, and there are no absolute must-sees for everyone. Also, the fact that it’s the rainy season doesn’t mean it will necessarily rain during your trip—or that you’re guaranteed dry weather either. Our advice is to worry as little as possible and enjoy your trip.
Enough chit-chat—here’s our recommended 2-week Philippines itinerary for August. But first, here are a few other suggestions.
Key things to know about this 2-week Philippines itinerary in August
Before we get into the details of this 15-day Philippines itinerary in August, here are a few things to bear in mind when you start booking:
- This itinerary is designed for travelers with 14 or 15 FULL days available—ideally 15—excluding your international arrival and departure days. We’ve designed it on the assumption that you can travel to your first destination in the Philippines on day 1 and begin your journey home on the final day. If you have less time, you’ll need to drop one of the destinations. We mention this because we often see appealing—but highly unrealistic—itineraries on social media. Bear in mind that travel days in the Philippines can be exhausting and that it’s already dark by 6:00 p.m., so they often take up most of the day.
- Of course, this is only a sample itinerary (we’ve been traveling around the Philippines for more than 15 years, but it is still shaped by our own experience and preferences) and you can swap some of these destinations for others you prefer; just keep in mind we’ve planned it around destinations that are reasonably well connected. Other combinations may involve more complicated transfers and therefore take longer, which can make this 2-week Philippines itinerary for August feel rather rushed and tiring. Choose carefully and, if you have any questions, ask us in the comments.
- It’s a moderately paced 15-day trip that gives you enough time in each destination. If you prefer to take things slower, you should drop one of the places we mention.
- You can start this 2-week Philippines itinerary in August in either Manila or Cebu. However, domestic travel may be cheaper if you start in Cebu. International flights are often cheaper to Manila, though, so compare both options carefully. In the tips section at the end of this article, you’ll find some tips for finding cheaper flights.
- What can you expect to do on this 15-day trip to the Philippines in August? You’ll visit gorgeous sandbars, drive palm-lined roads, hike up volcanoes or explore the famous Chocolate Hills, enjoy top-tier diving or snorkeling, hop from island to island and, of course, experience Filipino culture. Since we’ve focused on the weather, we’ve left Palawan off this itinerary. Heads up: this doesn’t mean it will definitely rain there in August, but the risk is higher. Even so, we include Palawan as an alternative at the end of the article.
- Many travelers want to include lesser-visited places in a short itinerary, but bear in mind that doing so takes considerably more time. That’s why we’ve focused on relatively popular destinations—without going overboard. Still, take a look at our article on less-touristy places in the Philippines for more information.
Philippines travel route: 2 weeks in August
Day 1: arrival in the Philippines and transfer to Siargao
Days 2, 3, 4 and 5: Siargao
Day 6: how to get from Siargao to Camiguin
Days 7, 8 and 9: Camiguin
Day 10: how to get from Camiguin to Bohol
Days 11 and 12: Bohol – Anda
Day 13: transfer from Anda to Panglao via Loboc
Day 14: Panglao
Day 15: return home from Bohol or Cebu
Travel safely on your 2-week Philippines itinerary in August
For this itinerary—as with any trip featured on our site—we strongly recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance (we say this from experience, having used it MANY times ourselves). Plus, the best insurance for the Philippines covers not only medical emergencies but also other serious travel-related issues, such as theft, baggage problems or repatriation. In addition, with the Cancellation option, if you ultimately have to cancel your trip for a covered reason (for example, if a family member has to be hospitalized or passes away), you may be reimbursed for eligible non-refundable expenses such as flights and hotels.
As a Travel Around the Philippines reader, you can get a 5% discount on your policy by purchasing it through this link:
Detailed 2-week Philippines itinerary for August
Let’s get straight to it and walk you through this 15-day Philippines itinerary for August, step by step:
Day 1: arrival in the Philippines and transfer to Siargao
Welcome to the Philippines! Depending on your arrival time, you may be able to connect directly to a flight to Siargao or, if you want to save money, take the ferry from Cebu to Surigao, followed by another boat to the island.
You’ll find all the details in How to get to Siargao.
You’ll likely arrive in the afternoon, so our advice is to settle in, go out for dinner and, if you feel like it, head to one of the island’s lively bars—there are plenty to choose from on the island.
Recommended accommodation:
- Backpacker hostels: Hiraya Surf Hostel
- Good value for money: Ferra Resort Siargao
- For a little luxury: Sandy Feet Siargao
- More options: where to stay in Siargao, resorts in Siargao and hostels in Siargao
Naked Island in Siargao
Days 2, 3, 4 and 5: Siargao
In this 15-day Philippines itinerary in August, we recommend spending 4 full days in Siargao—the ideal time to enjoy it to the fullest. In our Siargao Guide you’ll find all the tips to make the most of it, but here’s one way to plan your time:
- First day: take an island-hopping tour (boat trips between islands), visiting Daku, Naked and Guyam islands, plus Mam’on. Read our Island hopping in Siargao guide for all the details.
- Motorbike day: visit Magpupungko, Alegria, Tak Tak Falls and some of Siargao’s other beaches.
- Take a tour from Del Carmen to Sugba Lagoon, Kawhagan and Pamumuan.
- Take an island-hopping trip to Sohoton or Corregidor Island, or spend the day surfing.
Ask locals where the party is each night. Siargao is one of the best places to be if you’re a night owl. Be sure to check Where to eat in Siargao to try the tastiest spots.
Day 6: how to get from Siargao to Camiguin
Transfer day! Siargao and Camiguin aren’t directly connected, so you have two options:
- Look for flights from Siargao to Camiguin via Cebu: it’s very important to book with the same airline or leave at least three hours between flights. Delays on domestic flights are normal.
- Travel the entire route by land and sea.
This will likely take most of the day. It’s explained in detail in How to get from Siargao to Camiguin.
Recommended accommodation:
- Good value for money: Mountain View Cottages
- For a little luxury: Somewhere Else Boutique Resort
- More options: where to stay in Camiguin
Katibawasan Falls, Camiguin
Days 7, 8 and 9: Camiguin
In our Camiguin Guide, you’ll see why it is one of our favorite islands: there is a huge variety of things to do there. Said to have more volcanoes per square kilometer than anywhere else on Earth, Camiguin is also known as the “Hawaii of the Philippines” for its lush vegetation.
To give you time to enjoy it, we’ve set aside 3 full days for Camiguin on this 2-week trip to the Philippines in August. You could plan your three days like this:
- Island-hopping day: White Island and Mantigue Island. Read more in Island hopping in Camiguin.
- First motorbike route: Katibawasan Falls, the Walkway to the Old Volcano, Sunken Cemetery and Ardent Hot Springs.
- Second motorbike route: Tuasan Falls, Bura Soda Water Swimming Pool, Sto. Niño Cold Spring, Blue Lagoon and Moro Watchtower.
If you don’t ride a motorbike, no worries—you can hire a tricycle or multicab and agree on a price with the driver.
If you like hiking, consider the Hibok-Hibok trek, which takes you up one of the most interesting volcanoes in the Philippines.
Day 10: how to get from Camiguin to Bohol
Our 2-week Philippines itinerary continues on the wonderfully diverse island of Bohol, connected to Camiguin by boat. The ferry used to run only three days a week, but it now operates daily and can be booked through this link.
This ferry leaves at 9:30, so you’ll arrive in Bohol at around 1:00–1:30 p.m. Once in Jagna, take any bus or van heading to Ubay and tell the driver you’re going to Anda so they can let you know where to get off. Alternatively, you can take a tricycle directly to your hotel. By early afternoon, you’ll be in this peaceful, beautiful corner of the island. We suggest spending the rest of the day enjoying the beach and watching the sunset or, if you fancy it, taking a dip in one of Anda’s cave pools. In Things to do in Anda you’ll find everything you need.
Find more information in How to get to Anda.
Recommended hotels:
- Budget-friendly: RD Bed and Breakfast
- Excellent value for money: Three Little Birds
- Find more recommendations in Where to stay in Anda.
Days 11 and 12: Bohol – Anda
Anda was a wonderful discovery for us on our first visit. Not only is the town’s beach beautiful, but there is also an incredible reef just offshore where it’s quite common to see turtles. We recommend spending one day exploring the town and its surroundings, enjoying the different beaches and going snorkeling. Leave us a comment and we’ll put you in touch with an excellent local guide who knows the best parts of the reef.
On your second day, rent a motorbike or hire a car with a driver (we can also share our recommended contacts for both options) and head to the Can-Umantad waterfall and the wonderful neighboring Cadapdapan rice terraces. The former is the best waterfall in Bohol, while the latter rival Bali’s famous rice terraces—without the crowds.
Day 13: transfer from Anda to Panglao via Loboc
The next stop on this 15-day Philippines itinerary in August is Panglao, but it’s not just a transfer day—you’ll also use it to explore other parts of Bohol. The best option is to arrange a private transfer with a local company (we can share a contact) and, instead of heading straight to Panglao, ask them to include at least the Chocolate Hills and Loboc, with its famous river, in the route.
We also suggest visiting the Loboc Ecotourism Adventure Park and the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella. You’ll find more information about all this in Things to do in Loboc.
You’ll reach Panglao around sunset, just in time to enjoy a cold beer on Alona Beach. Take a look at Where to eat in Bohol to find a restaurant that suits you.
Recommended accommodation:
- Budget: Unk’s House Homestay
- Good value for money: Alona42 Resort
- For a little luxury: Hennan Resort
- Find more recommendations in Where to stay in Panglao.
Chocolate Hills, Bohol
Day 14: Panglao
Since you only have one day in this part of Bohol, you’ll need to choose between two options (this will also depend on what time you leave the next day). Here are the two options:
- Spend a full day in Panglao enjoying the beaches (especially Dumaluan), the Napaling sanctuary and Hinagdanan Cave. More information in Things to do in Panglao.
- Take a snorkeling trip to Balicasag or go diving there (we can share the best contact for this), followed by a relaxing afternoon on Dumaluan Beach, the best beach in Bohol.
Day 15: return home from Bohol or Cebu
If your departure schedule leaves you with a free morning, spend it on one of Panglao’s beaches or go snorkeling with thousands of sardines in the Napaling area.
Afterward, depending on where you’re flying home from, you’ll need to fly from Bohol to Manila or take a ferry to Cebu. Your trip may be over, but we’re sure it won’t be your last visit.
Recommended hotels:
- Overnight stay in Cebu near the airport: Amaris Bed and Breakfast
- Overnight stay in Manila near the airport: Savoy Hotel Manila
Beaches of Panglao
Tips to enjoy this 2-week Philippines itinerary in August
Here are some practical tips from our own experience to help your trip go smoothly:
- Although we’ve designed this itinerary for travelers who are particularly concerned about the weather, we recommend not obsessing over it. Also, once you start checking the forecast, bear in mind that almost every app will predict rain. Don’t panic—weather apps are not always accurate here and, even when they predict rain, it may only last a short while. In this regard, the most reliable sources are PAGASA’s satellite imagery and updates from meteorologist Robert Speta. The Windy app is also fairly reliable a few days in advance.
- Unfortunately, flights to the Philippines can be a little pricier during this period, especially if August coincides with the peak holiday season in your country. Based on our research, some options worth comparing are: 1) book a flight to Bangkok with Saudia or another airline that offers a competitive fare (around $800 from some long-haul departure points), followed by a separate flight from Bangkok to Manila with Cebu Pacific Air; or 2) fly to Singapore and then book a separate flight to Manila or Cebu. Prices vary considerably depending on your country of origin, travel dates and how far in advance you book, so compare these combinations with a single through-ticket before deciding.
- We’ve arranged the itinerary in this order, but you could also do it the other way around. Still, the best approach is to compare different flight times and see which combination works best.
- If you’re going to backpack around the Philippines and want to save money, it’s best not to carry much luggage. Bear in mind that you are unlikely to need many warm clothes and laundry services are widely available. Almost all Philippine airlines charge for checked baggage, so if you can avoid it, your wallet will thank you.
- Our site has plenty of resources to help you plan your adventure, but we suggest starting with Recommendations and tips for traveling to the Philippines and our Philippines Guide.
- To travel with peace of mind, it’s very important to take out travel insurance for the Philippines that provides reliable assistance if anything goes wrong, whether it is a medical issue or another travel-related problem. Here’s a 5% discount on the best travel insurance for the Philippines.
Alternatives to this 15-day Philippines route in August
As we mentioned, this is just a sample 2-week Philippines itinerary in August (remember that it also works well for July and September, as the weather pattern is the same). It is designed to be flexible, which is exactly what we recommend, since no two travelers are the same. Here are three easy alternatives:
1. Swap Bohol for El Nido or Coron
If the possibility of rain doesn’t put you off and you’re dying to see the landscapes of Palawan (which we completely understand, as the scenery there is unlike anywhere else in the Philippines), we’d swap Bohol for El Nido. To go from Camiguin to El Nido, fly to Cebu and then connect to a direct AirSWIFT flight to El Nido or take a flight from Cebu to Puerto Princesa and follow the steps in How to get to El Nido.
Set aside at least 2 full days for island hopping in El Nido and another for the beaches of Nacpan, Duli and Las Cabañas. If you’d love to swim with whale sharks in the Philippines, August is the season in Puerto Princesa. You can set aside day 14 for this and fly from there to Manila or Cebu that same afternoon to finish your trip, as the tour ends at 2:00 p.m.
Another excellent option is Coron, especially if you’re a diver, as you can dive among several World War II shipwrecks. To get there from Camiguin, fly to Cebu and then take another flight to Coron. In Coron, we recommend the two essential island-hopping tours: the Ultimate Tour and the Escapade Tour. If you plan to dive, set aside one full day for it. If not, you can do the Reefs & Wrecks tour or Black Island.
Keep in mind that Coron’s airport (Busuanga) is quite small and airport operations can be affected by poor visibility and bad weather, so flight cancellations or delays are normal—especially in the rainy season. Therefore, we recommend returning to Manila or Cebu at least one day before your international flight.
2. Spend one less day in Siargao and visit Bohol and Siquijor
If you want more variety, you could spend one less day in Siargao, skip the Anda portion of the itinerary, visit Bohol while staying in Loboc or Panglao, and add the diverse island of Siquijor. It would look something like this:
Day 1: arrival in the Philippines and transfer to Siargao
Days 2, 3 and 4: Siargao
Day 5: how to get from Siargao to Camiguin
Days 6, 7 and 8: Camiguin
Day 9: how to get from Camiguin to Bohol
Days 10 and 11: Panglao or Loboc
Day 12: how to get from Bohol to Siquijor
Days 13 and 14: Siquijor
Day 15: ferry to Dumaguete and flight to Manila or ferry from Siquijor to Cebu
Bear in mind that this itinerary is quite fast-paced and you’ll have very little time in Bohol and Siquijor. It’s not for everyone, so think it through.
Siquijor Beach
3. Add Dinagat to your itinerary
A slightly more adventurous—but equally appealing, if not more so—option is to spend several days island hopping or join an expedition that includes sleeping on a remote island in Dinagat. This group of islands is very close to Siargao, yet it remains virtually unknown to international travelers (we still don’t understand why). With a couple of tours, you’ll discover stunning limestone landscapes very similar to those in El Nido and Coron and you’ll also feel a little like a true explorer.
Dinagat is accessible by direct boat from Del Carmen (Siargao) or by traveling via Dapa, Surigao City and San Jose on Dinagat Island, but you’ll find everything you need in How to get to Dinagat. Once you’ve worked out how to get there, read Island hopping in Dinagat and prepare to be amazed. Of course, we can also put you in touch with someone who can organize your time there.
Your Philippines itinerary for August could look like this:
Day 1: arrival in the Philippines and transfer to Siargao
Days 2, 3 and 4: Siargao
Day 5: how to get to Dinagat
Days 6 and 7: island hopping in Dinagat
Day 8: transfer from Dinagat to Camiguin
Days 9, 10 and 11: Camiguin
Day 12: transfer from Camiguin to Bohol
Days 13 and 14: Bohol (we’d stay in Panglao or Loboc)
Day 15: flight from Bohol to Manila or ferry to Cebu
Landscapes of Dinagat
Does this 2-week Philippines itinerary for August sound right for you? If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask us in the comments.
