How to Plan a Multi-Island Philippines Trip: Boracay, El Nido and Siargao
Want Boracay, El Nido and Siargao in one trip? Here's how the islands connect, how many days you need, sample routes and a relaxed 14-day itinerary.
Boracay’s powdery sand. El Nido’s limestone lagoons. Siargao’s waves and coconut-lined roads.
It’s no surprise that so many travelers want all three in one trip. And you absolutely can do it. But the Philippines is an archipelago of thousands of islands, and getting between them takes a little more planning than hopping on a train.
The good news? With the right route, the right number of days and a bit of flexibility, a multi-island trip is one of the most rewarding journeys you can take. We’ve been welcoming travelers in all three destinations for years, and this is the guide we wish everyone read before booking their flights.
We’ll keep things general where schedules and fares change often, and point you to the details that matter most.
First, Understand How the Islands Connect
Boracay, El Nido and Siargao are in three different regions of the country:
- Boracay is in the Western Visayas, off the northern tip of Panay.
- El Nido is at the northern end of Palawan, on the western side of the country.
- Siargao is in the southeast, off the coast of Mindanao, facing the Pacific Ocean.
Because they’re spread out, you’ll travel between them mostly by plane. Most routes connect through the big domestic hubs, mainly Manila and Cebu. Direct routes between smaller airports do appear from time to time, but they can change by season, so always check the airlines’ current schedules.
The key thing to remember: every move between islands is usually a full travel day. Plan for it, and you’ll enjoy the journey instead of racing against it.
Getting to Each Island
Boracay
Boracay doesn’t have its own airport. Travelers usually fly to Caticlan, which is close to the jetty port, or to Kalibo, which is further away and needs a longer road transfer. From the Caticlan jetty port, a short boat ride takes you across to the island.
At the jetty you’ll pay a few local charges: the Boracay environmental fee (₱300 for foreign visitors and ₱150 for local visitors at the time of writing, once per stay), a port terminal fee and the boat fare. You can pay at the counter or online in advance through the official Boracay iPass portal.
Once you’re on the island, Happiness Hostel Boracay is on Bulabog Road. We can arrange van transfers if you send us your flight details before you arrive.
El Nido
There are two main ways in:
- Fly direct to El Nido (Lio) Airport. It’s small and close to town. From there, it’s about a 15-minute tricycle ride to Happiness Hostel El Nido.
- Fly to Puerto Princesa, then travel by road. This is often a more affordable option, but it’s a long drive, usually somewhere between four and six hours by van or private car.
Some travelers also arrive by ferry from Coron, another beautiful part of northern Palawan. Our El Nido team can help with Coron ferries and van transport from either airport.
Every tourist in El Nido pays the Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF). The regular rate is ₱400 and it’s valid for five days.
Siargao
Most visitors fly into Siargao’s Sayak Airport, usually connecting through Manila or Cebu. You can also reach the island by ferry from Surigao City to Dapa port. From the airport or port, you’ll travel by road to General Luna, where Happiness Hostel Siargao and Happiness Beach Resort are based. Again, we can arrange a van transfer if you send your flight details.
For more on getting around each island once you’ve arrived, see our ultimate travel guide to Siargao, Boracay and El Nido.
How Many Days Do You Need?
This is the big question. Here’s our honest take, based on what we see guests enjoy most.
The minimum: about 10 days
You can technically see all three islands in around 10 days, but it’ll feel fast. With travel days in between, you’d get roughly two to three full days in each place.
The sweet spot: about 14 to 16 days
Two weeks or a little more gives you around three to five full days per island, with breathing room for weather delays and lazy days. This is what we usually recommend.
The dream: three weeks or more
If you have the time, slow down. Learn to surf properly in Siargao, try several boat tours in El Nido and actually rest in Boracay. You’ll come home relaxed rather than needing another holiday.
Short on time?
If you have a week or less, pick two islands, or even just one. Seriously. One island done well beats three islands done in a rush.
Sample Routes at a Glance
| Trip length | Suggested split | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days | Two islands, about 3 nights each (for example El Nido and Boracay) | First-timers with limited leave |
| 10 days | All three, about 3 nights each | Travelers who don’t mind a quick pace |
| 14 days | Siargao 5, El Nido 4, Boracay 4 (plus travel days) | A balanced, relaxed trip |
| 21 days | Siargao 7 to 8, El Nido 6, Boracay 5 (plus travel days) | Slow travelers, surfers and remote workers |
These are suggestions, not rules. Shuffle the days to match what you love most.
Which Order Should You Visit?
There’s no single right order, but a few ideas can help.
Start adventurous, end relaxed
Many travelers like to start with the most active island and finish somewhere easy. For example: Siargao, then El Nido, then Boracay. Surf and explore first, island hop in the middle, and end with beach days and sunsets before your flight home.
Follow the flights
Your international arrival and departure airports matter. If you’re landing in Manila, it may be easiest to start with the island that has the most convenient connection that week. If you’re flying out from Cebu, finishing in Siargao might make sense. Look at real schedules first, then build the route around them.
Think about the weather
Here’s something many people don’t realise: the islands don’t always share the same weather. According to PAGASA, the national weather agency, the southwest monsoon (habagat) brings rain to the western side of the country, while the northeast monsoon (amihan) brings rain to the eastern side.
Boracay and El Nido sit on the western side, so the middle of the year tends to be wetter there. Siargao faces the Pacific to the east, so it can be rainy during the cooler months too. In practice, this means weather can be good on one island and stormy on another in the same week. Keep your plans flexible.
For surfers, Siargao’s peak wave season is usually late September to November. Our best time to visit Siargao and best time to visit El Nido guides go deeper.
A 14-Day Multi-Island Itinerary
Here’s one relaxed way to do it. Adapt freely.
Days 1 to 5: Siargao
- Day 1: Fly in, transfer to General Luna, check in after 2:00 PM, sunset at the beach bar.
- Day 2: Surf lesson in the morning, explore General Luna in the afternoon.
- Day 3: Tri-Island Tour to Naked, Daku and Guyam Islands (from ₱5,750 per person, minimum two guests).
- Day 4: Siargao Land Tour to Sugba Lagoon, Magpupungko Rock Pools and Maasin River (from ₱7,300 per person, minimum two guests).
- Day 5: Slow morning, yoga at the beach resort, or the Booz Cruise in the afternoon (from ₱2,100 per person, 18+).
Day 6: Travel to El Nido
Check out by 11:00 AM and travel to El Nido, usually via a connection. Expect this to take most of the day.
Days 7 to 10: El Nido
- Day 7: Deluxe Tour A for Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon (from ₱1,900 per person, plus the ₱400 ETDF).
- Day 8: Deluxe Tour C for hidden beaches and snorkeling (from ₱1,900 per person).
- Day 9: Land Tour: Waterfall and Beaches to Bulalacao Falls, Nacpan and Las Cabañas (from ₱5,300 per person, minimum two guests), with an optional zipline.
- Day 10: Morning Canopy Walk (from ₱730 per person), afternoon yoga or spa at the Boutique Resort.
Day 11: Travel to Boracay
Another travel day, usually with a connection, then the jetty boat across to the island.
Days 12 to 14: Boracay
- Day 12: ATV Adventure at Newcoast (from ₱2,300 per person), then the pool and skate cafe.
- Day 13: Helmet Dive (from ₱1,500 per person), and a farewell Sunset Paraw Sailing trip (from ₱3,000 per person, minimum two guests).
- Day 14: One last swim, check out by 11:00 AM, and head home.
Note: avoid the helmet dive within 12 hours of flying. If your flight is early on Day 14, swap it to Day 12.
Booking Tips That Save Stress
Book flights first, then stays
Flights shape everything. Once they’re set, book your accommodation around the dates. Then add tours.
Leave buffer time
Weather can delay boats and flights. Avoid booking a tight domestic connection on the same day as your international flight home. A spare night near your departure airport is a smart move.
Line up your check-in times
At Happiness, check-in is at 2:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM. If you’re arriving early or leaving late, message us ahead. Early check-in and late check-out may be possible depending on availability.
Know the cancellation rules
You can cancel a Happiness booking by email or phone up to 14 days before arrival. See our terms and conditions for full details, and consider travel insurance for the whole trip.
Book popular tours ahead
In busy months, some tours fill up. Our El Nido team recommends organising tours before you arrive. You can browse everything on our tours page.
Multi-Island Trip Checklist
- Check entry requirements for the Philippines with official sources
- Book international flights in and out
- Book domestic flights between islands, with buffer time
- Book accommodation on each island
- Send your flight details to each stay if you need a transfer
- Pre-book your must-do tours
- Budget for local fees: Boracay environmental and terminal fees, El Nido ETDF
- Arrange travel insurance
- Pack light, with a dry bag and aqua shoes (see our packing list)
- Carry cash in small bills for transfers and extras
- Save our contact details for each location
Where to Stay on Each Island
- Siargao: Happiness Hostel for a social base where many tours start, or Happiness Beach Resort for private rooms, cottages and daily wellness.
- El Nido: Happiness Hostel in town, the Boutique Resort near Corong-Corong with pool, spa and yoga, or the Boutique Villas for privacy.
- Boracay: Happiness Hostel Boracay, with dorms and private rooms, a pool and a skate bowl.
Our hostels are for guests aged 18 and over. Not sure which stay suits you? Our guide to choosing between a hostel, resort or villa can help.
Final Thoughts
A multi-island trip is a big adventure, and the best ones leave room for surprises. A stranger who becomes a friend on a boat. A rainy afternoon that turns into a long, happy lunch. A sunset you didn’t plan for.
Plan the big pieces, keep the small ones loose, and let the islands do what they do best.
If you’d like help planning your route, our team in each location is just a message away. Get in touch.
FAQ: Planning a Multi-Island Philippines Trip
Can I visit Boracay, El Nido and Siargao in one trip?
Yes. Most travelers move between them by domestic flights, usually connecting through Manila or Cebu. Allow a full day for each transfer.
How many days do I need for all three islands?
We suggest around 14 to 16 days for a relaxed trip. Ten days is possible but fast. With a week or less, choose one or two islands.
What’s the best order to visit the islands?
It depends on your flights and the season. Many travelers like starting with Siargao for surf and adventure, then El Nido for island hopping, and finishing in Boracay for beach days.
Are there ferries between the three islands?
Not in a practical way for most travelers. Ferries are useful for shorter hops, such as the boat to Boracay from Caticlan, Surigao City to Siargao, or Coron to El Nido, but flights are usually the way to move between the three main islands.
