18-Day Hong Kong + Philippines Adventure: City Lights, Island Hops, Surf & Street Food

From neon Hong Kong to sapphire Palawan and action-packed Cebu, this 18-day itinerary blends foodie finds, coffee culture, surfing, yoga, and epic island-hopping—on a solid mid-range budget.
Low angle view of vibrant high-rise buildings in downtown Hong Kong under a clear blue sky.
Photo by Harry Shum on Pexels

Asia’s greatest hits—packed into 18 unforgettable days. Start in Hong Kong, where Tang-era temples meet futuristic skylines and world-class dim sum. Then hop to the Philippines for waterfalls, coral gardens, sugar-white beaches, and a pace that invites you to stay a little longer.


Hong Kong’s story is one of harbors and hinterlands: fishing villages transformed into a global crossroads. Its star attractions—Victoria Peak, Lantau’s Big Buddha, neon-lit night markets—pair perfectly with mom-and-pop tea houses and third-wave coffee bars. In the Philippines, Cebu’s jungly canyons and Palawan’s limestone karsts deliver the adventure you’re after, from canyoneering to island-hopping and surf.

Practical notes: Typhoon season can affect the Philippines (roughly June–November); build in weather flex. Use Octopus in Hong Kong for transit and reloadable cash; in the Philippines, cash is king beyond cities. Eat boldly but responsibly, use reef-safe sunscreen, and respect marine-life regulations. Street food, lechon, and tropical fruit are the trip’s unofficial mascots.

Hong Kong

Vertical city, wild hills. That’s Hong Kong: dragon-backs and glass towers, incense smoke and Michelin-starred noodle shops. It’s also a paradise for street eats, coffee, and brisk hikes to lonely beaches.

Getting in and around: From HKG, ride the Airport Express to Central (~24 minutes, ~US$15). For flights to/from Hong Kong, compare on Trip.com and Kiwi.com.

Days 1–5: Peaks, harbors, markets, and hidden alleys

  • Victoria Peak + Mid-Levels Escalator: Ride the Peak Tram, walk the 3.5-km Lugard Road loop for skyline postcards, then descend via the Mid-Levels Escalator into Old Town Central’s indie shops and speakeasies.
  • Lantau day: Cable-car to Ngong Ping’s Tian Tan Big Buddha, then stilt-house lanes in Tai O fishing village for dried seafood markets and pink-dolphin lore.
  • Kowloon night: Cruise the harbor at golden hour, then bargain and snack through Temple Street Night Market; add a dai pai dong dinner and neon photography in Jordan and Yau Ma Tei.
  • Hike + surf option: Head to Shek O or Dragon’s Back for coastal views; in swell season, try a beginner board at Big Wave Bay. Reward yourself with egg tarts and iced milk tea.
Recommended tours (align with your foodie/adventurous vibe): Eat & drink (local favorites + coffee):
  • Dim sum: Tim Ho Wan (budget-Michelin baked BBQ pork bun), Lin Heung Tea House (old-school carts), Luk Yu Tea House (heritage ambience).
  • Cantonese classics: Yat Lok (roast goose), Mak’s Noodle (wonton), Kau Kee (beef brisket noodles).
  • Cocktails & craft: The Old Man (Ernest Hemingway-inspired), Coa (agave temple), Bar De Luxe (Ginza-style). Arrive early for queues.
  • Coffee: The Cupping Room (award-winning baristas), NOC Coffee (sleek, bright roasts), The Coffee Academics (signature pour-overs), Blue Bottle (Central), Knockbox (roastery vibes).
Shopping & neighborhoods:
  • PMQ & Tai Ping Shan: Local designers, ceramics, indie galleries.
  • Mong Kok: Sneaker Street (Fa Yuen), Ladies’ Market, goldfish and flower streets.
  • Outlets: Citygate for sports/outdoor gear before island hikes.
Where to stay (mid-range friendly picks): Next stop:

Fly Hong Kong to Cebu (2h45m–3h15m nonstop when available, US$120–250 one-way). Search fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Morning departure puts you beachside by afternoon.

Cebu

Welcome to the Philippines’ adventure capital. Based in Cebu City or Mactan, you’ll plunge into canyons of crystal water, meet gentle whale sharks (observe all guidelines), and feast on legendary lechon.


Days 6–11: Canyons, reefs, and countryside

  • Kawasan Falls canyoneering: Jump, rappel, and float through turquoise gorges in Badian—supervised, safety gear included. End with a swim at the big falls.
  • Oslob + Tumalog + Moalboal: At dawn, see whale sharks from a regulated site (do not touch, keep distance), then visit misty Tumalog Falls and snorkel Moalboal’s sardine run.
  • Bohol day trip: Cross by fast ferry to see the Chocolate Hills, tiny tarsiers, and the Loboc River cruise.
  • Mactan island-hopping: Spend a lazy day at Hilutungan and Nalusuan marine sanctuaries—clear water, easy snorkeling, grilled seafood lunch.
Recommended tours: Eat & drink (foodie + coffee):
  • Lechon showdown: House of Lechon (Carcar-style), Rico’s Lechon (garlicky crunch), Zubuchon (crispy skin; Bourdain favorite).
  • Seafood & Filipino: STK ta Bay! (homey grilled seafood), Parrt Ebelle (casual sutukil), Sugbo Mercado (weekend night market bites).
  • Coffee: Linear Coffee Roasters (precision brews), The Good Cup Coffee Company (award-winning roastery), Abaca Baking Company (great pastry + flat whites), Drip and Draft (cold brew specialists).
Yoga & wellness:
  • Drop-in classes at YogaHub Cebu (multiple branches) or book a private beachfront stretch on Mactan; spa time at your resort post-canyoneering.
Where to stay: Next stop:

Fly Cebu to El Nido (AirSwift ~1h40m, ~US$120–200) or fly to Puerto Princesa (~1h25m, ~US$60–120) then van to El Nido (5–6 hours, ~US$15–20). Check fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

El Nido (Palawan)

Limestone spires, secret lagoons, and aquamarine channels—the Bacuit Archipelago is the Philippines at its most cinematic. Add surfable swells in season and mellow yoga by the sea, and you’ve got your adventure sweet spot.


Days 12–18: Island-hopping, surf windows, and one UNESCO wonder

  • Island-Hopping: Mix and match classic routes—Tour A (lagoons and Secret Beach) and Tour C (Hidden Beach, Matinloc, snorkeling gardens). Go private for flexible timing and emptier coves.
  • Underground River (en route if flying to Puerto Princesa): Detour to Sabang for the subterranean river—otherworldly chambers, bats, and mangroves. Then continue to El Nido.
  • Surf & sand: Duli Beach (best Nov–Apr; sandy-bottom beginners’ breaks) and Nacpan for long golden walks and sunset swims.
  • Yoga & recovery: Join community sunrise flows around Lio Beach or book private sessions; add a hilot massage after back-to-back boat days.
Recommended tours: Eat & drink (sea-to-table + coffee):
  • El Nido town: Artcafe (institution—breakfasts, live music), Altrove (wood-fired pizza), Happiness Beach Bar (mediterranean, veggie-friendly), Tambok’s (modern Filipino).
  • Lio Estate & beaches: Shaka (smoothies + espresso, vegan-friendly), Maremegmeg Beach Bar (sunset cocktails), seafood grills along Nacpan.
Shopping & local crafts:
  • Browse Kalye Artisano (Lio) for island-made crafts, textiles, and eco-forward souvenirs.
Where to stay: Exit options:
  • El Nido to Manila (~1h15m) or Puerto Princesa to Manila (~1h30m). Compare fares on Trip.com / Kiwi.com.

Suggested 18-Day Flow (multi-day blocks)

  • Days 1–5: Hong Kong (Peak, Lantau, food tour, harbor junk, markets, optional coastal hike/surf).
  • Days 6–11: Cebu base with day trips (canyoneering, Oslob/Moalboal, Mactan hopping, Bohol countryside).
  • Days 12–18: Palawan—Underground River (if routing via Puerto Princesa), then El Nido island-hopping, Duli/Nacpan beach days, yoga, and sunsets.

Budget tips for a mid-range (50/100) spend

  • Prioritize a couple of private tours (e.g., Tour C) and go shared for the rest; eat like a local at hawker-style spots and carinderias.
  • Use morning flights between hubs; they’re more punctual and give you a bonus beach afternoon.
  • Bring a dry bag and reef shoes for canyoneering; rent on-site only if needed to save luggage space.

From city-slick skytrams to jungle canyons and secret lagoons, this route trades monotony for momentum. You’ll sip excellent coffee, chase sunsets, find your flow on a mat—or a mellow wave—and fly home with salt still in your hair.

Bookmark this guide for flights, stays, and trusted tours—then let curiosity set your pace each day.


Ready to book your trip?

Search Hotels
Search Homes

Trending Trips

Traveling somewhere else?

Generate a custom itinerary