10-Day Philippines Best Islands of Palawan & Bohol with Cordillera Mountains Vacation Package

Stunning view of Miniloc Island in El Nido Palawan

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Description

Details

Tour starts

Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Starting time

Duration

10 days

Ending place

Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Languages:

English

Difficulty:

Easy

Available:

false

Minimum age:

None

Description

Explore the highland, countryside, and island attractions of Luzon and Visayas in the Philippines in this 10-day vacation. This package will let you visit some of the best attractions and try fun activities in the Philippines in just one trip. It already includes accommodations with breakfast and all transfers within the country, plus entrance fees and tour guides.

Besides going to some of the best islands and beaches in the country, you will also see Luzon's amazing highlands. On your trip, you will get to visit Manila, Baguio, Benguet, and Tarlac. This 10-day vacation also includes a tour of the island province of Bohol and also Palawan, one of the top tourist destinations of the country. You'll see the beauty of Puerto Princesa and El Nido.

In Manila, you'll get to see museums, historic forts, and churches at Intramuros. In the highlands, expect to experience the cool climate at Baguio's Camp John Hay and Benguet's La Trinidad Strawberry Farm. If you come during harvest season, you can even pick strawberries. In Tarlac, prepare yourself for a hike up the volcano, Mt. Pinatubo.

When you fly off to the region of Visayas, you will visit Bohol. This island province has some of the best natural wonders in the country. You'll go on the Loboc River Cruise and enjoy stunning sceneries. Then, you'll see the astonishing Chocolate Hills.

In Palawan, you'll go island hopping at Puerto Princesa's Honda Bay. You will also visit the Underground River, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In El Nido, get ready to be amazed by the Big Lagoon and other island attractions.

Go on an exciting trip to the Luzon and Visayas highlands, countryside, and islands. Check availability by choosing a date.

Included

9 nights accommodation (budget category)

9 days breakfast

9 lunch

All flights with 20kgs baggage allowance

Day 1 - Intramuros Tour (Manila)

Day 2 to 3 - Benguet Tour (Cordillera Region)

Day 4 - Mt. Pinatubo Tour

Day 5 to 6 - Bohol Tour (Central Visayas)

Day 7 to 9 - Puerto Princesa and El Nido Tour (Palawan)

Day 10 - Back to Manila

All transportation to and from included activities and destinations

All environmental fees, port fees, and all other applicable taxes

Activities

Island Hopping

Culture, Arts and Historical Tour

Daily itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 - Day 1: Intramuros Tour

Your 10-day vacation to the Philippines starts in Manila. Once you have arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, your van will take you to your hotel along Roxas Boulevard. Your tour will be focused on exploring Intramuros, which is a historic walled area inside Manila. Fort Santiago is a 1593-citadel in Intramuros. It was used as a prison during World War II and the Spanish Empire. Even the national hero, Jose Rizal, was imprisoned here in 1896 before his execution. Plaza Roma seems like a quiet park but back during the Spanish era. It was the center of the city and was used for hosting different events, including bullfighting. Bahay Tsinoy is a historical museum dedicated to the Ethnic Chinese and their contributions to the country. Casa Manila is also a museum, and it showcases the Filipino lifestyle during the Spanish Colonization. It is also housed in a replica of a Spanish mansion. At San Diego Garden, you can take a little breather and take in a simple and pleasant park. Right outside the garden is Baluarte De San Diego, one of the oldest stone forts in the city. San Agustin Church and Museum is a historic religious site that was founded during the 16th century. The building that stands today was completed in 1607. The Manila Cathedral was also founded in the same century; however, its building is fairly new compared to San Agustin Church.

Day 2

Mines View Park in Baguio City during sunset

Day 2 - Day 2: Baguio Tour

After touring Manila, you will continue the next part of your trip in the highlands of Luzon. First up is the City of Baguio, which is the Summer Capital of the Philippines. You will go to the country's premier military school. The Philippine Military Academy was established during the 19th century. To this day, it continues to train the future offices of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The Mansion was originally built to be the summer residence of the US's governors-general back in 1908. During WWII, the building was heavily damaged, and it was rebuilt during the 1940s. Since then, it has become the Philippine President's official summer palace. The City of Baguio is known for its fresh air, pine trees, and parks. During your tour, you will be able to visit some of the best green spaces in the city, including Camp John Hay, Mines View Park, Wright Park, and Centennial Park. Good Shepherd Convent started as a charity, but it has since become one of the most popular stopovers for tourists. The convent's shop sells sweet treats and goods like cookies, peanut brittles, and jams. After your tour, your van will take you to your hotel in Baguio City.

Day 3

Halsema Highway, the 2nd highest point in the Philippines

Day 3 - Day 3: Benguet Tour

From Baguio City, you will visit the province of Benguet. Your van will first take you to La Trinidad, the province's capital, which is about 10km from Baguio. You will get to visit La Trinidad Strawberry Farm. During harvest season, you might get the chance to have a unique experience picking strawberries by hand. The next stop is in the town of Atok, which is over 40km from La Trinidad. You'll get to see cherry blossom trees, the same ones from Japan. Over 30 cherry blossom trees from Japan were planted at Atok Sakura Flowers back in 2016. You can expect to see white and pink cherry blossoms during the blooming season. At Northern Blossom, you'll get to see other kinds of flowers. This plantation is about 5 acres and features cabbage roses, sunflowers, snapdragons, and more. Your next destination will put you at the 2nd highest elevation in the highway system of the Philippines. Halsema Highway has the 2nd Highest Point, which is 2,300m above sea level. The Spanish Trail is a short but interesting hiking spot. This trail is parallel to the Halsema Highway and has three tunnels. After your Benguet Tour, your van will take you back to your hotel in Baguio City.

Day 4

Day 4 - Day 4: Mt. Pinatubo Tour

On the 4th day of your tour, you will leave Baguio City. Once you have checked out of your hotel, your van will take you to Tarlac Province, which is over 100km away. You will go to Barangay Sta. Juliana, the site of Mt. Pinatubo’s basecamp. Mt. Pinatubo is an infamous volcano of the Philippines. It caused one of the world's largest eruptions back in 1991. Its massive effect reached neighboring countries, even global temperatures dropped. Nowadays, Mt. Pinatubo is a popular tourist destination. On your tour, you will get to see a beautiful consequence of its eruption. Before you reach the summit of Mt. Pinatubo, you need to cross Crow Valley. This area has rough terrain, so expect a bumpy ride. It is also very sandy due to the lahar. The ascent to the crater of Mt. Pinatubo can only be done on foot. The rest of the tour must be finished by hiking. Once you reach the summit, you will come upon Mt. Pinatubo's blue-green lake. After the tour, you will hike down the volcano and ride a jeep back to the basecamp. From there, your van will take you back to Manila.

Day 5

Tarsiers at the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary

Day 5 - Day 5: Bohol Countryside Tour

On the next part of your tour, you will be leaving Luzon and head to the Visayas. Once you have checked out of your hotel, your van will take you to the airport, where you will catch a flight to Panglao International Airport. The first stop on the Bohol Countryside Tour is in the town of Corella. You will meet cute, googly-eyed primates at Corella Tarsier Sanctuary. Tarsiers are small animals that are usually seen hanging onto trees. They can rotate their heads 180° just like an owl. To go on the Loboc River Cruise, you will hop on a floating restaurant. The cruise starts at the Loay Bridge. You can expect to see lush forests, a blue-green river, and even a cultural presentation. The next stop is the Baclayon Church, which used to be a parish back during the 18th century. This church was recently restored in 2017 as it was heavily damaged by an earthquake back in 2013. At the Butterfly Conservatory, you'll know everything there is to know about butterflies. Meanwhile, at the Loay Interior Road, you will come upon the Bilar Forest. To wrap up your tour, you will visit the Chocolate Hills, an amazing geological formation of the province.

Day 6

white-sand beach of Pamilacan Island in Bohol

Day 6 - Day 6: Bohol Pamilacan Island Tour

On the 6th day of your tour, you will have some fun under the sun. Be sure to wear a swimsuit and put on a lot of sunscreen. You will ride a boat to reach Pamilacan Island, which is less than 15km from Bohol Island. One of the activities you can do during your boat ride is to watch out for whales and dolphins. Several species have been spotted around Bohol, such as the sperm whale and the long-snouted dolphin. Once you reach the island, you will find clear waters and a white sand beach. If you want to see more marine life, it's best to go snorkeling. There is a sanctuary on the western side of the island. If you would rather explore Pamilacan Island on foot, you can do that too. The island is only 1.25km wide and 1.6km long. You can look for the 200-year-old tower of Pamilacan, which was used to watch out for pirates. After your tour of Pamilacan, the boat will take you back to the mainland. Your van will then bring you to your hotel in Panglao.

Day 7

Day 7 - Day 7: Puerto Princesa Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour

Once you have checked out of your hotel, your van will take you to Panglao International Airport, where you will catch a flight to Palawan. You will land at Puerto Princesa International Airport. On this day, you will go on an island hopping tour of Honda Bay. From the airport, the pier is only around 10km away. Honda Bay is one of the most popular tourist sites of Puerto Princesa. You'll get to visit three islands of the bay. At Star Fish Island, you can easily guess what you will be able to see. There are plenty of starfishes on the island by the shore. The beach on the island has fine, white sands. If you go snorkeling, you will be able to spot other sea creatures, like puffers. At Cowrie Island, you'll get to find more tourist facilities. It is the largest island on Honda Bay and has dining facilities. Swimming on the island is safer as there is an area with a net to keep jellyfish from entering.

Day 8

Entrance to the Underground river of Puerto Princesa

Day 8 - Day 8: Puerto Princesa Underground River and City Tour

Your van will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Sabang Port. You will ride a boat and visit the Puerto Princesa Underground River. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a protected national park. It is located in the Saint Paul Mountain Range. During your boat ride, keep your eye out for the wonderful fauna and flora in the area. Once inside the underground river or cave, you will see amazing rock formations and even bats. You will go to Baker's Hill for the city tour, where you can purchase locally-made pastries. At Plaza Cuartel, you will know more about the history of Palawan, especially during World War II. At the Crocodile Farm, get ready to see dozens of crocodiles of different species. This tourist site also has a small zoo that houses other animals. You can enjoy a scenic view of Puerto Princesa at Mitra's Ranch. There is also a zip-line at this hillside park. Before heading back to your hotel in Sabang, you will make one last stop downtown. Puerto Princesa Baywalk is the city's seaside promenade. It has a wonderful view of the port. There are also several dining and shopping establishments in the immediate vicinity.

Day 9

Aerial view of Seven Commandos Beach in El Nido

Day 9 - Day 9: El Nido Island Hopping Tour

On the 9th day of your tour, you will go towards the northern tip of Palawan. Once you have checked out of your hotel in Sabang, your van will take you to El Nido. On this day, you are going on an island-hopping tour of Bacuit Bay. Get ready to be blown away by the fantastic Big Lagoon. Your boat will enter a small entrance that will open up to a blue lagoon surrounded by limestone cliffs. The water is very clear, and you can go snorkeling in the area. You will see more stunning sea life at Miniloc Island. Aside from that, the island also has an evergreen rainforest plus a white-sand beach. The Secret Lagoon is not the most accessible attraction in the area. The entrance is so small that you need to crawl through it to be able to reach it. Only a small number of visitors can be accommodated at a time, so a line usually forms outside. Good thing there is a relaxing beach close to the Secret Lagoon. You'll get to enjoy more dramatic limestone backdrops and fantastic beaches before your tour ends. Your boat will take you to Seven Commandos Beach and Shimizu Island. Afterward, you will go to your hotel in Lio.

Day 10

Plane in the runway of Manila International Airport

Day 10 - Day 10: Departure to Manila

On your last day, you will check out of your hotel in Lio, El Nido. Your van will pick you up and take you to the airport. Your 10-day tour of exploring the highlands, islands, and countryside of Luzon and Visayas is over. You will ride a plane back to Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

What to bring

Facemask and Face shield

Extra Clothes

Passport (Valid for 6 months from date of departure)

Swimwear and sunblock

Personal Medicine

Good to know

Please bring appropriate clothing. Please be aware that your itinerary may have to be rearranged to fit your arrival date and time better.

All our guides speak English. For other languages, contact us for availability and rates.

Not all establishments accept credit or debit cards, and ATMs can be limited.

In El Nido island hopping tour mandatory environmental fee and/or user’s see is to be paid directly in cash to the service provider in El Nido, The tour itinerary is subject to change based on weather and tidal conditions. Tours will start only once operators are given permission to sail by the Local Government Unit (LGU) and the Philippine Coast Guard. Delays in start of tours or cancellation of tours affected by this is beyond the service providers’ control.

Limitation to the number of tourists, boats, kayaks and time of stay in El Nido lagoons are strictly enforced by the PAMB. Secret Beach, Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon are no longer allowed to be toured on the same day as part of the policies of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of El Nido.

A mandatory user fee of PHP 200 per person is collected by PAMB for every entry to the Secret Beach, Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon.

Single use-plastics are banned in El Nido island tours. Please bring reusable water bottles or tumblers. All visitors are required to bring their own trash back to the boats.

Accommodation

See our accommodation levels below and our preferred accommodation partners under each day in the daily itinerary. All accommodation levels, bookings for one person will be arranged in single rooms, bookings for two or more people will share a twin/double, and odd number groups will always be allocated a single room. If you are travelling in a group, but prefer a single room, please make separate bookings. Teenagers and children will be arranged in the same room with parents. If additional room(s) is needed, additional costs will incur.

For multi-day guided tours, accommodation cannot be upgraded and the levels below do not apply. Guide to the Philippines will provide you with the best available accommodation at the time of your booking from our preferred partners. If our preferred partners are fully booked at the time of your booking, we will find another suitable accommodation for you of similar level.

We always do our best to accommodate special requests, which may incur additional costs. Press choose a date to find availability.

Budget

Private rooms with private bathrooms in guesthouses or small hotels with basic amenities.

Comfort

Private Rooms with a private bathroom at three-star hotels or resorts located in the city center, in close vicinity, or near the beach area. Breakfast is included and with basic room amenities and toiletries.

Quality

Rooms at four-star to a five-star hotel in the city center or beachfront resort with a private bathroom at the absolute best locations with the best amenities, facilities, and services.