10-Day Philippines Islands & Historical Vacation Package to Puerto Princesa City & Luzon Highlands
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Description
Summary
Tour starts
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Duration
10 days
Ending place
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Languages:
English
Difficulty:
Easy
Minimum age:
None
Description
Go on an engaging trip to the Philippines, where you will visit the highlands of Luzon and the top attractions of Puerto Princesa. With this 10-day trip, you’ll have nothing to worry about except taking in all of the wonderful sites the country has to offer. Accommodations and transfers are already included as well as tour guides and entrance fees.
You can expect to see National Cultural Treasures and even World Heritage Sites during your vacation. This 10-day package offers an excellent combination of cool mountain attractions and sunny island destinations. There are many things to do and see in the Philippines, and this trip will cover dozens of popular tourist sites.
To get you started on the tour, you’ll make your way to Intramuros, which is a walled area within the capital city of the Philippines, Manila. You’ll get a better understanding of the history of the city and the country with the museums and historical structures inside Intramuros.
Almost half of your vacation is dedicated to exploring Northern Luzon and its amazing highland attractions. Before heading up to the mountains, you’ll visit the Historic City of Vigan, where you will come upon the 15th-century Calle Crisologo. It’s home to fascinating ancestral homes that have been preserved for decades, some even centuries.
In the highlands, you’ll visit another world heritage site in the form of rice terraces. You’ll get the best view in the house at Banaue Viewpoint. In the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio, you’ll go to refreshing parks, including Camp John Hay. You’ll also get to visit an active volcano, Mt. Pinatubo.
You’ll also explore the capital city of Palawan, Puerto Princesa. Some of the highlights of your tour include island-hopping in Honda Bay and going on a boat ride to the Underground River.
Visit the wondrous attractions of the highlands and Puerto Princesa with this 10-day trip. Check availability by choosing a date.
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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 - Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur (Ilocos Region)
Day 4 to 6 - Sagada, Banaue, and Baguio Tour (Cordillera Region)
Day 7 - Mt. Pinatubo Tour
Day 8 to 9 - Puerto Princesa 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
Once you arrive in Manila, your van will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel on Roxas Boulevard. Day one of your tour is for exploring Intramuros. This old-world location is in a walled area inside the City of Manila. The first spot you’ll go to in Intramuros is Fort Santiago, a citadel built in 1593.
At Plaza Roma, you’ll find a quiet public square with manicured lawns. During the Spanish era, it has seen more exciting times as it was a popular event space that hosts even bullfights.
Bahay Tsinoy is the first museum you’ll visit in Intramuros. This museum is dedicated to the Ethnic Chinese and how they have been an important part of shaping the culture and history of Manila, even long before the Spanish Colonial period. The next museum, Casa Manila, you’ll get to see furniture and memorabilia from the past.
San Diego Gardens is one of the few public parks you can find inside Manila. This garden leads to the oldest fort in the city, Baluarte De San Diego. Another centuries-old structure is San Agustin Church and Museum. The church was built in 1607. The last destination on the itinerary is the country’s premier church, the Manila Cathedral.
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Day 2
Day 2 - Day 2: Ilocos Norte Laoag Tour
To visit Ilocos Norte, you’ll be riding a plane to Laoag International Airport from Manila. Your van will pick you up and take you to Laoag City where you will start your tour. St. Williams Cathedral is a 17th-century church with an Italian Renaissance architecture style. It has an interesting belfry known as the Sinking Bell Tower.
At Museo Ilocos Norte, you’ll get to see artifacts, tools, clothing, musical instruments, and more items used by the Ilokanos as well as indigenous Ifugao groups. The building itself contains a bit of history as it used to be an old tobacco warehouse.
Before leaving the City of Laoag, you’ll also visit Aurora Park, which used to be the center of the community. Today, it is surrounded by important government buildings, like Laoag City Hall.
In the town of Paoay, you’ll get to visit the Malacanang of the North. This used to be the residence of the former President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos. It has since been turned into a presidential museum. Paoay Church is one of the most popular Baroque churches in the country, thanks mainly to its grand architecture.
In the town of Batac, you’ll visit the Marcos Museum. This museum is dedicated to the former president and it also has his cenotaph.
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Day 3
Day 3 - Day 3: Ilocos Sur Vigan Tour
You’ll leave Ilocos Norte on Day 3 and head to Ilocos Sur. Your van will take you to your hotel on Calle Crisologo in Vigan City. To start off your tour, you’ll be going to the National Museum Ilocos Sur Complex. Inside the complex is the Ilocos Sur Provincial Jail and the Padre Burgos House.
Across Govantes River is the neighboring town of Bantay. Here you’ll visit the historic Bantay Church and Bell Tower. The latter was used as a watchtower during the Spanish Colonial era and subsequently gave the town its name. Bantay is a Filipino word that means to guard.
Back in Vigan City, you’ll get a deeper appreciation of the history and traditions of the area. You’ll go to the Syquia Mansion Museum, the Pagburnayan Jar Factory, and the Crisologo Museum. The highlight of the tour is walking through the cobblestoned streets of Calle Crisologo. You may even ride a kalesa, a traditional horse-drawn carriage.
The city’s main church is the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral. This Earthquake Baroque building from the 18th century also has Chinese, Romanesque, and Neo-Gothic architectural elements to it.
At Baluarte, you can do more than just see animals. This zoo also has an open space where tamer animals roam around freely. Visitors can interact with camels, ostriches, and deers.
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Day 4
Day 4 - Day 4: Sagada Tour
For your 4th day, you'll travel up to the Mountain Province. This time, you’ll be visiting the quiet town of Sagada, which is known for its caves and other natural sites. The ride will be long and the further you go up, the lower the temperature will go down. It’s best to gear up for this day of hiking and spelunking.
Sugong Cave is highly popular, thanks to its hanging coffins. In Sagada, the locals still practice a traditional way of burying their dead. The community’s honorable or distinguished leaders are put into coffins that are then hung on the side of a mountain.
You’ll be passing through Echo Valley on the way to the hanging coffins. The valley is named as such because you’ll be able to hear an echo when loud sounds are made in it.
You’ll be able to enter and explore the largest cave in Sagada, Sumaguing Cave. The descent can be tough as the rocks are slippery. Inside, you’ll be able to find natural pools with freezing water, ancient rock formations, and of course, bats.
The last stop is the Bontoc Tribal Museum. You’ll get to learn more about the different tribes of the Mountain Province. There’s even a replica of a Bontok tribal village within the premises.
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Day 5
Day 5 - Day 5: Banaue Tour
You’ll now make your way to the Ifugao Province in the town of Banaue. This town is mainly known as the site of the Batad Rice Terraces, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll first visit the village of Batad, which can be accessed through the rice terraces.
For your next destination, you can choose from 3 options. The first is the Batad Banaue Viewpoint, which is one of the best places to see the rice terraces. From afar, they look like an amphitheater. This destination can be reached via a 30-minute hike.
The second option is ideal for the adventurous types. Tappiya Waterfall is a majestic sight that can be reached via trekking. What’s more, you can even go for a swim in the pool at the base of the waterfall.
The third option is to visit the Banga-an Village. This option by far is the easiest to reach but will still require some form of hiking. This quiet village still has traditional houses, huts that are on stilts with roofs made of cogon.
The last attraction you’ll visit is the Banaue Museum. It has an excellent collection of artifacts that includes everything from traditional headgear and weaponry to photos and jewelry of the Igorot people.
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Day 6
Day 6 - Day 6: Baguio Tour
On Day 6, you’ll be visiting another mountain destination, this time it’s the City of Baguio. Also known as the City of Pines, Baguio City has a cool climate making it a popular attraction especially during the summer. In the 1900s, it was even a hill station of the US.
The first site you’ll visit is the Ifugao Museum. You can get a better grasp of the traditions and culture of the Ifugao people. Nearby is the Surrender Site of General Yamashita.
Baguio City is the home of the Philippine Military Academy. This military campus is also a national historical landmark as the academy was established in 1898. The Mansion, which is the summer residence of the Philippine President, is also in Baguio City.
Camp John Hay used to be an army base used by the Americans. Today, it is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the city. It has shopping establishments, restaurants, hotels, and more. At Mines View Park, you’ll find dozens of souvenir stalls and shops. However, the main draw of this park is its view deck that overlooks an old mining town.
Wright Park boasts scenic views of pine trees and lush greenery. At this park, you can go horseback riding. Centennial Park is located inside the Botanical Garden. It’s a good place to spot wonderful flora and even local art.
The Good Shepherd Convent is a popular tourist stop-over. It’s the place to buy delicious treats like ube or peanut brittle.
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Day 7
Day 7 - Day 7: Mt. Pinatubo Tour
After leaving the City of Baguio, you will now go to the province of Tarlac. This is the entryway to Mt. Pinatubo, an active volcano. Back in 1991, this volcano caused one of the largest eruptions in the world. Mt. Pinatubo’s original summit was destroyed but out of it came a wonderful tourist attraction.
You’ll get to visit the crater lake of Mt. Pinatubo on Day 7 of your tour. Make sure that you are geared up as this tour requires a little bit of hiking. To reach the crater, your van will first take you to the base camp. From there, you will transfer to a 4x4 vehicle.
The terrain in the area is very sandy due to the lahar, expect a bumpy ride at Crow Valley. Once you reach the bottom of the trail to the view deck, you’ll now go on foot. Don’t worry though as the hike can be done even by beginners. You’ll then enjoy a rewarding view of a green and blue lake surrounded by rough cliffs.
You will descend the crater and then make your way back to the base camp. After your tour of Mt. Pinatubo, your van will take you to your accommodation in Manila.
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Day 8
Day 8 - Day 8: Puerto Princesa Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour
From Manila, you'll board a plane going to Puerto Princesa in Palawan, one of the most visited destinations in the Philippines. This archipelagic province is well-known for its stunning beaches and islands. And this tour day is made for just that. You will go on an island hopping tour of Honda Bay.
To access Honda Bay, you need to go to Sta. Lourdes Wharf. Your van will pick you up from Puerto Princesa International Airport and take you there. The wharf is just a little over 10km from the airport.
The first island you will visit is Star Fish Island. Contrary to popular belief, this island is not shaped like a star. However, it is inhabited by starfishes. You’ll also get to meet other sea creatures, such as the pufferfish, if you go snorkeling around the island.
The next island is Cowrie Island, which is the biggest one in Honda Bay. This island has tourist facilities where you can dine, take a shower, or simply relax. There’s also a safe swimming area on the island that is netted off to keep jellyfish away.
The last island you’ll visit is the interesting Luli Island. This one has sandbars that appear and disappear beneath the waters. After making your way back to the mainland, your van will take you to your accommodation in Sabang.
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Day 9
Day 9 - Day 9: Puerto Princesa Underground River and City Tour
You are going to visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this time, one that isn’t man-made. Puerto Princesa’s Underground River is a mesmerizing protected area that will leave you in awe. Before you even reach the underground river, you will be floating through amazing sceneries of lush mangroves. You’ll then venture into the cave and see amazing rock formations.
After the underground river tour, you will leave Sabang and go to the City of Puerto Princesa. At Bakers Hill, you can sample pastries made by locals. It’s a good place to purchase goods to take home too. Downtown, you’ll get to visit a historic site, the Plaza Cuartel.
At the Crocodile Farm, you’ll come face to face with dozens of green reptiles. This farm also has a small zoo where you can see other animals like snakes, warthogs, and porcupines.
At Mitra’s Ranch, you can enjoy a scenic view of Puerto Princesa City. This ranch is perched on a hilltop and offers facilities for picnicking and even zip-lining. The last stop for the day is Puerto Princesa Baywalk. This seaside promenade offers a view of the port plus it has food stalls and souvenir shops.
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Day 10
Day 10 - Day 10: Departure to Manila
It’s time to go back to Manila. Your van will pick you up from your hotel in Sabang and take you to the airport. The flight from Palawan to Ninoy Aquino International Airport is around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
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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.
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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.
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