10-Day Philippines Nature & Heritage Vacation Package to Dumaguete City, Apo Island & Cebu City

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Facade of Silliman University Anthropology Museum

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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

101 reviews

Description

Explore Luzon's highlands, Dumaguete City, Apo Island, and Cebu on your trip to the Philippines with this package. In 10 days, you will be visiting some of the jaw-dropping tourist attractions in the country. Everything will be arranged for you so you can enjoy a hassle-free trip. This package already comes with accommodations, transfers within the Philippines, entrance fees to attractions, and tour guides.

When you think of the Philippines, you might instantly think of an island getaway. But there is a different side of the country that you might also like to see. The highlands of Luzon are a great place to know about the different heritages of the Filipinos. You’ll be visiting excellent museums and even UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Your tour of the Philippines will start in its capital city of Manila. You’ll be exploring Intramuros, its historic district, and visiting churches and fortifications that are over 100 hundred years old. In the City of Vigan, you will come upon the preserved street of Calle Crisologo.

When you go to a major city in the mountains, you can expect fresh, crisp air and wonderful views. You will get all that and more when you go to Baguio City and visit the likes of Camp John Hay. An exciting activity that you will encounter on your journey is hiking all the way up to Mt. Pinatubo. You’ll get to see a crater lake of an active volcano.

The next part of your vacation will take place in the Visayas Islands. You'll explore the laidback city of Dumaguete and its historical spots. You also visit Apo Island, one of the country's best dive sites. In the neighboring province of Cebu, you’ll pay a visit to the refreshing Kawasan Falls.

Go on a 10-day trip exploring the highlands, Dumaguete, Apo Island, and Cebu. 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 - Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur (Ilocos Region)

Day 3 to 5 - Sagada, Banaue, and Baguio Tour (Cordillera Region)

Day 6 - Mt. Pinatubo Tour

Day 7 to 9 - Dumaguete and Cebu Tour (Central Visayas)

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

Culture, Arts & Historical Tours

Map

Attractions

Manila Cathedral

Casa Manila

Bahay Tsinoy

Mt. Pinatubo

Cebu

Philippine Military Academy

The Mansion

Camp John Hay

Mines View Park

Wright Park

General Yamashita Surrender Site

Ifugao Museum

Tappiya Waterfalls

Bontoc Village Museum

Pagburnayan Jar Factory

Crisologo Museum

Bantay Church Bell Tower

Rizal Boulevard

St. Catherine of Alexandria Church

Apo Island

Kawasan Falls

Calle Crisologo

Malacañang of the North

Paoay Church

Paoay Lake National Park

Intramuros

Fort Santiago

San Agustin Church

Banga-an Village

St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral

Marcos Museum & Mausoleum or Balay Ti Ili

Pescador Island

Centennial Park

Good Shepherd Convent

Sumaguing Cave

Echo Valley

Moalboal

Moalboal Sardine Run

Baluarte de San Diego

Plaza Roma

Banaue Museum

Manila

Baguio

Ilocos

Sagada

Banaue

Tarlac

Dumaguete

Provincial Capitol and Freedom Park

Baluarte Ilocos

Museo nina Juan at Antonio Luna

Campanario de Dumaguete

Lab-as Seafood Restaurant

Sidlakang Negros Village

Valencia Forest Camp

San Agustin Church

Negros Oriental Arts & Heritage

Batad

Banaue Viewpoint

Siliman University

Dumaguete Public Market

Claytown Pottery

Laoag City

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Daily itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 - Day 1: Intramuros Tour

Upon your arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, your van will pick you up to take you to your hotel on Roxas Boulevard. On the first day of your tour, you will be exploring Intramuros, the walled area of Manila City. You’ll see the historic Fort Santiago up close. This citadel was first constructed during the 16th century but has sustained major damages throughout the years. At Plaza Roma, you will be standing at the former heart of the city. This public square was used for various events during the Spanish era. If you want to know more about Manila's history, you’ll be able to do just that at the following museums you will visit. The first is Bahay Tsinoy, which focuses on the relationship and contributions of the Ethnic Chinese to the Philippines. The next is the grand Casa Manila, a replica of a Spanish mansion, complete with preserved furniture and memorabilia. Intramuros is the site of the well-tended San Diego Gardens and the 16th-century Baluarte De San Diego. It is also the location of 2 important religious structures. San Agustin Church and Museum is the oldest stone church in the country, while Manila Cathedral is its premier church.

Day 2

Spanish-style streets of Calle Crisologo at night

Day 2 - Day 2: Ilocos Laoag & Vigan Tour

On Day 2, your van will pick you up from your hotel and take you back to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. You will fly to northern Luzon and land at Laoag International Airport. You will visit the expansive Malacanang of the North, a presidential museum, and then the beautiful Paoay lake, followed by the historic Paoay Church. At the Marcos Museum, you’ll get to know more about the 10th President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos. Juan and Antonio Luna Museum is a 2-story “Bahay na Tisa” from the 19th century and was restored in 1977. It is dedicated to the revolutionary heroes, the Luna brothers. You will visit 2 important churches in the region. The first is St. Paul Cathedral, the main church of Vigan City, and the second is Bantay Church, which was established in 1590, making it one of the oldest churches of Ilocos. Pagburnayan is a jar factory where you can learn the traditional way of making pottery. You’ll be visiting another site dedicated to another revolutionary hero, Burgos Museum. To know more about the city and the region, you’ll go to the National Museum and Crisologo Museum. At Baluarte zoo, you will come upon dozens of animals, including big and rare cats. Then at Calle Crisologo, you’ll feel like you have transported back in time, thanks to the preserved buildings and cobblestone roads.

Day 3

Tourists inside the Sumaguing Cave in Sagada

Day 3 - Day 3: Sagada Tour

You will need an early start for the 3rd day of your tour. You will leave the Ilocos Region and move on to the Mountain Province. Laoag City is over 200km away from Sagada, so expect a long ride. The peaceful town of Sagada is known for its natural sites. On your tour, you will be hiking a valley and also exploring a cave. Be sure to wear the appropriate clothing and footwear to make your journey as easy as possible. The first stop of the day is Sugong Cave. This area is the site of the hanging coffins, one of the most well-known sites of Sagada. The locals scale the side of a mountain to hang the coffins of the dead. Next, you can immerse yourself in the natural surroundings at Echo Valley. This area has an excellent view of the mountains and trees. It also leads to a river and then to Bokong Falls. The most challenging destination of the day is Sumaguing Cave. This is the largest cave of Sagada and is also known as Big Cave. It has fantastic rock formations and natural pools. Before you head back to your hotel, you’ll make a final stop at the Bontoc Tribal Museum. It has a wide array of artifacts from the different tribes of the region.

Day 4

Day 4 - Day 4: Banaue Tour

Your tour of the highlands continues. This time you will be in the Ifugao Province. The town of Banaue is known as the site of the amazing rice terraces. You’ll get to see this stunning feat up close in the village of Batad. If you want to enjoy a panoramic view of the rice terraces, you need to go on a 30-minute hike to the opposite side of the village. The Batad Banaue Viewpoint will definitely reward you with majestic views. There are 2 other destinations you can go to if you don’t want to visit the Batad Banaue Viewpoint. The first is Tappiya Waterfall, which is a refreshing waterfall with a pool beneath it. The second is Banga-an Village, which is around 15km away. In this village, you can learn more about the rice terraces. You can also find souvenir stalls at this site, where you purchase locally-made woven handicrafts or even knives made by the village blacksmith. After visiting your chosen destination, you will then head to the Banaue Museum. This important ethnographic museum contains artifacts collected by the Father of Philippine Anthropology and his written works. After your tour, your van will take you to your hotel.

Day 5

Beautiful view of Baguio from Mines View Park

Day 5 - Day 5: Baguio Tour

Once you have checked out of your hotel in Banaue, your van will take you to Baguio City. The first stop of your tour is the Ifugao Museum, where you can learn more about the traditions of the Ifugaos. During World War II, the Japanese General Tomoyuki Yamashita surrendered in the Ifugao Province. You will visit the Surrender Site of General Yamashita and get more information on the event's history. Baguio City is the home of important Philippine sites. This includes the Philippine Military Academy, the country’s premier military institution, and The Mansion, the serving president's summer palace. Camp John Hay was the former military base of the United States Armed Forces. Today, it has been transformed into a tourist destination. Other tourist hot spots you’ll get to visit include Mines View Park, which overlooks an old mining town, and Wright Park, which is an excellent place for jogging or even horseback riding. At Centennial Park, you can view more than just the trees, plants, and flowers. This park is also the site of a bronze sculpture made by a Filipino artist. To wrap up your Baguio Tour, you’ll make a stop at Good Shepherd Convent, where you can purchase sweet treats.

Day 6

Beautiful view of Mount Pinatubo Crater Lake

Day 6 - Day 6: Mt. Pinatubo Tour

You will make your way down from Baguio City and head south towards the province of Tarlac. Tarlac is one of the provinces where Mt. Pinatubo is located; the others are Zambales and Pampanga. On this tour day, you will hike up to the volcano’s crater lake. It can get very hot during your hike, so be sure to wear sunblock and comfortable shoes. It would be best if you also considered that you would be hiking in an open terrain filled with lahar. From the base camp in Tarlac, you will ride a 4x4 jeep to go across Crow Valley. This area used to be a military facility of the United States. Once you have gone through the bumpy ride, you will need to hike up the trail leading towards the crater lake. Back in the 90s, a massive eruption followed by a monsoon led to the creation of the crater lake. When Mt. Pinatubo erupted, a caldera was formed, soon it was filled up with rainwater. Today, you will come upon a peaceful, jewel-hued lake. Once you have finished exploring the crater lake, you will make your way back down the volcano and ride a jeep to the basecamp. Your van will then take you to your hotel in Manila.

Day 7

Day 7 - Day 7: Dumaguete City Tour

You will leave Manila and fly off to the Visayas Islands. On your first day there, you will explore Dumaguete City. This city is known for its educational institutions, mainly Silliman University, which was established in 1901. You’ll get to visit the campus, which has several museums. Downtown, you will visit notable attractions of the city. This includes the seaside promenade Rizal Boulevard, St. Catherine De Alexandria church, Dumaguete Campanario, and the Dumaguete Public Market. Most of the city’s events and festivals take place at the Provincial Capitol and Freedom Park. If you are looking to purchase souvenirs, you can do so at the next destinations. Claytown Pottery sells crafted clay pots, while Sidlakang Negros Village offers handmade arts and crafts. If shopping worked up your appetite, you’d surely love going to Lab-as Seafood. This restaurant has been around for decades and is known for its seafood dishes and local delicacies. After visiting city sites, you’ll also be going to nearby towns, like Valencia. You’ll get to see the refreshing Valencia Forest Camp and the interesting Cata-al War Museum. Meanwhile, in Bacong, you’ll go to San Agustin de Hippo Church and the Negros Oriental Arts and Heritage Center.

Day 8

Day 8 - Day 8: Apo Island Tour

On Day 8 of your vacation, you will visit one of the top islands in the Philippines for diving. Even if you aren’t a diver, there’s plenty of things you can do on Apo Island. In the native language, “Apo” means respected ancestor. From Dumaguete City, you will go to the wharf where you will ride a boat. On the way to the island, you might even spot a dolphin or two. The small volcanic Apo Island has only around a thousand inhabitants. The area surrounding it is a marine reserve, so you can expect to find schools of fish and other sea creatures if you plan on snorkeling. On the island, you can unwind on its white-sand beaches. You may also follow one of the few trails in the area. One of the best spots to appreciate Apo Island's beauty is on the view deck near the southern tip. The trail itself is short, but the hike can be a bit tricky. At the other end of the island, there is a lighthouse you can also visit. After you tour Apo island, you will go back to the mainland by boat. Then your van will take you to your hotel in Dumaguete.

Day 9

A diver with millions of sardines in Moalboal

Day 9 - Day 9: Kawasan Falls & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour

After 2 days of exploring Dumaguete, it’s now time to move to another Visayas province. You will ride a ferry going to the island province of Cebu. On Day 9 of your tour, you can expect to visit beautiful natural sites. The first tourist destination you will visit is Kawasan Falls. This trio of waterfalls is located in the town of Badian. It also has natural pools and jungle trails, plus cliffs that you can jump off of. The next tourist spot is the town of Moalboal. You will ride a boat going to Pescador Island, which is a popular snorkeling site. Hard and soft corals surround this small outcrop. You might be able to spot scorpion fish, snappers, and lionfish. Divers are even known to see hammerhead and white tip sharks. At Turtle Island, you’ll be able to see large turtles. You might even get a chance to swim with them. The final stop for the day is the Sardine Run. At Panagsama Beach, a natural phenomenon occurs where millions of sardines swim together. You can easily see it from the shore, but going underwater can offer a unique experience. After your tour, your van will take you to your hotel in Mandaue City.

Day 10

Passenger plane in Manila International Airport

Day 10 - Day 10: Departure to Manila

On this day, you will go back to Manila. Your van will pick you up after you check out of your hotel. Mandaue City is less than 10km away from Mactan-Cebu International Airport. You can expect your flight back to Ninoy Aquino International Airport to be around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

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.

The season for dolphin watching in Dumaguete is from March to October and is subject to weather and wind conditions. If off-season or on days when the northeast monsoon is strong, dolphin watching may not be possible. During Habagat/ Southwest monsoon Season (June-October), boat ride to Apo Island may be rough.

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.