Top things to do in the Philippines
Discover all the adventures you can experience in the Philippines
Explore the best highlands and countryside attractions of the Philippines with this 10-day vacation. With this package, you can explore mountains, a volcano, cultural hot spots, historical structures, and relaxing natural destinations. This 10-day trip already includes your accommodations with free breakfast, transfers within the Philippines, entrance fees to attractions, and tourist guides.
Your tour will start at the Philippines' capital city, Manila, and then take you towards Northern Luzon, and then wrap up in the island province of Bohol. The massive region of Ilocos, the quiet towns of Sagada and Banaue, as well as the city of Baguio, is included in your journey. You’ll also be making a stop at the province of Tarlac before heading to Bohol.
Expect to see jaw-dropping natural sites, interesting museums, and unique attractions on your 10-day trip. Some of the highlights include Manila’s historical district Intramuros and Vigan’s cobblestoned Calle Crisologo. Your tour is more than just about sight-seeing but also getting to know the roots of the country.
Baguio City is home to many natural sites; you will also visit one of its most popular tourist destinations, Camp John Hay. To give you a thrill, you will visit Tarlac to access Mt. Pinatubo, an active stratovolcano.
In Bohol, you will go on the Loboc River Cruise, a relaxing journey combining food, nature, and culture. You will also set your eyes on one of the country's gems, the wondrous Chocolate Hills.
Don’t miss out on visiting the Luzon highlands and the top attractions of Bohol. Check availability by choosing a date.
Intramuros is the historic district of the city and is home to important historical, cultural, and religious buildings. The first site you will visit is Fort Santiago. This citadel was built during the 1500s. The next attraction you will visit is a public square called Plaza Roma.
In Bahay Tsinoy, you will come to find the many contributions of the Ethnic Chinese to Manila throughout the ages. Meanwhile, at Casa Manila, you will come upon a replica of a grand Spanish house. You will get to see what it's like to live during the Spanish Colonial period.
The beautiful San Diego Gardens is one of the few parks left in the city. It has pergolas and gazebos and even a Japanese cannon. Right outside the park is the historic Baluarte De San Diego.
There are two important churches located inside Intramuros. The first is the oldest stone church in the Philippines, which is San Agustin Church and Museum. The second is the country's premier church, which is the Manila Cathedral.
The first stop is the Malacanang of the North, which is a presidential museum in the town of Paoay. Next, you will visit Paoay Lake and then Paoay Church. Afterward, you will head to the town of Batac, where the Marcos Museum is located.
The 2-story Juan and Antonio Luna Museum is an ancestral house in the town of Badoc. You’ll get to know more about the Luna brothers. The next attractions you will visit are important historical and religious sites. The first is Saint Paul Cathedral, also known as Vigan Cathedral. The next is Bantay Church, which comes with a bell tower used as a watchtower during the Spanish era.
You will learn the traditional way of making pottery in Vigan at Pagburnayan. The Burgos Museum, the National Museum, and the Crisologo Museum are the following destinations you will go to.
The city of Vigan is also home to a zoo complex called Baluarte. An interesting aspect of this zoo is its open area where visitors can interact with tame animals. To wrap up your tour, you will visit Calle Crisologo, the most popular street in the city.
On this day, you will be hiking and spelunking, so it's best to gear up. You will first visit Sugong Cave. This area is the site of the famous hanging coffins of Sagada. On the mountainside, there are wooden coffins where important people of the community are laid to rest.
Echo Valley is a natural site with an amazing view of the surrounding trees and mountains. Hiking through the valley will lead you to Bokong Falls. Afterward, it’s time to go spelunking in Sumaguing Cave. This cave is also known as Big Cave since it's the largest one. Exploring Sumaguing Cave is no easy feat and can definitely be a challenge.
At the Bontoc Tribal Museum, you can learn more about the locals' traditions and customs of the Cordillera Mountains. There is even a replica of the tribal village that can found outside the museum.
After your tour, your van will take you back to your Sagada hotel.
The first place you will visit is the small village of Batad. To reach this village, you have to go through rice paddies on foot. From afar, the Batad Rice Terraces look like an amphitheater. You can enjoy a panoramic view of this at the Batad Banaue Viewpoint. To reach the view deck, you need to hike up for 30 minutes.
If you would rather go somewhere else, you can also visit Tappiya Waterfall, close to the village. However, going there can be quite a challenge. You also have the option to visit Banga-an Village. This destination requires the least amount of hiking, but there will still be a bit of walking involved.
After visiting the tourist destination of your choice, you will then go to the Bontoc Tribal Museum. A Belgian nun founded it, and it aims to preserve the history of the indigenous tribe of the Ifugaos. A section of the museum is dedicated to the items excavated from the Cordillera caves.
You will get to visit the Ifugao Museum that has an excellent ethnographic collection. Then you will learn about the importance of Baguio City in World War II when you go to the Surrender Site of General Yamashita.
In 1898, the Philippine Military Academy was established in Baguio. To this day, it is still the premier military institution of the country. The next stop will be The Mansion, which is the Philippine President’s summer palace.
It's a bit hard to believe that Camp John Hay used to be a military base. Now it is a tourist destination with plenty of green spaces, dining establishments, and even hotels.
At Mines View Park, you'll be able to see the old mining town of the region. Wright park, on the other hand, is a good place to go horseback riding. Meanwhile, at the Centennial Park, located inside the Botanical Garden, you can view the wonderful flora and even art of Baguio City.
Good Shepherd Convent sells some of the most sought-after products of the city. Visitors line up to purchase their famous ube jam.
To access Mt. Pinatubo, you need to go to the base camp in Tarlac’s Sta. Juliana. The last major eruption of Mt. Pinatubo happened during the early nineties. One of the effects of it is the surrounding terrain has become very rough and sandy. The best way to reach the volcano is to ride a 4x4 vehicle.
You will be crossing Crow Valley, which has a surface comparable to that of the moon. Once you have reached the trail, you need to go forward on foot. Not to worry, as the hike is quite simple that even beginners can do it.
The crater lake of Mt. Pinatubo is a wonderful hue of blue and green. It's definitely an excellent backdrop for photos, especially when combined with the surrounding crater walls. Once you have descended the volcano, you will go back to the base camp.
Your van will pick you up in Tarlac and bring you to Manila. You will check-in at a Baywalk area hotel.
You are going on a scenic paddle boat ride to reach the village. The river you will pass through has vines, mangroves, and tropical palms lining it as well as a few nipa huts. Once you have reached the Cambuhat Village, you can learn about the locals' way of living.
One of the major sources of livelihood in the village is the Cambuhat Oyster Farm. Here, you will be able to know how oysters are farmed and the village's ecological practices. You'll get the sample fresh oysters from the farm and even try a few local delicacies.
Aside from oyster farming, the locals also make a living by creating different handicrafts. You can see them make items like seashell accessories and brooms. During the cultural presentation, you can learn more about the livelihood and traditions of the Cambuhat people.
After you tour the Cambuhat Village, your van will take you back to your accommodation in Panglao.
Your van will pick you up from your Panglao hotel and take you to the port. You will then ride a boat to Pamilacan Island. Be sure to be awake during your trip, as you might spot a few sea creatures. Locals and visitors have spotted dolphins, whales, and even manta rays in the area.
You can expect fine, white sand beaches and clear waters at Pamilacan Island. If you want to see colorful schools of fish and wonderful corals, you should go snorkeling at the sanctuary.
Since the island is a small one, you can also tour the area on foot. Pamilacan Island is home to a national historic landmark. You can spot an old tower that dates back hundreds of years ago in the northern area.
Take note that the island is not a commercialized one. There are no ATMs or banks. Electricity and freshwater are also limited. After your tour, you will go back to the mainland, and your van will bring you to your Panglao hotel.
On the next part of your tour, you will go on the Loboc River Cruise. You will ride a floating restaurant and enjoy cultural presentations from the locals and scenic views of the Loboc River.
You will then get to visit the historic Baclayon Church. Back in 2013, Bohol was hit by a major earthquake, and the structure was heavily damaged. Baclayon Church has since been restored.
At the Butterfly Conservatory, you can learn more about the lifespan of the butterfly. You will also get to see the different species that are native to the province. Up next, you will visit Bilar Forest, which is actually man-made.
The cherry on top of your tour will be the Chocolate Hills. Over 1,000 hills of almost the same height sit right next to each other in the town of Carmen. During the summer, the hills take on a chocolate appearance as the grasses turn brown.
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.
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.
Private rooms with private bathrooms in guesthouses or small hotels with basic amenities.
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.
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.