10-Day Philippines Stunning Nature Trip to Luzon Highlands & Puerto Princesa and El Nido Islands

Northern Blossom Flower Farm in Atok Benguet
Likely to sell out soon
Perfect travel plan
Fully customizable
Full customer support

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

See some of the Luzon highlands' best attractions and the provinces of Bohol and Dumaguete with this 10-day vacation package in the Philippines. This itinerary covers both well-known and hidden gems of the country. It already includes roundtrip flights from Manila and other sea and land transfers plus accommodations, entrance fees, and tour guides.

The Philippines is more than just a summer destination to visit islands and beaches. With this 10-day package, you will also get to visit the highlands of Luzon. You’ll get to visit the Cordillera Mountains and even a stratovolcano in the Zambales Mountains. Of course, your trip will not be complete without visiting a few islands in the Philippines too.

Your 10-day vacation will take you to Manila, the country's capital city, where you will see important historical and cultural attractions. You will get a deeper knowledge of the Philippines' rich past when you explore Intramuros, Manila’s historic district. 

After that, you will head to Northern Luzon to visit the city of Baguio and the provinces of Benguet and Tarlac. In Baguio, you’ll get to relax in parks surrounded by tall pine trees, like Camp John Hay.  Meanwhile, in Benguet, you can handpick fruits at La Trinidad Strawberry Farm. Afterward, you’ll get to climb up Mt. Pinatubo in Tarlac. You will then fly off to the Visayas Islands to visit the provinces of Bohol and Dumaguete.

In the island province of Bohol, you’ll see some amazing natural wonders of the country. There’s the serene Pamilacan Island, the alluring Loboc River Cruise, and the jaw-dropping Chocolate Hills. In Dumaguete, you’ll get to visit Apo Island, one of the best dive sites in the Philippines.

Be amazed by the Luzon highlands, Bohol, and Dumaguete with this package. Check availability by choosing a date.

Read more

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 9 - Bohol and Dumaguete 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

Daily itinerary

Day 1
A horse-drawn carriage in front of Intramuros in Manila

Day 1 - Day 1: Intramuros Tour

Inside the city of Manila is Intramuros, a walled area that is home to historical structures and museums. Your first tour day will be spent exploring Intramuros. The first attraction you will visit is Fort Santiago, a citadel from 1593. Next, you will go to a public square called Plaza Roma. You’ll be able to find a monument of King Charles IV of Spain here. This 1824-monument was a sign of gratitude to the king for sending smallpox vaccines to the country. Bahay Tsinoy is the Museum of Chinese in Philippine Life. Meanwhile, Casa Manila is a replica of an old Spanish house filled with preserved furniture and memorabilia. At San Diego Gardens, you will come upon a small and pleasant park with walkways and pergolas. Baluarte De San Diego is a 16th-century bastion that features three concentric circles meant to be the base of a tower. The next attraction you will visit is the oldest stone church in the country. San Agustin Church and Museum was founded in 1571, and its current structure was completed in 1607. The premier church of the Philippines, the Manila Cathedral, was also founded in 1571. It started as a parish church and was rebuilt and renovated throughout the years due to destruction.
Read more
Day 2
Pine trees in Camp John Hay in Baguio

Day 2 - Day 2: Baguio Tour

On the second day of your tour, you will go up to Baguio City. It is also known as the City of Pines and also the Summer Capital of the Philippines. The first site you will visit is the Philippine Military Academy. This expansive military campus has well-tended gardens, a shaku monument, and a museum that visitors can go to. The Mansion is the Philippine President’s summer palace. A wide range of presidential memorabilia can be found at its onsite museum. However, tourists are drawn to The Mansion because of its ornate gate and gardens. Camp John Hay is a forest watershed reservation and tourist destination in Baguio City. It was formerly a military base of the armed forces of the United States. If you want to see the amazing mountainscape of Baguio, you can head to Mines View Park. At Wright Park, most visitors come in to go horseback riding. They also come to get a glimpse of the Pool of Pines. At Centennial Park, you can enjoy more than just nature. This park is the site of the bronze artwork of Filipino artist Ben-Hur Villanueva. Some of the most sought-after edible souvenirs can be bought at Good Shepherd Convent. Do try the shop’s treats, like the peanut brittle, snowballs, and ube jam.
Read more
Day 3
2nd Highest Point, a popular road in Benguet

Day 3 - Day 3: Benguet Tour

In the province of Benguet, you can enjoy more mountain views. It’s less commercialized than the urban Baguio City. At your first stop, you will go to the large La Trinidad Strawberry Farm. If you come in during the strawberry season, you’ll get the chance to handpick the strawberries yourself. At Atok Sakura Flowers, you’ll get to see real cherry blossom trees from Japan. In 2016, the Japanese government gave over 30 cherry blossom trees as a gift to the province of Benguet. Both the pink and white variety of the sakura flowers will blossom from the trees. You’ll get to see more delightful flowers at your next stop. Northern Blossom is a flower farm set on rolling fields. With the surrounding green mountains, the colors of the flowers become more vibrant-looking. You can expect to find various flowers at the plantation, including cabbage roses, snapdragons, sunflowers, and rice flowers. At the 2nd Highest Point, you’ll be able to reach new heights. This is one of the highest elevated locations on the Philippine Highway System. It is on the Halsema Highway, which connects the Mountain Province with the Benguet Province. The last stop is the Spanish Trail, which is centuries-old. During the Spanish era, it was used as a horse trail.
Read more
Day 4
Crater Lake in Mt. Pinatubo

Day 4 - Day 4: Mt. Pinatubo Tour

On the 4th day of your tour, you will descend the mountains and head to Tarlac Province. In this area, you will be able to see the Zambales Mountains. Mt. Pinatubo made headlines all over the world when it erupted during the 90s. It was the 20th century’s second-largest eruption. As a consequence of the eruption, the surrounding lands of the volcano have turned craggy and sandy. It didn’t help that a monsoon came in right after the eruption. The terrain was filled with lahar, and the caldera that formed on the volcano was filled up. On this day, you will hike up Mt. Pinatubo and see its majestic crater lake. To reach the volcano, you will first need to ride a 4x4 jeep. Expect a very bumpy ride. It also gets very hot, and there isn’t any shade in the area. You will then finish your tour by going on a hike, an easy one that beginners can do. Mt. Pinatubo’s crater lake makes for a dramatic scene. The water is a beautiful hue of blue and green, still and peaceful. Yet, it is surrounded by rough crater walls with patches of green grass. After your Mt. Pinatubo Tour, you will return to Manila.
Read more
Day 5
Freshly shucked oysters in Cambuhat Village in Bohol

Day 5 - Day 5: Bohol Cambuhat Tour

The next part of your 10-day trip will be in the Visayas. Once you have checked out of your hotel, your van will take you to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. You will catch a flight to Bohol’s main airport, which is on the connecting island of Panglao. On this day, you will visit the Cambuhat Village in the town of Buenavista. From Panglao International Airport, it’s about 80km to the coastal village. Your van will take you to Daet bridge, and you will continue your trip by riding a paddleboat. See the wonderful mangroves and trees that line the Cambuhat River. Once you have reached the village, you will meet the locals and learn more about their livelihood. One of the main sources of income of the people is the Cambuhat Oyster Farm. You will learn everything there is to know about the sustainable farming of oysters in the river. You’ll even get to try the tasty shellfish. Besides oyster farming, the locals also make different handmade items, such as brooms, baskets, hats, and mats. You’ll get to enjoy a cultural presentation before your tour ends. Afterward, your van will take you to your hotel in Panglao.
Read more
Day 6
Aerial view of Pamilacan Island in Bohol

Day 6 - Day 6: Bohol Pamilacan Island Tour

Situated in the heart of the Bohol Sea lies the small and peaceful Pamilacan Island. On the 6th day of your tour, you will spend an entire day in this remote area. Back in the 90s, whale hunting was the main source of living for the locals. They also hunted manta rays and dolphins. Hunting has since been banned, and locals have turned to tourism. On your way to Pamilacan Island, you can watch out for whales, dolphins, and other sea creatures that may pop out of the water. Once you have reached the island, you will be able to see fish at Pamilacan’s sanctuary. To get a better view of the riches in the area, you should try to go snorkeling. Pamilacan Island has a wonderful beach with powdery, white sand. You can relax on the beach during the day. If you prefer a more active vacation, you may also explore the island. You can walk to the old tower of Pamilacan. During the Spanish era, it was used as a watchtower to keep pirates from entering the area. There is a souvenir shop on the island where you can purchase gifts to take home. Be sure to bring cash as Pamilacan Island does not have credit card terminals or ATMs.
Read more
Day 7
Chocolate Hills in Bohol

Day 7 - Day 7: Bohol Countryside Tour

The island province of Bohol has amazing attractions, from natural sites to man-made ones. The province is home to the smallest primates in the world. You’ll get to see them up close at the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary. Be sure to be very careful around tarsiers as they are sensitive animals. At the Loboc River Cruise, you will be treated to wonderful sights. You will ride a floating restaurant that sails lazily through the blue-green river. After your cruise, you will go to Baclayon Church, which is a National Cultural Treasure. It was founded in 1596 and was rebuilt and renovated throughout the years. The latest restoration was in 2018, as the church was destroyed in a 2013 earthquake. You will come upon a wonderfully landscaped garden with flowers and butterflies at the Butterfly Conservatory. Then at Bilar Forest, you will see a 2km stretch of land with hand-planted mahogany trees. The top attraction of the province is the Chocolate Hills. This stunning geological formation is comprised of hundreds of hills that turn brown during the summer. It seems almost unreal until you see it for yourself.
Read more
Day 8
Rizal Boulevard in Dumaguete

Day 8 - Day 8: Dumaguete City Tour

The next Visayas province you will visit is Dumaguete, which is on the Negros Island. You will ride a ferry to reach Dumaguete City. The first stop is Silliman University, a prestigious institution established in 1901. Next, you will visit the scenic Rizal Boulevard, the city’s seaside promenade. Downtown, you will come upon St. Catherine De Alexandria, a church built in 1776. Nearby is its accompanying bell tower, the Dumaguete Campanario. You’ll go to the busy Dumaguete Public Market and drop by the Provincial Capitol and Freedom Park. You can find a wide range of ceramics at Claytown Pottery. Meanwhile, at Sidlakang Negros Village, you can purchase souvenirs and novelty items. Lab-as Seafood is a popular restaurant in the city. It specializes in native dishes and seafood. After exploring the city, you will also visit nearby towns Valencia and Bacong. At the former town, you can enjoy a refreshing tour of Valencia Forest Camp and learn more about the history of Dumaguete at the Cata-al War Museum. In Bacong, you’ll get to go to the San Agustin de Hippo Church, one of the country's colonial churches. Then, you’ll visit the Negros Oriental Arts and Heritage Center.
Read more
Day 9
Aerial view of Apo Island in Dumaguete

Day 9 - Day 9: Apo Island Tour

On the 9th day of your tour, you will visit one of the best dive sites in the country, Apo Island. It is located just a few kilometers away from the southern tip of Negros Island. The gateway to the island is Dauin, which is more or less 20km from Dumaguete City. Although Apo Island is known for its rich marine life, you can also do other things on the island, such as relaxing on the beach or hiking. But it would be best if you still were dressed to get wet no matter what. Once you arrive on Apo Island, you will tread through the water to reach the land. The volcanic island has wonderful beaches with clear waters and fine sands. It’s easy to see fish swimming about near the shore. If you want to see colorful corals, you need to go snorkeling in the area. There’s also a chance for you to swim with sea turtles as this creature’s feeding site is nearby. For those who are more comfortable exploring the land, you can follow one of the few trails of Apo. You can visit the old tower to the north of the island, while to the south, you can go to the view deck.
Read more
Day 10
Waiting area in Manila International Airport

Day 10 - Day 10: Departure to Manila

On this day, you will return to Manila City. Your van will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport. The airport is just 3km away from the city. You will ride a plane to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The flight is around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Read more

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.

Read more

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.

Similar tours

Link to appstore phone
Install the Philippines’ biggest travel app

Download the Philippines’ biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add the Philippines’ biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.