10-Day Philippines Adventure Tour to Palawan Underground River, Cebu Kawasan Falls & Apo Island

Tourist boats entering the Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan
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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

Take a 10-day vacation to the Philippines and visit its top highland attractions, the marine life in Apo Island, and outdoor and city spots of Cebu and Palawan. This package already includes accommodations and all transfers within the Philippines. You can enjoy a hassle-free and enjoyable trip around Luzon and Visayas.

In 10 days, you will see some of the most visited sites in the country. The itinerary has a good mix of island destinations and highland attractions. You will be hiking up a mountain, swimming on beaches, riding boats to islands. You'll also get to visit historical structures and museums. The trip will start in Manila and then travel upland to Baguio, Benguet, and Tarlac. You'll then go to the Visayas to visit Dumaguete and Cebu before making your way to Puerto Princesa back in Luzon.

In Manila, you will visit Intramuros, a historic area in the city. You'll get to see some of the oldest structures in the Philippines.

When you go up to the highlands, get ready for a cool climate. You'll get to breathe in the fresh air and see pine trees at Baguio's Camp John Hay. In Benguet, you'll come upon the massive La Trinidad Strawberry Farm and maybe even get the chance to handpick fruits yourself. In Tarlac, you'll experience hiking up Mt. Pinatubo, an active volcano.  

In Dumaguete, you'll get to explore both city and island attractions. You'll take a tour of Siliman University and then Apo Island. You'll then ride a ferry to Cebu to visit Kawasan Falls. When you go to Palawan, you'll be able to see the popular Honda Bay and the Underground River, which is a World Heritage Site.

Enjoy a 10-day trip visiting the Philippine highlands, Apo Island, Cebu, and Palawan. 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 - Benguet Tour (Cordillera Region)
Day 4 - Mt. Pinatubo Tour
Day 5 to 7 - Dumaguete and Cebu Tour (Central Visayas)
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

Activities

Island Hopping
Culture, Arts & Historical Tours

Daily itinerary

Day 1
Facade of Fort Santiago in Intramuros

Day 1 - Day 1: Intramuros Tour

In the City of Manila, you will be visiting museums, historical attractions, and parks in the walled area of Intramuros. During the Spanish Empire, Intramuros was the entirety of Manila. It is a central hub for education, religion, and commerce. You'll get to visit Fort Santiago, a 16the century citadel, which is now a National Historical Landmark. Plaza Roma is a public square that was used for hosting events. Currently, it is a quiet park and has a monument of King Charles IV of Spain. At Bahay Tsinoy, you will learn more about the contributions of the Chinese to the country. They have had a relationship with the Philippines long before the Spanish era. At the next museum, Casa Manila, you'll get to see what life was like during the Spanish Colonization. The quaint San Diego Gardens is a small park in Intramuros. It is located near Baluarte De San Diego, which is a 16th-century bastion. San Agustin Church and Museum is an impressive 17th-century Baroque structure made of adobe stones. This World Heritage Site is the country's oldest stone church. Just a few steps away is the Philippines' premier church, the Manila Cathedral. This church was established during the 16th century, but it was destroyed several times by earthquakes and wars. Its present structure was made in 1958.
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Day 2
Mines View Park during sunset in Baguio City

Day 2 - Day 2: Baguio Tour

For the next part of your trip, you will be going up to the highlands. The City of Baguio is located in the Cordillera Mountains. You can expect to pass by zigzag roads with scenic views on your way to Baguio. This city is home to the Philippine Military Academy. Any Filipino who plans on becoming a military officer needs to go here. Visitors can see cadets in training during their visit as well as a museum. Baguio is also the site of the official summer palace of the president, aptly called The Mansion. This grand estate features a large gate that resembles Buckingham Palace's gate. During your tour of Baguio, you can expect to visit a lot of parks and green spaces. You will start at Camp John Hay, which used to be a military base but is now a premier tourist destination. Then you will visit Mines View Park, which boasts an observation deck. At Wright Park, you'll get to see the Pool of Pines. This park is also a popular site for horseback-riding. At Centennial Park, located inside the Botanical Garden, you'll get to see art and nature. Your last stop is the Good Shepherd Convent, where you can purchase sweet treats and goods.
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Day 3
Northern Blossom flower Farm in Atok Benguet

Day 3 - Day 3: Benguet Tour

In the province of Benguet, you will be able to see an actual, working farm. During harvest season, visitors even have the option to harvest fruits for themselves. La Trinidad Strawberry Farm produces over 1,000 metric tons of strawberries every year. Every March, the town of La Trinidad holds the Strawberry Festival. You don't need to go to Japan to see cherry blossoms. Benguet has its very own Atok Sakura Flowers. This garden has over 30 sakura trees planted in 2016. Japan's Kochi prefecture gave the trees as a gift to Benguet to celebrate their 40-year sister-city relationship. Northern Blossom is a large plantation where you can see a wide range of flowers. The colorful flowers contrast beautifully with the surrounding green mountains. At the 2nd Highest Point, you'll get to reach one of the highest elevated spots on the Philippine Highway System. This spot is located along the Halsema Highway. The Spanish Trail is over a hundred years old. This trail was made long before the Halsema highway and was used as a horse trail. It goes through mountains, which formed caves or tunnels. After your tour of Benguet, your van will take you back to your Baguio City hotel.
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Day 4
Summit of Mt. Pinatubo with a view of the crater lake

Day 4 - Day 4: Mt. Pinatubo Tour

Once you have checked out of your hotel, you will go down the Cordillera Mountains and go to the province of Tarlac. On this day, you will see the amazing crater lake of Mt. Pinatubo. Several decades ago, Mt. Pinatubo, an active stratovolcano, made a large eruption. Its original summit was destroyed, and a caldera was formed. Due to monsoon rains, this hole was filled with water, and it became a lake. Once you reach the province of Tarlac, your van will take you to a small village where the basecamp of the volcano is located. You will then switch to a 4x4 vehicle to go across the rough terrains leading to Mt. Pinatubo. It's going to be a very bumpy ride. You can also expect it to be dusty and sandy due to the lahar. You won't be riding a jeep up to the summit. The terrain isn't stable enough for vehicles, so you will need to hike the rest of the way. It's quite easy, and beginners can accomplish the trail. A rewarding view of the crater lake awaits you at the summit. After your tour of Mt. Pinatubo, your van will take you back to Manila.
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Day 5
Belfry Tower in Dumaguete City

Day 5 - Day 5: Dumaguete City Tour

After you have checked out of your hotel in Manila, your van will drive you to the Manila airport. You'll catch a flight to Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport. You'll enjoy a full day of touring Dumaguete City and its nearby towns. Silliman University was established in 1901. This higher learning institution is the first American university in the country and Asia. You'll find Rizal Boulevard just a few blocks from the campus. This seaside promenade is named after the Philippines' National Hero, who used to frequent the area. St. Catherine De Alexandria is a Catholic cathedral built in 1776. It is located downtown along with its stone bell tower, the Dumaguete Campanario. Nearby, you will find the busy Dumaguete Public Market. Other spots you'll visit in the city include Claytown Pottery, Sidlakang Negros Village, and Lab-as Seafood. You'll then head to Valencia's neighboring town, where you'll get to visit the Valencia Forest Camp and the Cata-al War Museum. In the town of Bacong, you'll go to San Agustin de Hippo Church, which houses the oldest organ pipe in the country. Also in the same town is the Negros Oriental Arts and Heritage Center. After your tour, you will go back to Dumaguete City.
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Day 6
Aerial view of the beautiful Apo Island

Day 6 - Day 6: Apo Island Tour

On your next day in the island province of Dumaguete, you'll visit Apo Island, one of the best summer and diving destinations in the Philippines. Your van will pick you up and take you to the boat terminal. Once you are on the boat, make sure to watch out for dolphins. Apo Island is a volcanic island around 10km away from the mainland. The water surrounding it is a protected marine reserve. During your tour, don't miss out on snorkeling to spot corals and fish under the sea. There is also an area on the island that sea turtles frequent. Apo Island has nice, quiet beaches where you can relax. Only a few hundred people are inhabiting the island, so there shouldn't be any crowds. You might also be interested in exploring the land. Apo Island has a few trails that you can go on. One of the best trails leads to the view deck near the southern tip of the island. From there, you can get a better vantage point of the rock formations and blue waters of Apo.
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Day 7
Millions of sardines in Moalboal

Day 7 - Day 7: Kawasan Falls and Moalboal Sardine Run Tour

Once you have checked out of your Dumaguete hotel, your van will take you to the port. You will ride a ferry to visit the neighboring island of Cebu. It is one of the largest island provinces of the country and is home to amazing natural sites. The first attraction you will visit is Kawasan Falls. It features a trio of waterfalls as well as natural pools. You can enjoy a refreshing dip at Kawasan Falls. Some people also enjoy jumping off of the falls. Next, you will go to Moalboal. This town is the gateway to Panagsama Beach, which is popular for diving and snorkeling. You will ride a boat towards Pescador Island. The main attraction here is the rich marine life underneath the waters. It has amazing corals and different species of fish. Your boat will then take you to Turtle Island. Aside from simply watching out for sea turtles, you may even get a chance to swim with them. The last stop is the Sardine Run. This natural phenomenon involves millions of sardines that swim together. There are so many of them that they can almost form a wall. After your tour, your van will take you to your accommodation in the nearby town of Argao.
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Day 8
Boats docked at a beach in Honda Bay Palawan

Day 8 - Day 8: Puerto Princesa Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour

Once you have checked out of your hotel, your van will take you to Mactan-Cebu International Airport, which is about 80km away. You will ride a plane to Puerto Princesa International Airport. Once you arrive in Palawan, you will go on an island hopping tour. Honda Bay is one of the most popular sites in the province. There are many islands you can explore. During your tour, you'll get to visit 3. Star Fish Island is the first one you will visit. As its name implies, there are many starfishes on the island. If you go snorkeling, you will be able to spot other sea creatures in the area. Cowrie Island is the next island you'll visit. This is Honda Bay's largest island and comes with facilities for picnicking and dining. Part of the island has a net surrounding its waters, so you don't have to worry about encountering jellyfishes during your swim. The last island you will visit is Luli Island. Its name is derived from the Filipino words "lulubog" and "lilitaw." These words mean submerge and emerge. Luli Island disappears when the tide is high, and only appears during low tide. After your island hopping tour, your van will take you to your hotel in Sabang.
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Day 9
Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan

Day 9 - Day 9: Puerto Princesa Underground River & City Tour

On the 9th day of your tour, you will visit a world heritage site designated by UNESCO. The Puerto Princesa Underground River can be accessed through the town of Sabang. Your van will take you to the boat terminal where you will start your tour. On your way to the underground river, you can see lush sceneries and limestone mountains. After your underground river tour, you will head to the city of Puerto Princesa. When you make a stop at Baker's Hill, you can sample some of the city's pastries. The best-seller is the hopia filled with ube or monggo. Downtown, you'll get to go to the Plaza Cuartel, a public park with a grim history. Prisoners were burned here during World War II. At Crocodile Farm, you'll know everything there is to know about crocodiles. At Mitra's Ranch, you can relax or dine at this lovely park that overlooks Puerto Princesa City. It also has a thrilling zip-line ride that visitors can go on. Before your tour ends, you'll also visit Puerto Princesa Baywalk. Aside from a wonderful view of the bay, this area also has dining and shopping establishments. After your tour, you will return to your accommodation in Sabang.
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Day 10
PAL Plane at NAIA

Day 10 - Day 10: Departure to Manila

In just ten days, you have explored and visited some of the best attractions of the country. Your trip is over, and you will go back to Manila. Your van will pick you up after you have checked out of your hotel in Sabang. At Puerto Princesa International Airport, you'll catch a flight back to NAIA.
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What to bring

Face mask and Face shield
Extra Clothes
Passport (Valid for 6 months from date of departure)
Swimwear and sunblock
Personal medicines

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.

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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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