11-Day Cultural, Historical, Nature & Islands Tour to Ilocos, Benguet, Cebu & Puerto Princesa

It's time to depart Manila and fly north to Laoag. After arriving at Laoag International Airport, your guide will take you around the many landmarks of the city, one of which is St. Williams Cathedral. Also called Laoag Cathedral, the church is well-known for its Italian Renaissance architecture. Close to the church, you will find the Sinking Bell Tower, a 150-ft tower built by Ilocano artisans with bricks.

After seeing the bell tower, you'll make your way to Museo Ilocos Norte. This museum is home to the heritage and crafts of the people of Ilocos Norte. You will see Aurora Park next, formerly known as Plaza de Alfonso XII after Spain's King Alfonso XII.

From Laoag, your guide will take you south to Paoay to visit the Malacanang of the North. In Ilocano, this presidential museum is called Malacanang ti Amianan. It features an intricately designed architecture with a mix of both Spanish and Ilocano elements.

Paoay Church, also known as Saint Augustine Church, is another must-see attraction in Paoay. Known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Roman Catholic church dates back to 1710. Your tour will end with a visit to Batac's Marcos Museum, where you will find former President Marcos’ memorabilia, before returning to your Laoag hotel.

From Laoag, you will depart for Vigan to see the many historical sites of this UNESCO World Heritage City. The first you will visit here will be the National Museum Ilocos Sur Complex. This collection of museums stands alongside Vigan's regional capitol complex, close to the delta of the Abra River.

You will then go to Bantay Church and Bell Tower. This church, which features Neo-Gothic architecture, was dedicated to St. Augustine of Hippo and was built in the early 1590s. Your tour guide will also take you to the Syquioa Mansion Museum, one of the oldest stone houses in Vigan.

Following your exploration of the museum, you will drop by Pagburnayan Jar Factory. Visitors will learn about the art of pottery making here and get to purchase a variety of handcrafted jars. Then you'll go further into the past at the Crisologo Museum, which houses antiques, memorabilia, and other valued belongings of the Crisologo clan.

The famed cobblestone street of Calle Crisologo is only a short walk from the museum. Pose for a photo with the many Spanish houses as your backdrop here before you head to St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral and Baluarte to cap off your tour. Afterward, you will return to Calle Crisologo and check into your accommodation.

You will leave for Sagada, a rustic town in the Cordillera region's mountains, after checking out your lodging in Calle Crisologo early in the morning. Upon arriving, your guide will bring you to your first stop, Sugong Cave. Popularly known as the site of the hanging coffins, this attraction never fails to amaze its numerous visitors.

On the way to Sugong Cave, you will pass by Echo Valley. It was named as such because your screams here will easily echo throughout the area. The gorge is generally surrounded by green scenery and features calcareous cliffs, making it a relaxing place for a stopover.

Make sure to have your spelunking gear prepared as you will explore the insides of Sumaguing next. Also known as the Big Cave, Sumaguing allows tourists to discover the rocky tunnel for roughly two hours. You will find several interesting rock formations here, such as bear, elephant, and turtlehead.

Before heading to your hotel in the downtown district, stop by the Bontoc Tribal Museum last. Established by Mother Basil Gekiere, this museum is built to look like an Igorot house and keeps memorabilia and artifacts of the Ifugao people. There is even a replica of an Ifugao village displayed behind the building.

From Sagada, your guide will lead you to other locations in the Benguet province, beginning with the town of Atok. Here, you will stop by the Atok Sakura Flowers, also called the Benguet-Kochi Sisterhood Park. The Government of Kochi, Japan, donated 30 Sakura trees to Benguet to celebrate its 40th friendship anniversary with the province in 2016. You can find some nipa huts to relax here, as well.

Visit the Northern Blooms next to see more flowers in bloom. This two-hectare plantation provides visitors an opportunity to see an enormous bundle of a variety of plants, including cabbage roses and dusty millers.

From there, you will then head to the barangays Cattubo and Paoay to see the 2nd Highest Point in the Philippine highway system. Situated at 7,400 ft above sea level, this spot gives you a view of the mountain ranges and surrounding vegetable gardens.

After that, you can go to the Spanish Trails, followed by the landlocked La Trinidad Strawberry Farm. You will go strawberry picking here aside and indulge yourself in a variety of strawberry products like wine, ice cream, and jam. You will then retreat to your hotel in Baguio.

After checking out of your room, your guide will take you on a tour of the City of Pines, Baguio. This landlocked town is peppered with pine trees and low verdant knolls, giving it a refreshing and relaxed atmosphere.

When you arrive in town, you'll begin your day with a visit to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA). Watch as the Filipino cadets train here before proceeding to the eastern part of the city, where The Mansion is located. This Presidential summer home dates back to 1908 and features the main gate said to be a replica of Buckingham Palace's gates in London.

You will then make your way to Camp John Hay for some trekking, golfing, and food tripping. Additionally, you can drop by the zoo, amphitheater, and butterfly sanctuary located here. From there, your guide will take you to Mines View Park, Wright Park, and Centennial Park. These parks are located within a ten-minute drive of one another and showcase Baguio's scenic natural beauty.

Before retiring to your Manila hotel for the evening, you'll pay a visit to Good Shepherd Convent. Purchase some local delicacies here, especially the bestselling ube jams, peanut brittle, butter cookies, and Ifugao coffee.

It's time to depart Manila and fly to Cebu's Mactan Airport. Cebu, also known as the Queen City of the South, is the Philippines' oldest city. You can see many historical sites here, one of which is the Taoist Temple. Built in 1972, this temple is the center of Taoism in the province. You will then go to the Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino, a Roman Catholic Church. It was founded in 1565, making it one of the oldest of its kind in the Philippines.

From there, you will walk to the nearby Magellan's Cross, housed in a small chapel next to the basilica. You will also see the Heritage of Cebu Monument. Constructed in 1997, this sculpture features some popular landmarks in Cebu, like the Basilica del Sto. Nino, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, and Magellan's Cross.

Across the street from the monument is the Yap-San Diego Ancestral Home, an ancestral house-turned-museum built with wood and coral stone. You will conclude your tour with a trip to the highlands of Cebu, particularly to the Temple of Leah and Sirao Flower Farm. Both of which offer panoramic views of the city and its surrounding landscape. Your van will then take you to your Mandaue lodging afterward.

From your Mandaue hotel, your guide will bring you to the town of Badian, home to the famous Kawasan Falls. This 40-meter-high waterfall is composed of several waterfalls, the first one being the largest and most crowded. You can find some cottages and rooms here, as well.

You will then make your way to Moalboal, renowned for its numerous white beaches. Take in the scenic landscape of the town before boarding a boat that will take you off the coast to Pescador Island. This tiny rocky island sits in the Tañon Strait and is a favorite spot for snorkeling. While in Pescador, you will also enjoy swimming with turtles at Turtle Point.

Following that, you'll return to the mainland to see the world-famous sardine run at Panagsama Beach. The guide will brief you first before the start of the activity and hand you your equipment. Once you’re ready, you will head a few meters out to the shore, where you'll see millions of sardines congregate in front of your eyes.

This underwater experience is open throughout the year and often draws a large number of international divers from around the world. After getting out of the water, you'll return to your Mandaue accommodation.

For your Palawan adventure, you will be flying to the Puerto Princesa Airport on Day 9. Your guide will pick you up at the airport and drive you to Honda Bay, located some 12km away. This coastline is famous for its pristine white sand and vibrant sea life. After posing for some photos here, you will hop on your boat and start your island-hopping trip, beginning with Starfish Island.

This crescent-shaped island is home not only to rock starfish but also to other varieties of fish, including rainbow parrotfish. Feel free to go snorkeling here before your boat whisks you away to Cowrie Island. Known for its seashell shape, Cowrie offers plenty of facilities for an enjoyable stay. You can go banana boat riding or jet-skiing. There are also some bars, restaurants, and cabanas dotting the area.

You will then proceed to Luli Island to cap off your tour. Luli is sometimes called the sinking island since its sandbars typically disappear in the waters when the tide rises. Spend your time wading in the waters here or sunbathing to your heart’s content. By the end of the day, you will head back to shore and make your way to your accommodation in Sabang.

From your Sabang hotel, you will head to Sabang Wharf in the morning. A boat will be waiting for you here to take you to the world-famous Puerto Princesa Underground River. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, this subterranean river emerges directly into the sea and represents a significant habitat for biodiversity conservation.

After cruising along the inside of the river, you will depart for the mainland and continue your tour at Baker's Hill. This bakery doubles as a theme park and sells a range of baked products and souvenirs. Additionally, you can place an order at one of the on-site pizza parlors or restaurants here. Following your tour of Baker's Hill, you'll proceed to the historic Plaza Cuartel. It was once a military installation, filled with a century-old Spanish garrison and tunnels.

Your guide will then take you to Crocodile Farm from the square. This research facility is used to preserve and study the endangered species of Palawan, most notably the crocodiles. Additionally, you'll see Mitra's Ranch, which features a view deck and ziplining facilities. The tour will conclude with a stroll along Puerto Princesa Baywalk before returning to your hotel in Sabang for a well-deserved rest.

You will check out of your accommodation in Sabang and head to the Puerto Princesa International Airport. From there, you will fly back to Manila and land at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, marking the end of your 11-day trip.