11-Day Philippines Natural Wonders Tour to Puerto Princesa City, Bohol Island & Luzon Highlands

On your 2nd tour day, you will board a plane from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Laoag Airport. Once you arrive at the terminal, you will ride a van to your Laoag hotel.

Your first destination is the Malacañang of the North, a grand presidential museum for Marcos. The museum is strategically placed beside Paoay Lake. Paoay Church is also nearby, a former observation post of Katipuneros and Filipino Guerrillas.

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Then, you will proceed to Marcos Museum, the memorial place of the former president. Afterward, you will see the display galleries inside Juan at Antonio Luna Museum.

Your historical tour continues in the UNESCO Heritage City of Vigan. Visit Saint Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia. Then, head next to Bantay Bell Tower, where you can capture the whole Bantay district.

At Pagburnayan, you will learn how to make traditional pots. Afterward, your museum-hopping tour continues at the National Museum Ilocos Regional Complex. You will also head to Burgos Museum, the ancestral house of priest patriot Fr. Burgos.

Another iconic structure you’ll visit is the Crisologo Museum, which honors Congressman Floro S. Crisologo. Up next is Calle Crisologo, a historic lane lined with ancestral houses. Lastly, you’ll explore Baluarte, a mini zoo with life-size dinosaur statues.

On Day 3, you will head to Sagada via van transfer. You will drive along the steep slopes of Halsema Highway, one of the highest roads in the Philippines. Sagada is a must-visit destination up north because of its cool breeze and majestic mountains.

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There are about 60 caves in Sagada, making it an ideal destination for spelunking. One of which is Sugong Cave, featuring an underground river with water coming from Bokong Falls. The same water source irrigates the Kapay-aw Rice Terraces. You will also trek to Echo Valley with a path leading to the hanging coffins of the Ifugao ancestors.

Another cave you’ll explore is the Sumaguing Cave, which is the largest among them. It is a perfect spelunking spot in Sagada that boasts ancient stalactites and stalagmites. During your cave exploration, expect to get wet when you pass by its natural pools and streams.

After your adventure, you will visit Bontoc Tribal Museum. Here, you can find traditional costumes, hunting weapons, and farming tools. You will also get a glimpse of the sacred customs and traditions of the indigenous tribes in Mountain Province.

At the end of your tour, you will return to your hotel in Sagada.

Discover Banaue’s breathtaking rice terraces on the 4th day of your vacation. From Your hotel in Sagada, your van will pick you up early and take you to your first destination in the town of Batad.

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Witness The Banaue Rice Terraces or Hagdang-hagdang Palayan, one of the earliest-made rice terraces. In hopes to produce a rice plantation, the Ifugao ancestors decided to carve these amphitheater-like terraces using their bare hands around 2,000 years ago.

To capture the best view of the terraces, you have to go up the Batad Banaue Viewpoint. An alternative would be a visit to the Tappiya Waterfall. You will soon arrive at the enchanting Sagada waterfalls. Reward yourself by taking a dip into its cold waters.

Afterward, you will immerse yourself in the Banga-an Village. It is a small community that comprises cogon-made houses. You will find around 30 families living in this village. The ground floor of their houses is reserved for domesticated animals.

One of their sources of livelihood is livestock farming. Do not forget to respect the villagers’ customs and traditions when you’re inside the community.

Your next stop is Banaue Museum. Aside from vintage photographs, this two-story ethnic museum showcases treasured jewelry, traditional headdress, weaponry, and Igorot artifacts.

Enjoy the cool breeze and gaze at scenic pine tree forests at the City of Pines, Baguio, on the 5th day of your tour.

First, you will visit Ifugao Museum. It features a vast collection of historical artifacts depicting Ifugao’s ancient traditions. Second, you will drop by the Surrender Site of General Yamashita, which honors Yamashita’s act of surrendering during World War II.

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Your next stop is the Philippine Military Academy, a top-ranking institution for aspiring military officers in the country. Afterward, you will explore Fort De Pilar, which occupies 373 hectares of land. Your Baguio tour won’t be complete without taking a photo behind the iconic ornamental iron gate at The Mansion, known as the official summer residence of the Philippine President.

At Camp John Hay, you can try various adventure activities while admiring the lush coniferous landscape. Then, you will drop by the Mines View Park to see old Itogon mines and the Benguet rolling mountain ranges from afar. You can also go horseback riding at Wright Park. Then, see beautifully manicured flower gardens in Centennial Park.

Finally, don’t miss out on the chance to purchase local treats like ube jam or purple yam at the Good Shepherd Convent.

Go on an adventurous escapade to Mount Pinatubo on your 6th day. Expect to ride a 4x4 vehicle before trekking the challenging terrain to the crater lake. Mount Pinatubo is a famous volcano nestled between Tarlac, Pampanga, and Zambales. It features a captivating, turquoise-colored crater lake at the center.

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Back in 1991, Mount Pinatubo erupted, leaving hundreds of households sunken into a hot and destructive mudflow. This massive eruption is considered the world’s largest volcanic eruption in the past 100 years. Deemed as a beautiful disaster, Mount Pinatubo’s eruption led to the rise of local tourism in the area.

To get there, you have to reach the base camp in Tarlac’s Barangay Sta. Juliana by riding a van. Upon reaching the camp, you will switch to a 4x4 vehicle. Prepare to pass by a lahar-filled terrain. The ride gets rough and bumpy along the way. Hikers also need to wear proper gear to ensure their safety.

The 4x4 jeep will be passing through the Crow Valley. Once you arrive at the jump-off point, you will get off the vehicle and trek toward the mountain’s deck. Prepare to be amused upon seeing the majestic view of Mt. Pinatubo at the end of the trail.

On Day 7, you will board a short flight from Manila to Bohol via Panglao International Airport. Your private van awaits you at the airport terminal. Then, you will proceed to your hotel in Panglao, Bohol.

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First, you will paddle along the Cambuhat River to reach the laidback village of Cambuhat River Community. Aside from the serene landscape, you will admire nipa huts and lush mangroves on the side of the river.

You will soon arrive at the community. The main source of living for the village people here is Oyster farming. You will find the Cambuhat Oyster Farm at the far end of the river. Apart from oyster farming, the locals also sell hand-woven crafts. Before the end of your tour, you can purchase souvenir items from them.

To preserve the beauty of the river, the Cambuhat locals implement eco-friendly practices to ensure the preservation of their natural resources. Make sure to follow their guidelines and respect their traditions while you’re inside the community.

You will also experience a laid-back life inside the community. If you ever get hungry during your tour, the locals can also prepare a mouthwatering seafood or shellfish lunch for you.

After your Bohol Cambuhat tour, you will paddle back and ride a van to your hotel.

Your jampacked adventure continues at Bohol’s countryside attractions. You will head to your first destination, the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary. You will get a close encounter with one of the smallest primates in this wildlife relief sanctuary for Tarsiers. Avoid using the flash of your cameras because they are highly sensitive to light.

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After your nature-tripping at the tarsier sanctuary, you will hop aboard a floating restaurant that navigates the jade-green waters of the Loboc River. There are folk singers who will serenade you with classic love songs while you enjoy your mouthwatering lunch.

Up next is Baclayon Church, a National Cultural Treasure founded in the 17th century. It is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. In 2013, Baclayon crumbled to the ground after a magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck Bohol. It was fully restored and had its reopening in 2018.

Then, you will proceed to Bilar town. You will visit Butterfly Conservatory, Bohol’s first butterfly breeding and conservation site. Your second stop is Bilar Forest, a 2km-long forest with hand-planted mahogany trees.

Lastly, you will visit a stunning geological formation at the Chocolate Hills. Find yourself gazing at over 1,000 hills that turn brown during summer.

Fulfill your dream tropical getaway to the world-class islands of Palawan on your 9th day. From Bohol, you will fly to Puerto Princesa International Airport. You will go on an island-hopping tour to the pristine islands dotting Honda Bay in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

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Once you arrive at the terminal, your private van will take you to your accommodation in Sabang. Then, you will ride a boat to reach the majestic seascape of Honda Bay.

Puerto Princesa serves as the capital city of Palawan. It is the jump-off point for boat trips heading to Honda Bay’s three majestic islands.

Your first stop is at Starfish Island, home to a wide variety of starfishes. Here, you will see a perfectly symmetrical five-armed orange starfish. You can also spot other marine species, including pufferfishes and yellowtail snappers.

Among the three islands, the boomerang-shaped Cowrie Island is considered the largest one. Upon arrival, you can go snorkeling or ride a banana boat to navigate its vast seascape. Laze on the sand or rent some of the cabanas and huts afterward.

Your last stop is Luli Island’s powdery white sandbar. The sandbar submerges at low tide and reappears again during high tide. There are also floating hammocks throughout the bay.

Your last day in Puerto Princesa will take place in the famous UNESCO World Heritage Puerto Princesa Underground River. From Sabang Boat Terminal, you will ride a boat to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

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The Puerto Princesa Underground River is one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. It stretches over 8km with about 22,000 hectares of land area. More than its serene surroundings, it boasts stunning limestone cliffs, natural rock formations, and impressive cave systems.

After your underground river tour, you will proceed to the city proper. Your first stop is at Baker’s Hill, where you can purchase baked goodies and local pastries. Then, you will head to Plaza Cuartel. It is a former Spanish garrison and penal colony that has become a leisure park.

Your next stop is Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, research center, and breeding facility. You can see crocodiles and even get a chance to feed them.

Finally, you will hike up Mitra’s Ranch, where you can witness a breathtaking view of the city.

Mitra’s Ranch sits atop a hill, making it one of the city’s highest points. At the end of your tour, you will drop by Puerto Princesa Baywalk to catch the sunset.

It’s time to leave Puerto Princesa, Palawan, on the last day of your 11-day vacation. Your private van service will pick you up from your hotel in Sabang. Then, you will board a direct flight to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. You will head back to where you started, Manila.