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

It’s time to leave Manila and head north to Laoag via plane. Once you land at Laoag International Airport, your guide will bring you around the historical city, starting with St. Williams Cathedral. This church sits around 10km from the airport and is best known for its Italian Renaissance architecture. Near the church, you will see the Sinking Bell Tower, the tallest historic building in the city that stands at the height of nearly 150ft.

Following your visit to the bell tower, you will head to Museo Ilocos Norte. Here, you will find a large collection of Ilocano, Igorot, and Itneg artifacts. A five-minute walk from the museum will take you to Aurora Park, previously called Plaza de Alfonso XII after the King of Spain.

From Laoag, your guide will drive you south to Paoay, where you will find Malacanang of the North. Called Malacañang ti Amianan in Ilocano, this presidential museum consists of seven rooms with different themes.

Another must-see attraction in Paoay is the Paoay Church, also known as Saint Augustine Church. Famous for its Spanish colonial earthquake baroque architecture, this cathedral was designated as a National Cultural Treasure in 1973. Your trip will conclude with a visit to the Marcos Museum in Batac before heading back to your hotel in Laoag.

On your third day, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vigan and explore its breathtaking scenic areas. After checking out of your accommodation in Laoag, you will go to the National Museum Ilocos Sur Complex. This set of museums stand beside Vigan’s provincial capitol building at the delta of the Abra River.

From there, you will head to Bantay Church and Bell Tower. Featuring Neo-Gothic architecture, this church was built in the early 1590s and was dedicated to St. Augustine of Hippo. Your guide will also bring you to Syquioa Mansion Museum, where you will find significant family heirlooms of Vigan native and former Philippine President Elpidio Quirino.

After exploring the museum, you will make your way to Liberation Blvd to visit Pagburnayan Jar Factory. Here, visitors get to experience the art of pottery making and find numerous handmade jars. You will then dive deeper into the past at Crisologo Museum, where antiques, memorabilia, and other prized possessions of the Crisologo clan are kept.

A quick walk away from the museum is the famous cobblestone street of Calle Crisologo. Before retreating to your hotel on this street, you will stop by St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral and Baluarte.

After you check out your lodging at Calle Crisologo early in the morning, you will leave for Sagada, a rustic town in the Cordillera Mountains region. When you get there, your guide will take you to Sugong Cave. This attraction, recognized as the hanging place of coffins, never ceases to leave its many visitors in awe.

You will pass by Echo Valley on your way to Sugong Cave. It has been called as such because it echoes everything you shout throughout the gorge. With its limestone cliffs and lush greenery, it is the perfect place to relax and take in the countryside vibe.

From there, you will go spelunking through Sumaguing Cave next. Sumaguing is also known as the Big Cave and offers visitors the chance to explore its rugged tunnel for about two hours. There are some interesting rock formations here, including bear, elephant, and turtlehead.

To cap off your tour, you will visit the Bontoc Tribal Museum before going to the hotel in the downtown area. This museum, built by Mother Basil Gekiere, looks like a house in Igorot style and showcases the heritage and culture of the people of Ifugao. Behind the museum, there is a replica of an Ifugao village.

After leaving your hotel in Sagada, you will enjoy a visit to the other towns in the province of Benguet, starting with Atok where the popular Atok Sakura Flowers is located. The Japanese government of Kochi Prefecture handed almost 40 Sakura trees to Benguet in 2016 to mark its 40-year friendship with the province. The trees were then planted in the park.

More vibrant flowers await you at your next stop, Northern Blossom. Apart from seeing rare flowers here, you will also view Mt. Pulag and Mt. Timbak from a distance. Snap some photos among the flowers here before making your way to the 2nd Highest Point in the Philippine highway system. This spot was officially recognized as the highest altitude on the Philippine highway until 2019 when the Kiangan–Tinoc–Buguias Road in Tinoc, Ifugao took its title.

From there, you will then visit the Spanish Trail, a footpath used by locals before the construction of Halsema Highway. You will stop by La Trinidad Strawberry Farm to pick some strawberries and buy strawberry-flavored souvenirs like jam, wine, ice cream, and crinkles. After having your fill of the landlocked plantation, you will make your way south to Baguio to check-in at your hotel.

From Baguio, you will head south to Tarlac for a day hike up Mt. Pinatubo. This active volcano, located near Botolan, Zambales, is infamous for its catastrophic volcanic eruption in June 1991. Upon arriving in the province, you will head to the Sta. Juliana Tourism Center to hop aboard a 4x4 jeep.

You will then cross the lahar field of Crow Valley. Surrounded by panoramic sand walls, this landscape is almost moon-like with its bumpy and dusty roads. After about an hour, you will dismount at the mountain's base and make your way up the volcano.

This 3.4-mile point-to-point trek usually takes less than two hours. You will see some spectacular lava sand formations along the way. When you get to the summit, the turquoise waters of Mt. Pinatubo's Crater Lake will be the first thing you’ll see.

Although the lake is not suitable for swimming or any other water activities, it is still nothing short of breathtaking. Enjoy taking photos with the lake as your backdrop and savor your lunch while taking in the beauty of the place. Afterward, you will descend the mountain and head back

On the 7th day, you will go to Bohol after leaving your hotel in Manila. The flight to Panglao International Airport will take less than two hours. Once you land, you will begin your tour at the Corella Tarsier Shrine. This woodland region tucked away in the town of Corella, is home to a huge tarsier area. You can see lots of tarsiers here, as well as a library, research center related to tarsiers, conference rooms, and storage rooms.

You will then embark on a floating restaurant for your Loboc River Cruise. Cruise down the river's emerald streams while you enjoy Filipino dishes at the onboard buffet lunch. For your entertainment, the locals will play Philippine native songs and dances.

After you get back to shore, you will visit Baclayon Church. This cathedral, known as the second-oldest stone church in the country, dates back to 1595. Your guide will lead you to the Butterfly Conservatory next, which aims to increase the butterfly population in the province.

From there, you will head to the Bilar Forest before concluding your tour at the internationally popular Chocolate Hills. There are at least 1,268 hills here, all of which change their color depending on the season. You will head back to your hotel in Panglao afterward.

For your eighth day, you will explore the idyllic island of Pamilacan. Located some 12.5km from the mainland, this island is tucked away in the center of the Bohol Sea. It is mostly known as a sanctuary for whale sharks and dolphins, so it’s likely to spot these friendly creatures while on the way to the island.

Though the population of Pamilacan Island now is roughly 2,000, its natural beauty remains unchanged. In fact, you will see only flawless white sand and blue seas for miles on end. Upon arriving, you can immediately go swimming and snorkeling. Expect to find several marine life underwater, including sea turtles and a variety of colorful fish.

You can also go diving if you’re feeling more adventurous. One of the diving spots near the island is Snake Island or Cervera Shoal, a sunken plateau on the west of Pamilacan.

Following the wet activities, you can enjoy sunbathing in the powdery sand or go for a quick side trip to the 200-year-old Spanish fort located on the northeast side of the island. This observatory, which locals used as a lookout for Moro pirates, is now a National Cultural Treasure. At the end of the day, you will be back at your Panglao hotel.

After leaving your hotel in Panglao, you'll fly from Panglao International Airport to Puerto Princesa Airport, where your Palawan adventure will begin. After landing, you will make your way to Honda Bay on the province's eastern shore. Your tour boat will be waiting for you here to sail you to Starfish Island.

This crescent-shaped island is home to a variety of starfish species. Additionally, you'll see a number of fish and corals here, making it an ideal snorkeling spot. Following your snorkeling escapade, your boat will whisk you off to Cowrie Island. Cowrie, named after its seashell shape, offers a myriad of facilities to ensure a pleasant stay. You can go banana boat riding or jet skiing or even enjoy volleyball and frisbee. Additionally, there are several bars, hotels, and cabanas on the island.

After that, you will sail across the sea to Luli Island to complete your day trip. Luli is sometimes referred to as the sinking island, owing to the fact that its sandbars sometimes disappear under the waves as the tide rises. Spend the day sunbathing on its powdery white sand before returning to Honda Bay and making your way to your Sabang accommodation.

Your guide will transport you from your Sabang hotel to Sabang Wharf. Here, you will hop on a boat that will sail you to the world-famous Puerto Princesa Princesa Underground River. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its limestone karst landscape, scenic beauty, and preserved old-growth forests that are home to a variety of wildlife. You will cruise along the underground streams and marvel at the stalagmites and stalactites lining the cave before returning to the mainland.

From the shore, you will continue with your city tour at Baker's Hill. This bakery/theme park, located on a hilltop in Brgy. Sta Monica, provides a variety of baked goods and souvenirs. Additionally, there are several pizza parlors and restaurants on-site where you can place an order. After your visit to Baker's Hill, you'll make your way to the historic Plaza Cuartel. Previously, it served as a military base, complete with an old Spanish garrison and tunnels.

Your guide will then take you from the square to Crocodile Farm. This research facility is used to conserve and study Palawan's threatened wildlife, most especially crocodiles. You'll also see Mitra's Ranch, which features a view deck with a panoramic view of Puerto Princesa. You will cap off the tour with a stroll along the Puerto Princesa Baywalk.

It is time to depart from Palawan and travel back to Manila. After checking out of your Sabang accommodation, your tour van will take you to Puerto Princesa International Airport. After less than two hours, you will arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, bringing your trip to a close.