11-Day Scenic Countryside, Heritage & Islands Tour to Puerto Princesa, Bohol, Cebu & North Luzon

On Day 2, you will board a plane bound for Ilocos in the northern region of the country. When you arrive, a van will take you directly to your hotel in Laoag City.

Then, you will make your way to the Malacanang of the North. This museum is known for previously housing the late Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. Next is another van ride to see the grand Paoay Lake and the Paoay Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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After this, you will visit the Marcos Museum, which houses the former president’s wax replica and his memorabilia. Following your time here, you will head to another cultural center called the Juan at Antonio Luna museum. It showcases the artworks of the two brothers who played major roles in the fight for the Philippines’ independence during the Spanish era.

Your next destination is the Pagburnayan Jar Factory before visiting the Burgos, National, and Crisologo Museums. After learning of the heritage of Ilocos, you will get to see a variety of animals up close at Baluarte Zoo.

Finally, you will end your day on Calle Crisologo. This cobblestone street is lined with old Spanish homes that are filled with different shops and restaurants.

Your third day will begin with an early departure from Laoag via van to reach Sagada. This town is nestled in the mountains of the Cordillera Region and is home to over 60 caves. The road here can get bumpy so it's best to prepare for a rough ride.

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Upon your arrival, you will be taken to your hotel in the downtown area. Then, you will kick off the day with a trek through Sugong Cave. You will also see one of the town’s unique traditions, the hanging coffins, here. Locals have been practicing this burial tradition for over 2,000 years.

Following your time in the cave, you will now journey through the Echo Valley. It is named as such since you can hear echoes throughout the valley whenever someone shouts. The next natural wonder on the list is the Sumaguing Cave. It is the biggest cave in Sagada and contains several rock formations and groups of bats.

The last stop for the day is the Bontoc Tribal Museum, where you can learn about the history of the province’s different indigenous groups. After immersing yourself in their heritage, you will be guided back to your hotel.

Following your time in Sagada, a van will then take you to the region of Benguet. This area is also known as the “Salad Bowl of the Philippines” due to its farms that grow varieties of fruits and vegetables. Once you’ve checked into your hotel in Baguio, you will go to see cherry blossoms in Atok.

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The Atok Sakura Flowers is a park with 30 Sakura trees that the Japanese government gifted to the province in 2016. Another popular spot for flowers is the Northern Blossom. When you arrive here, you will be greeted by a huge selection of flowers such as roses and sunflowers. This spot also gives you a stunning view of the nearby mountain ranges.

Next, you will head to the 2nd Highest Point viewing deck. It sits at 7,400 feet above sea level, which is the second-highest altitude in the country. It is located along the Halsema Highway that connects Sagada and Benguet.

After this, your guide will lead you to the Spanish Trail. It stretches for almost 3km and goes through cave-like tunnels. Finally, you will go strawberry picking at the famous La Trinidad Strawberry Farm before heading back to your hotel in Baguio.

After your journey through Benguet and Sagada, you will take a van to Tarlac province. Here, you will hike up Mt. Pinatubo to get a glimpse of its vast crater lake. This active volcano is known for its historical eruption back in 1991.

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When you arrive in Tarlac, you will first make your way to the mountain’s base camp in Barangay Sta. Ana. From here, you will trade your van for a 4x4 vehicle that is better suited for the rough landscape leading up to the mountain.

You will then cross the Crow Valley to reach the starting point of the climb to the volcano’s crater lake. The trail is approximately 5.4 km and features lava sand deposits from the 1991 eruption. At the end of the designated trail, you will finally get a close look at its large crater lake.

Feel free to take in the view of its turquoise waters as you will have time to enjoy a meal here as well. After taking photos and eating, you will begin your descent before heading back to Manila via a van. When you return to the city, you will also be escorted to your hotel in Manila.

After a night in the capital city, you will fly to Panglao International Airport to continue the tour. Upon landing, a van will take you to your accommodation in Panglao. Your trip around Bohol’s countryside will then start with a visit to the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary.

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After your experience with one of the world’s smallest primates, your guide will bring you to the Loboc River. Here, you will hop on the Loboc River Cruise and be treated to a buffet lunch of local cuisine as you sail across the river. The staff also performs popular Filipino songs to entertain you as you feast.

Following the cruise, you’ll drop by the Baclayon Church. This church is a National Cultural Treasure and is decorated with a crystal chandelier and an altar with carvings inlaid with gold. Next, you will go to the Butterfly Conservatory, where butterflies are bred and cared for.

The next stop is the man-made Bilar Forest, where you can take photos of among its mahogany trees. Lastly, you will travel to the famed Chocolate Hills before going back to your hotel. This group of hills turns from green to brown in the summer, giving the impression of mounds of chocolate.

On your seventh day, a van will escort you to a port in Baclayon for the Pamilacan Island tour. You will first board a boat and sail across the Bohol Sea to reach the island that sits 12.5km from the mainland.

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On the boat ride there, you may also get the chance to spot some sea animals such as dolphins gliding through the water. After you get off the boat, you will immediately feel the island’s soft and pristine white sand.

Aside from its stunning shoreline, snorkeling in its surrounding waters will bring you close to a colorful array of marine life. Your guide can show you popular diving spots around the island as well, for a more intimate encounter with the schools of fish and groups of coral below the surface.

When you decide to step out of the sea, you can then walk up towards a Spanish fort on the island’s northeast coast. It is 200 years old and was initially used as an observatory to spot any pirates that may have targeted the community. Today, it has been recognized as a National Cultural Treasure.

Finally, you will return to the mainland and your accommodation in Panglao.

From Bohol, you will ride a ferry to Cebu. Once you enter the city, a guide will drop you off at your hotel in Mandaue via van. The first stop for this tour is the Taoist Temple. The complex houses tall towers and an entrance inspired by the Great Wall of China. It also sits on a hillside, offering a panoramic view of Cebu City.

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Next is a visit to the Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino, the oldest Roman Catholic church in the Philippines. Outside the church stands the Magellan’s Cross, another important historical site. It was planted by explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.

You will then make your way to the Heritage of Cebu Monument. This attraction displays integral events in Cebu’s history such as the Battle of Mactan. After this, you will visit the Yap - San Diego Ancestral House. This home was built in the 17th century and exhibits antique furniture.

From there, you will drop by the Temple of Leah. This regal temple was created in 2012 for the wife of a local. You will then end your day at the Sirao Flower Farm, which is also called the “Little Amsterdam of Cebu” due to its vibrant flowers.

After a night in your Mandaue hotel, you will fly to Puerto Princesa Airport. When you land, you will be brought to your hotel in Sabang before starting your island-hopping tour.

First, you will board a boat to explore the best islands in the gorgeous Honda Bay. The first one on the list is Star Fish Island. It gets its name thanks to the large population of starfishes that call its sandbar home. Along with the starfish, a quick snorkeling session will show even more marine life such as pufferfish and yellowtail snappers.

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Next, you will travel to Cowrie Island. This shell-shaped isle is also the largest one within Honda Bay. It is also a safe place for swimming and other water activities since the locals have netted off an area to keep jellyfish away. Visitors may also enjoy a delicious meal here as it features spaces for picnics and dining.

As you end the day, you will make your way to Luli Island. It is best known for its disappearing sandbar that you can only walk along during low tide. After this, you will return to the shore and a van will bring you to your Sabang hotel..

Following a day on beaches, the tenth one will be spent in freshwater and the city proper. To start your day, a van will take you to Sabang Wharf. Here, you will ride a boat to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to lively animals and plants.

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Once you enter the park, your guide will take you on a cruise on the world-famous Puerto Princesa Underground River. The cave that the river runs through features grand limestone formations.

After the cruise, you will sail back to the mainland to take a van to Baker’s Hill. Known for its local pastries, you can buy some to take home with you. The next destination is Plaza Cuartel, which holds a restored garrison that dates back to World War II.

Next, you will come close to crocodiles in the Crocodile Farm. This animal conservation center cares for and breeds different species of crocodiles. Following your time with the reptiles, you will travel to Mitra’s Ranch. Since it sits on a hilltop park, it also offers a great view of the city. Finally, your day ends with a stroll along Puerto Princesa Baywalk..

On the last day of your vacation, a van will come to pick you up from your Sabang hotel. It will then escort you to the Puerto Princesa International Airport. You will then board a plane headed for Ninoy Aquino International Airport back in the capital city of Manila.