11-Day Scenic Highlands, Caves & Heritage Tour to Benguet, Sagada & Dumaguete with Apo Island
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Description
Summary
Tour starts
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Duration
11 days
Ending place
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Languages:
English
Difficulty:
Easy
Minimum age:
None
Description
Visit the scenic highlands, caves, and heritage sites across Benguet, Sagada, Dumaguete, and Apo Island with this 11-day vacation package. This hassle-free package includes roundtrip flights from Manila, land/ferry transfers, and accommodation.
Revisit the Spanish period at the walled city of Intramuros. You will go on a heritage tour across its iconic museums and historical spots. Then, you will head to the beautifully preserved coastal town of Ilocos Norte. You will explore Marcos Museum, the grand presidential museum for former President Marcos.
Your Ilocos tour continues at Bangui Windmills, where you can see 20 giant wind turbines overlooking Bangui Bay. Then, you will admire ancestral houses and iconic structures at Calle Crisologo in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Vigan.
After your historical tour in Ilocos, you will head up north to the scenic town of Banaue. You will visit Banaue Museum to check out vintage photographs depicting the life of Ifugao tribes. Then, you will proceed to the City of Pines, Baguio. You will drop by The Mansion, the official summer residence of the Philippine President. Then, you can go horseback riding at Wright Park.
Level up your adventure as you go trekking to Mount Pinatubo’s beautiful crater lake. Then, after visiting the scenic highlands in Luzon, you will fly off to Dumaguete. You will head to the Silliman University, the first American-Protestant institution in the Philippines and Asia. Then, you will get a chance to swim with sea turtles at Apo Island.
Escape to the majestic attractions and historic sites across the Philippines with this 11-Day tour to Benguet, Sagada & Dumaguete with Apo Island from Manila. Check availability by choosing a date.
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Included
10 nights accommodation (budget category)
10 days breakfast
10 lunch
All flights with 20kgs baggage allowance
Day 1 - Intramuros Tour (Manila)
Day 2 to 4 - Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur (Ilocos Region)
Day 5 to 7 - Sagada, Banaue and Baguio Tour (Cordillera Region)
Day 8 - Mt. Pinatubo Tour
Day 9 to 10 - Dumaguete Tour (Central Visayas)
Day 11 - Back to Manila
All transportation to and from included activities and destinations
All environmental fees, port fees, and all other applicable taxes
Once you arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, your van will pick you up and take you to your hotel in Manila or near Roxas Boulevard.
You will proceed to your first stop, the walled city of Intramuros. While wandering across the cobblestone streets, you will discover various historical and notable structures.
First, you will explore an old fortress and citadel at Intramuros, the Fort Santiago. Up next is the Plaza Roma, one of the three major public squares and trade centers. You can see the statue of King Charles IV of Spain inside the plaza.
At Bahay Tsinoy, you will step inside Kaisa-Angelo King Heritage Center to check out the contributions of the ethnic Chinese in Philippine history. Up next is Casa Manila, an 1850s replica of San Nicolas House depicting the colonial lifestyle of Illustrados.
Then, you will walk along the pergolas and walkways between the well-landscaped San Diego Gardens. Just across the garden, you can find Baluarte De San Diego, a 16th-century bastion.
Afterward, you will admire the remarkable structure of San Agustin Church and Museum, the oldest stone church in the country. Meanwhile, Manila Cathedral serves as the grand episcopal throne of the Archbishop of Manila.
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Day 2
Day 2 - Day 2: Laoag Tour
On Day 2, you will take a 1-hour flight to Laoag Airport from Manila. Alight at the terminal, where your private van awaits you. Before starting your tour, you will proceed to your Laoag accommodation.
Laoag is named the Sunshine City, derived from the Ilocano word, “Lawag” or bright light. It serves as the provincial capital of Ilocos Norte. You will see several iconic landmarks that perfectly depict the city’s beautifully preserved architecture.
Your first destination in Laoag is St. Williams Cathedral. The Sinking Bell Tower, which sinks at least an inch every year, is right across the cathedral. Afterward, you will visit Museo Ilocos Norte to get a glimpse of the region’s rich culture.
Another notable landmark in Ilocos is the 19th-century Tobacco Monopoly Monument, which stands right in the middle of Aurora’s Park. You will also visit the Malacañang of the North, the grand presidential museum for former President Marcos. It also served as the official residence of the Marcoses back in the day.
Then, you will visit Marcos Museum to see the cenotaph of the late President Marcos. Finally, you will check out the Luna brothers’ notable works at the Juan and Antonio Luna Museum.
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Day 3
Day 3 - Day 3: Pagudpud Tour
On your third day, you will have an early departure from your Laoag accommodation to visit the nearby towns of Burgos and Pagudpud. First, you will drop by Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, known as the highest lighthouse tower in the Philippines. It stands majestically on top of Vigia de Nagpartian Hill overlooking the sea.
At Bangui Bay, you will see the famous Bangui Windmills. It features around 20 giant turbines overlooking the sea. Then, you will stop by Pagudpud’s scenic coastal bridge, known as the Patapat Viaduct. Up next is Agua Grande, where you can take a refreshing dip into the cold stream that flows to Pasaleng Bay.
Up next is Paraiso ni Anton. It features a Virgin Mary grotto with water that is believed to be miraculous. Afterward, you will see the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, a stunning rock attraction along the rocky coastline of Burgos.
Before leaving Ilocos Norte, you can taste some of the region’s best delicacies. You can drop by Pasuquin Salt Stand to buy their best-tasting salt-preserved food. Cap off your tour by booking an add-on 4x4 ride for 4 pax to La Paz Sand Dunes, an 85 square kilometer coastal beach and desert in Ilocos Norte.
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Day 4
Day 4 - Day 4: Vigan Tour
Wander across the UNESCO World Heritage City of Vigan on the 4th day of your vacation. You will leave early from your hotel. Expect your van to take you to your first destination, the National Museum Ilocos Regional Complex.
Spend your day browsing through ancient artifacts. You will learn about the region’s rich culture and heritage while marveling at the museum. Afterward, you will head to Bantay Church and Bell Tower. You will see a breathtaking view of the Bantay district and a portion of the nearby province of Abra.
Up next is Syquia Mansion Museum, a 19-century stone mansion featuring symbolic heirlooms of the Syquia family. You will also learn traditional pottery making at Pagburnayan Jar Factory. Then, you will visit Crisologo Museum to see the notable works of Congressman Floro S. Crisologo and heirlooms of his family.
One of the highlights of your Vigan itinerary is strolling on the iconic Calle Crisologo. Here, you will discover the various ancestral houses and structures. Then, you will drop by St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral. There is a dancing fountain at the nearby Plaza Salcedo. Lastly, you will explore Baluarte mini zoo. You will be amused at the zoo’s life-size dinosaur statues.
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Day 5
Day 5 - Day 5: Sagada Tour
From your hotel in Vigan, you will wait for your private van to fetch you early and take you to the rustic town of Sagada. You will drive along Halsema Highway, one of the highest roads in the Philippines.
Apart from being a famous sightseeing spot, Sagada is also home to more than 60 caves. One of which is Sugong Cave. It has an underground river with water coming from Bokong Falls. The Kapay-aw Rice Terraces also rely on the same source of water.
Afterward, you will pass through Echo Valley, which will eventually lead you to the famous hanging coffins. It is one of the sacred symbols of the burial traditions in Mountain Province.
For those who love adventures, this next destination is perfect for you. You will go spelunking at Sumaguing Cave, the largest cave in Sagada. You will gaze at ancient stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave. It has natural pools and streams, so you must prepare to get wet during your cave exploration.
Afterward, you will visit Bontoc Tribal Museum. You will browse through traditional costumes, hunting weapons, and farming tools. Here, you will learn more about the sacred traditions and customs in the Mountain Province.
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Day 6
Day 6 - Day 6: Banaue Tour
On Day 6, your van will drive you to the breathtaking town of Banaue in Ifugao. Some of the majestic sights you will see here are the stunning UNESCO World Heritage rice terraces.
To get to The Banaue Rice Terraces, you will head to the town of Batad. The famous terraces are one of the earliest-made paddy fields of the Ifugao ancestors, which dates back to over 2,000 years ago.
At Batad Banaue Viewpoint, you can capture the best view of the terraces. An alternative to Batad Banaue Viewpoint would be a visit to the Tappiya Waterfall. Prepare to pass through muddy and slippery trails. After trekking past the rice terraces, a striking cascade awaits you. Reward yourself by plunging into its cold waters.
Then, you will head over to the Banga-an Village, a laid-back village consisting of cogon-made houses. Domesticated animals occupy the ground floor of the houses. Around 30 families are living in the community with livestock farming as their main source of livelihood.
After immersing yourself in the Banga-an Village, you will visit Banaue Museum. This two-story ethnic museum depicts the life of Ifugao tribes through vintage photographs, treasured jewelry, traditional headdress, weaponry, and Igorot artifacts.
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Day 7
Day 7 - Day 7: Baguio Tour
Your scenic highlands tour continues at the City of Pines, Baguio. It is also deemed as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, a perfect spot for those who like to escape from the summer heat in the metro.
Your first destination is the Ifugao Museum. Here, you will see historical artifacts depicting Ifugao’s ancient traditions. Then, you will visit the Surrender Site of General Yamashita, which honors Yamashita’s act of surrendering during World War II.
Your next stop is the Philippine Military Academy, a premier institution for aspiring military officers in the country. Then, you will explore Fort De Pilar, which occupies 373 hectares of land. Afterward, you will marvel at The Mansion, known as the official summer residence of the Philippine President.
At Camp John Hay, you will drop by various historic sites while gazing at lush pine tree forests. Then, you will visit Mines View Park to see old Itogon mines and the Benguet rolling mountain ranges from afar. Afterward, you can go horseback riding at Wright Park. You will also see colorful flower gardens in Centennial Park.
Your Baguio tour ends at Good Shepherd Convent. Here, you can purchase local treats like ube jam or purple yam.
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Day 8
Day 8 - Day 8: Mt. Pinatubo Tour
Prepare for an adventurous escapade to Mount Pinatubo on the 8th day of your vacation. You will ride a 4x4 vehicle and go trekking to reach its jade-blue crater lake. Mount Pinatubo is an active stratovolcano located between Tarlac, Pampanga, and Zambales.
Mount Pinatubo has a beauty that holds a tragic past. Hundreds of households were destroyed during the volcano’s 1991 massive eruption. It currently holds the place for being the world’s largest volcanic eruption in the past 100 years. At present, it is a famous hiking destination for adventure-seekers.
To get there, you have to reach the base camp in Tarlac’s Barangay Sta. Juliana by riding a van. Then, you will switch to a 4x4 vehicle. The terrain is challenging, so you have to prepare for a rough and bumpy ride across the lahar-filled trail.
Before the trek, you need to make sure that you are wearing proper hiking gear. While riding a 4x4 jeep, you will pass through the Crow Valley. Once you reach the jump-off point, you will get off the vehicle and trek toward the mountain’s deck. You will be rewarded with a majestic view of Mt. Pinatubo’s crater lake at the end of the trail.
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Day 9
Day 9 - Day 9: Dumaguete City Tour
On Day 9, you will spend a fun-filled day in Dumaguete, also known as the City of Gentle People. From Manila, you will take a short flight to Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport.
As a premier educational spot in Visayas and Mindanao, Dumaguete houses Silliman University. It is the first American-Protestant university in the Philippines and Asia. Inside the campus lies a university zoo and research facility.
Up next, you will explore downtown Dumaguete. Your first stop here is the iconic structure of St. Catherine De Alexandria and the historical Dumaguete Campanario. Then, you will drop by Dumaguete Public Market to go shopping. You will also visit the nearby Provincial Capitol and Freedom Park.
At Claytown Pottery, you can browse through handmade pots and other unique souvenir items. You can also purchase novelty items at Sidlakang Negros Village. Then, you will take your lunch break at Lab-as Seafood.
Your scenic tour continues at the Valencia Forest Camp. Next is the Cata-al War Museum, where you will find various World War II artifacts. Then, you will pay a short visit to San Agustin de Hippo Church in Bacong town. Finally, you will drop by the Negros Oriental Arts and Heritage Center to purchase souvenirs.
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Day 10
Day 10 - Day 10: Apo Island Tour
On Day 10, you will take a 40-minute boat ride to the southeastern tip of Negros Island. You will explore Apo Island, a world-famous diving destination and snorkeling site.
Apo Island is around 25km away from Dumaguete City. The name “Apo” can be translated as an elder or respected ancestor.
Apo Island is one of the most-visited diving spots in the Philippines. This volcanic island covers 74 hectares of land area. It also boasts rich marine diversity and stunning underwater sanctuaries, featuring around 400 coral species and 650 documented fish species.
The locals ensure to preserve the beauty of the island by protecting their natural resources. While you’re exploring Apo Island, you must respect and follow the tourism guidelines.
Once you arrive on the island, you can plunge straight into the blue waters. You will discover a wide variety of marine species, including tuna, manta rays, and hammerheads. Then, get a chance to swim with sea turtles at Turtle Point.
After your dives, you can hike up the 600-meter Habagat Eco Trail to see a panoramic view of the island’s surrounding mountains and natural rock formations. At the end of your tour, you will return to your accommodation in Dumaguete.
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Day 11
Day 11 - Day 11: Departure to Manila
Cap off your 11-day vacation and prepare to leave early from your hotel in Panglao, Bohol. Your van will take you to Panglao International Airport. Then, you will board a direct flight to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. You will head back to where you started, Manila.
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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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