11-Day Scenic Highlands, Underground River & Islands Tour to Puerto Princesa, Cebu & Baguio
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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
Witness various picturesque spots and heritage attractions in the Philippines with this 11-day tour to scenic highlands, the Underground River, and islands of Puerto Princesa, Cebu, and Baguio from Manila. This trip includes roundtrip flights from Manila, land/ferry transfers, and accommodation.
Wander across the awe-inspiring historical spots at the walled city of Intramuros. You will marvel at various beautifully preserved structures. Afterward, your heritage tour continues at Marcos Museum in Ilocos Norte to see the cenotaph of late president Marcos.
Get a glimpse of the Spanish era at Calle Crisologo in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Vigan. Then, you will head up north to the breathtaking Banaue to discover vintage photographs at the Banaue Museum.
Gaze at the scenic mountain ranges as you head next to the City of Pines, Baguio. You will drop by Camp John Hay, a former US military base. At Mines View Park, you can see old Itogon mines. Your adventure continues as you ride a 4x4 vehicle to Mount Pinatubo in Tarlac.
On this trip, you will be flying off to the Visayas via Mactan-Cebu International Airport. You will visit Cebu’s Little Amsterdam, known as the Sirao Flower Farm. Then, you will go on a canyoneering adventure to Kawasan Falls in Badian town.
Then, you will board a plane to Puerto Princesa, Palawan. You will go on an island-hopping tour to Starfish Island and Luli Sandbar in Honda Bay. At Cowrie Island, you can go snorkeling and banana boat riding. You will conclude your trip at Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Escape to the paradise-like destinations across the Philippines with this 11-day tour to Puerto Princesa, Cebu & Baguio 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 - Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur (Ilocos Region)
Day 3 to 5 - Sagada, Banaue and Baguio Tour (Cordillera Region)
Day 6 - Mt. Pinatubo Tour
Day 7 to 8 - Cebu Tour (Central Visayas)
Day 9 to 10 - Puerto Princesa Tour (Palawan)
Day 11 - Back to Manila
All transportation to and from included activities and destinations
All environmental fees, port fees, and all other applicable taxes
On Day 1, you will arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Your private van will fetch you and take you to your hotel in Manila or near Roxas Boulevard.
You will head to the walled city of Intramuros. Here, you will find various historical and notable structures, including Fort Santiago. During the Spanish period, political and resistance fighters, including our national hero Jose Rizal were imprisoned inside this citadel.
After the fort ruins, your next destination is Plaza Roma, a former public square that features the statue of King Charles IV of Spain. Then, you will see a vast collection of Chinese ghettos, old coins, and porcelain at Bahay Tsinoy. Here, you will get a glimpse of the ethnic Chinese lifestyle and contributions to Philippine history.
Your next destination is Casa Manila, an Ilustrado-inspired museum depicting the affluent colonial lifestyle. You will also drop by San Diego Gardens to see lush greeneries. Baluarte De San Diego is right across the garden.
Lastly, you will discover two century-old churches in Intramuros. One of which is San Agustin Church and Museum, the oldest stone church in the country. Finally, you will gaze at Manila Cathedral’s impressive facades and multi-layered arches.
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Day 2
Day 2 - Day 2: Laoag and Vigan Tour
On Day 2, you will board a plane from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Laoag Airport. You will alight at the terminal and ride a van to your Laoag hotel.
Your first stop is the Malacanang of the North, a grand presidential museum for Marcos. It majestically stands beside Paoay Lake. Paoay Church is also nearby, a former observation post of Katipuneros and Filipino Guerrillas.
At Marcos Museum, you will see the cenotaph of the former president. Then, you will browse through the galleries at Juan at Antonio Luna Museum.
Your heritage tour continues in the UNESCO Heritage City of Vigan. Here, you will visit Saint Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia. Then, you will visit Bantay Bell Tower overlooking the whole Bantay district.
At Pagburnayan, you will learn traditional pot making. Your museum-hopping tour continues at the National Museum Ilocos Regional Complex. You will head to Burgos Museum, the ancestral house of priest patriot Fr. Burgos.
You will also drop by Crisologo Museum, which honors Congressman Floro S. Crisologo. Up next is Calle Crisologo, an iconic street lined with ancestral houses. Finally, you’ll explore Baluarte, a mini zoo with life-size dinosaur statues.
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Day 3
Day 3 - Day 3: Sagada Tour
From your hotel in Vigan, your van will take you to Sagada on your 3rd day. To reach the rustic town of Sagada, you will drive along Halsema Highway, one of the highest roads in the Philippines. Most travelers visit Sagada to enjoy the cool breeze while capturing the breathtaking mountain ranges.
Your first stop is Sugong Cave. It has an underground river with water coming from Bokong Falls. It then flows to the Kapay-aw Rice Terraces. Afterward, you will trek through Echo Valley with a path leading to the hanging coffins. It serves as part of the burial traditions of Ifugao tribes in Mountain Province.
Sagada boasts more than 60 caves, which makes it the perfect spelunking spot. Sumaguing Cave is the largest among them. It showcases ancient stalactites and stalagmites.
There are also natural pools and streams inside the cave. Prepare to get wet during your cave exploration.
After your spelunking escapade, you will visit Bontoc Tribal Museum. Here, you can find traditional costumes, hunting weapons, and farming tools. You will also get a better understanding of the rich traditions in Mountain Province.
At the end of your tour, you will return to your hotel in Sagada.
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Day 4
Day 4 - Day 4: Banaue Tour
On Day 4, you will gaze at the majestic sceneries in Banaue, home to amphitheater-like UNESCO World Heritage rice terraces. Prepare to leave early from your hotel and head over to Batad.
You will visit The Banaue Rice Terraces, one of the earliest-made rice terraces. More than 2,000 years ago, our Ifugao ancestors worked tirelessly to carve these breathtaking paddy fields using their bare hands.
To get the best view of the terraces, you have to hike up the Batad Banaue Viewpoint. There is also an option to trade Batad Banaue Viewpoint to visit the Tappiya Waterfall. Reward yourself and take a refreshing dip into its cold waters.
Then, you will visit the Banga-an Village. This laid-back community consists of cogon-made houses with a ground floor for domesticated animals.
Around 30 families are living in this village. Livestock farming is one of their sources of livelihood. While immersing yourself inside the community, make sure to respect the villagers’ customs and traditions.
Your next stop is Banaue Museum, a two-story Ifugao ethnic museum. It features the life of Ifugao tribes through vintage photographs. Other than portraits, it also showcases treasured jewelry, traditional headdress, weaponry, and Igorot artifacts.
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Day 5
Day 5 - Day 5: Baguio Tour
The fifth leg of your tour continues at the Summer Capital of the Philippines or the City of Pines, Baguio. This famous destination up north is perfect for those who want to go sightseeing and soul-searching amidst the city’s cool breeze.
Your van will take you to the Ifugao Museum. It features historical artifacts depicting Ifugao’s ancient traditions. Then, you will visit the Surrender Site of General Yamashita, which honors Yamashita’s act of surrendering.
Your third destination is the Philippine Military Academy, a premier institution for aspiring military officers in the country. Afterward, you will explore Fort De Pilar, which occupies 373 hectares of land. Then, you will visit The Mansion, known as the official summer residence of the Philippine President.
At Camp John Hay, you can try various outdoor activities and stroll along the historic sites surrounding the former US military base. Then, you will visit Mines View Park to capture the breathtaking view of the Benguet rolling mountain ranges from afar. Afterward, you can go horseback riding at Wright Park. You will also see beautiful flower gardens in Centennial Park.
Lastly, don’t forget to drop by Good Shepherd Convent to purchase local treats like ube jam or purple yam.
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Day 6
Day 6 - Day 6: Mt. Pinatubo Tour
Prepare to ride a 4x4 vehicle on the 6th day of your vacation. You will also go on a trekking adventure to reach your next destination, Mt. Pinatubo’s crater lake. Mount Pinatubo is an active stratovolcano nestled between Tarlac, Pampanga, and Zambales. It boasts a beautiful turquoise-colored crater lake at the center.
The volcano currently holds the world’s largest volcanic eruption in the past 100 years. In 1991, Mt. Pinatubo had a massive eruption that destroyed hundreds of households. After three decades, Mt. Pinatubo is now a sought-after destination for hikers and thrill-seekers.
To get there, you have to reach the base camp in Tarlac’s Barangay Sta. Juliana by riding a van. You will soon arrive at the camp. Then, you will switch to a 4x4 vehicle. You will pass by a lahar-filled terrain. The ride gets rough and bumpy along the way.
For your safety, you need to wear proper hiking gear. The 4x4 jeep will be traversing 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 7
Day 7 - Day 7: Cebu City Tour
On Day 7, you will take a flight from Manila to Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Upon arrival, your van will take you to your Mandaue accommodation. Your first stop is at the Taoist Temple, which stands atop a hill. It features Chinese-inspired architecture with a replica of the Great Wall of China and dragon statues. After marveling at the temple, you can drop by its souvenir shop.
Then, you will proceed to downtown Cebu. You will visit Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino, the country’s oldest Roman Catholic church. The Basilica underwent renovations until 1740. You can walk a few meters from the church to reach Magellan’s Cross, a historic site commemorating Ferdinand Magellan’s exploration in 1521.
At the Heritage of Cebu Monument, you will understand Cebu’s rich history. Here, you can find relevant symbols like the Spanish galleon. It also showcases the historical Battle of Mactan and well-known figures like Sergio Osmena, the 4th President of the country.
Then, you will visit Yap-San Diego Ancestral House. It is a notable Chinese settlement during the 17th century. Afterward, you can pay a short visit to the Temple of Leah. Your last stop is at Cebu’s own Little Amsterdam, the Sirao Flower Farm.
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Day 8
Day 8 - Day 8: Kawasan Falls and Moalboal Sardine Run Tour
On your 8th day, you will leave Cebu City to go on a canyoneering adventure to Kawasan Falls in Badian town. You will leave early from your hotel in Mandaue City to see the enchanting three-tiered falls. Prepare to scramble through slippery rocks and sharp edges along the beautiful gorges and river canyons of the Badian River.
A majestic three-tiered cascade awaits you at the end of the trail. Jump as high as 30 feet to plunge into the clear emerald-blue waters of Kawasan Falls. There are also natural pools and lagoons surrounding the falls. You can take a refreshing dip and strike a picture-perfect pose behind the majestic falls.
Your fun-filled escapade continues at the beautiful coastal town of Moalboal. It features more than 20 marine sanctuaries. At Pescador Island, you will witness the famous sardine run. It is only less than 2km away from Panagsama Beach. Here, you will get a rare opportunity to swim with sea turtles and millions of sardines.
Up next is the pristine seascape of Turtle Island. You will discover the island’s flourishing marine biodiversity. After your exciting adventures to Badian and Moalboal, you will head back to your hotel in Mandaue City.
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Day 9
Day 9 - Day 9: Puerto Princesa Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour
Escape to the breathtaking islands dotting Honda Bay in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, on the 9th day of your vacation. You will take a short flight from Cebu to Puerto Princesa International Airport.
Upon arrival, your private van will take you to your accommodation. Afterward, you will ride a boat to reach the pristine seascape of Honda Bay.
Puerto Princesa is the only coastal city in the world-class province of Palawan. On this trip, you will go on an island-hopping tour to Honda Bay. 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 find other marine species, including pufferfishes and yellowtail snappers.
Up next is the boomerang-shaped Cowrie Island. It is the largest among all of the islands in Honda Bay. You can snorkel or ride a banana boat across its vast seascape. If you get tired of trying out some water activities, you can rest on the cabanas and huts on the beach.
Your last stop is Luli Island’s powdery white sandbar. The sandbar submerges at low tide and reappears again during high tide. Throughout the bay, you can find floating hammocks.
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Day 10
Day 10 - Day 10: Puerto Princesa Underground River and City Tour
Spend your last day in Puerto Princesa while cruising along 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.
With over 22,000 hectares of land area, this 8km-long underground river is one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. It features 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. Then, you will proceed to your final destinations, Mitra’s Ranch and Puerto Princesa Baywalk.
At Mitra’s Ranch, you can witness a breathtaking view of the city. The leisure park is one of the city’s highest points that sits atop a hill. Then, you will stroll along Puerto Princesa Baywalk while waiting for the sunset.
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Day 11
Day 11 - Day 11: Departure to Manila
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.
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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.
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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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