12-Day Philippines Nature Trip to Cordillera Mountains, Ilocos Region & Bohol Island

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Travel details

Dates

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Travelers

From: Manila

Description

Summary

Tour starts

Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Duration

12 days

Ending place

Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Languages:

English

Difficulty:

Easy

Minimum age:

None

101 reviews

Description

Travel to the scenic highlands of the Cordillera mountain ranges, Ilocos towns, and Bohol Island with this 12-day countryside vacation package. For your convenience, this trip includes roundtrip flights from Manila City, land/ferry transfers, and accommodation.

Listen to compelling stories and key events that happened in the Spanish era while strolling around the walled city of Intramuros in Manila City. You will visit marvelous structures, historic buildings, and museums. Then, you will continue your heritage tour to Malacañang of the North in Ilocos Norte. Here, you will see the grand presidential museum of former President Marcos.

Visit the beautiful coastal attraction along Bangui Bay, the Bangui Windmills. This wind farm features around 20 giant turbines facing the sea. Then, you will go on a heritage tour to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Vigan. See ancestral houses and iconic structures along Calle Crisologo. Afterward, you will head up north to the breathtaking Banaue highlands.

At Banaue Museum, you will see treasured artifacts depicting the life of the Ifugao tribes. Your scenic tour continues at the City of Pines, Baguio. Visit Baguio’s famous adventure hub and former US military base, Camp John Hay. Then, capture the Benguet mountain ranges from afar at Mines View Park. You will also pick fresh strawberries at La Trinidad Strawberry Farm.

Go on an adventurous escapade to Mount Pinatubo’s crater lake via a 4x4 vehicle. Afterward, you will ride a plane to Bohol from Manila. Immerse in the Cambuhat Village and learn about oyster farming. Then, explore Pamilacan Island’s calm blue waters. You will see dolphins and whales on your way to the island.

Wander around the top attractions and majestic islands in the Philippines with this 12-day scenic highlands, trekking, and countryside vacation package to Cordillera, Ilocos, Bohol, and Mt. Pinatubo. Check availability by choosing a date.

Included

11 nights accommodation (budget category)

11 days breakfast

11 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 8 - Sagada, Banaue and Benguet Tour (Cordillera Region)

Day 9 - Mt. Pinatubo Tour

Day 10 to 11 - Bohol Tour (Central Visayas)

Day 12 - Back to Manila

All transportation to and from included activities and destinations

All environmental fees, port fees, and all other applicable taxes

Activities

Culture, Arts & Historical Tours

Map

Attractions

Manila Cathedral

Casa Manila

Bahay Tsinoy

Mt. Pinatubo

Philippine Military Academy

The Mansion

Camp John Hay

Mines View Park

Wright Park

General Yamashita Surrender Site

Ifugao Museum

Tappiya Waterfalls

Bontoc Village Museum

Syquia Mansion Museum

Pagburnayan Jar Factory

Crisologo Museum

Bantay Church Bell Tower

Cambuhat Village

Calle Crisologo

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Malacañang of the North

Paoay Church

St. William Cathedral

Sinking Bell Tower

Intramuros

Fort Santiago

San Agustin Church

Banga-an Village

St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral

Marcos Museum & Mausoleum or Balay Ti Ili

Bangui Windmills

La Paz Sand Dunes

Museo Ilocos Norte

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Patapat Viaduct

Strawberry Farm

Centennial Park

Good Shepherd Convent

Sumaguing Cave

Echo Valley

Pamilacan Island

Plaza Roma

Banaue Museum

Northern Blossom Flower Farm

Cambuhat Oyster Farm

Paraiso ni Anton

Agua Grande

Aurora Park

Baluarte Ilocos

St. William’s Cathedral

Batad

Atok Sakura Flowers

2nd Highest Point

Pasuquin Salt Stand

Cambuhat River

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Daily itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 - Day 1: Intramuros Tour

You will arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on your first day. Expect your private van will fetch you and take you to your hotel in Manila or near Roxas Boulevard. You will stroll along Intramuros, one of the oldest districts in Manila. Marvel at the beautifully preserved historical and notable structures in the walled city, including Fort Santiago. During the Spanish era, our national hero Jose Rizal was imprisoned here before his execution in Bagumbayan. Up next is Plaza Roma, a former public square that features the statue of King Charles IV of Spain. Afterward, you will drop by Bahay Tsinoy to get a glimpse of the ethnic Chinese lifestyle. Your next destination is Casa Manila, an 1850s San Nicolas House replica showing the affluent colonial lifestyle of Illustrados. Then, you will see pergolas at San Diego Gardens. Baluarte De San Diego, a 16th-century bastion, is right across the garden. You will also admire two century-old churches in Intramuros. First is the San Agustin Church and Museum, the oldest stone church in the country that houses the hidden mausoleum of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Lastly, you will gaze at grand facades and multi-layered arches at the 300-year-old Manila Cathedral.

Day 2

Day 2 - Day 2: Laoag Tour

Your fun-filled heritage tour continues at Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. From Manila, you will board a plane to Laoag Airport. Your van will take you to a nice hotel where you’ll be staying in Laoag. Laoag City, also known as the Sunshine City, serves as the provincial capital. Its name came from the Ilocano word, “Lawag” which means bright and light. This beautifully preserved city is home to Italian Renaissance and Baroque-inspired architecture. Your first destination is St. Williams Cathedral. The Sinking Bell Tower is only a few meters away from the cathedral. As the name implies, the belfry tower sinks at least an inch into the ground every year. Your museum-hopping tour begins at Museo Ilocos Norte. Here, you will see antique collections depicting the rich culture of Ilocos Norte. Next, you will see the 19th-century Tobacco Monopoly Monument standing at the center of Aurora’s Park. You will also visit the Malacañang of the North, a former holiday residence of the Marcoses. In Batac town, you will marvel at the Marcos Museum to see the cenotaph of the late President Marcos. Lastly, you will explore the Juan and Antonio Luna Museum to learn about the life and works of the famous Luna brothers.

Day 3

Scenic view of Patapat Viaduct in Ilocos

Day 3 - Day 3: Pagudpud Tour

On Day 3, you will leave early from your Laoag hotel to visit the nearby towns of Burgos and Pagudpud. Your first stop is Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, the highest lighthouse in the Philippines. It is nestled on top of Vigia de Nagpartian Hill overlooking the West Philippine Sea. Your next destination is set along the coast of Bangui Bay. Here, you will see Bangui Windmills, a wind farm consisting of 20 giant turbines in front of the sea. Then, you will pass by Pagudpud’s scenic coastal bridge, known as the Patapat Viaduct. Up next is Agua Grande, where you can soak your hands and feet into a cold stream that flows to Pasaleng Bay. Your next destination is Paraiso ni Anton. It has a sacred grotto with water that is believed to miraculously heal the sick. Then, you will witness the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, a majestic coastal attraction in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. Before leaving Ilocos Norte, don’t forget to drop by Pasuquin Salt Stand to purchase the best-tasting salt-preserved food in town. For an alternative adventure, you may book an add-on 4x4 ride for 4 pax to La Paz Sand Dunes, an 85 square kilometer coastal beach and desert in Ilocos Norte.

Day 4

Day 4 - Day 4: Vigan Tour

Revisit the Hispanic era in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Vigan on the 4th day of your vacation. Your private van will take you to your first stop, the National Museum Ilocos Regional Complex. You will get a glimpse of the region’s rich culture and heritage at the museum. Then, you will proceed to Bantay Church and Bell Tower. Here, you can capture the whole Bantay district and a portion of the nearby province of Abra. You will also visit Syquia Mansion Museum, a 19-century traditional mansion featuring symbolic heirlooms of the Syquia family. Then, you will learn traditional pot making at Pagburnayan Jar Factory. Drop by Crisologo Museum to see the antique furniture and belongings of Congressman Floro S. Crisologo and his family. At Calle Crisologo, you will find several ancestral houses and historical structures. Afterward, you will pay a short visit to St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, also known as Vigan Cathedral. It is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia. Plaza Salcedo is right across the church. Finally, you will see life-size dinosaur statues and wild animals at the Baluarte mini zoo. At the end of your tour, you will head back to your hotel.

Day 5

Day 5 - Day 5: Sagada Tour

On Day 5, your private van will fetch you early from your Vigan accommodation. You will head to another scenic spot up north, the rustic town of Sagada. To get there, you will drive along Halsema Highway, one of the highest roads in the Philippines. Your first stop is at Sugong Cave. Bokong Falls flows directly to the cave’s underground river. The nearby Kapay-aw Rice Terraces also obtain the same water source from the falls. Then, you will trek to Echo Valley. You will be traversing the path that leads to the famous hanging coffins on the side of the cliff. Sagada is a perfect spelunking spot with more than 60 caves. The largest among them is Sumaguing Cave, which boasts ancient stalactites and stalagmites. On your cave exploration, you will discover natural pools and streams inside the cave. Expect to get wet during your adventure. After your spelunking adventure, you will visit the Bontoc Tribal Museum. It showcases vast artifact collections like traditional costumes, hunting weapons, and farming tools. Here, you will learn about the culture and traditions of the indigenous tribes in Mountain Province. At the end of your Sagada tour, you will head back to your hotel.

Day 6

Day 6 - Day 6: Banaue Tour

On Day 6, you will explore the scenic town of Banaue, home to amphitheater-like UNESCO World Heritage rice terraces. First, your private van will take you to the laid-back town of Batad. Here, you will witness The Banaue Rice Terraces or Hagdang-hagdang Palayan, one of the earliest-made rice terraces. More than 2,000 years ago, the Ifugao ancestors tirelessly carved the paddy fields using their bare hands. You can go up the Batad Banaue Viewpoint to witness the best view of the terraces. Another alternative option is to trade Batad Banaue Viewpoint for a short visit to the Tappiya Waterfall. Once you arrive at the fall, you will be rewarded with an enchanting view of the cascade. Up next is Banga-an Village, a small village with cogon-made houses. These homes were built with a ground floor for domesticated animals. The locals rely on livestock farming for their livelihood. During your stay inside the community, you will learn more about the practices of the village people. Afterward, you will proceed to Banaue Museum. Browse through treasured jewelry, traditional headdress, weaponry, and Igorot artifacts inside this ethnic museum. It also depicts the life of the Ifugao tribes through vintage portraits.

Day 7

Day 7 - Day 7: Baguio Tour

Savor the cool breeze in the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio, on your 7th day. You will have an early departure from your accommodation in Banaue. Your first stop is at Ifugao Museum, featuring the rich culture and ancient traditions of Ifugao tribes. Then, you will drop by the Surrender Site of General Yamashita, a historic site to honor Yamashita’s act of surrendering during World War II. Up next is the Philippine Military Academy, a premier institution for aspiring military officers in the country. Then, you will head to Fort De Pilar, which occupies 373 hectares of land. You will also visit The Mansion, the official summer residence of the Philippine President. Then, you will gaze at pine tree forests while trying out outdoor activities at Camp John Hay, a former US military base. Up next is Mines View Park. You can go up the park’s view deck to capture the best view of the Benguet mountain ranges from afar. Afterward, you can go horseback riding and sightseeing at Wright Park and Centennial Park. Before leaving Baguio, don’t forget to drop by the Good Shepherd Convent to purchase Baguio’s best-selling treats, including the famous ube jam or purple yam.

Day 8

Beautiful flowers in Northern Blossom Flower Farm in Benguet

Day 8 - Day 8: Benguet Tour

Your scenic highlands tour continues in the Benguet province. From Baguio, your van will take you to your first destination, the 79-hectare La Trinidad Strawberry Farm. Back in the 19th century, the Spaniards brought the production of strawberries to Benguet. Every year, the farm produces about 1,775 metric tons of strawberries per harvest. Up next is Atok Sakura Flowers. This majestic Benguet attraction boasts 30 beautiful cherry blossom trees. The cherry blossom seedlings were a gift to the municipality of Atok from the Japanese government. At your next destination, you will witness a majestic flower carpet in Northern Blossom Flower Farm. This three-hectare Benguet flower plantation cultivates sunflowers, snapdragons, Peruvian lilies, and other colorful blooms from Japan. The rolling mountain ranges of Mt. Timbak and Mt. Pulag are majestically standing behind the lovely and captivating flower fields. To capture a panoramic view of the nearby mountains, you will drop by the 2nd Highest Point along Halsema Highway. You will see Mt. Timbak, one of the highest mountains in Luzon. Then, you will traverse the Spanish Trail. Admire lush landscapes and scenic mountain ranges at the end of the trail. Afterward, you will head back to your hotel in Baguio.

Day 9

Rocky path going to the peak of Mount Pinatubo

Day 9 - Day 9: Mt. Pinatubo Tour

Level up your adventure and hop aboard a 4x4 vehicle on the 9th day of your vacation. Mount Pinatubo is an active stratovolcano set between the provinces of Tarlac, Pampanga, and Zambales. To get to the majestic crater lake, you will go trekking after your 4x4 ride. Mt. Pinatubo currently holds the place of being the world’s largest volcanic eruption in the past 100 years. In 1991, Mt. Pinatubo erupted and destroyed hundreds of households and structures in nearby towns. After three decades, Mt. Pinatubo is now a well-known destination for hikers and adventure-goers. To get there, you have to reach the base camp in Tarlac’s Barangay Sta. Juliana by riding a van. Once you arrive at the camp, you will switch to a 4x4 vehicle. Expect that the ride will get rough and bumpy along the way. For your safety, you need to wear proper hiking gear. The 4x4 jeep will pass through the Crow Valley. Upon your arrival at the jump-off point, you will get off the vehicle and trek toward the mountain’s deck. A majestic view of Mt. Pinatubo’s crater lake awaits you at the end of the trail. You can take photos behind the stunning emerald-green crater lake.

Day 10

Popular view of Chocolate Hills in Bohol

Day 10 - Day 10: Bohol Cambuhat Tour

On Day 10, you will ride a plane to Bohol from Manila. Wait for your private van to pick you up from the Panglao International Airport. You will be staying in a nice hotel in Panglao, Bohol. Your first destination is the Cambuhat Village. To get there, you will paddle along the Cambuhat River. While gazing at the serene atmosphere, you will see nipa huts and lush mangroves on the side of the river. You will soon arrive at the laidback community. Oyster farming is the main source of livelihood for the village people. Cambuhat Oyster Farm is situated at the far end of the river. Apart from oyster farming, the locals also sell hand-woven crafts. You can even purchase souvenir items from them at the end of your tour. To preserve the beauty of the river, the Cambuhat locals implement eco-friendly practices to ensure the preservation of their natural resources. While immersing inside the community, you must follow their guidelines and respect their traditions. Your Cambuhat tour will not be complete without trying their shellfish delicacies. The locals serve freshly cooked oysters for their guests. After your Bohol Cambuhat tour, you will paddle back and ride a van to your accommodation.

Day 11

Deep blue waters of Pamilacan Island in Bohol

Day 11 - Day 11: Pamilacan Island Tour

Discover Pamilacan Island on the 4th day of your vacation in Bohol. You will leave early from your Panglao accommodation to take a short boat ride to the island. Pamilacan Island is a protected marine habitat that is home to a wide variety of aquatic creatures like bucket sponges, moray eels, and sea snakes. Some whales and dolphins may occasionally pop out of the water on your way to the island. You may also get a chance to swim with green sea turtles and colorful exotic fishes. Only less than 1,500 residents are inhabiting Pamilacan Island. In the 90s, the locals have previously relied on whale and manta ray hunting as their source of livelihood. After prohibiting this illegal practice, the local government urged the locals to develop and promote local tourism on the island. You can go snorkeling and diving to explore Pamilacan’s rich seascape. Don’t miss out on the chance to discover its underwater sanctuaries and diving spots. Afterward, you can catch the sunset at the Pamilacan Watchtower. Back in the day, the Spaniards used it to check if there were pirates nearby. At the end of your tour, you will head back to your hotel in Panglao.

Day 12

Day 12 - Day 12: Departure to Manila

Cap off your vacation in Bohol on the last day of your 12-day vacation. Your private van will fetch you early from your Panglao accommodation. Then, you will board a direct flight to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. You will head back to where you started, Manila.

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.

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.