12-Day Philippines Outdoor Spots & Heritage Trip to Puerto Princesa City, Cebu City & Bohol Island

Once you reach Tarlac, you first need to register at the Sta. Juliana Tourism Center. You'll next board a 4x4 vehicle that you ride across Crow Valley that leads to the mountain's base. After passing through the rough terrain, you will arrive at the mountain's jump-off point and begin your ascent to the peak on foot.

The whole trail spans about 5.4 kilometers and features some lava sand formations formed during the 1991 eruption. After your journey, you will find the emerald waters of Mt. Pinatubo's large crater lake. Take in the panoramic sight as you rest by the lake and enjoy your lunch. Don't forget to snap photos as well before deciding to head back down.

Once you've recharged from the hike, you will begin your descent to the jump-off point. You will then end your day back at the tourism center, where your guide will be waiting for you. Afterward, you will be transported to your new hotel along Manila's Baywalk.

When you’ve settled down, you will make your way to the idyllic Cambuhat Village. This peaceful community sits in Buenavista town in the northwestern area of Bohol. Considered one of the hidden gems of the island, it has slowly grown in popularity over the years for its diverse natural habitat and tranquil atmosphere.

You will then travel to Daet Bridge, where you will sit in a paddleboat for a scenic ride down the Cambuhat River. During the cruise, you will see rich forests along the riverbanks. Afterward, you will reach your destination: the Cambuhat Oyster Farm. The farm produces a steady supply of fresh oysters and provides stable jobs for the locals.

Take your time to discover everything there is to know about oysters, including how they are produced, harvested, and prepared. You will be served a delicious supper of fresh oysters before you return to your hotel in Panglao.

Keep an eye out for aquatic life when cruising to the island. There have been reports of dolphins and whale sharks in the region, thanks to the area's thriving marine ecosystem. When you dock at the island's shoreline, you will step foot on powdery white sand and cool waters.

The tropical atmosphere is ideal for both unwinding on the shore or exploring the sea. If you choose to go snorkeling, you can also come close to the schools of fish and groups of colorful coral that sit beneath the waves.

While it has idyllic charms and stretches of untouched nature, this island also houses a 200-year-old fort that dates back to the Spanish era in the Philippines. Though it no longer functions as a stronghold, it has become a staple tourist attraction and a National Cultural Treasure. When you've had enough sand and saltwater for the day, you will be guided back to your hotel on the mainland.

After your time with these wide-eyed creatures, you'll head to the Loboc River. Here, you'll join the Loboc River Cruise and enjoy a great buffet lunch on the boat. Locals onboard this floating restaurant will treat you to Filipino music and native dances as you dine.

Then you'll go to the Baclayon Church, which is a national cultural treasure. After walking through its historic halls, you'll visit the Butterfly Conservatory to learn about different types of butterflies. You will then travel to Bilar Forest, the local man-made forest filled with mahogany trees of uniformed height.

Finally, you’ll visit the Chocolate Hills, the province's most popular location. The grass on these symmetrical hills darkens in the summer, giving them the appearance of piles of chocolate. Feel free to take photos of the panoramic view of these sweet-looking hills before heading back to your accommodation.

After your time on campus, you'll take a trip down Rizal Boulevard named after Filipino National Hero Jose Rizal. The St. Catherine de Alexandria Cathedral is next on your journey. The Dumaguete Campanario, which is located next to the church, is also a notable religious landmark.

From there, you'll visit the Dumaguete Public Market to buy local food and souvenirs. You will drop by the Provincial Capital and the Freedom Park next. Following these attractions, you will travel to the Clayton Pottery before stopping at the Sidlakang Negros Village. This heritage center features top dishes and crafts from the province.

Then, you will stop by the Lab-as Seafood restaurant for a tasty lunch. When you've recharged, you will next travel to Valencia's Forest Camp and the Cata-al War Museum. Lastly, you will pay a visit to the San Agustin Church and the Negros Oriental Arts & Heritage Center to finish the tour for the day.

On the island, there is a turtle conservation facility where you can view these gentle creatures up close and personal. After your time there, you'll have plenty of time to swim in the clear waters of the island. Gear up and dive beneath the water's surface to view the coral garden below the waves.

After exploring the underwater world, you can lay on the beach and soak up the sunlight. If you're still in the mood to wander, you can also visit the island's lighthouse and climb to the top of an observation deck for a better glimpse of the area.

Hiking is also an option, with three routes offering breathtaking views of the coastline. When you have had your fill of adventure for the day, you will board a boat and sail back to the mainland to return to your hotel.

From the town's shore, you will sail to Pescador Island, one of the surrounding isles that boasts white-sand beaches. Jump into the surrounding sea to find different marine animals swimming under the surface.

After that, you'll set sail for Turtle Island. You may swim alongside these friendly marine animals in this protected area. Following your time with the turtle, you will return to the mainland before proceeding to Panagsama Beach. The renowned Sardine Run takes place just a few meters off the beach at this location.

After a quick diving lesson, a guide will take you underwater to witness the natural wonder for yourself. Millions of sardines swim together in the race, forming silver walls that are so thick, they can block out the light. The best time to view the sardine run is between November to May.

The Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino, the country's oldest Roman Catholic church, is the next stop on your itinerary. Magellan's Cross stands on the church grounds as well. After landing in the Philippines in 1521, Spanish adventurer Ferdinand Magellan erected this structure to commemorate the moment.

From there, you will travel to the Cebu Heritage Monument. This series of sculptures, which portray historical events in the region, was made by local artist Eduardo Castrillo. The Yap-San Diego Ancestral Home will be your next stop. You can find beautiful antique furniture in this 17th-century Chinese house.

You will then head to the Temple of Leah after your time in the ancestral home. This regal site was constructed by a local artist in 2012 to honor his wife. Finally, you will wrap up your city tour with a visit to the Sirao Flower Farm. This park, dubbed "Little Amsterdam of Cebu" by locals, is known for its vibrant flower beds.

This bay is well-known for its white-sand beach and crystal-clear waters, which are ideal for swimming. The first destination is Star Fish Island, which gets its name from the abundance of starfish species that stay on its sandbar. After your time here, you will proceed to Cowrie Island. It is the largest island in the bay and is shaped like a shell, hence its name.

Jump off your boat and dive right into the waters worry-free as nets have been placed around the area to keep jellyfish away. Finally, you will end your day with a stop at Luli Island. This isle features a sandbar that only emerges when the tide is low and has earned popularity for its smooth sand. Following your time here, you will sail back to the mainland, where your guide will drive you back to your hotel.

When your boat reaches the park’s shores, you will follow your guide to a paddle boat that will take you across the Puerto Princesa Underground River. The cruise and the river go through a large karst cave filled with majestic limestone formations. Some of these formations even resemble popular sculptures from across the globe.

Afterward, you will sail back to the mainland and ride a van to Baker’s Hill. Here, you can buy delicious bread and snacks before stopping by Plaza Cuartel. This open space is marked with a restored garrison that dates back to World War II. Following this, you will go to Crocodile Farm, where you can learn all about these reptiles.

You will then travel to Mitra’s Ranch, a hilltop park that offers a stunning view of Puerto Princesa City and its skyline. Finally, you will end your day with a short stroll along the city’s baywalk.