12-Day Islands & Scenic Countryside Tour to Palawan, Bohol & North Luzon from Manila

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Description

Summary

Tour starts

Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Duration

12 days

Ending place

Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Languages:

English

Difficulty:

Easy

Minimum age:

None

Description

Visit top cultural landmarks and natural sites in the Philippines with this 12-day vacation package. This tour will take you to the historical centers in Manila and Ilocos, the mountains and caves of Sagada, Benguet, and Tarlac, and the natural beauty of Bohol, Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, and El Nido. This package includes transfers, service of guides, entrance fees, and budget, comfort, or quality hotels.

Your adventure will begin after you arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. Your guide will then take you to the walled district of Intramuros. After this, you will fly to Ilocos in the northern tip of the Philippines. Here, you will visit the Marcos Museum and Calle Crisologo, where you can get a closer look into our country’s heritage.

Next on is a trip to Benguet, where you can pick fresh produce in the La Trinidad Strawberry Farm. From here, you will drive to Tarlac and hike Mt. Pinatubo. The climb will lead you to the active volcano’s beautiful crater lake. After this, you will return to Manila and fly to Bohol.

You will then come close with some tarsier at the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary. On top of this, you will also make your way to the famed Chocolate Hills before traveling to Puerto Princesa.

Upon your arrival, a guide will take you to the gorgeous Honda Bay and the shell-shaped Cowrie Island. Next, you will take a cruise through the world-famous Puerto Princesa Underground River. Then you will travel to Port Barton before heading to Miniloc Island in El Nido. On Day 12, you will fly back to Ninoy Aquino International Airport

Explore the best spots in Manila, Ilocos, Sagada, Benguet, Tarlac, Bohol, Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, and El Nido with this 11-day tour package. 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 - Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur (Ilocos Region)

Day 3 to 4 - Sagada and Benguet Tour (Cordillera Region)

Day 5 - Mt. Pinatubo Tour

Day 6 to 7 - Bohol Tour (Central Visayas)

Day 8 to 11 - Puerto Princesa, Port Barton and El Nido Tour (Palawan)

Day 12 - Back to Manila

All transportation to and from included activities and destinations

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

Map

Attractions

Butterfly Conservatory

Baclayon Church

Bontoc Village Museum

Pagburnayan Jar Factory

National Museum of the Philippines Ilocos Complex

Crisologo Museum

Bantay Church Bell Tower

Bilar Man-Made Forest

Calle Crisologo

Malacañang of the North

Paoay Church

Paoay Lake National Park

St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral

Marcos Museum & Mausoleum or Balay Ti Ili

Secret Lagoon

Seven Commandos Beach

Baluarte de San Diego

Plaza Roma

Northern Blossom Flower Farm

Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park

Manila

Baluarte Ilocos

Museo nina Juan at Antonio Luna

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Activities

Island Hopping

Culture, Arts & Historical Tours

Daily itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 - Day 1: Intramuros Tour

On your first day in the Philippines, your guide will meet you at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and drop you off at your hotel in Manila or Intramuros. You will then explore the historical attractions in the walled district, starting with Fort Santiago. This citadel was where our national hero Jose Rizal was imprisoned during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines. Next, you will head to Plaza Roma. This public square used to host several events such as bullfights back in the Spanish era. You will then visit Bahay Tsinoy, where you can learn about the contributions ethnic Chinese had on Filipinos before. Following this, you will walk to an old Spanish home and museum called Casa Manila. Here, you will see how Filipinos lived before the fight for our country’s independence. A short walk will then take you to San Diego Garden’s manicured lawns. A stroll through here will then lead you to Baluarte De San Diego. After this, you will enter the San Agustin Church and Museum, which is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lastly, you will walk inside the grand Manila Cathedral before ending the day tour and returning to your accommodation.

Day 2

Day 2 - Day 2: Laoag and Vigan Tour

For Day 2, you will return to Ninoy Aquino International Airport and fly to Laoag International Airport in Ilocos. Your guide will then escort you to your hotel in Laoag. The first attraction you’ll see in Ilocos is the Malacanang of the North, a museum that used to be the residence of the late Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. After this, you will drive to Paoay Lake that spans 386 hectares. You will then visit Paoay Church, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Next, you will get to see the wax replica of the former president at the Marcos Museum. From there, you will visit the Juan at Antonio Luna Museum that is dedicated to two brothers who helped fight for our country’s independence. Then, you will travel to the St. Paul Cathedral before touring the Pagburnayan Jar Factory. This will then be followed by a trip to the Burgos, National, and Crisologo Museums where you can view exhibit’s on the land’s history. The next destination is the Baluarte Zoo, which houses animals such as Bengal tigers, ostriches, and deer. Finally, you’ll walk along the cobblestone street of Calle Crisologo before returning to your hotel.

Day 3

Tourists exploring Sumaguing Cave in Sagada

Day 3 - Day 3: Sagada Tour

The next day, you will leave your Vigan accommodation in the early morning to ride a van to Sagada. When you’ve settled into your hotel here, your guide will take you to the Sugong Cave. Its rocky interior also contains an underground river that comes from Bokong Falls. After that, you'll make your way across Echo Valley. As its name implies, you will hear echoes here when someone yells in the valley. It's also a popular place to see the locals' custom of hanging coffins. The locals honor their dead by hanging their coffins from the sides of mountains, rather than burying them. You will then travel to Sumaguing Cave, the town's biggest cave. You'll go spelunking when you're here to get a closer look at the spectacular stalactites and stalagmites inside. Natural lakes and small streams can be found within the caverns, in addition to the rock formations. Following your experience in the Sumaguing Cave, you'll pay a visit to the Bontoc Tribal Museum to end your day. This cultural center is built like an Igorot home and displays exhibits about the indigenous tribes' history. Your van will then drive you back to the hotel to rest.

Day 4

Day 4 - Day 4: Benguet Tour

After your stay in Sagada, a van will bring you to Benguet and drop you off at your Baguio City hotel. A guide will then take you to the La Trinidad Strawberry Farm from your accommodation. In the 79-hectare field, you can also handpick strawberries to take home. These strawberries are popular among travelers for their high quality and delicious taste. After that, you will take a stroll around a park with 30 Sakura trees. Since the Japanese government gave the trees to the locals as a gift in 2016, the Atok Sakura Flowers park has become a top attraction in Benguet. Following your visit here, you will travel to the Northern Blossom to see more varieties of colorful flowers. You will then drive to an observation platform at 7,400 feet above sea level, the country's second-highest elevation. It is situated along the Halsema Highway that passes through Benguet and Sagada and is appropriately called 2nd Highest Point. Finally, you'll visit the Spanish Trail before ending your tour in the province. This scenic drive runs for nearly 3 kilometers and offers breathtaking views of the Cordillera Mountains. It will also have visitors pass through cave-like tunnels.

Day 5

Day 5 - Day 5: Mt. Pinatubo Tour

On the sixth day, a van will bring you from Benguet to Tarlac, where you will climb Mt. Pinatubo. When you arrive in the province, you will first travel to Barangay Sta. Ana before continuing to the mountain. You will then disembark from the van and ride a 4x4 vehicle that is better suited for crossing Crow Valley's rugged and sandy landscape. The valley's rough terrain is partly caused by lahar from the mountain's historic eruption in 1991. It is also notable for being one of the largest eruptions in the world. After crossing the valley, you'll begin hiking up a trail to the mountain's observation deck. You will also see lava sand formations left by the eruption as you travel along the valley. As you climb, a breathtaking view of the mountain's crater lake awaits you at the summit. The lake is still a fulfilling activity after the journey, even though it is not ideal for swimming or drinking. Before starting the descent, you'll have time to enjoy a meal by the crater lake. Lastly, a van will transport you back to your hotel in Manila after you return to the jump-off point.

Day 6

Day 6 - Day 6: Bohol Countryside Tour

A van will then take you to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for your flight to Bohol. When you land in the Panglao International Airport, a guide will bring you to your hotel in Panglao. You will then head to the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary to see a group of tarsiers that are cared for in this forest. Next is a trip to the Loboc River Cruise for a unique lunch experience. As you cruise down the Loboc River, this floating restaurant offers a buffet of local food. After that, you'll go to the historical Baclayon Church, which has been named a National Cultural Treasure. Next, you will head to the Butterfly Conservatory, where you can learn about various kinds of butterflies. The center looks after several colorful species and runs a breeding program. After that, you will pass through the tall mahogany trees of the Bilar Forest. The majority of the trees in this man-made area are uniformed in height since they were planted in the 20th century. At the end of the day, you'll visit the well-known Chocolate Hills. The grass covering the hills often turns brown in the summer which makes them seem like mounds of chocolate.

Day 7

Day 7 - Day 7: Pamilacan Island Tour

A van will pick you up from your Panglao hotel the next day and take you to a port in Baclayon. You will then board a boat to Pamilacan Island from here. This lovely island is about 12.5 km from Bohol Island and is in the middle of the Bohol Sea. Some areas of the island remain untouched by man-made structures and the whole isle houses fewer than 2,000 residents Keep an eye out for marine animals as you travel to the island. There have been sightings of dolphins and whale sharks in the bay, thanks to its diverse ecosystem. The island's breathtaking white sands and sparkling waters will greet you as soon as you land here. Here, you can go snorkeling to explore the lively ecosystem under the waves. You'll also be able to spot the vibrant corals that house the various fish species. Along with swimming, you can simply unwind on the beautiful coastline while you soak up some sunlight. Once you've had your fill of the beach and its waters, you can check out the island's historic Spanish fortress. This 200-year-old structure on the northeast coast was built to keep pirates at bay. It is now considered a National Cultural Treasure.

Day 8

Day 8 - Day 8: Puerto Princesa Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour

On the eighth day, you will leave your Panglao hotel and fly to Puerto Princesa. When you arrive at Puerto Princesa International Airport, a van will drive you to your hotel in Sabang. After settling down, your guide will then take you to Honda Bay in a van. This bay is well-known for its clear waters and white sand. From here, you will ride a boat to start the island-hopping trip around the bay. The first destination is Star Fish Island. As its name implies, it is home to many starfish that can be found on its sandbar. You can also go snorkeling to spot a variety of other marine animals including pufferfish and yellowtail snappers. You will then travel to Cowrie Island, which is shaped like a shell. It is also the largest island within the bay and is a great spot for swimming. Nets have been placed around a portion of the sea by the beach to protect tourists from jellyfish. For the last stop, you'll sail to Luli Island. It is popular for its sandbar, which emerges only at low tide. As the day ends, you'll be accompanied back to your hotel on the mainland.

Day 9

Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan

Day 9 - Day 9: Puerto Princesa Underground River and City Tour

The next day, your guide will drive you to the Sabang Wharf. You will then board a boat bound for the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. You will then take a cruise along the famed Puerto Princesa Underground River after docking at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The river flows through a cave with several rock formations and houses a group of bats. Next, you will return to the mainland and take a van to Puerto Princesa City. Then you'll go to Baker's Hill, a popular tourist destination popular for its delicious pastries. When you've had your share of food and souvenirs, you will now go to Plaza Cuartel. This historic site has an open-air military museum and a reconstructed World War II garrison. After this, you will make your way to Crocodile Farm. Here you will read all there is to know about these reptiles and get a close look at some species. Following your time with the crocodiles, you will then travel to Mitra's Ranch. This hilltop park offers a spectacular view of Puerto Princesa City. Finally, you will end your day with a stroll along the Puerto Princesa Baywalk before heading to your Sabang hotel.

Day 10

Day 10 - Day 10: Port Barton Island Hopping Tour

For the next part of the tour, you will check out your Sabang hotel and travel to Port Barton. This village is not as heavily commercialized as other tourist spots on the island of Palawan and is considered a hidden gem. When you arrive, you will hop on a boat and start an island-hopping tour. The first destination is the 12-hectare Inaladelan Island, a camping paradise where you can go kayaking and play beach volleyball. Visitors can also get the chance to see turtle hatch on the beach during hatching season every January. Next on the itinerary is the Luli Sandbar, which gets its name from its tendency to emerge from and sink into the sea. It's great for watching sunsets and looking for starfish. You will then visit the Turtle Snorkeling spot to get the chance to see these marine animals in their natural habitat. After this, you will go snorkeling in a fish and coral reef area full of vibrant aquatic life. To end your island-hopping tour, your boat will take you back to the mainland. Your guide will then pick you up with a van and escort you back to your hotel in Lio.

Day 11

Day 11 - Day 11: El Nido Island Hopping Tour

On Day 11, you will leave Sabang for El Nido. When you arrive, a van will drive you to your accommodation on Lio. After this, you will board a boat to start your island-hopping trip. The Big Lagoon is your first stop. To get there, you'll have to pass a narrow waterway between limestone cliffs that opens up to turquoise waters. After your dip in the lagoon, you'll make your way to Miniloc Island. This island is home to the Secret Lagoon. Like its name suggests, getting to the lagoon is not so obvious. It is only accessible through a tiny hole that tourists must squeeze through. After passing through the narrow space, you are met by a lagoon surrounded by cliffs. The Seven Commandos Beach comes next. While it is on the mainland, this location is surrounded by mountains and can only be visited by boat. You can lounge on the sand or swim in the calm waters when you arrive here. Lastly, you will go to Shimizu Island. It is known for its marine life and is a popular snorkeling destination. In addition to its aquatic wildlife, it also boasts soft sand that is ideal for picnics.

Day 12

Day 12 - Day 12: Departure to Manila

A van will pick you up from your hotel in Lio on the final day of your journey across the Philippines. After this, you will head to the Puerto Princesa International Airport. From there, you will board a plane to return to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in 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.

In El Nido island hopping tour mandatory environmental fee and/or user’s see is to be paid directly in cash to the service provider in El Nido, The tour itinerary is subject to change based on weather and tidal conditions. Tours will start only once operators are given permission to sail by the Local Government Unit (LGU) and the Philippine Coast Guard. Delays in start of tours or cancellation of tours affected by this is beyond the service providers’ control.

Limitation to the number of tourists, boats, kayaks and time of stay in El Nido lagoons are strictly enforced by the PAMB. Secret Beach, Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon are no longer allowed to be toured on the same day as part of the policies of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of El Nido.

A mandatory user fee of PHP 200 per person is collected by PAMB for every entry to the Secret Beach, Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon.

Single use-plastics are banned in El Nido island tours. Please bring reusable water bottles or tumblers. All visitors are required to bring their own trash back to the boats.

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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12-Day Islands & Scenic Countryside Tour to Palawan, Bohol & North Luzon from Manila

Description

Summary

Description

Included

Map

Attractions

Activities

Daily itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1: Intramuros Tour

Day 2 - Day 2: Laoag and Vigan Tour

Day 3 - Day 3: Sagada Tour

Day 4 - Day 4: Benguet Tour

Day 5 - Day 5: Mt. Pinatubo Tour

Day 6 - Day 6: Bohol Countryside Tour

Day 7 - Day 7: Pamilacan Island Tour

Day 8 - Day 8: Puerto Princesa Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour

Day 9 - Day 9: Puerto Princesa Underground River and City Tour

Day 10 - Day 10: Port Barton Island Hopping Tour

Day 11 - Day 11: El Nido Island Hopping Tour

Day 12 - Day 12: Departure to Manila

What to bring

Good to know

Accommodation

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