12-Day Scenic Highlands & Countryside Tour to Bohol Chocolate Hills, Ilocos Windmills & Baguio Parks
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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
Escape to the Philippines’ scenic highlands and countryside attractions, including Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, the Ilocos windmills, and Baguio parks with this 12-day vacation package. For your convenience, this hassle-free package already includes roundtrip flights from Manila, land/ferry transfers, and accommodation.
Take a stroll along the stone-paved streets of Intramuros, one of the oldest districts in Manila. While exploring the heritage sites, you will get a sneak peek of the key events during the Spanish colonial era. Then, you will head to Ilocos Norte to continue your historical tour. Visit Marcos Museum to check out the cenotaph of the late President Marcos.
At Bangui Bay in Ilocos Norte, you will see giant wind turbines along the coastline. Then, you will proceed to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Vigan. You will stay in a nice hotel on the historic street of Calle Crisologo. Your escapade continues at Banaue Museum, where you will discover ancient Ifugao artifacts.
Your next destination is the country’s coolest spot, Baguio City. Visit the official summer residence of the Philippine President at The Mansion. Then, gaze at the breathtaking mountain ranges at Mines View Park. Afterward, you will drop by the La Trinidad Strawberry Farm in Benguet to pick fresh strawberries.
Before flying off to Bohol, you will ride a 4x4 vehicle and trek to reach the majestic crater lake of Mount Pinatubo. Then, you will board a plane to Panglao International Airport. One of the highlights of your tour is cruising along the jade-green waters of the Loboc River. You will also admire the stunning Chocolate Hills before you go island-hopping to Pamilacan Island.
Witness the stunning attractions up north and in the Visayas with this 12-day tour to Bohol Chocolate Hills, Ilocos Windmills & Baguio Parks from Manila. Check availability by choosing a date.
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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
Upon your arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, your van awaits you at the terminal. You will proceed to your hotel in Manila or along Roxas Boulevard.
You will head to the walled city of Intramuros, one of Manila’s oldest districts. Along the cobblestone streets of Intramuros, you will witness awe-inspiring structures and old ruins. Marvel at Fort Santiago, a citadel that served as a prison cell for resistance fighters back in the late 1500s.
At Plaza Roma, you will witness the statue of King Charles IV of Spain. The plaza served as a major public square at the center of Intramuros. Then, you will head to Bahay Tsinoy, where you can learn about ethnic Chinese contributions to Philippine history.
Up next is Casa Manila, a San Nicolas House replica that showcases the affluent colonial lifestyle of Illustrados. Then, you will admire the lush landscapes in San Diego Gardens. It is located across a 16th-century bastion known as Baluarte De San Diego.
Lastly, you will visit two impressive churches in Intramuros. You will admire the beauty of the Baroque-inspired architecture at The San Agustin Church and Museum. Then, you will marvel at the grand multi-layered arches of the Manila Cathedral.
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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 Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Wait for your private van to fetch you at the airport terminal. You will then head to your Laoag accommodation. Laoag City, also named the Sunshine City, is the provincial capital of Ilocos Norte.
Laoag derived its name from an Ilocano word, “Lawag” which means bright and light. The city showcases an array of historical structures and majestic sceneries.
Your first stop in Laoag is St. Williams Cathedral. It houses the Sinking Bell Tower, which sinks at least an inch into the ground every year. Afterward, you will see historical artifacts and symbolic heirlooms at Museo Ilocos Norte.
Up next is the 19th-century Tobacco Monopoly Monument, which stands at the center of Aurora’s Park. The monument commemorates the lifting of the tobacco monopoly in the Philippines in the 18th century. Up next is the Malacanang of the North, the grand presidential museum for former President Marcos.
At Marcos Museum, you will witness the cenotaph of the late President Marcos. Your last destination is Juan and Antonio Luna Museum. Here, you can check out the life and notable works of the famous Luna brothers.
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Day 3
Day 3 - Day 3: Pagudpud Tour
On your third day, your private van will pick you up from Laoag. You will explore the nearby towns of Burgos and Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte. Your first destination is Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. It is nestled on top of Vigia de Nagpartian Hill overlooking the West Philippine Sea.
Your second destination is situated along Bangui Bay. Here, you can find the famous Bangui Windmills, a wind farm with 20 giant turbines. Then, you will pass by Pagudpud’s scenic coastal bridge, known as the Patapat Viaduct. Up next is Agua Grande. It has a cold stream that flows to Pasaleng Bay.
Your next destination is Paraiso ni Anton. Beside the grotto, you can find water that is believed to miraculously heal the sick. Then, you will visit the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, a stunning rock attraction off the coast of Burgos.
At the end of your Ilocos Norte tour, you can buy some of the region’s best delicacies. You can pass by Pasuquin Salt Stand to purchase the best-tasting salt-preserved food in town.
You may still opt to 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.
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Day 4
Day 4 - Day 4: Vigan Tour
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage City of Vigan on the 4th day of your vacation. Your private van will take you to your first destination, the National Museum Ilocos Regional Complex.
You will get a better understanding of the region’s flourishing 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.
Up next is Syquia Mansion Museum, a 19-century bahay-na-bato mansion featuring symbolic heirlooms of the Syquia family. Then, you will learn traditional pot making at Pagburnayan Jar Factory. You will also visit Crisologo Museum to see the antique furniture and belongings of Congressman Floro S. Crisologo and his family.
Your Vigan tour continues at the historic Calle Crisologo. Here, you can find an array of ancestral houses and structures. Then, 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. There is a dancing fountain at the nearby Plaza Salcedo.
Finally, you will see life-size dinosaur statues and different kinds of wild animals at the Baluarte mini zoo.
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Day 5
Day 5 - Day 5: Sagada Tour
On Day 5, you will leave early from your accommodation in Vigan. Your van will take you to 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. It has an underground river with water coming from Bokong Falls. The water also irrigates the nearby Kapay-aw Rice Terraces. Afterward, you will pass through the Echo Valley. You will traverse the path leading to the famous hanging coffins, which serve as part of the burial traditions in Mountain Province.
Sagada has more than 60 caves, making it the perfect spelunking spot. The largest among the caves is Sumaguing Cave. Upon stepping inside, you will see ancient stalactites and stalagmites. There are also natural pools and streams inside the cave. Expect to get wet during your cave exploration.
After your cave adventure, you will visit Bontoc Tribal Museum. It showcases vast artifact collections, including traditional costumes, hunting weapons, and farming tools. Here, you will get a grasp of the culture and traditions of the indigenous tribes in Mountain Province.
At the end of your jam-packed Sagada tour, you will return to your hotel.
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Day 6
Day 6 - Day 6: Banaue Tour
On your 6th day, you will head over to the breathtaking Banaue, home to amphitheater-like UNESCO World Heritage rice terraces.
Your first stop is at the town of Batad. Here, you will visit one of the earliest-made rice terraces, The Banaue Rice Terraces. Around 2,000 years ago, the Ifugao ancestors carved the paddy fields to be their main rice plantation.
To capture the best view of the terraces, you can go up the Batad Banaue Viewpoint. You may also trade Batad Banaue Viewpoint for a short visit to the Tappiya Waterfall. After a long journey, you can reward yourself by taking a refreshing dip into its cold waters.
Up next is Banga-an Village, a small village consisting of cogon-made houses. Their ground floor is reserved for domesticated animals. The community is inhabited by 30 families. Livestock farming is one of their main sources of livelihood. During your stay here, you will get a chance to learn about the villagers’ customs and traditions.
At the end of your tour, you will visit Banaue Museum. This two-story ethnic museum depicts the life of Ifugao tribes through vintage photographs. You can also browse through treasured jewelry, traditional headdress, weaponry, and Igorot artifacts.
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Day 7
Day 7 - Day 7: Baguio Tour
The seventh leg of your vacation continues at the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio. It is a famous destination up north because of its cool breeze and breathtaking sceneries. Many travelers repeatedly go back here to gaze at the majestic sceneries.
Your first stop is at Ifugao Museum, which highlights the Ifugao’s ancient traditions. Up next, you will visit the Surrender Site of General Yamashita, a historic site to commemorate 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 head to Fort De Pilar, which occupies 373 hectares of land. Afterward, you can strike a pose behind the grand ornamental ironwork gate as your backdrop at The Mansion.
You will also visit Camp John Hay, a former US military base that became a leisure spot. Up next is Mines View Park. You will witness a breathtaking view of the rolling mountain ranges from afar. Then, you can go horseback riding and sightseeing at Wright Park and Centennial Park.
Finally, you will drop by the Good Shepherd Convent to purchase Baguio’s best-selling treats, including the famous ube jam or purple yam.
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Day 8
Day 8 - Day 8: Benguet Tour
On Day 8, your vacation in the Northern highlands continues in the Benguet province. From Baguio, your van will take you to your first stop, the 79-hectare La Trinidad Strawberry Farm. Back in the 19th century, Spaniards brought strawberries to La Trinidad. Every year, the farm has been producing about 1,775 metric tons of strawberries per harvest.
Your second destination is at Atok Sakura Flowers, which showcases around 30 beautiful cherry blossom trees. The cherry blossom seedlings were a gift to the municipality of Atok from the Japanese government.
For your next activity, you will tour around a bountiful flower plantation in Northern Blossom Flower Farm. This three-hectare farm cultivates snapdragons, Peruvian lilies, and other exotic blooms from Japan. You will also see the rolling mountain ranges of Mt. Timbak and Mt. Pulag behind the flower fields.
Afterward, you will drop by the 2nd Highest Point along Halsema Highway. Here, you can capture the best view of the nearby mountains. You will see Mt. Timbak, one of the highest mountains in Luzon. Then, you will pass by the Spanish Trail. You will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the surrounding mountain ranges at the end of the trail.
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Day 9
Day 9 - Day 9: Mt. Pinatubo Tour
Get ready for a heart-pounding adventure on the 9th day of your vacation. You will ride a 4x4 vehicle and go trekking to reach your destination, Mt. Pinatubo’s majestic crater lake. This active stratovolcano is located between the provinces of Tarlac, Pampanga, and Zambales.
Mt. Pinatubo erupted in 1991, causing the major destruction of hundreds of houses, buildings, and structures. It is the world’s largest volcanic eruption in the past 100 years. The lahar flow reached Pampanga households and washed out the Clark Air Base at the foot of Zambales mountains.
To get there, you have to reach the base camp in Tarlac’s Barangay Sta. Juliana by riding a van. At the jump-off point, you will switch to a 4x4 vehicle. Due to previous eruptions, the terrain has been filled with lahar. You will experience a rough and bumpy ride while passing by challenging terrain.
Before you go trekking, you have to wear proper hiking gear to ensure your safety. The 4x4 jeep will be passing through the Crow Valley. Upon arrival, you will get off the vehicle to go on trekking toward the mountain’s deck. By the end of your tour, you will witness Mt. Pinatubo’s jade-green crater lake.
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Day 10
Day 10 - Day 10: Bohol Countryside Tour
On Day 10, you will be flying off to Bohol via Panglao International Airport. Your van will take you to your accommodation in Panglao. On your first day in Bohol, you will visit its countryside attractions.
Your first stop is the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary, a wildlife relief sanctuary that is home to Tarsiers, one of the smallest primates. Tarsiers are highly sensitive to light, so make sure to turn off the flash of your cameras to avoid irritating them.
After your eco-adventure at the tarsier sanctuary, you will have a relaxing cruise along the emerald-green waters of the Loboc River. You will admire the beauty of the river while enjoying your mouth-watering lunch aboard the floating restaurant. Then, you will pay a short visit to Baclayon Church, a century-old church deemed as a National Cultural Treasure.
Your countryside tour continues in Bilar town. First, you will see diverse kinds of butterflies at Bohol’s first butterfly breeding and conservation site, the Butterfly Conservatory. Your second stop is Bilar Forest, a 2km-long mahogany forest.
Lastly, you will visit the famous Chocolate Hills, a stunning geological formation with over 1,000 hills. During the summer months, the vegetation turns dry and brown. It changes back to green during the rainy season.
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Day 11
Day 11 - Day 11: Pamilacan Island Tour
Spend the last day of your Bohol adventure in Pamilacan Island. You will leave early from your Panglao accommodation. To reach the heart of the Bohol Sea, you will take a 16km-long boat ride.
Pamilacan Island has only less than 1,500 residents. They mostly rely on the local tourism on the island. The locals have relied on whale and manta ray hunting for their livelihood in the 90s. However, the government banned this practice a long time ago.
If you get lucky, you can spot some whales and dolphins that may pop out of the water on your way to the island. Once you get there, you can go snorkeling or diving into its pristine seascape. You will discover the island’s beautiful coral gardens and flourishing marine sanctuaries.
Pamilacan Island is a world-class diving spot. It is home to a wide variety of marine species, including bucket sponges, moray eels, and sea snakes. You can even swim with sea turtles.
After trying out some water activities, you can lounge on Pamilacan’s white-sand beach. There is a 300-year-old watchtower right across the coastline. During the Spanish period, this tower used to be a place where Spaniards watched out for pirates.
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Day 12
Day 12 - Day 12: Departure to Manila
It’s time to leave Bohol on the last day of your jam-packed 12-day vacation. Expect your private van service to pick you up from your hotel in Panglao, Bohol. 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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