12-Day Philippines Scenic Spots Tour to Puerto Princesa Countryside & Luzon Highlands from Manila

On Day 2, you will go on a heritage tour to Ilocos Norte. You will take a short flight to Laoag Airport from Manila.

Laoag City, also known as the Sunshine City, is home to several heritage sites and cultural attractions. Its name is derived from the Ilocano word, “Lawag” which means bright and light. Other than being a heritage city, Laoag also serves as the capital of Ilocos Norte.

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Your first destination is St. Williams Cathedral. It is just a few steps away from Sinking Bell Tower. As the name implies, the belfry tower sinks at least an inch into the ground every year.

Your historical tour continues in Museo Ilocos Norte. Here, you will browse through antique collections depicting the region’s flourishing culture.

Up next is Aurora’s Park, where you will see the 19th-century Tobacco Monopoly Monument. You will also marvel at Malacañang of the North, a former holiday residence of the Marcoses.

At Batac town, you will go on a museum-hopping tour. Visit 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.

On Day 3, your private van will pick you up from your hotel in Laoag City. You will proceed to the nearby towns of Burgos and Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte. Your first destination is Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. This famous watchtower stands on top of Vigia de Nagpartian Hill overlooking the West Philippine Sea.

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Then, you will proceed off the coast of Bangui Bay. It houses the famous Bangui Windmills, a wind farm with 20 giant turbines. Afterward, 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. Its water is believed to miraculously heal the sick. Then, you will visit the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, a stunning rock attraction right beside the coastline of Burgos.

After your fun-filled tour, you can drop by the stalls along the highway to buy some of the region’s best delicacies. At Pasuquin Salt Stand, you can purchase the best-tasting salt-preserved food in town.

You may also 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.

Tour around 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.

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You will get a glimpse 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 traditional 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 several 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.

Lastly, you will see life-size dinosaur statues and different kinds of wild animals at the Baluarte mini zoo. After your fun-filled Vigan tour, you will head back to your hotel.

From Vigan, you will leave early to prepare for another scenic tour up north. Your van destination is the rustic town of Sagada. To get there, you will drive along Halsema Highway, one of the highest roads in the Philippines.

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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 on the side of the cliff. By doing this sacred tradition, the Ifugao believes that they can bring the dead closer to their ancestors.

Sagada is a perfect spelunking spot with more than 60 caves. Sumaguing Cave is the largest among them. Inside the cave, you will see ancient stalactites and stalagmites. It also boasts natural pools and streams. Expect to get wet during your cave exploration.

After your cave exploration, you will visit the Bontoc Tribal Museum. It showcases vast artifact collections, including 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 return to your hotel.

On Day 6, you will head over to the scenic town of Banaue, home to amphitheater-like UNESCO World Heritage rice terraces.

Your first destination is the town of Batad. Here, you will visit one of the earliest-made rice terraces, The Banaue Rice Terraces or Hagdang-hagdang Palayan. Over 2,000 years ago, the Ifugao ancestors carved the paddy fields to be their main rice plantation.

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To get 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. Upon arriving at the falls, reward yourself by taking a dip into its refreshing waters.

Up next is Banga-an Village, a small village consisting of cogon-made houses. The village people raise their domesticated animals on their ground floor. Livestock farming is one of their main sources of livelihood. Inside the village, you will get a chance to learn about the villagers’ customs and traditions.

At the end of your scenic tour, you will visit the Banaue Museum. You can also browse through treasured jewelry, traditional headdress, weaponry, and Igorot artifacts. This two-story ethnic museum exhibits the life of the Ifugao tribes through vintage portraits.

On your seventh day, you will visit the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio. Your private van will take you to Baguio’s lush landscapes and breathtaking sceneries. You will gaze at scenic pine tree forests while savoring the cool breeze.

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Your first stop is at Ifugao Museum, which features the Ifugao’s ancient traditions. 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. You will also visit The Mansion, the official summer residence of the Philippine President.

You will marvel at Camp John Hay, a former US military base. It is now a famous adventure hub. Up next is Mines View Park. You will proceed to its view deck to capture the best view of the Benguet mountain ranges. Afterward, you can go horseback riding and sightseeing at Wright Park and Centennial Park.

Finally, you will visit the Good Shepherd Convent to purchase Baguio’s best-selling treats, including the famous ube jam or purple yam.

The next leg of your scenic highlands tour up north continues in Benguet province. From Baguio, your van will take you to the 79-hectare La Trinidad Strawberry Farm. During the 19th century, the Spaniards brought the production of strawberries to La Trinidad. Every year, the farm cultivates 1,775 metric tons of strawberries per harvest.

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Your second destination is at Atok Sakura Flowers, featuring 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 admire the colorful flower fields in Northern Blossom Flower Farm. This three-hectare farm cultivates snapdragons, Peruvian lilies, and other exotic blooms from Japan. You will also witness the rolling mountain ranges of Mt. Timbak and Mt. Pulag nearby. Don’t miss out on the chance to take stunning photos behind the majestic fields.

Then, you will drop by the 2nd Highest Point along Halsema Highway. Here, you can capture a panoramic view of the nearby mountains. You will see Mt. Timbak, one of the highest mountains in Luzon. Then, you will traverse the Spanish Trail. A breathtaking view of the surrounding mountain ranges awaits you at the end of the trail.

Feel the adrenaline rush on the 9th day of your vacation. You will ride a 4x4 vehicle and go trekking to reach Mt. Pinatubo’s majestic crater lake. This active stratovolcano is situated between the provinces of Tarlac, Pampanga, and Zambales.

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Mt. Pinatubo erupted in 1991, leaving hundreds of houses, buildings, and structures buried in lahar. It is considered the world’s largest volcanic eruption in the past 100 years. After three decades, Mount Pinatubo is now a famous hiking spot in Northern Luzon.

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 rocky terrains.

Before your trekking escapade, 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.

Fly off to the world-class islands of Palawan on the 10th day of your vacation. From Manila, you will board a plane to Puerto Princesa International Airport. At the terminal, your private van will take you to a nice hotel in Sabang. You will go island-hopping to the majestic islands dotting Honda Bay.

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Puerto Princesa is a beautiful coastal city that serves as the capital of Palawan. It features white-sand beaches and stunning cave systems, including the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Just like the nearby Palawan attractions, it also boasts majestic islands and rich marine sanctuaries.

First, you will head to Starfish Island. As the name implies, the island shelters different kinds of starfishes, including the perfectly symmetrical five-armed orange starfish. There are also exotic fishes on the island, including pufferfishes and yellowtail snappers.

Second, you will explore the boomerang-shaped Cowrie Island. It is the largest island in Honda Bay. To explore the vast seascape, you can snorkel or ride a banana boat. You can also rent cabanas and huts on the island.

Finally, you will discover the powdery white sandbar at Luli Island. It emerges depending on the shifting tides. The name Luli came from the phrase Lulubog-Lilitaw, which means sink and arise.

On your 11th day, you will enter the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Sabang Boat Terminal, you will ride a boat to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

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Recognized as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, the 8km-long underground river directly emerges into the sea. It showcases spectacular limestone cliffs, natural rock formations, and stunning cave systems.

After your underground river cruise, you will head to the city proper. Your first stop is at Baker’s Hill, where you can purchase baked goodies and local pastries. Then, you will visit Plaza Cuartel. It is a former Spanish garrison and penal colony that has become a leisure park.

Up next is Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, a research center and breeding facility. It houses saltwater and Philippine crocodiles that are critically endangered species in Palawan. Afterward, you will proceed to your last two destinations, Mitra’s Ranch and Puerto Princesa Baywalk.

Witness a breathtaking view of the city on top of Mitra’s Ranch. At the end of your Puerto Princesa escapade, you can stroll along the Puerto Princesa Baywalk. Afterward, you will head back to your hotel in Sabang.

It’s time to leave Palawan on the last day of your fun-filled 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.