13-Day Philippines Countryside & Heritage Tour to Bohol Island, Apo Island & Luzon Highlands

You will leave Manila and fly to Laoag City in Ilocos Norte. Your plane will take you from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Laoag International Airport. Upon arrival, your guide will take you to the top attractions of Laoag City and the nearby towns.

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First, you'll check out the St. Williams Cathedral, famed for its Italian Renaissance architectural style. A few meters away is the popular Sinking Bell Tower that has a height of roughly 150 feet.

Next, your guide will transport you to the Museo Ilocos Norte. Here, you'll find various traditional clothing, ceremonial objects, household utensils, and more, representing the Ilocanos and indigenous tribes of Igorot and Itneg. You will then drop by Aurora Park, where the historical Tobacco Monopoly Monument is located.

After that, you will be on your way to visit the attractions in the town of Paoay, beginning with the Malacanang of the North, which features complex designs and a mix of Ilocano and Spanish architecture. Next is the Paoay Church, a baroque church declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Before retreating to your Laoag hotel, you'll stop by the Marcos Museum to see the memorabilia and cenotaph of former President Ferdinand Marcos.

On the third day, you will head to the northernmost part of Luzon to explore the attractions of Pagudpud and the surrounding towns. Your guide will first bring you to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, set on a hill in the town of Burgos. It was erected during Spanish colonization and still functions at present.

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Your next stop is the well-known Bangui Windmills of Ilocos Norte. This attraction comprises 20 wind turbines that stand at 70 meters and are arranged at a single line along a shoreline. The following attraction is Patapat Viaduct, a bridge connecting the Ilocos Region to Cagayan Valley.

Your guide will then drive you to Agua Grande, an ideal place for picnicking and swimming. Next is the Paraiso ni Anton, where you'll find a grotto and a stream of cold waters that are said to provide healing. You will also visit the spectacular Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. Afterward, you'll head to the Pasuquin Salt Stand, which sells salt and salt-preserved food.

Before officially ending the tour, you may choose to either go directly to your Laoag hotel or experience a 4x4 ride in Lapaz Sand Dunes. This activity is ideal for those looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity.

In the morning, you'll get ready for your departure to Vigan in Ilocos Sur, just south of Ilocos Norte. You will stay at a nice hotel along the renowned Calle Crisologo while you're in the city.

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The first attraction in your itinerary is the National Museum Ilocos Sur Complex, where you'll find multiple museums that display the region's history, culture, and heritage. Next, you'll head to the nearby town to visit the Bantay Church and Bell Tower. You can enjoy a unique perspective of Vigan and the town of Bantay at the tower.

Your next stop will be the 19th-century Syquia Mansion Museum, representing the architecture of a typical bahay na bato (house of stone). Then, your guide will bring you to Pagburnayan Jar Factory to witness locals create beautiful jars with their bare hands. You will then stop by the Crisologo Museum, which features architecture depicting the old local city.

You will also get the chance to tour around Calle Crisologo, a street noted for its cobblestone pavement and Spanish ancestral houses. Next, you'll marvel at the Baroque architectural design of the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral. Your tour will conclude at a zoological park called Baluarte.

On Day 5, you'll travel south to discover the distinct attractions of Sagada in the Mountain Province. The rural town is abundant in caves, one of the popular ones being Sugong Cave. Besides its underground river, this natural gem has coffins hanging from the rugged cliffs, which have become quite famous.

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From Sugong Cave, you will head over to Echo Valley. This natural area is teeming with towering trees and lavish vegetation, plus limestone mountains enclose the place. You may choose to take a trail up to the viewpoint, where you can view the Hanging Coffins.

Next, you'll go spelunking inside the famous Sumaguing Cave. Also known as the Big Cave, Sumaguing connects all the 60 caves found in the town and is adorned with millions of ancient rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites. Be prepared to get wet as the cave also has natural pools of cold waters.

At your final stop, you'll further understand the history and heritage of the indigenous people in the Cordillera Region. Bontoc Tribal Museum displays artifacts and photographs and has a replica of an Ifugao village behind it. Your guide will then drive you to your Sagada hotel at the end of the tour.

The sixth day will be for visiting the best attractions in the town of Banaue. Several awe-inspiring rice terraces can be found in the place, including the popular Batad Rice Terraces that resemble an amphitheater. Believed to be over 2,000 years old, this man-made attraction is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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You can have a better view of the terraces from the Batad Banaue Viewpoint. It will take 30 minutes to get to the site on foot. If you seek other natural scenery, you may choose to go directly to Tappiya Waterfall instead of trekking to the viewpoint. The waterfall is characterized by a strong current and cold waters.

Another option you have is going around the serene Banga-an Village. Less than 30 families occupy this small community, which features typical Ifugao houses with livestock on the ground floor. You may interact with the locals and learn about their livelihood.

A visit to the Banaue Museum will mark the end of your tour. Inside the building, you will find indigenous artifacts that represent the Igorot tribes, as well as displays illustrating some historical events. At the end of the tour, you will make your way to your Banaue hotel.

From your hotel in Banaue, you will travel to Baguio, which is noted for its pine trees, cool breezes, and verdant mounds. It's best to bring sweaters to keep you warm during the tour.

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Your guide will first take you to the Philippine Military Academy on Loakan Road. Known for its quality education, this institution has been a top choice for aspiring military officers. Your second stop will be The Mansion, the Philippine President's summer retreat whose main gate resembles the Buckingham Palace gates in London.

Your next stop is Camp John Hay, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Baguio. While here, you may drop by the shopping center or the golf course, head to the Bell House, or have a hearty meal at eating establishments. You will then head over to Mines View Park, where you can view abandoned mines, mountain ranges, and Amburayan Valley.

Afterward, your guide will lead you to two more parks: Wright Park and Centennial Park, where you can appreciate more of Baguio's natural beauty. Your final stop will be the Good Shepherd Convent, an excellent place for buying souvenirs like peanut brittle, jams, and more. Then, you'll head to your Baguio hotel.

You will spend the eighth day of your tour package visiting the stunning attractions located in the neighboring towns of Baguio. The first one is the well-known Strawberry Farm at La Trinidad. You will have enough time to pick fresh strawberries that you can take home. You may also purchase strawberry products from close-by stalls.

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From La Trinidad, you will be on your way to the town of Atok, which is known for the beautiful Atok Sakura Flowers. This park is filled with about 40 Japanese Sakura trees that are expected to bloom per year soon. The Japanese government of Kochi Prefecture gave these trees as gifts to Benguet in 2016 when they celebrated their 40th anniversary of friendship.

After that is the two-hectare Northern Blossom, famed for its myriad of vibrant flowers, some of which are rare ones like cabbage roses, delphiniums, dusty miller, and snapdragons. When taking pictures, the picturesque Mt. Pulag and Mt. Timbak will be excellent backdrops.

Next in your itinerary is the 2nd Highest Point in the Philippine highway system, situated along the Halsema Highway. You will make your final stop at the Spanish Trail before heading back to your Baguio hotel.

On the ninth day, you are scheduled to go on a day hike up Mt. Pinatubo, which is located in Tarlac near Botolan, Zambales. This active stratovolcano has become quite popular for hiking a few years after its disastrous eruption back in 1991.

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Your guide will drive you to the tourism center in Barangay Sta. Juliana, which serves as the starting point for visiting Mt. Pinatubo. You will hop on a 4x4 jeep and travel across the lahar-covered and craggy area of Crow Valley. From there, you will begin your trek that takes at least one to two hours.

On the way to the summit of the volcano, you will pass by several odd volcanic rocks shaped after the destructive eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991. As soon as you reach the peak, the volcano's marvelous Crater Lake will be the one to welcome you. Marvel at its calm turquoise waters surrounded by green crater walls.

You will spend the remaining time of your tour digging into your sumptuous lunch and taking great photos of Mt. Pinatubo's Crater Lake. Afterward, you will return to the tourism center and be on your way to your Manila hotel around the Baywalk area.

On Day 10, you will check out of your Manila hotel and board a plane at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Your destination will be the Province of Bohol. Once you arrive at Panglao International Airport, your guide will take you to the splendid attractions in the countryside of Bohol.

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Your first stop will be the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary, a vast forest patch where a number of tarsiers reside. Besides observing these small creatures up in trees, you may also visit the library, mini-cafeteria, and exhibition area. Take note that flash photography is prohibited in the place.

You will continue your tour with a Loboc River Cruise. This cruise involves riding a floating restaurant where you'll get to dig into a delectable buffet lunch while locals entertain you with native Filipino songs and dances. Once you head back to land, you will proceed to the 16th-century Baclayon Church, which stands next to an old convent that houses a museum.

Next, you'll make stops at the Butterfly Conservatory and Bilar Forest in the town of Bilar. You will wrap up your tour with a visit to the world-famous Chocolate Hills. Your guide will then drive you to your hotel on Panglao Island.

On the eleventh day, you will take a boat trip to the paradisiac Pamilacan Island, which sits in the heart of the Bohol Sea. It is a go-to destination for catching sight of dolphins and whale sharks. On the way to the island, you might spot these sea creatures, so it's best to keep your eyes on the water.

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In addition to dolphins and whale sharks, Pamilacan Island is also home to nearly 2,000 locals, who keep the island clean all the time. Hence, you can expect to find a pristine beach and clear blue waters surrounding the island. The whole day is dedicated to Pamilacan Island, so you'll have lots of time to relax and have fun under the sun.

Apart from swimming and sunbathing, snorkeling is another great way to make the most of your time on the island. Underwater, you will discover various marine animals and plants, including anemones, bucket sponges, unicornfish, moray eel, pufferfish, and sea turtles.

Before returning to the mainland, you may head to the Spanish fort first. It sits on the northeast side of the island for over 200 years. By the end of the day, you'll travel back to your Panglao hotel.

On the morning of Day 12, you will leave Bohol and ride a ferry to the neighboring province of Cebu. You will head over to Cebu City upon your arrival. Considered the oldest city in the Philippines, Cebu is the first capital and birthplace of Christianity in the Far East.

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During your visit to Cebu, you will drop by several historical locations, starting with the Taoist Temple. It was established in 1972 atop a hill, which offers a scenic view of the city. Your next stop is another religious structure: Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino. Founded during the 16th century, this Romantic Catholic Church is the oldest one in the country.

Outside of the basilica is a small chapel that houses the historic Magellan's Cross. From there, your guide will bring you to the Heritage of Cebu Monument, which portrays the significant past events in the province. Just a short walk away is the country's oldest residence, called Yap-San Diego Ancestral Home.

You will also visit the Temple of Leah, which boasts classical Greco-Roman architecture. Afterward, you'll stop by the Sirao Flower Farm to see an array of gorgeous blossoms. Your van will then bring you to your Mandaue hotel.

Day 13 is the last leg of your tour package. Your van will wait for you outside your Mandaue hotel and then transport you to Mactan-Cebu International Airport after you check out. From there, your plane will take you back to Manila. Your destination will be Ninoy Aquino International Airport.