13-Day Philippines Nature Sightseeing Trip to Cordillera Mountains, Ilocos Province & Bohol Island

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Description

Summary

Tour starts
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Duration
13 days
Ending place
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Languages:
English
Difficulty:
Easy
Minimum age:
None

Description

Travel to the top cultural and natural attractions in the Philippines through this 13-day tour package across eight destinations. You will visit the historical landmarks in Manila City and the Ilocos region before exploring the highlands of Sagada, Banaue, Benguet, and Tarlac province, and the beaches of Dumaguete City and Bohol Island. This package already covers transportation, accommodation, daily breakfasts, service of guides, and entrance fees to attractions. 

On the first day, your guide will meet you at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila then take you to Intramuros. Inside this walled district are several structures that were constructed when the Philippines was under Spanish rule. Next, you will fly to Ilocos Norte to see the Malacanang of the North and the Bangui Windmills. 

You will also go to Ilocos Sur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to walk on Calle Crisologo’s cobblestones. Following that is a trip to the Banaue Museum. Then, you will visit The Mansion and Wright Park in Baguio. The itinerary also includes a stop at Benguet’s popular La Trinidad Strawberry Farm to handpick your own berries. Afterward, you will take a van to Tarlac, where you will trek up Mt. Pinatubo, an active volcano.

You will then board a plane bound for Dumaguete. This province features the historic Silliman University, one of the oldest schools in the country, and Apo Island, a haven for divers. From there, you will take a ferry to Bohol. In this sunny region, you will enjoy a cruise down the Loboc River. Finally, you will visit the famous Chocolate Hills, Bohol's most famous attraction, before returning to Manila. 

Immerse in the natural attractions and heritage of Manila, Ilocos, Sagada, Banaue, Benguet, Tarlac, Dumaguete, and Bohol by booking this 13-day package. Check availability by choosing a date. 

 

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Included

12 nights accommodation (budget category)
12 days breakfast
12 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 12 - Dumaguete and Bohol Tour (Central Visayas)
Day 13 - Back to Manila
All transportation to and from included activities and destinations
All environmental fees, port fees, and all other applicable taxes

Activities

Culture, Arts & Historical Tours

Daily itinerary

Day 1
Park inside Intramuros in Manila

Day 1 - Day 1: Intramuros Tour

A guide will welcome you when you land at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila City. You will then head to your hotel situated in the city or along Roxas Boulevard. After checking in, your guide will take you to the walled district of Intramuros, the former financial and administrative center of the Philippines during the Spanish era. Fort Santiago, a fortress that also detained prisoners, is your first stop inside. You will then go to Plaza Roma, a public square that originally held bullfights and other important events. Following that, you will go to Bahay Tsinoy to learn more about the interaction between ethnic Chinese and Filipinos. Then you'll go to Casa Manila, a traditional Spanish house that now functions as a museum. From there, you will walk through the San Diego Gardens to reach the Baluarte de San Diego. Finally, you will end your tour of this historic district with visits to two grand churches. First is the San Agustin Church and Museum, whose foundations were built back in the 15th century. It has also been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Next, you will stop by the Manila Cathedral. Afterward, your guide will drop you off at your hotel.
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Day 2
View of Paoay Lake in Ilocos

Day 2 - Day 2: Laoag Tour

The second day will be the start of your tour across the Ilocos region. From Manila City, you will fly to Laoag City in Ilocos Norte. Upon landing, you will go to your accommodation in the city before proceeding to St. William's Cathedral. Close to the church is Laoag's tallest building, the Sinking Bell Tower. This structure stands at 150-feet-tall and is believed to sink an inch every year, hence its name. Following that, you will travel to Museo Ilocos Norte, which has a collection of items depicting the daily life of the province's forefathers. Then you'll proceed to Aurora Park to see the Tobacco Monopoly Monument, which was constructed in 1881. You'll next go to Paoay, where you'll pay a visit to the Malacanang of the North. This was the house of former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos before it was turned into a museum. Your next stop will be the Paoay Church. This church is a National Cultural Treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the most well-known sites in the region. Your day will end with a trip to the Marcos Museum, which is dedicated to the former president's
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Day 3
Blue skies in Bangui Windmills in Ilocos

Day 3 - Day 3: Pagudpud Tour

The third day will be spent in neighboring towns such as Burgos, where you will view the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. This lighthouse has been directing seafarers to safety since 1892. Then it's down to Bangui Bay to see the popular Bangui Windmills. The twenty-six 70-meter-high wind turbines provide reliable power to towns in Ilocos Norte. From Laoag, your guide will drive you to neighboring towns to see more popular attractions. Your first destination is Burgos, where you will find the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. Afterward, you will head to Bangui Bay to see the Bangui Windmills up close. These twenty-six wind turbines stand at 70 meters tall. You will then drive on Patapat Viaduct. This coastal bridge lines a series of hills and offers fantastic views. From there, you will travel to Agua Grande Park. This park has a serene ambiance and a freshwater stream. Next, you go to Paraiso ni Anton. Travelers will see a religious grotto here, and another stream that locals say has healing abilities. Finally, you will go to The Kapurpurawan Rock Formations before stopping by the Pasuquin Salt Stand. Tourists can also choose to go on a 4x4 tour in the La Paz Sand Dunes as an add-on experience.
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Day 4
Cobblestone streets of Calle Crisologo

Day 4 - Day 4: Vigan Tour

Your guide will take you to Vigan City, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the next day. The National Museum of Ilocos Sur Complex will be the first stop on your tour around the city. The Bantay Church and Bell Tower will be your next destination. After getting damaged during WWII, both structures have undergone various restorations. When the war began affecting the town, locals transformed the belfry into a watchtower for a time. After that, you'll visit the Syquia Mansion Museum, which honors Vigan's sixth Philippine President, Elpidio Quirino. Then it's over to the Pagburnayan Jar Factory, where you may make your own red clay pot. This art form has been a part of the province's culture for decades. The next destination is the Crisologo Museum. Former Ilocos Sur Representative Floro Crisologo resided here, but following his tragic death, his family transformed it into a museum. From there, you'll take a stroll down Calle Crisologo and past its Spanish homes. The St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, commonly known as Vigan Cathedral, will be your next stop. Finally, you will stop by the Baluarte Zoo before returning to your accommodation on Calle Crisologo.
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Day 5
Tourists exploring Sumaguing Cave in Sagada

Day 5 - Day 5: Sagada Tour

Early the next morning, you will leave Vigan City in a van and head to Sagada town. The roads to this village in the Cordillera Mountains are narrow and winding, so expect a bumpy journey. It also includes around 60 caverns, making it an excellent spelunking location. After arriving, your guide will escort you to your hotel in the town proper. Sugong Cave is the first stop in this hilly town. Coffins may be seen hanging from the cliffs in the vicinity of this cave. For decades, the indigenous tribes have hanged coffins as a burial tradition. On your journey back to the town center, you will make your way through Echo Valley. Then you will head to Sumaguing Cave, the largest cave in the area. The cave is about an hour's walk from the city hall in Sagada. Stalagmites and stalagmites that have developed through time can also be seen here. The Bontoc Tribal Museum is your final visit for the day, where you may learn about the indigenous Ifugao tribe's culture. Behind the center, a recreated traditional Ifugao village has been built.
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Day 6
Batad Rice Terraces in Banaue

Day 6 - Day 6: Banaue Tour

The Banaue highlands await you on Day 6. You will settle into a hotel in the town proper when you get to the province. From there, you will make your way to the world-famous Banaue Rice Terraces. The amphitheater-like agricultural system, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts people from all over the world. The locals have used rice terraces for cultivation for centuries. The Batad Banaue Viewpoint will be your next destination. A panoramic view of the elevated rice fields can be seen from this observation point, which is roughly a 30-minute walk from the terraces. You can also visit the Tappiya Waterfalls as an alternative to going to this viewing platform. Another choice is to skip the falls and head straight to Banga-an Village. Several Ifugao houses may be seen in this quiet area just below Batad town. Take your time exploring the area to learn about these indigenous people. A visit to the Banaue Museum will bring your day to a close. Here you may find an outstanding exhibition of Igorot tribal artifacts. This cultural institution also depicts the tale of the capture of Japanese Imperial Army General Tomoyuki Yamashita in World War II.
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Day 7
Scenic sunset from Mines View Park in Baguio

Day 7 - Day 7: Baguio Tour

On the seventh day, your guide will transport you to Baguio City. You will next proceed to your hotel in the city proper. From there, you'll drive to Kiangan, where the local Ifugao Museum is located. The displays at this cultural center contain a range of tribal relics, religious sculptures, and weaponry like machetes. You'll then see General Yamashita's World War II surrender site. Your next stop will be the Baguio campus of the Philippine Military Academy. Visitors may view vintage tanks and other military equipment on exhibit here. The Mansion, built in 1908 as a summer residence for US governors-general, is your next stop. It now serves as the current Philippine president's official summer vacation house. Following that, you'll travel to Camp John Hay. This popular getaway spot was originally established as a recreation facility for the US Army. Today, this 246-hectare site houses a hotel, boutique stores, and a convention center. Afterward, you'll travel to Mines View Park, a must-see attraction in Baguio. You will then take a break at Wright Park and Centennial Park before going to your last destination, the Good Shepherd Convent. You can also buy delicious pastries here such as ube crinkles.
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Day 8
Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad Benguet

Day 8 - Day 8: Benguet Tour

You will travel from Baguio to surrounding towns to view their most popular tourist attractions. The La Trinidad Strawberry Farm in Benguet will be your first stop. You may pick fresh strawberries from the 79-hectare farm yourself. Because of its tasty and high-quality strawberries, this farm has become a popular destination in the area. After your time exploring Baguio, you will make your way to Benguet. When you reach this town, your guide will lead you to the La Trinidad Strawberry Farm. Travelers often visit this place to handpick their own berries from the fields. The strawberries here are known for their great flavor and good quality. From there, you will head to the town of Atok and enter the Atok Sakura Flowers Park. Here, you can spend time among 30 cherry blossom trees that came directly from Japan in 2016. The Japanese government gave these beautiful blooms to the town as gifts. After your stay here, you will make your way to another garden, the Northern Blossom, to see more colorful flowers. Next, you'll go to the 2nd Highest Point, a viewing platform 7,400 feet above sea level. You will then drive down the Spanish Trail before ending your tour for the day.
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Day 9
Trek to the peak of Mt. Pinatubo

Day 9 - Day 9: Mt. Pinatubo Tour

The next morning, you will leave the highlands and go to the province of Tarlac. Here, you will climb up Mt. Pinatubo. Despite being an active volcano, it has remained quiet since its last eruption in 1991. The blast had made headlines across the globe and was recorded as one of the largest eruptions in the 20th century. Before heading up the mounting, you must first register at the Sta. Juliana Tourism Center. You will then get in a 4X4 ride that can safely pass through the rugged terrain leading to the mountain's base. You will also drive across Crow Valley as you travel to the jump-off point for the trek. Afterward, you will make your way to the summit on foot. The trail takes about two hours to finish, and it goes on for approximately 5.4 KM. On your journey up, you'll most likely come across lava sand formations from the 1991 eruption. The crater lake's beautiful emerald waters await you at the peak. You will return to the tourist information center after eating and relaxing by the lake's edge. From there, your guide will drive you to your new hotel on Manila City's Baywalk.
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Day 10
Promenade along Rizal Boulevard in Dumaguete

Day 10 - Day 10: Dumaguete City Tour

You will next travel to Dumaguete, also known as the City of Gentle People. From Manila, you will catch a flight to Dumaguete City for the next portion of your Philippine vacation. When you arrive in the Dumaguete Airport, a guide will fetch you and lead you to your hotel in the city. The first destination on your schedule is Silliman University. There are 300 ancient acacia trees on the 62-hectare property, as well as six museums. The city's lovely promenade, Rizal Boulevard, is next, with stunning views of the sea. From there, you will travel to the oldest stone church on Negros Island, St. Catherine de Alexandria. The Dumaguete Campanario, a well-known local landmark, stands close to the cathedral. The Dumaguete Public Market, Provincial Capitol and Freedom Park, and Claytown Pottery will be your next destinations. You'll also drop by the Sidlakang Negros Village to buy some souvenirs. Your guide will then take you to Lab-as Seafood for a lunch break. Your journey will continue with a visit to Valencia Forest Camp. After that, you'll visit the Cata-al War Museum to witness exhibits depicting World War II. Your tour will then take you to Bacong, home to the San Agustin de Hippo Church and the Negros Oriental Arts and Heritage Center before ending the day.
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Day 11
Diving in Apo Island in Dumaguete

Day 11 - Day 11: Apo Island Tour

You'll take a break from Dumaguete on Day 11 and go to Apo Island. Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation in the city and take you to the Malatapay Boat Terminal, where you will board a boat to the island. Apo Island, located near the southeast end of Negros, is well-known among local and international visitors for its aquatic ecosystem, home to a diverse collection of sea animals. You are welcome to snorkel around the large reef garden in search of schools of jacks and groupers. You may also visit Turtle Point, which is home to two turtle species: hawksbill turtles and green turtles. After your underwater excursion, you can lounge on the island's beaches for some well-deserved rest. You can go hiking here as well to visit the Apo View Deck or the Apo Island Lighthouse. Apo Island also offers paths of various difficulty levels. You may choose from the Habagat Eco-Trail, Witchy's Trail, or David's Trek, all of which provide a spectacular perspective of Negros from afar as well as the island's natural beauties.
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Day 12
Aerial view of Loboc River in Bohol

Day 12 - Day 12: Bohol Countryside Tour

On Day 12, you will depart from Dumaguete City and ride a ferry to Bohol Island. This day will be spent discovering the stunning sights in the province's countryside. Your day tour will begin in Corella, where the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary is located. It's a woodland preserve dedicated to the Bohol tarsier, one of the tiniest primates on the planet. There's also a library, an exhibition space, a mini-café, and other amenities. Following your encounter with the wide-eyed creatures, you will board a floating restaurant for a Loboc River Cruise. While watching natives sing and dance, you may taste a variety of Filipino cuisine included in the buffet meal. Following that, you'll proceed to Baclayon Church. After Manila's San Agustin Church and Museum, this stone church is considered the country's second oldest. The Butterfly Conservatory will be your next stop, where you may photograph butterflies of all hues and kinds. Then you'll see the man-made Bilar Forest, which stretches for 2 kilometers. Finally, your Bohol trip will come to a close with a visit to the breathtaking Chocolate Hills. After viewing these symmetrical hills, your guide will escort you back to your hotel on Panglao Island.
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Day 13
Manila Road sign near the airport

Day 13 - Day 13: Departure to Manila

For the last day of your excursion around the Philippines, you will leave your Panglao Island hotel and travel to the Panglao International Airport. From there, you will hop on a plane that will take you back to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila City.
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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.

The season for dolphin watching in Dumaguete is from March to October and is subject to weather and wind conditions. If off-season or on days when the northeast monsoon is strong, dolphin watching may not be possible. During Habagat/ Southwest monsoon Season (June-October), boat ride to Apo Island may be rough.

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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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