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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.