13-Day Historical, Cultural, Nature & Island Tour to Palawan, Cebu, Baguio & Ilocos from Manila
Likely to sell out soon
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
Learn about the heritage of the Philippines and explore some of its best natural wonders and pristine islands with this hassle-free 13-day vacation. Visit the cultural attractions of Ilocos, Sagada, and Benguet, relax in the countryside of Cebu and Bohol, and lounge on the paradise-like islands of Puerto Princesa. This hassle-free vacation to the Philippines is inclusive of accommodations, daily breakfast, transfers, entrance fees, and the service of guides.
From the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, you will head to the heart of Manila to stroll around Intramuros. This walled district is home to several Spanish-era landmarks, making it an ideal spot for historical and educational tours. Afterward, you will fly to the Ilocos region, where you will visit heritage and sightseeing attractions, including the Malacanang of the North and Bangui Windmills in Ilocos Norte and Calle Crisologo in Vigan.
Snap lots of photos in these landmarks before boarding your van and heading to the mountainous province of Benguet. Here, you will go strawberry picking at the Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad and stroll the mountain resort of Camp John Hay in Baguio. After your Luzon tour, you will ride a plane to Cebu and continue your tour to the Temple of Leah and Sirao Flower Farm.
You will also visit the neighboring island of Bohol to go on the Loboc River Cruise. Apart from this activity, your guide will bring you to the thousands of symmetrical hills of Chocolate Hills and the majestic Kawasan Falls before you take another flight, this time to Puerto Princesa International Airport in Palawan. Your itinerary in this province will consist of water activities like island-hopping in Honda Bay and going on a river cruise in the Underground River. You will then fly back to Manila on Day 13.
Immerse yourself on a 13-day vacation package from Manila to Ilocos Norte and Sur, Sagada, Benguet, Cebu, Bohol, and Puerto Princesa. Check availability by choosing a date.
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 7 - Sagada and Benguet Tour (Cordillera Region)
Day 8 to 10 - Bohol and Cebu Tour (Central Visayas)
Day 11 to 12 - Puerto Princesa Tour (Palawan)
Day 13 - Back to Manila
All transportation to and from included activities and destinations
All environmental fees, port fees, and all other applicable taxes
Map
Attractions
Activities
Island Hopping
Culture, Arts & Historical Tours
Daily itinerary
Day 1
Day 1 - Day 1: Intramuros Tour
You will arrive at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Day 1, where your guide awaits. From there, you will head to the heart of the capital to see the many historical landmarks of the walled district of Intramuros, starting with Fort Santiago.
Known as one of the oldest Hispanic stone fortresses in the country, Fort Santiago is now part of a historical park. You will find memorabilia of national hero Jose Rizal here, along with other well-preserved legacies from the Spanish Colonial Period.
From Fort Santiago, proceed to Plaza Roma, a public square considered to be the heart of Intramuros. You will then head to two iconic museums in the district: Bahay Tsinoy and Casa Manila. The former was established to showcase the understanding and harmony shared by the Filipinos and Chinese, while the latter was for displaying the influence of Spain in the Filipino home.
Less than a ten-minute walk from Casa Manila will bring you to the San Diego Gardens and Baluarte De San Diego. A National Cultural Treasure since 2014, this bastion is surrounded by gardens, landmarks, monuments, and fountains. Before you retreat to your Manila hotel, you will drop by San Agustin Church and Museum to see its religious artwork and statues and Manila Cathedral to admire its Neo-Romanesque architectural style.
Read moreDay 2
Day 2 - Day 2: Laoag Tour
After checking out of your Manila hotel, you will fly to Laoag International Airport from Ninoy Aquino International Airport. You will then tour Laoag City, beginning with St. Williams Cathedral. Before Augustinian friars reconstructed it in 1612, this church used to be a wooden chapel. Close to the church is the historical Sinking Bell Tower, presumably built after the 1707 earthquake.
You will also explore the culture and the flourishing civilization and history of the city at the Museo Ilocos Norte. From there, you will make your way to Aurora Park, where you will see a multi-tiered obelisk erected in 1881.
You will visit Paoay's attractions next, continuing with Malacanang of the North. This presidential museum features a mix of both Spanish and Ilocano architecture and the former President Ferdinand Marcos’ actual office. Your guide will then lead you to Paoay Church, also referred to as Saint Augustine Church. Completed in 1710, this cathedral became a National Cultural Treasure in 1973.
Capping off your tour will be a visit to Marcos Museum in the town of Batac. This establishment is home to the cenotaph of the former President Marcos and his memorabilia. From there, you will retreat to your hotel in Laoag.
Read moreDay 3
Day 3 - Day 3: Pagudpud Tour
From your hotel in Laoag, your guide will drive you north to the town of Burgos. Here, you will visit Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, constructed during the Spanish Colonial period and is still operational today.
Additionally, you will stop by Ilocos Norte's renowned Bangui Windmills. Each standing 70 meters tall, these twenty wind turbines form a continuous line along a nine-kilometer stretch of shoreline facing Bangui Bay. Pose for a photo between the windmills before heading to Patapat Viaduct, considered the Philippines' 5th longest bridge with its 1.3-kilometer length.
Less than 2km from the bridge is Agua Grande, known for its eco-friendly and non-carbon producing mini-hydro electric power plant. From there, you will visit the grotto of Paraiso ni Anton. Locals believe that a white lady enchanted the water here, giving it healing powers.
You will also visit the picturesque Kapurpurwan Rock Formation on the rocky coast of Burgos. To cap off your tour, your guide will bring you to Pasuquin Salt Stand. You can buy salt and salt-preserved foods here before heading back to your hotel in Laoag.
If you're on the lookout for a more adrenaline-filled adventure, you can opt to add La Paz Sand Dunes to your itinerary. You will experience riding a 4x4 jeep that will take you over short, steep hills on the 85-kilometer-long coastal beach and desert in Ilocos Norte.
Read moreDay 4
Day 4 - Day 4: Vigan Tour
After checking out of your hotel in Laoag, you will then explore the attractions of Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Bantay, its neighboring town. Your tour will start with a visit to the National Museum Ilocos Sur Complex. This museum is located at the delta of the Abra River and will provide you with a deeper understanding of the region's history and heritage.
From there, you will visit Bantay Church and Bell Tower in the nearby town. The bell tower, perched on a hill, allows visitors to view the municipality of Bantay and the city of Vigan from a unique perspective. Your next stop is the 19th-century Syquia Mansion Museum, an age-old establishment dedicated to the life of Vigan native Elpidio Quirino, the Philippines' sixth president.
You will then learn about the exquisitely handcrafted jars at Pagburnayan Jar Factory before heading to Crisologo Museum to see antiques, memorabilia, and other prized possessions of the Crisologo political dynasty. Stroll down Calle Crisologo's cobblestone streets next.
Your guide will also bring you to St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral and cap off your tour at Baluarte, a zoological park. At the end of the day, you will retreat to your accommodation along Calle Crisologo.
Read moreDay 5
Day 5 - Day 5: Sagada Tour
On Day 5, you will leave Vigan early to make your way to Sagada. This peaceful village in the Cordillera regions offers many natural attractions, from beautiful mountain valleys and calcareous cellars to seas of clouds and cool waterfalls.
One of the attractions you will visit here is the Sugong Cave. Featuring coffins hanging from the limestone cliffs, this cave sits just beyond the cemetery of Sagada. It also boasts underground rivers that flow from the nearby Bokong Falls.
On the way to Sugong Cave, you will pass through the Echo Valley. Locals named it as such because when you can shout in the middle of the trail, you will hear its echo throughout the valley. After taking in the lush greenery of the site, you will head back to the downtown area and Sumaguing Cave.
This is believed to be the largest of the 60 caves in town. There are innumerable rock formations throughout the tunnel. The interior is flourishing with natural crystal clear, ice water ponds.
From there, you will visit the Bontoc Tribal Museum, where you will find a large array of artifacts representing the culture and heritage of the indigenous people of Cordillera. Afterward, you will head to the downtown area and check into your accommodation.
Read moreDay 6
Day 6 - Day 6: Benguet Tour
You will explore Luzon's highlands more with this trip to Benguet, starting with the Atok Sakura Flowers in the town of Atok. In 2016, locals planted more than 30 Sakura trees on this site to give visitors a taste of Japan. These trees were a gift from the Kochi Prefecture in Japan as a sign of its friendship with the province.
When you head to the Northern Blossom, located 3km away from the Atok Sakura Flowers, you will be greeted with more bright blooms. Several rare flowers like cabbage roses and snapdragons pepper this plantation.
From there, your guide will take you to the 2nd Highest Point, named as such for being the second-highest point on the Philippine highway system. It is located 7,400 feet above sea level and has a view deck from which you can see the surrounding vegetable gardens and mountain range.
You will visit the Spanish Trail next, a 3-km-long pathway dating back to Spanish colonization. Even with the Halsema Highway in place, locals still use this trail to get around the town. Capping off your tour will be a visit to La Trinidad Strawberry Farm, where you can go strawberry picking. Following that, you will head to your hotel in Baguio.
Read moreDay 7
Day 7 - Day 7: Baguio Tour
On Day 7, you will explore the many destinations dotting the City of Pines, Baguio. This town seldom exceeds 26 degrees centigrade at its warmest, so make sure to have your coats on during the tour. Your first stop here will be the Philippine Military Academy (PMA). Located at Fort Gregorio del Pilar on Loakan Road, this campus houses a museum and well-manicured grounds filled with vintage tanks and other historical military weapons.
Following that, you'll visit The Mansion for a quick photo-op in front of the gates before heading to Camp John Hay. This mountain resort sits on the southeastern side of Baguio and is a favorite spot for trekking, food tripping, and picnicking.
From there, you will continue with a visit to Mines View Park that overlooks the mining town of Itogon and Wright Park that features horseback riding facilities. A quick drive from the park will bring you to Centennial Park, also called the Baguio Botanical Garden. After enjoying the green scenery of Baguio, you will cap off the tour at Good Shepherd Convent. Here, you can buy some souvenirs like ube jams, butter cookies, and Ifugao coffee before heading back to your hotel in Manila.
Read moreDay 8
Day 8 - Day 8: Cebu City Tour
You will leave your hotel in Manila and fly to Mactan International Airport in Cebu. You will begin your city tour with a visit to the Taoist Temple in the Beverly Hills Subdivision in Lahug. The temple is a multi-tiered, multi-hued attraction accessible by three separate winding routes.
From there, you will make your way to the Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino next, one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the country. Outside of the cathedral, you will find the Magellan Cross, believed to be planted here by Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan.
Next, you'll travel to the Heritage of Cebu Monument that showcases the most important events in the province's history. The heritage site is located on the opposite side of another famous landmark, the Yap-San Diego Ancestral Home. This ancestral house-turned-museum was once owned by a Chinese merchant and his wife.
Following your tour of the lowlands, you will proceed to the Temple of Leah, a Roman-inspired architectural shrine sitting on top of a hill in the town of Busay. It is commonly referred to as the Taj Mahal of Cebu because of its romantic backstory. You will then cap off your tour with a visit to Sirao Flower Farm before you retreat to your hotel in Mandaue.
Read moreDay 9
Day 9 - Day 9: Bohol Countryside Tour
Once you leave your Mandaue hotel, you will board a ferry to the nearby province of Bohol. Your first stop here will be Corella Tarsier Sanctuary. Located in Barangay Canapnapan in the town of Corella, this forest patch is maintained by a non-profit organization called Philippine Tarsier Foundation. You will find some tarsiers here, resting in the trees and jumping from branch to branch.
Take some photos of these googly-eyed primates before proceeding to the riverside for your Loboc River Cruise. This floating restaurant will bring you through the river's emerald streams and fill your tummy with a sumptuous buffet lunch. During the trip, several locals onboard will also perform native Filipino songs and dances.
When you return to the shore, you will continue your tour to Baclayon Church. This is regarded as the country's second-oldest stone church after San Agustin Church in Manila. Your guide will then lead you to the Butterfly Conservatory that features an enclosure where butterflies are bred.
From there, you make a short break at the Bilar Forest to marvel at its stretch of mahogany trees. You will conclude your trip with a visit to the world-famous Chocolate Hills, a geological formation of almost symmetrically shaped hills. Your guide will then return you to your Cebu hotel.
Read moreDay 10
Day 10 - Day 10: Kawasan Falls & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour
From your hotel, your guide will bring you to the town of Badian, where you will find Kawasan Falls. This waterfall is composed of several falls, the first being the biggest and the most crowded. Although you have to trek 1.5-km uphill to get to the site, the experience will be worth it after you dip into its natural springs.
Your guide will then bring you to Moalboal. Apart from its numerous white beaches, it also features a healthy coral ecosystem. Take in the scenic surroundings here before hopping on your boat to sail you from the mainland to Pescador Island. This island has cobalt blue waters and corals of different colors and types, making it a hotspot for snorkeling.
You will visit Turtle Point, located right on the island, as well. Enjoy swimming with sea turtles here before you head back to the mainland to see the world-famous sardine run at Panagsama Beach.
Once you arrive at the beach, you will attend a short briefing and don your gear for the activity.
Once you’re ready, you will head out to sea, where you will see millions of sardines assembling and circling the shore. You will then return to your Mandaue accommodation.
Read moreDay 11
Day 11 - Day 11: Puerto Princesa Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour
After checking out of your Mandaue hotel, you will fly to Puerto Princesa Airport for your Palawan adventure. After landing, your guide will take you to Honda Bay on the province's eastern shore. A boat will be ready for you here to take you on an island-hopping adventure.
Starfish Island is your first stop from the mainland. This island is teeming with rock starfish and a variety of other fish, including bloating puffers and rainbow parrotfish. You are welcome to snorkel and swim here before sailing to your next destination, Cowrie Island.
Cowrie has a shape identical to a seashell, hence its name. It is the biggest island in Honda Bay and offers several beach activities, such as jet-skiing, snorkeling, and banana boat riding. You can also relax in the few cabanas, bars, and restaurants in the area.
Luli Island will be the last destination on your island-hopping itinerary. Luli is famous for its vanishing sandbars at high tide and the powdery cream-colored sand blanketing its shores. Sunbathe on the beach or relax in the hammocks dotting the island. Once you've had your fill of the ocean, you'll go back to the mainland and check into your Sabang hotel.
Read moreDay 12
Day 12 - Day 12: Puerto Princesa Underground River & City Tour
Your guide will take you to Sabang Wharf in the morning, where you will board a boat to reach the world-famous Puerto Princesa Underground River. This river runs under the St. Paul Mountain Range and encompasses one of the world's most impressive cave systems. When inside, take in the breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites formations that line the cave's walls.
Following your cruise, you will return to the mainland and begin your city tour of Puerto Princesa with Baker's Hill. This bakery/theme park is perched on a hill and serves a range of baked products as souvenirs. There are many restaurants, a garden, and several picture-perfect places you can spot here, as well.
After purchasing your goodies from Baker's Hill, you can go to the historic Plaza Cuartel. This historical destination is a restored WWII garrison and the site of an open-air war museum. Today, the property has been converted into a community park.
You will then encounter some wildlife at the Crocodile Farm before proceeding to Mitra's Ranch in Sta. Monica Heights. This used to be private property but is now open to the public and offers a view deck with a scenic view of Puerto Princesa City. The tour will conclude at Puerto Princesa Baywalk.
Read moreDay 13
Day 13 - Day 13: Departure to Manila
It's time to leave Palawan and depart for Manila. You will board your van bound for Puerto Princesa International Airport after checking out of your accommodation in Sabang. You will then arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport after less than two hours, marking the end of your trip.
Read moreWhat 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.
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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