13-Day Philippines Islands & Mountains Holiday Package to Palawan Island & Cordillera Highlands

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Kapurpurawan Rock Formation with the view of Bangui Windmills

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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

101 reviews

Description

Travel to the beautiful islands, rich countryside, and heritage sites of the Philippines with this 13-day vacation package. On this tour, you will explore the natural gems of Palawan Island province, historical landmarks in the Ilocos region, and top city attractions in Baguio. This package is already complete with entrance fees, daily breakfast, accommodation, transportation, and the service of guides.

Intramuros, a historic walled area in Manila City, will be your first destination. You will find here centuries-old structures, well-landscaped gardens, important landmarks, and more. From the capital, you will travel to Ilocos Norte province. Here, you will visit a mix of nature spots and man-made attractions, including the Marcos Museum and the Bangui Windmills.

You will also spend a day in Ilocos Sur province, home to the popular cobblestone street named Calle Crisologo. Following Ilocos, you will head to the Banaue highlands to check out the collection of indigenous artifacts at the Banaue Museum. You will then head to Baguio City to stop by The Mansion, the official summer home of the Philippine President. You will also see beautiful parks in the city, including Wright Park.

You will proceed to another go-to attraction in the highlands – the Strawberry Farm in Benguet province. Afterward, you will climb up Mt. Pinatubo, an active volcano in Tarlac province that rewards visitors with a spectacular Crater Lake. Your last tourist destination will be Palawan province, which is home to Puerto Princesa City. In the city, you will visit the islands in Honda Bay and the world-famous Underground River. You will also experience kayaking through the Big Lagoon in the El Nido islands before flying back to Manila.

Create memorable memories in the Philippines with this 13-day trip to the best attractions in Manila, Ilocos, Sagada, Banaue, Benguet, Tarlac, Puerto Princesa, and El Nido. 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 8 - Sagada, Banaue, and Benguet Tour (Cordillera Region)

Day 9 - Mt. Pinatubo Tour

Day 10 to 12 - Puerto Princesa and El Nido 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

Activities

Island Hopping

Culture, Arts & Historical Tours

Map

Attractions

Manila Cathedral

Casa Manila

Bahay Tsinoy

Mt. Pinatubo

Starfish Island

Luli Island

Cowrie Island

Puerto Princesa Underground River

Philippine Military Academy

The Mansion

Camp John Hay

Mines View Park

Wright Park

General Yamashita Surrender Site

Ifugao Museum

Tappiya Waterfalls

Bontoc Village Museum

Syquia Mansion Museum

Pagburnayan Jar Factory

Crisologo Museum

Bantay Church Bell Tower

Calle Crisologo

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Malacañang of the North

Paoay Church

St. William Cathedral

Sinking Bell Tower

Honda Bay

Baker's Hill

Big Lagoon

Intramuros

Fort Santiago

San Agustin Church

Banga-an Village

St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral

Marcos Museum & Mausoleum or Balay Ti Ili

Bangui Windmills

La Paz Sand Dunes

Secret Lagoon

Seven Commandos Beach

Shimizu Island

Museo Ilocos Norte

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Patapat Viaduct

Strawberry Farm

Centennial Park

Good Shepherd Convent

Sumaguing Cave

Echo Valley

Crocodile Farm

Mitra's Ranch

Plaza Cuartel

Baluarte de San Diego

Plaza Roma

Banaue Museum

Northern Blossom Flower Farm

Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park

Paraiso ni Anton

Agua Grande

Aurora Park

Baluarte Ilocos

Batad

Atok Sakura Flowers

2nd Highest Point

Mount Pinatubo

Miniloc Island

Pasuquin Salt Stand

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Daily itinerary

Day 1

People going around Fort Santiago in Intramuros

Day 1 - Day 1: Intramuros Tour

To begin your vacation, you will take a flight to Ninoy Aquino International Airport in the Philippines. A van will be waiting for you and transfer you to your hotel in Manila City or along Roxas Boulevard once you arrive. At the hotel, you will gear up for your tour in Intramuros. Intramuros is a walled area established during the 16th century when Spanish explorers conquered Manila. The place hosts a few centuries-old attractions, including Fort Santiago. This defensive fortress served as a prison for American soldiers during World War II. Your next stop is Plaza Roma, which is surrounded by three important landmarks. From here, your guide will bring you to Bahay Tsinoy. It is a museum dedicated to the ethnic Chinese who contributed to the Philippines' evolution. You will next visit Casa Manila. Here, you can find art and furniture dating back to Spanish colonization. You will proceed to San Diego Gardens, which feature pergola and gazebos. The garden leads to Baluarte De San Diego, a 16th-century bastion used for various occasions. Afterward, you'll head to the Philippines' oldest stone church, San Agustin Church and Museum. The Manila Cathedral will be the last stop of your tour.

Day 2

Day 2 - Day 2: Laoag Tour

On Day 2, you will leave Manila and travel to Ilocos Norte province. You will board a plane to Laoag Airport, and then you'll ride a van to Laoag City as soon as you arrive. In the city, you will first drop by St. Williams Cathedral, a 17th-century church famed for its Italian Renaissance architecture. Located nearby is the Sinking Bell Tower. This historic structure is believed to be the tallest bell tower in the country. Next, you will head to Museo Ilocos Norte to see a collection of the traditional clothing of Ilocano, Itneg, and Igorot, as well as their ceremonial objects, household utensils, and more. Your following attraction will be Aurora Park, where you can find a multi-layered obelisk erected during the 19th century. You will then make your way to Paoay town, where the Malacanang of the North is situated. It is a presidential museum dedicated to the late Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. Your guide will next drive you to Paoay Church, a baroque church noted for its massive buttresses. Before heading to your Laoag hotel, you'll stop by the Marcos Museum. The building displays not only the memorabilia of the late President Marcos but also his cenotaph.

Day 3

Roadside view of Patapat Viaduct in Ilocos

Day 3 - Day 3: Pagudpud Tour

On the third day, you will explore the Pagudpud coastal town and the nearby areas, all located in Luzon's northernmost part. Your guide will first drive you to Burgos. This town is home to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, a cultural heritage structure erected during Spanish colonization. Next in your itinerary is the popular Bangui Windmills. This attraction is made up of 20 70-meter-high wind turbines lined up along a shore fronting Bacuit Bay. You will then make a quick stop at the 1.3km-long bridge called Patapat Viaduct before dropping by Agua Grande. This picnic park has running water that supplies power to turn the wind turbines. On the far side of Patapat Viaduct is Paraiso ni Anton, which has a stream of assumed healing waters. Your guide will also show you the picturesque Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. Your last stop will be Pasuquin Salt Stand, which sells sea salt and salt-preserved food. Before officially ending the tour, you may choose to go to La Paz Sand Dunes and experience going over small and steep hills while onboard a 4x4 jeepney. After that, you will return to your hotel in Laoag.

Day 4

Riding a kalesa while exploring the streets of Calle Crisologo

Day 4 - Day 4: Vigan Tour

From Ilocos Norte, you will travel south toward Ilocos Sur province, where the UNESCO World Heritage City of Vigan is located. You will check into a new hotel along Calle Crisologo, a street lined up with well-preserved Spanish buildings. The first attraction you'll visit is the National Museum Ilocos Sur Complex, which comprises several museums showcasing the history and heritage of the region. Your guide will next take you to Bantay Church and Bell Tower. Set atop a hill, the tower rewards visitors with a splendid view of Vigan and Bantay town. The following stop will be the Syquia Mansion Museum. It is a previous residence of the Angco family, one of the well-known families in old Vigan. Then, you'll see the handcrafted jars at Pagburnayan Jar Factory, as well as experience making one. You will also drop by the Crisologo Museum, which was initially the house of the Crisologo political family. From the museum, you'll head to Calle Crisologo, which is characterized by cobblestone pavement. The St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, will be your next stop. Your tour will then end at Baluarte, a zoological park housing various species of animals.

Day 5

Beautiful view from entrance of Sumaguing Cave in Sagada

Day 5 - Day 5: Sagada Tour

On the early morning of Day 5, you will check out of your hotel along Calle Crisologo and travel to Sagada town. This rural place is located in the Cordillera Mountains and hosts more than 60 caves. One of the caves is named Sugong, which will be your first stop. The cave is mostly visited for Mountain Province's famous Hanging Coffins, a burial practice that locals perform for over 2,000 years. You will begin your trek to Echo Valley afterward. Surrounded by limestone mountains, this natural area is filled with vegetation and towering lush trees. The valley also offers a viewpoint where you can see the coffins from a distance. Your tour will continue with a two-hour exploration inside Sumaguing Cave, also known as the Big Cave. The inside of this natural wonder is filled with millions of old rock formations. There are also natural pools of cold water, so expect to get wet as you go through its rocky tunnel. Your guide will then take you to your last stop: the Bontoc Tribal Museum. It exhibits the history and heritage of the indigenous tribes of the Cordillera Region. From here, you will make your way to your Sagada hotel.

Day 6

Day 6 - Day 6: Banaue Tour

Your sixth day is for visiting more natural wonders in the Banaue highlands. This town takes pride in its several awe-inspiring rice terraces carved on the sides of the Cordillera Mountains. One of the most popular is the Batad Rice Terraces that look like an amphitheater. You can enjoy a better view of the rice terraces from the Batad Banaue Viewpoint. You can reach the site after a 30-minute hike. If you would like to see another breathtaking spot in Banaue, you may choose to head over to Tappiya Waterfall instead of stopping by the viewpoint. This hidden jewel has a strong current and cold waters. Another available option for you is to visit Banga-an Village, where only less than 30 families reside. There, you'll get to see typical Ifugao houses and a handicraft center filled with local products. Grab the chance to interact with the locals and learn about their livelihood. Your tour will conclude with a visit to the Banaue Museum, which is dedicated to the region's tribes. A comprehensive collection of artifacts linked with the people of Ifugao, Kalinga, and Bontoc are among the exhibits you will find inside. From here, you'll travel to your Banaue hotel.

Day 7

Day 7 - Day 7: Baguio Tour

You will explore a new tourist destination in the Philippines – Baguio City. But first, you'll stop by Kiangan town on your way to the city. You will visit the Ifugao Museum, where you can learn about the Ifugao's heritage and culture. Afterward, your guide will show you the Surrender Site of General Yamashita. Once you reach Baguio, you will proceed to the Philippine Military Academy. Feel free to explore the campus grounds and take pictures with some cadets. Your next stop will be The Mansion, the summer retreat of the Philippine President established in 1908. Previously a military base for the American soldiers, Camp John Hay is now a go-to place for lodging, shopping, and golfing. There is also a butterfly sanctuary, a museum, and a Bell House that you can visit. You will then go to Mines View Park to reward yourself with an amazing view of the Amburayan Valley and the Cordillera Mountains. Next in your itinerary is Wright Park, where you can enjoy horseback riding. Meanwhile, at Centennial Park, you can take photos with Igorot locals while sporting their clothing. You will then make your final stop at Good Shepherd Convent before heading to your Baguio hotel.

Day 8

Day 8 - Day 8: Benguet Tour

Your tour for today will highlight the main attractions in the other towns in Benguet province. You will first drop by the popular Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad town. Once you're done picking strawberries, you may head to nearby stores that sell strawberry ice cream and other souvenirs. After visiting the strawberry farm, you will proceed to the top tourist spots in Atok town. Your first stop will be Atok Sakura Flowers. The place is also called Benguet-Kochi Sisterhood Park teeming with Sakura trees, which the Japanese government of Kochi Prefecture gave to the province to celebrate their 40 years of friendship back in 2016. Your next stop is another must-visit attraction in Atok because of its vibrant flowers. Northern Blossom is loaded with common and rare blooms, including dusty miller, cabbage roses, and snapdragons. While here, you can admire the panoramic view of Mt. Pulag and Mt. Timbak from afar. Your guide will then drive you up the 2nd Highest Point, situated 7,400 feet above sea level. Take notice of the beautiful cloud formations before proceeding to your last stop, the Spanish Trail. After the tour, you will head back to your hotel in Baguio.

Day 9

Rocky trail going to the peak of Mt. Pinatubo

Day 9 - Day 9: Mt. Pinatubo Tour

You will check out of your Baguio hotel and make your way to Tarlac province. Mt. Pinatubo, an active stratovolcano, will be the main subject of your tour for today. After its destructive eruption back in 1991, the volcano has become one of the most popular mountaineering destinations in the Philippines. Your guide will take you to Sta. Juliana Tourism Center, where 4x4 jeeps are waiting for you. From the center, the trip will take around an hour until you cross Crow Valley and reach the mountain's base. The ride may get slightly bumpy and dusty as the terrain has been covered with lahar and stones following the 1991 volcanic eruption. The 4x4 ride will be followed by at least two hours of trekking up to the summit of Mt. Pinatubo. You may notice some unusual volcanic rocks on the way. Once you get to the peak, you'll get a jaw-dropping view of the volcano's Crater Lake. Admire the calm turquoise waters surrounded by towering cliffs. You will have enough time to have a lunch break and take photographs of the fascinating scenery. By the end of the day, you'll travel to your Manila hotel around the Baywalk area.

Day 10

Day 10 - Day 10: Puerto Princesa Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour

On the morning of Day 10, you'll check out of your Manila hotel and ride a van to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. There, you'll take a flight to Puerto Princesa International Airport for an action-packed adventure in Palawan province. Once the plane lands, you will proceed to Honda Bay, a popular tourist attraction in Puerto Princesa City. Honda Bay is home to numerous paradise-like islands, some of which are part of your island-hopping tour for today. Your first destination is Starfish Island, which is also called Tabuan Island. Besides admiring the countless small and big starfishes, you can go snorkeling to see beautiful corals and schools of fish. Your guide will next take you to Cowrie Island, the most well-known island in Honda Bay. Among the activities you can enjoy are playing volleyball, banana boat riding, and jet-skiing. You will also find some eating establishments and wooden cabanas in the place. Before returning to the mainland, you will stop by Luli Island, which entirely disappears during high tide and emerges at low tide. Laze around the fine cream-colored sand or dip in the clear waters. You will then head to your hotel in Sabang village for a good night's sleep.

Day 11

A boat full of tourists going to the Puerto Princesa Underground River

Day 11 - Day 11: Puerto Princesa Underground River & City Tour

Your first activity in the morning is entering the world-famous Puerto Princesa Underground River. Your guide will drive you to Sabang Wharf, where you will hop on a boat that will take you inside the cave. Feast your eyes on the spectacular stalactites and stalagmites as you traverse the river. Once you get out of the cave, you will kick off your next activity: a city tour in Puerto Princesa. The Baker's Hill, which is nestled atop a hill, will be your first stop. It is an excellent place where you can buy various baked goods and snap great pictures. You will next visit Plaza Cuartel, a previous military base that has been converted into a park. From the plaza, you will travel to the Crocodile Farm, where you will see crocodiles up close, as well as discover other rare and endangered animal species. Your guide will then transport you up to Mitra's Ranch. This picturesque location offers marvelous views of the city and sea, plus outdoor activities. To complete your tour, you will drop by the Puerto Princesa Baywalk, where you can enjoy some fresh air and savor street food. You will head back to your Sabang hotel afterward.

Day 12

Aerial view of Miniloc Island in El Nido Palawan

Day 12 - Day 12: El Nido Island Hopping Tour

On Day 12, you will further discover the natural beauty of Palawan. You will be exploring El Nido town, another popular destination in the province. From your Sabang hotel, your guide will transfer you to a boat terminal, which will be the jump-off point for your island-hopping trip. Your boat will first sail to the Big Lagoon, which is regarded as one of the major highlights of the island-hopping tour. While here, you will get to experience kayaking through the clear blue waters that are enclosed by dark limestone cliffs. Your next destination will be Miniloc Island. This stunning island is noted for its rich marine life, crystalline waters, and limestone mountains. Your guide will then lead you to the island's Secret Lagoon, concealed behind limestone walls, so you will have to go through a small hole to get there. Later on, you will visit Seven Commandos Beach on the mainland. You may hang out on the beach and have a swim or get some underwater exploration. Your final stop will be Shimizu Island, which houses a colorful reef with abundant marine life. In the late afternoon, your van will drive you to your hotel in Lio properties.

Day 13

Day 13 - Day 13: Departure to Manila

Your 13-day vacation package has come to its conclusion. After checking out of your hotel in Lip, you'll ride a van to Puerto Princesa International Airport, where you'll board a plane back to Manila. The trip will last for less than two hours before you land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

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.

In El Nido island hopping tour mandatory environmental fee and/or user’s see is to be paid directly in cash to the service provider in El Nido, The tour itinerary is subject to change based on weather and tidal conditions. Tours will start only once operators are given permission to sail by the Local Government Unit (LGU) and the Philippine Coast Guard. Delays in start of tours or cancellation of tours affected by this is beyond the service providers’ control.

Limitation to the number of tourists, boats, kayaks and time of stay in El Nido lagoons are strictly enforced by the PAMB. Secret Beach, Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon are no longer allowed to be toured on the same day as part of the policies of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of El Nido.

A mandatory user fee of PHP 200 per person is collected by PAMB for every entry to the Secret Beach, Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon.

Single use-plastics are banned in El Nido island tours. Please bring reusable water bottles or tumblers. All visitors are required to bring their own trash back to the boats.

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.