13-Day Nature, Historical, Cultural & Island Tour Package to Palawan, Bohol, Cebu, Baguio & Ilocos
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
Visit top nature, historical, cultural, and island attractions in the Philippines with this 13-day vacation package. You will be touring around historical landmarks of Ilocos, the highlands of Sagada, Banaue, and Baguio, trek to the crater lake of Mt. Pinatubo in Tarlac, and explore the countryside of Bohol, Cebu, and the islands of Puerto Princesa. This package includes accommodations with daily breakfast, transfers, entrance fees, and the service of guides.
After arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, you will meet your guide and travel to Intramuros. This walled district is best known as the home of Spanish-era attractions and open-air parks for picnics. From the capital, you will fly to Ilocos on the northern tip of the Philippines. Here, you will learn more about the country’s past at the Malacanang of the North in Ilocos Norte and Calle Crisologo in Vigan.
You will then make your way to the highlands of Luzon, particularly to Banaue, to visit the Banaue Museum. The establishment keeps a collection of artifacts associated with the Ifugao, Kalinga, and the Bontoc tribes. From there, you will proceed to Baguio to visit its landlocked attractions, including Camp John Hay.
Next, prepare to hike up Mt. Pinatubo in Tarlac, where you will see the breathtaking crater lake. You will enjoy more of the countryside in the province of Bohol. While here, your guide will bring you on the Loboc River Cruise and to the popular Chocolate Hills.
You will then board a ferry to visit the nearby province of Cebu and its majestic destinations like the Temple of Leah and Sirao Flower Farm. Before heading back to Manila, you will fly to Palawan for an island-hopping tour of Honda Bay and a cruise of the Underground River.
Explore the wonders of Ilocos Norte and Sur, Sagada, Banaue, Baguio, Tarlac, Bohol, Cebu, and Puerto Princesa with this 13-day hassle-free vacation package from Manila. 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 3 - Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur (Ilocos Region)
Day 4 to 6 - Sagada, Banaue and Baguio Tour (Cordillera Region)
Day 7 - Mt. Pinatubo Tour
Day 8 to 10 - Bohol and Cebu Tour (Central Visayas)
Day 11 to 12 - Puerto Princesa Tour (Palawan)
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
Once you land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, you will meet your guide, who will take you on a tour of Intramuros. This walled district served as the seat of the country's governor-general during the Spanish era.
One of the numerous landmarks you will visit here is Fort Santiago. Built in 1593, this Hispanic fortress features dungeons that are open for the public to see. From Fort Santiago, you will then head to Plaza Roma, a public square housing a monument of Charles IV of Spain.
About a five-minute walk from the plaza will take you to Bahay Tsinoy. Exhibiting the contributions and influence of the Chinese in the Philippines ‘ evolution, this museum is a must-see in Intramuros. You will dig deeper into the country's past at Casa Manila, which showcases what the Filipino home looked like during the Spanish period.
Following that, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the San Diego Gardens and Baluarte De San Diego. You will then drop by San Agustin Church and Museum, the only church that earned a UNESCO World Heritage Site title in Manila. Before retreating to your hotel in Manila or along Roxas Boulevard, you will pay a visit to Manila Cathedral to see its ornate bronze carvings and stained glass windows.
Read moreDay 2
Day 2 - Day 2: Laoag Tour
You will fly from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Laoag International Airport for about an hour and 15 minutes. Once you arrive, you will begin your tour of Laoag City, starting with St. Williams Cathedral. This church used to be a wooden chapel before Augustinian friars rebuilt it in 1612. From there, you will head to the Sinking Bell Tower, a historic tower that is mysteriously sinking at a rate of an inch per year.
You will also drop by Museo Ilocos Norte to discover more about the region's past, as well as its thriving community and heritage. Head next to Aurora Park, home to the 19th-century Tobacco Monopoly Monument.
After getting your fill of Laoag City, you will visit the attractions in Paoay, one of which is the Malacanang of the North. This presidential museum was the former residence of Ferdinand Marcos, the Philippines' tenth President. Following that, your guide will take you to Paoay Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the collective group of Baroque Churches of the Philippines in 1993.
Before heading back to your hotel in Laoag, you will visit Marcos Museum to see the memorabilia of the late President Marcos, including his wax replica.
Read moreDay 3
Day 3 - Day 3: Vigan Tour
You will spend your third day exploring the sights of Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage City, and its neighboring town of Bantay. From Laoag, you will head to the National Museum Ilocos Sur Complex. This museum displays old books, furniture, and historical records about the region's history and heritage.
Less than 2km from the establishment are Bantay Church and Bell Tower. Popular for its Neo-Gothic design mixed with pseudo-Romanesque materials and elements, this church dates back to 1591 and houses the miraculous image of the Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Charity. Head next to Syquia Mansion Museum to learn about the life of Vigan native Elpidio Quirino, the Philippines’ sixth president.
From there, you will make your way to Liberation Blvd, where the Pagburnayan Jar Factory is located. Here, you will see wonderfully handcrafted jars and learn about the pottery industry. You will also visit the Crisologo Museum before you stroll down the cobblestone streets of Calle Crisologo, where you will find old Spanish structures.
Your next stop will be the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, also known as Vigan Cathedral. This UNESCO World Heritage Site serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia. Before retreating to your hotel along Calle Crisologo, you will stop by Baluarte, a zoological park owned by Filipino politician Chavit Singson.
Read moreDay 4
Day 4 - Day 4: Sagada Tour
You will leave Vigan and head to Sagada, a rustic town in the Cordillera Region. You will check out of your accommodation in Calle Crisologo and make your way up the mountains in the early morning. Upon arriving in the town, you will go to Sugong Cave. This is a unique burial place in Sagada, primarily because locals hang coffins here instead of burying them.
On the way to Sugong Cave, you will pass through Echo Valley. It's named like this because it echoes your screams throughout the gorge. It is the best spot to rest and enjoy the landscape as it is surrounded by calcareous cliffs and lush greenery.
You will then visit Sumaguing Cave next from there. Sumaguing is also referred to as the Big Cave and offers visitors a two-hour course through its rocky interior. Here, you will spot plenty of old rock formations, stalagmites, and stalactites.
To conclude your tour, you will visit the Bontoc Tribal Museum. Established by Mother Basil Gekiere, this museum looks like an Igorot house and exhibits the Ifugao people's heritage and culture. You will see a reproduction of an Ifugao village behind the museum before you retreat to your accommodation in the downtown area.
Read moreDay 5
Day 5 - Day 5: Banaue Tour
You will travel south from Sagada to the town of Banaue, renowned for its beautiful rice terraces, particularly in the village of Batad. You will find amphitheater-like rice terraces here, along with miles upon miles of paddy fields.
To get a better view of the terraces, you will head to the Batad Banaue Viewpoint. This location is accessible through a 30-minute walk from the jump-off point along the highway. Take as many photos here as you wish and breathe in the refreshing air.
If you're looking for a little fun, skip the viewpoint and go straight to Tappiya Waterfall. The falls are also part of the village and are referred to as the Hidden Jewel Beyond The Rice Paddies Of Batad. You can also opt to go the quieter route and visit Banga-an Village instead. It is a small neighborhood of fewer than 30 households, featuring a handicraft center where samples of Ifugao craftsmanship are displayed.
After visiting your chosen second destination, your tour will end at the Banaue Museum. You will have the opportunity to gain a thorough understanding of the region's tribes here. The displays inside the building range from tribal jewelry to instruments and history books.
Read moreDay 6
Day 6 - Day 6: Baguio Tour
You will make a quick stop in Kiangan on the way to the city of Baguio. Here, you'll visit the Ifugao Museum, where you will find wooden rice guardians, antique household utensils, and headhunting machetes. Apart from the museum, you'll also want to pay a visit to General Yamashita's surrender place before proceeding to Baguio.
Once in the city, your guide will bring you to the Philippine Military Academy on Loakan Road. This institution was founded back in 1898 and now houses a museum and well-manicured grounds featuring vintage tanks. From there, you'll make your way to The Mansion, the summer retreat of the Philippine Presidents.
Following a picture opportunity in front of The Mansion's gate, you'll continue to Camp John Hay. This mountain resort comes complete with a world-class competition Jack Niclaus-designed golf course, hotels, a shopping center, and a convention center.
Around 6km from the recreation site is Mines View Park, where you can dress in full Cordillera regalia. From there, you will drop by Wright Park and Centennial Park to get a feel of Baguio's greenery before concluding your trip at the Good Shepherd Convent. This well-maintained convent overlooks the Cordillera Mountains and sells various goodies to visitors.
Read moreDay 7
Day 7 - Day 7: Mt. Pinatubo Tour
Following your check-out from your Baguio hotel, you'll take a van to Tarlac, where you will hike Mt. Pinatubo. This active volcano, located about 87 kilometers from the country's capital, is well-known for the catastrophe caused by its 1991 eruption. You will arrive at Sta. Juliana Tourism Center in the morning and board a 4x4 jeep there.
From the center, your guide will then drive you through Crow Valley's bumpy and dusty landscape. This lahar field is surrounded by panoramic sand walls, giving it a moon-like vibe. After around an hour, you will hop off at the mountain's base to begin your ascent.
Mt. Pinatubo's trail is a 5.4-km moderately trafficked point-to-point type and usually takes less than two hours. Along the way, you'll come across some lava sand formations produced during the 1991 eruption.
When you arrive at the summit, you will be greeted by the turquoise waters of Mt. Pinatubo's Crater Lake. The lake is not suitable for any water activities, but it is breath-taking nonetheless. You'll have plenty of time to enjoy the serene surroundings and savor your lunch here. Take as many photographs as you want before starting your descent and making your way to your Manila hotel.
Read moreDay 8
Day 8 - Day 8: Bohol Countryside Tour
On Day 8, check out of your Manila hotel and travel to Panglao International Airport to begin your exploration of the vibrant countryside of Bohol. Your first stop here will be the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary. This forest patch in Barangay Canapnapan, Corella, is home to a significant tarsier population. Apart from tarsiers, you will also find a visitor's complex consisting of reception, exhibition area, audiovisual room, mini cafeteria, and toilet facilities.
After getting up close and personal with the googly-eyed primates, you'll board a floating restaurant for the Loboc River Cruise. A buffet lunch is served here, while the locals aboard perform traditional Filipino songs and dances for your entertainment.
When you return to the shore, you will proceed to Baclayon Church. This 1595 church was commissioned by Jesuit priests and made out of coral stones. From there, you will visit the Butterfly Conservatory, aimed to breed butterflies and grow their population in the province.
You will then take some photos at the Bilar Forest with the mahogany trees as your backdrop before moving on to the world-famous Chocolate Hills to see the thousands of symmetrically shaped hills. Your guide will return you to your Panglao Island hotel at the end of the tour.
Read moreDay 9
Day 9 - Day 9: Bohol Pamilacan Island Tour
For Day 9, you will go to the picture-perfect island of Pamilacan to take in more of Bohol’s beautiful scenery and wildlife. Pamilacan is about 12.5 km from the coast and is home to several dolphins and whale sharks. To get to the island, you will board a boat in the town of Baclayon.
While it has a population of roughly 2000, Pamilacan’s natural beauty has been well-preserved throughout the years. Expect to see only clear blue waters and white sand beaches here. After arriving on the island, you are welcome to go swimming and snorkeling right away. You will find different species of fish underwater, as well as sea turtles, starfish, and sea urchins. You can also go diving in some of the spots around the island.
Once you’ve had your fix of the waters, you can enjoy a relaxing sunbathing session on the beach or go to the Spanish fort sitting on the northeast coast. This 200-year-old observatory was originally intended to guard against Moro pirates, and now, it is considered a National Cultural Treasure. You will then head back to shore in the afternoon and make your way back to your accommodation on Panglao Island.
Read moreDay 10
Day 10 - Day 10: Cebu City Tour
After checking out of your hotel in Panglao, you will board a ferry to Cebu. From the port, you will then explore the city, starting with the Taoist Temple. This temple was built back in 1972 and has been the center of Taoism worship in the province. It features Chinese-style architecture and sits at an elevation of 110 meters above sea level.
From there, your guide will take you to the Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino, a Roman Catholic Church believed to be one of the country's oldest. Its facade exhibits a blend of Muslim, Romanesque, and Neo-Classical elements. You will also visit Magellan's Cross, located just outside the chapel.
Less than a kilometer away from the church is the Heritage of Cebu Monument. Built by local artist Eduardo Castrillo, this set of sculptures commemorates the province's most important historical events. The Yap-San Diego Ancestral House is located just across the street from the monument. Here, you will find antiquities, fine furniture, religious art, and curios.
From the lowlands, your guide will then bring you to the mountains to visit the Temple of Leah and Sirao Flower Farm. Take tons of photos of the landscape and the overlooking view here before proceeding to your Mandaue hotel.
Read moreDay 11
Day 11 - Day 11: Puerto Princesa Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour
After leaving your Mandaue hotel, you will travel to Puerto Princesa Airport to begin your Palawan adventure. Your guide will take you to Honda Bay on the province's eastern shore after you arrive. Here, you will board a boat that will bring you on an island-hopping trip.
From the mainland, your first destination will be Starfish Island. Rock starfish and a host of other fish, including bloating puffers and rainbow parrotfish, abound on this island. Feel free to swim and snorkel here to your heart's content before you make your way to your next stop, Cowrie Island.
Cowrie is named as such because of its shape, similar to that of a seashell. It is the largest island in Honda Bay and has a variety of beach sports, such as jet-skiing, snorkeling, and banana boat rides. You can also unwind in the cabanas, pubs, and restaurants here.
Luli Island will be the last stop on your island-hopping itinerary. Luli is well-known for its disappearing sandbars at high tide and powdery cream-colored sand that blankets its beaches. Sunbathe on the sand or unwind in one of the island's hammocks. When you've had your fill of the sea, return to the mainland and check into your Sabang hotel.
Read moreDay 12
Day 12 - Day 12: Puerto Princesa Underground River & City Tour
From your hotel in Sabang, your guide will drive you to Sabang Wharf, where you will begin your trip to Puerto Princesa Underground River. This river emerges directly into the sea and has one of the most spectacular cave systems in the country. Take in the stunning stalactites and stalagmites structures that line the cave's walls while you cruise down the stream.
Following this cruise, you'll return to the mainland and proceed to a city tour of Puerto Princesa, starting with Baker's Hill. This bakery/theme park got its name from the bakers found on the hill where it stands. They sell a variety of baked goods here that you can take home as souvenirs.
After you've finished shopping at Baker's Hill, you will visit the historic Plaza Cuartel. This site features a reconstructed WWII garrison, as well as an open-air war museum. From there, you will experience some wildlife encounters at the Crocodile Farm before heading to Mitra's Ranch in Sta. Monica Heights.
This property is owned by the family of the late Senator Ramon Mitra. It is now accessible to the public and features a view deck with a spectacular view of Puerto Princesa City. To cap off the tour, you will stroll the Puerto Princesa Baywalk while munching on some snacks.
Read moreDay 13
Day 13 - Day 13: Departure to Manila
This marks the end of your 13-day vacation itinerary. After checking out of your Sabang hotel, you will board a van bound for Puerto Princesa International Airport. Usually, the trip from Palawan to Manila takes less than two hours, and you will arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
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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