13-Day Philippines Panoramic Tour to Bohol Island Countryside, Apo Island & Luzon Highlands
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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
Spend a 13-day vacation in the Philippines and discover its countryside, highlands, and distinct heritage attractions. You'll get to enter an old world in Manila, explore the highlands like Ilocos and Baguio, tour Bohol's countryside, and swim with marine critters on Apo Island. This tour package already comes with entrance fees, daily breakfast, transportation, accommodation, and the service of guides.
The Philippines is dotted with several historical places, some of which can be found in Intramuros, a walled city in Manila. It dates back to the 16th century and houses well-preserved Spanish-era attractions. You will then travel north toward the Ilocos Region. In Ilocos Norte, you'll visit a presidential museum called Malacanang of the North. You will also see the picturesque Bangui Windmills set along a shoreline.
Meanwhile, Ilocos Sur hosts the UNESCO World Heritage City of Vigan. One of the popular sites here is the cobblestone street called Calle Crisologo. Your guide will then bring you to the Banaue Museum in Ifugao. Here, you will learn about various indigenous tribes in the Cordillera Region. You will also tour Baguio, the Summer Capital of the Philippines. Camp John Hay, a former military installation, is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. Several lush parks, including Mines View Park, are also worth visiting. Your guide will also take you to Benguet to experience strawberry picking at Strawberry Farm.
This package also includes a day hike up to Mt. Pinatubo, famed for its 1991 eruption and breathtaking Crater Lake. Then, you'll fly to Bohol to see the Tarsier Sanctuary and the renowned Chocolate Hills. You will also get the chance to explore the underwater paradise of Apo Island. Go sightseeing in Manila, Ilocos, Sagada, Banaue, Benguet, Tarlac, Bohol, and Dumaguete with this 13-day trip. 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 - Bohol and Dumaguete 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
Your vacation package starts with your arrival in the Philippines. Your plane will land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, where a van will be waiting for you. Your accommodations for this day will be at a nice hotel in Manila or along Roxas Boulevard. Once you have checked in, you'll proceed with your first tour.
Your van will drive you to Intramuros, a walled area declared as a National Historical Landmark. It is also Manila's oldest district, housing well-preserved establishments and an old defensive fortress called Fort Santiago, which served as a prison during World War II.
Your guide will next take you to a public square called Plaza Roma, where a monument of Charles IV of Spain stands in the middle. Then, you'll stop by Bahay Tsinoy to learn about the life of the early Chinese settlers in the Philippines. You will find out more about the country's history at Casa Manila, which exhibits the lifestyle during the Spanish colonial days.
Afterward, you will head to San Diego Gardens and Baluarte De San Diego, another old stone fortification. Your tour will conclude with a visit to two historical and religious structures: San Agustin Church and Museum and Manila Cathedral.
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Day 2
Day 2 - Day 2: Laoag Tour
On the second day, you will tour Laoag City and the nearby towns. You will take a flight to Laoag International Airport in the morning after checking out of your Manila hotel.
In Laoag City, the St. Williams Cathedral will be your first stop. The current building was established in 1612 to replace a chapel made of wood. Just across the road is the Sinking Bell Tower that stands at around 150 feet, becoming the tallest historic building in Laoag.
Just a short drive away is the Museo Ilocos Norte, which showcases not only the culture and heritage of the people of Ilocos Norte but also the history of the region. Your next stop will be Aurora Park, where you'll find the Tobacco Monopoly Monument.
You will then head to the Malacanang of the North in the town of Paoay. It features seven rooms, each displaying historical events during the term of the 10th Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. Your guide will next show you the Paoay Church, famed for its Spanish colonial earthquake baroque architecture.
Before heading to your Laoag hotel, you will drop by the Marcos Museum, which is dedicated to the political activities of the late president Marcos.
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Day 3
Day 3 - Day 3: Pagudpud Tour
The tour for the third day will cover the attractions in the town of Pagudpud and the neighboring settlements. Your guide will drive you directly to the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos. Sitting on top of Vigia de Nagpartian Hill, the lighthouse has been functioning for more than 100 years since Spanish colonization.
Your next stop is the popular Bangui Windmills of Ilocos Norte. It is a set of 20 wind turbines that was founded back in 1786. The Patapat Viaduct comes next. Stretching up to 1.3 kilometers, it is regarded as the fifth-longest bridge in the country.
Afterward, you'll visit Agua Grande, a picnic park that features running water from the mountains and leading to the sea. You will proceed to Paraiso ni Anton, which also has a stream of what is said to be healing waters.
Your guide will then show you the magnificent Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. To wrap up your tour, you'll stop by the Pasuquin Salt Stand, where salt and salt-preserved food are put on sale.
Before returning to your Laoag hotel, you can choose to add La Paz Sand Dunes to your itinerary to experience a 4x4 jeepney ride over small and steep hills.
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Day 4
Day 4 - Day 4: Vigan Tour
On Day 4, you will travel to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Vigan in Ilocos Sur. You will check into a hotel along Calle Crisologo, one of the most popular tourist spots in the province.
Your guide will first bring you to the National Museum Ilocos Sur Complex, which exhibits the region's history. Next is the Bantay Church and Bell Tower in the nearby town of Bantay. This building was designed to be reminiscent of Spanish architecture.
You will also drop by the 19th-century Syquia Mansion Museum, where you can find preserved furniture, family heirlooms, and artifacts. Then, you'll visit Pagburnayan Jar Factory to gain knowledge on the region's art of pottery and get the chance to create pots with your bare hands.
Later on, you'll head to the ancestral residence of the Crisologo political family, which is now the Crisologo Museum. You will then see the well-preserved Spanish houses lining the popular cobblestone street called Calle Crisologo.
The St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral will also be part of your tour. This baroque church is the center of the Catholic faith in Northern Luzon. Finally, you'll make a stop at Baluarte, where you can discover a plethora of animals.
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Day 5
Day 5 - Day 5: Sagada Tour
Early in the morning, you will gear up for a trip to the rural town of Sagada in the Mountain Province. Make sure to bring warm and comfortable clothes as the place has a cool climate, and your tour includes spelunking.
In Sagada, more than 60 caves have been discovered, and one of these is named Sugong Cave. Here, you will find the province's famous Hanging Coffins, a burial practice that is an ancient tradition of the locals.
Your guide will next show you the way to the Echo Valley, which comes before Sugong Cave. This area is filled with a lush green forest and has limestone mountains surrounding it. You may head to the viewpoint to see the coffins dangling from the rugged peaks.
The Sumaguing Cave will be your following stop. It boasts the largest chamber among the caves in the town, thus earning its other name, "Big Cave." While exploring this natural attraction, you will see countless impressive old rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites.
Your final attraction will be the Bontoc Tribal Museum, which showcases the history and heritage of the indigenous people of the Cordillera region. You will later make your way to your Sagada hotel.
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Day 6
Day 6 - Day 6: Banaue Tour
On Day 6, you'll explore the natural attractions in the town of Banaue. The popular amphitheater-like rice terraces will be the first stop of your tour. Located in Batad, the rice terraces are believed to be over 2,000 years old.
To get a panoramic view of the Batad Rice Terraces, you may choose to head to the Batad Banaue Viewpoint. It requires a 30-minute hike to reach the place, where you can also interact with locals and take pictures of the elderly Igorot and Bontoc women in their complete tribal attire.
You also have the option to proceed to Tappiya Waterfall instead of hiking up to the viewpoint. It is considered a hidden jewel in Batad as it is nestled within the villages of the Cordillera Mountains, and a challenging trek is also needed.
Another activity you can go for is visiting the Banga-an Village. It is a small farming community with only 30 families. You can find here traditional homes of the Ifugao people and know about their livelihood.
The last stop of your tour will be the Banaue Museum. While here, your guide will tell you about the region's indigenous tribes. Afterward, you'll travel to your Banaue hotel.
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Day 7
Day 7 - Day 7: Baguio Tour
From Banaue, you will travel south toward Baguio, the Summer Capital of the Philippines. The city has a cool climate, so it's best to bring warm clothes with you. On this day, you will visit beautiful parks and other top city attractions.
The Philippine Military Academy is the first stop in your itinerary. This institution was founded back in 1898 and declared as a National Historical Landmark in 2019 for its historical contribution. Next is The Mansion, which was established in 1908. The establishment houses a mini-museum displaying the memorabilia of past presidents.
Then, you'll drop by the famous Camp John Hay that was initially a military reservation for American soldiers in Asia. The location now offers plenty of recreational activities like trekking, picnicking, shopping, golfing, and more. Your guide will then bring you to Mines View Park, where you can purchase souvenirs and enjoy an overlooking view of abandoned mines.
Afterward, you'll head over to two more parks: Wright Park and Centennial Park, which also boast natural beauty and offer other activities. Your final stop will be the Good Shepherd Convent, where various local goodies are put on sale. Your guide will then drive you to your Baguio hotel.
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Day 8
Day 8 - Day 8: Benguet Tour
On the eighth day, your guide will take you to the must-visit attractions in the neighboring towns of Baguio. Your tour will start with an enjoyable strawberry-picking activity at the Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad. You can also find strawberry products at nearby stalls. Besides strawberries, the farm also has plots dedicated to vegetables.
You will then head to the town of Atok, which is home to a park called Atok Sakura Flowers. About 40 Sakura trees, which come from the Japanese government of Kochi Prefecture, can be found on the site. The park has a few nipa huts and a simple comfort room, as well.
Next, you will visit Northern Blossom, another popular tourist spot in the province of Benguet. This two-hectare-wide plantation is recognized for its unique flowers, including cabbage roses and snapdragons. Take as many photographs as you like before making your way to your next stop: the 2nd Highest Point.
The 2nd Highest Point sits at 7,400 feet above sea level, the second-highest altitude in the Philippine highway system. To conclude your Benguet tour, you will visit the Spanish Trail. This man-made attraction is noted for its three 10-meter-long tunnels.
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Day 9
Day 9 - Day 9: Mt. Pinatubo Tour
On Day 9, you'll check out of your Baguio hotel and ride a van to Tarlac, home to an active volcano named Mt. Pinatubo. Back in 1991, the volcano caused a destructive eruption deemed the world's second-largest terrestrial eruption during the twentieth century.
In Tarlac, your guide will transport you to Sta. Juliana Tourism Center, which will be the jump-off point for a trip to Mt. Pinatubo. You will hop on a 4x4 jeepney and get across the terrain of Crow Valley. It will be a bumpy and dusty ride as the area has become rugged and filled with lahar after the 1991 volcanic eruption.
Your 4x4 jeepney ride will only be until the mountain's base, and then you will begin your hike up Mt. Pinatubo. Expect to find some odd volcanic rocks as you ascend. Once you reach the peak, you will be rewarded with an incredible view of Mt. Pinatubo's Crater Lake, which features turquoise waters.
While here, you'll get to take your lunch and enjoy the splendid view at the same time. Grab the chance to take as many pictures as you can before traveling to your Manila hotel around the Baywalk area.
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Day 10
Day 10 - Day 10: Bohol Countryside City
The tenth day will be for touring around the countryside of Bohol. After checking out your Manila hotel, you will board a plane at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and fly to Panglao International Airport. A van will be waiting for you there.
From the airport, your guide will drive to the town of Corella to visit the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary. It is a vast forest patch dedicated to the protection of the Bohol tarsiers. Feel free to capture these small primates with your camera; just remember to turn off your flash.
The famous Loboc River Cruise comes next. You will get on a floating restaurant and traverse the clean waters of the river. Dig into your delectable buffet lunch and watch some locals perform native Filipino songs and dances.
Following the cruise, you will head over to Baclayon Church. It is the second-oldest stone church in the Philippines and has walls and pillars made of coral stones. You will also visit the Butterfly Conservatory, home to about 200 species of butterflies.
Afterward, you'll drop by the man-made Bilar Forest and the world-famous Chocolate Hills. Your guide will then drive you to your Panglao hotel at the end of the tour.
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Day 11
Day 11 - Day 11: Pamilacan Island Tour
On Day 11, you'll sail off to the paradise-like island of Pamilacan, one of the island destinations in Bohol. It is situated in the heart of the Bohol Sea and serves as a haven for dolphins and whale sharks, which you may chance upon during the boat trip.
Pamilacan Island is blessed with white-sand beaches and crystalline blue waters. It is surrounded by a reef where several marine species live, such as starfish, crinoids, seagrasses, and more. Around 2,000 people, who inhabit the island, maintain the natural beauty of the place.
You may swim in the sea and sunbathe on the beach to maximize your time on the island. You can also choose to snorkel to check out the anemones, sponges, sea turtles, various fish, and other unique marine life. Multiple diving spots can be found here, as well.
If you're into history, there's a 200-year-old Spanish fort located on the northeast side of Pamilacan Island. It was a watch station used for looking out for Moro pirates but is now a National Cultural Treasure. By the end of the day, you'll ride a boat back to the mainland and then head straight to your hotel on Panglao Island.
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Day 12
Day 12 - Day 12: Apo Island Tour
Your tour for this day will be on Apo Island, one of the world's best dive sites. You will check out of your Panglao hotel and head to a port, where you'll board a ferry bound for Dumaguete. Upon your arrival, your guide will transport you to Malatapay Boat Terminal, where you'll switch from your van to a pump boat.
Sitting at the southeast end of Negros, Apo Island is renowned for its sea reserve with many marine critters. Your guide will first take you to the turtle habitat once you reach the island. Apart from swimming with the turtles, you can also snorkel around the reef garden, which hosts an array of vibrant fish.
You can also sunbathe to get a tan or rest under the tree. Trekking to Apo Island Lighthouse or the Apo View Deck is another great activity you can do while on the island. There are also three trails, namely Habagat Eco-Trail, David's Trek, and Witchy's Trail. Each will reward you with a sweeping view of the island of Negros once you reach the end. Before dark, you'll return to the mainland and spend the night at your Dumaguete hotel.
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Day 13
Day 13 - Day 13: Departure to Manila
The thirteenth day will be the last part of your tour package. On this day, you are scheduled to head back to where you started, Manila. You will check out of your hotel in Dumaguete, and then, you will travel from Dumaguete Airport to Ninoy Aquino International Airport via plane.
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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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