14-Day Philippines Impressive Landscape Trip to Bohol Island, Apo Island & Cordillera Mountains
Likely to sell out soon
Likely to sell out soon
Description
Summary
Tour starts
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Duration
14 days
Ending place
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Languages:
English
Difficulty:
Easy
Minimum age:
None
Description
Indulge in this 14-day vacation to the Philippines' impressive landscape from the countryside, the highlands, to snorkeling locations. From Manila City, this tour will take you to the scenic spots of Bohol Island, the historical destinations of Ilocos, and the natural wonders of the Cordillera highlands. This package also comes complete with pre-arranged accommodations with daily breakfast, transfers, entrance fees, and the service of guides.
The walled district of Intramuros will be the first attraction on your itinerary. This one-of-a-kind neighborhood in Manila City initially served as the country's administrative capital during the Spanish reign. From there, you will fly to northern Luzon, particularly to Ilocos Norte, to visit some of the region's well-kept treasures. While here, you will drop by the presidential museum of the Marcos Museum and the towering turbines of Bangui Windmills.
You will also travel to Ilocos Sur, home to the cobblestone street of Calle Crisologo. After having your fill of Ilocos, you will go to the Banaue highlands to see the Banaue Museum and the myriad of indigenous relics kept inside. You will then proceed to Baguio City, where you can find Camp John Hay and Mines View Park. From there, your guide will bring you to the Strawberry Farm in the Benguet highlands to harvest some strawberries.
Following your visit to the mountain region, you will go on a day hike up Mt. Pinatubo, an active volcano in Tarlac province. You will see its stunning crater lake before flying to Bohol Island for a three-day trip in the province. While here, you will explore Cambuhat Village and experience the Loboc River Cruise. Your guide will also drive you to see the symmetrical mounds of the Chocolate Hills. Your tour will end with a visit to Apo Island, a diving haven in Dumaguete City.
Travel to the Philippines' top destinations and discover the beauty of Manila, Ilocos, Sagada, Banaue, Benguet, Tarlac, Bohol, and Dumaguete with this 14-day vacation package. Check availability by choosing a date.
Included
13 nights accommodation (budget category)
13 days breakfast
13 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 13 - Bohol and Dumaguete Tour (Central Visayas)
Day 14 - 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
Culture, Arts & Historical Tours
Daily itinerary
Day 1
Day 1 - Day 1: Intramuros Tour
To kick off your tour, you will visit Intramuros, a walled district in the heart of Manila City. During the Spanish colonial period, this area served as the country's administrative headquarters. It is now one of the city's most important historical hotspots.
When you arrive at Intramuros, the first thing you'll see is Fort Santiago, a Spanish stone fortress built in 1593. The fort served as a prison for national hero Jose Rizal until it became a spot for family picnics and open-air theaters. After visiting the fortress, you will walk to the nearby Plaza Roma, regarded as the center of Intramuros. You will proceed to Bahay Tsinoy from there, located some 350m from the square.
This museum features 12 parts, each of which exhibits the contributions of the early Chinese people to Filipino culture. Following your museum tour, you will head to Casa Manila, an ancestral home built by former First Lady Imelda Marcos.
You will then make your way to the southwestern point of Intramuros to stroll San Diego Gardens and the Baluarte De San Diego. This bastion, shaped like an ace of spades, was one of Intramuros' initial stone fortifications. You will end Day 1 with a visit to the San Agustin Church and Museum, as well as the Manila Cathedral, before returning to your accommodation.
Read moreDay 2
Day 2 - Day 2: Laoag Tour
After leaving Manila, you will board a plane bound for Laoag Airport. From there, your guide will bring you to Laoag City to visit the St. Williams Cathedral. Famous for its Italian Renaissance architecture, the church serves as the seat or central church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Laoag. You will also visit the 150-foot Sinking Bell Tower, the highest historical tower in the city and the only one that mysteriously sinks an inch every year.
Afterward, you will make your way to Museo Ilocos Norte to see the numerous artifacts highlighting the local culture and way of life. Following your museum tour, you will head to Aurora Park, where a multi-tiered obelisk was built in 1881. Your tour van will then take you to Paoay, home to the Malacanang of the North.
Ferdinand Marcos and his family lived in this presidential museum during his presidency. Explore the rooms of the grand mansion before proceeding to Paoay Church, located some 11km away. This church has been designated as a National Cultural Treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the region's pride. Your Laoag trip will conclude with a visit to the Marcos Museum, dedicated to the former president's political career.
Read moreDay 3
Day 3 - Day 3: Pagudpud Tour
On Day 3, you will start your day with a trip to the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Pagudpud coastal town. This lighthouse was built during the Spanish colonial period and is still in use today. Afterward, you will travel to Ilocos Norte's famous Bangui Windmills. These windmills, consisting of 26 70-meter-tall wind turbines, flank the 9km shoreline of Bangui Bay and produce nearly 40% of Ilocos Norte's power.
You will then make your way to the 1.3-km-long Patapat Viaduct. The fifth-longest bridge in the country, this seaside bridge was completed and opened to the public in October 1986. After visiting the bridge, head south to Agua Grande, where you may enjoy the natural splendor of the park. From there, you will proceed to Paraiso ni Anton, home to a mystic mountain stream that, according to locals, can miraculously heal diseases.
You will then see the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation after your grotto tour. Located approximately 3km from the main highway, this rock formation features milky white, streamlined limestones. Before returning to your Laoag lodging, you will stop at the Pasuquin Salt Stand, where locals sell freshly made sea salt. You can also add a 4x4 excursion to the La Paz Sand Dunes to your schedule if you're feeling adventurous.
Read moreDay 4
Day 4 - Day 4: Vigan Tour
After checking out of your accommodation in Laoag, you will proceed to Vigan City and start your day at the National Museum Ilocos Sur Complex. This set of museums features artifacts and memorabilia of two prominent figures in Philippine history: Padre Jose Burgos, one of the three martyr priests from the Spanish colonization, and Elpidio Quirino, 6th President of the Philippines.
From there, you will proceed to the Bantay Church and Bell Tower. Also referred to as the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity, this church features a Ne-Gothic architecture mixed with pseudo-Romanesque materials and elements. After saying a quick prayer inside the church, you will head to the Syquioa Mansion Museum, a presidential museum dedicated to Elpidio Quirino.
Following your museum tour, you will visit the Pagburnayan Jar Factory to learn how the indigenous create their exquisitely crafted pots. While you're here, you may also try your hand at pottery making. Your next stop will be the Crisologo Museum, an ancestral home owned by former Ilocos Sur Representative Floro Crisologo. From there, take a stroll along Calle Crisologo, a cobblestone lane lined with centuries-old Spanish houses.
Afterward, you'll go to the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site declaration for Vigan. Finally, before returning to your accommodation in Calle Crisologo, your guide will take you to Baluarte for some safari experience.
Read moreDay 5
Day 5 - Day 5: Sagada Tour
After checking out of your accommodation on Calle Crisologo, your guide will bring you to Sagada town in the Cordillera Mountains. This little community, about 186km from Vigan, is well-known for its freezing weather and over 60 caves. One of the most fascinating of these caves will be your first stop: Sugong Cave. Serving as the locals' burial spot, this cave features several coffins hanging from its limestone walls.
From there, you will travel to Echo Valley, located close to Sugong Cave. This place is named after the fact that when you shout here, the echoes can be heard all around the area. You will then continue the tour to Sumaguing Cave, commonly referred to as the Big Cave. It is found roughly an hour's walk away from the Sagada City Hall and is best known for the interesting rock formations lining its walls.
After your spelunking excursion, you will pay a visit to the Bontoc Tribal Museum. This museum exhibits a collection of artifacts that depict the Ifugao people's culture. Visitors can also find a replica of an Ifugao village behind the facility. After having your fill of the museum, your guide will bring you to your accommodation in the downtown area.
Read moreDay 6
Day 6 - Day 6: Banaue Tour
You will check out of your hotel in Sagada and make your way south to Banaue highlands. This town in the Ifugao province is widely known for its rice terraces that date back to 2000 years ago. You can find one of these staircase-like rice paddies in Batad village. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Batad Rice Terraces features a unique and sophisticated rice cultivation process native to the Ifugao people.
From there, you will proceed to the Batad Banaue Viewpoint. This observation deck, located approximately a half-hour walk from the main road, provides a unique perspective of the amphitheater-style rice field. If you don't wish to stop at the viewpoint, you can go on to Tappiya Waterfall instead.
You can also choose to bypass the waterfalls and explore Banga-an Village right away. This humble farming community is located below the Batad intersection and is home to several native Ifugao homes. You will also learn about the way of life of the locals while you are here.
To cap off your day, you will drop by the Banaue Museum. This facility features a vast collection of ancestral relics from old Igorot tribes. Aside from the artifacts, the museum has a section dedicated to the capture of Japanese Imperial Army General Tomoyuki Yamashita.
Read moreDay 7
Day 7 - Day 7: Baguio Tour
Your guide will pick you up at your Banaue hotel and bring you to Kiangan town to explore the Ifugao Museum. This ethnic museum houses some Ifugao artifacts like bulol (wooden rice guards), antique household objects, and headhunting machetes. You will also head to General Yamashita's surrender site before leaving for Baguio City.
Once you reach Baguio, you will proceed to the Philippine Military Academy. Take a stroll around this institution's well-kept grounds to see the vintage tanks and other historical military equipment displayed here. You will then proceed to The Mansion. Located in the eastern part of the city, this building initially functioned as a summer retreat for US governors-general before becoming the official summer residence of the Philippine President.
Following your visit to The Mansion, your guide will drive you to Camp John Hay. The US Army utilized this 246-hectare site as a military rest and relaxation center. The location is now an entertainment complex that includes a museum, retail space, and a convention center.
Afterward, you will head to Mines View Park, where you will see Itogon's mining village. You'll also visit Wright Park and Centennial Park located nearby. Finally, you will end the day at the Good Shepherd Convent, where you can buy local specialties such as ube jam and butter pastries
Read moreDay 8
Day 8 - Day 8: Benguet Tour
On Day 8, you will explore Baguio's neighboring towns, beginning with La Trinidad in Benguet highlands. This landlocked town is well-known for its Strawberry Farm, owned and managed by Benguet State University. While visiting the farm, you may pick strawberries and purchase strawberry-made products such as wine, crinkles, and jam.
Following your strawberry picking expedition, you will go to Atok, home of the Atok Sakura Flowers. This property has about 30 Sakura trees, which were given to Benguet by Kochi Prefecture in Japan in 2016. You will then visit the Northern Blossom after a quick photo-op at the park. Stretching to about two hectares, this property features rows of rare and vibrant flowers and provides a view of Mt. Pulag and Mt. Timbak from a distance.
You will go to the 2nd Highest Point next, located in the Barangays of Cattubo and Paoay. This location is 7,400 feet above sea level, making it the second-highest point in the Philippine highway system. Finally, your tour guide will bring you to the Spanish Trail, a man-made walkway constructed during the Spanish era. You will then return to your accommodation in Baguio City at the end of the day.
Read moreDay 9
Day 9 - Day 9: Mt. Pinatubo Tour
Your guide will pick you up from your Baguio hotel and bring you south to Tarlac province, where you will ascend Mt. Pinatubo. Standing at 4,757 feet tall, this active volcano is located on the tripoint boundary of Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga. It gained popularity after a devastating eruption in 1991 that cost the country 10 billion pesos in damages. Despite this horrible background, Mt. Pinatubo's breathtaking beauty continues to amaze visitors.
When you arrive in the province, you will go straight to the Sta. Juliana Tourism Center, where you will board a 4x4 vehicle. Your guide will then take you to the mountain's base through Crow Valley. This location is well-known for its panoramic sand cliffs and uneven, sandy landscape. After roughly an hour, you will arrive at the jump-off point and begin your ascent of the volcano.
The trail is around 5.5km long and takes between one and two hours to finish. Along the trip, you will likely stumble across some lava sand formations left over from the volcano's 1991 eruption. When you get to the top, the turquoise waters of the crater lake will be the first to greet you. Feel free to pose for some photos on the lakeside and dig into your lunch before starting your descent and heading to your Manila hotel.
Read moreDay 10
Day 10 - Day 10: Bohol Cambuhat Tour
After your guide picks you up from your Manila hotel, you will fly to Panglao International Airport in Bohol Island. Your tour of the province will then commence with a visit to Cambuhat Village. This tranquil village, located in the town of Buenavista, has become a popular destination for visitors wanting to see Bohol's off-the-beaten-path attractions. It is well-known for its thriving natural resources and relaxing atmosphere.
After landing at the airport, your guide will take you to Daet Bridge, where you will board a boat. Then you will sail along the beautiful Cambuhat River, adorned with mangroves and nipa trees on the side. You will disembark at the Cambuhat Oyster Farm at the end of the trip.
The oyster farm is one of the village's primary revenue sources. Here, you will learn about oysters, including how to harvest, breed, and cook them. You may also pay a visit to the modest visitor's center located on the river's edge.
Following your tour of the oyster farm, you will be treated to a delectable oyster meal. While you eat, some locals will perform the Buri dance, a traditional dance, for your entertainment. Afterward, you will witness how locals weave their items using traditional looms before checking into your Panglao accommodation.
Read moreDay 11
Day 11 - Day 11: Bohol Pamilacan Island Tour
For Day 12, you will go on an off-the-coast adventure to Pamilacan Island. This island is located about 45 minutes from the town of Baclayon and serves as a sanctuary for whales and dolphins. Throughout the years, sightings of marine animals, such as Bryde's whales and sperm whales, have been reported in the vicinity.
In addition to being home to these critters, Pamilacan also houses around 240 families. Thankfully, the locals continue to preserve the island's natural beauty. Once you dock on the island, you will be in awe of its clear blue water and clean white beach. Feel free to plunge into the waters as soon as you arrive.
Bring your snorkeling gear, as well, if you want to fully explore the island's rich undersea ecosystem. While snorkeling here, you can spot some sea turtles and a variety of fish. If you want a more adrenaline-pumping experience on the island, your guide can take you to the diving spots around Pamilacan.
After you've had your fill of the beach, take a short stroll to the island's 200-year-old Spanish fort. Designated as a National Cultural Treasure, this fort was previously used to keep an eye out for Moro pirates. You will then return to your Panglao hotel afterward.
Read moreDay 12
Day 12 - Day 12: Bohol Countryside Tour
After leaving your Panglao hotel, you will travel through the province's countryside to the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary. This densely forested area is home to a large tarsier population. In addition to their wooden habitat, you can find a library, a tarsier-related research center, conference facilities, and a visitor's complex.
Following your visit to the googly-eyed primates, you will board the Loboc River Cruise, where you will dine on a sumptuous buffet lunch. Locals onboard this floating restaurant will also entertain you with native Filipino music and dances while you cruise through the river's emerald streams.
After returning to the port, you will visit Baclayon Church to see its coral-stone walls and pillars. You will travel to the Butterfly Conservatory next. Around 200 distinct species of butterflies are kept and bred in this property. From there, you will make your way to the Bilar Forest, a man-made grove of mahogany trees.
Your journey will conclude with a visit to Chocolate Hills, the province's most popular attraction. It is made up of 1,268 to 1,776 highly symmetrical hills that resemble Hershey's Kisses. After some picture taking in front of the mounds, your guide will take you to your Panglao lodging.
Read moreDay 13
Day 13 - Day 13: Apo Island Tour
After checking out of your hotel in Panglao, you will take a ferry to Dumaguete and go to the Malatapay Boat Terminal, where your tour boat will be waiting. Once you're settled in, you will cruise to Apo Island, Dumaguete's diving hotspot. This water-locked paradise on Negros Island's southeast tip is home to a healthy aquatic ecology teeming with a varied array of marine species.
When you arrive on the island, your first stop will be at the turtle sanctuary. Get up close and personal with the friendly marine creatures here as you enjoy swimming in the clear waters. Afterward, you will have plenty of time to go snorkeling in the vicinity. While you're underwater, expect to see a vast coral garden with multiple schools of fish swimming over it. After having your fill of the water, you may also just relax on the beach and snap pictures.
You are welcome to visit the Apo Island Lighthouse and Apo View Deck, as well. If you're up for some hiking, your guide will take you on the 600-meter Habagat Eco-Trail, David's Walk, or Witchy's Trail, all of which will reward you with breathtaking views of Negros' coastline. Then you'll board your boat and head back to Dumaguete, where you'll be staying.
Read moreDay 14
Day 14 - Day 14: Departure to Manila
Before checking out of your Dumaguete hotel, feel free to go on some last-minute souvenir shopping and picture taking. Your guide will then transport you to the Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport, where you will board a flight to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. After about two hours, you will arrive in Manila.
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.
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.
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.
Similar tours
Install the Philippines’ biggest travel app
Download the Philippines’ biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add the Philippines’ biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.
