14-Day Philippines Nature & Heritage Vacation Package to Palawan Island, Ilocos Region & Baguio City

View of Paoay Church from afar in Laoag
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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

Discover the Philippines’ top islands, underground river, highlands, and heritage destinations with this 14-day vacation package. From Manila, you will head to the pristine white-sand islands of Palawan, the historical attractions of Ilocos, and the relaxing cityscape of Baguio. The package also comes complete with accommodations, daily breakfast, transfers, entrance fees, and the service of guides.

You will begin your trip with a visit to the walled district of Intramuros in Manila. Dating back to the Spanish era, this area is home to many century-old landmarks like forts and plazas. You will see more historical destinations when you arrive in the northern region of Luzon, Ilocos. Here, you will head to the Marcos Museum and Bangui Windmills in Ilocos Norte and walk along the cobblestone stone street of Calle Crisologo in Ilocos Sur. 

From there, you will make your way to the highlands. Apart from the remarkable sea of clouds and breathtaking mountain views, you will see several locations here, including Banaue Museum in Banaue and Camp John Hay and Mines View Park in Baguio. You will also experience strawberry picking the Benguet’s Strawberry Farm. 

Afterward, your guide will bring you south to Tarlac, home to the famous Mt. Pinatubo. Following your visit to the Luzon mainland attractions, you will fly from Manila to Palawan to explore the picturesque seascape of the province. 

Here, you will go on an island-hopping tour across Honda Bay and see the ancient rock formations lining the Underground River. You will discover the quiet village of Port Barton and make your way to Big Lagoon in El Nido, as well. After your exciting tour, you will return to Manila via plane. 

Go on a 14-day vacation trip in the Philippines that will let you explore Manila, Ilocos, Sagada, Banaue, Benguet, Baguio, Tarlac, and Palawan. Check availability by choosing a date.

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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 - Puerto Princesa, Port Barton and El Nido Tour (Palawan)
Day 14 - 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

Daily itinerary

Day 1
Exploring the walled city of Intramuros in Manila

Day 1 - Day 1: Intramuros Tour

You will tour the walled area of Intramuros after landing in Manila. This is the only part of Manila surrounded by walls, making it the most distinct district. During the Spanish reign in the Philippines, Intramuros was the country's administrative capital, so expect nothing but cobblestone streets and age-old landmarks. When you arrive at the district, you will head first to Fort Santiago, a Spanish stone fortress built in 1593. The fort, which served as the prison for national hero Jose Rizal, is presently utilized for open-air theater and picnics. Your guide will then take you to Plaza Roma, one of Intramuros' three main squares. After relaxing in the plaza, you will drop by Bahay Tsinoy. This museum is divided into 12 sections that emphasize the contributions of early Chinese people to Filipinos. Following your tour of the museum, you'll visit Casa Manila, a completely furnished house-turned museum where you can discover more about the country's history. You'll then go to San Diego Gardens and Baluarte De San Diego. Dating back to the 16th century, this bastion is one of Intramuros' earliest stone defenses. The San Agustin Church and Museum, as well as the Manila Cathedral, will be your last two stops before heading to your hotel.
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Day 2
Paoay Lake in Ilocos

Day 2 - Day 2: Laoag Tour

You will ride a plane to Laoag Airport after checking out of your accommodation in Manila. After landing at the airport, your guide will transport you to Laoag City, home to St. Williams Cathedral. This Roman Catholic church is distinguished by its solemn atmosphere and Italian Renaissance architecture. Just a short walk from the church, you will find the 150-foot Sinking Bell Tower. It is Laoag City's tallest historical tower and the only one that strangely sinks an inch every year. You will proceed to Museo Ilocos Norte next, which houses various artifacts depicting the local culture and way of life. After your museum tour, you'll head to Aurora Park to see the multi-tiered obelisk built in 1881. From there, your tour van will bring you to Paoay, where the Malacanang of the North is located. During his term as president, Ferdinand Marcos and his family lived at this presidential museum. You will then visit the Paoay Church afterward. Declared as a National Cultural Treasure and UNESCO World Heritage Site, this church is one of the prides of the region. Your Laoag tour will come to a close with a visit to the Marcos Museum, dedicated to the former president's political career.
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Day 3
Patapat Viaduct in Ilocos

Day 3 - Day 3: Pagudpud Tour

On the morning of Day 3, your guide will transport you from your Laoag hotel to Burgos, home to the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. This Spanish Colonial-era lighthouse, located atop Vigia de Nagpartian Hill, overlooks the scenic Cape Bojeador. You will also see the well-known Bangui Windmills of Ilocos Norte, consisting of twenty-six 70-meter-tall wind turbines. The turbines run in a straight line along Bangui Bay's 9-km beachfront. From there, you will head to the Patapat Viaduct, a coastal bridge that connects the Ilocos Region to the adjacent province of Cagayan Valley. After seeing the bridge, your guide will drive you south to Agua Grande to appreciate the park's unspoiled beauty. Your next stop will be at Paraiso ni Anton, where you can find a mountain stream that locals believe is miraculous. Following your tour of the grotto, you will make your way to the scenic Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. This age-old rock formation is famed for its milky white and streamlined limestone. Before heading to your hotel in Laoag, you will drop by Pasuquin Salt Stand, where residents sell fresh-made sea salt during the off-season. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can also add a 4x4 trip through the La Paz Sand Dunes to your itinerary.
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Day 4
Bantay Bell Tower in Ilocos Sur

Day 4 - Day 4: Vigan Tour

On the morning of Day 4, you will check out your hotel in Laoag and head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vigan. Your first stop here will be the National Museum Ilocos Sur Complex, where you will learn about Ilocos culture and heritage. From there, you will head to the Bantay Church and Bell Tower. This Neo-Gothic church houses the miraculous image of the Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Charity. After offering a short prayer inside, you will make your way to the Syquioa Mansion Museum on Quirino Boulevard. Constructed in 1830, it is now a presidential museum honoring Elpidio Quirino, a Vigan native, and the country's sixth president. Following your tour to the museum, you will visit the Pagburnayan Jar Factory to discover how the natives make their finely made pots. You may also try your hand at pottery creation while you're here. Crisologo Museum will be your next stop. This ancestral mansion, originally owned by former Ilocos Sur Representative Floro Crisologo, is now a museum displaying family artifacts. From there, you will enjoy a quick stroll through Calle Crisologo, a cobblestone street lined with centuries-old Spanish houses. Afterward, you will visit the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, also known as the Vigan Cathedral. Finally, your guide will take you to Baluarte for some safari adventure before taking you to your hotel on Calle Crisologo.
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Day 5
Sumaguing Cave in Sagada

Day 5 - Day 5: Sagada Tour

You will leave Vigan early in the morning and travel to Sagada, a little village in the Cordillera Mountains. This rural region features over 60 caves, the most interesting of which is your first stop: Sugong Cave. Located near the town center and beyond the local cemetery, this cave is well-known for the coffins that hang from its limestone cliffs. You will then walk through Echo Valley's picturesque grounds on your way back to town. This ravine is ideal for resting as it features limestone mountains and lush forests. After your brief stay in the valley, you will go to Sumaguing Cave. Sumaguing, also known as the Big Cave, is located around one hour's walk from Sagada City Hall. After reaching the cave, your guide will take you on a two-hour tour of its rocky tunnel. Inside, you will see a variety of rock formations, as well as stalactites and stalagmites that have formed through time. Following your spelunking adventure, you'll visit the Bontoc Tribal Museum. The facility houses images and artifacts showcasing the culture of the Ifugao people. You will also see a reconstruction of an Ifugao village behind the museum. Afterward, your guide will bring you to your hotel.
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Day 6
Scenic view of Batad Rice Terraces in Banaue

Day 6 - Day 6: Banaue Tour

From Sagada, your guide will drive you south to Banaue, known for its breathtaking rice terraces. The amphitheater-style rice terraces in Batad village are one of the most popular and regularly visited places here. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Banaue, Batad Rice Terraces boasts a unique and complex rice farming method. Make sure to snap lots of photos of the terraces before traveling to the Batad Banaue Viewpoint. This observation deck is about a half-hour walk from the main road and offers a spectacular view of the amphitheater-style rice field. If you don't want to stop by the viewpoint, you can head straight to Tappiya Waterfall instead. You also have the choice to skip the waterfalls and visit Banga-an Village as an alternative. Located below the junction to Batad, this modest picturesque agricultural village is home to many native Ifugao cottages. While here, you will also learn about the locals' way of life. To round up your day tour, you will pay a visit to the Banaue Museum, home to a remarkable collection of ancestral items from ancient Igorot tribes. Aside from the artifacts, a portion of the museum is dedicated to the capture of Japanese Imperial Army General Tomoyuki Yamashita.
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Day 7
Camp John Hay in Baguio City

Day 7 - Day 7: Baguio Tour

After leaving Banaue, you will make your way to Kiangan to visit the Ifugao Museum. This museum features several artifacts from the Ifugao people, including bulol (wooden rice guardians), antique household utensils, and headhunting machetes. While in town, you'll also pay a visit to General Yamashita's surrender site. From Kiangan, you will proceed to the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio. This prestigious institution features well-manicured grounds with antique tanks and other ancient military equipment. You will head to The Mansion next. Built in 1908, this house was a summer retreat for US governors-general until it became the Philippine President's official summer residence. Following your visit to The Mansion, your guide will take you to Camp John Hay. This 246-hectare property used to be a military rest and leisure center for the US army. However, the land has been transformed into an entertainment complex with a museum, a shopping area, and a convention center. Afterward, you'll proceed to Mines View Park to see a panoramic view of the mining town of Itogon. You'll also visit Wright Park and Centennial Park to appreciate Baguio's natural beauty. From there, you will stop at the Good Shepherd Convent before checking into your accommodation. This convent sells a variety of local goodies like ube jams and butter cookies.
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Day 8
Sunflowers in a flower farm in Benguet

Day 8 - Day 8: Benguet Tour

On Day 8, you'll travel to Baguio's nearby towns, beginning with Benguet's La Trinidad. This landlocked town is famed for its Strawberry Farm, a property owned and maintained by Benguet State University. While on the farm, you can go and pick strawberries and buy strawberry-made items like wine, crinkles, and jam. After your strawberry-picking excursion, you will go to Atok, home to the Atok Sakura Flowers. This property features over 30 Sakura trees that Benguet received as a gift from Kochi Prefecture in Japan in 2016. After taking some photos at the park, you'll head to the Northern Blossom. This two-hectare land, which features rows of unusual and vivid flowers, will also let you see Mt. Pulag and Mt. Timbak from a distance. You will then head to the 2nd Highest Point at the Barangays of Cattubo and Paoay next. As the second-highest point on the Philippine highway system, the place sits at the height of 7,400 feet above sea level. Finally, your guide will bring you to the Spanish Trail, a man-made path built during the Spanish era. Following your visit to the trail, you will return to your hotel in Baguio City.
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Day 9
Beautiful view at Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake

Day 9 - Day 9: Mt. Pinatubo Tour

From your Baguio hotel, your guide will drive you south to the province of Tarlac, where you will hike up Mt. Pinatubo. This active volcano, located about 170km from Baguio, is well-known for its deadly eruption in 1991. The blast was considered the second-largest terrestrial explosion of the 20th century, demolishing approximately 8,000 houses and causing losses of 10 billion pesos. When you arrive in the province, you will get off at the Sta. Juliana Tourism Center and ride a 4x4 vehicle. Your guide will then take you to the jump-off site at the mountain's base. To reach the site, you will pass through Crow Valley, famed for its panoramic sand cliffs and bumpy and sandy landscape. After about an hour's drive, you will hop off the vehicle and begin your ascent of the volcano. The hiking trail is around 3.4 miles long and takes hikers between an hour and two hours to complete. While on your way, you'll probably come across some lava sand formations left behind from the volcano's 1991 eruption. When you reach the top, you will immediately see the turquoise waters of the crater lake. Feel free to pose by the lakeside and dig into your lunch before starting your descent and returning to your Manila hotel.
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Day 10
Sand castle on a beach in Honda Bay Palawan

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

It's time to leave Manila and fly to Puerto Princesa International Airport in Palawan. After arriving at the airport, you will travel to Honda Bay, home to abundant marine life. Here, you will hop on a boat and begin your full-day island-hopping excursion. From the shore, you will first head to Starfish Island, home to hundreds of starfish. Apart from taking photos of the five-pointed marine creatures, you will also enjoy some snorkeling time on this crescent-shaped island. Explore the site's thriving underwater paradise and get some pictures of colorful fish like puffers and parrotfish. Afterward, your boat will bring you from Starfish Island to Cowrie Island. Cowrie is Honda Bay's most developed island and the best spot for swimming. Snorkeling, jet skiing, and banana boat rides are also available on Cowrie. Aside from water activities, you can eat at one of the many restaurants lining the beach. Luli Island will be the last destination on your island-hopping journey. Luli is well-known for its white sandbars that vanish at high tide. It also features a snorkeling site teeming with various marine animals. Feel free to go swimming and snorkeling here before boarding your boat back to the mainland and retiring to your Sabang accommodation.
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Day 11
Puerto Princesa Underground River tour in Palawan

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

After leaving your accommodation in Sabang, you will make your way to Sabang Wharf. You'll ride a boat here that will bring you to the world-renowned Puerto Princesa Underground River. This subterranean river, which stretches for 8.2km, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. It has a variety of stalactites and stalagmites formations, as well as a healthy system of flora and fauna. After your river cruise, you will then return to the mainland and head to Baker's Hill. This bakery is located on a hill and serves hopia, crinkles, and egg pies, among other baked goods. You will then travel to Plaza Cuartel, a former military post with a Spanish garrison and tunnels. An open-air war museum and monument have since been added to the park. Your next destination will be the Crocodile Farm. Apart from living crocodiles, this wildlife research facility houses numerous crocodile bones, skeletons, and fossils. From there, you will head to Mitra's Ranch in Sta. Monica Heights. There is an observation platform on the site that offers a panoramic view of Puerto Princesa. Before returning to your Sabang accommodation, you will stop at the city's promenade, the Puerto Princesa Baywalk.
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Day 12
Beach in Port Barton Palawan

Day 12 - Day 12: Port Barton Island Hopping Tour

After checking out of your Sabang hotel, your guide will bring you to Port Barton, a hidden gem on Palawan's northwestern shore. This little community, part of the peaceful municipality of San Vicente, is famous for its pristine white-sand beach. Although it lacks luxury hotels and restaurants, Port Barton is still a popular location for visitors looking to experience the province's off-the-beaten-path sites. Feel free to pose for some photos on Port Barton's beach before boarding your boat and sailing to the island of Inaladelan. This 12-hectare island, also known as German Island, is a popular swimming and camping destination. There are also some activities available here, including beach volleyball and kayaking. From Inaladelan, your boat will take you to Luli Sandbar. The name of this attraction comes from the fact that it appears at low tide and vanishes at high tide. It's an excellent spot for sunbathing and snorkeling. Following your visit to Luli Sandbar, you will proceed to the Turtle Snorkeling Site, where you will see and swim with sea turtles. You'll also go to the Fish and Reef Snorkeling Site to see Port Barton's aquatic life up close. At the end of the day, you will head back to the mainland and your hotel in Lio.
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Day 13
Miniloc Island at El Nido Palawan

Day 13 - Day 13: El Nido Island Hopping Tour

You will explore more of Palawan on Day 13 as you visit El Nido's natural attractions. After packing your beachwear and sunscreen, you will travel to Bacuit Bay, where your tour boat will be waiting. Once you get settled, your boat will sail you to your first destination, the Big Lagoon. This beauty is hidden amidst limestone cliffs in the middle of Miniloc Island. You may kayak here to get a better view of the surroundings, and don't forget to take pictures with the karst cliffs as your backdrop. Following your tour to the Big Lagoon, you will go to Miniloc Island's white-sand beach. Here, you can go sunbathing on the shore or swimming in the calm, enticing waters. Afterward, you will proceed to the Secret Lagoon, a pool concealed behind dark limestone walls. Your boat will then transport you to Seven Commandos Beach on the mainland. Relax on the beach's pristine white sands or go scuba diving in the nearby diving spots. Finally, you will visit Shimizu Island, a popular snorkeling area in Bacuit Bay. There is a wealth of marine life here, ranging from healthy corals to beautiful fish. To conclude your excursion, your van will transport you back to your Lio accommodation.
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Day 14
PAL plane at NAIA

Day 14 - Day 14: Departure to Manila

Before checking out of your hotel in Lio, you can go on some last-minute souvenir shopping or picture taking. Your guide will then transport you to the Puerto Princesa International Airport, where you will board a flight to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. After about two hours, you will arrive in Manila.
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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.

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.

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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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