15-Day Philippines Beaches & Countryside Trip to Islands of Palawan and Apo, Cebu City & Baguio City

After checking out of your hotel, you'll travel from Manila to Tarlac province for an excursion up Mt. Pinatubo, an active volcano prominent for its disastrous eruption in 1991. The mountain, which lies approximately 87 kilometers from Manila, is now a go-to destination for outdoor activities like trekking and hiking.

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You will dismount the van at Sta. Juliana Tourism Center, where your 4x4 vehicle awaits you. You will then head over to the foot of the volcano. Before you get there, your 4x4 jeep will drive you across Crow Valley. This terrain comprises vast ash-covered areas and rocky rivers, so expect a dusty and rugged journey.

Upon arriving at the mountain's base, it's time to ascend the volcano on foot. You will need to complete a trek that requires one to 1.5 hours before you reach the end of the trail, where Mt. Pinatubo's Crater Lake will amaze you. Several volcanic rocks will greet you along the way to the top.

Admire the beauty of the volcano's Crater Lake while you dig into your lunch. Take great photos of this breathtaking natural attraction before you return to Manila and spend the night at a new hotel around the Baywalk area.

On Day 3, you will travel further north until you reach Baguio City, also known as the City of Pines. Your guide will bring you to Baguio's most popular attractions and beautiful parks.

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To start your excursion, you will explore the grounds of the Philippine Military Academy, a premier military institution in the country. Check out the vintage tanks and other ancient military weapons before you make your way to The Mansion. The serving Philippine President retreats here while staying in the city.

From there, you will proceed to Camp John Hay, a popular mountain resort where you can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including golfing, trekking, and having a picnic. You will then drop by Mines View Park to unwind and take in the overlooking view of the abandoned mines of Itogon town.

Your following stops will be at Baguio's other unspoiled attractions. At Wright Park, you can engage in a horseback riding activity, while Centennial Park is a great place to meet Igorot locals and take photos with them. Your final stop before you travel straight to your Baguio hotel will be the Good Shepherd Convent that sells sumptuous local treats you can take home as souvenirs.

You will check out of your hotel and take a flight to Panglao International Airport in Bohol province. You will be discovering one of Bohol's hidden gems on this day.

From the airport, your guide will drive you to Daet Bridge in Buenavista town on the northwestern side of the province. There, you'll ride a paddle boat that will take you to Cambuhat Village. This tranquil settlement is teeming with natural resources.

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Aboard the paddleboat, you will sail through Cambuhat River. Enjoy the scenery of lush mangrove forest and nipa palms as your boat traverses the river. You will head straight to Cambuhat Oyster Farm within the village. Your guide will educate you about oysters and how to breed and harvest them. Afterward, your boat will take you to the coast for your lunch.

Your guide will lead you to the community center, where locals will serve you seafood, including oysters. Villagers will perform their traditional dance, called the Buri dance, while you savor your meal. Later on, you will proceed to the main village to see how the locals make different woven products. You will then proceed to your hotel on Panglao Island at the end of the tour.

On Day 5, you'll go exploring the beautiful Pamilacan Island in the middle of the Bohol Sea. The island is well known for its array of sea creatures, including dolphins and whale sharks that are commonly spotted rising to the surface of the water. Keep a close watch on the water as you might see these marine animals during the boat ride.

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Pamilacan Island will treat you to a memorable time on the beach and under the sea. In addition to the pristine white-sand beach for sunbathing, you can also find crystal-clear waters for swimming. If you wish to see the beauty of the island's underwater world, you may choose to go snorkeling. Among the sea critters you can see are unicornfish, pufferfish, sea turtles, stingrays, and moray eels.

After you have had your fill of swimming, you may pay a visit to the fishing village on the island and see the local houses adorned with bones of marine mammals. You may also drop by the 200-year-old Spanish fort, a National Cultural Treasure used as a watchtower for invaders. By the end of the day, you will head back to the mainland and rest at your Panglao hotel.

Day 6 will be your last day in Bohol. You will discover more of the province's best attractions, starting with the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary. This is a forest patch where you can find Bohol's famous googly-eyed primates. Purchase some souvenirs from the on-site shop before you head to a new location.

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You will next see the beauty of the Loboc River, one of the Philippines' cleanest rivers. Onboard a floating restaurant, you'll sail through the river as you dig in a buffet lunch. You will also be rewarded with an amazing view of the lavish vegetation.

Next, you will visit Baclayon Church, a popular stone church featuring walls and pillars made of coral stones. Your guide will then take you to the Butterfly Conservatory, which features an open landscaped garden where you can admire vibrant butterflies of various species.

Afterward, you'll drop by a man-made attraction called Bilar Forest. You can find here mahogany trees that are uniform in height, thickness, and design of leaves and the spread of branches. You will make your Bohol tour complete with a visit to the fascinating Chocolate Hills. Pose for some photos with this incredible geological formation before you return to your hotel.

On the seventh day, you will travel southwest toward Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental province. Your tour will start at Silliman University, an educational institution known for consistently topping board exams for Nursing, Accountancy, and Physical Therapy.

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Your guide will next take you to the city's promenade, Rizal Boulevard, and later drive you to St. Catherine De Alexandria, the oldest stone church on Negros Island. The following attraction is Dumaguete Campanario, which stands just outside of the church.

You will also pay a visit to Dumaguete Public Market and the Provincial Capitol and Freedom Park. Then, you'll stop by Claytown Pottery and Sidlakang Negros Village to purchase souvenirs, including jars and the finest arts. Later on, you will drop by Lab-as Seafood, where you'll savor your lunch.

Your guide will later bring you to Valencia Forest Camp, which offers various outdoor activities. You will also see the artifacts of World War II at the Cata-al Museum. Then, you'll stop at San Agustin de Hippo Church, a building established using cricks, before making your way to the last attraction on your itinerary, Negros Oriental Arts and Heritage Center. By the end of the day, your van will drive you to your hotel.

On Day 8, your tour will focus on Dumaguete's stunning Apo Island. Your van will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Dauin town, where you will board a boat to the volcanic island situated at the southeast end of Negros Island.

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After a boat ride of at least one hour-long, you can start your adventure on Apo Island. The place is deemed as one of the best dive sites in the world as it houses a marine sanctuary. Wear your snorkeling gear and explore underwater. You can find an array of colorful fish, including butterflyfish, groupers, snappers, and frogfish. Stunning corals of various species can also be seen underwater.

Your guide will also lead you to the turtles' habitat, where you can experience swimming with the sea turtles. To recharge after exploring the island's underwater world, you can choose to lie down on the island's beach covered with fine, white sand.

Apo Island also features three trails: 600-meter Habagat Eco-Trail, Witchy's Trail, and David's Trek, which all offer a spectacular view of Negros Island and the surroundings. Before returning to the mainland, you can stop by the Apo Island Lighthouse and Apo View Deck.

After checking out of your hotel, you will get on a van to a terminal. There, you will hop on a ferry and sail to Cebu, another major province in the Visayas.

To begin your tour, you'll visit one of the most famous falls in the province, Kawasan Falls, in Badian town. You will need to complete a 1.5-kilometer trail to get from the jump-off point to the natural attraction. At the multi-layered falls, you can enjoy a refreshing swim and take in the scenery of the surroundings.

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Your next destination is Moalboal, a seaside town that gained popularity for its healthy coral ecosystem. Off the coast of the settlement are a few islands, which you will also visit on this day. You will ride a boat and sail to Pescador Island, where you can snorkel and see vibrant fish and gorgeous corals.

You will then swim with the sea turtles at your next stop: Turtle Island. To complete this day trip, you'll observe the famous Sardine Run off the shore of Panagsama Beach. This natural attraction comprises a group of millions of sardines that are circling in the open sea. Afterward, you'll travel to your accommodation in Argao town.

Your tour for Day 10 will highlight the best attractions in Cebu City, one of the most populous cities in the Philippines. The first stop of your tour will be the Taoist Temple, which features a spacious balcony with a panoramic view of the city.

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Your guide will next show you the Philippines' oldest Roman Catholic Church: Basilica Minore De Santo Nino, constructed in 1565. Outside the church is a small chapel, which shelters the historic Magellan's Cross that symbolizes the propagation of the Roman Catholic faith in Cebu.

To learn more about Cebu province's history, your guide will take you to the Heritage of Cebu Monument, which portrays crucial historical events. You will then see the impressive Chinese and Spanish architecture of Yap-San Diego Ancestral House, which is considered the first Chinese house constructed in an international country.

Your guide will later transfer you to the Temple of Leah, which is decorated with life-sized statues, including Roman gladiators and angels. You will end your tour at Sirao Flower Farm, which is deemed the Little Amsterdam of Cebu because of its different flowers. From the farm, you will proceed to your accommodation in Mandaue City.

Day 11 is the start of your exploration in Palawan province. After checking out of your Mandaue hotel, you will take a flight to Puerto Princesa International Airport.

Once you arrive at the airport, your van will transport you to Honda Bay, which is one of the most popular destinations in Puerto Princesa City. This bay is dotted with several islands, which you will visit on this day.

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You will first set foot on Starfish Island. Stroll along the beach and spot some starfishes of different colors and sizes. This crescent-shaped island is also ideal for snorkeling as it shelters a range of fish, including yellowtail snappers and fusiliers.

A visit to Cowrie Island is the next leg of your island-hopping tour. Among the beach activities you can enjoy here are banana boat riding and jet-skiing. For sumptuous meals and refreshing drinks, you can choose from various options at the on-site restaurants and bars.

Finally, you'll visit Luli Island, which gained popularity for submerging when the tide reaches its highest level. Feel free to wade in the waters or relax on the hammocks. You will then return to the mainland and make your way to your hotel in Sabang town.

On Day 12, your van will come to your hotel to pick you up and transport you to Sabang Wharf, the starting point to your first attraction, Puerto Princesa Underground River. You will hop on a boat and see the inside of the cave. During the cruise, your guide will use the flashlight to show you the awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites.

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After visiting the Underground River, you will explore Puerto Princesa City. You will first stop by Baker's Hill to purchase baked goods like egg pie and hopia. The place also has a theme park where you can snap some great pictures. Next, you will head to Plaza Cuartel. This city park is an important historical site as it used to be a military base during World War II.

Later on, you will discover the rare and endangered species in Palawan, including two species of crocodiles. You will also visit Mitra's Ranch, which belongs to the late Senator Ramon Mitra family. Horseback riding and ziplining are some of the outdoor activities you can try here. Lastly, you will have a stopover at Puerto Princesa Baywalk. Here, you can take the time to relax and savor various street foods.

On Day 13, you'll further discover the natural gems in Puerto Princesa. Your guide will pick you up at your Sabang hotel and transfer you to Port Barton village. Unlike other popular locations in Palawan, this peaceful settlement is not commercialized, but its attractions are worth visiting.

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On this day, your guide will bring you to the islands situated off the coast of Port Barton. Your first stop will be Inaladelan. This 12-hectare land is a go-to camping destination that features a white-sand beach and clear turquoise water. Additionally, the place offers facilities for different sports, including beach volleyball and kayaking.

Your boat will take you to Luli Sandbar next. At high tide, the whole land would sink, so the ideal time to visit this attraction is at low tide. This cream-colored sandbar is an excellent site for snorkeling and diving.

Next on your itinerary is the Turtle Snorkeling Site. Jump into the pristine waters and have fun swimming with the sea turtles. You will then go exploring at the Fish and Coral Snorkeling Site. Admire the colorful sea critters while here. After an enjoyable time underwater, your van will drive you to your hotel in El Nido at Lio.

On the fourteenth day, your tour is dedicated to the stunning El Nido town, home to more breathtaking natural wonders. You will get on a boat heading to Bacuit Bay, one of Palawan's must-visit locations. Your itinerary for this day consists of beaches, islands, and lagoons, so don't forget to bring your swimwear and sunblock.

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The first attraction this day will be the Big Lagoon. Upon arriving, you will get on a kayak and make your way through a narrow and shallow entrance to reach the main lagoon, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

Next, you will visit Miniloc Island, where you can capture great photos and swim with vibrant aquatic animals. Before you leave the island, you will first drop by the Secret Lagoon, a secluded white-sand beach with a natural pool.

You will then return to mainland Palawan to visit Seven Commandos Beach. This place got its name through a story about seven soldiers stranded here during World War II. Finally, you will drop by Shimizu Island that houses picturesque limestone cliffs, beautiful coves, and a colorful reef. You will then return to your hotel after a fun time in the middle of the sea.

Day 15 is the conclusion of your vacation package. Your van will pick you up and take you straight to the airport after you have checked out of your Lio hotel. The plane trip lasts between one and two hours from Puerto Princesa International Airport to Ninoy Aquino International Airport.