15-Day Philippines Countryside & History Trip to Cordillera Mountains, Ilocos Region & Bohol Island

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15-Day Philippines Countryside & History Trip to Cordillera Mountains, Ilocos Region & Bohol Island

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Description

Summary

Tour starts

Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Duration

15 days

Ending place

Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Languages:

English

Difficulty:

Easy

Minimum age:

None

101 reviews

Description

Visit some of the best countryside and heritage destinations in the Philippines with this 15-day vacation package. From Manila, this trip will bring you to the scenic landscape of the Cordillera Mountains, the historical landmarks of Ilocos province, and the unspoiled attractions of Bohol Island and Dumaguete City. Accommodations with daily breakfast, transfers, entrance fees, and the service of guides will be pre-arranged for your convenience.

Your tour will kick off with a visit to the iconic landmarks of Intramuros in Manila City, the so-called “Walled District.” From there, you will discover more about Philippine history in Ilocos province, where you will see the Marcos Museum and Bangui Windmills in Ilocos Norte and Calle Crisologo in Ilocos Sur.

Prepare your jackets next as you embark on a trip to the highlands. Here, you will visit the Banaue Museum in Banaue town, The Mansion and Wright Park in Baguio City, and Strawberry Farm in Benguet highlands. After discovering the beauty of the mountain attractions, you will proceed to Tarlac province to hike the infamous Mt. Pinatubo and see its breathtaking crater lake.

From there, you will fly to Bohol Island for a 3-day adventure in the province. Your guide will take you to several scenic attractions found here, including the dolphin haven of Pamilacan Island, the woodland tarsier habitat of Tarsier Sanctuary, and the thousands of mounds of Chocolate Hills. Afterward, you will board a ferry to Dumaguete City for the last leg of your tour. Here, you will explore the century-old Silliman University and Apo Island’s underwater paradise. You will then return to Manila on Day 15, marking the end of your vacation.

Spend 15 days exploring Manila, Ilocos, Sagada, Banaue, Benguet, Tarlac, Bohol, and Dumaguete in the Philippines with this stress-free vacation package. Check availability by choosing a date.

Included

14 nights accommodation (budget category)

14 days breakfast

14 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 14 - Bohol and Dumaguete Tour (Central Visayas)

Day 15 - Back to Manila

All transportation to and from included activities and destinations

All environmental fees, port fees, and all other applicable taxes

Activities

Culture, Arts & Historical Tours

Map

Attractions

Chocolate Hills

Manila Cathedral

Casa Manila

Bahay Tsinoy

Mt. Pinatubo

Baclayon Church

Philippine Military Academy

The Mansion

Camp John Hay

Mines View Park

Wright Park

General Yamashita Surrender Site

Ifugao Museum

Tappiya Waterfalls

Bontoc Village Museum

Syquia Mansion Museum

Pagburnayan Jar Factory

Crisologo Museum

Bantay Church Bell Tower

Rizal Boulevard

St. Catherine of Alexandria Church

Apo Island

Bilar Man-Made Forest

Cambuhat Village

Calle Crisologo

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Malacañang of the North

Paoay Church

St. William Cathedral

Sinking Bell Tower

Intramuros

Fort Santiago

San Agustin Church

Banga-an Village

St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral

Marcos Museum & Mausoleum or Balay Ti Ili

Bangui Windmills

La Paz Sand Dunes

Loboc River Cruise

Museo Ilocos Norte

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Patapat Viaduct

Strawberry Farm

Centennial Park

Good Shepherd Convent

Sumaguing Cave

Echo Valley

Pamilacan Island

Baluarte de San Diego

Plaza Roma

Banaue Museum

Northern Blossom Flower Farm

Cambuhat Oyster Farm

Paraiso ni Anton

Agua Grande

Aurora Park

Baluarte Ilocos

Lab-as Seafood Restaurant

Sidlakang Negros Village

Valencia Forest Camp

San Agustin Church

Negros Oriental Arts & Heritage

Batad

Atok Sakura Flowers

2nd Highest Point

Siliman University

Dumaguete Public Market

Claytown Pottery

Dumaguete Campanario

Pasuquin Salt Stand

Cambuhat River

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Daily itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 - Day 1: Intramuros Tour

You will start your tour in Manila City, where you can find the so-called walled district of Intramuros. Covering a 0.67-square-kilometer area, this district housed the seat of the country's governor-general during the Spanish era. Today, it is home to numerous important and historical landmarks. One of the attractions you will visit here is Fort Santiago. Built as a defensive fortress against pirates, this fort features dungeons open for the public to view. You will head to Plaza Roma next, where you can enjoy the view while doing some picture taking. Afterward, you will drop by Bahay Tsinoy. This museum highlights the emergence of the Chinese culture in the country, the national leaders of Chinese origin, and several Tsinoys involved in nation-building. From there, you will continue digging into the past with a trip to Casa Manila, a fully furnished home that has since been turned into a museum showcasing Spanish colonial furniture and art. Following your visit to the museums, your tour guide will take you to the southwestern portion of Intramuros to walk through San Diego Gardens and the Baluarte De San Diego. You will then proceed to the San Agustin Church and Museum. Built in 1595, this is the only church in Manila with a UNESCO World Heritage Site title. To wrap up the day, pay a visit to the Manila Cathedral, known as the first-ever cathedral in the country.

Day 2

Day 2 - Day 2: Laoag Tour

After leaving your hotel in Manila, you will board an airplane bound for Laoag Airport. Your guide will then drive you from the airport to Laoag City to kick off the city tour. The first attraction on your itinerary will be St. Williams Cathedral. Featuring Italian Renaissance architecture, this cathedral dates back to 1612 and serves as the central church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Laoag. From there, you will head to the nearby Sinking Bell Tower, presumably built after the 1707 earthquake. You will then proceed to Museo Ilocos Norte, where you can find an extensive collection of artifacts from the Ilocano, Igorot, and Itneg people. A quick five-minute walk away from the museum will lead you to Aurora Park. Dedicated to the Spanish King Alfonso XII, this park used to be Laoag’s community center before the end of the 16th century. After exploring the city, you will proceed to the town of Paoay to visit the Malacanang of the North, a presidential museum previously used as the late President Ferdinand Marcos’ and his family’s official residence during his presidency. Roam around the well-preserved mansion before traveling to Paoay Church. This church is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Finally, your last stop will be the Marcos Museum in the city of Batac

Day 3

Day 3 - Day 3: Pagudpud Tour

Your guide will meet you at your Laoag hotel and drive you to the town of Burgos to start your day at the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. This Spanish Colonial-era lighthouse is over a hundred years old but is still in function to date. From there, you will proceed to the Bangui Windmills. Consisting of 26 turbines, the windmills produce enough electricity for more than 40% of Ilocos Norte's power demands. After some picture taking at the windmills, make your way to the Patapat Viaduct next, the country's fifth-longest bridge. You will then head to Agua Grande, a picnic park composed of a mix of a waterfall, a stony creek flowing to the sea, and gray sand and pebble beach. Right next to the park is Paraiso ni Anton, where you can find a stream believed to be miraculous. Following your grotto tour, you will proceed to the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, located 3km from the main highway. This limestone formation overlooks the Bangui Windmills, making it an excellent location for photos. Finally, you will end the day at the Pasuquin Salt Stand to buy bags of freshly made sea salt. If you have the energy to spare, add a 4x4 trip around the La Paz Sand Dunes to your schedule before returning to your Laoag hotel.

Day 4

Day 4 - Day 4: Vigan Tour

You will be treated to a tour of Vigan City for this day, another must-visit city in the Ilocos region. After arriving in town, your day will start at the Ilocos Sur National Museum Complex. This museum showcases artifacts from the Iloco-Kankanay-Itneg people and two historical personalities in the Philippines: Filipino Catholic priest Jose Burgos and former President Elpidio Quirino. After your museum visit, you will proceed to the Bantay Church and Bell Tower. The church and bell tower was built in the early 1590s in a Neo-Gothic style. Your guide will then take you to see the artifacts in the Syquia Mansion Museum before driving you to the Pagburnayan Jar Factory to learn the traditional way of making pottery. You may also try making your own jar while you’re here. From there, you will make your way to the Crisologo Museum. Floro Crisologo, a former Ilocos Sur Representative, previously owned this ancestral house until it was converted into a museum. Your trip will continue with a stop to Calle Crisologo, a cobblestone lane lined with centuries-old Spanish homes. Afterward, you will pay a visit to St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral before ending your day at the zoological park of Baluarte.

Day 5

Day 5 - Day 5: Sagada Tour

After checking out of your Vigan hotel early in the morning, your guide will drive you to the highlands, particularly to Sagada town. Sagada's climate is subtropical highland, featuring average daily temperatures of around 17 to 20 degrees Celsius. That said, ensure that you have your winter wear packed and ready. Once you reach Sagada, you will head first to Sugong Cave, located relatively close to the town center. This burial site is famous for its hanging coffins, a centuries-old tradition still practiced today. After taking some photos by the limestone cliffs of the cave, you will make your way back to town through Echo Valley. This spot is blanketed with trees and lush vegetation, making it perfect for trekking and wildlife observation. From there, you will proceed to Sumaguing Cave, also known as the Big Cave. Sumaguing Cave typically attracts visitors from across the country, especially spelunkers who want to experience Sagada's well-preserved cavern beauty. You can find interesting rock formations inside the cave, as well as an ice-cold underground bath. After exiting Sumaguing, you will go to the Bontoc Tribal Museum. This museum is designed to resemble an Igorot house and keeps a collection of artifacts from the Ifugao, Bontoc, and Kalinga people.

Day 6

Day 6 - Day 6: Banaue Tour

After leaving Sagada, you will make your way to the Banaue highlands. Your first stop in town will be the Batad Rice Terraces in the little settlement of Batad. These amphitheater-like rice paddies are part of Banaue's UNESCO World Heritage Site. They were built by the Ifugaos using compacted soil and a sophisticated irrigation system, a method they developed around the 1st century CE. Feel free to pose for some photos with these unique rice fields before proceeding to the Batad Banaue Viewpoint. This observation deck provides a breathtaking view of the Batad rice terraces from a distance. If you don't want to visit the view deck, you may go straight to Tappiya Waterfall and take a plunge in its spring waters. You may also bypass the waterfalls entirely and head directly to Banga-an Village. This tiny rural area features several traditional Ifugao houses. You will also gain an understanding of their way of life while you are here. Afterward, you will go to the Banaue Museum. This establishment displays jewelry, weaponry, traditional attire and headgear, and photos of Banaue from the early twentieth century. There are also several publications by American anthropologist Henry Otley Beyer that were gathered by his son, William.

Day 7

Day 7 - Day 7: Baguio Tour

Your guide will pick you up from your Banaue hotel and take you to Kiangan town to start the day at the Ifugao Museum. This ethnic museum features several priceless Ifugao artifacts and war stories that happened in town. From there, you will proceed to General Yamashita's surrender site located less than a kilometer away from the museum. After posing for some pictures at the surrender site, you will head to Baguio City's Philippine Military Academy to watch the cadets' training. You will then continue your tour at The Mansion. This building, located in the city's eastern part, has a large gate that resembles the Buckingham Palace gates in London. Following your tour of The Mansion, you will drop by Camp John Hay. This 246-hectare site is perfect for trekking, food tripping, and golfing. From there, your guide will bring you to Mines View Park, where you can get dressed in full Cordillera regalia. You will also visit Wright Park for horseback riding before heading to Centennial Park, a favorite venue for tribal gatherings and rituals. The last stop on your itinerary for the day will be the Good Shepherd Convent, where you can buy local specialties such as ube jam and butter pastries.

Day 8

Day 8 - Day 8: Benguet Tour

From your hotel in Baguio, you will make your way to the nearby Benguet province to explore more of Luzon’s highlands. The first town you will visit will be La Trinidad, where you can find the popular Strawberry Farm. Owned and maintained by the University of Benguet, this vast strawberry field also features several rows of vegetable crops. After trying your hand at strawberry harvesting, you will proceed to the Atok Sakura Flowers in Atok. This property is officially named Benguet-Kochi Sisterhood Park after the Kochi Prefecture in Japan sent over 30 Sakura trees to Benguet in 2016. Do a quick picture-taking by the cherry blossoms before heading to the Northern Blossom. This land-locked flower farm is around two hectares in size and features rows of unique and vibrant blooms. Your next stop will be the Second Highest Point, located in the Barangays of Cattubo and Paoay. From the view deck here, you can spot the surrounding mountain ranges, vegetable garden farms, and beautiful cloud formations. Finally, your guide will take you to the Spanish Trail, a man-made trail constructed during the Spanish era, before dropping you off at your hotel in Baguio City.

Day 9

Day 9 - Day 9: Mt. Pinatubo Tour

For this day, you will embark on a hike up the infamous Mt. Pinatubo. Standing at over 4700 feet, this active volcano sits on the triangle border of Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga. It gained popularity after its 1991 eruption that cost the country billions of pesos in damages. Despite its disastrous past, Mt. Pinatubo remains a frequently visited attraction in the province. From your accommodation in Baguio, you will make your way south to the Sta. Juliana Tourism Center in Tarlac province. Here, you will hop on a 4x4 vehicle and prepare for a ride across Crow Valley to the volcano's base. This valley features breathtaking sand cliffs and rough, sandy terrain, so prepare some masks and glasses to shield you from the elements. After about an hour's ride, you will arrive at the jump-off site and begin your ascent. This 5.5km-long route can easily be completed in one to two hours. As soon as you reach the summit, you will be welcomed by the turquoise waters of Mt. Pinatubo's crater lake. Take in the beauty of the lake and admire the surrounding landscape as you dig into your lunch. You will then head back to the jump-off point and travel to your hotel in Manila.

Day 10

Shucking an oyster at Bohol Cambuhat Oyster Farm

Day 10 - Day 10: Bohol Cambuhat Tour

You will depart from your Manila hotel and fly to Panglao International Airport on the island of Bohol. Your three-day tour of the province will then begin with a visit to Cambuhat Village. Situated in the municipality of Buenavista, this rural village is just around 88km from the airport. Once you arrive in Bohol, your guide will drive you to Daet Bridge, where your tour boat will be waiting. From the bridge, you will cruise down the peaceful Cambuhat River. Take in the calm beauty of the river's emerald green rivers, mangroves, and nipa trees. After your river ride, you will stop at the Cambuhat Village Oyster Farm to see locals harvest oysters and learn about their best practices. Following your oyster farm tour, the locals will prepare a wonderful feast of oysters and other seafood delicacies for you. While you eat, your tour guide will tell you about the Cambuhat River and other locally managed natural resources. The journey comes to a close with a brief visit to the main village, where you'll learn about traditional handicraft production. Locals will show how to make nipa thatches, baskets, hats, mats, and brooms while you're here. They will also entertain you with a traditional dance performance.

Day 11

Aerial view of Pamilacan Island in Bohol

Day 11 - Day 11: Bohol Pamilacan Island Tour

You will leave your Panglao hotel early in the morning and go to Baclayon beach. Your boat will be waiting for you here to transport you to the pristine Pamilacan Island. This water-locked paradise is known as a home to dolphins and whales. Manta rays, sharks, and other water creatures have also been spotted in the Pamilacan area. As you get closer to the island, a professional spotter will aid you in looking for the resident dolphins that frequent the vicinity. You are more likely to encounter Bryde's whales and sperm whales, as well, if you visit between March and June. When you get on the island, your guide will give you plenty of time to rest and enjoy yourself. Bring your snorkeling gear and dive into the waves to discover the underwater world of Pamilacan. Expect to see soft and hard corals, schools of tropical fish, and even sea turtles when swimming through the ocean. After snorkeling, relax on the white-sand beaches of the island. Take a walk around the beach, take some photographs, or simply lie down and let the sun dry your skin. Before returning to your Panglao hotel, you may take a short hike to the island's 200-year-old Spanish fort.

Day 12

Day 12 - Day 12: Bohol Countryside Tour

On Day 12, your guide will pick you up from your Panglao hotel and take you through the beautiful countryside of Bohol to the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary. This forest patch houses a population of tarsiers that you will typically see resting behind leaves or jumping from one tree to another. After seeing the googly-eyed primates, you will proceed with the Loboc River Cruise. Dig into a Filipino buffet lunch at this floating restaurant while you make your way through the Loboc River. Additionally, the locals on board will perform some traditional Filipino music and dance for your entertainment. When you return to the pier, you will stop at Baclayon Church, believed to be the second oldest stone church in the Philippines. From there, you will proceed to the Butterfly Conservatory. Here, you will enjoy seeing the colorful butterflies bred and kept in their garden-like facility. The next location on your itinerary will be Bilar Forest, a 2km-wide man-made mahogany forest. Your adventure will then come to an end with a visit to Chocolate Hills, the province's most well-known attraction. This spot has earned its name since the hills turn chocolate brown during the dry season. After posing for some photos here, your guide will drop you off at your Panglao hotel.

Day 13

Day 13 - Day 13: Dumaguete City Tour

You will check out of your Bohol hotel in the morning and board a ferry to Dumaguete City for a full-day excursion. Once you get to the city, you will first enjoy a tour of Silliman University. This 62-hectare campus is home to six museums and a plethora of ancient acacia trees. Following the institution's tour, you will stroll down the 780-meter-long Rizal Boulevard, taking in the seascape of Dumaguete. You will proceed to St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral next, a stone church dating back to 1776. You will then find the Dumaguete Campanario right next to the church. This watchtower served as a defense against Moro pirates since its construction in the 1750s. From there, you will browse for souvenirs at Dumaguete's Public Market before visiting the Provincial Capitol and Freedom Park, known for their immaculate lawns. Afterward, you will visit Clayton Pottery to observe how the locals make clay pots. Your journey will continue at Sidlakang Negros Village, followed by a sumptuous lunch at Lab-as Seafood. Once you finish your meal, you will make your way to Valencia's Forest Camp. Then it's over to the Cata-al War Museum, which houses antiquities from World War II. You will then end your day with a visit to San Agustin Church and the Negros Oriental Arts & Heritage Center, both located in Bacong town.

Day 14

Day 14 - Day 14: Apo Island Tour

The trip will begin when your guide takes you up from your Dumaguete lodging to Malatapay Port. Here, you will hop on the boat that will take you to Apo Island. Found off the coast of Negros province, this 74-hectare volcanic paradise is one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the Philippines. It is believed to be home to 600 different types of fish and over 400 different types of corals. Apo Island is also an important marine reserve with abundant aquatic life, including big-eyed jacks, hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and tuna. Aside from seeing these marine animals, you will also visit Turtle Point once you arrive on the island. Feel free to swim with turtles here while snapping photos of the clear underwater world. Your guide will also lead you to the must-visit reefs on Apo Island to make the most out of your time here. Once you've gotten out of the water, you may relax on the island's pristine white sand beaches and marvel at the presence of unusual rock formations. If you're feeling adventurous, consider walking the 600-meter Habagat Eco Trail, which offers a breathtaking perspective of the island's mountains and seas. You will then return to the mainland and back to your Dumaguete hotel.

Day 15

Day 15 - Day 15: Departure to Manila

Following your Dumaguete adventure, you may make the most of your additional time by shopping for last-minute souvenirs and shooting some photos in front of the hotel. You will then proceed to Dumaguete Airport to catch a flight to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. You will arrive in around two hours in Manila.

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.

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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15-Day Philippines Countryside & History Trip to Cordillera Mountains, Ilocos Region & Bohol Island

Description

Summary

Description

Included

Activities

Map

Attractions

Daily itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1: Intramuros Tour

Day 2 - Day 2: Laoag Tour

Day 3 - Day 3: Pagudpud Tour

Day 4 - Day 4: Vigan Tour

Day 5 - Day 5: Sagada Tour

Day 6 - Day 6: Banaue Tour

Day 7 - Day 7: Baguio Tour

Day 8 - Day 8: Benguet Tour

Day 9 - Day 9: Mt. Pinatubo Tour

Day 10 - Day 10: Bohol Cambuhat Tour

Day 11 - Day 11: Bohol Pamilacan Island Tour

Day 12 - Day 12: Bohol Countryside Tour

Day 13 - Day 13: Dumaguete City Tour

Day 14 - Day 14: Apo Island Tour

Day 15 - Day 15: Departure to Manila

What to bring

Good to know

Accommodation

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