15-Day Philippines Countryside & Islands Trip to Palawan Island, Bohol Island & Luzon Highlands

On Day 2, you will travel north toward Ilocos Norte province. You will board a plane at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and arrive at Laoag Airport. Your van will pick you up and drive you to Laoag City for the second part of your 15-day tour.

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The first attraction on your itinerary is the St. Williams Cathedral, which looks luxurious from the outside but exudes a sacred aura on the inside. Your next stop will be the Sinking Bell Tower, famed for its mysterious characteristic of sinking to the ground an inch per year.

After a less than one-kilometer drive, you'll reach Museo Ilocos Norte. You will find crafts and displays showing the heritage of the people of Ilocos Norte. You will then drop by Aurora Park to see the 16th-century Tobacco Monopoly Monument. Afterward, your guide will take you to the town of Paoay.

In Paoay, you'll visit Malacanang of the North, where you will get to inspect the office and home of former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. You will then see the awe-inspiring Spanish colonial architecture of Paoay Church. Your final attraction will be the Marcos Museum. The memorabilia of the late president Marcos can be seen inside.

You will spend the third day in the northernmost part of Luzon Island. Your guide will bring you to the attractions located in Pagudpud town and its nearby areas. First, you will visit Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos town. The lighthouse has been in operation since 1892.

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You will then make your way to Bangui town, home to the 70-meter Bangui Windmills. Take great photos of the towering attractions before heading to a bridge called Patapat Viaduct. This links the Ilocos Region to its neighboring province, Cagayan Valley. You will proceed to Agua Grande, a picnic park where you can find a stream of cold and crystalline water coming from the mountains.

Next in your itinerary is Paraiso ni Anton. Besides the small grotto, you'll also find running water that is believed to have healing powers. Your guide will then show you the amazing Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. Afterward, you'll visit Pasuquin Salt Stand, which is famous for its salt.

Before officially ending the tour, you may choose to add the La Paz Sand Dunes to your itinerary. This sandy coastal desert consists of small and steep hills, offering an adrenaline-pumping 4x4 ride. Your guide will later drive you to your Laoag hotel.

On Day 4, you will head to Ilocos Sur province to discover the top attractions in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Vigan and the nearby town of Burgos. Accommodations will be reserved for you at a nice hotel along Calle Crisologo, a beautiful cobblestone street.

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Your guide will first bring you to a set of museums called the National Museum Ilocos Sur Complex. Here, you'll find various displays, including dioramas of local historical events, old books, furniture, and more. You will later travel to the neighboring town of Bantay to visit the 16th-century Bantay Church and Bell Tower.

You will also drop by the Syquia Mansion Museum to see significant heirlooms belonging to the Angco-Syquia family. Your next destination will be the Pagburnayan Jar Factory, where you will not only learn about the art of pottery but also experience making jars with your bare hands.

Afterward, you will enter the Crisologo Museum, which houses antiques and memorabilia of the well-known Crisologo family. You will also have a stroll along Calle Crisologo and see old Spanish structures. Your guide will then take you to the historic St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral before driving you to your final stop: Baluarte, a zoological park.

On Day 5, you'll need to wake up early in the morning and embark on a trip to Sagada, a rural town in Mountain Province. Make sure to bring appropriate outfits for a cool climate and spelunking.

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In Sagada, more than 60 caves have been discovered. Of all these natural wonders, one of the most popular ones is Sugong Cave. This spot, which features an underground river, is known for the Hanging Coffins, the town's most iconic attraction. Catch sight of the coffins before leaving the place.

You will next visit a natural area called Echo Valley. Here, you'll be surrounded by lavish greenery and towering trees. You may ask the guide to lead you to a viewpoint, where you can again see the Hanging Coffins, the locals' unique burial site.

Your tour will continue with an exploration inside Sumaguing Cave, the largest one in Sagada. As you go deep into the cave, you'll see countless rock formations molded by nature over thousands of years. After spelunking, your guide will drive you to the Bontoc Tribal Museum, where you can gain insight into the traditions and culture of people in the Mountain Province. You will later proceed to your Sagada hotel.

The tour on the sixth day will show you the best attractions in Benguet highlands, which is located south of Mount Province. Your guide will first take you to La Trinidad town to visit the La Trinidad Strawberry Farm, famous among local and international visitors. In addition to strawberries, you can also take home some strawberry and non-strawberry products like jams, ice creams, and more.

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The town of Atok will be your next destination. Here, you will drop by Atok Sakura Flowers, a park with more than 30 Japanese Sakura trees from the Japanese government of Kochi Prefecture. You may take shelter at the nipa huts to avoid the scorching heat of the sun.

Your next stop will be Northern Blossom, which attracts visitors with its flowers of various types and colors. Here, you will find not only common blooms but also rare ones like cabbage roses, delphiniums, snapdragons, and more.

After taking photos with the gorgeous blossoms, you will head over to the 2nd Highest Point, which boasts the second-highest altitude in the Philippine highway system. You will make your final stop at the man-made Spanish Trail before retreating to your hotel in Baguio City.

On Day 7, you will tour around the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio. You might also need your sweater on this day as the city usually has temperatures lower than 26 degrees Celsius.

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Baguio is home to the Philippine Military Academy, a primary choice for aspiring military officers. During your visit, you can explore the campus grounds and take pictures with some cadets. Your second stop will be at The Mansion, the official summer house of the Philippine President. Admire the main gate that resembles the Buckingham Palace gates in London before going to the following attraction.

Next, you will find yourself at Camp John Hay, where you may visit a museum and a butterfly sanctuary or go on a trek and enjoy a picnic. Then, you will visit Mines View Park. Feast your eyes on the overlooking view of the abandoned mines, Amburayan Valley, and Cordillera Mountains.

Your guide will later take you to Baguio's other popular parks, such as Wright Park and Centennial Park. Afterward, you will drop by the Good Shepherd Convent to purchase all sorts of delectable goodies like ube jams, butter cookies, and peanut brittle. You will return to your hotel after the tour.

The eighth day will be focused on Mt. Pinatubo, which had a destructive eruption back in 1991 and later became a go-to place for trekking and hiking. Your guide will pick you up at your Baguio hotel and drive you to Tarlac province.

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You will head straight to Sta. Juliana, a neighborhood in Tarlac where a tourism center is located. There, you'll ride a 4x4 jeep that will get you closer to Mt. Pinatubo. You will cross Crow Valley, which has broad ash fields and rocky rivers, to get to the foot of the volcano. Once you arrive at your destination, you will dismount from the jeep and begin your hike up the mountain.

The trek usually takes one to 1.5 hours before you get to the top. Expect to find some odd volcanic rocks along the route. When you reach the end of the trail, Mt. Pinatubo's Crater Lake will amaze you with its breathtaking natural beauty. Take the time to savor your lunch while appreciating the amazing scenery.

In the late afternoon, you will start your descent and return to the tourism center. Your guide will then transport you to your hotel around the Baywalk area in Manila.

It's time to explore one of the must-visit destinations in the Visayas. You will check out of your Manila hotel and head to Ninoy Aquino International Airport, where you will take a flight to Panglao International Airport in Bohol province.

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From the airport, you will travel to the countryside of Bohol. The first stop of your tour will be at the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary, where you can meet the googly-eyed primates. While here, you may purchase some t-shirts or hats from the souvenir shop.

Next on your itinerary is a Loboc River Cruise. You'll get to indulge in various Filipino dishes in a floating restaurant, which will sail across the waters. Afterward, you will ride a van and head to Baclayon Church. This 16th-century church is adorned with crystal chandeliers, a silver tabernacle, and an altar with carvings embedded with gold.

Your guide will then transport you to Bilar town to see a myriad of butterfly species at the Butterfly Conservatory. You will also drop by the town's splendid Bilar Forest. Before making your way to your hotel on Panglao Island, you will first see Bohol's most iconic attraction, the Chocolate Hills. More than 1,000 hills make up this natural wonder.

On Day 10, you'll escape to the paradise-like island of Pamilacan. Your guide will transfer you to a port where you'll ride a boat to the island, which sits in the middle of the Bohol Sea.

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Sitting around 12.5km from the mainland, Pamilacan Island is a go-to place for watching dolphins and whale sharks. It's best to keep your attention on the water to spot these sea creatures. You may also chance upon some manta rays.

While on Pamilacan Island, you are free to swim in the crystal-clear waters and take a rest on the white-sand beach afterward. If you're up for other activities, the island has the best spots for diving and snorkeling. Catch sight of an array of fish, sea turtles, colorful corals, and more.

You may also check out the small community on the island. Apart from the few houses, you will also find a church. Get to know about the locals and their livelihood during your visit. You are free to visit the 200-year-old Spanish fort on the northeast side of the island as well. Afterward, your boat will take you back to the mainland, and then your van will drive you to your Panglao hotel.

After checking out of your hotel, your van will transfer you to Panglao International Airport, where you will board a plane heading to Puerto Princesa International Airport in Palawan Island. Your tour for this day will be about the province's beautiful islands, so better gear up for swimming.

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Once you arrive at the airport, you will make your way to Honda Bay, where your boats for island-hopping await you. You will be taken first to Starfish Island, a haven for a myriad of starfishes, hence, its name. It is an ideal location for snorkeling as it hosts bounteous marine life and corals as well.

Next, you will sail to Cowrie Island, where you can enjoy other activities besides snorkeling. You can also savor a hearty seafood meal at the on-site restaurants or indulge in refreshing drinks at the bars. If you wish to relax, the island's white-sand beach is the best spot for you.

To wrap up your island-hopping trip, you will drop by Luli Island. The whole sandbar submerges at high tide, so the ideal time to visit is during low tide. By the end of the day, you will head to your hotel in Sabang village.

Your tour on Day 12 will kick off with a visit to the world-famous Puerto Princesa Underground River, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your van will transport you to Sabang Wharf, where you'll board a boat that will take you to the mouth of the cave. You'll then ride a smaller boat and enter the cave. Your guide will show you the fascinating rock formations during the tour.

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After your underground exploration, you will kick off your city tour of Puerto Princesa. Baker's Hill will be your first stop. It is set atop a hill and home to several bakeries, where you are free to purchase pastries like egg pie, crinkles, and more.

You will next visit the city's historical tourist destination, Plaza Cuartel. This site, which the Japanese army used as a military base during World War II, is now a city park with trees and green grass. After that, you'll see Palawan's endangered species, including crocodiles, at the Crocodile Farm.

From the farm, you'll head to Mitra's Ranch to get an overlooking view of Puerto Princesa. Your final stop will be Puerto Princesa Baywalk, the city's paved promenade where you can take the time to relax.

On Day 13, your guide will pick you up at your Sabang hotel and drive you to Palawan's western shore, where the village of Port Barton is situated. This small community can be found in the town of San Vicente and is well-known for its laidback atmosphere.

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Sitting off the coast of Port Barton are several islands, which you will be visiting on this day. The first island on your itinerary is called Inaladelan, which is also known as German Island. Feel free to laze around the beautiful stretch of white sand or wade in the crystalline turquoise waters to maximize your time in the place.

Your next stop will be Luli Sandbar, which features cream-colored sand. It was named as such since its sandbar appears and disappears depending on the tide. Your boat will then take you to the Turtle Snorkeling Site. As the name suggests, you'll get the chance to observe sea turtles at a closer range.

Finally, you'll drop by the Fish and Coral Snorkeling Site, where various fish and gorgeous corals will surround you. You will then return to the mainland and check-in to your hotel along Lio Beach in El Nido town.

Your Day 14 will be filled with the breathtaking natural attractions of El Nido. Your guide will transfer you to a terminal, which will be the jump-off point for your island-hopping trip. From there, your boat will sail you to Bacuit Bay, which is deemed as one of the world's most beautiful bays.

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You will first visit the Big Lagoon. The only entrance to the site is a narrow and shallow waterway. Enclosed by limestone cliffs, the lagoon boasts clear blue waters where you can go swimming. For a more memorable visit, you can also go kayaking.

Miniloc Island will be your next destination. This tranquil place is home to a sheer number of limestone cliffs with lush trees. Additionally, its turquoise waters are filled with rich marine life. Your guide will then lead you to the Secret Lagoon. You will have to squeeze yourself through a small hole on a limestone wall to get to the lagoon.

Next on your itinerary is Seven Commandos Beach. Here, you can also find dramatic limestone cliffs, white sand, lush forest, and clear waters. Before returning to your Lio hotel, you'll visit Shimizu Island, where you can find more aquatic animals and excellent corals.

This is the last day of your tour package. After checking out of your hotel, you will make your way to Puerto Princesa International Airport. You will then board a plane bound for Manila. The trip will last for more than an hour before you reach Ninoy Aquino International Airport.