15-Day Philippines Natural Wonders & Heritage Trip to Visayas Islands & Luzon Highlands from Manila
Likely to sell out soon
Description
Summary
Tour starts
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Duration
15 days
Ending place
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Languages:
English
Difficulty:
Easy
Minimum age:
None
Description
Explore the natural wonders and heritage spots of the Philippines on this 15-day all-inclusive trip. This hassle-free tour will show you the important historical sites in Manila, iconic attractions in the Luzon highlands, and natural marvels in the Visayas Islands. Upon booking, your accommodations with complimentary breakfast, transfers, entrance fees, and the service of guides will be organized ahead of your trip.
To begin your 15-day adventure, you will have a tour around Intramuros, Manila City's historic walled area. The National Historic Landmark features ancient forts, churches, and more. From Manila, you will travel north to explore the highlands, starting with Ilocos Norte. One of your stops here will be the Marcos Museum.
Your guide will then take you to Ilocos Sur, known for centuries-old attractions, including the 15th-century Calle Crisologo. Then, you'll head to Banaue Museum, where you can gain insight into the country's indigenous tribes.
You will also visit the Philippines' City of Pines, Baguio. Numerous attractions are scattered throughout the city, including Camp John Hay and Mines View Park. Next on your itinerary is Mt. Pinatubo, which amazes visitors with its marvelous Crater Lake.
Following your hike up Mt. Pinatubo, your exploration in the Visayas will begin. Your first destination will be Bohol province, where you'll experience going on a Loboc River Cruise and see the world-class beauty of the Chocolate Hills.
Next is Dumaguete City, which is well-known for Silliman University and its proximity to Apo Island. Finally, your guide will bring you to the top attractions in Cebu province, including Kawasan Falls, Temple of Leah, and Sirao Flower Farm. You will then travel back to Manila after the tour.
Discover the distinct beauty of Manila, Ilocos, Sagada, Banaue, Baguio, Tarlac, Bohol, Dumaguete, and Cebu with this 15-day tour package. Check the 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 3 - Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur (Ilocos Region)
Day 4 to 6 - Sagada, Banaue and Baguio Tour (Cordillera Region)
Day 7 - Mt. Pinatubo Tour
Day 8 to 14 - Bohol, Dumaguete and Cebu 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
Map
Attractions
Activities
Culture, Arts & Historical Tours
Daily itinerary
Day 1
Day 1 - Day 1: Intramuros Tour
Your 15-day package will start once you arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in the Philippines. There, your guide will meet you and bring you to your hotel in Manila City or along Roxas Boulevard, a renowned waterfront promenade facing Manila Bay. You will prepare for your Intramuros tour after checking in.
Intramuros, which features centuries-old fortification, is the oldest district in Manila, the Philippines' capital. Dating back to Spanish colonization, this walled area has a 16th-century defensive fortress called Fort Santiago. Check out its ancient dungeons while here.
Plaza Roma will be your second stop. In the middle of this public square is a monument of Spanish King Charles IV. You will next drop by two museums. The first one is Bahay Tsinoy, which presents the Chinese contribution and influence in Philippine life and history.
The other museum is Casa Manila, where you'll find exhibits depicting the lifestyle during Spanish colonization. Later on, you'll walk through San Diego Gardens and head straight to the 16th-century Baluarte De San Diego. Your guide will then take you to San Agustin Church and Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and to Manila Cathedral, which houses a large pipe organ made in the Netherlands.
Read moreDay 2
Day 2 - Day 2: Laoag Tour
You are scheduled to take a flight to Laoag Airport in Ilocos Norte province. Upon landing, you will travel to Laoag City, which features a 17th-century religious structure called St. Williams Cathedral. It houses a massive candle statue that locals believe to be a work of the Spaniards. A few steps away is the Sinking Bell Tower, which mysteriously sinks to the ground at a rate of an inch every year.
The following stop will be Museo Ilocos Norte, where you'll find displays showcasing the crafts and heritage of Ilocos Norte and some indigenous groups. Afterward, you will have a stroll along Aurora Park, which features a fountain and the historic Tobacco Monopoly Monument.
Paoay town will be your next destination. Your guide will drive you to Malacanang of the North, set on Paoay Lake's banks. This presidential museum initially served as the home of former president Ferdinand Marcos and his family.
You will next see Paoay Church, a Spanish colonial Baroque church with enormous buttresses. Your last stop is Marcos Museum in Batac City. Here, you will further learn about former president Marcos. Your guide will later transport you to your Laoag hotel.
Read moreDay 3
Day 3 - Day 3: Vigan Tour
On Day 3, your guide will take you to Ilocos Sur province's best attractions, particularly those located in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Vigan and the nearby towns. The first attraction on your itinerary is the National Museum Ilocos Sur Complex, which is home to multiple museums. You can find an array of displays here, including old books, historical records, furniture, and more.
Bantay Church and Bell Tower come next. This Roman Catholic Church is home to the Ilocos Region's patroness: Our Lady of Charity. You will then visit an ancestral-house-turned-museum called Syquia Mansion. Here, you'll learn about Elpidio Quirino, the Philippines' sixth president.
At your next stop, which is Pagburnayan Jar Factory, your guide will tell you about the old methods in pottery. Another museum you'll visit is Crisologo Museum, which introduces former Ilocos Sur Representative Floro Crisologo and his family.
Later on, you'll check out the famous cobblestone street, Calle Crisologo, which is lined with Spanish structures. Your guide will also take you to St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, which features a Baroque architectural design, and Baluarte, where you can observe various animals up close. Afterward, you will head to your hotel located along Calle Crisologo.
Read moreDay 4
Day 4 - Day 4: Sagada Tour
You will leave Vigan before sunrise and make your way to Sagada town. Situated in Mountain Province, the place enjoys a simple life, so you are sure to have a relaxing stay at your Sagada hotel.
Sagada is a go-to destination for cave lovers as it houses more than 60 natural caves. One of the interesting ones to visit will be your first stop: Sugong Cave. Besides its underground river, this natural attraction draws attention because of the Hanging Coffins seen outside.
Next on your itinerary is Echo Valley, which is said to look like an enormous megaphone. Lush vegetation, trails, and caverns comprise this natural area. If you wish to see the iconic Hanging Coffins again, you may hike up to the viewpoint.
Later on, your guide will bring you to another of Sagada's famous caves, which is also the biggest one. Sumaguing Cave will amaze you with its millions of naturally-shaped rock formations. During the exploration, there are some points where you'll need to wade through pools of cold water.
The final stop for your Sagada tour will be the Bontoc Tribal Museum, which houses many native objects and artifacts of the indigenous tribes in the Cordillera Region.
Read moreDay 5
Day 5 - Day 5: Banaue Tour
On Day 5, your guide will bring you to more breathtaking natural wonders in the highlands. You will check out of your hotel and embark on a journey to Banaue province. The place is mainly visited for its magnificent rice terraces.
Among the rice terraces in Banaue, one of the most popular is the Batad Rice Terraces, which will take your breath away with its amphitheater-like form. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was created around 2000 years ago.
For a better vista of the rice terraces, you can go on a trek to the Batad Banaue Viewpoint. It usually takes half an hour before visitors reach the site. If you wish to see more natural spots in Banaue, you may choose to go to Tappiya Waterfall. Feel free to have a refreshing bath after the tiring hike, but note that the catch basin of the falls is deep.
If you want to learn about the locals, you may choose to drop by Banga-an Village. See the typical Ifugao houses and discover the people's livelihood. You will complete your tour with a visit to Banaue Museum, where you can find jewelry, weapons, and more that represent the tribes in the early 20th century.
Read moreDay 6
Day 6 - Day 6: Baguio Tour
As you make your way to Baguio City in the morning, you'll have a short tour of Kiangan town. Your guide will bring you to the Ifugao Museum, where the Ifugao people's ancient traditions and artifacts are displayed. You will also make a quick stop at the town's historic Surrender Site of General Yamashita.
Once you arrive in Baguio, your first stop will be at the prestigious Philippine Military Academy. Feel free to enter the institution's museums and roam around the picturesque grounds with vintage tanks and other military weapons. Your guide will next show you The Mansion, where the Philippine President resides when staying in Baguio.
Then, you will head to Camp John Hay. This well-known mountain resort has numerous recreational sites, including a golf course, a picnic area, and an adventure park. You will also spend some time at Mines View Park, which overlooks abandoned mines. Additionally, you will find souvenirs and silverworks here.
Your guide will bring you to two more popular parks in the city, Wright Park and Centennial Park, where you can further appreciate Baguio's natural beauty. To end your tour, you'll drop by the Good Shepherd Convent, where delectable sweets are sold.
Read moreDay 7
Day 7 - Day 7: Mt. Pinatubo Tour
Day 7 is dedicated to one of the Philippines' renowned volcanoes, Mt. Pinatubo. While this mountain caused damages in 1991 because of its eruption, it has become a favorite destination for hiking.
After checking out of your Baguio hotel, you will travel to the province of Tarlac. You will stop at Sta. Juliana Tourism Center, where you'll ride a 4x4 jeep that will drive you across Crow Valley toward the base of the volcano. The valley features ash fields and rocky rivers, so expect a bumpy and dusty trip.
Once you arrive at the mountain's foot, the rest of the journey will be made on foot. The hike usually lasts less than two hours, but your reward for your effort will leave you in awe: Mt. Pinatubo's well-known Crater Lake. This natural spot was formed after the volcano's 1991 eruption. It is dubbed as a "wide jewel of blue and green" because of the water's color.
While atop the mountain, you can enjoy your delicious lunch while facing the beautiful scenery. Take some great photos as a remembrance before you return to the tourism center. Your van will then transport you to your Manila hotel around the Baywalk area.
Read moreDay 8
Day 8 - Day 8: Bohol Cambuhat Tour
In the morning, you will check out of your hotel and head to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. You will board a plane and travel to the province of Bohol in the Visayas. You will arrive at Panglao International Airport after a short flight.
On this day, you will visit a peaceful settlement on the northwestern side of Bohol, called Cambuhat Village. Your guide will bring you to Daet Bridge, where you'll board a paddleboat. You will traverse the waters of Cambuhat River, which has a forest of verdant mangroves and nipa palms.
Your boat will take you straight to the village's Cambuhat Oyster Farm. While at this eco-friendly site, your guide will share some information about how to harvest and breed oysters. You will later head to the community center on the banks of the river. There, you will indulge in delectable seafood, including oysters. Locals will perform their traditional Buri dance while you enjoy your meal.
After lunch, you'll go around the village to learn more about the locals' way of living. You will witness how local products, including handicrafts and brooms, are created. In the late afternoon, your van will transfer you to your accommodation on Panglao Island.
Read moreDay 9
Day 9 - Day 9: Pamilacan Island Tour
You will spend the entire day on one of Bohol's must-visit islands, Pamilacan Island, so gear up for swimming and snorkeling. This natural gem lies in the middle of the Bohol Sea and is well-known as a marine sanctuary housing an array of sea critters. Dolphins and whale sharks are frequently spotted near the island, so you might be able to see some of them along the way.
A quaint fishing village where only 240 families reside has been established on Pamilacan Island. While there are inhabitants, the island doesn't lose its natural beauty. You can expect to find a pristine white-sand beach and crystal-clear waters.
You can go for a refreshing bath in the sea or sunbathe on the shore to maximize your time on the island. Pamilacan is also an excellent place for snorkeling, so put your gear on and explore the underwater world. Aside from aquatic plants, you may chance upon sea turtles, moray eels, unicornfish, frogfish, clownfish, and other varieties of fish.
Another interesting site on Pamilacan Island is the 200-year-old Spanish fort, which used to be a watchtower for Moro pirates. You will travel back to your Panglao hotel at the end of the day.
Read moreDay 10
Day 10 - Day 10: Bohol Countryside Tour
For your last tour in Bohol, your guide will bring you to the countryside to see more of the province's best attractions. You will first head to Corella town to visit Corella Tarsier Sanctuary, where you'll go face to face with the googly-eyed primates. You can take photos of these tiny creatures; just make sure your camera's flash is turned off.
Your van will next drive you to Loboc River. For a more memorable visit, you will get on a floating restaurant and set off on a Loboc River Cruise. Dig into some sumptuous Filipino dishes and enjoy the live music on board.
Afterward, you will make your way to Baclayon Church. This National Cultural Treasure is the second-oldest stone church in the Philippines, following Manila's San Agustin Church. The following stop will be at the Butterfly Conservatory in Bilar town. Here, you can observe the whole life cycle of a butterfly.
Later on, you'll visit the town's Bilar Forest, which is man-made and is home to mahogany trees. Last but not least, you'll stop by Bohol's most iconic attraction, the Chocolate Hills, which is made up of over 1,000 mounds covered with green grass that turns brown during the dry season.
Read moreDay 11
Day 11 - Day 11: Dumaguete City Tour
It's time for a city tour of Dumaguete in Negros Oriental province. After checking out of your hotel, you will board a ferry at a port and sail to the City of Gentle People.
Your first attraction will be Silliman University, which features several museums and 300-year-old acacia trees. From the university, you will head to Rizal Boulevard, the city's promenade named after the national hero Jose Rizal.
St. Catherine De Alexandria will be your next destination. Beside this 18th-century stone church is the oldest bell tower in the Visayas, Dumaguete Campanario. You will then drop by the Dumaguete Public Market before visiting the Provincial Capitol and Freedom Park.
Your guide will also take you to Claytown Pottery and Sidlakang Negros Village, where you can find interesting items to take home as souvenirs. Then, you will have a short break at Lab-as Seafood for lunch.
Your tour will resume with a visit to the scenic and tranquil Valencia Forest Camp. You will then see a collection of World War II artifacts at the Cata-al War Museum. Afterward, your guide will drive you to your last two stops: San Agustin de Hippo Church and Negros Oriental Arts and Heritage Center.
Read moreDay 12
Day 12 - Day 12: Apo Island Tour
On Day 12, you will again have some island fun, and this time, it will be on one of the best dive sites in the world, Apo Island. Your guide will pick you up at your Dumaguete hotel and transfer you to the town of Dauin, where you'll board a boat to this tiny island.
A go-to destination for diving, Apo Island hosts gorgeous coral gardens and is teeming with marine animals. More than 650 species of fish and about 450 species of coral have been discovered around the island. Wear your snorkeling gear and jump into the water to see schools of fish like jacks and groupers.
You can also enjoy your time swimming with sea turtles in their habitat. Apo Island also offers its pristine white-sand beach for those looking for an ideal place to relax.
To make the most of your time on the island, you can trek to Apo Island Lighthouse or Apo View Deck. There are three trails you can choose from: the 600M Habagat Eco-Trail, Witchy's Trail, and David's Trek, all of which will reward you with a breathtaking view. After an enjoyable time on Apo Island, you'll return to your Dumaguete hotel.
Read moreDay 13
Day 13 - Day 13: Kawasan Falls & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour
After checking out of your hotel, you will ride a ferry and travel north toward Cebu province. Make sure to gear up for swimming as you will be visiting waterfalls and islands on this day.
Once you reach Cebu, your van will take you to Kawasan Falls in the town of Badian. This natural attraction, which features three cascades, offers pools and lagoons safe to swim in. For adventure-seekers, you may choose to go canyoneering at the falls as an add-on.
From Badian, you'll travel north toward Moalboal town, which is foremost known as a destination for great diving and snorkeling. This sleepy settlement is also home to several islands, which you'll visit, as well.
Your first stop will be the rocky island of Pescador, which has diverse species of marine animals. Go snorkeling to see stunning corals and various fish before leaving the place.
Your boat will bring you to Turtle Island next. Here, you can swim close to sea turtles.
Finally, you'll stop by Panagsama Beach, where the splendid Sardine Run happens. You will see millions of sardines swimming together and forming different shapes. Your guide will then take you to your hotel in Argao town.
Read moreDay 14
Day 14 - Day 14: Cebu City Tour
Day 14 will be for exploring Cebu City, one of the province's bustling areas. The first stop of your tour will be the Taoist Temple that was established in 1972. One of the notable parts of this attraction is the entrance, a replica of the Great Wall of China.
Next on your itinerary is the Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino. The original building was built in 1565, while the existing Baroque structure was constructed in 1737. You will proceed outside the church and see Magellan's Cross, a Christian cross that Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan planted.
You will learn more about Cebu's history at your next stop: the Heritage of Cebu Monument. This tableau shows significant structures and scenes of historical events that took place in the province. Your guide will later bring you to the Yap-San Diego Ancestral House, which boasts a fusion of Spanish and Chinese architectural designs.
The Temple of Leah will be your next stop. It offers a scenic view of the city and features Roman-inspired displays. Finally, you will end your tour with a visit to Sirao Flower Farm. Then, your van will drive you to your hotel in Mandaue City.
Read moreDay 15
Day 15 - Day 15: Departure to Manila
You have reached the last day of your tour, so you'll travel back to Manila. Once everything's ready for departure, you'll check out of your hotel and head to Mactan-Cebu International Airport. From there, the journey will last for less than two hours until you reach Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
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.
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