16-Day Philippines Nature Sightseeing Trip to Palawan Island, Cordillera Mountains & Visayas Islands
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Description
Summary
Tour starts
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Duration
16 days
Ending place
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Languages:
English
Difficulty:
Easy
Minimum age:
None
Description
Discover the Philippines’ islands and nature spots with this 16-day vacation package to the country’s breathtaking cities and provinces. From Manila, you will escape to the unspoiled beaches of Palawan Island, the cultural hotspots of the Cordillera Mountains, and the interesting landmarks of Cebu City and Bohol Island. The package also comes with pre-arranged accommodations, daily breakfast, transfers, entrance fees, and the service of guides for your convenience.
Your tour will begin in Manila City, where you will learn about the country’s history in the walled district of Intramuros. From there, you will fly north for a trip to the Malacanang of the North, a presidential museum in Ilocos Norte. Your guide will then drive you to the highlands to visit the popular Strawberry Farm in Benguet highlands before going on a day hike up Mt. Pinatubo.
Following your visit to mainland Luzon, you will catch a flight to Bohol Island for a two-day countryside adventure. Here, you will experience the Loboc River Cruise and visit the Chocolate Hills and Pamilacan Island. You will then board a ferry to Dumaguete City for a city tour that includes the century-old Silliman University. Apart from the prestigious institution, your guide will bring you to an off-the-coast trip to Apo Island as well.
You will see more of Visayas with a visit to Cebu Island, home to the Temple of Leah and Sirao Flower Farm. To cap off your tour, you will fly to Palawan Island on Day 12 to enjoy its breathtaking sites. Included in your Palawan itinerary are the Honda Bay and Underground River in Puerto Princesa, Port Barton in San Vicente town, and Miniloc Island in El Nido islands.
See the top attractions of Manila, Ilocos, Sagada, Benguet, Tarlac, Bohol, Dumaguete, Cebu, and Palawan with this 16-day excursion. Check the availability by choosing a date.
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Included
15 nights accommodation (budget category)
15 days breakfast
15 lunch
All flights with 20kgs baggage allowance
Day 1 - Intramuros Tour (Manila)
Day 2 - Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur (Ilocos Region)
Day 3 to 4 - Sagada and Benguet Tour (Cordillera Region)
Day 5 - Mt. Pinatubo Tour
Day 6 to 11 - Bohol, Dumaguete and Cebu Tour (Central Visayas)
Day 12 to 15 - Puerto Princesa, Port Barton and El Nido Tour (Palawan)
Day 16 - Back to Manila
All transportation to and from included activities and destinations
All environmental fees, port fees, and all other applicable taxes
Your trip will start with a visit to Intramuros, the walled district in Manila City. Designated as a National Historical Landmark in 1951, Intramuros is home not only to over 5,000 people but also to numerous historical landmarks.
Among these interesting landmarks is Fort Santiago. Constructed in 1593, this fort now serves as a historical park featuring Jose Rizal's memorabilia and other well-preserved legacies from the Spanish Colonial Period. From the fortress, you will head next to the neighboring Plaza Roma, where a monument of King Charles IV of Spain was erected in 1824. You will then visit two of the prominent museums in Intramuros, Bahay Tsinoy and Casa Manila.
Following your tour of the museums, your guide will take you to the southwestern tip of Intramuros to visit San Diego Gardens and the Baluarte De San Diego. This bastion, fashioned like an ace of spades, was one of the first stone defenses at the walled district. You will then swing by the San Agustin Church and Museum. This is where the country's first governor-general, Miguel López de Legazpi, is buried. Before checking into your hotel, you will pay a visit to the Manila Cathedral, famous for its Neo-Romanesque architectural style.
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Day 2
Day 2 - Day 2: Laoag and Vigan Tour
It's time to say goodbye to Manila and fly to Laoag City. Your first destination here will be the Malacanang of the North in the town of Paoay. Designed with a mix of Spanish and Ilocano architecture, this building serves as the late President Ferdinand Marcos and his family's official residence during his term. Feel free to explore the entirety of the two-story museum before heading to the nearby Paoay Lake to enjoy the refreshing scenery.
Afterward, your guide will drive you south to the Saint Augustine Church, commonly known as the Paoay Church. The cathedral is notable for its Baroque architecture and the three-story coral stone bell adjacent to it. You will then tour two of the region's most prominent museums, the Marcos Museum and the Juan and Antonio Luna Museum.
Following your museum trips, you will continue your tour at Vigan, where you can find St. Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral. Another famous church you will visit is Bantay Church in the town of Bantay. From there, you will travel to Pagburnayan to discover how the natives create their exquisite pottery.
Afterward, you will visit the Burgos Museum, the National Museum Ilocos Sur Complex, and the Crisologo Museum to learn more about Ilocos culture and history. Your guide will then drive you to Baluarte, a zoological park, before ending the day with a stroll along Calle Crisologo's cobblestone streets. You will then retreat to your Laoag hotel.
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Day 3
Day 3 - Day 3: Sagada Tour
You will leave your Laoag accommodation early in the morning and travel to Sagada town in the Cordillera Mountains. Sagada has a subtropical highland climate with daily temperatures ranging from 17 to 20 degrees Celsius on average. That being said, make sure to get your coats ready ahead of time.
When you arrive in town, your first stop will be Sugong Cave, a prominent burial place. Here, you will see coffins hanging from the limestone cliffs, demonstrating a centuries-old tradition that locals still practice.
You will then return to the town center through Echo Valley. This unspoiled spot is densely forested, making it ideal for hiking and viewing animals. From there, your guide will take you to Sumaguing Cave, often known as the Big Cave.
Sumaguing Cave, arguably Sagada's most visited attraction, will provide you with an amazing spelunking trip. While inside, you may see fascinating rock formations and an ice-cold cave pool. Following your spelunking adventure, you will visit the Bontoc Tribal Museum. The museum showcases pictures and artifacts from the culture of the Ifugao people. A model of an Ifugao village can be found behind the building as well. At the end of the day, you will head to your lodging.
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Day 4
Day 4 - Day 4: Benguet Tour
For Day 4, your guide will take you to the towns in Benguet highlands, beginning with Atok. Here, you can find the Atok Sakura Flowers, officially known as the Benguet-Kochi Sisterhood Park. In 2016, the Japanese government of Kochi Prefecture gifted around 30 Benguet Sakura trees to the province as a mark of their 40-year friendship. The trees were later planted at the Atok park.
You will proceed to Northern Blossom next. Covering about two hectares, this farm boasts a field of unique blooms that will surely take your breath away. You can easily spot some snapdragons, rice flowers, dusty millers, and cabbage roses while you explore the property. Take as many photographs as you like before going to the 2nd Highest Point in Atok's Barangays Cattubo and Paoay.
With a height of 2,255 meters above sea level, this is the second-highest point in the Philippine highway system. From there, you will walk down the century-old Spanish Trail, utilized by residents before the construction of the Halsema Highway. Your day will come to an end in La Trinidad. This peaceful town is home to the well-known Strawberry Farm, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Luzon highlands. You may go strawberry picking and souvenir shopping here before heading to your Baguio hotel.
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Day 5
Day 5 - Day 5: Mt. Pinatubo Tour
After checking out of your Baguio hotel, your guide will drive you to Tarlac province, where you will climb Mt. Pinatubo. This 4,757-foot-tall active volcano is located on the tripoint boundary of Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga. It came to notoriety following a disastrous eruption in 1991 that caused billions of pesos in damages. Despite its terrible past, Mt. Pinatubo's spectacular grandeur continues to awe visitors.
After arriving in the province, you will disembark at the Sta. Juliana Tourism Center and board a 4x4 vehicle. From there, you'll go through Crow Valley on your journey to the volcano's base. This piece of land features panoramic sand cliffs and a rugged, sandy landscape. After approximately an hour, you will arrive at the jump-off point and begin your ascent.
The trail is around 5.5km long and takes between one and two hours to complete. Along the way, you will most likely come across some lava sand formations left behind from the volcano's 1991 eruption. As you reach the peak, you will immediately notice the turquoise waters of the crater lake. Take some photos by the lakeside and dig into your lunch here before commencing your descent and making your way to your Manila hotel.
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Day 6
Day 6 - Day 6: Bohol Countryside Tour
For Day 6, you will check out of your Manila hotel and board a plane bound for Panglao International Airport in Bohol Island. From there, you'll travel through the colorful countryside of the province to the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary. Maintained by a non-profit organization called Philippine Tarsier Foundation, this forest patch helps save the local tarsiers. Feel free to snap some photos but turn off the flash to avoid disturbing the tiny primates.
After exploring the tarsier sanctuary, you'll embark on the Loboc River Cruise. Dig into your filling buffet lunch at this floating restaurant as you sail along the Loboc River. While you dine, the natives on board will also entertain you with traditional Filipino music and dances.
Once you return to the pier, you will visit Baclayon Church to offer a brief prayer before continuing to the Butterfly Conservatory. This area is home to and breeds a variety of beautiful butterflies. You will then pass through the Bilar Forest, a 2KM stretch of mahogany trees planted by the locals.
For your final destination, you will go to Chocolate Hills, the province's most famous attraction. It is a geological feature made up of 1,268 to 1,776 very symmetrically formed hills that resemble Hershey's Kisses. After you've had your fill of the scenery, your guide will drop you off at your Panglao hotel.
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Day 7
Day 7 - Day 7: Pamilacan Island Tour
For this day, you will be treated to an off-the-beaten-path journey to Pamilacan Island to explore more of Bohol's splendor. This island is around 45 minutes away from the town of Baclayon and serves as a whale and dolphin refuge. Sightings of marine animals such as Bryde's whales and sperm whales have been reported here.
Apart from housing these gentle marine animals, Pamilacan is also home to around 240 families. These residents ensure that the island's natural beauty is protected and well-maintained. As you reach Pamilacan, you will immediately notice its beautiful blue seas and pristine white beach. Feel free to jump directly into the water as soon as you get off the boat.
If you wish to explore the island's rich underwater ecosystem, you are free to go snorkeling, as well. You may encounter sea turtles, a variety of fish, and thriving corals while underwater. For a more adrenaline-pumping experience, your guide can also take you to the diving spots near Pamilacan.
After you've had your fill of wet activities, take a short stroll to the island's 200-year-old Spanish fort. This National Cultural Treasure was initially used to keep an eye out for Moro pirates. Pose for some photos by the fort and go on some last-minute swimming before you return to the mainland.
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Day 8
Day 8 - Day 8: Dumaguete City Tour
From your Panglao hotel, you will take a boat to Dumaguete City. Your full-day city tour here will start at Silliman University. Covering a land area of 62 hectares, this campus houses six museums and numerous age-old acacia trees. After exploring the university, you will enjoy a stroll along Dumaguete's promenade, Rizal Boulevard.
You can then offer a short prayer at the St. Catherine de Alexandria Cathedral before dropping by the Dumaguete Campanario, the oldest bell tower in the Visayas. Afterward, you will visit the Dumaguete Public Market for some souvenir shopping. From there, your guide will bring you to the Provincial Capitol and Freedom Park and Clayton Pottery. You will also visit Sidlakang Negros Village, where you can find souvenirs and pavilions made of indigenous material.
Afterward, you will stop for lunch at Lab-as Seafood before heading to Valencia's Forest Camp. This mountain resort is a favorite camping site for locals due to its wide open area. You will then go to the Cata-al War Museum to see some World War II relics before visiting the century-old San Agustin Church. To cap off your day, you will make your way to the Negros Oriental Arts & Heritage Center, where you can find a variety of stone craft designs and workmanship.
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Day 9
Day 9 - Day 9: Apo Island Tour
Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation in Dumaguete and transport you to the Malatapay Boat Terminal, where your tour boat will be waiting. After you've settled in the boat, you will depart for Apo Island, Dumaguete's diving paradise. This sanctuary in the southeast end of Negros Island is well-known for its rich undersea environment filled with bright and diverse marine creatures.
When you get to the island, you will first go to the turtle sanctuary to see the local turtles. Swim and snorkel with these friendly marine animals while you marvel at the area's massive reef garden. You might also see a slew of colorful fish swimming along the reef.
Aside from experiencing Apo Island's aquatic wonderland, you can relax on the beach and snap plenty of photos. You might also head to the Apo Island Lighthouse or the Apo View Deck. Your guide can take you on the 600M Habagat Eco-Trail, David's Walk, or Witchy's Trail, all of which provide a panoramic view of the Negros' coastline. Before the sun sets, you will board your boat and return to the mainland to your Dumaguete hotel.
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Day 10
Day 10 - Day 10: Kawasan Falls and Moalboal Sardine Run Tour
You will check out of your Dumaguete hotel and board a ferry to Cebu Island for a full-day tour of the province's countryside. Your first stop here will be the famed Kawasan Falls, located in the town of Badian. Your guide will give you plenty of time to enjoy the falls' tempting spring waters before heading to Moalboal.
Known for being the location of Cebu's beautiful white beaches, Moalboal is home to numerous dive shops. Feel free to pose for some photos by the beach and then board a boat bound for Pescador Island. This island is one of the best snorkeling locations in the province due to its crystal blue seas and stunning corals of all hues and sizes.
Following your island exploration, you will head to Turtle Island to swim with sea turtles. You will then return to the mainland for the famed sardine race at Panagsama Beach. This aquatic sport draws divers from all around the world since it is available all year. Before donning your equipment, you will first attend a briefing to learn the dos and don'ts of the activity. After you've geared up, you will swim a few meters out into the water and wait for millions of sardines to pass by. After your sardine run adventure, you will then check into your Sumilon hotel.
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Day 11
Day 11 - Day 11: Cebu City Tour
From the countryside, you will journey to Cebu City, the Queen City of the South, where you will go on a full-day city trip. Your first stop here will be the Taoist Temple. Built using Chinese-style architecture, the Taoist Temple is located 110M above sea level and can be reached through three distinct winding pathways.
After exploring the temple, your guide will take you to the Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino, a 16th-century Roman Catholic church. An image of the Santo Nino de Cebu was believed to be discovered at the site where the church now stands. You will also find Magellan's Cross right outside the church.
Afterward, you will visit the Heritage of Cebu Monument, a set of sculptures made by local artist Eduardo Castrillo in July 1997. You will then drop by the Yap-San Diego Ancestral House. This wood and coral stone home is one of the country's oldest residential buildings.
Following the lowland attractions, your guide will take you to the mountains to visit the Temple of Leah and its courtyard, which overlooks Cebu City. Your day will end at the Sirao Flower Farm, where you'll see fields of rare flowers like Celosia, aster, and chrysanthemum. You will then check in to your Mandaue hotel.
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Day 12
Day 12 - Day 12: Puerto Princesa Honda Bay Island-Hopping Tour
On Day 12, you will fly from Cebu to Puerto Princesa International Airport on Palawan Island. You will then travel from the airport to Honda Bay, where you will hop on a boat and begin your full-day island-hopping adventure.
After departing the mainland, your first stop will be Starfish Island. This crescent-shaped island was named after the numerous starfish dotting its coastline and waters. Apart from starfish, it is also home to a diverse range of marine species, making it one of the greatest snorkeling spots in Puerto Princesa City. You may see several puffers and beautiful parrotfish when snorkeling here.
Afterward, you will take your boat from Starfish Island to Cowrie Island. Cowrie is the most developed island in Honda Bay and a great swimming location. Snorkeling, jet skiing, and banana boat riding equipment are also available here. Once you've had your fill of the beach activities, you can also eat at one of the many restaurants that line Cowrie's beachfront.
The last stop on your island-hopping adventure will be Luli Island. Luli is famous for disappearing sandbars during high tide, but it also has a great snorkeling spot. Before taking your boat back to the mainland and retiring to your Sabang hotel, make the most of your stay here by swimming and snorkeling.
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Day 13
Day 13 - Day 13: Puerto Princesa Underground River & City Tour
From your accommodation, your guide will take you to Sabang Wharf, where you will board a boat to the world-famous Puerto Princesa Underground River. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located on the western coast of Palawan and features an 8.2km long underground river. As you make your way through the subterranean river, you will spot century-old stalactites and stalagmites formations that will surely leave you in awe.
After your cruise, you will return to the mainland and begin your Puerto Princesa city tour with Baker's Hill. This location houses numerous bakeries and pizza parlors that sell exquisite delicacies. Feel free to buy baked goodies here before heading to Plaza Cuartel, a historical landmark previously a military base.
From the plaza, your guide will bring you to the Crocodile Farm. This wildlife research center is similar to a zoo, except it only features rare and endangered animal species. You will then go to Mitra's Ranch in Sta. Monica Heights, where you can see an observation deck with a panoramic view of Puerto Princesa. There are also outdoor activities offered here, such as trampoline jumping, horseback riding, and ziplining. Finally, you will visit the city's promenade, the Puerto Princesa Baywalk, before returning to your Sabang lodging.
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Day 14
Day 14 - Day 14: Port Barton Island-Hopping Tour
From your Sabang hotel, your guide will bring you to Port Barton, a hidden gem on Palawan's northern shore. Part of the peaceful municipality of San Vicente, this tiny village gained popularity due to its pristine white sand beaches. Port Barton is also a popular location for visitors looking to discover the province's off-the-beaten-path attractions.
When you arrive in the village, you can take some photos on the beach before boarding your boat and sailing to Inaladelan Island, also referred to as German Island. It is a popular spot for camping and swimming. There are also a variety of activities available here, such as beach volleyball and canoeing.
From Inaladelan, your boat will take you to Luli Sandbar. It was named after the fact that it appears at low tide and disappears at high tide. While here, you can go snorkeling and swimming in its clear waters or sunbathing on the shore.
After your visit to Luli Sandbar, you'll go to the Turtle Snorkeling Site, where you'll be able to swim with sea turtles and hang out with them. You'll also go to the Fish and Reef Snorkeling Site to see Port Barton's aquatic life up close. After that, you'll return to the mainland and your Lio lodging.
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Day 15
Day 15 - Day 15: El Nido Island Hopping Tour
On Day 15, you will discover more of Palawan by exploring the natural wonders of the El Nido islands. You will go to Bacuit Bay from your Lio hotel, where your tour boat will be waiting for you. After you've settled onboard, you will set sail towards the Big Lagoon in the center of Miniloc Island. This breathtaking site is situated among limestone cliffs. Kayak here to get a better view of the area, and don't forget to take photographs against the backdrop of the karst cliffs.
Following your tour of the Big Lagoon, you'll head to Miniloc Island's white-sand beach. You may sunbathe on the beach or swim in the clear, welcoming waters. Afterward, you will see the Secret Lagoon, a secluded pool surrounded by towering limestone walls. Your boat will then bring you to Seven Commandos Beach on the mainland. Relax on the beach's lovely white beaches or go scuba diving at one of the nearby dive spots.
Finally, you'll visit Shimizu Island in Bacuit Bay, a popular snorkeling site. There is a diverse range of marine life here, from healthy corals to vibrant fish species. After your trip, your van will return you to your Lio accommodation.
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Day 16
Day 16 - Day 16: Departure to Manila
You will have some free time to go souvenir shopping or picture taking before you check out of your accommodation in Lio and head to the Puerto Princesa International Airport. After arriving at the airport, you will board a plane bound for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport 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
Camera
Jacket or Umbrella (During Rainy Season)
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.
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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