16-Day Philippines Scenic Nature & Heritage Trip to Ilocos Province, Bohol Island & Cebu City
Likely to sell out soon
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
See the Philippines’ scenic nature and heritage spots with this hassle-free 16-day tour package. This package will treat you to a memorable trip to the historical landmarks of Ilocos Province, the untainted landscape of Bohol Island and Apo Island, and the urban attractions of Cebu City. Accommodations with daily breakfast, transfers, entrance fees, and the service of guides will be pre-arranged to make it more convenient for you.
The first destination you will be visiting will be the walled district of Intramuros in Manila City. From there, you will continue learning about the country’s past at the Marcos Museum in Ilocos Norte. Two of the other prominent locations you will visit in northern Luzon include the Bangui Windmills in Ilocos Norte and Calle Crisologo in Ilocos Sur.
Afterward, it’s on to the Luzon highlands. Here, you will explore the Banaue highlands’ Banaue Museum and Baguio City’s Camp John Hay and Mines View Park. Hiking up Mt. Pinatubo will be the next activity on your itinerary before you fly to Bohol province in the Visayas. In Bohol, you will embark on a 3-day tour that will include a visit to the Cambuhat Village, experiencing a Loboc River Cruise, and seeing the Chocolate Hills.
Following your Bohol adventure, your guide will bring you to Dumaguete City next. This location is home to Silliman University, a century-old prominent institution, and Apo Island, the city’s diving haven. Your 16-day tour will end with a visit to Cebu Island, where you will discover the natural beauty of Kawasan Falls, the Chinese architecture of the Taoist Temple, and the rare blossoms of Sirao Flower Farm. After the tour, you will return to Manila via plane.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Manila, Ilocos, Sagada, Banaue, Baguio, Tarlac, Bohol, Dumaguete, and Cebu with this stress-free 16-day vacation tour. Check the availability by choosing a date.
Included
15 nights accommodation (budget category)
15 days breakfast
15 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 7 - Sagada, Banaue and Baguio Tour (Cordillera Region)
Day 8 - Mt. Pinatubo Tour
Day 9 to 15 - Bohol, Dumaguete and Cebu Tour (Central Visayas)
Day 16 - 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
The first stop on your trip will be Intramuros, Manila's walled district. Intramuros was declared a National Historical Landmark in 1951 and is now home to around 5,000 people, as well as several historical landmarks.
Fort Santiago is one of these interesting locations. This fort, built in 1593, currently functions as a historical park, housing items from national hero Jose Rizal and other well-preserved antiquities from the Spanish Colonial Period. You will go to Plaza Roma next, where you can spot a monument to King Charles IV of Spain. Afterward, you will visit two of Intramuros' most well-known museums, Bahay Tsinoy and Casa Manila.
Following your tour of the museums, your guide will take you to the southwestern portion of Intramuros for a stroll across San Diego Gardens and the Baluarte De San Diego. This bastion, built during the 16th century, is one of the first stone fortifications in the walled district. It is now a popular venue for weddings and family gatherings.
From the bastion, proceed to the San Agustin Church and Museum. This cathedral houses an exclusive tomb for the country's first governor-general, Miguel López de Legazpi. To wrap up the day, pay a visit to the Manila Cathedral, known for its Neo-Romanesque architectural style.
Read moreDay 2
Day 2 - Day 2: Laoag Tour
After checking out of your Manila hotel, you will board an airplane bound for Laoag Airport. Your guide will then take you to Laoag City to visit the St. Williams Cathedral. Constructed back in 1612, this cathedral is divided into two stories and is well-known for its exquisite interiors. You will also drop by the Sinking Bell Tower located near the church. It is the city's highest historic landmark and the only one that mysteriously sinks an inch every year.
Following that, you'll proceed to Museo Ilocos Norte. This museum houses an extensive collection of Ilocano, Igorot, and Itneg traditional clothes, household items, and ceremonial artifacts, among other things. Then, your guide will take you to Aurora Park, where a multi-tiered obelisk was built in 1881. You will proceed to Paoay next, the home of the Malacanang of the North.
During Ferdinand Marcos' rule, he and his family lived in this presidential museum. Feel free to explore the building's interiors before traveling to Paoay Church, situated some 11km away. This church has been designated a National Cultural Treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your Laoag tour will conclude with a visit to the Marcos Museum, which chronicles the former president's political career.
Read moreDay 3
Day 3 - Day 3: Pagudpud Tour
Your guide will pick you up from your Laoag hotel and drive you to Burgos, home to the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. Perched atop Vigia de Nagpartian Hill, this Spanish Colonial-era lighthouse was first lit in March 1892 and is still functional. From there, you will head to the Bangui Windmills next. These turbines produce up to a maximum total generating capacity of 41MW, supplying over 40% of Ilocos Norte's electricity through the Luzon Grid.
After posing by the windmills, you will proceed to the Patapat Viaduct, the country's fifth-longest bridge. Your guide will then drive you south to Agua Grande to enjoy the province's natural splendor. Your next stop will be the nearby Paraiso ni Anton, where residents say there is a mystical mountain stream.
Following your tour of the grotto, you will go to the picturesque Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. This geological work of art overlooks the Bangui Windmills and the sea, making it the perfect spot for photos. Finally, you'll stop at the Pasuquin Salt Stand, where locals sell fresh-made sea salt. If you want to cap off the tour on a high note, you may add a 4x4 tour of the La Paz Sand Dunes to your schedule before heading back to your Laoag hotel.
Read moreDay 4
Day 4 - Day 4: Vigan Tour
After leaving your Laoag hotel, you will travel to Vigan City to begin your day at the National Museum Ilocos Sur Complex. This museum complex includes relics and mementos from two important figures in Philippine history: Padre Jose Burgos, one of the three martyr priests during the Spanish colonization, and Elpidio Quirino, the country's sixth president.
Your trip will continue at the Bantay Church and Bell Tower. The church's bell tower, constructed in 1591, functioned as a lookout for invading enemy forces during World War II. After visiting the church, you will drop by the Syquia Mansion Museum, one of the city's oldest stone residences.
From the museum, you will proceed to the Pagburnayan Jar Factory to witness how the locals create their pots. While you're here, you might also try creating your own handmade jar. You'll then make your way to the Crisologo Museum. This ancestral house, owned by former Ilocos Sur Representative Floro Crisologo, showcases the Crisologos' antiques and other cherished items.
Following that, you'll take a trip along Calle Crisologo, a cobblestone avenue lined with centuries-old Spanish houses. You will also visit the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, part of Vigan's UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. Before checking into your Calle Crisologo hotel, you will conclude your day at Baluarte.
Read moreDay 5
Day 5 - Day 5: Sagada Tour
You will depart from your Vigan hotel early in the morning and travel around 186KM to Sagada town. Sagada's climate is subtropical highland, with average daily temperatures ranging between 17 and 20 degrees Celsius. It's best to pack your jackets with you.
When you arrive in town, your first stop will be Sugong Cave. The spot serves as a unique burial place since instead of burying the coffins, the villagers hang them from the limestone cliffs. This exhibits a centuries-old tradition that they continue to follow today.
Following that, you'll return to the town center through Echo Valley. This region is thickly wooded with trees and lush vegetation, making it an excellent location for trekking and watching the local wildlife. Afterward, you will head to Sumaguing Cave next, also known as the Big Cave.
Sumaguing Cave, arguably one of Sagada's most visited destinations, will treat you to an adrenaline-pumping spelunking experience. Inside the cave, you can find interesting rock formations and an ice-cold cave bath. After emerging from the cave, you will visit the Bontoc Tribal Museum that houses a collection of artifacts illustrating the Ifugao people's culture. Behind the facility is also a replica of an Ifugao village. After you visit the museum, your guide will transport you to your downtown accommodation.
Read moreDay 6
Day 6 - Day 6: Banaue Tour
From Sagada, your guide will drive you south to Banaue highlands, known for its distinct rice terraces. Among the most popular and frequently seen sites here are the Batad Rice Terraces in the tiny village of Batad. These amphitheater-like rice terraces, which are part of Banaue's UNESCO World Heritage Site, feature a unique and complex rice farming technique.
Feel free to take some photos here before you head to the Batad Banaue Viewpoint. Located about a half-hour walk from the main road, this observation tower offers a unique perspective of the rice paddies. If you prefer not to stop at the viewpoint, you may head directly to the Tappiya Waterfall for a short swim.
You can also bypass the waterfalls and visit Banga-an Village instead. Many native Ifugao homes may be found in this humble agricultural village. While you are here, you will also learn about the native's way of life. To round up the day, visit the Banaue Museum. The artifacts here are spread over two floors and include weaponry, jewelry, traditional dress and headgear, and photos of the town in the early 20th century. There are also books here written decades ago by American anthropologist Henry Otley Beyer and collected by his son, William.
Read moreDay 7
Day 7 - Day 7: Baguio Tour
Your guide will pick you up from your Banaue hotel and drive you to Kiangan town, where you will explore the Ifugao Museum. Ifugao antiquities such as bulol (wooden rice guards), ancient domestic items, and headhunting machetes are displayed at this ethnographic museum. While in town, you will also pay a visit to General Yamashita's surrender site.
Following your visit to Kiangan, you will go to Baguio City to see the Philippine Military Academy. Take a walk around this institution's well-kept grounds and catch a glimpse of the antique tanks and other historical military equipment on display. Afterward, you will visit The Mansion. This building, located in the city's eastern part, was formerly used as a summer retreat by the US governors-general before being designated as the Philippine President's official summer residence.
Camp John Hay will be your next visit after you tour The Mansion. The US Army utilized this 246-hectare site as a military rest and leisure center. Since then, the site has been converted into a multi-purpose complex featuring luxury hotels, a museum, retail outlets, and a convention center. Following that, you will travel to Mines View Park, Wright Park, and Centennial Park. Finally, the day will come to a close at the Good Shepherd Convent, where local specialties such as ube jam and butter pastries are sold.
Read moreDay 8
Day 8 - Day 8: Mt. Pinatubo Tour
From your Baguio hotel, you will travel to Tarlac province, where you will climb Mt. Pinatubo. This active volcano, which stands at 4,757 feet, is situated on the triangle border of the provinces of Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga. It acquired notoriety after a devastating eruption in 1991 that cost the country billions of pesos. Yet, despite its dreadful past, Mt. Pinatubo's breathtaking grandeur continues to astound visitors.
Once you arrive in the province, you will stop at the Sta. Juliana Tourism Center and be transferred to a 4x4 vehicle. Your guide will then take you through Crow Valley on your way to the volcano's base. After about an hour, you will disembark at the jump-off location and begin your ascent.
The route is approximately 5.5KM long and may be completed in one to two hours. Once you reach the summit, you will be greeted by the turquoise waters of the crater lake. This breathtaking lake is a product of the horrific eruption and isn't safe for swimming. However, it still makes for a perfect backdrop for your photos. After eating your lunch by the lakeside, you will start your descent and make your way to your Manila hotel.
Read moreDay 9
Day 9 - Day 9: Bohol Cambuhat Tour
From your Manila hotel, you will ride a plane to Panglao International Airport on the island of Bohol. Here, you will enjoy a 3-day tour of the province, starting with a visit to Cambuhat Village. This peaceful location in the town of Buenavista has become a favorite destination for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path attractions in Bohol. It is also well-known for its abundant natural riches and tranquil setting.
Your guide will meet you at the airport and drive you to Daet Bridge, where you will board a boat. Then you'll cruise along the lovely Cambuhat River, which is filled with mangroves and nipa trees at its banks. You will then disembark at the Cambuhat Oyster Farm.
This is the village's major source of income. While exploring the farm, you will learn all you need to know about oysters, including how to harvest, breed, and cook them. Additionally, you can pay a visit to the little visitor's center on the river's bank.
You will then be treated to a filling oyster lunch following your tour of the farm. While you dine, the locals will perform the traditional Buri dance for your entertainment. Following your meal, you will observe how the natives weave their wares on traditional looms and then check in to your Panglao hotel.
Read moreDay 10
Day 10 - Day 10: Pamilacan Island Tour
Day 10 will be dedicated to an off-the-beaten-path trip to Pamilacan Island to allow you to explore even more of Bohol's natural beauty. This island acts as a whale and dolphin sanctuary. Sightings of marine creatures, such as Bryde's whales and sperm whales, have been reported in the area.
In addition to these aquatic animals, Pamilacan is home to around 240 families. The residents strive to preserve the island's natural beauty. As soon as you arrive at Pamilacan, you will see the island's stunning blue oceans and immaculate white beaches. Your guide will give you enough time to go swimming here.
Bring your snorkeling equipment as well, especially if you want to make the most of your time here. While exploring the island's rich underwater paradise, you may come across sea turtles and a variety of fish species. If you want a more thrilling experience, your guide can take you to the diving areas around Pamilacan.
After you've got your fill of water activities, take a short stroll to the 200-year-old Spanish fort on the island. This fort, designated a National Cultural Treasure, was constructed to keep a lookout for Moro pirates. Following that, you will return to your Panglao hotel.
Read moreDay 11
Day 11 - Day 11: Bohol Countryside Tour
On Day 11, your guide will pick you up at your Panglao hotel and bring you through Bohol's stunning countryside to the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary. This forest area is managed by the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to conserving the province's tarsiers. Take photos as you like, but remember to turn off the flash to avoid disturbing the big-eyed primates.
Following your visit to the tarsier sanctuary, you will embark on the Loboc River Cruise, a floating restaurant that will take you along the Loboc River. Enjoy a Filipino buffet lunch here while the natives on board entertain you with traditional Filipino music and dancing.
When you return to the pier, you will make a brief stop at Baclayon Church for a little prayer before continuing to the Butterfly Conservatory. This area is home to a variety of vibrant butterflies. From there, proceed to the Bilar Forest, a 2KM-wide man-made mahogany forest.
Your journey will conclude with a visit to Chocolate Hills, the province's most well-known destination. It is a geological formation made up of 1,268–1,776 symmetrical hills that resemble Hershey's Kisses. Your guide will then drop you off at your Panglao hotel after posing for some photographs here.
Read moreDay 12
Day 12 - Day 12: Dumaguete City Tour
It's time to say goodbye to Bohol and head to Dumaguete City. After leaving your hotel, you will take a ferry and make your way to Silliman University. This 62-hectare campus features six museums and an abundance of old acacia trees. Following your tour of the institution, you will stroll down Rizal Boulevard, Dumaguete's promenade.
From there, you will stop at the St. Catherine de Alexandria Cathedral for a brief prayer before continuing to the Dumaguete Campanario, the Visayas' oldest bell tower. You will then go souvenir shopping at Dumaguete's Public Market. Afterward, your guide will accompany you to the Provincial Capitol and Freedom Park and the Clayton Pottery. Another must-visit location on your itinerary will be Sidlakang Negros Village, where you may purchase souvenirs and see pavilions built entirely of indigenous materials.
Following your trip to Sidlakang Negros Village, you will enjoy a filling lunch at Lab-as Seafood before heading to Valencia's Forest Camp. Your next stop will be to the Cata-al War Museum, which houses World War II relics. Your guide will then bring you to the century-old San Agustin Church, followed by a visit to the Negros Oriental Arts & Heritage Center, a gift shop selling finely inlaid Philippine jewels.
Read moreDay 13
Day 13 - Day 13: Apo Island Tour
From your accommodation in Dumaguete, your guide will bring you to the Malatapay Boat Terminal, where your tour boat will be waiting for you. After settling onto your boat, you'll set sail for Apo Island, a diving destination in Dumaguete. This sanctuary off the southeast coast of Negros Island is well-known for its lush underwater ecosystem filled with colorful and diverse marine life.
When you arrive on the island, your first visit will be the turtle sanctuary, where you may watch the island's native turtles. You are welcome to swim and dive with these amiable marine animals while appreciating the area's massive coral garden. While exploring the reef, you may also come across several schools of vibrant fish.
Apart from diving into Apo Island's underwater wonderland, visitors may relax on the beach and snap several photos. Additionally, you may pay a visit to the Apo View Deck or the Apo Island Lighthouse. Your guide can take you on the 600-meter Habagat Eco-Trail, David's Walk, or Witchy's Trail, all of which provide panoramic views of Negros' coastline. You will then board your boat before sunset and return to your Dumaguete hotel on the mainland.
Read moreDay 14
Day 14 - Day 14: Kawasan Falls & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour
Following your departure from Dumaguete, you will board a ferry to Cebu Island for a full-day tour of the province's countryside. Your first stop will be at the famed Kawasan Falls in the village of Badian. Your guide will provide you sufficient time to savor the falls' tempting spring waters before bringing you to Moalboal.
This area is well-known for its stunning white beaches. Additionally, it boasts a plethora of dive shops that line its coastline. After taking some beach photos, you will board your boat and travel to Pescador Island. This island has been dubbed one of the province's greatest snorkeling locations due to its crystal blue waters and beautiful corals of all hues and sizes.
Following your island trip, you will sail to Turtle Island, where you will get the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. Then you will return to the mainland for the world-famous Panagsama Beach sardine race. Due to its year-round availability, this water sport draws divers from all over the world.
Before donning your gear, you will attend a briefing to learn the dos and don'ts of the exercise. After wearing your equipment, you will swim a few meters out into the water and await the passing of millions of sardines. You will settle into your Argao hotel following your sardine run expedition.
Read moreDay 15
Day 15 - Day 15: Cebu City Tour
You will leave Argao and travel to Cebu City, the Queen City of the South. Here, you will go on a full-day city tour, beginning with a visit to the Taoist Temple. This temple, built in the Chinese style, is located 110 meters above sea level and is accessible by three distinct meandering pathways.
From there, your guide will take you to the Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino, a 16th-century Roman Catholic church. The church lies on the site where the image of the Santo Nino de Cebu is said to have been discovered. Aside from the church, you will head to Magellan's Cross, located only a few steps away.
Following that, you will visit the Heritage of Cebu Monument. Eduardo Castrillo, a local artist, created this collection of sculptures in July 1997. Afterward, you will swing by the Yap-San Diego Ancestral House, one of the country's oldest surviving residential structures.
After exploring the lowland attractions, your guide will drive you to the hills to see the Temple of Leah. This Roman-inspired shrine has a courtyard that offers panoramic views of Cebu City. You will also drop by the Sirao Flower Farm, which features fields of rare flowers like Celosia, aster, and chrysanthemum. You will then check into your Mandaue hotel.
Read moreDay 16
Day 16 - Day 16: Departure to Manila
Following your thrilling Cebu trip, you may make the most of your extra time by doing some last-minute souvenir shopping and photographing. You will then go to Cebu Airport, where you will board an aircraft bound for Ninoy Aquino International Airport. You will arrive in Manila in roughly two hours.
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
Camera
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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