17-Day Natural Wonders, Islands & Heritage Tour to Puerto Princesa, Cebu, Bohol & Ilocos from Manila

After checking out of your Manila hotel, you will travel to Laoag International Airport and then to Laoag City. You will drop by St. Williams Cathedral while you are here. Built in 1612, this church now the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Laoag. You will then head from the church to the adjacent Sinking Bell Tower, believed to sink an inch every year because of the sandy soil it is built on.

From there, go to Museo Ilocos Norte next, where you can see a collection of Ilocos Norte's heritage and crafts. After visiting the museum, your guide will take you to Aurora Park. This square is dedicated to Spanish King Alfonso XII for ending the Tobacco Monopoly.

You will then travel from Laoag to Paoay to visit the Malacanang of the North. This is the former residence of Ferdinand Marcos, the Philippines' tenth president. Following your visit to the presidential museum, you will proceed to Paoay Church, a Roman Catholic church built in 1710 and is noted for its distinctive architecture.

To round out the trip, pay a visit to the Museum Marcos. This facility houses the late President Marcos' memorabilia, from his stint in the armed forces down to his presidency. The former President's cenotaph is also located here.

From your hotel in Laoag, your guide will bring you to the town of Burgos on the morning of the third day. Here, you will visit Cape Bojeador Lighthouse first, established during the Spanish Colonial period. It serves not only as a lighthouse but also as a National Historic Landmark and National Cultural Treasure.

You will also see the popular Bangui Windmills of Ilocos Norte. These 20 wind turbines that stand 70 meters high form a single line along the 9km shoreline of Bangui Bay. From there, you will visit the Patapat Viaduct next. This is a coastal bridge connecting Maharlika Highway from Ilocos Region to the neighboring Cagayan Valley province.

Following your visit to the bridge, your guide will drive you south to Agua Grande. Take in the scenic beauty of this picnic park before you walk to the nearby Paraiso ni Anton, a grotto known for its miraculous waters.

From there, you will stop by the picturesque Kapurpurawan Rock Formation for some photos before ending your tour at the Pasuquin Salt Stand to buy bags of freshly made sea salt. If you have more energy to spare, you can squeeze in a 4x4 ride at the La Paz Sand Dunes. Here, you will explore the 85-square-kilometer coastal and desert beach in Ilocos Norte before returning to your Laoag hotel.

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Laoag and take you south to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vigan. Your city tour will begin with a visit to the National Museum Ilocos Sur Complex. Here, you learn more about the region's past and heritage.

You will then go to the Bantay Church and Bell Tower, home to the miraculous portrait of the Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Charity. From there, you will visit the Syquia Mansion Museum, which tells the life story of Elpidio Quirino, a Vigan native and the Philippines' sixth president. Following your visit to the presidential museum, you will go to the Pagburnayan Jar Factory to learn about the city's pottery industry.

The Crisologo Museum is less than a ten-minute walk from the pottery. This is the ancestral home of former Ilocos Sur Representative Floro Crisologo and his family. However, it has been converted into a museum containing the family's memorabilia. From there, proceed to Calle Crisologo, where you can see the Spanish houses that line the cobblestone street.

Your next stop will be the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, also known as the Vigan Cathedral. Before returning to your hotel in Calle Crisologo, you will drop by Baluarte for a safari experience.

Your trip from your Calle Crisologo hotel to the rural town of Sagada in the Cordillera Mountains will begin early in the morning. After arrival in Sagada, you'll explore the Sugong Cave, one of the town's 60 caves. This natural wonder is located outside Sagada's cemetery and is famous for the coffins that hang from the limestone cliffs.

You'll walk through Echo Valley on your way back to town, which is densely forested with towering trees and greenery. This gorge was named for the echoing shouting that could be heard throughout the valley. Prepare for a spelunking adventure as you go to Sumaguing Cave, Sagada's largest cavern, next.

This is the biggest cave in any of the ones found in the town. Marvel at this natural wonderland that features ancient stalactites and stalagmites, as well as rare geological shapes. Additionally, there are ice water natural ponds inside the cave.

The Bontoc Tribal Museum will be your last stop. A Belgian nun established this museum to conserve the indigenous cultures of the Cordillera region's heritage and traditions. Traditional objects representing the Ifugaos' culture and heritage are on display here. You'll then board a van to your hotel in Sagada.

The town of Banaue, which is well known for its beautiful rice terraces, is located just south of Sagada. Here, you will visit the amphitheater-style rice terraces in the village of Batad, known to be part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pose for some photos here before you make your way to the Batad Banaue Viewpoint.

This view deck sits about a half-hour trek away from the jump-off point in the main road. If you’re looking to get a clearer view of the terraces, this is the best place to go. However, if you’ve already had your fill of the terraces, you can skip the viewpoint and go trekking to Tappiya Waterfall instead.

You can also visit the peaceful village of Banga-an if you prefer not to go trekking. At this small and charming farming community, you will see some typical Ifugao houses and learn about the locals’ livelihood, their school, and their method of farming the terraces.

You will then cap off your tour at the Banaue Museum. Here, you will see numerous indigenous artifacts from the ancient tribes of the Igorots. There is also a portion of the museum dedicated to the capture of General Tomoyuki Yamashita, the Imperial Army general who led all Japanese troops in the Philippines during World War II.

After leaving Banaue, you will stopover in the town of Kiangan first on your way to Baguio City. You will visit the Ifugao Museum here, a two-story ethnic museum displaying valuable Ifugao artifacts, such as clothes and wooden granary idols. You will also see General Yamashita's Surrender Site after exploring the museum.

You will then travel to Baguio and visit the Philippine Military Academy, where you can watch Filipino cadets training. You will also visit The Mansion, the Philippine President's official summer residence built in 1908. During the American occupation, this was the summer residence of the US governors-general.

From there, you will go to Camp John Hay. This recreational area was originally a US military rest and fitness center until being turned into a mixed-use development with restaurants, a shopping center, and a convention center. Visit Mines View Park next to get a view of the Amburayan Valley and the Cordillera Mountains.

Wright Park and Centennial Park will treat you to more of Baguio's serene scenery. You will stop by these parks to take in the landscape before visiting Good Shepherd Convent. You can purchase some delectable treats here to carry back to your Baguio hotel.

On Day 8, you will explore the other towns in the province of Benguet, beginning with La Trinidad. This peaceful landlocked town is home to the well-known Strawberry Farm, regarded as one of the most famous highland attractions. While here, you can go strawberry picking and purchase strawberry items, such as wine, crinkles, and jam.

Your guide will then bring you to the town of Atok, where you will find the Atok Sakura Flowers. To commemorate its 40-year friendship with Benguet, the Japanese government of Kochi Prefecture presented the province with over 30 Sakura trees in 2016. The trees were then planted in Atok and are supposed to bloom soon.

When you visit the Northern Blossom, you will see more rare and colorful flowers. This two-hectare estate, blanketed with rare flowers, will steal your breath away. Take lots of photos of the colorful flowers before continuing to the 2nd Highest Point.

Sitting at 7,400 feet above sea level, this site was named as such since it is the second-highest point on the Philippine highway system. It is located in the barangays of Cattubo and Paoay in Atok. Following your visit to the 2nd Highest Point, you will go to the Spanish Trail before heading to your hotel in Baguio.

From your Baguio hotel, you will make your way to the lowlands to the province of Tarlac. Here, you will go on a day hike up Mt. Pinatubo. This active volcano, located about 170 kilometers from Baguio, is well known for its 1991 devastating eruption. It is considered the second-largest terrestrial eruption of the twentieth century, causing destruction to over 8,000 homes and costing about ten billion pesos in damages.

When you arrive in the province, you will board a 4x4 trip at the Sta. Juliana Tourism Center and make your way to the mountain base. You'll travel the bumpy and sandy Crow Valley, renowned for its moon-like landscape. After about an hour's drive, you'll exit the jeep and begin hiking up the volcano.

The trail to Mt. Pinatubo is a 3.4-mile point-to-point route. Along the way, you will come across several odd lava sand formations from the 1991 eruption. After roughly an hour and a half, you will reach the summit and be greeted by the turquoise waters of the crater lake. You'll have plenty of time to savor your lunch here while taking in the tranquil surroundings. Take several souvenir photographs before descending and heading to your Manila baywalk hotel.

Your guide will take you from your Manila hotel to the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary in Bohol. This woodland patch, located in the town of Corella, is home to a sizable community of tarsiers. Apart from the forest filled with tarsiers, you can also find a library, research center, meeting facilities, and a visitor's complex in the vicinity.

You will then experience the Loboc River Cruise next. From Corella, you will head to the riverside and board a floating restaurant. While onboard, you will dig into a hearty lunch buffet as you sail through the river's emerald streams. Throughout the trip, several locals will perform Filipino native songs and dances, as well.

After returning to the port, you will proceed to Baclayon Church. It was built in 1595 out of coral-stone walls and pillars. There is a crystal chandelier within the church, a silver tabernacle, and an altar with gold-inlaid carvings.

Your tour guide will then take you to the Butterfly Conservatory, where you will discover how locals breed various varieties of butterflies. You will then drop by the Bilar Forest, a 2-km strip of mahogany trees, before concluding your tour at the famed Chocolate Hills. You will then retire to your Panglao hotel.

On Day 11, you will go to the unspoiled island of Pamilacan, situated off the coast of Baclayon. It is located in the middle of the Bohol Sea, about 12.5 kilometers from the mainland. Pamilacan is renowned for its sandy beaches and calm seas, but it is also a refuge for whale sharks and dolphins. You will most likely catch a glimpse of these sea creatures on your journey to the island.

When you arrive at Pamilacan, the cool, inviting seas will be the first to welcome you. Feel free to go swimming here as soon as you dock. Be sure to prepare your snorkeling equipment as well, since Pamilacan's aquatic paradise is well worth discovering. Starfish, seagrasses, crinoids, Gloria Maris seashells, and other aquatic creatures pepper the island's waters. If you're looking for a more exciting activity, there are diving spots nearby that you can visit.

After your beach adventures, you might want to take a short stroll to the 200-year-old Spanish Fort on the island's northeast side. This fort is a National Cultural Treasure that has served as a defense against Moro pirates. At the end of the day, you'll return to your Panglao hotel for some well-deserved relaxation.

You will visit another breathtaking island for Day 12, this time in Dumaguete. From your Panglao hotel, you will make your way to Malatapay Boat Terminal. Here, you're going to sail to Apo Island aboard a pump boat.

This unspoiled paradise became a famous destination after being named one of the best dive spots in the Philippines. It is located on the southeast end of Negros Island and is teeming with marine life.

After you disembark on the island, your guide will take you to the Turtle Sanctuary. You will dive and snorkel with the tortoises here. This place also has a vibrant reef garden with a plethora of colorful fish. In addition to exploring Apo Island's marine paradise, you are welcome to sunbathe on the powdery beach.

You may also hike to the Apo View Deck or the Apo Island Lighthouse. There are three paths to choose to trek here: the 600m Habagat Eco-Trail, David's Trek, and Witchy's Trail. Each route will reward you with a panoramic view of Negros Island and its surrounding seascape. You will then board your boat and travel to your Dumaguete hotel at the end of the day.

In the morning, you will take a ferry from Dumaguete to Cebu. After docking in the province, your guide will take you to Badian to see the famed Kawasan Falls, located 130km southwest of Cebu City. You will enjoy a quick dip in the cold spring waters of the falls before you head next to Moalboal.

This town has built a reputation for itself as the location of pristine white-sand beaches. After enjoying the seascape, you will board your boat and sail to Pescador Island. This water-locked paradise is just about a half-hour boat trip from the mainland and is recognized as one of the finest snorkeling places in the province.

Before sailing back to the mainland, you will stop at Turtle Island to swim and snorkel with the turtles. As soon as you dock on the shore, your guide will take you to Panagsama Beach for the popular sardine run. You will first attend a short briefing on the activity before donning your equipment and heading out to the waters. Wait a few minutes for the millions of sardines to pass by the area and assemble before your eyes. After that, you will return to your hotel in Argao.

You will now depart from your Argao hotel and travel north to Cebu City for a full-day city tour. To kick off the tour, you will pay a visit to the Taoist Temple. This location features a large balcony with views of the cityscape. Additionally, you can find a souvenir store, a wishing well, and a library in the area.

You will then go to the Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino. This 16th-century Roman Catholic Church features a facade that incorporates elements of Muslim, Romanesque, and Neoclassical architecture. You will also drop by the Magellan Cross, sitting next to the basilica. The Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan had planted this Christian cross as a sign of the propagation of the Roman Catholic faith in the country.

Following that, you will make your way to the Heritage of Cebu Monument, which features a set of sculptures depicting the province's main historical events. You will then visit the Yap-San Diego Ancestral Home, the first Chinese house built outside of China.

After seeing the attractions in the lowlands, you'll proceed to the Temple of Leah, dubbed Cebu's Taj Mahal. Your guide will then drive you to the Sirao Flower Farm to see the vibrant Celosia fields before escorting you to your Mandaue hotel.

After checking out of your Mandaue hotel, you will catch a flight from Cebu to Puerto Princesa Airport to begin your Palawan adventure. Upon arrival, your guide will transport you to the province's eastern shore to see the famous Honda Bay. This bay is known for its pristine white sand and the idyllic islands dotting its coast. After admiring the seascape, you will board a boat here and begin your island-hopping tour.

From the shore, your first stop will be at Starfish Island. As its name implies, this island is densely populated with starfish, both on the beach and in the sea. When snorkeling, you'll also come across some bloating pufferfish and rainbow parrotfish.

Cowrie Island will be your next destination. Cowrie is named for its form, which is similar to that of a seashell. Known as Honda Bay's largest island, Cowrie features various restaurants serving a range of delectable seafood and local dishes. Additionally, banana boat and jet ski rentals are available for rent here.

Luli Island will be the last destination on your island hopping trip. Luli is well known for its vanishing sandbars, but it's also a great snorkeling spot. You will then return to the mainland and check into your hotel in Sabang.

In the morning, your guide will drive you to Sabang Wharf, where a boat will be waiting for you. From there, you will sail to the world-famous Puerto Princesa Underground River. This river covers one of the most spectacular cave systems on the planet, granting it a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. While inside the cave, you will see interesting stalactites and stalagmites structures that line the cave's walls.

You will return to the mainland following your cruise and begin your city tour of Puerto Princesa. Baker's Hill will be your first stop. This bakery/theme park sells a variety of baked goods that you can take home as souvenirs. Additionally, there are restaurants, a garden, and several picture-perfect locations on this theme park.

From Baker's Hill, you will head to the iconic Plaza Cuartel. It previously served as a military base, complete with an old Spanish garrison and tunnels. The property has since been turned into a city park.

Following your visit to the park, you will proceed to Crocodile Farm, located about a 30-minute drive from the plaza. It is somewhat similar to a zoo, except that it houses endangered animal species. Your guide will then take you to Mitra's Ranch, where you will be treated to a panoramic view of Puerto Princesa. The trip will end with a trip along the Baywalk in Puerto Princesa.

You will now leave Palawan and return to Manila. After checking out of your accommodation in Sabang, you will catch a flight at Puerto Princesa Airport. Your final stop will be at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, signaling the end of your 17-day vacation package.