17-Day Scenic Countryside, Islands, Heritage Tour to North Luzon, Bohol & Puerto Princesa

After leaving your Manila hotel, you will fly to Laoag International Airport and make your way to Laoag City. Here, you will visit St. Williams Cathedral. It currently serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Laoag. From the church, you will walk to the nearby Sinking Bell Tower, thought to sink an inch a year due to the sandy soil it stands on.

You will then head to Museo Ilocos Norte to see a repository of the heritage and crafts of the people of Ilocos Norte. After exploring the museum, your guide will bring you to Aurora Park, dedicated to the Spanish King Alfonso XII for terminating the Tobacco Monopoly.

From Laoag, you will make your way to Paoay, where you will find the Malacanang of the North. This is the former home of the 10th president of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos. Following your visit to this presidential museum, you will head to Paoay Church, a Roman Catholic church completed in 1710 and known for its unique architecture.

To conclude the trip, visit the Museum Marcos next, where the late President Marcos' memorabilia is stored. You will also find the cenotaph of the former President here.

On the third day, your guide will transport you from your hotel in Laoag to the town of Burgos. You will start the tour with a visit to the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, built during the Spanish Colonial era. It was named a National Historic Landmark and a National Cultural Treasure in the early 2000s.

Additionally, you will see the well-known Bangui Windmills of Ilocos Norte. Each standing 70 meters tall, these twenty wind turbines create a continuous line along Bangui Bay's 9km shoreline. Following that, you'll visit the Patapat Viaduct. This coastal bridge connects Ilocos Region to the neighboring Cagayan Valley province through the Maharlika Highway.

Your guide will then take you south to Agua Grande after you visit the bridge. Take in the scenic beauty of this picnic park before walking to the neighboring Paraiso ni Anton grotto, renowned for its miraculous streams.

From there, you'll make a stop at the picturesque Kapurpurawan Rock Formation before concluding your tour at the Pasuquin Salt Stand. You can purchase bags of freshly produced sea salt here.

If you have additional energy, you can go on a 4x4 ride through the La Paz Sand Dunes. You will then head to your Laoag hotel after exploring the 85-square-kilometer coastal and desert beach in Ilocos Norte.

After leaving your hotel in Laoag, your guide will drive you south to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vigan. Your city tour here will start with a visit to the National Museum Ilocos Sur Complex, where you will learn more about the history and heritage of the region. From there, you will head to the Bantay Church and Bell Tower that houses the miraculous image of the Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Charity.

You will also visit the Syquia Mansion Museum, a facility dedicated to the life of Vigan native Elpidio Quirino, the Philippines’ sixth president. After exploring the presidential museum, you will proceed to Pagburnayan Jar Factory to see exquisite handmade jars and learn about the city’s pottery industry.

Less than a ten-minute walk from the factory is the Crisologo Museum. This is the ancestral house of former Ilocos Sur Representative Floro Crisologo and his family and is now a museum of the family’s memorabilia. From there, you will head to Calle Crisologo and see the Spanish houses lining the street.

The St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, also known as the Vigan Cathedral, will be your next stop before you head to Baluarte for a safari experience. At the end of the tour, you will return to Calle Crisologo to check-in at your hotel.

Your journey to the rural town of Sagada in the Cordillera Mountains will begin early in the morning from your Calle Crisologo hotel. After arriving in Sagada, you will first visit the Sugong Cave, one of the 60 caves located in this rustic town. This natural attraction is situated beyond the cemetery of Sagada and is well-known for the coffins that hang from the limestone cliffs.

On the way back to town, you will pass through Echo Valley, filled with lush towering trees and greenery. This gorge received its name from the echoing shouts heard throughout the area. Get ready for a spelunking experience next as you make your way to Sumaguing Cave, Sagada's biggest cavern.

Among the caves in this area, this one has the largest chamber. It is home to millions of ancient stalactites and stalagmites, as well as unusual geological formations. Inside the tunnel, you will also find ice water natural pools.

Your last destination will be the Bontoc Tribal Museum. A Belgian nun founded this museum to preserve the history and practices of the Cordillera region's indigenous peoples. Among those on display are traditional artifacts reflecting the Ifugaos' culture and heritage. From there, you'll take a van to your hotel in Sagada.

After leaving your hotel in Sagada, you will make your way south to the town of Banaue, renowned for its stunning rice terraces. The amphitheater-style rice terraces in the village of Batad, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will be one of the spots you will visit here. Take a few pictures and enjoy the scenery here before heading to the Batad Banaue Viewpoint.

This view deck is around a half-hour walk from the main road's jump-off point. This is the perfect way to go if you want to get a better view of the terraces. If you've had your fill of the terraces, however, you can opt not to visit the viewpoint and instead, hike to Tappiya Waterfall.

If you rather skip trekking, you can visit the quiet village of Banga-an, a tiny and charming farming village below the junction to Batad. You'll see some traditional Ifugao houses here and observe the locals' livelihood and rice terrace farming system.

The Banaue Museum will bring your trip to a close. You can find numerous ancestral items from the ancient Igorot tribes here. Apart from the artifacts, there is also a part of the museum dedicated to the capture of General Tomoyuki Yamashita, the Japanese Imperial Army general.

On your way to Baguio City from Banaue, you will have a short stop in the town of Kiangan. Here, you will go to the Ifugao Museum, a two-story ethnic museum showcasing priceless Ifugao artifacts like clothing and musical instruments. In addition to the museum, you will also head to General Yamashita's Surrender Site.

From there, you will make your way to Baguio to see Filipino cadets training at the Philippine Military Academy. You will also head to The Mansion, the official summer home of the Philippine President. Constructed in 1908, this used to be the summer homes of US governors-general during the American occupation.

You will then visit Camp John Hay from there. This recreational spot was formerly a US military rest and leisure center until it was converted to a mixed-use development with restaurants, a shopping center and a conference center. Visit the Mines View Park next to a catch a glimpse of the Amburayan Valley and the Cordillera Mountains.

You will see more of Baguio’s peaceful landscape at Wright Park and Centennial Park. Take in the beautiful scenery at these parks before heading to Good Shepherd Convent. You can buy some delectable goodies here to take home to your Baguio hotel.

On Day 8, you will visit the province of Benguet's other towns, starting with La Trinidad. This tranquil landlocked town is famed for the Strawberry Farm, considered one of the most visited attractions in the highland. While you're here, you can go strawberry picking and buy strawberry-related products like wine, crinkles, and jelly.

Your guide will then take you to Atok, home to the Atok Sakura Flowers. In 2016, the Japanese government of Kochi Prefecture gifted Benguet with over 30 Sakura trees to celebrate their 40-year friendship. After that, the trees were planted in Atok, where they are expected to bloom soon.

When you visit Northern Blossom, you'll see an abundance of unique and vibrant flowers. This two-hectare estate is draped in unusual flowers and will undoubtedly take your breath away. Feel free to take numerous photographs among the vibrant flowers before proceeding to the 2nd Highest Point.

As its name suggests, this location is the second-highest point on the Philippine highway system as it stands at 7,400 feet above sea level. It is found in Cattubo and Paoay barangays in Atok. Following your visit to the Second Highest Point, you'll stroll along the Spanish Trail before returning to your Baguio hotel.

After checking out of your hotel in Baguio, you will go to Tarlac for a day hike to Mt. Pinatubo. This active volcano, situated more than 170 kilometers from Baguio, is well-known for its destructive eruption in 1991. It is regarded as the second-largest terrestrial eruption of the twentieth century, having damaged over 8,000 homes and costing about ten billion pesos in damages.

When you arrive in the province, your guide will lead you on a 4x4 ride to the mountain base from the Sta. Juliana Tourism Center. You will travel across the bumpy and dusty Crow Valley, known for its moon-like landscape. After about an hour's drive, you will get off the jeep and hike up the volcano.

Mt. Pinatubo's trail is a 3.4-mile moderately trafficked point-to-point path. It typically takes between an hour and 1.5 hours to reach the summit. Along the way, you can see some unusual lava sand formations produced by the 1991 eruption.

When you near the summit, you will be welcomed by the turquoise waters of the crater lake. You'll have plenty of time to enjoy your lunch while admiring the peaceful landscape. Take plenty of souvenir photos before beginning your descent and returning to your Manila hotel.

On Day 10, you will check out of your Manila hotel and fly to Panglao International Airport to explore Bohol's vibrant countryside, starting with the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary. This forest patch in Corella is host to a significant population of tarsiers. Apart from the tarsier viewing area, the property also features a library, research center, meeting facilities, and a visitor's hub.

Following your visit to the tarsier sanctuary, you will proceed to your Loboc River Cruise. You will make your way to the riverfront, where you'll board a floating restaurant. A hearty lunch buffet will be served here as you cruise across the river's emerald waters. Several locals will also perform indigenous Filipino songs and dances during the journey.

Once you return to the port, you'll make your way to Baclayon Church. It was constructed of coral-stone walls and pillars in 1595. There is a crystal chandelier, a silver tabernacle, and an altar with gold-inlaid carvings inside the chapel.

Following that, your tour guide will introduce you to the Butterfly Conservatory, where you will learn about how locals raise different species of butterflies. You will also see the Bilar Forest, a 2-km stretch of mahogany trees planted by the locals, before ending your tour at the world-famous Chocolate Hills. After that, you'll return to your Panglao hotel.

On Day 11, you will travel to the pristine island of Pamilacan, located just off the coast of Baclayon. It is situated in the Bohol Sea, approximately 12.5km from the mainland. Pamilacan is famous for its white-sand beaches and clear waters, but it is also a haven for whale sharks and dolphins. That said, you will likely encounter these marine creatures on your way to the island.

When you arrive at Pamilacan, you will be greeted by the calm, enticing seas. You are welcome to swim here immediately upon docking. Prepare your snorkeling tools as well, as Pamilacan's underwater paradise is well worth exploring.

In fact, the island's waters are teeming with starfish, seagrasses, crinoids, and Gloria Maris seashells, among other marine species. If you're searching for a more adventurous sport, you can also visit the nearby diving sites.

Following your beach trips, take a brief walk to the island's 200-year-old Spanish Fort on the northeast shore. This fort, designated a National Cultural Treasure, was built to defend against Moro pirates. You'll head to your Panglao hotel at the end of the day for some well-deserved rest.

After leaving Bohol, you will take a ferry to Dumaguete, the City of Gentle People. Your city tour here will begin at the Silliman University Campus, the country's first American and Protestant-based higher education institution. This university spans 62 hectares and is densely forested with acacia trees.

Following your visit to the campus, you will walk down Rizal Boulevard, named after national hero Jose Rizal. The St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral will be your next stop. Here, you will find intricately carved altarpieces and beautiful chandeliers. You will also stop by the Dumaguete Campanario, the Visayas' oldest bell tower, located next to the cathedral.

Afterward, you will go souvenir shopping at the Dumaguete Public Market before heading to the provincial Capitol and Freedom Park for a photo opportunity on its well-kept lawns. You will then visit Claytown Pottery and Sidlakang Negros Village.

After that, you will stop for lunch at Lab-as Seafood and continue your tour to the Forest Camp, a mountain retreat in the town of Valencia. Your tour guide will also bring you to the Cata-al War Museum, which houses World War II artifacts. You will conclude your tour at Bacong, where you will find the centuries-old San Augustin Church and the Negros Oriental Arts & Heritage Center.

On Day 13, you will see more of Dumaguete's beauty with a visit to Apo Island. You will depart from your Dumaguete hotel and proceed to the Malatapay Boat Terminal in the morning. Here, you will board a pump boat and sail to Apo Island.

After being declared one of the best dive spots in the Philippines, this unspoiled paradise became a famous destination for both local and international divers. It is situated some 7km from Negros Island's southeast coast and is home to thriving marine life.

Your guide will bring you to the Turtle Sanctuary after you disembark on the island. Here, you'll dive and snorkel alongside the tortoises. Additionally, this location features a vibrant coral garden teeming with a variety of vibrant fish. Along with visiting Apo Island's coastal paradise, feel free to sunbathe on the powdery sand.

Additionally, you can hike to the Apo View Deck or Apo Island Lighthouse. Three trails are available for trekking here: the 600-meter Habagat Eco-Trail, David's Trek, and Witchy's Trail. Each route rewards you with a panoramic view of Negros Island and the seascape that surrounds it. After having your fill of Apo Island, you'll board your boat and travel to your Dumaguete hotel.

After checking out of your hotel in Dumaguete, you will board a ferry to Cebu. Upon docking in the province, your guide will drive you to Badian, located some 130km southwest of Cebu City, to see the famous Kawasan Falls. You will go swimming in the falls' cool spring waters before moving on to Moalboal.

This town has developed a reputation for its pristine white-sand beaches. Take a few photos of the seascape here, then mount your boat and sail to Pescador Island. This water-locked paradise is located approximately a half-hour boat ride from the mainland and is renowned as one of the province's best snorkeling locations.

You will then enjoy a visit to Turtle Island to swim and snorkel with the turtles. As soon as you return to the mainland, your guide will transport you to Panagsama Beach for the famous sardine run.

Before donning your equipment and going out to the waters, you will attend a briefing on the activity. Your instructor will then lead you to the spot where the millions of sardines typically hang out. Feast your eyes on this spectacle and make sure to capture lots of photos. Following that, you will head to your Mandaue hotel.

After leaving Mandaue, you will board a plane bound to Puerto Princesa Airport, where your Palawan adventure will begin. Upon arrival, your guide will drive you to the province’s eastern coast to see the famed Honda Bay. This bay is well-known for its immaculate white sand and idyllic islands that pepper its coastline. Take some photos of the seascape here before boarding your boat and embarking on your island-hopping journey.

Your first stop from the coast will be at Starfish Island. This island is heavily populated with starfish, both on the beach and in the water. When snorkeling, you will likely see bloating pufferfish and rainbow parrotfish, as well.

Cowrie Island will be your next stop. Cowrie is named after its shape, which resembles that of a seashell. It is Honda Bay's largest island, making it one of the most developed, too. In fact, it has a variety of restaurants offering delectable seafood and local dishes. Additionally, rentals of banana boats and jet skis are accessible here.

Luli Island will be the final leg of your island-hopping adventure. Luli is famous for its disappearing sandbars, but it's also an excellent snorkeling location. After exploring Luli, you'll make your way back to the mainland and check into your Sabang hotel.

Your guide will take you to Sabang Wharf, where you will board a boat. You will then sail to the world-famous Puerto Princesa Underground River. This river features limestone karst landscapes and intact old-growth forests with distinctive wildlife, earning UNESCO World Heritage status. Within the cave, you'll notice fascinating stalactites and stalagmites formations that line the walls.

Following your cruise, you will return to the mainland and begin your city tour of Puerto Princesa. Your first destination here will be Baker's Hill. This bakery/theme park offers a range of baked products that can be purchased as souvenirs. You can also find some bars, a playground, and some picture-perfect spots in the area.

You will head to the famed Plaza Cuartel from Baker's Hill. It was once a military base, complete with an old Spanish garrison and tunnels. However, the land has now been transformed into a public park.

Following your visit to the park, you will travel to Crocodile Farm, situated a little over 13km from the plaza. The facility is similar to a zoo but only houses endangered animal species. Your guide will then drive you to Mitra's Ranch to see a panoramic view of Puerto Princesa. The journey will conclude with a stroll along the Puerto Princesa Baywalk.

It's time to leave Palawan and head to Manila. Before leaving for the Puerto Princesa Airport, you will check out of your Sabang hotel. You will then arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila in less than two hours, marking the conclusion of your 17-day tour.