18-Day Scenic Nature, Islands & Heritage Tour to Baguio, Ilocos, Bohol & Puerto Princesa from Manila
Likely to sell out soon
Description
Summary
Tour starts
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Duration
18 days
Ending place
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Languages:
English
Difficulty:
Easy
Minimum age:
None
Description
See the Philippines’ scenic nature attractions, islands. and learn about the country’s rich history in this 18-day vacation package. From Manila, you will head to the historical landmarks of Baguio and Ilocos, the unspoiled countryside of Bohol, and the pristine islands of Puerto Princesa. This package is also inclusive of accommodations with daily breakfast, entrance fees, transfers, and the service of guides.
After landing at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, you will make your way to Intramuros in Manila, where you will visit some of the walled district's Spanish-era landmarks. You will then fly to Ilocos. This region is home to the Malacanang of the North and Marcos Museum, both of which showcase the life and career of late president Ferdinand Marcos.
Apart from the presidential museums, you will also visit the Bangui Windmills and Calle Crisologo in Ilocos before heading to Sagada for a spelunking trip in Sumaguing Cave. You will then learn more about the country's heritage at Banaue Museum in Banaue. From there, you will make your way to Baguio to drop by the former US military base of Camp John Hay and the scenic Mines View Park.
Don't pack away your jackets just yet, as you will go strawberry picking in Benguet's Strawberry Farm before hiking to Mt. Pinatubo. After enjoying the attractions of Luzon, you will fly to Bohol. Here, you will explore the Tarsier Sanctuary and the Chocolate Hills. Board a ferry from Bohol to Dumaguete next to see the Silliman University and Apo Island.
Another ferry ride will bring you to the neighboring island of Cebu, where you will enjoy Kawasan Falls, Moalboal, Temple Of Leah, and Sirao Flower Farm. You will then ride a plane to Puerto Princesa for some water adventure at Honda Bay and the Underground River.
Set off on an 18-day trip to the Philippines that will bring you to the iconic destinations of Manila, Ilocos, Sagada, Banaue, Baguio, Tarlac, Bohol, Dumaguete, Cebu, and Puerto Princesa. Check availability by choosing a date.
Included
17 nights accommodation (budget category)
17 days breakfast
17 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 8 - Sagada, Banaue and Benguet Tour (Cordillera Region)
Day 9 - Mt. Pinatubo Tour
Day 10 to 15 - Bohol, Dumaguete and Cebu Tour (Central Visayas)
Day 16 to 17 - Puerto Princesa Tour (Palawan)
Day 18 - Back to Manila
Map
Attractions
Activities
Island Hopping
Culture, Arts & Historical Tours
Daily itinerary
Day 1
Day 1 - Day 1: Intramuros Tour
You will meet your tour guide when you arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. They will drive you to your hotel in Manila or along Roxas Boulevard, then take you to Intramuros. This walled city is well-known for its old-world charm and Spanish-era attractions. Among the attractions you will visit here is Fort Santiago, where the national hero Jose Rizal was imprisoned until his execution in 1896.
After that, you will take a break in the heart of the walled city, Plaza Roma, before proceeding to Bahay Tsinoy. This museum houses several exhibits depicting the Chinese influence in the country. Following that, you will go to another museum called Casa Manila that provides insight into the lives of locals during the Spanish period.
From there, take a stroll around San Diego Gardens and Baluarte De San Diego, a century-old bastion with an odd shape. This is one of the oldest stone fortifications in Intramuros and has been a National Cultural Treasure since 2014. Before wrapping up your tour, you will visit two historic locations: San Agustin Church and Museum, which houses religious artwork and sculptures, and Manila Cathedral, which highlights ornate bronze carvings and stained glass.
Read moreDay 2
Day 2 - Day 2: Laoag Tour
You will travel from Manila to Laoag International Airport. Laoag City is just 10km away from the airport. Here, you will find St. Williams Cathedral, which used to be a wooden chapel and was reconstructed in 1612. It is known for its Italian Renaissance architecture, which features the portrait of San Guillermo el Ermitao, the city's patron saint.
You will also find the Sinking Bell Tower, just a short distance away. It is believed to be sinking an inch a year because of the sandy land it is standing on. Next, you will drop by Museo Ilocos Norte to see some artifacts depicting the region's history, culture, and heritage. In Aurora Park, you will find an important historical landmark – the 19th-century Tobacco Monopoly Monument.
After Laoag City, you proceed to visit attractions in the town of Paoay, including the Malacanang of the North. This presidential museum is known as the former home of Ferdinand Marcos, the 10th President of the Philippines. Afterward, your guide will bring you to Paoay Church, one of the country's Baroque churches famous for its intricate architecture. You will also pay a visit to the Marcos Museum, also known as the Ferdinand E. Marcos Presidential Center, where you will find paraphernalia of the former President Marcos.
Read moreDay 3
Day 3 - Day 3: Pagudpud Tour
On the third day, you begin your adventure by visiting more historical sites. Your first destination is the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, located in a small town in Burgos. This lighthouse is still operational today but was built during the Spanish Colonial period. The famous Bangui Windmills, which are 20 70-meter-tall wind turbines, will be included in the itinerary. They form a continuous line around a nine-kilometer stretch of the Bangui Bay shoreline.
The Patapat Viaduct, a long bridge that ties the Ilocos Region and Cagayan Valley, is your next destination. Then you'll go to Agua Grande, a picnic park with water that runs down to Pasaleng Bay. Paraiso ni Anton, which has a grotto, is just a few meters away. It is well-known for a stream of cold water that is said to have healing properties.
After that, you'll see the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, one of the most beautiful rock formations in the country. Finally, you'll stop by the Pasuquin Salt Stand to buy salt-preserved goods.
If you're feeling a bit adventurous, you can include a 4x4 trip at the La Paz Sand Dunes in your itinerary. You can go on an incredible adventure through an 85-square-kilometer coastal beach desert in Ilocos Norte, passing by small and steep hills.
Read moreDay 4
Day 4 - Day 4: Vigan Tour
Your Day 4 will be focused on the attractions of the UNESCO World Heritage City of Vigan and its neighboring town of Bantay. Your tour will kick off at the National Museum Ilocos Sur Complex, where you can better understand the region's history and heritage. You will later head to Bantay Church and Bell Tower in the close-by town, which formerly served as a watchtower.
At your next stop, you will be in awe at the stunning architecture of the Syquia Mansion Museum, built in 1830 by the Ang Co family. The museum houses preserved furniture. You'll then see the beautifully handcrafted jars and learn about the pottery industry at Pagburnayan Jar Factory. You will also be paying a visit to the Crisologo Museum, an ancestral house of the Crisologo political family.
From there, you will walk down the cobbled streets of Calle Crisologo. St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, also known as Vigan Cathedral, will be your next destination. This Earthquake Baroque is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your tour ends at Baluarte, which is a zoological park where you can interact with various animals. You will then retreat to your accommodation in Calle Crisologo.
Read moreDay 5
Day 5 - Day 5: Sagada Tour
On Day 5, you'll leave early in the morning for a country ride from Vigan to Sagada, a rural town in the Cordillera Mountains. This town is famous for its scenic and calming mountain valleys, rice fields, and sea of clouds. Another interesting fact about Sagada is that it houses over 60 caves, one of which is Sugong Cave. This cave is famous for the coffins hanging from the limestone cliffs.
You will then enjoy the green scenery enclosing Echo Valley. This gorge sits just before the cave and is surrounded by limestone mountains and thick forests. Don't pack away your outdoor equipment just yet, as you will head to Sumaguing Cave next.
Sumaguing, also known as the Big Cave, is located about an hour's walk from Sagada City Hall and offers a two-hour tour through its rocky tunnel. The cave's interior is dotted with various rock formations in multiple forms, including a bear, turtlehead, and elephant.
The Bontoc Tribal Museum will be your last stop before returning to your downtown hotel. This museum uses artifacts and images to preserve the heritage of the Ifugao people. Behind the building, there is a recreation of an Ifugao village.
Read moreDay 6
Day 6 - Day 6: Banaue Tour
From Sagada, you will head south toward the town of Banaue, which is famous for its stunning rice terraces. One of the go-to attractions in Banaue is the amphitheater-like rice terraces located in the village of Batad. In the area, you can also find plenty of paddy fields.
For a better view of the terraces, you will make your way to the Batad Banaue Viewpoint. This view deck is a 30-minute hike from the main road. Instead of stopping by the viewpoint, you can also go straight to Tappiya Waterfall. If you prefer to do something else, you may visit the peaceful Banga-an Village, a small community of fewer than 30 families. There, you can witness typical Ifugao houses, their livelihood, their school, and their method of farming the rice terraces.
You will then finish your tour at the Banaue Museum after visiting your chosen second stop. You'll have the opportunity to learn more about the tribes of the area here. Inside the museum are various artifacts, ranging from tribal jewelry to warrior hunters' equipment. The museum also contains books written decades ago by anthropologist Henry Otley Beyer known as the Father of Philippine Anthropology.
Read moreDay 7
Day 7 - Day 7: Baguio Tour
On your way to Baguio City from Banaue, you will stop in the town of Kiangan. Here, you will drop by the Ifugao Museum, which celebrates the history and traditions of the northern Philippines' Ifugao people. Aside from the museum, you will also visit General Yamashita's surrender site in this town.
You will then go to Baguio and head to the Philippine Military Academy. This prestigious institution educates Filipino cadets while also maintaining beautiful grounds with antique tanks and other historical military weapons. After that, you'll visit The Mansion, the official summer residence of the Philippine President. Although visitors are not usually permitted inside, you can always take a selfie in front of the gates, which resemble Buckingham Palace's gates in London.
From there, you will head to Camp John Hay. This place was once a US military rest and recreation facility, now houses hotels, a shopping center, and a convention center. Following that, visit Mines View Park next. This site offers a glimpse of the Amburayan Valley and the Cordillera Mountains.
You will enjoy more of Baguio's scenery at Wright Park and Centennial Park. Before retiring to your hotel, stop by the Good Shepherd Convent to purchase some delectable sweets to take home as a souvenir.
Read moreDay 8
Day 8 - Day 8: Benguet Tour
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Baguio and take you to the other towns in the province of Benguet, beginning with La Trinidad. This quiet landlocked town is home to the famous Strawberry Farm, believed to be one of the most visited destinations in the highlands. You can go strawberry picking and purchase strawberry items such as champagne, crinkles, and jam while you're here.
You'll be making your way next to the town of Atok, where you will find the Atok Sakura Flowers. In 2016, the Japanese government of Kochi Prefecture gifted over 30 Sakura trees to Benguet to celebrate its 40-year friendship with the province. The trees were planted in Atok, and they are expected to bloom soon. You will see more bright blooms when you visit the Northern Blossom. This two-hectare farm will undoubtedly take your breath away with its rare flowers.
Pose for some photos with the vibrant flowers here before proceeding to the 2nd Highest Point in the Philippine highway system. This place is 7,400 feet above sea level and is located in the Atok barangays of Cattubo and Paoay. After that, you'll go to the Spanish Trail before returning to your Baguio hotel.
Read moreDay 9
Day 9 - Day 9: Mt. Pinatubo Tour
You will travel to Tarlac after checking out of your Baguio hotel for a day hike up Mt. Pinatubo. This active volcano has had at least six periods of activity with significant explosive eruptions in its past 35,000 years and became famous for its 1991 eruption, dubbed the twentieth century's second-largest terrestrial eruption.
Your guide will drop you off at Sta. Juliana Tourism Center, where you will board a 4x4 jeep. From the center, you will ride across the bumpy and dusty terrain of Crow Valley. Take in the moon-like landscape along the trail before you get off at the mountain's base after the hour-long drive. Your guide will then take you up the volcano from here.
The trek typically requires between one and 1.5 hours. You'll pass through some rare lava sand formations created by the volcano's 1991 eruption along the way. When you hit the summit, you will be greeted by the turquoise waters of Mt. Pinatubo's Crater Lake.
The water in the lake is not fit for swimming and other activities due to harmful substances, but you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and your lunch here. Take as many pictures as you want before starting your descent and returning to your Manila hotel for some well-earned rest.
Read moreDay 10
Day 10 - Day 10: Bohol Countryside Tour
On Day 10, you will check out of your Manila hotel and ride a plane to Panglao International Airport to explore Bohol's vibrant countryside, starting with the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary. This forest patch, located in the town of Corella, is home to a significant tarsier population. Turn off your flash and take as many photos as you want of the adorable tarsiers.
After getting up close and personal with these googly-eyed primates, you will then hop on board a floating restaurant for the Loboc River Cruise. While cruising down the river's emerald streams, savor your sumptuous buffet lunch. Some locals will also perform traditional Filipino songs and dances for your entertainment.
After you've returned to the ground, you will drop by Baclayon Church before visiting the Butterfly Conservatory. This site houses and preserves a variety of colorful butterflies. After that, you'll pause at the Bilar Forest for a break.
You will then head to Chocolate Hills, which is Bohol's most famous tourist attraction. It's a geological formation made up of 1,268 to 1,776 almost symmetrically formed hills. The hills are covered in green grass that turns brown during the dry season, giving the area a chocolate-like appearance, hence the name. Your guide will drop you off at your Panglao hotel at the end of the trip.
Read moreDay 11
Day 11 - Day 11: Bohol Pamilacan Island Tour
On your eleventh day, you'll get a taste of Bohol's off-the-coast paradise when you visit the island of Pamilacan. Pamilacan is a small island in the middle of the Bohol Sea, about 12.5 kilometers from the mainland. Keep an eye out for whale sharks and dolphins while visiting the island, as it is known to be a sanctuary for these sea creatures.
Even though Pamilacan Island has a population of around 2,000 people, the locals strive to preserve the island's natural beauty. Wait until you arrive on the island to see its pristine white sand and clear blue waters. You will have plenty of time to swim and sunbathe here.
Make sure to go snorkeling, as well, so you will not miss the island's thriving underwater world. Here, you might spot bucket sponges, sea turtles, and a variety of fish. There are even diving spots around Pamilacan if you're looking for a more adrenaline-pumping adventure.
You can then take a short walk to the 200-year-old Spanish fort on the island's northeast side after you've had your fill of the beach. This observatory, once used as a lookout for Moro pirates, has now been designated as a National Cultural Treasure. At the end of the day, you'll return to your Panglao hotel.
Read moreDay 12
Day 12 - Day 12: Dumaguete City Tour
It's time to travel from Bohol to Dumaguete, the City of Gentle People. Your tour will begin when you arrive at the Silliman University Campus. This is the country's first American-founded and Protestant-founded university. After that, you'll head to Dumaguete's promenade, Rizal Boulevard, for a relaxing stroll along the beach.
Your next stop will be the Cathedral of St. Catherine de Alexandria. The Dumaguete Campanario, the Visayas' oldest bell tower, is situated next to this Roman Catholic church built in 1754. You will also stop by the Dumaguete Public Market, the Provincial Capitol and Freedom Park, and the Clayton Pottery. From there, you will visit Sidlakang Negros Village to buy some souvenirs.
Following that, you will stop for lunch at Lab-as Seafood and continue your journey to Valencia's Forest Camp. This mountain resort is great for vacation and perfect for camping due to its wide-open space. You will then proceed to the Cata-al War Museum. Among the items on display are Nazi German artifacts, unexploded bombs and mortars, machine guns, uniforms, helmets, and even teeth from World War II.
Before retreating to your hotel in Dumaguete, you will drop by the town of Bacong to visit the century-old San Agustin Church and the Negros Oriental Arts & Heritage Center.
Read moreDay 13
Day 13 - Day 13: Apo Island Tour
Your tour will begin with a transfer to Malatapay Boat Terminal, located approximately 24km from your Dumaguete hotel. You'll board a pump boat and sail to Apo Island from here. Apo Island has become renowned among local and foreign tourists as one of the best dive spots in the Philippines. It's on the southeast coast of the island of Negros and has been home to a sea reserve with a variety of marine life.
When you arrive on the island, your guide will take you to the turtle sanctuary, where you will have the opportunity to swim, snorkel with the turtles, and catch a glimpse of marine life. You can also find a large reef garden with a plethora of colorful fish in this area. Apart from enjoying Apo Island's underwater paradise, you can also relax and appreciate the coastline.
After you've had your fill of wet activities, you can hike to the Apo Island Lighthouse or the Apo View Deck. Take the 600m Habagat Eco-Trail, David's Trek, or Witchy's Trail here, and you'll be rewarded with a panoramic view of Negros Island and its surroundings. By the end of the day, you will board your boat and return to your hotel in Dumaguete.
Read moreDay 14
Day 14 - Day 14: Kawasan Falls & Moalboal Sardine Run Tour
You will board a ferry to Cebu and travel to the town of Badian, where Kawasan Falls is situated. This 40-meter high fall is around a 1.5-kilometer hike uphill from the jump-off spot, but the effort will pay off once you dip your toes in its cold natural spring waters.
From there, your guide will bring you to Moalboal, famed for its many white beaches. Enjoy the scenic atmosphere of the place before you hop on a boat that will take you off the coast to Pescador Island. This island is only 30 minutes from the mainland and is an ideal spot for snorkeling.
You can also head to Turtle Point, where you will spend time swimming with sea turtles. After that, you'll return to the mainland and visit Panagsama Beach for the famous sardine run. When you arrive at the beach, a guide will brief you on the activity and provide you with your equipment.
Then you'll go out to sea and witness millions of sardines assembling in the area and forming a cloud underwater. This activity is available all year long and frequently attracts many foreign divers from across the world. Once you have had your fill of the plethora of sardines, you will head back to your hotel in Argao.
Read moreDay 15
Day 15 - Day 15: Cebu City Tour
It's time to leave your Argao hotel and travel to Cebu City. Called the Queen City of the South, Cebu is also the oldest city in the Philippines. You will visit several historical locations here, starting with the Taoist Temple. There are two temples on this hill, although only one is accessible to the public.
From there, your guide will then transport you to the Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino. This Roman Catholic Church goes back to the 16th century and features a facade with a blend of Muslim, Romanesque and neo-classical architecture. While here, you will also stop by the Magellan's Cross located directly outside the chapel.
You will visit the Heritage of Cebu Monument next, a set of sculptures representing the province's main historical events. Across the street from the monument is the Yap-San Diego Ancestral Home, an ancestral house-turned-museum made of wood and coral stones.
You will then travel to the mountains to the Temple of Leah to see the 24 chambers making up this shrine. From there, your guide will bring you to the Sirao Flower Farm, where you'll spend the remainder of the day posing for photos amongst the sea of Celosia. Your van will then transport you to your Mandaue hotel.
Read moreDay 16
Day 16 - Day 16: Puerto Princesa Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour
After checking out of your Mandaue hotel, you'll travel from Cebu to Puerto Princesa Airport to begin your Palawan adventure. When you arrive, your guide will take you to Honda Bay, which is located on the province's eastern coast. Here, a boat will be waiting to take you on your island-hopping adventure.
From the coast, your first destination will be Starfish Island. Rock starfish and a variety of other fish, such as bloating puffers and rainbow parrotfish, dot the island's unspoiled beach and waters. You can go snorkeling and swimming here before sailing to your next destination, Cowrie Island.
Cowrie gets its name from its shape's resemblance to a seashell. It is the largest island in Honda Bay and probably the most developed. In fact, you can find restaurants on the island that will load you up with delicious seafood and local goods. There are also several recreational facilities like banana boats and jet skis.
Luli Island will be the last stop on your island-hopping trip. Luli is famous for its vanishing sandbars during high tide, but it also has a diving platform, hammocks, and a snorkeling spot. You'll return to the mainland and check into your Sabang hotel once you've had your fill of the beach.
Read moreDay 17
Day 17 - Day 17: Puerto Princesa Underground River & City Tour
In the morning, your guide will drive you to Sabang Wharf. This is where you will board a boat to enter the world-renowned Puerto Princesa Underground River. This river flows underneath the St Paul Mountain Range and is dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the cave's jaw-dropping stalactites and stalagmites formations while inside.
You'll return to the mainland after your cruise and take a city tour of Puerto Princesa, beginning with Baker's Hill. Located on top of a hill, this bakery/theme park offers a range of baked goods as souvenirs. There are also several restaurants, a garden, and many picture-perfect places to be found here.
From Baker's Hill, your next stop will be the historic Plaza Cuartel. This used to be a Spanish garrison that the Americans and Japanese took over. Today, the site is transformed into a city park. About a half-hour drive from the plaza is the Crocodile Farm.
Here, you will encounter some crocodiles and other mammals and reptiles before making your way to Mitra's Ranch. This attraction comes with a view deck featuring a panoramic view of the area and some horseback riding and ziplining facilities. The tour will conclude at the Puerto Princesa Baywalk, the city's promenade.
Read moreDay 18
Day 18 - Day 18: Departure to Manila
It's time to bid Palawan farewell and return 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 end of your 18-day tour of the country.
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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