20-Day Philippines Outdoor & History Trip to Island of Palawan & Bohol, Cebu City & Luzon Mountains

After departing your Manila hotel, you will ride a plane bound for Laoag Airport. Your guide will then bring you from the airport to Laoag City to begin your city tour with St. Williams Cathedral. This Italian Renaissance-style cathedral was completed in 1612 and served as the primary church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Laoag.

After appreciating the church's splendor, make your way to the nearby Sinking Bell Tower, thought to have been built in the aftermath of the 1707 earthquake. Your next stop will be Museo Ilocos Norte. This museum includes a sizable collection of artifacts from the Ilocano, Igorot, and Itneg people. You will then stroll to Aurora Park, only a five-minute walk from the museum. Previously known as Plaza de Alfonso XII, this park served as Laoag's communal center prior to the end of the 16th century.

Following your city sightseeing, you will go to Paoay, home to the Malacanang of the North. This presidential museum was formerly used as the late Ferdinand Marcos and his family's official residence during his presidency. Take a tour around the well-preserved home before making your way to Paoay Church, one of the region's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Finally, the day will conclude at the city of Batac, where you will visit the Marcos Museum.

From your accommodation in Laoag, you will make your way to Burgos, where you will start your day at the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. Although this Spanish Colonial-era lighthouse is almost a century old, it is still operating to this day. Your next stop will be the Bangui Windmills. The windmills, made up of 26 units, generate enough electricity to fulfill more than 40% of Ilocos Norte's energy demands.

Your guide will then drive you to the Patapat Viaduct, the country's fifth-longest bridge. Afterward, you will head to Agua Grande, a picnic spot featuring a waterfall, a rocky creek that flows into the sea, and a gray sand and pebble beach. From there, you will walk to the nearby Paraiso ni Anton. This grotto comes with a stream believed to heal diseases.

After your grotto tour, you will proceed to the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, located about 47km away. This limestone structure was sculpted by different oceanic and weather forces throughout the years. The day will then come to a close at the Pasuquin Salt Stand, where you may buy bags of freshly made sea salt. Before returning to your Laoag hotel, you can also take a 4x4 excursion through the La Paz Sand Dunes if you have any excess energy.

This day will be devoted to touring Vigan City, another town in the Ilocos region. When you arrive in town, you will begin your day at the National Museum Ilocos Sur Complex. This museum houses artifacts depicting the Iloco-Kankanay-Itneg culture, as well as those belonging to two key people in Philippine history, Filipino Catholic priest Jose Burgos and former President Elpidio Quirino.

Your journey will continue with a visit to the Bantay Church and Bell Tower. This church and bell tower was built in the early 1590s and had a Neo-Gothic style with pseudo-Romanesque features. Following your visit to the cathedral, your guide will take you to the Syquia Mansion Museum, an ancestral home-turned-museum.

Your next stop will be the Pagburnayan Jar Factory, where you will learn about the traditional and authentic ways of pottery making. You may also try making your own jar here. Afterward, you will proceed to the Crisologo Museum. Floro Crisologo, a former Ilocos Sur Representative, originally owned this ancestral mansion until it was converted into a museum.

From there, you will make your way to Calle Crisologo, a cobblestone road lined with centuries-old Spanish homes. After a brief stroll along Calle Crisologo, you will proceed to the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral. Your final destination will be the Baluarte zoological park.

Once you check out of your Calle Crisologo hotel early in the morning, your guide will transport you to the highlands, specifically to Sagada town. Sagada has a subtropical highland climate with temperatures dropping to about 17 and 20 degrees Celsius every day. Keeping this in mind, ensure that you have packed and prepared your winter gear in advance.

When you arrive in Sagada, the first thing you will want to do is visit Sugong Cave, located a quick trek away from the town center. This cemetery is well-known for its hanging coffins, a centuries-old practice that continues to this day.

After posing near the cave's limestone cliffs, you will make your way back to town through Echo Valley. This region is thickly wooded and lushly vegetated, making it a great location for trekking and wildlife observation. Then you will travel to Sumaguing Cave, more popularly referred to as the Big Cave.

Sumaguing Cave is frequently visited by backpackers from all over the country, especially spelunkers interested in the well-preserved underground splendor of Sagada. There are interesting rock formations inside the cave, along with an ice-cold pool. After exploring Sumaguing, your day tour will conclude with a stopover at the Bontoc Tribal Museum. This museum is designed to look like an Igorot house and showcases a collection of Ifugao, Bontoc, and Kalinga artifacts.

After leaving Sagada in the morning, you will travel to the Banaue highlands and begin your tour at the Batad Rice Terraces. These amphitheater-shaped rice fields are located in the little settlement of Batad and have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They were built in the first century CE by the Ifugaos, using compacted earth and a sophisticated irrigation system.

Snap some photos with these unique rice fields before proceeding to the Batad Banaue Viewpoint. Here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Batad rice terraces from a distance. If you don't want to go to the view deck, you can head straight to Tappiya Waterfall and swim in its spring waters.

You may even skip the waterfalls entirely and head directly to Banga-an Village. A few traditional Ifugao houses are located in this little rural area. You will also learn more about their way of life while you are here. From there, you will visit the Banaue Museum. Some weaponry, jewelry, traditional dress and headgear, and early twentieth-century photos of Banaue are displayed in this museum. In addition, the museum houses several works by American anthropologist Henry Otley Beyer.

You will depart from your Banaue lodging in the morning and travel to Kiangan town, home of the Ifugao Museum. This ethnic museum houses a collection of Ifugao artifacts, as well as battle stories that happened in the town. Less than a kilometer from the museum is General Yamashita's surrender site, also referred to as the Kiangan National Shrine.

From Kiangan, you will proceed to Baguio City and continue your tour at the Philippine Military Academy. Here, you will witness some young cadets in training. Stroll around the campus' manicured grounds before heading to The Mansion next. This structure, found on the city's eastern outskirts, has a huge gate that resembles the gates of London's Buckingham Palace.

Camp John Hay will be your next stop from there. Spanning 246 hectares, this property is a favorite spot for hiking, food trips, and golfing. Your guide will transport you to Mines View Park next, where you may dress up in full Cordillera costume.

You will also go horseback riding in Wright Park before heading to Centennial Park, a well-known meeting and ceremony spot for indigenous people. Your day will come to a close at the Good Shepherd Convent, where you can buy local specialties like ube jam and butter pastries.

You will spend Day 8 ascending Mt. Pinatubo, the country's most famous volcano. This active volcano, which rises to a height of around 4700 feet, is found in the border that separates the provinces of Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga. It rose to prominence following a devastating eruption in 1991 that caused havoc on the country, inflicting billions of pesos in damage. Despite its sad past, Mt. Pinatubo is still a popular destination in the area.

You will travel south from your Baguio hotel to the Sta. Juliana Tourism Center in Tarlac province. From here, you will ride a 4x4 vehicle that will transport you through Crow Valley to the volcano's foot. Expect a bumpy ride across this valley's sandy terrain, and bring protective masks and glasses to shield yourself from the elements. You will arrive at the jump-off point after about an hour and immediately begin your ascent.

Mt. Pinatubo features a 5.5-km path that hikers typically complete in one to two hours. After reaching the summit, the turquoise waters of Mt. Pinatubo's crater lake will be the first thing you will see. Take in the beauty of the lake and the surrounding countryside while enjoying your lunch by the lakeside. Afterward, you will return to the volcano's base and make your way to your Manila lodging.

After leaving your hotel in Manila, you will fly to Panglao International Airport on the island of Bohol. Here, you will enjoy a three-day tour of the province, beginning with a visit to Cambuhat Village. This quiet settlement is located in the town of Buenavista, about 88km away from the airport.

As soon as you arrive in Bohol, your guide will bring you to Daet Bridge, where your tour boat awaits. You will then be led through the peaceful Cambuhat River. Feast your eyes on the calm splendor of the river's emerald green waters, mangroves, and nipa trees. You will then disembark at the Cambuhat Village Oyster Farm to witness the locals harvesting oysters and learn about their techniques.

From there, the locals will serve you a hearty lunch of oysters and other seafood. While you dine, your tour guide will tell you about the Cambuhat River's local management and other natural resources. The tour continues with a short journey to the village. Here, the locals will demonstrate their abilities in traditional handicraft production. They will show you how they make nipa thatches, baskets, hats, mats, and brooms. In addition, the Cambuhat residents will amuse you with a performance of an indigenous dance.

From your accommodation in Panglao, you will make your way to the seashore of Baclayon. A boat will be ready for you here to take you across the waters to Pamilacan Island. This rustic paradise is known as a hangout spot for dolphins and whales. In addition, sightings of manta rays, sharks, and other animals have also been reported near Pamilacan.

On your way to the island, a highly experienced spotter will assist you in looking for the numerous dolphins that frequent the area. If you plan your vacation around the summer months of March to June, you will likely see Bryde's whales and sperm whales, as well.

Upon reaching the island, your guide will give you plenty of time to enjoy the waters. Take out your snorkeling gear and dive into the sea to explore the underwater world. Expect to witness a plethora of soft and hard corals, schools of tropical fish, and even some sea turtles.

After snorkeling, you may relax on the island's white-sand beaches. Stroll down the beach, snap photos, or lie down and let the sun dry the seawater from your skin. You can also take a short walk to the island's 200-year-old Spanish fort before returning to your Panglao hotel.

You will leave your Panglao hotel on Day 11 and go to the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary in the Bohol countryside. This is where the province's small tarsiers are preserved and protected. Visitors are welcome to explore the tarsier habitat in the sanctuary; however, flash photography is strictly banned.

Afterward, you will join the Loboc River Cruise that will sail you down the Loboc River. As you cruise the clear streams, you will have a Filipino buffet lunch and watch a live performance of traditional Filipino music and dance. Once you get back to the pier, you will continue the tour to Baclayon Church, the Philippines' second-oldest stone church.

From there, you will visit the Butterfly Conservatory. Take a look at the beautiful butterflies that are bred and kept in their garden-like facility here. Afterward, your guide will take you to Bilar Forest, a 2km-wide man-made mahogany forest.

Finally, the day tour will end at the Chocolate Hills, the province's most popular destination. The name of this attraction is derived from the fact that during the dry season, the hills turn a chocolate brown tint. Take as many pictures as you like on the observation deck before returning to your Panglao hotel.

After checking out of your hotel in Bohol, you will board a ferry to Dumaguete City to enjoy a full-day tour. The first stop you will be visiting will be the Silliman University. This 62-hectare complex is home to six museums and a plethora of ancient acacia trees. After your tour of the institution, you'll take a stroll down the 780-meter long Rizal Boulevard.

From there, you will proceed to St. Catherine de Alexandria Cathedral, a stone church completed in 1776. Another popular landmark you will visit will be Dumaguete Campanario. This watchtower served as a defense against the Moro pirates. Afterward, you will go souvenir shopping at Dumaguete's Public Market before heading to the Provincial Capitol and Freedom Park to marvel at its well-manicured lawns.

You will then drop by the Clayton Pottery to learn how the locals make their clay pots. Your tour will continue at the Sidlakang Negros Village, followed by a hearty lunch at Lab-as Seafood. After your meal, you will head to Valencia's Forest Camp. Then it’s on to the Cata-al War Museum that houses artifacts from World War II. The final two stops on your itinerary will be the century-old San Agustin Church and the Negros Oriental Arts & Heritage Center, both in the town of Bacong.

The day begins with a ride from your Dumaguete hotel to Malatapay Port. From here, you will hop on a boat that will bring you to the nearby Apo Island. This 74-hectare volcanic wonderland off the coast of Negros province is one of the greatest spots in the Philippines for diving and snorkeling. It is claimed to be home to over 600 different fish species and over 400 different coral types.

Apo Island also acts as a major marine reserve and has a rich assortment of aquatic species, including big-eyed jacks, hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and tuna. Once you reach the island, you will first head to Turtle Point to observe some local turtles. You are welcome to swim with these marine creatures and photograph the beautiful underwater environment. To make the most of your time on Apo Island, your guide will also take you to the must-see reefs.

Relax on the beautiful white sand after exiting the sea and pose in front of the beach's unique rock formations. If you're feeling energetic, take a walk along the 600-meter Habagat Eco Trail, which provides panoramic views of the island's mountains and oceans. Then it's back to the mainland and your Dumaguete hotel.

After leaving Dumaguete, you will catch a ferry to Cebu Island for a full-day tour of the province's countryside. Your first stop here will be the famous Kawasan Falls in the town of Badian. Featuring three beautiful waterfalls that drop into blue pools of water, Kawasan Falls is undoubtedly one of the best spots on southern Cebu. From there, you will head to Moalboal next.

This town is endowed with an abundance of aquatic life. It also has a variety of diving shops that line its shoreline. After posing for photos by the beach, you will jump on the boat that will sail you to Pescador Island. Put on your snorkeling gear and dive into the ocean as soon as you arrive. Snorkel around the island's brilliant coral reef and marvel at the many different types of colorful exotic fish.

Following your island excursion, you will cruise to Turtle Island, where you will swim with sea turtles. Snorkel and observe the turtles as they glide through the water but do not touch or feed them. From there, you will make your way back to Panagsama Beach on the mainland to prepare for the spectacle of the sardine run. This school of sardines is difficult to miss and will surely take your breath away. After swimming with the sardines, you will check into your Argao hotel.

Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation in Argao and transport you to Cebu City. Here, you will visit the Taoist Temple in the Beverly Hills Subdivision in Lahug. Constructed in 1972, this Chinese-style temple sits at 110 meters above sea level and boasts a wide balcony with a panoramic view of the city.

From there, proceed to the Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino, one of the country's oldest Roman Catholic churches. A short walk from the church will bring you to Magellan's Cross. This cross, said to have been placed by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, symbolizes the expansion of the Roman Catholic faith in the nation.

Your next stop will be the Heritage of Cebu Monument, where you will learn about the province's important historical events. You will then stroll to the Yap-San Diego Ancestral House. This domestic structure, built around 1680, currently houses a museum of antiques, exquisite furniture, religious art, and curios.

After exploring the lowland sites, you will go to the highlands to visit the Temple of Leah and the Sirao Flower Farm, both of which provide breathtaking views of the surrounding environment. You will then check into your Mandaue hotel.

On Day 16, you will check out of your Mandaue hotel and travel to Puerto Princesa on the island of Palawan. As soon as you arrive at the airport, your guide will bring you to Honda Bay. This bay is well-known for the cluster of small tropical islands dotting its coast, each giving visitors a unique experience.

After settling onto your boat, you will make your way to Starfish Island, nestled on the south of the bay. As the name indicates, the island is densely packed with starfish of various shapes and sizes. Some are found on the white sand, while the majority are tucked away in the waters, making the island an ideal location for snorkeling. Additionally, the area is abundant in various marine life, such as puffers and parrotfish.

Cowrie Island will be your next stop from there. This boomerang-shaped paradise offers a variety of water sports facilities, including kayaking, banana boat excursions, and snorkeling. You can also find pavilions, cabanas, and spa huts here.

Finally, your last stop will be Luli Island. Among the islands in Honda Bay, this one has a distinguishing feature that attracts a great deal of interest. You see, Luli Island features a beautiful sandbar visible only during low tide. Additionally, this area features powdery sand and crystal blue seas, making it ideal for swimming and beachcombing.

Your guide will bring you from your Sabang hotel to the wharf, where a boat will be waiting for you. Put on your life jackets and prepare to sail to the Puerto Princesa Underground River's entrance. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 22,200-hectare Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park was selected as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011.

You will take a picturesque cruise around the river while marveling at the cave's jaw-dropping rock formations. While inside, you will come across stalactites and stalagmites shaped like Pegasus, dinosaurs, veggies, and Jesus' face. You may also use your audio commentary to learn more about the attraction. After the river cruise, you will return to Sabang Wharf and head to the city center.

As soon as you arrive in the city, your guide will take you to Baker's Hill to buy some baked goods before taking you to Plaza Cuartel to learn about its history. Then you will go to the Crocodile Farm, where you can get up close and personal with the resident crocs. From there, you will head to Mitra's Ranch, an observation deck on one of the city's highest elevations. This location is ideal for unwinding and taking in the scenery. You will then visit the Baywalk before returning to your hotel in Sabang.

From your Sabang hotel, your guide will drive you north to Port Barton. This tranquil town on Palawan's northwest coast is sometimes referred to as a miniature replica of the world-famous El Nido islands. It is ideal for those seeking a more tranquil version of El Nido's pristine sands and crystal blue waters. Once you set foot on Port Barton, you will be met with a quiet community. Take in the tranquility and simplicity of this place, and feel free to swim in the water, as well.

Apart from seeing the village, you'll also visit islets off the coast of Port Barton, one of which is German Island. You may rent snorkeling equipment at this location to get up close and personal with the vibrant underwater life. Additionally, you may explore the site's stunning corals beneath the surface and swim with turtles if they pass by during your stay.

From there, your boat will take you to Luli Sandbar. The name of this attraction comes from the fact that it appears at low tide and vanishes at high tide. You can do more snorkeling here or just sunbathe on the sand. Afterward, you will visit the Turtle Snorkeling Site to swim with sea turtles before moving on to the Fish and Reef Snorkeling Site to learn more about Port Barton's aquatic life. You will then check into your Lio hotel.

Day 19 will give you a taste of more of Palawan as you visit the natural marvels of the El Nido islands. From your Lio lodging, you will make your way to Bacuit Bay in the morning, where your tour boat will be waiting. Don your life vests and prepare to sail to your first stop, the Big Lagoon. This breathtaking location is hidden among limestone cliffs on Miniloc Island. You can go kayaking here to make the most out of your time.

Following your tour of the Big Lagoon, you will explore the white-sand beach on Miniloc Island before heading to the Secret Lagoon. As its name indicates, this stretch of seawater is surrounded by massive karst rocks. Enjoy your time swimming and appreciating the scenery here.

Your boat will take you to Seven Commandos Beach next. With its lined coconut palms, wide sandy beachfront, and fresh, crisp air, this beach is the perfect spot for sunbathing, photographing, strolling, and swimming. Finally, you will visit Shimizu Island. Aside from its distinctive name, many have fallen in love with the location due to its plentiful and colorful marine life, making it the greatest snorkeling location. You will retreat to your Lio hotel after the trip.

Spend the rest of your time here snapping photos by the beach before checking out of your hotel and making your way to the airport in Puerto Princesa. From there, you will fly to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, ending your 20-day trip.