8-Day Philippines Island-Hopping, Trekking & Historical Tour to North Luzon & Palawan Islands

White sand beach and clear blue waters in Port Barton Palawan
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Description

Summary

Tour starts
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Duration
8 days
Ending place
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Languages:
English
Difficulty:
Easy
Minimum age:
None

Description

Go on an 8-day vacation in the Philippines with this trip that will bring you to the islands of Palawan, scenic sights, and historical spots in North Luzon. With inclusions of accommodations, daily breakfast, transfers, entrance fees, and the service of guides, this package is the best hassle-free way to enjoy the country's must-see attractions. 

Day 1 will be dedicated to a tour of Manila's Intramuros. This walled district that dates back to the Spanish colonization used to be the Philippines' religious, educational, and economic center but had now been converted into a favorite spot for picnics and historical tours. From Manila, you will fly to Laoag Airport and see more heritage of Ilocos, particularly in and around Laoag and Vigan. Here, you will visit Vigan's postcard-worthy cobblestone street named Calle Crisologo. 

After that, your guide will drive you to the highlands, where you will unwind in Baguio, the Philippines' Summer Capital. There are several hotspots in the city worth exploring, one of which is Camp John Hay. Formerly a US military base, this 690-hectare property features a Jack Niclaus-designed golf course, an amphitheater, and a museum. 

Prepare for an adrenaline-packed adventure as you make your way to Tarlac to see the crater lake at the summit of Mt. Pinatubo. This active volcano was believed to be dormant for about 600 years before its infamous large eruption in 1991. From there, you will then fly to the province of Palawan. 

Many natural wonders await you here, including Honda Bay, located on the eastern shore near Puerto Princesa City. You will also visit Port Barton, a village with a relaxed climate and natural beauty and sits 160km north of Puerto Princesa. After your island hopping tours in some of the most stunning tropical destinations in Palawan, you will then fly back to Manila on Day 8. 

Explore the wonders of  Ilocos, Baguio, and Palawan Islands with this 8-day hassle-free vacation package from Manila. Check availability by choosing a date. 

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Included

7 nights accommodation (budget category)
7 days breakfast
7 lunch
All flights with 20kgs baggage allowance
Day 1 - Intramuros Tour (Manila)
Day 2 - Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur (Ilocos Region)
Day 3 to 4 - Sagada and Baguio Tour (Cordillera Region)
Day 5 - Mt. Pinatubo Tour
Day 6 to 7 - Puerto Princesa and Port Barton Tour (Palawan)
Day 8 - Back to Manila
All transportation to and from included activities and destinations
All environmental fees, port fees, and all other applicable taxes

Activities

Culture, Arts & Historical Tours

Daily itinerary

Day 1
Beautiful sight of Manila Cathedral at night

Day 1 - Day 1: Intramuros Tour

You will fly into the Philippines and land at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, where your guide will be waiting for you. From there, you will then head to your hotel in Manila or along Roxas Boulevard before jumpstarting your tour with a visit to Intramuros. A 0.67-square-kilometer walled area, Intramuros is peppered with attractions dating as far back as the Spanish colonization period. Among these is Fort Santiago. Commissioned by Spanish governor Miguel López de Legazpi in 1593, this fortress now serves as a venue for open-air theater and picnics. You will enjoy more open-air scenery at Plaza Roma, which is only a five-minute walk from the fort. From there, you will visit Bahay Tsinoy, which showcases the influence of the Chinese on the country, and Casa Manila, which depicts the Filipino home during the Spanish era. After that, you'll take a leisurely walk through San Diego Gardens and Baluarte De San Diego. This bastion, built like an Ace of Spades in the southwestern corner of Intramuros, is now a common location for special events such as weddings and family parties. Then you'll visit San Agustin Church and Museum, where the country's first governor-general is buried. Before leaving the walled city, you'll pay a visit to Manila Cathedral to admire its Neo-Romanesque architectural style.
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Day 2
Pagburnayan Jar Factory in Ilocos

Day 2 - Day 2: Ilocos Laoag & Vigan Tour

It's time to depart Manila and fly to Laoag via the Laoag Airport. Here, you will indulge yourself in a full-day tour of the Ilocos region, starting with a visit to Paoay's Northern Malacañang. This two-story museum, formerly the official home of late President Ferdinand Marcos and his family, features a fusion of Spanish and Ilocano architecture. Visitors are welcome to walk around the mansion and Paoay Lake, located nearby. From there, you will head south to Saint Augustine Church or Paoay Church, as it is more widely called. Dive next into the past with a visit to two of the region's most significant museums: the Marcos Museum and Juan and Antonio Luna Museum. The former houses memorabilia of late President Marcos, while the latter tells the career and life of the hero brothers. After that, you'll proceed to Vigan, home to the Earthquake Baroque St. Paul's Cathedral. You will also see another prominent church in the area called Bantay Church. After offering a short prayer inside, your guide will take you to Pagburnayan, the region's pottery-making center, located approximately 2km south of the church. Pay a visit to the Burgos Museum, the National Museum, and the Crisologo Museum next to understand Ilocos' culture and history better. You will then head to Baluarte for some safari action before capping off your day with a walk down Calle Crisologo's cobblestone streets.
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Day 3
Echo Valley in Sagada

Day 3 - Day 3: Sagada Tour

On the third day, your guide will take you on a country trip from Vigan to the rural town of Sagada in the Cordillera Mountains. This rustic location features over 60 caves, the most interesting of which is your first stop: Sugong Cave. You will find this attraction near the town center, just outside Sagada's cemetery. Famous for the coffins hanging from the limestone cliffs, Sugong Cave never ceases to amaze its tourists. You'll then enjoy a quick breather at Echo Valley to take in the lush landscape that surrounds the area. This gorge, located just before Sugong Cave, is enclosed by limestone mountains and dense woodland. From there, you will head to Sagada City Hall, where you will embark on a trek to Sumaguing Cave. This cave is also regarded as the Big Cave and offers tourists a two-hour tour through its rugged tunnel. Its interior is covered with numerous rock formations of various forms, including a bear, turtlehead, and elephant. You will then visit the Bontoc Tribal Museum before returning to your downtown hotel. Housing exhibits and photos, this museum tells the heritage and culture of the Ifugao people. Right behind the building stands a recreation of an Ifugao village, as well.
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Day 4
Kennon Road in Baguio City

Day 4 - Day 4: Baguio Tour

From Sagada, you'll make a brief stop in Kiangan on your way to Baguio City. You will visit the Ifugao Museum here, which honors the heritage and customs of the Ifugao people of the northern Philippines. Apart from the museum, this town is also home to General Yamashita's surrender site. After that, you'll go to Baguio's Philippine Military Academy. Witness the young Filipino cadets' training here while taking in the picturesque grounds filled with vintage tanks and other military relics. You will then go to The Mansion, the official summer residence of the Philippine President. It sits on the eastern part of the city along C.P. Romulo Drive and typically hosts foreign conferences. Some 5km south of The Mansion is Camp John Hay. A 690-hectare property on the southeastern side of Baguio, this location currently houses several restaurants, a retail center, and a conference center. Additionally, there is a Historical Core here, which includes a museum, an amphitheater, and a butterfly sanctuary. After that, pay a visit to Mines View Park, Wright Park, or Centennial Park, where you can take in the beauty of Baguio's tranquil scenery. You will then make a pit stop at the Good Shepherd Convent that sells delectable goodies like ube jam, butter cookies, and Ifugao coffee.
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Day 5
View of the Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake

Day 5 - Day 5: Mt. Pinatubo Tour

After checking out of your Baguio hotel, you will head to Mt. Pinatubo for a day hike. This active volcano, situated about 87 kilometers from the country's capital, is well-known for its destructive eruption in 1991. It is dubbed the second-largest terrestrial eruption of the twentieth century. 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 its moon-like landscape along the route before you dismount at the mountain's base at the end of the trail. Here, your guide will lead you up the volcano. The trek normally requires between one and 1.5 hours. Along the way, you'll see some unusual volcanic rocks formed by the volcano's 1991 eruption. When you reach the summit, you will be met by Mt. Pinatubo's Crater Lake's turquoise waters. You'll have plenty of time to take in the tranquil scenery and savor your lunch here. Take as many photos as you like before beginning your descent and making your way back to your Manila hotel for some well-deserved rest.
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Day 6
Aerial view of an Island in Honda Bay, Palawan

Day 6 - Day 6: Puerto Princesa Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour

After checking out of your Manila hotel, you'll travel from Manila Airport to Puerto Princesa Airport to begin your two-day adventure in Palawan. Upon landing, your guide will bring you to the province's eastern coast, where you will find Honda Bay. A boat will be waiting for you here to take you on your island hopping trip. From the coast, your first destination will be Starfish Island. This water-locked land is teeming with rock starfish and several other varieties of fish, including bloating puffers and rainbow parrotfish. Feel free to snorkel and swim here before you sail to your next stop: Cowrie Island. Cowrie's form is similar to that of a seashell, hence its name. It is the largest island in Honda Bay and is the best place for swimming since there is a net here that keeps the jellyfish at bay. Additionally, there are eating establishments on the island to fill you in with yummy seafood and local dishes. Luli Island will be the last stop on your island-hopping trip. Luli is well known for its disappearing sandbars at high tide, but it also has a diving platform, hammocks, and a snorkeling spot. After you've had your fix of the beach, you will return to the mainland and check into your hotel in Sabang.
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Day 7
View of the ocean from a cottage in Port Barton Palawan

Day 7 - Day 7: Port Barton Island Hopping Tour

On the seventh day, you will explore Port Barton, a hidden gem on northern Palawan's western shore. This small village is part of the tranquil town of San Vicente and features a pristine coastline. Although it doesn't have luxury hotels like the more famous El Nido in Palawan, it still attracts a handful of tourists wanting to experience the quieter side of the province. Several islands lie off the coast of Port Barton, which you will be exploring on this day, too. Your first island stop here will be Inaladelan. Often called German Island, it has become visitors' favorite camping spot. It covers an area of 12 hectares and features a variety of sports facilities, including beach volleyball and kayaking. Your boat will then sail you to Luli Sandbar from Inaladelan. This attraction got its name from the fact that it appears at low tide and disappears at high tide. It's an excellent location for seeing the beautiful sunset or taking photos of starfish. Following that, your guide will take you to the Turtle Snorkeling Site, where you will have the opportunity to observe and swim with sea turtles. After that, you'll go to the Fish and Reef Snorkeling spot to see even more vibrant fish and stunning coral. You will then return to your hotel in Sabang.
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Day 8
City view from a plane going to Manila

Day 8 - Day 8: Departure to Manila

You will check out of your Sabang hotel and then take a van straight to the Puerto Princesa International Airport. The journey from Palawan to Manila usually requires less than two hours. The plane will take you to Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila.
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What 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.

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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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