8-Day Philippines Top Natural Attractions Tour to North Luzon, Dumaguete City & Bohol & Apo Islands

People enjoying the view of Chocolate Hills
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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

Explore the scenic highlands of Baguio, Bohol’s lush countryside, including the Chocolate Hills, and historical spots of Dumaguete City with a trip to the diving haven of Apo Island with this 8-day Philippines vacation package from Manila. Your accommodation, daily breakfast, transfers, entrance fees, and guide service will all be pre-arranged, making this the perfect tour package for first-time travelers to the Philippines. 

When you arrive at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, your guide will fetch you and bring you to Intramuros for your first-day tour. This National Historical Landmark is a walled district that served as the religious, educational, and economic center in the Spanish colonization days. 

From Manila, your guide will bring you north to the City of Pines, Baguio. There are a plethora of interesting and historical attractions here, one of which is the former US military base of Camp John Hay. This site is now a recreational area packed with food stalls, a nature trail, and a shopping center. After experiencing Baguio, you will go strawberry picking at the Strawberry Farm in the nearby town of La Trinidad.

Following these land tours in Luzon, you will travel to the Visayas, boarding a plane to Panglao International Airport in Bohol. The highlight of your tour here is viewing the province's most famous destination, the Chocolate Hills.

Afterward, you will board a ferry to explore Dumaguete for two days. You will spend the first day touring the city's attractions, including Silliman University. This 62-hectare campus is dotted by large acacia trees and houses six museums, including an anthropology museum, heritage museum, and marine mammal museum. From the mainland, you will ride a boat off the coast of Dumaguete to the stunning Apo Island, one of the best diving spots in the Philippines. You will go snorkeling, beach bumming, and trekking before returning to Manila on Day 8.

Discover the very best of the Philippine landscape with this 8-day package to Baguio and Benguet Highlands, Bohol countryside, and Dumaguete City with Apo Island 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 to 3 - Benguet Tour (Cordillera Region)
Day 4 to 7 - Bohol and Dumaguete Tour (Central Visayas)
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
Iconic facade of Fort Santiago in Manila

Day 1 - Day 1: Intramuros Tour

Your guide will pick you up when you arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. They will drive you first to your hotel in Manila or along Roxas Boulevard before taking you to the walled city of Intramuros. Intramuros, a National Historical Landmark since 1951, exudes an old-world elegance with its Spanish-era attractions. One of these is Fort Santiago. Dating back to 1593, this Hispanic stone fortress was the prison for the national hero, Jose Rizal, before he was executed in 1896. A short stroll from the fort can lead you to Plaza Roma, considered the heart of the walled district. Take a quick break here to enjoy the scenery before venturing into the past at Bahay Tsinoy. Here, you will see life-sized dioramas of Chinese goldsmiths and traders, a collection of photos, old coins, porcelain, and kitchenware that depict the influence of the Chinese on the country. Another museum you will visit is Casa Manila. This full-furnished home-turned-museum exhibits how the locals lived during the Spanish colonial era. After going through here, you'll take a leisurely walk through San Diego Gardens and Baluarte De San Diego. You'll also make your way to San Agustin Church and Museum to see the religious artwork and sculptures. You will then visit Manila Cathedral, which houses ornate bronze carvings and stained glass windows, before leaving the walled city.
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Day 2
View of Baguio City from Mines View Park at night

Day 2 - Day 2: Baguio Tour

After leaving your Manila hotel, your guide will drive you north to the City of Pines,Baguio. Temperatures here seldom exceed 26 degrees Celsius, so be prepared with sweaters for comfort. Upon arriving at the town, you will jumpstart the day with a visit to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA). Watch the Filipino cadets training here before heading to C.P. Romulo Drive, where you will find The Mansion. Believed to be one of the most photographed spots in Baguio, this Presidential summer house features a mini-museum with memorabilia and artwork collected by past presidents over the years. You will then head over to Camp John Hay for some trekking, golfing, and food tripping. You can also see a museum, an amphitheater, and a butterfly sanctuary here. From there, your guide will bring you to Mines View Park, Wright Park, and Centennial Park. These parks are within a ten-minute drive from each other and depict the scenic natural beauty of Baguio. Before heading to your hotel to end the day, you will drop by Good Shepherd Convent. Buy some local goodies here, and make sure to get a taste of the famous ube jams, peanut brittle, butter cookies, and Ifugao coffee.
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Day 3
Colorful flowers in Northern Blossom Flower Farm

Day 3 - Day 3: Benguet Tour

After checking out of your Baguio hotel, your guide will bring you to the other towns in the province of Benguet, starting 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. While here, you will enjoy a strawberry picking activity and get to buy some strawberry products like wine, crinkles, and jam. You'll be making your way next to the town of Atok next, 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 have been planted in Atok and are expected to be blooming now. You will see more bright blooms when you visit the Northern Blossom. This two-hectare farm, scattered with unusual flowers, will undoubtedly take your breath away. Pose for some photos with the vibrant flowers here before proceeding to the 2nd Highest Point in the Philippine highway system. Located in barangays Cattubo and Paoay in Atok, this spot sits at 7,400 feet above sea level. You will then visit the Spanish Trail before returning to your hotel in Manila.
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Day 4
Aerial view of Loboc River in Bohol

Day 4 - Day 4: Bohol Countryside Tour

On Day 4, you will check out of your Manila hotel and fly to Panglao International Airport to explore the vibrant countryside of Bohol, starting with the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary. Located in the town of Corella, this forest patch features a large tarsier area. Take as many photographs as you like of the cute tarsiers; just turn off your flash. After getting up close with these googly-eyed primates, you will embark on the Loboc River Cruise on a floating restaurant. Dig into your sumptuous buffet lunch here while cruising down the river's emerald streams. Some locals onboard will also perform native Filipino songs and dances during the trip. You will then proceed to Baclayon Church once you get back to land. Dubbed as the country's second-oldest stone church after San Agustin Church in Manila, the church dates back to 1595 and features walls and pillars made of coral stones. Your guide will then take you to the Butterfly Conservatory, where various species of colorful butterflies are housed and preserved. Then you'll go to the Bilar Forest for a quick stop before proceeding to the world-famous Chocolate Hills. By the end of the tour, your guide will bring you to your Panglao Island hotel.
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Day 5
White sand beach of Pamilacan Island

Day 5 - Day 5: Bohol Pamilacan Island Tour

On your fifth day, you'll get a taste of more of Bohol when you visit the paradise-like island of Pamilacan. Pamilacan sits some 12.5 km from the mainland in the middle of the Bohol Sea. It is famous as a haven for whale sharks and dolphins, so keep an eye out for these sea creatures when traveling to the island. While Pamilacan Island currently has approximately 2,000 inhabitants, the locals maintain its natural beauty. Wait before you dock on the island to see its pristine white sand and blue seas. There's plenty of time for you to swim here and sunbathe. You can go snorkeling, as well, as the island is peppered with bucket sponges, sea turtles, and different kinds of fish. There are diving spots here, too, in case you're into a more adrenaline-pumping experience. After you have had your fill of the beach, you can decide to take a short trip on the northeast side of the island to the 200-year-old Spanish fort. This observatory has been used as a lookout for Moro pirates and is now a National Cultural Treasure. You will be returning to your Panglao hotel at the end of the day for some well-deserved rest.
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Day 6
Belfry Tower, one of the popular heritage spots in Dumaguete

Day 6 - Day 6: Dumaguete City Tour

It's time to travel from Bohol to Dumaguete, the City of Gentle People. Upon docking in the province, your tour will begin with the Silliman University Campus. This is the country's first American and Protestant-founded institution of higher learning. From there, you will then go to Dumaguete's promenade, Rizal Boulevard, to enjoy a refreshing walk along the shore. The Cathedral of St. Catherine de Alexandria will be your next destination. This Roman Catholic church, built in 1754, is located next to the Dumaguete Campanario, the Visayas' oldest bell tower. You will also stop by the Dumaguete Public Market, the Provincial Capitol and Freedom Park, and the Claytown Pottery before buying some souvenirs at Sidlakang Negros Village. After that, you will take a break for lunch at Lab-as Seafood. You will then continue your trip to the Forest Camp, a mountain resort in Valencia. From there, you will head to Cata-al War Museum. Here, you will see several World War II artifacts like Nazi German artifacts, unfired ammunition, unexploded bombs and mortars, knives, machine guns, bones, uniforms, helmets, and even teeth. 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.
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Day 7
Lounge chair by the beach in Apo Island

Day 7 - Day 7: Apo Island Tour

Your tour will commence with a transfer to Malatapay Boat Terminal, about 24km away from your Dumaguete hotel. Here, you're going to sail to Apo Island aboard a pump boat. As one of the best dive spots in the Philippines, Apo Island has become quite popular among local and international visitors. It is located at the southeast end of the island of Negros and houses a sea reserve that contains numerous marine critters. When you dock on the island, your guide will bring you to the island's turtle habitat, where you will go swimming and snorkeling with the turtles. You will also spot a vast reef garden with a plethora of vibrant fish living in it. Besides enjoying the underwater paradise of Apo Island, feel free to rest and admire the coastline, as well. You may also choose to trek to Apo Island Lighthouse or the Apo View Deck after you have had your fill of the water activities. Take the 600m Habagat Eco-Trail, David's Trek, and Witchy's Trail here, all of which will reward you with a panorama of the island of Negros and its surrounding beauty. By the end of the day, you will board your boat and return to your hotel in Dumaguete.
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Day 8
Inside the Manila International Airport

Day 8 - Day 8: Departure to Manila

It's time to say goodbye to Dumaguete and return to Manila. You will check out of your hotel before departing for the Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport. After around an hour and 30 minutes, you will arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, signaling the end of your 8-day tour around the country.
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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.

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.

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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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