8-Day Nature Sightseeing, Trekking & Historic Tour to Bohol, Ilocos, Baguio & Apo Island from Manila
Description
Details
Description
Explore the Philippines with this 8-day trip where you’ll learn about the rich history of the Ilocos region, visit natural attractions in Baguio, Sagada, and Bohol, and swim with turtles in Apo Island. The package already includes your accommodation, roundtrip flights, land and sea transportations, and service of guides.
Your first tour in the country will take place in Intramuros. Located in Manila, this walled area has a historical significance as it is one of the city’s oldest districts, witnessing how Spaniards ruled until 1898 when the Philippine Revolution occurred. Inside these walls are museums, campuses, churches, and more.
Another historical place you’ll visit is the famous Calle Crisologo in Vigan. This is a well-preserved cobblestone street that dates back to the 15th century. It is lined with specialty shops and antique residences.
Camp John Hay in Baguio is also included in your itinerary, and it is part of the Philippines’ rich history as well. It used to be a military base of the United States during World War II, but it has become a tourist destination with lots of dining places, accommodations, gardens, and more.
This package will also take you to some of the Philippines’ natural wonders, including Mt. Pinatubo. You’ll be going on a hiking trip to this volcano, which is famed for its 1991 eruption and stunning crater lake. You also get to enjoy a relaxing Loboc River Cruise in Bohol, as well as a visit to the world-famous Chocolate Hills. Plus, you’ll spend a day on Apo Island in Dumaguete where you can swim with sea turtles.
Set off on an 8-day vacation package to see some of the best spots in Luzon and Visayas. Check availability by choosing a date.
Included
Map
Attractions
Activities
Daily itinerary
Day 1 - Day 1: Intramuros Tour
Your first stop is Fort Santiago. This fortress was built during the 16th century to keep Intramuros safe from invaders. The Plaza Roma will be your next stop. During the Spanish colonial times, locals hosted various events at this public square, including bullfights.
The following attraction is Bahay Tsinoy which houses the Kaiso-Angelo King Heritage Center that showcases the ties of the ethnic Chinese with the Filipinos starting from the 9th century. At Casa Manila, you will find items and photos illustrating everyday life during Spanish colonization.
You will also visit the well-manicured San Diego Gardens, which lies next to a 16th-century bastion called Baluarte De San Diego. Next is the San Agustin Church and Museum, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines. Lastly, you will stop by Manila Cathedral, a Neo-Romanesque structure that has gone through several renovations after its founding in 1571.
Day 2 - Day 2: Ilocos Tour
Your guide will first bring you to Malacanang of the North in Paoay. It is the former home of late Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. Next, you’ll visit the town’s Paoay Lake and Paoay Church. Then, you’ll head to Marcos Museum, where you can learn more about the late president. The Luna brothers, two of the national heroes, will be introduced to you at Juan at Antonio Luna Museum.
Your following attractions are in Vigan. Your first two stops are St. Paul Cathedral and Bantay Church, which lie near each other. After that is Pagburnayan Factory Jar, which lets visitors experience making pots. You’ll visit three more museums in the city: Burgos Museum, National Museum (Ilocos Regional complex), and Crisologo Museum.
Finally, you’ll drop by Vigan’s zoological park called Baluarte and its famous cobblestone street named Calle Crisologo. Your van will drive you back to your Laoag hotel afterward.
Day 3 - Day 3: Sagada Tour
Underneath Sagada are more than 60 caves, two of which will be part of your tour. The first one will be your first stop, and it is called Sugong Cave. This natural wonder has an underground river that goes down to Kapay-aw Rice Terraces. Your next stop is Echo Valley, which abounds in foliage, caverns, and trails. This natural area is home to Sagada’s most iconic attraction, the hanging coffins.
Your guide will then lead you to Sumaguing Cave. Being the biggest cave in the town, Sumaguing has loads of rock formations that resemble familiar shapes. And as you explore the cave, expect to get wet as there also pools and streams.
You’ll make your final stop for this day at Bontoc Tribal Museum. A collection of art and artifacts from the province’s indigenous tribes are housed at this museum. After a tiring day of spelunking and trekking, your van will transport you to your Sagada hotel.
Day 4 - Day 4: Baguio Tour
The Ifugao Museum is the first attraction on your itinerary. Here you’ll know about the Ifugao tribe through the ancient traditions and artifacts displayed. Your next stop is the Surrender Site of General Yamashita, which commemorates the defeat of the Japanese army during World War II.
Then, you’ll visit the Philippine Military Academy, a primary education institution for Filipinos whose dreams are becoming military officers. Your van will also take you to The Mansion. The Philippine President resides here every visit to Baguio.
Initially a US military base, Camp John Hay is now a tourist destination with plenty of activities and establishments. You’ll also visit lavish parks starting with Mines View Park, which overlooks Itogon town’s abandoned copper and gold mines. Following that is a trip to Wright Park and Centennial Park.
The Good Shepherd Convent will be your last stop. Peanut brittle, ube, and jams are among the tasty local treats sold here. Afterward, you’ll head back to your Baguio hotel.
Day 5 - Day 5: Mt. Pinatubo Tour
At the base camp, you need to switch from your van to a 4x4 vehicle, which will take you nearer to the base of Mt. Pinatubo. Traversing the Crow Valley, expect the ride to get bumpy as the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo has caused a rugged and lahar-filled terrain.
After your 4x4 ride, you’ll start your climb to the view deck on foot. The hike is generally easy, so beginners are sure to follow. As soon as you reach the end of the trail, Mt. Pinatubo’s marvelous crater lake will be the one to greet you. This lake was naturally formed following the colossal eruption of Mt. Pinatubo during the 20th century.
After taking pictures and regaining your strength, you will descend the summit and travel back to the base camp via a 4x4 jeepney. Your van will then bring you to your hotel in Manila.
Day 6 - Day 6: Bohol Countryside Tour
Your tour will kick off with a visit to Corella Tarsier Sanctuary. One of the small primates globally, the Bohol tarsier is no bigger than a human’s hand. Plus, it has large eyes, which makes it sensitive to light, so avoid using flash when taking photos.
Next, you’ll board a floating restaurant for the Loboc River Cruise. You get to sample various local dishes and enjoy cultural presentations during the cruise. After that, you’ll pay a visit to Baclayon Church, which is the province’s oldest Christian settlement. The Butterfly Conservatory comes next, and it is dedicated to taking care of various butterfly species.
Other spots in your itinerary are Bilar Forest, a man-made forest of mahogany trees, and the world-famous Chocolate Hills, which is made up of over 1,000 mounds that turn from green to brown. From the hills, your van will drive you to your Pangalo hotel.
Day 7 - Day 7: Apo Island Tour
Apo Island is approximately 10km from the mainland and boasts a marine sanctuary filled with various sea creatures. Spend your time snorkeling around the place to see colorful schools of fish. You may even spot tuna, hammerheads, and manta rays as the island has about 400 species of corals, which is home to many animals.
Sea turtles are also common around Apo Island. In fact, the island has a Turtle Point where you get to see and swim with them. In case you would like to unwind, feel free to laze on the shore and enjoy the place’s serenity.
You can also find a trail called Habagat Eco-Trail on Apo Island. This 600-meter trail will lead you to a site where you can get a better view of the sea and stunning rock formations. At the end of the day, your guide will take you to your Dumaguete hotel.
Day 8 - Day 8: Departure to Manila
What to bring
Good to know
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.
Private rooms with private bathrooms in guesthouses or small hotels with basic amenities.
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.
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.
