8-Day Philippines Vacation Package to Luzon Highlands, Dumaguete & Apo Island from Manila

On Day 2, you will be going north toward Mt. Pinatubo, which is noted for its 1991 eruption that was considered the largest one during the 20th century. Make sure you dress up appropriately for hiking on this day.

Mt. Pinatubo lies in the provinces of Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga, but your van will head straight to Tarlac as this is where the base camp is located. Once you reach the base camp, you’ll get on a 4x4 jeepney. The ride could get bumpy as you will cross a craggy terrain filled with lahar caused by Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption.

The vehicle will bring you as far as it can go, and then you will have to start trekking. The trek is easy enough, and beginners won’t have trouble along the way. The trail will lead you to a view deck where you can thoroughly enjoy a marvelous view of Mt. Pinatubo’s crater lake.

You can take pictures as many times as you want since the day tour is only dedicated to Mt. Pinatubo. Afterward, you’ll ride the 4x4 jeepney back to the base camp, and then you’ll travel to Baguio, where you will move into a new hotel.

For your third day, you will be visiting the attractions of the Province of Benguet. This location is one of the primary sources of fresh vegetables of the country; hence, it’s nickname the Salad Bowl of the Philippines.

From your Baguio accommodation, your van will take you to La Trinidad Strawberry Farm. Strawberry-picking at the farm is one of the must-try activities in Benguet. Another highlight of the province is Atok Sakura Flowers, a park with over 30 cherry blossom trees.

The next stop of your day tour is Northern Blossom, another farm that will leave you in awe at its beautiful flowers. The site will show everything, from lovely roses and cabbage roses to colorful snapdragons and vibrant sunflowers.

After that, you will head to the 2nd Highest Point. This attraction is named as such since it boasts the second-highest altitude in the Philippines. It is set along the Halsema Highway, which extends from Benguet to the Mountain Province.

The Spanish Trail is the last attraction you will visit for this day before going back to your Baguio hotel. This 3km man-made trail was established during Spanish colonization, and residents used the track up to this time.

On Day 4, this package will take you outside of Benguet and bring you to the Mountain Province. Here you will visit Sagada and discover its unique attractions. You’ll be going through a few zigzag roads on the way since the town is set in a valley. Also, make sure to wear appropriate attire for spelunking and hiking on this day.

Sagada offers more than 60 caves, and you’ll be visiting two of them. The first one is Sugong Cave, one of the two caves in the town with an underground river. The river irrigates Kapay-aw rice fields. Once you get out of the cave, you will proceed to the Echo Valley. One of these valley’s trails will lead you to the hanging coffins, the most iconic attraction in Mountain Province.

The second cave you will visit in the town is Sumaguing Cave. This is the largest one in the town, and inside it are spectacular rock formations, as well as streams and pools. Your last stop is the Bontoc Tribal Museum, which presents a collection of arts and artifacts of the province’s indigenous tribes. After your day tour, your van will take you to your Sagada hotel.

On the fifth day, you will be exploring the Philippines’ Summer Capital of the Philippines, the City of Baguio. After checking out of your accommodation in Sagada, your van will take you directly to your first stop in Baguio, the Philippine Military Academy. It is the top educational institution for aspiring military officers in the Philippines.

Your guide will next show you The Mansion, the official summer palace of the Philippine President. You can find presidential memorabilia in its museum. Then, you’ll pay a visit to Camp John Hay, which is the most popular attraction in Baguio. It is a former military base of the United States during World War II.

You’ll make a stop at Mines View Park to check out Itogon’s abandoned gold and copper mines. Up next is Wright Park, which abounds in pine trees and offers horseback riding rentals. Centennial Park is also part of your itinerary, and it features a bronze sculpture, lush gardens, and more.

To wrap up your tour, you’ll be given a chance to shop at Good Shepherd Convent, which sells jams, ube, peanut brittle, and more. You will then head back to the metropolitan area. Your van will take you directly to your accommodation in Manila.

On Day 6, you’ll take a flight to Dumaguete at Ninoy Aquino International Airport; then, your plane will land at Dumaguete Airport. Your tour will begin at Silliman University, the Philippines’ first-ever American college.

You will go to Rizal Boulevard afterward. Locals and international tourists alike visit this seafront promenade to unwind. Lying less than a kilometer away are St. Catherine De Alexandria and Dumaguete Campanario, which were both established during the 18th century.

A few meters away is the busy Dumaguete Public Market, which sells fresh produce, local delicacies, seafood, and more. After that, you’ll visit the Provincial Capitol and Freedom Park, where local festivals and events are usually held.

At Claytown Pottery, you will find handcrafted clay pots. Meanwhile, the Sidlakang Negros Village has plenty of Dumaguete arts and handicrafts. You will also stop by Lab-as Seafood, a restaurant that serves fresh seafood dishes. Your guide will then take you to a resort called Valencia Forest Camp, as well as to Cata-al War Museum.

The San Agustin de Hippo Church in Bacong town is also included in your itinerary. After dropping by the Negros Oriental Arts and Heritage Center, your van will bring you to your Dumaguete hotel.

Your 7th vacation day in the Philippines is dedicated to Apo Island, located 10km away from mainland Negros Oriental. Your guide will pick you up at your accommodation in Dumaguete and bring you to the town of Dauin, where you will hop aboard a boat.

Apo Island features a marine sanctuary where a variety of sea animals reside, such as tuna, hammerheads, manta rays, and more. About 400 species of corals also occupy the area around the island. Make sure to wear a swimsuit if you wish to see these unique creations.

One of the most favorite snorkeling sites on the island is Turtle Point. You’ll get the chance to see and even swim with sea turtles. If you need to recharge afterward, the beaches on Apo Island are serene and boast fine, white sand, ideal for relaxation.

You also have the option to go trekking. At the southern end of the island is a 600-meter trail called Habagat Eco-Trail. It will lead you to a viewpoint where you can appreciate incredible rock formations and a sweeping view of the sea. Once you return to the mainland, you will go back to your Dumaguete hotel via van.

You will be checking out of your accommodation in Dumaguete on the last day of your vacation package. It’s time for you to travel back to the City of Manila. Your van will bring you to Dumaguete Airport, where you will board a flight straight to Ninoy Aquino International Airport.