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9-Day Philippines Historical & Natural Wonders Holiday Package to Luzon Highlands & Palawan Islands

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People wearing orange life vests going inside the Underground River in Puerto Princesa
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Description

Summary

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

Description

Escape to the breathtaking highlands of Luzon and enchanting islands of Puerto Princesa and Port Barton with this 9-day vacation package. It includes roundtrip flights from Manila, land and boat transfers, and accommodation. 

Your vacation begins with a historical tour around the walled city of Intramuros in Manila. Learn about the history of the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period in this tour. You will also witness the grand facades and Baroque-inspired architecture of century-old churches like Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church.

Your trip continues up North in the famous landmarks of Laoag in Ilocos Norte, including Malacanang of the North, Paoay Church, and Marcos Museum. Explore the historic city of Vigan as you walk the vibrant streets of Calle Crisologo. 

In Sagada, you’ll be spelunking at Sumaguing Cave to discover ancient stalactites and stalagmites. Your next destination is Baguio, known as the City of Pines. Enjoy the cool breeze, take a stroll, and try outdoor activities at Camp John Hay.

Up next, you will go trekking to Mt. Pinatubo. Take an adventurous 4x4 ride and hike to the volcano’s majestic crater lake. You will then board a plane in Manila going to Puerto Princesa. You will go on an island-hopping tour to Honda Bay’s Star Fish Island, Cowrie Island, and Luli Island.

Puerto Princesa Underground River is next on your itinerary. With a distinctive ecosystem and spectacular limestone formations, this 8km-long subterranean river emerges directly into the sea. Lastly, lounge and bask in the untainted beauty of Luli Sandbar, Turtle Snorkeling site, Fish and Coral Snorkeling site in Port Barton.

Discover the best of the Philippine highlands and islands with this 9-day vacation package. Check availability by choosing a date.

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Included

8 nights accommodation (budget category)
8 days breakfast
8 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 8 - Puerto Princesa and Port Barton Tour (Palawan)
Day 9 - Back to Manila
All transportation to and from included activities and destinations
All environmental fees, port fees, and all other applicable taxes

Activities

Island Hopping
Culture, Arts & Historical Tours

Map

Attractions

Manila CathedralManila Cathedral
Courtyard of Casa Manila inside IntramurosCasa Manila
Bahay TsinoyBahay Tsinoy
Mt. Pinatubo in ZambalesMt. Pinatubo
Aerial view of Starfish Island in Puerto Princesa PalawanStarfish Island
A nipa hut in Cowrie Island of Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa PalawanCowrie Island
Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan IslandPuerto Princesa Underground River
Philippine Military AcademyPhilippine Military Academy
The Mansion in Baguio CityThe Mansion
The Forest Lodge in Camp John HayCamp John Hay
View from Mines View ParkMines View Park
Wright Park in Baguio CityWright Park
General Yamashita Surrender SiteGeneral Yamashita Surrender Site
Ifugao MuseumIfugao Museum
Bontoc Village MuseumBontoc Village Museum
Pagburnayan Jar Factory in IlocosPagburnayan Jar Factory
The sign at Crisologo Museum's entranceCrisologo Museum
Bantay Church in IlocosBantay Church Bell Tower
Calle CrisologoCalle Crisologo
Malacañang of the NorthMalacañang of the North
Paoay LakePaoay Lake National Park
Boats docked on the shores of an island in Honda Bay in PalawanHonda Bay
Floral arrangement at Baker's Hill in Puerto PrincesaBaker's Hill
Port Barton in PalawanPort Barton
Intramuros old town in Manila CityIntramuros
Fort Santiago Fort Santiago
San Agustin Church in Intramuros ManilaSan Agustin Church
St. Paul Metropolitan CathedralSt. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral
Marcos Museum & Mausoleum or Balay Ti IliMarcos Museum & Mausoleum or Balay Ti Ili
Centennial ParkCentennial Park
Good Shepherd ConventGood Shepherd Convent
Tourists exploring Sumaguing Cave in SagadaSumaguing Cave
View of Echo Valley in SagadaEcho Valley
Crocodile Farm in Puerto Princesa, PalawanCrocodile Farm
Mitra's Ranch in Puerto Princesa, PalawanMitra's Ranch
Facade of Plaza Cuartel in Puerto Princesa, PalawanPlaza Cuartel
Rock formations of Baluarte de San Diego in IntramurosBaluarte de San Diego
Plaza Roma with a view of Manila Cathedral inside IntramurosPlaza Roma
Puerto Princesa Baywalk in PalawanPuerto Princesa City Baywalk Park
Sunset over Rizal Monument in ManilaManila
BaguioBaguio
Aerial view of the houses in a village in SagadaSagada
Baluarte ZooBaluarte Ilocos
Museo nina Juan at Antonio LunaMuseo nina Juan at Antonio Luna
Inaladelan Island in Port Barton PalawanInaladelan Island
Laoag CityLaoag City
Ifugao Provincial CapitolIfugao Provincial Capitol

Daily itinerary

Day 1
Horse-drawn carriage in Intramuros

Day 1 - Day 1: Intramuros Tour

Once you arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, a private van will pick you up to bring you to your hotel in Manila or along Roxas Boulevard. Then, you will head to your first destination in Manila, the walled city of Intramuros. This tour will take you back in time as you stroll along the cobble-stoned streets of Intramuros. You’ll visit Fort Santiago, a defense fortress back in 1590. Meanwhile, Plaza Roma is a public square that houses Kaisa-Angelo King Heritage Center and the statue of King Charles IV of Spain. Up next in the itinerary is Bahay Tsinoy and Casa Manila. Bahay Tsinoy features displays of items on Chinese ethnicity and the Philippine lifestyle during the Spanish era. Then, you’ll proceed to San Diego Gardens, where you can relax on its pergolas and gazebos. The garden is right across Baluarte De San Diego, a National Cultural Treasure that has survived earthquakes and wars. You’ll next visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The San Agustin Church and Museum, the oldest stone church in the Philippines. Featuring a Baroque architectural design, the San Agustin Church has detailed murals and paintings on its walls. Finally, your tour ends after you visit the 400-year-old Manila Cathedral.
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Day 2
Clean streets of Calle Crisologo in Vigan

Day 2 - Day 2: Ilocos Laoag and Vigan Tour

On the second day of your tour, you will board a plane from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Laoag Airport. Alight at the terminal and ride a van to your Laoag hotel. First, you’ll visit a grand presidential museum for Marcos or the Malacanang of the North. Enjoy the view of Paoay Lake right beside the museum. Then, marvel at Paoay Church, a former observation post of Katipuneros and Filipino Guerrillas. You will next proceed to the Marcos Museum, which showcases the late president’s cenotaph. You will then visit the six galleries depicting the Luna brothers’ life in Juan at Antonio Luna Museum. Afterward, you will explore the historic city of Vigan. Your first stop is Saint Paul Metropolitan Cathedral. Then, you will head over to the bell tower of Bantay Church overlooking the Bantay district. You will also learn how to make traditional pots at Pagburnayan. The next stops are Burgos Museum and Crisologo Museum, which are both within the National Museum Ilocos Regional Complex. The first one is an ancestral house of Padre Burgos, while the latter honors the late Congressman Floro S. Crisologo. Take an afternoon stroll along the vibrant streets of Calle Crisologo. Lastly, have an up-close encounter with wild animals at Baluarte’s mini zoo.
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Day 3
Hanging Coffins in Sagada

Day 3 - Day 3: Sagada Tour

You will next head to the rustic town of Sagada for the third day of your vacation. You will have to take an early departure from Vigan to reach Sagada in the Mountain Province through a pre-arranged van transfer. Sagada has over 60 caves, making it a perfect spelunking spot for adventure-seekers. For your first destination, you’ll be heading to Sugong Cave. It has an underground river with water coming from Bokong Falls, which then irrigates Kapay-aw rice fields. Your next activity in Sagada is a trek to Echo Valley to reach the famous hanging coffins of the Mountain Province. As part of the traditional burial practice, the people of Sagada hang coffins on the cliffside. You’ll also explore Sumaguing Cave, the largest cave in Sagada, where you can find ancient stalactites and stalagmites, natural pools, and streams. For your last activity, you will learn more about the culture and traditions in Mountain Province when you visit Bontoc Tribal Museum, which features indigenous artifacts. After exploring Sagada, your van will take you back to your hotel.
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Day 4
Baguio City view at night time

Day 4 - Day 4: Baguio Tour

On the fourth day of your vacation, you will head to the city of Baguio. Travelers flock to this famous destination up north because of its cool climate all year round. You’ll first visit Ifugao Museum, which features Ifugao ancient traditions and artifacts. Up next is the Surrender Site of General Yamashita, a historic site to honor Yamashita’s act of surrendering during World War II. Then, you’ll proceed to the Philippine Military Academy, home to aspiring military officers in the country. You’ll also explore Fort De Pilar and The Mansion, where you can pose behind the grand entrance as your backdrop. Camp John Hay will be your next stop. From being a US military base, it has become a famous adventure hub in Baguio. You’ll then proceed to Mines View Park. Upon entering, take the path that leads to the observation deck. You can witness a stunning and picture-perfect view of the nearby mountains. Go horseback riding, nature tripping, and sightseeing across Wright Park and Centennial Park. Make sure to buy local treats at the Good Shepherd Convent. Ube jam is one of the best-selling delicacies in Baguio.
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Day 5
Beautiful crater lake of Mt. Pinatubo

Day 5 - Day 5: Mt. Pinatubo Tour

Get ready for an adrenaline-rushing adventure to Mt. Pinatubo on your fifth day. Mt. Pinatubo is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines. In 1991, it had a destructive eruption covering hundreds of households in lahar. This scenic volcano is located between the provinces of Tarlac, Pampanga, and Zambales. You will ride a van to get to the base camp in Tarlac’s Barangay Sta. Juliana. From there, you will be switching to a 4x4 vehicle. Due to the massive eruption in the past, the terrain is rough and challenging so expect a bumpy ride. Your 4x4 vehicle will take you to Crow Valley. However, you can only reach the mountain’s deck on foot. You need to get off the vehicle once you reach the jump-off point. Make sure to wear proper hiking gear for your safety. The terrain is challenging, but it’s friendly for beginners. By the end of the tour, all of your hard work will pay off when you reach the breathtaking view of the volcano’s crater lake.
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Day 6
Boats in Honda Bay Palawan

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

For your sixth day on tour, you will escape to a tropical getaway in Puerto Princesa. This paradise-like destination in Palawan is rich with hidden gems and natural wonders. Upon arriving in Palawan via plane, you’ll check into your hotel then proceed with your island hopping tour in Honda Bay. You will first set foot on Star Fish Island, where you can expect to find various starfishes on this sandbar. Star Fish Island is also a perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling. You can plunge into its clear waters and catch a few sightings of different marine species like pufferfish and yellowtail snappers. For your next destination, you will head to the largest island in Honda Bay, Cowrie Island. It is a shell-shaped island with a designated swimming area to keep jellyfish at bay. You can also find on-site picnic and dining facilities. Finally, your last stop is Luli Island. This sandbar appears and submerges depending on the shifting tides. You can stroll along its powdery white sand and dip your toes in its clear blue waters. After your island-hopping tour in Honda Bay, your van will take you to your hotel in Sabang. The town is around 60km from Honda Bay.
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Day 7
Entrance to the Underground River in Puerto Princesa Palawan

Day 7 - Day 7: Puerto Princesa Underground River and City Tour

On your seventh day, your van will fetch you from your hotel in Sabang and take you to the Sabang Boat Terminal. You will ride a boat heading to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a protected area that boasts limestone cliffs and stunning cave formations. After cruising along the 8km-long underground river, you will proceed to the City of Puerto Princesa. You'll then head over to Baker’s Hill, where you can purchase local pastries like sweet crinkles and hopia (a mooncake-like pastry). The next stop is Plaza Cuartel, a historical garrison during World War II. The plaza is now a leisure park after being a former penal colony in the past. Afterward, see crocodiles up-close at Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center. The Crocodile Farm serves as a research center and breeding facility of different crocodile species. The last two destinations are great spots to relax and unwind. Mitra’s Ranch is a hilltop park with an observation deck that offers a panoramic view of Puerto Princesa City. Then, take an afternoon stroll along Puerto Princesa Baywalk while waiting for the sunset.
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Day 8
Tropical vibes in a beach in Port Barton Palawan

Day 8 - Day 8: Port Barton Island Hopping Tour

The last leg of your tour will take place in Port Barton. The charming seascape of this paradise-like destination is often compared with the untainted beauty of El Nido. If you prefer to go to less-crowded destinations to relax and unwind, Port Barton is perfect for you! Your first stop in the Port Barton island hopping tour is Inaladelan Resort. Other than beach bumming and sunbathing, you can also rent sports facilities for kayaking and beach volleyball. You can also have your picnic-style lunch by the beach. Some visitors can witness the turtle hatching season, which happens every January. Up next is Luli Sandbar, a piece of powdery sand that emerges and submerges back into the water depending on the shifting tides. The second to the last destination of your tour is the turtle snorkeling site. Here, you will get a chance to spot sea turtles and even swim with them. Afterward, you’ll proceed to the fish and snorkeling site. Afterward, you will go back to your hotel in Sabang via boat and van transfer.
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Day 9
Terminal 1 at Manila International Airport

Day 9 - Day 9. Departure to Manila

Wait for your van to pick you up and take you to Puerto Princesa Airport. Then, you will be boarding a direct flight to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. You’ll be heading back to where you started, 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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