9-Day Philippines Nature & Heritage Vacation Package to Luzon Highlands & Dumaguete City from Manila
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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
Description
Embark on a 9-day vacation trip to the Philippines and explore the highlands of Luzon and beach destinations of Dumaguete. This hassle-free package includes accommodations, daily breakfast, transfers, entrance fees, and the service of guides.
You will be picked up from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Day 1 and be taken on a tour around Intramuros in Manila. This walled district has been a popular location for picnics and historical visits as it houses landmarks dating back to the Spanish era.
From there, you will fly out of Manila to the Ilocos, where you will explore more heritage destinations around Laoag and Vigan. One of the most must-see attractions on your itinerary is Calle Crisologo, the postcard-worthy cobbled street of Vigan.
Immerse yourself in the Mountain Province culture next with a stopover at the towns of Sagada and Banaue. Afterward, chill and relax in the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio. There are tons of hotspots in the city worth visiting, one of which is the recreational area of Camp John Hay.
Following the city tours, you will go on a hiking trip to see the crater lake at the summit of Mt. Pinatubo in Tarlac before flying south to spend two days in Dumaguete. Your first day will be spent roaming the sights around the city, including Silliman University, a private research university and the first American and Protestant-founded institution of higher learning both in the country and in Asia.
From land attractions, enjoy a trip off the coast of Dumaguete to the beautiful Apo Island next. Here, you can go snorkeling, beach bumming and hiking here before heading back to Manila on Day 9.
Take home unforgettable memories and photos of the best of Luzon and Dumaguete with this 9-day all-inclusive 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 5 - Sagada, Banaue and Baguio Tour (Cordillera Region)
Day 6 - Mt. Pinatubo Tour
Day 7 to 8 - Dumaguete Tour (Central Visayas)
Day 9 - Back to Manila
All transportation to and from included activities and destinations
All environmental fees, port fees, and all other applicable taxes
You will be picked up by the tour vehicle at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and taken to your hotel in Manila along Roxas Boulevard. After getting settled, you will then jumpstart your day with a trip around the famous walled district of Intramuros.
Constructed in the late 16th century, Intramuros has been the home to Spanish-era landmarks for several decades now. Among the most visit landmark here is Fort Santiago, a defense fortress situated at the mouth of the Pasig River.
From the fort, you will walk to the nearby Plaza Roma. This square served as the center of the city during the Spanish regime. Prepare to take a trip to the past next as you make a stop at two of the prominent museums in Intramuros: Bahay Tsinoy and Casa Manila.
Bahay Tsinoy documents the cultural history of the Filipino and Chinese communities in the country, while Casa Manila, which was commissioned by former First Lady Imelda Marcos, showcases the Spanish colonial architecture.
Following that, you will drop by the San Diego Gardens and Baluarte de San Diego at the south end of Intramuros. Before calling it a day, you’ll do a quick stopover at the iconic churches of San Agustin Church and Museum and Manila Cathedral.
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Day 2
Day 2 - Day 2: Ilocos Laoag & Vigan Tour
On the morning of your second day, you will fly from Manila to Laoag Airport in the north. Here, you will enjoy a full-day tour of the Ilocos region, beginning with a stopover at the Malacañang of the North in Paoay.
Now a presidential museum, this two-story building used to be the official residence of former President Ferdinand Marcos and his family. Guests are allowed to roam the mansion and enjoy a quick stroll along the nearby Paoay Lake.
A little over 10km from the presidential museum is Saint Augustine Church, most commonly referred to as Paoay Church. With its distinct architecture, the cathedral has been named a National Cultural Treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From the church, you will drop by two of the must-visit museums in the region, Marcos Museum and Juan and Antonio Luna Museum. You will then head off to Vigan, where the Earthquake Baroque church of St. Paul’s Cathedral is located.
Another must-see church in the area is Bantay Church, one of the oldest in the Ilocos Region. After offering a short prayer here, you will make your way to Pagburnayan to learn how locals make their pottery.
Enjoy a quick trip to the past with a trip to the Burgos Museum, National Museum, and Crisologo Museum before heading to Baluarte for some safari experience. You will end your day with some selfies on the cobbled streets of Calle Crisologo.
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Day 3
Day 3 - Day 3: Sagada Tour
After checking out at your Laoag hotel, you will go on a countryside road trip to the town of Sagada in the Cordillera Mountains. This rustic location is home to no less than 60 caves, one of which is your first destination of the day: Sugong Cave.
The cave, mostly known for the coffins dangling by the limestone cliffs, is located past the Sagada Cemetery in the town center. To reach Sugong Cave, you will be guided down a trail through the so-called Echo Valley. The valley is a must-see destination itself as it is outlined with towering mountains and thick forests.
Don’t take off your outdoor gear just yet, as you will go spelunking in Sumaguing Cave next. Known as the “Big Cave,” Sumaguing is tucked about a one-hour walk away from the Sagada town hall and features around a two-hour short course through its cavern.
The final leg of Day 3 ends at the Bontoc Tribal Museum, where you will enjoy a laid-back tour. Documenting the Ifugao people’s heritage through their artifacts and photographs, this museum is designed like the traditional Bontok hut with a pointed roof. There is also a replica of an Ifugao village at the back of the building.
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Day 4
Day 4 - Day 4: Banaue
From Sagada, your tour vehicle will take you to the neighboring town of Banaue, located just a little over 83km away. Banaue is home to the Batad rice terraces, one of the two rice terraces in the town named a UNESCO World Heritage site.
After enjoying a quick hike in Batad, head next to Batad Banaue Viewpoint, where you can see a picturesque view of another set of rice terraces. Although this is not technically a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is just as fascinating and breathtaking to see. Make sure to take plenty of selfies!
If you prefer to skip the viewpoint, you can head to either Tappiya Falls or Bangg-an Village instead. Tappiya Falls, located some two to three hour’s trek away, is the perfect side trip for active outdoors people. At the same time, Bangg-an Village is ideal for backpackers who like a more relaxed activity and want to immerse themselves in the life and culture of the Ifugao tribe.
Before returning to your hotel in the town center, enjoy a stopover at Banaue Museum. This two-story establishment is where artifacts like jewelry, weaponry, and traditional wear from various Northern Luzon tribes are housed for the public to see.
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Day 5
Day 5 - Day 5: Baguio Tour
Before leaving for Baguio City, you will first drive south to the town of Kiangan from Banaue. Here, you will visit the Ifugao Museum, where several Ifugao artifacts like bulol (wooden rice guardians), old household utensils, and headhunting machetes are kept. Also located in the town is General Yamashita’s surrender site, a monument designed after native Ifugao houses.
Your next destination is the Philippine Military Academy. Observe the military drills of the students here as you walk around. About 13km from the campus is The Mansion, the official summer residence of the Philippine President. Although guests are not allowed inside, you can always take a selfie in front of the building at the gates.
From there, make your way to Camp John Hay next. This spot was previously a US military base but was turned into a recreational site for locals and tourists. You can also go on a picnic to three more prominent parks that you will visit, namely Mines View Park, Wright Park, and Centennial Park. Before calling it a day, drop by the Good Shepherd Convent to purchase some sweet delicacies to take home as a souvenir.
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Day 6
Day 6 - Day 6: Mt. Pinatubo Tour
On Day 6, your tour van will drive you home to your hotel in Manila located by the bay walk. Make sure to get your necessary hiking gear ready here as you will spend the day trekking to the crater lake at the summit of Mt. Pinatubo in Tarlac. After preparing your things, you will be driven up north again.
Upon arriving at the drop-off point in Tarlac, you will board a 4x4 jeep that will take you to the foot of the mountain. This ride will take a little less than an hour but expect to experience dust and bumps along the way. At the end of the trail, you will be dropped off and begin your ascend.
The trek typically takes one hour to 1.5 hours at most. While on your way, you will come across some interesting volcanic formations created during the 1991 eruption. When you finally reach the summit, the turquoise water of Mt. Pinatubo’s Crater Lake will be the first one you will see.
You will be given plenty of time to take in the refreshing atmosphere and enjoy your lunch before starting your descent and making your way back to your Manila hotel.
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Day 7
Day 7 - Day 7: Dumaguete City Tour
It’s time to leave Manila and fly down south to the City of Gentle People, Dumaguete. You will be arriving at the Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport, where your tour van will pick you up to bring you to your hotel.
Once you’ve settled in, you will begin your tour, starting with the Silliman University Campus, the country’s first American and Protestant-founded institution of higher learning. From there, head next to Rizal Boulevard, Dumaguete’s promenade. You will be given enough time to stroll along the coast and take in the refreshing beach vibes.
The next stop is St. Catherine de Alexandria Cathedral. This Roman Catholic church dates back to 1754 and sits next to the oldest bell tower in the Visayas, the Dumaguete Campanario. Following this, you will drop by the Dumaguete Public Market, the Provincial Capitol and Freedom Park, and the Claytown Pottery.
You will also visit the Sidlakang Negros Village to purchase some souvenirs like handicrafts and delicacies. Afterward, dig into your sumptuous lunch at Lab-as Seafoods before heading off to the town of Valencia, where the Forest Camp (a mountain resort) and Cata-al War Museum (a museum of World War II artifacts) are located.
The last leg of your tour is at the town of Bacong. Here, you will check out the century-old San Agustin Church and the Negros Oriental Arts & Heritage Center.
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Day 8
Day 8 - Day 8: Apo Island Tour
Your island tour starts with a land transfer from your hotel in Dumaguete to the Malatapay Boat Terminal some 24km away. Here, you will board a pump boat that will sail you across the sea to Apo Island. Apo Island has made a name for itself as one of the best dive sites in the Philippines. It sits off the southeastern tip of Negros Island and is home to a marine reserve that houses various sea critters.
Upon docking on the beach, you will be taken to a turtle site on the island, where you can get the chance to swim and snorkel with the turtles. There is also an extensive coral garden in the area with a myriad of colorful fish. Apart from enjoying the waters, feel free to relax and go beach bumming by the shores.
After the water activities, you can also opt to go hiking in Apo Island Lighthouse or the Apo View Deck. You can explore several trails while on the island, including the 600m Habagat Eco-Trail, David's Trek, and Witchy's Trail, all of which will reward you with a panoramic view of Negros Island and its surrounding beauty.
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Day 9
Day 9 - Day 9: Departure to Manila
Your 9-day escapade from Luzon’s highlands down to the city of Dumaguete in the Visayas region has finally come to a close. After checking out at your hotel, you will be driven to Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport. Flight time to Ninoy Aquino International Airport takes an average of an hour and ten minutes.
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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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