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9-Day Philippines Nature & Heritage Vacation Package to Luzon Highlands, Dumaguete City & Apo Island

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9-Day Philippines Nature & Heritage Vacation Package to Luzon Highlands, Dumaguete City & Apo Island
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Likely to sell out soon
Free cancellation
Perfect travel plan
Fully customizable

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

Take a 9-day trip to the Philippines’ scenic spots and iconic landmarks with this vacation package to Luzon Highlands, Dumaguete, and Apo Island. Wander across various attractions in this tour with roundtrip flights to Manila, land and boat transfers, and accommodation with breakfast. 

Visit hundreds of attractions while you learn about the country's culture and history. You will explore Intramuros, one of the notable sites in Manila. This trip will take you back in time as you walk along its iconic streets. See the Baroque and Spanish-Italian architecture of its century-old churches and museums.

One highlight of your trip is going to the natural attraction called Mt. Pinatubo. You will get to experience a thrilling 4x4 ride and go trekking to reach the volcano’s main crater lake. Another destination on your itinerary is the La Trinidad Strawberry Farm, which produces tons of strawberries that you can harvest. You can also try various fun activities at Baguio City’s Camp John Hay.

This tour also includes pre-arranged flights, boat, and land transfers to the Visayas. You will be heading to Dumaguete, a suburban city that is home to various historical landmarks. Silliman University is one of the iconic educational institutions in Dumaguete that boasts historical structures and museums.

You’ll also visit Apo Island, one of the top snorkeling and diving sites in the world. Apo Island is home to an abundant marine sanctuary with hundreds of marine species like sea turtles, tuna, manta rays, and hammerheads.

Experience an exciting escapade to the Philippines’ majestic spots and breathtaking dive spots with this ultimate 9-day vacation package to Luzon Highlands, Dumaguete, and Apo Island. 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 - Mt. Pinatubo Tour
Day 3 to 6 - Banaue, Sagada and Benguet Tour (Cordillera Region)
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

Activities

Culture, Arts & Historical Tours

Map

Attractions

Manila CathedralManila Cathedral
Courtyard of Casa Manila inside IntramurosCasa Manila
Bahay TsinoyBahay Tsinoy
Mt. Pinatubo in ZambalesMt. Pinatubo
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
General Yamashita Surrender SiteGeneral Yamashita Surrender Site
Ifugao MuseumIfugao Museum
Tappiya WaterfallsTappiya Waterfalls
Bontoc Village MuseumBontoc Village Museum
Rizal BoulevardRizal Boulevard
St. Catherine of Alexandria Church's facadeSt. Catherine of Alexandria Church
Woman swimming with a sea turtle in Apo IslandApo Island
Intramuros old town in Manila CityIntramuros
Fort Santiago Fort Santiago
San Agustin Church in Intramuros ManilaSan Agustin Church
Banga-an VillageBanga-an Village
Strawberries from La TrinidadStrawberry Farm
Centennial ParkCentennial Park
Good Shepherd ConventGood Shepherd Convent
Tourists exploring Sumaguing Cave in SagadaSumaguing Cave
View of Echo Valley in SagadaEcho Valley
Rock formations of Baluarte de San Diego in IntramurosBaluarte de San Diego
Plaza Roma with a view of Manila Cathedral inside IntramurosPlaza Roma
Northern Blossom flower park in BenguetNorthern Blossom Flower Farm
Sunset over Rizal Monument in ManilaManila
BaguioBaguio
Aerial view of the houses in a village in SagadaSagada
BenguetBenguet
Banaue Rice TerracesBanaue
Lamposts along Rizal Boulevard in Dumaguete CityDumaguete
Campanario de DumagueteCampanario de Dumaguete
Lab-as Seafood RestaurantLab-as Seafood Restaurant
Sidlakang Negros VillageSidlakang Negros Village
Valencia Forest Camp Valencia Forest Camp
San Agustin ChurchSan Agustin Church
Cata-al War MuseumCata-al War Museum
BatadBatad
Banaue ViewpointBanaue Viewpoint
Atok Sakura FlowersAtok Sakura Flowers
2nd Highest Point2nd Highest Point
Rizal Anthropology Museum in Silliman UniversitySiliman University
Dumaguete Public MarketDumaguete Public Market
Claytown PotteryClaytown Pottery
Negros Oriental Arts and Heritage CenterNegros Oriental Arts and Heritage Center

Daily itinerary

Day 1
Sunrise over Manila Cathedral inside Intramuros

Day 1 - Day 1: Intramuros Tour

Your trip starts once you arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. A private van will bring you to your accommodation near Manila or along Roxas Boulevard. You’ll head to the walled city of Intramuros. Known as a historical district in Manila, it houses notable buildings. Your first destination is Fort Santiago. This century-old defense fortress served as Jose Rizal’s prison venue before his execution. Then, you will proceed to Plaza Roma, a public square and main trading center in Intramuros. Your next destination is Bahay Tsinoy. Here, you can learn about the Chinese Ethnicity in the Philippines as early as the 9th century. This ancient museum also features the Kaiso-Angelo King Heritage Center. You’ll also visit Casa Manila, a 19th-century museum featuring a Spanish house replica. Next on your itinerary is San Diego Gardens. It has a path leading to the circular tower of Baluarte De San Diego. For your last two destinations, you will visit The San Agustin Church and the Manila Cathedral. San Agustin Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and national historic landmark. Lastly, you’ll head to the Manila Cathedral. This 400-year-old church has already undergone several renovations since its construction in 1581.
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Day 2
Beautiful view of Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake

Day 2 - Day 2: Mt. Pinatubo Tour

On the second day of your trip, you will experience a thrilling adventure to Mt. Pinatubo. Known as one of the most active volcanos in the Philippines, Mt. Pinatubo is set between Tarlac, Pampanga, and Zambales in Northern Luzon. In 1991, Mt. Pinatubo erupted, and thousands of families were affected, leaving their lahar-covered households. To reach the base camp in Tarlac’s Barangay Sta. Juliana, you need to ride a van. Once you arrive at the jump-off point, you will switch to a 4x4 vehicle, which will take you to Crow Valley. The terrain is rough and bumpy, so only 4x4 vehicles can cross the area. The mountain’s deck is only accessible on foot, so you have to wear proper hiking gear. The next part of your journey is the trek to the volcano’s crater lake. Don’t worry because the path is beginner-friendly. When you reach the endpoint, all of your hard work will pay off once you witness the majestic crater lake. After your thrilling escapade to Mt. Pinatubo, you will proceed to the highland province of Ifugao, where you can find the famous Banaue rice terraces.
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Day 3
Majestic waterfalls of Tappiya in Banaue

Day 3 - Day 3: Banaue Tour

Your third day starts up north in the Cordillera Administrative Region, province of Ifugao. Banaue is a breathtaking spot that is home to the majestic rice terraces. There are more amphitheater-like fields in the town of Batad other than the famous Ifugao terraces. These man-made wonders are more than 2,000 years old and are part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. If you like to witness a better view of the terraces, you can trek to the Batad Banaue Viewpoint. You can also trade Batad Banaue Viewpoint for a visit to the Tappiya Waterfall. At the end of the long trek, you can take a refreshing dip into its clear waters. Then, you’ll head to Banga-an Village, a small community with less than 30 families. The village consists of traditional hut-like houses with cogon roofing. Meanwhile, livestock animals occupy the ground floor. When you visit this tiny community, you will also discover more about the Ifugao tribe and their culture. Your last destination is the Banaue Museum. Here, you can find treasured jewelry, weaponry, Igorot artifacts, traditional clothing, mountain baskets, and vintage photographs depicting the Ifugao culture.
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Day 4
Tourists inside Sumaguing Cave in Sagada

Day 4 - Day 4: Sagada Tour

On your fourth day, you will leave Banaue to reach your next destination, Sagada, through van transfer. Sagada is a rustic town known for its cool climate and scenic attractions in the Cordillera Administrative Region. When exploring Sagada, you have to pass by steep slopes and uphill routes. Your first activity is cave exploration at Sugong Cave. It has an underground river with water that flows from Bokong Falls, which will then irrigate the rice fields of Kapay-aw. Next, you’ll visit Echo Valley, which leads you to the famous hanging coffins of the Mountain Province. As part of the burial practices, indigenous tribes hang coffins at the side of the mountain. Having more than 60 caves, Sagada is known as a perfect spelunking spot. Sumaguing Cave is the largest among all of its caves. It boasts natural rock formations, ancient stalactites, stalagmites, natural pools, and streams. The last part of your itinerary is visiting Bontoc Tribal Museum. Here, you can witness several indigenous artifacts of different ancients tribes in the Mountain Province. You will head back to your hotel in Sagada after your tour.
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Day 5
Freshly picked strawberries in Benguet

Day 5 - Day 5: Benguet Tour

After exploring Sagada, you’ll now be heading to La Trinidad Strawberry Farm. The 79-hectare farm has an average annual harvest of 1,775 metric tons of strawberries. Afterward, you will proceed to Atok Sakura Flowers. In 2016, the Japanese government gave hundreds of cherry blossom trees to Atok's local government. Every year, there are more than 30 Sakura trees that blossom in Atok. Your next destination is the majestic, floral carpet of Northern Blossom Flower Farm. The three-hectare flower plantation is a picturesque spot that has become a venue for prenuptial shoots. It has everything from annual to perennial flowers. You’ll find cabbage roses, sunflowers, snapdragons, marigolds, and Peruvian lilies. From a distance, you can also see the mountain ranges of Mt. Timbak and Mt. Pulag. Atok is also home to the Halsema Highway, the 2nd Highest Point that offers breathtaking mountain views. For your itinerary’s last destination, you will be traversing the Spanish Trail’s cave-like tunnels. This man-made trail is approximately 3km long. It also features spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. After your Benguet tour, your van will take you to Baguio or the City of Pines.
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Day 6
View of Baguio City at night

Day 6 - Day 6: Baguio Tour

Your sixth day will take place in the Summer Capital of the Philippines. Favored for its cool climate, Baguio is an ultimate getaway spot for Manila residents. The City of Pines has numerous scenic attractions that you can explore. First, you’ll visit the Ifugao Museum, which boasts a great collection of Ifugao artifacts. Up next is the Surrender Site of General Yamashita, a historic site to honor Yamashita’s act of surrendering during World War II. You’ll then head to the Philippine Military Academy, the country’s premier institution for aspiring military officers. Then, you’ll drop by Fort De Pilar, which occupies 373 hectares of land. You’ll then proceed to The Mansion, where Philippine Presidents used to stay. Next on your itinerary is Camp John Hay. From being a former US military base, it is now filled with restaurants and hotels. Your van will then take you to Mines View Park, where you can get a panoramic view of the whole city. You can also go horseback riding at Wright Park and stroll along Centennial Park. Lastly, your van will take you to Good Shepherd Convent, where you can buy Baguio’s best-tasting ube jam or purple yam.
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Day 7
Silliman University Museum in Dumaguete

Day 7 - Day 7: Dumaguete City Tour

On your seventh day, you will be heading to Dumaguete in the Visayas. The City of Dumaguete is known for its iconic structures. First, you’ll get a chance to wander around the campus of Silliman University and discover some of its museums. Then, you will take a quick stroll at the seafront promenade of Rizal Boulevard. Another historical structure in Dumaguete is the church of St. Catherine De Alexandria. It is the oldest stone church on Negros Island. Right outside the church is Dumaguete Campanario’s coral-stone tower. Meanwhile, you can shop fresh seafood, local delicacies, and handmade items at Dumaguete Public Market. You will then head to the Provincial Capitol and Freedom Park. Up next is Dumaguete’s famous souvenir shops: Claytown Pottery and Sidlakang Negros Village. The next stop is at Lab-as Seafood. Since 1980, this restaurant has been serving local delicacies like the Dumaguete express. Next, you’ll visit the mountain resort of Valencia Forest Camp. Then, you’ll explore World War II artifacts at Cata-al War Museum. You’ll then proceed to San Agustin de Hippo Church, which houses the country’s oldest pipe organ. Lastly, you’ll visit Negros Oriental Arts and Heritage Center in Bacong, a shopping site for novelty and souvenir items.
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Day 8
Wonderful ocean view at Apo Island

Day 8 - Day 8: Apo Island Tour

On the last leg of your Visayas tour, you’ll be visiting Apo Island. This volcanic island is one of the most popular snorkeling and diving spots in the world. Your van will pick you up from your accommodation in Dumaguete and bring you to the jump-off point in the town of Dauin. The only way to get to the island is by boat ride. Set around 10km away from the mainland, Apo Island showcases abundant and diverse marine biodiversity. It houses more than 400 species of coral. When snorkeling around its blue waters, you can spot different marine species like tuna, manta rays, and hammerheads. Another majestic attraction on the island is Turtle Point. Here, you can spot sea turtles and even swim with them. If you get tired of swimming, you can also relax on the island’s powdery white-sand beaches. Afterward, you’ll then trek to Habagat Eco Trail at the southern end of Apo Island. Habagat Eco Trail is a 600-meter trail overlooking the sea. On top of the trail, you can capture the area's stunning seascape and natural rock formations. At the end of your tour, you’ll head back to your hotel in Dumaguete.
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Day 9
Plane at NAIA

Day 9 - Day 9. Departure to Manila

On the last day of your trip, you will be leaving your accommodation in Dumaguete. Your van will pick you up and take you to Dumaguete Airport. You’ll be heading back to where you started, Manila. From there, you will board a direct flight to Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
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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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