9-Day Philippines Vacation Package to Luzon Highlands, Puerto Princesa & El Nido from Manila

A woman floating on the beautiful beach of Starfish Island
Likely to sell out soon
Perfect travel plan
Fully customizable
Full customer support

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

Explore some of the Philippines' top tourist destinations in North Luzon and Palawan with this 9-day vacation package. While you go from one attraction to another, you'll be able to learn about the country's unique culture and history. This package is tailored to travelers who would like to make the most out of their vacation by discovering the wonders and historical sites.

This vacation package includes tourist attractions around Luzon, the largest island in the country. You'll get to see noteworthy attractions in Manila, particularly those within the historic walled area of Intramuros. This walled city encloses many interesting structures, campuses, museums, and more.

This 9-day trip will also take you to Vigan City, home to many old Spanish structures lined up along Calle Crisologo. You will also be exploring the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio City. One of the city's attractions is Camp John Hay, which used to be a U.S. military base. It now has hotels, restaurants, and thrilling activities.

From the north, you'll head south for an exciting ascent to Mt. Pinatubo, an active stratovolcano located in the boundary of three provinces: Zambales, Pampanga, and Tarlac. Apart from that, you'll be touring around Puerto Princesa in the province of Palawan. Some of the beautiful islands in Honda Bay are included in your itinerary.

The world-renowned Underground River of Puerto Princesa is another stunning marvel you'll see during the trip. This 8.2 kilometer-long attraction will have you amazed at its geological formations. Moreover, you will be spending some time at the spectacular Big Lagoon in El Nido, where you can go kayaking.

Get the most out of your stay in the Philippines with this 9-day vacation package of the most iconic attractions in Luzon Highlands, Puerto Princesa, and El Nido. Check availability by choosing a date.

Read more

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 El Nido 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

Daily itinerary

Day 1
Kalesa in Intramuros

Day 1 - Day 1: Intramuros Tour

On the first day of this vacation, a van will pick you up at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Your guide will then bring you to your accommodation in Manila around or along Roxas Boulevard. Day 1 is also when you'll do the Intramuros Tour. Intramuros is the oldest district and historic walled area in Mania, the capital city of the country. You will first go to Fort Santiago, a citadel built in the late 1500s used as a defense fortress and converted into a prison cell. Next is Plaza Roma, a major public square, where locals hosted numerous events during the Spanish colonial times. At Bahay Tsinoy, you'll learn about the ethnic Chinese or Chinese Filipinos that significantly contributed to the country's life and history. You'll also learn about the lifestyle of Filipinos during Spanish colonization at Casa Manila. Afterward, you'll drop by the lovely San Diego Gardens, as well as the Baluarte De San Diego beside it. From there, you will visit San Agustin Church and Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the Manila Cathedral, the episcopal seat of Manila's Archbishop.
Read more
Day 2
Paoay Church in Laoag

Day 2 - Day 2: Ilocos Laoag & Vigan Tour

On Day 2, you will travel up to the Ilocos region. The flight from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Laoag Airport will be a little over an hour. Your tour vehicle will take you to your Laoag hotel upon your arrival. The tour will start in the town of Paoay. Here, you will visit a grand presidential museum called Malacanang of the North. It was the home of former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. You'll also get to see the town's other famous attractions Paoay Lake and Paoay Church. You will proceed to Batac City to see the Marcos Museum that showcases the late president's memorabilia. Your next stop will be at Juan at Antonio Luna Museum. Dedicated to the Luna brothers, the museum tells the life story of two of the country's national heroes. After that, you will explore Vigan City. Your first stop is at St. Paul Cathedral, an 18th-century Earthquake Baroque-style church. Next will be the must-visit Bantay Church, then the Pagburnayan Jar Factory that practices traditional pottery. You will know more important past events and people at the following attractions: Burgos Museum, National Museum (Ilocos Region Complex), and Crisologo Museum. Then, you'll drop by Baluarte and Calle Crisologo before heading back to your hotel.
Read more
Day 3
Echo Valley in Sagada

Day 3 - Day 3: Sagada Tour

You will spend your Day 3 in Sagada. It is a small and peaceful town in a valley in the Mountain Province. Early in the morning, you will leave Vigan via van. Be sure to wear something warm and comfy since the town has a cooler climate, plus this trip includes trekking and spelunking. Sugong Cave will be your first stop in this Sagada Tour. This natural wonder has an underground river, and this river is where the water supply for the Kapay-aw rice fields comes from. To get to Sugong Cave, you will need to pass through the Echo Valley. This natural area will then lead you to a deck, where you'll see Sagada's most iconic attraction, the Hanging Coffins. The next stop will be another must-visit cave in the town, the Sumaguing Cave. It is the largest among the other Sagada caves. Inside the cave are jaw-dropping natural rock formations, as well as pools. You will also spot bats above. Expect to get wet while exploring the cave. Before you travel back to your hotel in Sagada, you will stop by the Bontoc Tribal Museum. Here, you will find an excellent collection of arts and artifacts representing each of the province's indigenous tribes.
Read more
Day 4
View of Mines View Park from Baguio

Day 4 - Day 4: Baguio Tour

On your fourth day in the Philippines, you'll be going to another place with a cool climate, Baguio City. This city is designated as the Summer Capital of the Philippines because of its climate that helps locals escape the summer heat. First, you will visit the Ifugao Museum. It displays paintings, attires, and artifacts of an ethnic group called Ifugao. You will go to the Surrender Site of General Yamashita next. It is an important historic site as it commemorates the end of World War II in the country. From there, you will drive to the Philippine Military Academy, the top school choice for aspiring military officers. The city is also home to the summer palace of the Philippine president, The Mansion. Five kilometers away is Camp John Hay. It was initially a military base but is now attracting visitors with its dining and shopping establishments. Next, you'll see the Itogon mining town and its defunct gold mines from Mines View Park, relax or go horseback riding at Wright Park, and stroll around Centennial Park that has lush gardens. Before going back to your Baguio hotel, you'll drop by the Good Shepherd Convent that sells yummy local treats like ube.
Read more
Day 5
Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake

Day 5 - Day 5: Mt. Pinatubo Tour

On Day 5, you will travel south towards the province of Tarlac. There, you will visit Mt. Pinatubo, which is infamous for its catastrophic eruption in 1991 that had effects worldwide. A spectacular marvel was also created out of this eruption, a crater lake. It is now a must-visit attraction in Tarlac. It's best to gear up for this tour since you'll go for a hike on this day. You will head to Barangay Sta. Juliana, where the base camp is located. There, you will need to switch from your van to a 4x4 vehicle that will take you across Crow Valley. The terrain of the area has become rugged due to the eruption. After passing the Crow Valley, you will start trekking to the crater lake. The trek will take two hours, but beginners will be able to complete the trail. At the end of the course, you can access a stairway that leads to a viewing deck. There, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of Mt. Pinatubo's crater lake. Afterward, you'll head back to the base camp and then be on your way to your hotel in Manila around the Baywalk area.
Read more
Day 6
Boats in Honda Bay, Palawan

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

On the sixth day, you will be leaving Manila and fly to Palawan. After checking out of your accommodation, your van will take you to Ninoy Aquino International Airport. You will then arrive at Puerto Princesa International Airport after slightly over an hour. After your guide picks you up at the airport, you will start your island-hopping tour in Honda Bay. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions near Puerto Princesa City. You will visit some of the beautiful islands dotted around Honda Bay via boat. Starfish Island will be your first destination. This place is named as such because of the small and big starfishes found around the island. Besides swimming, you can also go snorkeling to see the fishes and colorful starfishes. Your next stop will be Cowrie Island. It is the biggest among the other islands in Honda Bay and is known for its shell shape. You will also find ample space for activities, plus there are picnic and dining facilities. Lastly, you will visit Luli Island, a sandbar in the middle of the ocean best visited at low tide. After your island-hopping tour, your van will take you to your accommodation in Sabang, marking the end of the day.
Read more
Day 7
Entrance to Puerto Princesa Palawan Underground River

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

Your Day 7 will be about exploring Puerto Princesa's Underground River and touring around the city. You will travel from your hotel in Sabang to Sabang Boat Terminal via van. A boat will then take you to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This world-renowned attraction boasts stunning limestone cliffs and amazing rock formations. A myriad of fauna and flora, as well as bats, abound in the area. After your Underground River exploration, you will be on your way to Puerto Princesa City for a city tour. You will first visit Baker's Hill, a popular stopover where you can purchase baked goods and local snacks. Next will be the Plaza Cuartel, a restored Spanish garrison that American and Filipino soldiers used during World War II. After that, you will head to the Crocodile Farm. Also called Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, it houses various crocodile species. Next, you will go to Mitra's Ranch, a hilltop park that offers a sweeping view of Puerto Princesa City. Your last stop will be Puerto Princesa Baywalk. There, you can go for a stroll or buy some street foods from stands. You will then return to your Sabang accommodation.
Read more
Day 8
Aerial view of Shimizu Island

Day 8 - Day 8: El Nido Island Hopping Tour

Day 8 will be for visiting the natural attractions in El Nido. Your van will take you to a terminal where you'll ride a boat to Bacuit Bay, one of Palawan's most-visited locations. This tour includes beaches, islands, and lagoons, so gear up for swimming, and don't forget to bring sunblock. The first stop of the tour is the Big Lagoon. You will go through a narrow and shallow entrance that leads to a large lagoon enclosed by limestone cliffs. For the best experience, you will be kayaking through the blue waters. Your boat will take you to Miniloc Island afterward. This paradisiac island features white sand beaches, limestone mountains, and lush greenery. Later on, you'll visit the island's Secret Lagoon. To get here, you'll have to go through a small hole in the limestone wall. You will next head to Seven Commandos Beach, which is on the mainland. You can relax on the white sands or swim in the clear waters. Finally, you'll go to Shimizu Island. It is one of the go-to snorkeling spots in Bacuit Bay owing to its excellent corals and marine life. At the end of the tour, your van will bring you to Lio Hotel.
Read more
Day 9
Terminal 1 of NAIA

Day 9 - Day 9: Departure to Manila

The ninth day marks the end of your vacation package. You will be checking out of your hotel in Lio and riding a van to Puerto Princesa International Airport, where you will board a plane bound for Manila. The aircraft will then land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in over an hour.
Read more

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.

In El Nido island hopping tour mandatory environmental fee and/or user’s see is to be paid directly in cash to the service provider in El Nido, The tour itinerary is subject to change based on weather and tidal conditions. Tours will start only once operators are given permission to sail by the Local Government Unit (LGU) and the Philippine Coast Guard. Delays in start of tours or cancellation of tours affected by this is beyond the service providers’ control.

Limitation to the number of tourists, boats, kayaks and time of stay in El Nido lagoons are strictly enforced by the PAMB. Secret Beach, Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon are no longer allowed to be toured on the same day as part of the policies of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of El Nido.

A mandatory user fee of PHP 200 per person is collected by PAMB for every entry to the Secret Beach, Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon.

Single use-plastics are banned in El Nido island tours. Please bring reusable water bottles or tumblers. All visitors are required to bring their own trash back to the boats.

Read more

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.

Similar tours

Link to appstore phone
Install the Philippines’ biggest travel app

Download the Philippines’ biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add the Philippines’ biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.