9-Day Philippines Historical & Outdoor Adventure Tour Package to Luzon Highlands & Palawan Islands
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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
Explore the top destinations and cultural attractions across Luzon Highlands and Palawan Islands with this 9-day vacation package in the Philippines. Set foot on various historical landmarks and pristine beaches in this tour with roundtrip flights from Manila, land and boat transfers, and accommodation with breakfast.
In this 9-day tour, you will go sightseeing, hiking, trekking, and island-hopping to several attractions in the Philippines. Your journey starts in the walled city of Intramuros, deemed as a historical city of Manila. Have a glimpse of the Spanish colonial era when you visit iconic museums as well as the marvelous facades of the Baroque-inspired structures and churches in Intramuros.
This trip will also take you back in time to Calle Crisologo, one of the most-visited historical attractions in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Vigan. You’ll also get a chance to visit a scenic attraction up north, the famous Camp John Hay in Baguio. It is a former US military base that has transformed into a popular leisure spot in the City of Pines.
You will then head to Mt. Pinatubo, where you will ride a 4x4 vehicle and hike to its majestic crater lake. The next activity on your itinerary is an island-hopping trip to Honda Bay and Port Barton in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, one of the best and most-visited islands in the world. Some of the places you’ll visit include Star Fish Island, Cowrie Island, and Luli Island.
Get a chance to relax, unwind, and explore the Philippines’ well-known islands and attractions with this ultimate 9-day vacation package to Intramuros, Vigan, Baguio, Mt. Pinatubo, and Puerto Princesa. Make the most out of your tour when you book this premium vacation package to Luzon Highlands and Palawan Islands. 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 - 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
Your journey begins once you arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. A private van will bring you to your accommodation near Manila or along Roxas Boulevard.
The tour starts in the walled city of Intramuros. You’ll head first to Fort Santiago, a famous defense fortress during the 16th century. Your next destination is Plaza Roma, a public square and trading center in Intramuros.
The city of Manila has established strong ties with the ethnic Chinese. Bahay Tsinoy is a witness to this and has become a site of the Kaisa-Angelo King Heritage Center.
Meanwhile, you can learn about the Philippine lifestyle during the Spanish era in Casa Manila. This museum is home to a Spanish house replica from the 1850s. Another scenic attraction on your itinerary is San Diego Gardens, which leads to Baluarte De San Diego, a bastion built during the 1590s.
Your Intramuros tour will cap off at two of the well-known churches in Intramuros. San Agustin Church and Museum is a notable landmark in the 1600s. Meanwhile, the Neo-Romanesque structure adjacent to it is The Manila Cathedral. Originally built in 1581, it served as a parish church until it was completed and named a cathedral in 1958.
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Day 2
Day 2 - Day 2: Ilocos Laoag & Vigan Tour
On your second day, you’ll take a short flight from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Laoag Airport. You will alight at the terminal and ride a van to your Laoag hotel.
First, you’ll visit the Malacanang of the North, a grand presidential museum for Marcos. Beside the museum, you'll find Paoay Lake. Paoay Church is also nearby, a former observation post of Katipuneros and Filipino Guerrillas.
Up next is the Marcos Museum in the town of Batac. It showcases the late president’s cenotaph. Then, you will proceed to Juan at Antonio Luna Museum, featuring six galleries dedicated to the Luna brothers.
After your tour in Laoag, you will visit Vigan. Your first stop is Saint Paul Metropolitan Cathedral. Bantay Church is also nearby, which boasts a bell tower overlooking the Bantay district. Meanwhile, you can experience traditional pottery making at Pagburnayan.
Within the National Museum Ilocos Regional Complex lies a series of museums. Burgos Museum is an ancestral house of Padre Burgos. Meanwhile, Crisologo Museum honors the life and death of Congressman Floro S. Crisologo.
You will also walk the vibrant streets of Calle Crisologo. Finally, you’ll explore Baluarte, a mini zoo with wild animals and life-sized statues of dinosaurs.
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Day 3
Day 3 - Day 3: Sagada Tour
On Day 3, you will have an early departure from Vigan to the Mountain Province through a pre-arranged van transfer. To get to Sagada, you'll pass by Halsema Highway, one of the Philippines' highest roads. Once you reach Sagada, a majestic scenery awaits you.
The first stop in your Sagada Tour is Sugong Cave. This cave has an underground river. The water comes from Bokong Falls, which then goes to irrigate the rice fields of Kapay-aw. Next, you will go trekking to Echo Valley. The path will lead you to the famous hanging coffins of the Mountain Province. As part of the traditional burial practice, coffins are hung at the side of the mountain.
With over 60 caves, Sagada is a perfect spelunking spot for adventure-seekers. Sumaguing Cave is the largest one. Apart from ancient stalactites and stalagmites, it has natural pools and streams. Expect to get a little wet during your cave exploration.
In the last part of your itinerary, you will learn more about the culture and traditions in Mountain Province. You will visit Bontoc Tribal Museum, which features indigenous artifacts. After the tour, your van will take you to your hotel in Sagada.
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Day 4
Day 4 - Day 4: Banaue Tour
On your fourth day, you will travel to the province of Ifugao toward the breathtaking Banaue. It is home to two rice terraces, which are both included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Set around 85km away from Sagada, Banaue boasts amphitheater-like rice terraces and paddy fields. The town of Batad also has its own rice terraces, which are over 2,000 years old.
To get a better view of the terraces, you have to hike up the Batad Banaue Viewpoint. However, if you like to try a more exciting route, you can trade Batad Banaue Viewpoint to visit the Tappiya Waterfall. An enchanting waterfall awaits you after a long and exhausting journey.
You can also head to Banga-an Village, a small community with less than 30 families. Some of the houses in the village have cogon roofing. Meanwhile, livestock occupies the ground floor. You’ll learn more about the Ifugao tribe, their culture, and livelihood in this little village.
After exploring your second destination, you will head to Banaue Museum. You can witness vintage photographs depicting the life of people. Here, you will also find treasured jewelry, weaponry, Igorot artifacts, and traditional clothing, and mountain baskets.
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Day 5
Day 5 - Day 5: Baguio Tour
Your fifth tour day will be at the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio. Your van will bring you to your hotel. First, you’ll visit Ifugao Museum that features galleries on Ifugao’s ancient traditions and artifacts.
Right across is the Surrender Site of General Yamashita, a historic site to honor Yamashita’s act of surrendering during World War II.
Next is the Philippine Military Academy, home to aspiring military officers in the country. Up next is Fort De Pilar, which occupies 373 hectares of land. Then, you’ll proceed to The Mansion. You can strike a pose against its grand entrance as your backdrop.
The next destination is Camp John Hay. From being a US military base, it has become a popular leisure spot. You’ll then proceed to Mines View Park.
Upon entering the park, you’ll take the staircase that will lead you to the observation deck. There you can see fellow travelers appreciating the breathtaking view.
After Mines View Park, you’ll head to Wright Park and Centennial Park. You can go horse-back riding and explore art galleries and gardens.
Lastly, you’ll visit the Good Shepherd Convent. Make sure to pass by their store to buy local treats, especially their best-selling ube jam.
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Day 6
Day 6 - Day 6: Mt. Pinatubo Tour
On the sixth day of your trip, you will have an exciting hiking adventure to Mt. Pinatubo. Being one of the most active volcanos in the Philippines, Mt. Pinatubo had a destructive eruption in 1991. Mt. Pinatubo is located between the provinces of Tarlac, Pampanga, and Zambales.
To get to the base camp in Tarlac’s Barangay Sta. Juliana, you have to get in a van. From there, you will be switching to a 4x4 vehicle. Due to the massive eruption, the terrain to Mt. Pinatubo is now covered with lahar. That’s why you must get ready for a bumpy ride.
You will be riding a 4x4 vehicle that will take you to Crow Valley. However, you can only reach the mountain’s deck on foot. For your safety and protection, you have to wear proper hiking gear because you’ll be trekking on your way to the crater’s lake. The terrain is challenging, yet the path still looks easy 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.
After your Mt. Pinatubo tour, you will then head to the pristine islands of Puerto Princesa.
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Day 7
Day 7 - Day 7: Puerto Princesa Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour
You will proceed to Puerto Princesa, Palawan, on the seventh day of your tour. Puerto Princesa is rich with natural wonders and paradise-like destinations. When you arrive at Palawan, you will go on an island-hopping tour at Puerto Princesa's Honda Bay. You’ll hop on a short boat ride to visit some of the famous islands of Honda Bay.
First, you’ll stop at Starfish Island. As its name implies, you can expect to find various starfishes on this sandbar. Starfish Island is also a perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling. You can plunge into its clear waters and get a chance to discover different marine species like pufferfish and yellowtail snappers.
Your next destination is Cowrie Island, the largest island in Honda Bay. This shell-shaped island is a great swimming spot because it has a designated area to keep jellyfish at bay. You can also dine and have a picnic on the island.
Finally, you will be heading to your last stop, Luli Island. This sandbar appears and submerges completely, depending on the shifting tides.
After your Honda Bay’s island-hopping tour, your van will take you to your hotel in Sabang. The town is around 60km from Honda Bay.
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Day 8
Day 8 - Day 8: Port Barton Island Hopping Tour
The last leg of your tour will take place in Port Barton. This tropical paradise is perfect for local and international travelers who like to experience island life away from the crowds. Deemed as the mini version of Palawan’s world-class islands, Port Barton is often positively compared with El Nido.
You’ll have to hop on a boat to reach the island. Once you get there, the island greets you with its quietness and simplicity. The first stop on your island-hopping tour is at Inaladelan resort. It is a beach camping paradise that sits on a private island and offers 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 sinks into the water depending on the tides.
It’s time to wear your snorkel gears and head to the turtle snorkeling site. Here, you’ll get a chance to spot sea turtles and even swim with them. Then, you’ll proceed to the fish and snorkeling site.
After the fun day in Port Barton, you’ll prepare to head back to Manila.
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Day 9
Day 9 - Day 9: Departure to Manila
On the last day of your vacation, you will be checking out of your hotel in Sabang. Your van will fetch you and take you to Puerto Princesa 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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