9-Day Philippines Scenic Nature Vacation Package to Luzon Highlands & Puerto Princesa Islands

A boat of tourists wearing orange vests in Puerto Princesa Underground River
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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

Marvel at the Philippines’ scenic attractions when you book this 9-day vacation package to Top Luzon Highlands and attractions in Puerto Princesa in Palawan. Explore various wondrous spots on this tour with roundtrip flights to Manila, land and boat transfers, and accommodation with breakfast. 

Your first destination will be the walled city of Intramuros, recognized as the oldest historical district in Manila. You will head to the Spanish-Italian defense fortress in Fort Santiago, the century-old Manila Cathedral, and the historic statue of King Charles IV of Spain in Plaza Roma.

Next on your itinerary is Mt. Pinatubo, an active stratovolcano known for having the second-largest terrestrial eruption in the 20th century. You’ll have to ride a 4x4 vehicle and trek to reach the volcano’s crater lake. Afterward, you will proceed to Baguio City up north. You can find tons of strawberries in La Trinidad Strawberry Farm, which is around 8km away from the City of Pines.

Another highlight of your trip is visiting Camp John Hay, a former US military base in Baguio. It is now a haven of luxurious hotels, restaurants, and adventure hubs. The next destination is Puerto Princesa’s Underground River and Honda Bay. You can go island-hopping, sightseeing, and swimming in the blue waters of Star Fish Island, Cowrie Island, and Luli Island.

Wander up north in Luzon Highlands and off the coast of Puerto Princesa in Palawan when you book this ultimate 9-day vacation package. Your itinerary includes top attractions in Intramuros, Mt. Pinatubo, Baguio, and Puerto Princesa. On this trip, you’ll have the opportunity to visit notable museums, churches, and various leisure spots. 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 - Puerto Princesa 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
Century old rock formation of Baluarte de San Diego

Day 1 - Day 1: Intramuros Tour

When you arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, a private van will bring you to your accommodation along Roxas Boulevard. Your 9-day tour begins in the walled city of Intramuros. This oldest district in Manila is home to various historical landmarks and iconic sites. First, you will go to Fort Santiago, a 16th-century defense fortress. You will then head to Plaza Roma, one of the three public squares in Intramuros. During the Spanish colonial times, bullfights and trading events took place in this area. Your next stop is at Bahay Tsinoy, the site of the Kaiso-Angelo King Heritage Center. It features Chinese ethnicity as early as the 9th century. Your next destination will be Casa Manila, a 19th-century museum featuring a Spanish house replica. You will then head to San Diego Gardens. It has a passage leading to the circular tower of Baluarte De San Diego. For your final stop, you will proceed to two famous churches in Intramuros. First, you’ll visit the 17th-century San Agustin Church and Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lastly, you will witness the grand facades and multi-layered arches of the Manila Cathedral. Originally built in 1581, this 400-year-old church has undergone several renovations and reopenings.
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Day 2
Breathtaking view of Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake

Day 2 - Day 2: Mt. Pinatubo Tour

An adventurous escapade to Mt. Pinatubo awaits you on your second day. Pump up your adrenaline with exciting trekking and hiking activities. Mt. Pinatubo is an active stratovolcano between the provinces of Tarlac, Pampanga, and Zambales in Northern Luzon. In 1991, it had a major explosion that buried thousands of households in lahar. To get to the base camp in Tarlac’s Barangay Sta. Juliana, you need to ride a van. When you arrive, you will have to switch to a 4x4 vehicle, which will take you to Crow Valley. Due to Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption, the terrain has become rough and bumpy, so only 4x4 vehicles can cross the area. Meanwhile, the mountain’s deck is only accessible on foot. Afterward, you will trek to reach the volcano’s main crater lake. Before your escapade, it is important to prepare and wear proper hiking gear for your safety. Don’t worry because the terrain looks easy on beginners. At the end of the tour, you can capture the breathtaking view of the volcano’s crater lake. After your Pinatubo tour, you will then proceed to the mountainous province of Ifugao, where you can find the Banaue rice terraces.
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Day 3
Batad Rice Terraces in Banaue

Day 3 - Day 3: Banaue Tour

Your third day begins when you head up north to the province of Ifugao, home to the breathtaking Banaue. Other than the famous Banaue Rice Terraces, you can also find more rice terraces in Batad. These amphitheater-like rice terraces and paddy fields are part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. Set around 85km away from Sagada, Banaue boasts a majestic painting-like scenery at a high altitude. If you like to get a better view of the terraces, you can head to Batad Banaue Viewpoint. You can also trade Batad Banaue Viewpoint for a visit to the Tappiya Waterfall. After the long and tiring journey, you can witness the enchanting view of the staircase-like waterfalls. Afterward, you will proceed to Banga-an Village. It is a small community that consists of less than 30 families who live in traditional hut-like houses with cogon roofing. They also raise livestock and farmland animals on the ground floor. When you visit this tiny village, you will also get a chance to learn more about the Ifugao tribe and their culture. The final destination on your itinerary is Banaue Museum. You can check out vintage photographs, treasured jewelry, weaponry, Igorot artifacts, traditional clothing, and mountain baskets.
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Day 4
Hanging coffins outside a cave in Sagada

Day 4 - Day 4: Sagada Tour

From Banaue, you will proceed to Sagada via van transfer on the fourth day of your tour. Sagada is a scenic attraction up north, where travelers can enjoy an ultimate getaway far from the hustle and bustle of city life. Sugong Cave is the first destination on your list. It has an underground river, with water that flows from Bokong Falls, which will then irrigate the rice fields of Kapay-aw. Secondly, you’ll head to Echo Valley, with a passage leading to the famous hanging coffins of the Mountain Province. As part of the burial traditions, indigenous tribes hang coffins at the side of the mountain. Sagada has more than 60 caves, which makes it a perfect spelunking spot for adventure-seekers. Sumaguing Cave is the largest cave in Mountain Province. It boasts rock formations, ancient stalactites, stalagmites, natural pools, and streams. Your last destination in Sagada is Bontoc Tribal Museum. Here, you can get a better grasp of the history and culture in the Mountain Province. The museum houses different indigenous artifacts. At the end of your tour, your van will bring you to your hotel in Sagada.
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Day 5
Colorful flowers at the Northern Blossom Flower Farm in Benguet

Day 5 - Day 5: Benguet Tour

On the fifth day of your tour, you will be heading to the mountainous province of Benguet. Then, your first stop will be at La Trinidad Strawberry Farm. Set around 8km away from Baguio City, the 79-hectare farm gets approximately 1,775 metric tons of strawberries per harvest. For your second destination, you will proceed to Atok Sakura Flowers. Similar to Japan’s cherry blossom attraction, the Sakura Farm also boasts beautiful Sakura trees. Since 2016, there are already more than 30 cherry blossom trees that bloom here yearly. Up next is the majestic floral carpet of Northern Blossom Flower Farm. The three-hectare flower plantation is home to distinct and vibrant flowers. It has everything from annual to perennial flowers including cabbage roses, sunflowers, snapdragons, marigolds, and Peruvian lilies. You can also see from a distance the rolling mountain ranges of Mt. Timbak and Mt. Pulag. Set along Halsema Highway, the 2nd Highest Point is your second to the last destination, which offers breathtaking and majestic mountain views. Lastly, you will head to the Spanish Trail. It has cave-like tunnels leading to a spectacular view. 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 from Mines View Park

Day 6 - Day 6: Baguio Tour

On your sixth day, your van will bring you to the Summer Capital of the Philippines. Baguio or the City of Pines attracts many travelers because of its cool climate. When exploring Baguio, you will come across numerous scenic attractions. Your first destination is Ifugao Museum. Here, you can find a great collection of Ifugao’s artifacts. Second, you’ll head to 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. It is a premier educational institution for aspiring military officers in the country. Up next is Fort De Pilar, which occupies 373 hectares of land. You’ll then proceed to The Mansion, where Philippine Presidents stay during their special visits in Baguio. Up next is Camp John Hay. It is a former US military base that has become a popular adventure hub. Afterward, you’ll proceed to Mines View Park’s observation deck overlooking the Itogon mines. You’ll also explore Wright Park and Centennial Park. You can go horse-back riding at Wright Park and stroll along Centennial Park. Finally, you’ll head to Good Shepherd Convent, where you can buy Baguio’s best-tasting ube jam or purple yam.
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Day 7
Luli Island in Puerto Princesa Palawan

Day 7 - Day 7: Puerto Princesa Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour

Your seventh day will take place in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Local and international travelers like to visit Palawan for its world-class islands, cays, and stunning beaches. One of the highlights of your trip to Puerto Princesa is exploring Honda Bay and its sandbars. You will be taking a short boat ride to reach its majestic islands. Your first stop is at Star Fish Island. As its name implies, you can expect to find various starfishes on this sandbar. You can swim and snorkel to discover its stunning seascape. You’ll find different marine species on the island, including pufferfish and yellowtail snappers. The next destination on your itinerary is the shell-shaped Cowrie Island, the largest island in Honda Bay. There is a designated swimming area to keep jellyfish at bay. You can also make use of the picnic and dining facilities on-site. Finally, you will be heading to your last stop, Luli Island. This sandbar appears and submerges completely, depending on the shifting tides. You can rent snorkel gears and stay on cottages throughout the bay. 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 8
Facade of a store in Baker's Hill Puerto Princesa

Day 8 - Day 8: Puerto Princesa Underground River & City Tour

On the last leg of your tour, your van will fetch you from your hotel in Sabang and take you to the Sabang Boat Terminal. You’ll then hop on a short boat ride to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a protected area featuring towering limestone cliffs and stunning cave formations. After traversing the 8km-long underground river, you will head to the City of Puerto Princesa. Your first stop is at Baker’s Hill. Here, you can purchase local pastries like sweet crinkles and hopia. The next stop is Plaza Cuartel, a historical garrison during World War II. It is a formal penal colony that has become a leisure park. You’ll then visit Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, where you can see crocodiles up-close. The Crocodile Farm serves as a research center and breeding facility of different crocodile species. The last two destinations on your itinerary 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. Afterward, you can stroll along the Puerto Princesa Baywalk. After your tour, you will head back to your hotel in Sabang.
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Day 9
Sunrise over a plane in NAIA

Day 9 - Day 9: Departure to Manila

You will be leaving your hotel in Sabang. Your van will pick you up and take you to Puerto Princesa Airport. From there, you’ll ride a plane to Ninoy Aquino International Airport and head back to 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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