Arrival in Manila
Welcome to the Philippines. A local representative will be waiting for you at the airport, to transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to get settled in. Overnight at The Peninsula Manila
Things to do:
The Henry Hotel: a boutique oasis in the heart of Manila
Manila & Vigan
After breakfast, an experienced local guide will meet you at the hotel for a half-day tour of Intramuros. Shielded from the rest of the city by perfectly preserved high walls, Intramuros is a peaceful area packed full of fascinating colonial heritage. You’ll visit all of the key landmarks, including Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, Casa Manila, San Agustin Church, and Baluarte de Dilao. After the tour, transfer to the airport then fly to Laoag. On arrival you’ll be met by a representative, then transfer for 2-hours to Vigan. Overnight at Hotel Luna.
Things to do:
Touring Intramuros, Manila’s ancient walled city
Hotel Luna: the museum hotel in historic Vigan
Vigan
Explore Vigan with an experienced local guide, it is designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved blend of European and Asian architecture. With its horse-drawn carriages and ancient cobbled streets, it feels like wandering around a small pocket of Spain. As well as visiting all the key sights, you’ll learn the traditional craft of weaving and enjoy a lunch of Ilocano and Filipino dishes in a peaceful ornamental garden. In the evening, take a walking tour along the traffic-free Calle Crisologo street, shopping for souvenirs and tasting local products. Overnight at Hotel Luna.
Things to do:
Exploring UNESCO-listed Vigan
Hotel Luna: the museum hotel in historic Vigan
Vigan & Sagada
After breakfast, check out and take the 6 to 7-hour scenic drive to Sagada. Located deep within Luzon’s Cordillera Mountains, the town is surrounded by mist-shrouded peaks. Overnight at Martha’s Hearth homestay.
Sagada
Discover the best of Sagada on a full-day tour. You’ll walk through the picturesque Echo Valley to a viewpoint below Sagada’s fascinating hanging coffins. The cliffs are dotted with wooden coffins, hung by the local people to protect their ancestors’ remains and help their spirits flee to the heavens. Next, walk through a cavern to Bokong Falls for a refreshing swim, then drive to the Sagada Weaving and Pottery workshop to learn about traditional local crafts. Your final stop is Lumiang Cave, where around 100 ancient coffins can be found neatly stacked at the entrance of the cave. Overnight at Martha’s Hearth homestay.
Things to do:
Hanging coffins and mountain scenery in Sagada
Sagada & Banaue
Rising early, drive to Kiltepan Peak for sunrise and spectacular views of an endless sea of clouds. Return to your homestay for breakfast, then check out and drive for 3 to 4-hours to Banaue. Stop en route at the Bontoc museum, founded to preserve the history and heritage of the indigenous Igorot people. Overnight at Banaue Hotel.
Banaue
Banaue and the surrounding region is famous for its UNESCO-listed rice terraces and today you’ll have the opportunity to explore them on foot. After a 1-hour drive by private jeepney, walk to Batad village surrounded by a remote set of terraces that are sculpted like a grassy amphitheatre. Adventurous guests have the option to descend a hidden staircase to the crashing Tappiya waterfalls for a refreshing swim. Overnight at Banaue Hotel.
Things to do:
Rice terraces and waterfalls: the Batad village trek
Banaue & Pampanga
After breakfast, check out and drive for 7-hours to Pampanga on the northern shores of Manila Bay. The rest of the day is free to relax. Overnight at Park Inn by Radisson.
Things to do:
A peaceful escape to Abe’s Farm
Pampanga & Bohol
Starting early today, take a packed breakfast from the hotel and drive to Tarlac for a trek to Mount Pinatubo. You’ll drive across the lunar-like landscape of Crow Valley in a a 4x4 Filipino jeep, before walking along a spectacular mountain trail to the crater of the volcano. Mount Pinatubo’s truly unique environment was created by the world’s second largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century on the 15th June 1991. After lunch, drive for 2 to 3-hours to Manila, then fly to Panglao where a local representative will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to your resort. Overnight at Amorita Resort.
Things to do:
Crater lakes and volcanoes: the trek to Mount Pinatubo
Amorita Resort: a clifftop sanctuary on Bohol Island
Bohol
Take a packed breakfast from the resort and head to the beachfront where a motorised outrigger boat will be waiting. Your first destination is Pamilacan Island, where you’ll search for the resident dolphins and whales. On the island itself, a fascinating walking tour offers the chance to interact with local fishing families and learn about their traditional culture and practices such as harvesting fresh sea urchins. You’ll also enjoy a delicious fresh seafood lunch, prepared and served al fresco by the local women’s association. Then continue to Balicasag, a tiny island surrounded by a beautiful reef that is a designated marine sanctuary. It’s a fabulous place to snorkel, its waters being home to some of the richest marine biodiversity in the country, including a vast variety of fish and green turtles. Overnight at Amorita Resort.
Things to do:
Dolphins, whales and island life on Pamilacan
Swimming with turtles off Balicasag Island
Amorita Resort: a clifftop sanctuary on Bohol Island
Bohol & El Nido
Enjoy a final breakfast at your resort, then transfer to the airport for the short flight to El Nido. On arrival you’ll be met by a representative, then travel to your resort by a combination of land and boat transfer. The afternoon is free to relax and explore. Overnight at Pangulasian Island Resort.
Things to do:
Pangulasian Island: the luxury hideaway
El Nido
After breakfast, meet an experienced resort guide for a half-day of island hopping. El Nido forms the gateway to the remote Bacuit archipelago, a vast marine reserve home to over 800 species of fish and 100 species of coral, as well as endangered marine turtles. Highlights of the cruise include the Big Lagoon, a breeding ground for fish and crustaceans, the Secret Lagoon with its white sand beach concealed by cliffs, and the scenic S-shaped sandbar of Snake Island. Depending on weather and tide conditions, you’ll enjoy lunch either on the boat, on a beach, or back at your resort. The afternoon is free for relaxation. Overnight at Pangulasian Island Resort.
Things to do:
Island hopping in El Nido
Pangulasian Island: the luxury hideaway
El Nido
Enjoy a relaxed hike taking in the finest nature and wildlife of neighbouring Lagen Island. The dense forests here are home to a vast variety of endemic tree species and a wide diversity of thriving birdlife, including the majestic Palawan hornhill. The moderate hiking trail takes around an hour to complete, allowing plenty of time to observe the wildlife and learn about the forest from your local guide. The trail ends at a secluded beach, with time for a refreshing swim or snorkel before returning to your resort by private boat. The afternoon is free to enjoy some beach time, a wide selection of watersports, or relax in the infinity pool or resort spa. Overnight at Pangulasian Island Resort.
Things to do:
The Lagen forest hike
Pangulasian Island: the luxury hideaway
Lagen Island: the resort surrounded by a forest sanctuary
El Nido & Departure
Your tour comes to an end today. After breakfast, you’ll have some final leisure time before transferring to the airport for your return flight to Manila and onward travel.
