Highlights
- Hike through the UNESCO-listed rice terraces around Banaue
- Embrace Indigenous culture with a visit to the Sagada Hanging Coffins
- Spot tarsiers and see the famous Chocolate Hills on Bohol
- Take a canyoning adventure down the waterfalls of Cebu
- Go island hopping around the bays and islets of El Nido
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Manila, Explore the Capital | Manila |
| Day 2 | Pagsanjan Falls Tour | Manila |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Banaue & Ifugao Province | Banaue |
| Day 4 | Banaue Rice Terraces Tour | Banaue |
| Day 5 | Day Trip to Sagada: Hanging Coffins & Caves | Banaue |
| Day 6 | Return Journey to Manila | Manila |
| Day 7 | Fly to Bohol Island, Transfer to Panglao | Bohol Island |
| Day 8 | Bohol Countryside Tour: Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers & River Cruise | Bohol Island |
| Day 9 | Ferry to Cebu City & Cebu Island | Cebu City |
| Day 10 | Canyoning Adventure at Kawasan Falls | Cebu City |
| Day 11 | Fly to Puerto Princesa & Palawan Island, Evening Fireflies Tour | Puerto Princesa |
| Day 12 | Underground River Tour, Transfer to El Nido | El Nido |
| Day 13 | Island-Hopping Tour of Bacuit Bay | El Nido |
| Day 14 | Fly to Manila, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Manila, Explore the Capital
Welcome to the Philippines! After landing at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, a private driver will be waiting to take you to the center of Manila, the country's densely-populated capital located on the archipelago's largest island of Luzon. Settle in at your hotel and drop off your bags, then enjoy some free time exploring your surroundings. Check out one of the local restaurants for dinner to sample some traditional Filipino food, then take a walk around the Intramuros walled district for a glimpse of the historic area's colonial architecture and landmarks.
Day 2: Pagsanjan Falls Tour
It's an early start today, as your driver picks you up for a 2.5-hour transfer to the historic town of Pagsanjan, situated southeast of Manila. This place was once used as a filming location for the classic war film "Apocalypse Now" and is well-known for its scenic waterfalls.
Once you arrive, you'll climb aboard a canoe for a trip to the falls, passing landscapes of lush greenery and unspoiled nature as your guide paddles you upstream. When you reach the falls, you'll have the option to switch to a bamboo raft and pass beneath the roaring cascade or simply admire the natural wonder from a distance. Ride the gentle rapids back downstream by canoe before reaching the calmer waters around Pagsanjan, where your driver will be waiting to take you back to the capital.
Day 3: Transfer to Banaue & Ifugao Province
Today takes you on an epic 8-10-hour journey north into Luzon's remote and lesser-visited interior. Your destination is Banaue, a small community home to the Indigenous Ifugao people, nestled among the lush hillsides of the Cordillera Mountains. The roads in this part of the country can be very basic, so the drive times can vary, but you'll make plenty of stops along the way. Pass landmarks like Dalton Pass, the site of fierce fighting during World War II, and Lagawe, the capital of the northerly Ifugao province.
This region is famed for its UNESCO-listed rice terraces like Batad and Bangaan, carved by hand into the hillsides over 2,000 years ago and often called the "Eighth Wonders of the World." Tomorrow you'll see more of this remarkable landscape, but this evening you'll settle into your accommodations in Banaue and rest up after the long drive.
Day 4: Banaue Rice Terraces Tour
Dive into the emerald hillsides of Ifugao this morning as you explore the region with your guide. You'll be picked up by jeepney (a colorful converted US Army Jeep that serves as the most common mode of transport in the Philippines) and taken to the farming village of Banga-an. Spend some time here, learning about the importance of agriculture in the area, before continuing to Batad, where the most famous rice terraces are found. Here you'll set out on a scenic hike, admiring breathtaking views as you trek along steep terraces. After a day of fresh air and scenic vistas, your driver will take you back to Banaue.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Day Trip to Sagada: Hanging Coffins & Caves
Get back on the road again this morning as your driver takes you 3.5 hours northwest to Sagada. This mountain village is known for its limestone caves and waterfalls, as well as the hanging coffin traditions of its Indigenous Igorot people. It was also one of the few communities that managed to withstand the Spanish conquest of the island, and thus, it has maintained its traditional culture.
Upon arrival, set out on a guided hike into the Echo Valley, where you'll catch a glimpse of the famous hanging coffins. Suspended from high cliffsides to bring the dead closer to heaven, the Igorot people have practiced this ancient mode of burial for over 1,000 years, and it's still in practice today. Next, you'll continue to Lumiang Burial Cave in Sugong, where over 100 coffins dating back hundreds of years fill the entrance, with hand-carved decorations of lizards and fertility symbols lining the walls.
Your final stop is Sumgaguing Cave, where, if you're feeling adventurous, you can opt for a challenging but rewarding three-hour spelunking excursion to discover limestone formations and deep subterranean expanses. Then it's time to put your feet up for a well-earned rest on the drive back to Banaue.
Day 6: Return Journey to Manila
Say your goodbyes to village life this morning and join your driver for the long journey back to Manila. You'll arrive in the capital in the evening, but if you're looking for a late dinner and some nightlife, head to the lively Poblacion district. Here, you'll find plenty of nightclubs, pubs, restaurants, live music, and the mouthwatering street food of the Avenue Night Market.
Day 7: Fly to Bohol Island, Transfer to Panglao
Today, you'll transfer to the airport and catch a 1.5-hour flight to Bohol Island. This 10th-largest island in the Philippines is a haven for nature lovers, with easy access to both unspoiled beaches and a lush, forested interior. As soon as you arrive, you'll be met by a new private guide, ready to take you to your accommodations on Panglao, southwest of the main island of Bohol.
With free time for the rest of the day, it's up to you what to do next. You could consider an island-hopping tour, visiting local neighboring islands like Balicasag and Virgin to see some of the soft, sandy beaches and prime diving spots the area is famed for. Or, you could take to the water on a dolphin-watching tour, feel the thrill of an adrenaline rush on a guided zipline tour, or simply relax at your resort, swimming in the pool and dining at a local restaurant.
Day 8: Bohol Countryside Tour: Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers & River Cruise
Set out this morning on a full-day guided tour of Bohol. You'll begin with a visit to Baclayon Old Church, completed back in 1727, and the Blood Compact Shrine, a statue depicting a famous blood pact made at the end of the 16th century. You'll also see the human-made forest of Biliran, as well as the Butterfly Garden, filled with winged insects of every color and hue. Enjoy an adrenaline rush at the Sipatan Hanging Bridge and take a cruise along the Loboc River, with live entertainment provided by traditional Filipino singers.
After a delicious lunch, your journey continues at Bohol's most famous natural landmark, the Chocolate Hills. Take an exhilarating ATV ride to a scenic viewpoint, looking out across the dome-shaped hills and their cocoa-colored grass. After that, you'll meet native tarsiers in their natural habitat and kayak on the Loboc before stopping off at the Aproniana Souvenir Shop to grab some gifts for friends and family back home.
Day 9: Ferry to Cebu City & Cebu Island
Leave Bohol behind and take an hourlong ferry ride to Cebu City. Situated on the island of Cebu, just west of Bohol, this is one of the most populous cities in the country and the capital of Cebu Province. Check in at your hotel and take a little time to relax before deciding how you want to spend the rest of your day.
Perhaps you simply want to grab some food and relax. In that case, check out any of the excellent local restaurants, serving up everything from traditional Filipino fare to Mexican and Middle Eastern delights. Or, maybe you want to make the most of every second and do some sightseeing right away. If so, set off and explore the city streets, heading to popular local landmarks like the historic Magellan's Cross or 18th-century Basilica del Santo Niño church.
Day 10: Canyoning Adventure at Kawasan Falls
It's time for some truly exhilarating adventure today as you explore the canyons and cliffs surrounding Kawasan Falls. Trek into the jungle with your guide and jump into the flowing river to float to different cliff-jumping spots and natural waterslides. After a mix of floating and walking through the turquoise waters, you'll arrive at the top of the falls, where you can cliff jump 60 feet (18 m) to the bottom or trek down if you're not feeling that adventurous.
When you arrive at the bottom, admire the multitiered waterfall, swim in the deep natural pool, or lay on the shores to relax. You've probably worked up an appetite by now, so you can enjoy a delicious spread of Filipino food before heading back to your hotel in Cebu City to relax.
Day 11: Fly to Puerto Princesa & Palawan Island, Evening Fireflies Tour
It's on to the penultimate destination of your Philippines adventure today as you catch a 1.5-hour flight to Puerto Princesa. This coastal city is located on Palawan, a long, thin island on the archipelago's far western edge renowned for its white sands, turquoise waters, and charming fishing villages. After landing, you'll be taken to the hotel, and you'll have the rest of the day free to relax.
If you're looking to get out and stretch your legs, head to the nearby Butterfly Eco-Garden and Tribal Village, where thousands of colorful insects flutter among the lush greenery. Learn more about the life cycles of the butterflies, then explore the tribal village for a glimpse into the traditional way of life of the Indigenous Batak tribe. When you start to get hungry, head to Puerto Princesa's Rizal Avenue, a main street lined with eateries serving Filipino and international cuisine.
As the sun sets, don't miss an enchanting evening experience as you meet your guide and head to Baker's Hill for a light dinner. Then, continue to the riverbanks of the Sicsican and Iwahig, where you'll step into a paddleboat and make your way through flooded mangrove forests as the darkness comes alive with fireflies.
Day 12: Underground River Tour, Transfer to El Nido
Today you're off on an adventurous underground excursion, starting with a transfer 1.5 hours north of Puerto Princesa. Your destination is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, a natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, hop in a boat and enter the limestone cave to cruise down the 5-mile (8.2 km) river.
Guided only by flashlight, follow the river past caverns, rock formations, and chambers. As you get deeper into the cave, you'll come across unique flora and fauna that have adapted to this subterranean environment. Look up if you're feeling brave to see the hundreds of bats hanging from stalactites. Exit the cave and cruise into the South China Sea before returning to Puerto Princesa.
In the afternoon, you'll transfer four hours north to the star of Palawan, El Nido, renowned for its limestone formations, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters. On the way, stop at Fort Santa Isabel, a 17th-century fortress built to defend the island against pirates and Moro raiders. Walk through the well-preserved stone walls, see the watchtower and cannons, and enjoy a panoramic view of Taytay Bay. Dine at the nearby Casa Rosa Restaurant overlooking the fort before continuing to El Nido, where you'll check into your hotel.
Day 13: Island-Hopping Tour of Bacuit Bay
Discover the islands, caves, and lagoons around El Nido on a full-day boat tour around Bacuit Bay this morning. Cruise to Shimizu Island, where you can jump in the clear waters and explore the vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life. After your underwater escapade, continue to Payong-Payong Beach, a secluded stretch of shoreline that offers the perfect environment for relaxation. Bask in the sun, stroll the sandy shores, or go for a leisurely swim before cruising to the Secret Lagoon, a hidden gem only accessible by kayak or swimming through a small opening.
When you enter, you'll be greeted by emerald waters, lush vegetation, and limestone cliffs. After swimming in this secluded paradise, head to the Big Lagoon, known for its towering rock formations that circle the lagoon. Cruise across the lagoon and marvel at its natural beauty from the boat. End your island-hopping adventure with a visit to Seven Commando Beach, named after the Japanese commandos who lived here after the war. Enjoy a barbecue lunch of fresh seafood and a final swim before returning to your hotel in El Nido.
Day 14: Fly to Manila, Depart
Today, your two-week exploration of the Philippines comes to a close. You'll fly back to Manila from El Nido before catching your next flight back home. Safe travels!
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