14 Days Philippines Tour to North Luzon with Bohol & Dumaguete

Kumusta! Welcome to Manila, the capital of the Philippines! Upon your arrival at the airport in Manila, the tour guide and driver will meet you at the exit, and then escort you to the hotel . You can have a good rest for the jet leg in your hotel or visit around to explore for more on your own.

Known as the “Pearl of the Orient”, Manila is often the jump-off point to the country's incredible beaches, stunning islands, and unique natural wonders. Manila is an excellent hub for experiencing Philippine culture, history, shopping, and nightlife. Take your time to explore its lively streets, buildings, and people, who are full of energy.

Arrival Ideas:
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), originally known as Manila International Airport (MIA), is the largest airport in the Philippines. Currently, there are over 30 direct flights to Manila from various parts of the world, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Taipei, Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Dubai, Doha, Sydney, Melbourne, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Abu Dhabi, Denpasar, Riyadh, Guam, Los Angeles, Hanoi, and more. You can fly direct to Manila from almost every major city in Asia. Otherwise, you may need a layover in Hong Kong, Singapore, or Dubai, with most major airlines in the region offering regular flights to Manila. Philippine Airlines is the only carrier that offers nonstop flights to Manila from the United States. Other airlines that fly to Manila include Delta, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Korean Air, ANA, KLM, EVA Air, and Qantas. If you need help with Philippines flight tickets booking, feel free to contact us.

On this day, your guide and driver will pick you up in Manila and transfer you to Banaue, about 320km in the north of Manila, taking 9-10 hours by driving. Upon arrival, you will have a good rest at the hostels in Banaue town proper.

Banaue is a renowned destination in Philippines, celebrated for its UNESCO World Heritage Site status and the breathtaking Batad Rice Terraces and Bangaan Rice Terraces. These terraces are a testament to the rich cultural history of the Philippines, dating back over two millennia to the pre-colonial era. The property's designation as a World Heritage Site recognizes its exceptional value as a living cultural landscape, which has evolved over time. The site comprises five clusters of terraces, spread across four municipalities, each offering an awe-inspiring and well-preserved glimpse into the region's agricultural heritage.

(Transfer Option: Many travelers may prefer taking the 10-hour night bus from Manila to Banaue, which arrives in Banaue early in the morning. This option is convenient, matches their schedule, and can also help save on travel expenses. If you would like to take the night bus instead of using our private car service, please let us know.)

After enjoying breakfast, your guide and driver will accompany you on an exciting adventure to explore the magnificent Banaue Rice Terraces.

Your first stop is to Banaue Viewpoint, where you can get the best panoramic view of Banaue Rice Terraces. The Banaue Rice Terraces are a remarkable feat of ancient engineering, having been carved into the mountains of Ifugao in the Philippines by the ancestors of the indigenous people over 2000 years ago. As you appreciate this awe-inspiring landscape, you will be mesmerized by the lush green rice paddies that seem to rise layer by layer, reaching heights of up to 1500 meters. Amidst this natural wonder, you will also spot local houses nestled harmoniously among the rice paddies, adding to the charm of the terraces. Then, also stop at Aguian View Deck, the famous viewpoint for the Rice Terraces printed on the back of the 20 pesos. There are other views that can give you a wonderful view of the terraces.

Then, head to the Banaue Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from generations of Ifugaos who have lived in Banaue. The museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Ifugao people, particularly their traditional way of life, customs, and beliefs. The collection includes traditional costumes, weapons, tools, and musical instruments, all of which are displayed in an interactive and informative manner. You can fully learn about the history of the region and the significance of the rice terraces through the museum's informative displays.

Afterward, enjoy your highlighted tour to the Batad Rice Terraces, a remote village with around 1,500 residents. This village boasts some of the most well-preserved rice terraces in the Cordillera region. Unlike other rice paddies with mud walls, the ones in Batad are built with stone walls, giving them a more neat and stable appearance. To reach Batad, you will take a privately chartered local jeepney to Batad Saddle Point, where your hiking journey begins. As you embark on your hike, you will pass by verdant paddies, water irrigation channels, charming local houses, and narrow walkways at the rim of the rice terraces. Apart from the amphitheater-like rice terraces with a village at its base and stunning landscape, Batad also has a nearby waterfall that offers a natural swimming pool: the Tappiya Waterfalls. The trek to the falls may take around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace. The waterfall is located at the bottom of the terraces, where you can take a refreshing swim and marvel at its breathtaking scenery.

After the tour, arrival back in Batad town proper, overnight at local village inn.

After breakfast, you will head to Sagada (84km, about 3 hours’ driving). Sagada is located in the Mountain Province of the Philippines with cool and temperate climate. It is famous for its amazing caves, beautiful waterfalls, and hanging coffins, offering exciting outdoor activities such as trekking and hiking experience.

Upon your arrival in Sagada, get ready to enjoy an unforgettable tour. Begin your exploration with Paykotan walking tour to the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, a remarkable historical landmark and the main Episcopal church in Sagada. Built in 1904, this picturesque church showcases a unique blend of architectural styles, fusing local Igorot culture with Western influences. Marvel at the intricate details of this beautiful structure before setting off on your next adventure.

Next, take a leisurely walk to pass Sagada Anglican Cemetery and reach the top of Echo Valley, where you'll be greeted by a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Take a moment to soak in the beauty before take downhill trek to the Hanging Coffins of Sagada. As you descend for around 15-20 minutes, you'll arrive at the site of the Hanging Coffins, where you'll witness the ancient burial rites of the Igorot tribe. For over 2,000 years, the Sagada people have been practicing this unique burial tradition, and some of the coffins are well over a century old. Learn about the fascinating process of how the elderly carve their own coffins out of hollowed logs, or how their families prepare them if they are too weak or ill. See the coffins up close, marvel at their craftsmanship, and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance behind this ancient tradition.

Afterwards, you will be transferred to Sumaguing Cave. There are over 60 caves discovered underneath the town of Sagada, but of all of these subterranean wonders, Sumaguing Cave has the biggest chamber, earning its nickname "The Big Cave". It is a limestone cave system that features a variety of rock formations, underground rivers, and chambers. The rock formations were built by nature thousands of years ago, and your tour guide will show you some epic formations that will entertain you during the spelunking. These rock formations, mimicking familiar shapes, are the highlight of this spelunking adventure. Some of these formations include the bear, elephants, turtle head, the rice terraces, and chocolate cake.

Stay overnight in Sagada.

After breakfast, you will have some time to explore in Sagada. Your guide and driver will take you to enjoy Bomod-ok Falls or Marlboro Hills.

Get ready for a morning adventure to Bomod-ok Falls, located just 5km away from Sagada (around 15-20 mins drive). As you trek for about an hour towards the falls, you'll pass through picturesque villages and fields, immersing yourself in the local way of life. The surrounding landscape is a feast for the eyes, with Sagada's trees, paddies, and greenery in the distance, as well as the colorful rooftops of the tiny villages below. Your journey will culminate in the majestic Bomod-ok Falls, a towering waterfall that cascades from a height of around 200 feet into a beautiful natural pool below. Take a moment to soak in the tranquil beauty of the falls before taking a refreshing swim in the cool, crystal-clear waters of the pool.

If you interested in mountain hiking, you could choose to visit Marlboro Hills. As the highest peak in Sagada, Marlboro Hills offers a stunning 360-degree unobstructed view of the majestic mountain ranges that surround the town. The trek to Marlboro Hills takes around 2-3 hours, that you can immerse in the serene natural beauty. Along the way, you'll pass through small villages, rice terraces, and lush forests, making it a truly immersive experience. Once you reach the top of Marlboro Hills, you will enjoy panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

After the tour, your guide and driver will escort you to Tarlac via Baguio (known as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines”). The journey takes about 5.5 hours. 

This morning, you will get up early and depart from your hotel in Tarlac at 5:30. It is requested that you reach the entrance of Mt. Pinatubo before 7:00; otherwise, you won't be able to enter the Mt. Pinatubo area for the tour. After the Mount Pinatubo Hike Tour, you will head back to Manila.

Mount Pinatubo (1,485m) is an active stratovolcano in Luzon, Philippines. It became famous due to its eruption in 1991 after 600 years of sleep, making it the second-largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century. Mt. Pinatubo is now dormant, having left spectacular lava sand formations, and draws people to admire its natural wonder after the big disaster. Capas is the gateway to Mt. Pinatubo. From Capas to the Mount Pinatubo Base Camp, it is about 22km (45min-1hour drive). You will stop to register your names with the local authorities at the registry office at Sta. Juliana (Please note that the registration process can take some time, so please be patient). After that, you will transfer to a jeep to start your Mt. Pinatubo Tour formally.

Your old 4×4 Jeep adventure to Mt. Pinatubo will be bumpy and dusty, but you can still find lots of fun across Crow Valley. There are oddly formed lahar towers with various shades of gray. You will marvel at the various colors on its stream waters caused by the minerals leached from the volcano. Just enjoy the road massage on the biggest field of lahar in the world. After about 1-1.5 hours ride, it is time for you to jump off the jeep to begin your hiking toward the famous Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake. The Mt. Pinatubo Hike is about 5.5km each way with an ascent of 300 meters. The terrain is relatively flat until the last 20 minutes when you ascend to the rim of the Crater Lake.

During your Mt. Pinatubo Crater Hike, you will be greeted by imposing ash walls, herds of cattle, and the big smiles of the Aetas. The Aetas are the tribe that owns the Pinatubo Mountain, and now there are about 3,800 people living within 10km of the Pinatubo volcano. After about a 2-hour hike, you will be rewarded with the stunning crater lake with the bright turquoise waters surrounded by the volcano’s huge crater walls. The Pinatubo Crater Lake is known for its changing water color from blue-green to deep blue depending on the season. Take your time to relax while taking in magnificent views of the largest lahar canyon in the world. After lunch, it is time to head back to Manila via Clark.

If time permits, you can stop at Capas National Shrine. The shrine was dedicated on Dec7, 1991, by President Corazon Aquino. It was built to honor the brave men and women who defied the might of the invaders at Bataan during World War II. Along with this, its location is where the infamous 97-kilometer march or the Bataan Death March ended.

Note: Generally, the Mt. Pinatubo Hike is considered a challenging route. But during the dry months (December to May) when the riverbed is dry, the 4×4 jeeps will travel further up Crow Valley to a drop-off station, from which you will walk the last 20-30 minutes on a single trail to the Crater Lake, which is very beginner-friendly when the weather is good.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up and bring you to Manila Airport for your flight to Bohol (about 1.5 hours). Bohol-Panglao International Airport is located on the island of Panglao, and the main transportation hub to the natural wonders of Bohol.

Upon arrival at the airport, your guide will pick you up to bring you to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Bohol is a main island located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. It offers a wide range of options for travelers, from natural attractions to cultural heritage sites and unique island activities. In addition to the cute bug-eyed tarsiers and the majestic Chocolate Hills, there's much more to experience, such as white sand beaches, world-class dive sites, dolphin and whale shark watching, and the generally laid-back provincial of Panglao Island, these are what give Bohol its unique charm.

Start your day with a visit to Bohol's first church, the historic Baclayon Church. Built from coral stone, this prime example of Baroque architecture in the Philippines features intricate designs and beautiful frescoes. It's a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the rich cultural heritage of Bohol.

Next, you'll board a floating restaurant and enjoy a delicious meal while cruising down the clean and picturesque Loboc River. As you take in the natural surroundings and enjoy a cultural show by the locals, you'll feel a sense of peace and tranquility that is hard to find in the city.

After lunch, you'll drive through the Man-Made Forest, a two-kilometer stretch of road lined with towering mahogany trees that make for the perfect photo opportunity. Then, it's on to the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary, home to the world's smallest primates, the tarsiers, which are known for their large eyes and unique ability to rotate their heads up to 180 degrees. Watch the cute tarsiers sleep in tree branches and lazily lounge about, but be sure not to touch or disturb them.

Finally, you'll head to the famous Chocolate Hills, over a thousand cone-shaped hills that turn brown during the dry season, giving them the appearance of chocolate mounds. From the viewing deck, you'll marvel at the breathtaking view of this unique natural wonder, and the hills' unusual shape will leave you wondering about their origin.

Your guide will pick you up early in the morning at your hotel. You will then be transferred to the boat docking area where you will start your island-hopping tour of Balicasag and Virgin Islands.

Your first activity for the day is dolphin watching and searching on the way to Balicasag Island. This area teems with diverse marine wildlife, including at least seven different species of wild whales and countless wild dolphins. Take note that seeing dolphins is not guaranteed. If you are lucky, you might see these creatures jumping up close.

After that, you'll head to Balicasag Island. Balicasag Island is a must-visit destination in the Philippines for all nature and marine life lovers. Its stunning 3000-feet-deep fault, known as the deepest and most beautiful underwater cliff in Asia, is a natural wonder that draws tourists from all over the world. During your visit to Balicasag Island, you will have the opportunity to go snorkeling at the "Rose Coral Garden," an area surrounded by countless colorful coral reefs and tropical fish. Even without diving, you can see a variety of marine creatures, tropical fish, and sea turtles.

Next, head to the natural ecological protected island of Virgin Island (Note: Not accessible during high tide, the tour guide will check the tide time beforehand). As the tide recedes, the beautiful Virgin Island gradually emerges in front of you, with a pure crescent-shaped white sandbar in the middle of the sea that makes you feel like you are in a dreamland. You can stroll through this natural wonder and pick up various starfish and sea urchins that are scattered on the sand. Some of the starfish are so big that they will leave you amazed! After island-hopping, you will have lunch onboard a board or at an island restaurant.

Lastly, you'll be transferred back to your hotel to rest.

Kindly note that some activities may be subject to change due to weather conditions. Your safety is our top priority, and we may need to reschedule or cancel activities in case of unfavorable weather conditions such as strong winds. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we ensure a safe and enjoyable island-hopping experience.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel and drive (about a 1-hour drive) to Lila town on Panglao Island. And then board a boat for a unique experience of swimming with whale sharks - the largest sharks and fish in the world, typically measuring 9-12 meters in length. The largest individuals can reach up to 20 meters in length and weigh up to 12,500 kg, making them the largest fish species. Whale sharks are known for their gentle nature, slow swimming speed, and often sunbathing at the water's surface. When you have the opportunity to get up close and personal with them, play with them and take pictures, you'll add an unforgettable memory to your extraordinary life. After swimming with the whale sharks, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Take note that seeing whale sharks during this tour is NOT GUARANTEED. Whale sharks are migratory animals, and even during the whale shark season, there is a possibility that you may not encounter one during your tour.

Optional Evening Activity: Have a magical experience with the Abatan River or Loay River firefly watching tour during sunset. Usually around 5:30-6:00 pm.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your accommodation and then transfer you to seaport in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, where you can board the ferry via Ocean Jet and enjoy the approximately two-hour journey to Dumaguete.

Upon arrival at port in Dumaguete city, you will be transported to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Dumaguete is the capital of the province of Negros Oriental and is known as the "City of Gentle People" due to its friendly and welcoming residents. It is a great destination for both relaxation and exploration, with easy access to beaches and nearby islands. Its proximity to popular dive sites such as Siquijor and Apo Island makes it a hub for adventure seekers and scuba diving enthusiasts. With its rich history, culture, and natural beauty, Dumaguete truly offers something for everyone.

Free Time Ideas:
Dumaguete's Boulevard is a long, tree-lined promenade that runs along the waterfront, and is the perfect spot for strolling, jogging, and watching the sunset.

In the early morning,you will be picked up from your accommodation and then be transferred to Malatapay or Dauin Port, where you'll be boarding a boat for Apo Island.

Immerse in the rich underwater world of Apo Island, a 74-hectare volcanic island off Dauin, is a top diving and snorkeling destination in the Philippines. It is a pristine marine sanctuary home to 600 species of fish and over 400 species of corals, not to forget the turtles which are just about everywhere in the waters of Apo Island. Here, you can swim with the turtles! You'll find them bobbing their heads even in shallow waters. Aside from diving and turtle swimming, you'll be given free time to stroll around the island at your own pace and visit the local community, which has a unique and simple way of life. The island also features a viewing deck that offers a scenic view of the island and the sea. The viewing deck and the path leading to it are both cemented, so you can enjoy a stroll as you make your way there.

Afterward, your guide will take you back to Malatapay Port or Dauin and drop you off at your accommodation.

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your accommodation and transferred to the ferry station where you will take the Ferry (Oceanjet) to Siquijor Island. (Please note that the schedule going to Dumaguete - Siquijor is 7:20 am and the last trip will be 6:00 pm Siquijor - Dumaguete.)

Siquijor is a mysterious world of witchcraft and the unknown. Once there, you will head to your first stop to visit the local "House of Mangkukulam (healers)", which still retains a primitive and simple way of life. Experience the use of various strange animals and plants to prepare magical medicines based on ancient methods. The mangkukulam use weird spells passed down from their ancestors for generations to treat various difficult diseases.

Then, you’ll be taken to the century-old enchanted Balete Tree, which has a strange shape due to the hundreds of hanging vines, and is said to be a gathering place for wizards. Due to the abundant water sources where mountain springs converge, the small fish in the water eagerly await the tourists' calluses on their feet for lunch. Let's see what surprises these little wizards can bring us!

Then visit the oldest St. Isidore Church and Convent a historic landmark located on Siquijor Island and considered one of the best examples of Spanish colonial architecture in the country.The church is made of coral stones and features a baroque-style facade that is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. The interior of the church is just as impressive, with beautiful stained glass windows, ornate altars, and a stunning ceiling painted with frescoes.

Next, visit the Cambugahay Waterfall, a very quiet and special multi-level waterfall. Especially during the holy season each year, the surging water looks enchanted.

Finally, take a boat to Salagdoong Beach, which is also one of the top ten famous diving spots in Asia. At the same time, you can also enjoy the only private beach that is over 800 meters wide.

Should you have more time, you may also go to Paliton Beach. It is home to powdery white sand, clear waters, and coconut trees that provide visitors shade. Take a dip or just lounge in the sand before boarding the ferry heading back to Dumaguete.

You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the Sibulan airport (Dumaguete) and you will board your domestic flight to Manila.

Upon arrival in Manila, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel. Service ends!

Trip Extension: You can extend your Philippines trip to EI Nido, Boracay, Coron, Cebu and other destinations. Please share your ideas with us!