Best of the Philippines

Manila - Cauayan - Banaue. You will check in at Manila airport for your included flight to Cauayan, where you will be met and transferred to Banaue, around a 3-hour drive.

En route, you will stop for lunch at a local restaurant before passing through Kiangan, a village located near the picturesque banks of the Ibulao River. Kiangan is said to be the first village of the mythological ancestors of the Ifugao, Wigan and Bugan.

Upon entering the town of Banaue, you will proceed to Barangay Viewpoint to catch an all-encompassing view of the rice terraces. These impressive terraces represent the ingenuity and engineering prowess of the Ifugao people.

Banaue - Bontoc - Bauko - Sagada. Today after breakfast, you will board a local jeepney to explore the stunning scenery and rich culture of Banaue. Near the local church, observe a 10-storey house built on the slopes, showcasing the Ifugao’s adaptability.

As you navigate the winding roads, you will make stops to admire the rice terraces and greet friendly locals along the way. At Barangay Viewpoint, marvel at the UNESCO-listed Banaue Rice Terraces, which are over 2,000 years old. Using primitive tools, ancient tribesmen carved these terraces into the mountains, creating a network of irrigation channels from the upper terraces to the lower. When thick mists envelop the peaks of these terraces, they evoke images of staircases ascending towards heaven, leading to the region being referred to as the ‘Stairway to the Sky’.

Another highlight is a short hike down to the Banga-an Rice Terraces, where you can interact with villagers. If school is in session, drop by the local school to observe the children during lessons. Participate in a rice production demonstration and experience traditional rice pounding and planting.

Afterward, trek back for lunch overlooking the rice paddies at Cliff Garden (closed on Sundays). Wind down your tour with a visit to the local market and native handicraft stores for unique souvenirs.

After checking out, you will journey through Mt. Polis, Ifugao’s third highest mountain, stopping at Bontoc to visit a museum showcasing artifacts from the Igorot headhunting days and explore the local market. Later you will arrive in Sagada, known for its stunning landscapes and cool climate, famous for its hanging coffins. Afterward, you will depart for Bauko.

Sagada - Baguio. Today you visit the Sagada Weaving House, where local women create beautiful hand-woven products. Next, head to Sagada Pottery to see a collective of renowned ceramic artists from the Applai Kankanaey indigenous peoples. You can even try your hand at pottery under the guidance of a resident artist.

Travel along Halsema Highway towards Benguet, stopping in Bayangan to admire the stunning terraces planted with vegetables. From a height of 7,400 feet, the view is as breathtaking as the rice terraces. Keep an eye out for cable cars used to transport vegetable, a testament to Igorot ingenuity.

Arriving in Baguio City, you’ll see parks and gardens filled with flowers and pine trees known as the summer capital for rest and relaxation. Drive past Camp John Hay, a former U.S. military recreation camp, and explore Wright Park a golf course, where you can rent horses for riding. Visit the Mansion House, the summer residence of the President of the Philippines, and Mines View Park for panoramic views of the hills. Continue on towards the city centre, catching a glimpse of the Baguio Cathedral perched atop Mount Mary Hill, and passing by Burnham Park, which features an orchidarium, a boating lake, a parade ground, and various kiosks and restaurants.

Finally, visit the vibrant Public Market, where mountain people buy and sell goods, including fresh produce, meat, fish, fresh tobacco and local handicrafts.

Baguio - Bacolor - Manila. Today we visit Bacolor, a town affected by the fast-moving flows of volcanic debris from Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption in 1991. The area, once a wasteland, has few reminders of the destruction, with the half-buried San Guillermo Church standing to represent the history of Bacolor.

As you travel on the North Expressway, the landscape changes from open spaces to urban developments. Arrive in Manila in the early evening, heading straight to your hotel with the rest of the day at your leisure

Manila - Bohol. After breakfast, you have an early checkout, with a transfer to the airport for your included flight to Panglao Island, Bohol. Upon arrival, you will transfer to your resort. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoying the beach, swimming, or indulging in a spa treatment.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your pickup for today's Bohol tour, which includes lunch.

Start your day at the Philippine Tarsier Foundation in Corella to see the smallest primate in the world, the tarsier, in its natural habitat. Observe these rare, nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat and be amazed by their agility as they move about, leaping from one tree to the other. Next, you will stop at the historical Blood Compact site in Baclayon, where Spain’s Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna, a native chieftain sealed their friendship with a symbolic drink.

You will then visit the centuries-old stone church in Baclayon, housing a museum with religious art and church music inscribed in Latin on animal skins. Continue to the Bilar man-made forest of mahogany trees, leading to the iconic Chocolate Hills, which look like candy drops from a distance.

Next, hike to the viewpoint for stunning views before enjoying a river cruise on Loboc River aboard a floating restaurant, complete with lunch onboard. Return to your hotel by late afternoon.

You have the day at leisure or can opt for a Balicasag Island Tour or Pamilacan Island Tour.

If you would prefer a day to explore on your own, you could go snorkelling, diving, or simply relaxing on the beach. You could also explore local shops or sample traditional cuisine at nearby restaurants.

Bohol - El Nido. After check-out, you will be transferred to Panglao Airport for your included flight to El Nido, Palawan. You can enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps lounging by the beach or taking a scenic walk along the coastline.

Start day 9 with an early breakfast to catch the stunning sunrise over Bacuit Bay. You can visit the Small or Big Lagoons, where you can swim and kayak in crystal-clear waters surrounded by limestone formations. You will also explore another island while cruising the bay. Day 10 is completely free for you to unwind in El Nido.

El Nido - Catician - Boracay. after breakfast you will have a transfer back to El Nido Airport for your included flight to Caticlan, Boracay, scheduled for 12:15 PM (subject to change).

Upon arrival in Caticlan, transfer to Boracay Island. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, relax on the beach, enjoy water sports, or explore local shops.

Spend two days enjoying Boracay at your leisure. Hit the beach, or consider water activities such as paddle boarding, windsurfing, or parasailing. You might also want to visit D'Mall for shopping and dining options.

Boracay - Manila. Today after breakfast, you can enjoy your last free morning until your departure from Caticlan Airport for your included flight to Manila.