Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
From Culture to Coastline A Journey Across the Philippines
Philippines - Manila - Banaue - Sagada - Vigan - Laoag - Taytay - El Nido
After a whirlwind stop in Manila – and an introduction to the country’s Spanish colonial history – set off on a six-day journey through the Cordillera mountain region, meeting traditional tribes who resisted the norms imposed during Spanish occupation. As you travel from the UNESCO-listed rice terraces of Banaue and the pocket-sized village of Batad to the spooky city of Sagrada and cathedral-laden centre of Vigan, learn all about indigenous customs, tradition and history, as well as soaking in mountain panoramas and rugged landscapes.
Then, it’s back for another night in Manila before swapping the main Filipino island of Luzon for Palawan, where pristine coastlines surround lush jungle interiors.
Spend a few days in Shark Fin Bay, snorkelling and sunbathing to your heart’s content, before rounding off your adventure in El Nido, where the beautiful Bacuit Bay gives way to verdant greenery and crashing waterfalls. You’ll return home rested, relaxed and rich in newfound knowledge and appreciation for Filipino traditions – now that’s what we call a good holiday.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Passports at the ready: your holiday begins today. Head to the airport, speed through security and enjoy some pre-flight nibbles in the lounge before boarding your overnight flight to Manila, set on Luzon, the Philippines’ main island. With a quick stopover, the flight will take around 16 hours, so try to catch some shut-eye before landing early the next morning.
When you touch down in the capital, you’ll be met and privately transferred to Intramuros, Manila’s historic walled city, where you’ll check in for an overnight stay. Drop your bags, grab some breakfast and settle in, then hit the ground running with a tour of the area.
The oldest district in the capital, Intramuros, was constructed by the Spanish in the 16th century and became the heart of their colonial rule. Alongside a private guide, learn all about the district’s history. Wander along the cobblestone streets of the fortified Spanish Old Town before visiting San Agustin Church, the cathedral and the bustling Quiapo Central Market. Dinner, anyone?
Rise bright and early this morning to meet your private driver-guide, who’ll be by your side for the next six days as you explore northern Luzon. This mountainous region is home to ancient tribes who resisted Spanish control and, as a result, have preserved their distinctive traditions.
Grab your bags, hop in the car and set off for Banaue, a good day’s drive away. As you leave the city, make a quick stop at the Dangwa flower market, where bustling crowds chatter and barter for beautiful bouquets. Then, it’s back on the road, climbing the Cagayan Valley up to the Cordillera mountains, where an ingenious irrigation system maintains 7,700 square miles of UNESCO-listed rice terraces.
You’ll arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon. Perched in the mountains, this is the perfect spot to sit back on the terrace and soak in views over the surrounding greenery before heading down to tuck into some traditional Filipino fare.
Today is entirely dedicated to Batad, a picturesque village surrounded by an amphitheatre of lush rice paddies. After a hearty breakfast, meet your guide and jump into a private jeepney – a former United States Army vehicle that has been refurbished and transformed into a colourful work of art – and head to the village, gazing out at the breathtaking scenery as you go.
When you arrive, leave the jeepney behind and set off on a pleasant hike to the Tappiya Waterfall, pausing to take a dip in the refreshing water. Then, dry off and stroll through the hamlet. Here, you’ll have the chance to meet local villagers and schoolchildren, who’ll give you an insight into local life and teach you the traditional method of husking rice.
Armed with your newfound skill, it’s just a tricycle ride back to Banaue, stopping at the market along the way to grab some fresh fruit and traditional snacks.
Bid a fond farewell to Banaue this morning as you meet your driver-guide for the private transfer to Sagada, journeying through gorges, jungles and pine forests to reach this peaceful mountain village. Home to the indigenous Ifugao people, this natural paradise is shrouded in verdant forest and known for its ancient traditions.
Arrive at your guesthouse and check in for the night before heading back out to take in Sagada’s sights. As per Ifugao tradition, the people of Sagada follow a precise burial ritual. You’ll have the chance to visit the funeral caves, where the deceased are placed in their coffins, before heading out to see the hanging coffins, which are suspended on the cliffside and are believed to bring them closer to their ancestors and to a higher place in the afterlife.
Hit the road again this morning as you leave Sagada behind and drive to Vigan, five hours away. As you wind along the mountain road, hairpin bends reveal sparkling ocean views – eyes peeled…
Around lunchtime, you’ll arrive in Vigan, a city that escaped Japanese bombings during the Second World War and is now one of the best-preserved cities in the country. Wind along roads lined with colonial buildings combining Spanish, Mexican and Chinese architectural styles until you reach your hotel, where you’ll check in for the night.
After dropping your bags, head out to explore the UNESCO-listed city centre. Step back in time at the 18th-century Vigan Cathedral, hailed for its Baroque architecture, before heading to the Padre Burgos House, the birthplace of the priest Jose Burgos, who fought for the rights of Filipino clergy against Spanish colonists. Then, visit the National Museum of the Philippines before delving into local culture at pottery and wood-carving workshops, the region’s traditional crafts (and a pretty cool souvenir…).
If you didn’t have the time to visit Vigan’s landmarks yesterday, you’re in luck. Spend the morning soaking in the last of this impressive city before meeting your driver-guide for the two-and-a-half-hour journey to Laoag, a pretty seaside town known for its imposing 16th-century cathedral.
Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing after your week of exploring. Soak up the sea views on your terrace, lounge on the beach and indulge in an ice-cold beverage as the sun sets – you are on holiday, after all.
Not quite ready to leave Laoag? We can arrange for you to begin the day with a visit to the Paoay sand dunes, which you can explore in a 4x4, on foot or, if you’re a thrill-seeker, on a sandboard.
Later, transfer to the airport, bid goodbye to your friendly driver-guide and board your speedy flight to Manila, just an hour away. When you land, check into your hotel for the night and set off in search of dinner – our clued-up Concierge is on hand to recommend some stellar local spots.
Swap city for coast this morning as you’re privately transferred to the airport for your one-hour-and-15-minute flight to El Nido, a beachside town on Palawan Island. From here, it’s another quick transfer by car and boat to your hotel in Shark Fin Bay – your home for the next two days.
Here, the name of the game is sun, sea and sand, so spend your time lounging on the beach, strolling along the shore or swaying in a hammock on your private terrace. If you fancy a more active adventure, mask up and dive down in Shark Fin Bay’s crystalline water, gliding over colourful reefs and past neon Nemo-style clownfish.
On one of the days, we’d recommend setting sail to a neighbouring island, where you can swim, snorkel and sunbathe to your heart’s content. All tuckered out, you’ll be treated to a traditional lunch, consisting of grilled seafood and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables and rice served on banana leaves. Yes, please…
Start your final day in the bay right with a visit to a local pearl farm, where you’ll learn all about the process of pearl cultivation, from grafting and growing to harvesting these gleaming gems.
Then, grab your bags for another speedboat transfer back to El Nido. Here, check into your hotel, set on the shores of Bacuit Bay, before dropping your bags and settling into your new digs. Then, make a beeline for the beach, take a stroll through the gardens or cool off in the pool before heading out for a bite to eat. Whether you’re after some seriously good street food or fine-dining spots, our Concierge can point you in the right direction.
After a hearty breakfast this morning, meet your private guide and head out to explore Palawan’s northern coast. Set just north of El Nido, this wild, unspoiled region boasts limestone cliffs, secluded beaches, sparkling sea and incredible biodiversity – it doesn’t come much better than this.
Begin at Nacpan Beach, framed by turquoise waters, before heading to the small fishing village of San Fernando for an authentic lunch away from the crowds. Fully fuelled, turn your back on the ocean and venture inland for a walk through the jungle, stopping at Bulalacao Waterfall for a scenic (and refreshing) break. Cameras at the ready…
We’ve dialled up the adrenaline for your final day in the Philippines. This morning, meet an expert guide for a speedboat tour of Bacuit Bay, whizzing between its hidden gems and secret beaches and stopping only to snorkel or sit down for a tasty lunch. As if that wasn’t exciting enough, there’s no set route, so if there’s one spot that takes your fancy, you can linger there as long as you like. That tan won’t top itself up…
Prefer to stay dry? We can also arrange a tour of El Nido’s suspension bridges, which offer a picturesque panorama of the region’s cliffs and bays from above.
Come evening, settle down on your terrace with an ice-cold sundowner, soaking up the sunset and toasting to the many memories made on your trip.
It’s sadly time for your adventure to come to an end. This morning, you’ll be privately transferred back to El Nido airport for the speedy one-hour-and-15-minute hop back to Manila, where you’ll catch your overnight flight home. With another speedy stopover, the flight will take between 18 and 22 hours, and you’ll touch down on home turf the next day, armed with a golden tan and a pretty epic camera roll.
Suggestions
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
DISCOVER PAOAY’S SAND DUNES
Set around 12 miles from Laoag are the Paoay sand dunes, a fascinating stretch of sand home to large wind-formed dunes and towering bamboo sculptures. This site can be explored by 4x4 or on foot, but if you’re feeling brave, we’d recommend sandboarding down the slopes for an adrenaline-inducing experience.SET OFF ON A SUSPENDED WALKING TOUR IN PALAWAN
Fancy a different view of El Nino’s dramatic landscapes? Alongside a private guide, embark on a tour along footbridges and platforms suspended high above the region, admiring the sprawling bays and limestone cliffs from above. You can even try your hand at navigating El Nido’s via ferrata, which features metal rungs and bridges attached to the cliffside. One thing’s for sure: all the endorphins will leave you in high spirits (sorry, we couldn’t resist).
Why visit Philippines with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Philippines
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
