Philippines Highlands & Islands: The Grand Discovery 14 Days | Manila · Banaue · Sagada · Mt. Pinatubo · Bohol · Dumaguete · Siquijor

Most travelers come to the Philippines for the beaches. The truly adventurous come for everything else. Palm Tree Travel and Tours invites you on a 14-day grand discovery of the Philippines' most extraordinary contrasts — a journey that begins in the ancient rice terraces of the Cordillera highlands, descends into the labyrinthine depths of Sagada's limestone caves, crosses a volcanic moonscape to the turquoise crater lake of Mount Pinatubo, then sweeps south through the Visayas to swim with whale sharks in Bohol, snorkel with sea turtles in Apo Island's protected marine sanctuary, and unravel the mysterious, enchanted world of Siquijor — the Philippines' most bewitching island.

This is a tour for travelers who want the full depth of the Philippine experience — not just its shorelines but its soul. From misty mountain villages where ancient burial traditions survive to this day, to a volcanic crater so beautiful it seems impossible, to a marine sanctuary so pristine it has remained virtually unchanged for decades, every day of this journey delivers something genuinely unlike anything else in Southeast Asia. Upgraded throughout to 4–5 star accommodation and delivered with Palm Tree's signature private service and expert local guides, this is the Philippines at its most complete — and its most unforgettable.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Stand at the Banaue Viewpoint and gaze over the UNESCO World Heritage-listed rice terraces, carved by hand into the Cordillera mountains over 2,000 years ago
• Trek through the amphitheater-like terraces of Batad village and swim beneath the cascading Tappiya Waterfalls in its natural plunge pool
• Explore the Banaue Museum and immerse yourself in the living culture and craftsmanship of the Ifugao people
• Descend into the dramatic Echo Valley and stand before the ancient Hanging Coffins of Sagada — a 2,000-year-old Igorot burial tradition still practiced today
• Spelunk through Sumaguing Cave — Sagada's "Big Cave" — a vast limestone chamber of extraordinary rock formations shaped over thousands of years
• Hike to the magnificent Bomod-ok Falls through traditional highland villages and emerald rice paddies
• Brave the 4×4 jeep ride across the otherworldly lahar fields of Mount Pinatubo's Crow Valley, then hike to the stunning turquoise crater lake of the Philippines' most famous active stratovolcano
• Meet the world's smallest primate, the Philippine tarsier, at its forest sanctuary in Bohol
• Marvel at the iconic Chocolate Hills — over 1,000 perfectly formed mounds turning rich caramel-brown each dry season
• Drift down the Loboc River on a floating restaurant with a live cultural performance and a delicious Filipino lunch
• Watch wild dolphins leap in their natural habitat en route to Balicasag Island's protected marine sanctuary
• Walk the crescent-shaped sandbar of Virgin Island at low tide, surrounded entirely by open sea
• Swim alongside whale sharks — the world's largest fish — in the waters off Lila town in Bohol
• Snorkel with sea turtles among 600 species of fish and 400 species of coral at Apo Island, one of the Philippines' most pristine marine sanctuaries
• Cross to the mysterious island of Siquijor — explore the enchanted Balete Tree, century-old healer's rituals, the coral-stone St. Isidore Church, Cambugahay Waterfall, and the legendary Salagdoong Beach

TOUR AT A GLANCE

• Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights
• Route: Manila → Banaue → Sagada → Mt. Pinatubo → Manila → Bohol → Dumaguete → Siquijor → Manila
• Tour Type: Adventure · Heritage · Nature · Highlands · Marine Life · Culture · Volcano
• Hotel Class: 4–5 Star
• Price: From USD 3,799 per person

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Dedicated professional English-speaking guide and private driver throughout the entire 14-day journey
• All domestic flights and ferry transfers as listed in the itinerary
• Admission and conservation fees for all attractions listed
• 4–5 star hotel and lodge accommodation (twin-sharing) throughout, including mountain lodges in highland areas
• All private ground transportation, including a 4×4 jeep for the Mount Pinatubo adventure and a private jeepney for Batad rice terraces
• Complimentary private airport and hotel transfers at all points
• All meals listed as "Breakfast" or "Lunch" in the day-by-day itinerary
• Premium snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, and fins) during all island-hopping and marine activities
• Spelunking equipment and headlamps for Sumaguing Cave
• Complimentary bottled water and refreshments during all vehicle transfers
• 24/7 dedicated concierge support throughout your trip

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

• Travel insurance — strongly recommended for an adventure-heavy itinerary of this kind; ensure coverage includes trekking and water activities
• Philippine entry visa fees (if applicable)
• International airfares to and from the Philippines
• Personal expenses: beverages, souvenirs, additional meals, laundry, etc.
• Single room supplement (available on request)
• Optional activities not listed in the itinerary (e.g., scuba diving at Apo Island, firefly watching tour, Marlboro Hills hike)
• Tipping for guides, drivers, boat crew, cave guides, and hotel staff
• Any costs arising from force majeure events: typhoons, severe weather, volcanic activity, flight or ferry disruptions

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1 — ARRIVAL IN MANILA
Mabuhay! Welcome to the Pearl of the Orient! Your dedicated Palm Tree Travel and Tours representative greets you at the arrivals hall of Ninoy Aquino International Airport and escorts you by private vehicle to your 4–5 star Manila hotel. After checking in and freshening up, the rest of the day is entirely yours to explore at your own pace. Manila's waterfront promenade, Ermita's restaurant strip, and the vibrant night markets of the city all make for an excellent first evening introduction to the Philippines. Tomorrow morning your highland adventure begins. Overnight at a 4–5 star hotel in Manila.

DAY 2 — MANILA TO BANAUE
After breakfast, your private guide and driver collect you for the long but scenically rewarding overland journey north from Manila to Banaue — approximately 320km through the heart of Luzon Island, taking around 9–10 hours. As the lowland plains of Central Luzon give way to the spectacular Cordillera mountain ranges, the landscape transforms completely: pine-forested ridges, plunging river gorges, and the first glimpses of terraced hillsides signal your arrival in one of the most culturally and geographically remarkable regions in Southeast Asia. Arrive in Banaue, check in to your mountain lodge, and rest. Tomorrow, the terraces await. Overnight at a 4–5 star mountain lodge in Banaue.

DAY 3 — BANAUE RICE TERRACES: BANAUE VIEWPOINT, BANAUE MUSEUM, BATAD TERRACES & TAPPIYA WATERFALLS
After breakfast, your guide accompanies you on a full day exploring the living wonder that is the Banaue Rice Terraces — a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved entirely by hand into the Cordillera mountains by the Ifugao people over 2,000 years ago and still actively cultivated today. Begin at the Banaue Viewpoint, where a sweeping panorama of terraced mountainsides rising to 1,500 meters unfolds before you — layer upon perfect layer of green paddies reflected in the mirror surface of their irrigation channels, with Ifugao houses nestled among them in the valleys below. This is the view featured on the back of the Philippine 20-peso bill, and standing before it in person makes you understand why. Continue to the Aguian View Deck for a second magnificent vantage point, then visit the Banaue Museum, whose rich collection of traditional Ifugao costumes, ritual weapons, agricultural tools, and musical instruments bring the cultural heritage of this highland people vividly to life.

In the afternoon, board your private jeepney to Batad Saddle Point and begin the descent on foot into the village of Batad — a remote community surrounded by some of the most beautifully preserved stone-walled terraces in the Cordillera region. Unlike the mud-walled terraces elsewhere, Batad's are reinforced with stone, giving them a neat precision that makes the amphitheater-like landscape even more dramatic when seen from the village floor. Trek on through the terraces and down to Tappiya Waterfalls — a magnificent cascade dropping into a cool natural pool perfect for a refreshing swim after the hike. Trek back to Batad and return to your accommodation. Overnight at a 4–5 star mountain lodge in Banaue.

DAY 4 — BANAUE TO SAGADA: ECHO VALLEY, HANGING COFFINS & SUMAGUING CAVE
After breakfast, your private driver heads south and west to Sagada (84km, approximately 3 hours) through some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the Philippines. Sagada sits in a cool, pine-scented highland valley in Mountain Province — a community known for its extraordinary cultural heritage, remarkable geology, and deeply unique burial traditions that have survived intact for over two millennia.

On arrival, begin with a walking tour to the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin — built in 1904, a beautiful example of Igorot-influenced Episcopal architecture. Continue on foot to Echo Valley, where a panoramic view over the surrounding limestone peaks opens before you, before making the downhill trek to the Hanging Coffins of Sagada — one of the most remarkable sights in the Philippines. For over 2,000 years, the Sagada people have followed the tradition of laying their deceased in hand-carved wooden coffins fixed to the sheer limestone cliffs of the valley, believing this brings the dead closer to the ancestral spirits in the sky. Some of the oldest coffins date back more than a century; others were added within living memory. Your guide will explain the full cultural and spiritual significance of this extraordinary tradition as you stand before it.

In the afternoon, don your gear for the spelunking adventure into Sumaguing Cave — the largest cave chamber in Sagada and one of the most impressive cave systems in the Philippines. Known locally as "The Big Cave," its vast chambers are filled with extraordinary limestone formations: bears, elephants, turtle heads, layered rice terraces, and chocolate cake shapes that your expert cave guide will bring to life as you navigate the underground passages by headlamp. Return to the surface and enjoy the cool mountain air of a Sagada evening. Overnight at a 4–5 star boutique hotel in Sagada.

DAY 5 — SAGADA: BOMOD-OK FALLS, THEN ONWARD TO TARLAC
After breakfast, lace up your hiking boots for a final morning adventure in Sagada. Your guide leads you on the trek to Bomod-ok Falls — located just 5km from the town center and reached via a one-hour trail through traditional highland villages, patchwork rice paddies, and open hillsides with spectacular views of the Sagada valley. The waterfall itself is a magnificent sight — a powerful curtain of water dropping approximately 200 feet into a beautiful natural pool surrounded by lush forest, perfect for a cool and refreshing swim. For those who prefer a greater physical challenge, your guide can alternatively lead you on the 2–3 hour climb to Marlboro Hills for a breathtaking 360-degree view over the surrounding mountain ranges. After your morning adventure, your private driver heads south via Baguio — the Philippines' cool and pine-forested summer capital — and continues to Tarlac for an overnight stay in preparation for tomorrow's early volcanic adventure. Overnight at a 4–5 star hotel in Tarlac.

DAY 6 — MOUNT PINATUBO CRATER LAKE HIKE, THEN RETURN TO MANILA
An early 5:30 AM departure from Tarlac — the Mount Pinatubo area must be entered before 7:00 AM, so punctuality is essential today. This is one of the most singular and unforgettable experiences in all of the Philippines, and the early start is absolutely worth it.

Mount Pinatubo is an active stratovolcano that lay dormant for 600 years before erupting with extraordinary violence in June 1991 — the second-largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century — leaving behind the extraordinary lahar fields, ash formations, and crater lake that draw adventurers today. From the Capas gateway, a private 4×4 jeep takes you on a thrillingly bumpy ride across Crow Valley — a vast, otherworldly landscape of lahar deposits in shades of silver and gray, carved into strange formations by years of rainfall and eruption fallout. Mineral-stained stream waters flash unexpected colors as you cross them.

After approximately 1–1.5 hours in the jeep, disembark and begin the 5.5km hike toward the crater — a relatively gentle ascent through ash walls and open volcanic terrain, passing Aeta communities whose families have lived on the slopes of this volcano for generations. The final 20 minutes brings you to the crater rim, and then the reward: the Pinatubo Crater Lake, a stunning body of turquoise-blue water cradled inside the volcano's massive caldera, its color shifting between vivid blue-green and deep sapphire depending on the light and season. Enjoy lunch beside the crater before the hike back down and the return drive to Manila. If time permits, a brief stop at the Capas National Shrine pays tribute to the Filipino and American soldiers who endured the Bataan Death March during WWII. Arrive in Manila by evening. Overnight at a 4–5 star hotel in Manila.

DAY 7 — MANILA TO BOHOL
After a well-earned leisurely breakfast, your private driver transfers you to Ninoy Aquino International Airport for the approximately 1.5-hour domestic flight south to Bohol-Panglao International Airport. Your dedicated Bohol guide meets you on arrival and transfers you to your beachfront resort on Panglao Island. The afternoon is entirely yours — swim in the resort pool, take a first walk along the white sand beach, or simply enjoy the transition from highland mountain air to warm Visayan sea breeze. Bohol is a place of extraordinary natural variety and gentle, unhurried charm, and the next four days will reveal its many faces. Overnight at a 4–5 star resort in Bohol/Panglao.

DAY 8 — BOHOL COUNTRYSIDE TOUR: BACLAYON CHURCH, LOBOC RIVER CRUISE, MAN-MADE FOREST, TARSIER SANCTUARY & CHOCOLATE HILLS
Your private guide collects you after breakfast for a full day exploring the countryside highlights that have made Bohol one of the most visited islands in the Philippines. Begin at Baclayon Church, one of the oldest coral-stone churches in the country, built in the 16th century and housing a remarkable museum of ancient religious manuscripts, vestments, and ecclesiastical art. Board a floating restaurant for a relaxed Loboc River lunch cruise, drifting downstream as a delicious Filipino lunch is served and local cultural performers serenade you against a backdrop of dense tropical riverbank vegetation. After the cruise, drive through the Man-Made Forest — a cathedral tunnel of towering mahogany trees — before visiting the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary, where the Philippines' most iconic wild resident awaits. The tarsier is the world's smallest primate, a creature of enormous luminous eyes and the extraordinary ability to rotate its head almost completely around — observing them in their natural forest habitat is a quietly magical experience. The day culminates at the Chocolate Hills viewpoint — a panorama of over 1,000 perfectly conical mounds rolling to the horizon, their grass-covered surfaces turning a deep chocolaty brown each dry season. Return to your resort. Overnight at a 4–5 star resort in Bohol/Panglao.

DAY 9 — BOHOL ISLAND HOPPING: DOLPHIN WATCHING, BALICASAG ISLAND & VIRGIN ISLAND
An early start after breakfast as your guide takes you to the boat departure point for a full day private marine adventure around Bohol's finest offshore islands. The crossing toward Balicasag Island passes through open water where pods of wild dolphins — spinner, spotted, and bottlenose among them — regularly surface to ride the bow wave and leap alongside the boat in the early morning light. The sighting is not guaranteed, but your guide will give you the best possible chance with an early departure and the right route. Balicasag Island is one of the most strictly protected marine sanctuaries in the Philippines: an underwater cliff plunging thousands of feet, its walls encrusted with vibrant hard and soft corals, patrolled by dense schools of jackfish, parrotfish, and lionfish. Head to the turtle point on the island's southeast side, where sea turtles are regularly sighted grazing on seagrass or drifting past with unhurried elegance. Continue to Virgin Island, a pristine crescent-shaped sandbar that emerges at low tide from the middle of the sea, surrounded by shallow crystal-clear water scattered with enormous starfish. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on board before returning to your resort. Overnight at a 4–5 star resort in Bohol/Panglao.

DAY 10 — BOHOL: LILA WHALE SHARK EXPERIENCE & OPTIONAL FIREFLY WATCHING
After breakfast, your guide takes you on the approximately 1-hour drive to Lila town on the southern coast of Bohol, where a boat takes you out for one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences in the Philippines — swimming alongside whale sharks, the largest fish species on earth. These gentle, filter-feeding giants, typically 9–12 meters in length, move slowly through the water in a way that makes the experience of swimming beside them deeply peaceful rather than intimidating. Your guide will brief you on respectful interaction protocols before you enter the water. Please note that whale shark sightings are not guaranteed as these are wild, migratory animals. Return to your resort by early afternoon. The evening offers an optional magical add-on: a sunset firefly watching cruise along the Abatan or Loay River, where the mangrove trees glow with thousands of synchronised fireflies as darkness falls — a natural light show that is completely free of charge from nature. Overnight at a 4–5 star resort in Bohol/Panglao.

DAY 11 — BOHOL TO DUMAGUETE BY FERRY
After breakfast, your guide transfers you to Tagbilaran City seaport for the approximately 2-hour Ocean Jet ferry crossing to Dumaguete — the charming coastal capital of Negros Oriental, widely known as the "City of Gentle People" for the warmth and openness of its residents. On arrival, your local guide transfers you to your hotel. The afternoon is yours to wander the tree-lined Boulevard — a long, breezy waterfront promenade perfect for strolling, people-watching, and catching the colors of the Dumaguete sunset over the Visayan Sea. The city's cafe culture, excellent local restaurants, and relaxed atmosphere make it an instantly likeable base for the days ahead. Overnight at a 4–5 star hotel in Dumaguete.

DAY 12 — APO ISLAND: SNORKELING WITH SEA TURTLES
After an early breakfast, your private guide transfers you to Malatapay or Dauin Port for the boat crossing to Apo Island — a 74-hectare volcanic island off the Dumaguete coast and one of the most celebrated marine sanctuaries in the Philippines and in all of Asia. Declared a protected area decades ago, Apo Island's waters have been left largely undisturbed, and the result is an underwater ecosystem of breathtaking richness: 600 species of fish, over 400 species of coral, and — most memorably — sea turtles so accustomed to careful human presence that you can snorkel alongside them in shallow water, watching them feed and glide through the reef in complete serenity. Beyond the marine sanctuary, Apo Island itself is a beautiful and peaceful place to explore, with a small community of fishermen living a simple and traditional life, and a viewing deck offering sweeping vistas over the sea and the coastline of Negros in the distance. Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch on the island before the return boat to the mainland. Overnight at a 4–5 star hotel in Dumaguete.

DAY 13 — SIQUIJOR ISLAND DAY TOUR: BALETE TREE, HEALERS, ST. ISIDORE CHURCH, CAMBUGAHAY FALLS & SALAGDOONG BEACH
After an early breakfast, board the morning Ocean Jet ferry from Dumaguete to Siquijor Island — a 30-minute crossing that delivers you to one of the most unusual and deeply atmospheric destinations in the Philippines. Siquijor has been known for centuries as the island of mystery and folk magic, a reputation that lingers in the air as soon as you step ashore. Your private guide introduces you to its extraordinary range of characters, landscapes, and stories across a full day of exploration.

Begin at the home of a local mangkukulam — a traditional healer whose practice blends indigenous plant medicine, ancient ritual, and knowledge passed down through generations. This is not a tourist performance but a genuine cultural encounter with a living tradition that predates the Spanish arrival in the Philippines by centuries. Continue to the ancient Balete Tree — a towering, vine-draped natural landmark said to be a gathering place for spirits and ancestors, its roots plunging into a spring-fed pool where small fish nibble at the skin of anyone who wades in. Visit the magnificent St. Isidore Church and Convent — a beautifully preserved Spanish colonial structure built from coral stone, its baroque facade adorned with intricate carvings and its interior cooled by centuries-thick walls. Head inland to Cambugahay Waterfall, a multi-tiered cascade of exceptional beauty perfect for a refreshing swim in its natural pools. Spend the afternoon at Salagdoong Beach — one of the top diving destinations in Asia and the finest beach on the island, its deep blue water flanked by sheer coral-stone cliffs from which the more adventurous can leap into the clear sea below. Board the late afternoon ferry back to Dumaguete. Overnight at a 4–5 star hotel in Dumaguete.

DAY 14 — DUMAGUETE TO MANILA: DEPARTURE
After a final leisurely breakfast in Dumaguete, your private driver transfers you to Sibulan Airport for your domestic flight back to Manila. On arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, your Manila guide meets you and transfers you to your hotel or onward connection. If you have time before your international departure, ask your Palm Tree Travel consultant about spending a final evening in the city — a sunset dinner along Manila Bay makes a beautiful final memory to carry home from one of the most varied, surprising, and genuinely thrilling journeys you will ever take in Southeast Asia. Thank you for exploring the Philippines with Palm Tree Travel and Tours — it has been our absolute privilege to show you this remarkable country in its full, extraordinary diversity. Safe travels, and we hope to see you again soon!