Philippines Heritage Tour

This morning, your private guide and driver will meet you at your hotel to start today’s Manila exploration. We’ll first go to Rizal Park. It is named after Jose Rizal (1861-1896 AD), the Philippines’ most revered national hero who made outstanding contributions to national independence. However, few people know that this “Father of the Philippines” actually had Chinese ancestry, and even the monument of him has an exact replica in China. 

Then, we’ll head to Manila’s walled city, Intramuros Old Town. As we pass through the centuries-old city gates and step onto the retro cobblestone streets, you can feel the profound Spanish influence on this country and witness the past glory. We’ll visit Casa Manila, a residence blending Spanish and Chinese styles. Its layered courtyard isolates it from the hustle and bustle of the outside, with fountains, gardens, and stone paths together creating a peaceful atmosphere. Inside, you can see the vintage everyday items and artworks, and hardwood furniture, belonging to nobles from two centuries ago. Then, at San Agustin Church, the oldest stone building in the Philippines, you can surprisingly find it may be the world’s only church guarded by Chinese stone lions at its entrance. Does it hold some special cultural significance? Let your guide reveal the answer for you! In the church’s magnificent nave, the chapels will attract your attention with the unique murals and ornamental carvings. Next, we’ll visit Manila Cathedral, where several Filipino cardinals are buried, and Fort Santiago, which witnessed the final moments of Rizal’s life. 

The influence of the Filipino Chinese is not only in historical and cultural aspects, but also in economy. Our next stop, the SM Mall of Asia by Manila Bay, is one of the world’s top 10 shopping malls and was founded by a Chinese businessman. Follow your guide to take photos in front of its iconic MOA Globe. Finally, we’ll proceed to the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, where nearly 20,000 American soldiers who died in the Philippines during World War II (1939-1945 AD) are buried. You may feel a spiritual shock when you see the rows of cross headstones on the lawn. However, a more heartbreaking fact is, these American soldiers account for only a quarter of the total number of Filipino soldiers who died in the war. We cannot imagine the dreadful suffering but to cherish the peace even more. After that, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Seda Bonifacio Global City, Manila (4 stars) or similar

Today, enjoy a free morning in Manila, exploring the bustling BGC District or sitting on the lawn of the nearby Bonifacio High Street on your own. After lunch at your hotel, your driver will pick you up and escort you to Baguio, the summer capital of the Philippines. In about five hours, we will arrive at the hotel and check in.

Baguio is the closest highland region to Manila, with a cool climate all year round. The temperatures here rarely exceed 20 ℃ (68 ℉), which is unique in the tropical country. Your hotel is nestled in the pine forest of Camp John Hay, perfect for unwinding after a long journey. If interested, you may also take a walk along the nearby eco-trails by yourself, enjoying the natural scenery and watching a sunset. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Le Monet Hotel, Baguio (4 stars) or similar

Today, your guide and driver will meet you and accompany you to explore Baguio’s natural charm and laid-back town atmosphere. First, head to Mines View Park. At the mountain-view platform, you can overlook the scattered cottages built down the verdant hillside, and listen to the stories of the mining history. Then, at the Good Shepherd Convent, we’ll discover the famous Baguio strawberry jam and ube jam. Ube, with its nutty and vanilla tastes and alluring purple color, is now becoming the “new matcha” in desserts, ice cream, and coffee. However, farmers in the Philippines are increasingly worried, as the production of ube is gradually failing to keep up with the huge demand, and the centuries-old national delicacy is hard to get even for locals.

Then, we’ll continue to Wright Park, renowned for its horseback riding experiences, and the adjacent The Mansion, modeled after Buckingham Palace and served as the summer residence of the Philippine President. Afterward, we’ll head to Centennial Park. Wander through various themed gardens, and embrace flowers and plants that wash away your fatigue and worries. Later, take a leisurely walk around the lake in Burnham Park, immersing yourself in the local life.

After that, let’s walk along the lively Session Road to visit Baguio Cathedral and St. Joseph Church. Then, at the Baguio Museum, we’ll learn about the little-known fire mummification method, which is how the indigenous Igorot people preserve the remains of their ancestors. Then, follow your guide to stroll along the pine-covered paths in Camp John Hay, search for pomelo and jackfruit trees and enjoy the sounds of nature and the fresh air. Finally, we’ll conclude our tour at the Philippine Military Academy, the “West Point of the Philippines.” Your guide and driver will then escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Le Monet Hotel, Baguio (4 stars) or similar

In the morning, meet your driver at your hotel and enjoy a 5-hour private transfer to the mountain town of Sagada. En route, we’ll pass the Halsema Highroad Point, the second highest point in the country’s highway system, offering sweeping views of the vast Cordillera Mountains. 

Upon arrival, your driver will assist you with check-in. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. You may relax at the hotel, enjoying the tranquil mountain views and having a cup of coffee. Or, you can take the hotel’s free shuttle bus to the town center to experience the lively atmosphere.

➤ Friendly Tip: Most stays in Sagada and Banaue are local guesthouses, but rest assured we have selected the very best options to ensure your comfort.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Sagada Blue Mountain Cabins or similar

Today, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and accompany you to explore the primeval forests, mysterious caves, and distinctive hanging coffins of Sagada. Our first stop is Sumaguing Cave, one of the deepest and largest caves in the Philippines. It is filled with slippery and steep rock formations, and only bats dwell in the darkness. Guided by the headlights, you can indulge yourself in the thrill and fun of adventure, climbing, rappelling, and even wading through the underground rivers. For people of Sagada, this cave is not only a natural wonder, but also the resting place of their ancestors’ souls.

Next, we will witness firsthand the unique burial practices of the Igolot people in Lumiang Cave. At the cave mouth, you can see more than 100 wooden coffins neatly stacked together, some of which are 500 years old. Igolot people believe this can help the souls of their ancestors go up to heaven guided by sunlight. Taking a closer look at the coffins, you can find lifelike gecko carvings. They are symbols of happiness, wealth, and protection in local culture.

After that, prepare to be awestruck by the sight at Echo Valley. You’ll see 18 wooden coffins suspended high on a steep cliff face! This is a testament to the wisdom and philosophy of life and death of the Igolot people. It not only brings the souls closer to heaven, but also protects the coffins from damage by wild animals or geological disasters. Afterward, we will visit St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, admiring its beautiful stained-glass windows and oak ceilings. Then, let’s appreciate the weaving art of Sagada, after which your guide and driver will escort you to your hotel in Banaue within 3 hours.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Banaue Hotel (3 stars) or similar

This morning, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel, and accompany you to Batad Village to get immersed in the Ifugao culture. Over the past 2,000 years, the Ifugao people have built stilted houses and thatched huts on this rugged land, and colonists have never truly conquered the village. You can see the UNESCO-listed Batad and Banaue Rice Terraces stretching from the foot to the summit of the mountain. Locals created an ingenious irrigation system that could bring spring water from the rainforest into the rice paddies, and used stone and simple tools to build the retaining walls of the terraced fields. It is said that the stone used in the rice terraces even exceeded that of the Egyptian pyramids! Today, the ancient agricultural lifestyle remains alive in this idyllic paradise, where women plant rice seedlings and weed the rice fields, and men maintain the terraces and transport the rice. In their leisure time, they also engage in handicrafts such as weaving and carving. 

Then, follow the winding stone steps to get a close-up view of the 30-meter (100 ft.) Tappiah Falls with your guide. Embrace the cool water vapor and find your inner peace amidst the verdant trees and moss. But always remember to watch your step and keep up with your guide, as the paths in the rainforest may be slippery. Finally, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Banaue Hotel (3 stars) or similar

Today, please have lunch at your hotel a little earlier since we’ll head back to Baguio, which takes about 6 hours. During the private ride, we can make a stop midway whenever you want to admire the spectacular mountain views or take photos. Upon arrival and after checking in, you may have dinner at your hotel by yourself, and take a good rest to relieve your fatigue.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Le Monet Hotel, Baguio (4 stars) or similar

Today, we’ll bid farewell to the rural landscape of northern Philippines, and embark on a 5-hour ride back to Manila. After arrival at your hotel, your driver will help you check in, after which you can enjoy the rest of the day on your own. 

➤ Recommended Relaxations After Long Car Trips (at your own expense)
You may explore the surroundings of your hotel, and enjoy dinner at Italianni’s Bonifacio High Street. In the evening, we recommend you experience a traditional Filipino massage, Hilot, at Breeze Oriental Spa & Massage. It’s just a 5-minute walk from your hotel. Let your body and mind relax and rejuvenate through a hot stone massage with various herbal oils, and get ready for the following island adventure to Boracay.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Seda Bonifacio Global City, Manila (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, enjoy a transfer with a private vehicle from your hotel to Manila Airport and take a one-hour flight to Caticlan. Upon arrival, your local driver will be waiting for you to escort you to your hotel in Boracay. After settling down, enjoy your free time to explore the island by yourself. 

Boracay, boasting world-class white beach, is a paradise for beachgoers and surfers. Your hotel offers stunning views of the long stretch of sand and the vast sea. You may recline on a deck chair under a coconut tree, and soak up the sun and beautiful scenery. Or, head to the nearby D’mall for dining and shopping. However, please note that as it’s in a popular tourist area, the items here are generally overpriced. As night falls, the beach becomes lively and romantic. You can find a beach bar for a cocktail, or stroll around and watch a breathtaking fire dance performance under the night sky. 

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The District Boracay (4 stars) or similar

This morning, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel to tour Boracay’s distinctive beaches and islands by a banca boat. You can enjoy snorkeling or swimming near Tambisaan Beach and Crocodile Island to discover the wonderful underwater world. The massive coral reefs give the sea layered green and blue colors, in which you may spot black and white sea snakes, beautiful anemones, and the adorable clownfish “Nemo”. With a closer look, you might even encounter colorful seahorses and sea hares.

Then, let’s continue to visit the pristine Puka Beach. Although its sand is not as fine as that of White Beach, it enjoys a secluded atmosphere and glassy water. “Puka” refers to the seashell fragments that have been constantly smoothed and shaped by waves. It is perfect for making jewelry and was extremely popular from the 1970s to the 1990s. If luckily, you may also find shimmering fragments on the beach. Also, you can find exquisite puka jewelry at the quaint stands by the beach. 

If sea conditions permit, we’ll also explore the stunning sea cliffs and sea caves of Diniwid Beach, and enjoy time at the less crowded Ilig-iligan Beach. Around noon, we’ll have a seafood barbecue on the beach. After that, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The District Boracay (4 stars) or similar

Today, let’s say goodbye to Boracay and leave for Cebu. Your driver will escort you to Caticlan Airport for your 1-hour flight. Upon landing, a local driver will accompany you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to arrange. 

➤ Dinner Recommendation in Cebu (at your own expense)
Oyster Bay Seafood Restaurant, located 500 meters from your hotel, is a nice dinner choice for classic Filipino dishes. You may have a taste of the Crispy Pata - fried pig trotter, as well as fresh seafood, especially oysters and prawns. Baked oysters and steamed oysters are the restaurant’s specialties.
Average Cost per Person: USD 15-20
Address: Bridges Town Square, Plaridel St, Mandaue, 6014 Cebu

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Maayo Hotel, Cebu (4 stars) or similar

In the morning, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel, and start our sightseeing from Lapu-Lapu City on the adjacent Mactan Island. Here, you can see Lapu-Lapu Monument and Mactan Shrine at the same site. You may have heard of Ferdinand Magellan’s (1480-1521 AD) and his feat of achieving the circumnavigation of the globe, but the truth is, he didn’t complete the voyage himself. Instead, he was killed where we are now, by the indigenous chief Lapu-Lapu (1491-1542 AD). Today, the image of this national hero can be seen on the official seals of the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection. And as for Magellan, his introduction of Catholicism has profoundly changed the Philippines.

Then, we’ll go to Alegre Guitars Factory to see various guitars and witness the guitar-making process. The love for music is in the Filipinos’ blood, and guitar has long been a core part of Philippine music. In Cebu, many children receive a guitar as a gift when they reach adulthood. Around noon, you will enjoy a scenic ride to TOPS Cebu, a viewing deck on the mountain, to overlook the entire city and have lunch at a featured restaurant. 

Afterward, let’s tour Cebu’s historical landmarks. Known as the capital of the southern Philippines, the city has evolved from a colony into a major economic and cultural center over the past 500 years. In the hexagonal pavilion housing Magellan’ Cross, you can admire the vivid murals depicting the first baptism of the locals after Magellan’s landing. Then, follow your guide to visit Basilica Minore Del Sto. Nino, a World Heritage Site and the first Catholic church in the Philippines. You may light a candle and pay homage to the enshrined Child Jesus statue which has undergone 500 years of ups and downs. 

Next, let’s admire the huge sculpture group at Heritage of Cebu Monument. After that, learn about the stories of Filipino Chinese at the 200-year-old Yap-San Diego Ancestral House, and feel the integration of Chinese and Filipino cultures at the Cebu Taoist Temple. Last, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Maayo Hotel, Cebu (4 stars) or similar

Today, your driver will escort you to Cebu Airport according to your flight time, which marks the end of your tour. From there, you can catch your departure flight or fly to Manila for a connecting flight. We wish you a pleasant journey!

If you’d like to continue to explore neighboring countries, such as climbing volcanoes in Indonesia, or visiting ancient Buddhist temples in Thailand, please contact our travel consultants to customize an itinerary for you.

Meals: Breakfast