Philippines Heritage Tour

This morning, your private guide and driver will meet you at your hotel for today’s Manila tour, starting from Rizal Park, named after Jose Rizal (1861-1896 AD), one of the Philippines’ most respected national heroes who made significant contributions to independence. However, perhaps few people know that this “Father of the Philippines” actually had Chinese ancestry, and even the monument erected in his honor in the park has a replica in his ancestral homeland 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 vintage cobblestone streets, you can gradually sense the strong Spanish influence on this country and witness the former glory of the colonial era. First, visit Casa Manila, a house that harmoniously blends Spanish and Chinese styles. Besides admiring its layered courtyard design, which keeps it separate from the busy outside, with fountains, gardens, and stone paths creating a peaceful setting, walk inside to see neatly arranged everyday items and artworks belonging to nobles from two centuries ago, along with vintage hardwood furniture. Then, arriving at San Agustin Church, the oldest stone building in the Philippines, you might be surprised to learn that it is the world’s only Catholic church guarded by Chinese stone lions at its entrance. Is this because the Chinese helped design and build it, or because it has some unique cultural significance? Let your guide reveal the answer! Inside the church’s large and beautiful nave, each chapel will catch your eye with its distinctive murals and decorative carvings. Next, we will visit Manila Cathedral, where several Filipino cardinals are buried, and Fort Santiago, which saw the final moments of Rizal’s life.

In fact, the influence of the Filipino Chinese community is evident not only in history and culture but also in the economy. Our next stop, the SM Mall of Asia, was built by an ethnic Chinese businessman and is one of the world’s top 10 shopping malls. You can follow your guide to take photos in front of the iconic MOA Globe. Finally, we will visit the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, where nearly 20,000 American soldiers who died in the Philippines during World War II (1939-1945) are buried. When the rows of cross headstones on the lawn leave you with both a visual and emotional shock, a more heartbreaking fact is that these American soldiers made up only a quarter of the Filipino soldiers who lost their lives in the war. We can’t imagine the terrible suffering the war brought to the Filipino people. All we can do is cherish the peace we have today even more. As the tour ends, 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 to explore the lively BGC District or relax on the lawn of nearby Bonifacio High Street at your own pace. After lunch at your hotel, your driver will pick you up for a 5-hour drive to Baguio, the nearest highland area to Manila, with a cool climate year-round, where temperatures rarely exceed 20 ℃ (68 ℉) - a unique feature in a tropical country.

Our carefully chosen hotel is located in the pine forest of Camp John Hay, ideal for relaxing after a long journey. If you’re interested, you can also stroll along the nearby eco-trails to enjoy the natural scenery and watch the sunset on your own.

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

Today, your guide and driver will accompany you on a tour of Baguio’s natural beauty and laid-back town vibe. First, visit Mines View Park at its mountain-view platform, where you can overlook the scattered cottages built into the lush hillside and hear stories about the mining history. Next, discover the famous Baguio strawberry jam and ube jam at the Good Shepherd Convent. Ube, with its nutty, vanilla flavors and vibrant purple color, is now taking over desserts, ice cream, and coffee worldwide, much like matcha did. However, farmers in the Philippines are increasingly worried that ube production can’t keep up with high demand, making this centuries-old national delicacy scarce even locally. 

Then, we’ll continue to Wright Park, famous for its horseback riding experiences, and the nearby The Mansion, modeled after Buckingham Palace, which once served as the summer residence and office of the President of the Philippines. Afterward, let’s wander through various themed gardens in Centennial Park, where flowers and plants will wash away all your fatigue and worries, and enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake in Burnham Park.

Leave the park, follow your guide along the lively Session Road to mingle with the locals and visit Baguio Cathedral and St. Joseph Church, two of Baguio’s most important religious sites. Then, at the Baguio Museum, learn about the little-known fire mummification method used by the indigenous Igorot people to preserve their ancestors’ remains. Next, stroll along the paths in the pine-covered Camp John Hay, searching for pomelo and jackfruit trees and enjoying the natural sounds and fresh air. Finally, as we conclude today’s visit to the Philippine Military Academy, known as the “West Point of the Philippines,” your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

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

In the morning, prepare for a 5-hour transfer with your private driver from your hotel to the mountain town of Sagada. Along the way, we’ll pass the Halsema Highroad Point, the second-highest point in the country’s highway system, which offers sweeping views of the expansive Cordillera Mountains. Upon arrival, your driver will assist you with check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy. You might relax at the hotel, taking in the peaceful mountain scenery and savoring a cup of coffee. If you prefer a livelier atmosphere, you can take the hotel’s free shuttle bus to the town center.

➤ 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

Primeval forests, mysterious caves, and distinctive hanging coffins are all signatures of Sagada. Today, gird up your loins to explore its engaging culture and natural beauty with your guide and driver. Our first stop is Sumaguing Cave, one of the deepest and largest caves in the Philippines - a rugged, challenging site with slippery, steep rock formations where only bats dwell in the darkness. Guided by headlights, we will venture deep into this world of stalactites and limestone, climbing, rappelling, and even wading through underground rivers, sharing the thrill and excitement of adventure. For the people of Sagada, this cave is not just a natural wonder but also the resting place of their ancestors’ souls. 

Next, let’s move on to Lumiang Cave to witness the Igorot people’s unique burial practices firsthand. At the entrance, over 100 wooden coffins are neatly stacked, some dating back 500 years. The Igorot believe this helps their ancestors’ spirits ascend to heaven guided by sunlight. Closer inspection reveals lifelike gecko carvings on the coffins, symbolizing happiness, wealth, and protection within local culture. 

Then, we’ll arrive at Echo Valley, where you may be awestruck by the sight before you: 18 wooden coffins suspended high on a cliff face. As a testament to the Igolot people’s wisdom and philosophies on life and death, this practice not only brings the souls closer to heaven but also shields the coffins from damage by wild animals and natural disasters. Afterward, visit St. Mary’s Episcopal Church to see its beautiful stained-glass windows and oak ceilings, then appreciate the weaving art of Sagada. Finally, your guide and driver will escort you to Banaue in 3 hours for the night.

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 explore the Ifugao culture at Batad Village. This isolated area has been home to the Ifugao people for over 2,000 years, where you’ll see stilted houses and thatched huts along the mountainside. Using their simple tools and clever minds, the Ifugao people cultivated the steep slopes and designed an irrigation system that channels spring water from the rainforest at the summit into the rice paddies, forming the Batad and Banaue Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s said that the stones used in their construction even surpass those used in building the Egyptian pyramids. Thanks to the village’s remote topography, colonists from different countries have never truly dominated it over the centuries. Today, the ancient farming lifestyle still endures in this idyllic paradise: women plant rice seedlings and weed, while men maintain the field ridges and transport rice. In their free time, they also take part in crafts like weaving and carving.

Then, hike further with your guide along the winding stone steps to view the 30-meter (100 ft.) Tappiah Falls. Please watch your step and stay close to your guide, as the rainforest paths can be slippery. Enjoy the cool mist and find your inner peace amid the lush trees and moss. Finally, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel. 

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

Today, please have an early lunch at your hotel since we’ll be heading to Baguio, which takes about 6 hours. Despite the long trip, we can stop halfway whenever you’d like to enjoy the beautiful mountain views and take pictures. After arriving in Baguio and checking in, you can have dinner at your hotel on your own and rest well to recharge your energy.

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 take a 5-hour ride back to Manila. When you arrive, your driver will assist you with check-in, and then you can enjoy the rest of the day on your own.

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

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

After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer from your hotel to Manila Airport for your one-hour flight to Caticlan. Once you arrive, your local driver will escort you to your hotel in Boracay. After settling in, you’ll have free time to explore the island on your own. 

The hotel we booked for you is situated in the best part of Boracay Island, right next to its world-class beach and the expansive sea, allowing you to relax on a deck chair under a coconut tree while enjoying the sunshine and beautiful scenery. Nearby is the popular D’mall, which offers a variety of dining and shopping options, but remember to compare prices and haggle before buying, as items there tend to be overpriced. Even after nightfall, the beach remains lively; consider finding a beach bar for a cocktail or watching a stunning fire dance performance under the night sky.

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

This morning, your guide and driver will be waiting for you at your hotel to accompany you on a tour of Boracay’s unique beaches and surrounding islands by a banca boat. You can snorkel or swim near Tambisaan Beach and Crocodile Island to discover the wonderful underwater world. Massive coral reefs display layered green and blue hues, where you may spot black and white sea snakes, beautiful anemones, and the cute clownfish “Nemo.” With a closer look, you might even see colorful seahorses and sea hares.

Then, let’s continue to explore the pristine Puka Beach. Although its sand is not as fine as that of White Beach, the beach offers a secluded atmosphere and glassy waters that ripple softly under the sunlight. “Puka” refers to the seashell fragments that have been steadily smoothed and shaped by waves over time, making them perfect for jewelry and incredibly popular from the 1970s to the 1990s. If you’re lucky, you might also find shimmering fragments on the beach or view exquisite puka jewelry at the charming stands nearby.

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

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

Today, it’s time to say goodbye to Boracay. Your driver will see you off at Caticlan Airport for your 1-hour flight to Cebu, which has grown from a colony into a major economic and cultural center in the southern Philippines over the past 500 years, with a rich history and a strong Catholic influence. After landing, your local driver will escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to plan as you like. 

➤ Dinner Recommendation in Cebu (at your own expense)
Oyster Bay Seafood Restaurant, located just 500 meters from your hotel, is a great dinner option. You can try the classic Filipino dish, 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 from your hotel and start our trip in Lapu-Lapu City on Mactan Island, right next to Cebu. Here, you can see the Lapu-Lapu Monument and the Mactan Shrine, which commemorates Magellan, at the same site. You may have heard of Ferdinand Magellan’s (1480-1521 AD) feat of circumnavigating the globe, but he didn’t complete the voyage himself. Instead, he was killed on Mactan Island, where we are now, by the indigenous chief Lapu-Lapu (1491-1542 AD). Considered a national hero, Lapu-Lapu’s image is now used on the official seals of the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection. Still, the Philippines was ultimately colonized by Spain for 333 years and was profoundly changed by Magellan’s introduction of Catholicism.

Then, we’ll visit the Alegre Guitars Factory to see different guitars and how they are made. Filipinos’ love for music is deeply rooted in their culture, and the guitar has long been a vital part of Philippine music. In Cebu, many children receive a guitar as a gift upon reaching adulthood. Around noon, follow your guide on a scenic ride to the TOPS Cebu viewing deck on the mountain to overlook the entire city and enjoy lunch at a featured restaurant. 

Afterward, let’s explore Cebu’s historical landmarks. At the hexagonal pavilion that houses Magellan’s Cross, you can admire vivid murals depicting the first baptism of the locals after Magellan’s landing. Then visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Basilica Minore Del Sto. Nino, the first Catholic church in the Philippines. Every day, worshippers and tourists flock to the church to pay homage to the Child Jesus statue, which has survived 500 years of history. You may also light a candle and pray as the locals do. After exploring the large sculpture group at the Heritage of Cebu Monument, learn from your guide about how Chinese and Filipino cultures have blended in Cebu at the 200-year-old Yap-San Diego Ancestral House and the Cebu Taoist Temple. Finally, 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 based on your flight time, marking the end of your Philippines 2 weeks tour. From there, you can board your departure flight or fly to Manila for a connecting flight. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey!

If you’d like to continue exploring nearby countries like volcanic Indonesia or tasty Thailand, please contact our travel consultants to tailor a personalized itinerary!

Meals: Breakfast