Philippines rice terraces to wreck diving adventure

Manila- Welcome!

Day 1: Welcome to Manila

Depending on your time of arrival, discover the ancient city of Intramuros built by the spaniards. For a unique visit, ride a bamboo bicyle 'bambike' or for a different perspective, join a tour of Intramuros after dark; either way promises an unforgettable experience.

Manila - Tarlac

Day 2: Incredible volcanic landscape introduction

If you didn't manage the 'bambike' tour of intramuros, begin today on this highly original way to visit the town. 

The main itinerary today begins with your driver taking you to Bacolor to visit the church which is half buried in volcanic lava. Mount Pinatabo erupted in 1991, but it was much later - on 3 September 1995 - when lava flowed down from the slopes of Mount Pinatubo that the church was engulfed, More than 50,000 town residents were forced to evacuate. There is a small museum dedicated to the event.  From there, head to your accommodation in the foothills of Mt Pinatubo. From your accommodation, day tours are available around the volcano and its incredible landscape.

Tarlac - Baguio

Day 3: Conquer Mt Pinatubo

Following an early breakfast at dawn, set off to conquer Mount Pinatubo. Land cruisers take you to the start of the trail, where the main hike begins taking you to the summit and the crater lake. Descending via the same route, return to the guesthouse to have lunch and freshen up. In the afternoon, it's back on the road to reach Baguio. The summer capital of the Philippines, Baguio sits about 1500 meters above sea level; the approach road is spectacular with panoramic views of the valley. 

Baguio - Sagada

Day 4: Breathtaking mountain journey to Sagada

Leaving at 8am, today follows the famous Halsema Road, with its majestic landscapes. As you depart Baguio, there is an opportunity to explore the market, with a dizzying array of colours and a wide variety of local products. Just before you join the Halsema, stop at La Trinidad, for some striking pictures reminiscent of Brazilian favellas.

Your destination today is the village of Sagada, perched 1450 meters above sea level. En route, pass through the highest point of the Philippine Highways at 2254 meters above sea level. Look out for the rice terraces, peaks and deep valleys typical of the Cordillera.

Sagada itself offers a variety of local experiences; visit a traditional weaving workshop with wooden looms and an interesting collection of textiles featuring the designs of the Igorot tribes. Visit local inns and the Masferré restaurant to dine and learn about local customs.

Sagada - Banaue

Day 5: Fascinating insight into Igorot tribal life

After breakfast, visit Lumiang Cave and Echo Valley where you can view the hanging coffins, an ancient funeral tradition found in certain places in Asia. Explore the underground river before visiting the Yogurt House for lunch.

After lunch, leave Sagada and head to Banaue; stopping on the way at the Bontoc museum to learn more about the Igorot tribes. The museum includes a small reconstructed Ifugao village, a perfect introduction to the traditions of the tribes from the Mountain Province and the Ifugao country.

From there the journey continues on the mountain road to reach Banaue, 1200m above sea level. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the rice terraces on the way, before arriving at your accommodation.

Banaue - Batad

Day 6: Harmony and tradition of the Banaue rice terraces

The rice terraces of Batad are undoubtedly the most beautiful and the most spectacular of all the Cordillera and Asia; they are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With knowledge handed down from one generation to the next, sacred traditions and a delicate social balance have helped to create a landscape of great beauty and harmony between humankind and the environment.

From Banaue, set out by tricycle or jeepney at 8am, then continue on foot, walking on the retaining walls of the terraces to reach Batad. There is an optional visit to the Tappiya waterfalls (access may be limited), with dramatic amphitheatre views on the return.

Batad is a world away from hectic cities; always subject to the whims of nature, life is slower here, with locals living by traditional rituals and customs.

Enjoy lunch at the Inn or picnic out on the terraces for a closer to nature experience.

Batad - Manila

Day 7: Day of contrasts; from the mountains to Manila

In the morning, head out once again for a 3-hour hike through the rice terraces around Bangaan, another small village listed as a UNESCO heritage site. Otherwise, head back up to the saddle of Batad where your jeepney will be waiting for you to take you back to Banaue.

Collect your luggage in Banaue and return to Manila by evening. You will be dropped off at your accommodation.

For the evening, head into Poblacion, the old downtown of Makati, which has transformed into one of the trendiest neighborhoods. As the cultural and entertainment heart of the city, the district welcomes visitors and offers a wide variety of restaurants, bars and clubs to enjoy.

Manila - Pagbilao

Day 8: Venture south to Pagbilao

Departing at 7am, head south to Quezon province, arriving in Pagsanjan around 10 am. from there you will join a canoe safari, journeying 7km along the same river that Francis Ford Coppola used to shoot part of his movie 'Apocalypse Now'.  The return leg includes navigating rapids - but don't worry - expert guides will deftly see you safely through in time for lunch on the shore.

After lunch, continue on to your accommodation for the night; enjoy an evening with your hosts where local hospitality and charm abound.

Pagbilao

Day 9: Banca trip in beautiful Pagbilao

Today, take a traditionnal banca, the fisherman's boat, for a day trip, island hopping around Pagbilao.

The waters of the bay are dotted with islets that, until recently, were barely known. Two of these small islands are Borawan and Dampalitan, both adjoining Padre Burgos. As well as appreciating the local landscape and shoreline, the trip includes several stops:

- The Bilaran sandbar

- Kwebang Lampas, a great spot for snorkeling

- Secret beach, with BBQ for lunch

Pagbilao - Puerto Galera

Day 10: Tropical getaway in Mindoro

Today brings a slower start; your driver will pick you up after lunch and take you to the port of Batangas. From there, take a boat to Mindoro to reach your resort for the next three nights.

Of the local beaches, Puerto Galera stands out with its stretches of white sand, its lively nightlife and its magnificent spots to discover. Located on the island of Mindoro Oriental, it is one of the most accessible beaches from Metro Manila, popular with locals. Puerto Galera is also popular with divers for its wide variety of precious marine life.

Puerto Galera

Day 11: Amazing island hopping around Puerto Galera

Island hopping is a fantastic way to explore the area and experience the islands and the world beneath the waves. Visits today include:

- Boquete Island, know by locals as “Sandbar Island,” this 50-meter white sandbar connects Boquete Island to the main island of Mindoro and is excellent for swimming and snorkeling.

- San Antonio Island, a small island to the west of Sabang Beach, known for its underwater cave. Swim in the cave's natural pool, sheltered from the scorching heat of the sun.

- Coral Garden is an amazing snorkeling and diving site, teeming with corals and sponges that host a multitude of sea creatures.

- Bayanan Beach is one of the most beautiful island hopping destinations. Relax on the sand or swim in an idyllic setting.

Each stop brings calm waters and magnificent natural sites; this really is an amazing day in paradise.

Puerto Galera- Rest Day

Day 12: Rest day

Choose to rest at the hotel and enjoy the beach and the swimming pool. If you simply want to chill on the beach, you are spoiled for choice with:

White Beach, the best known and ideal for lounging on the beach, swimming, and snorkeling.

Aninuan Beach,  next to White Beach, secluded and perfect to relax with the waves in the background, go there to admire the sunset in peace

Palauan Beach, a lesser known beach which is lovely for sunbathing and swimming

Talipanan Beach, uncrowded, romantic and relaxing ambience for watching the sunset and swimming.

If you want a little more adventure, diving and snorkelling here is renowned, with various depths and underwater landscapes to explore.

Back on dry land, take a local walk and explore the surroundings. Puerto Galera offers beautiful routes to local waterfalls, including Tamaraw Falls, and the Aninuan, Tukuran and Talipanan falls.

Puerto Galera - Manila

Day 13: Return to the city and culture of Manila

After breakfast, leave the resort and Mindoro behind; board your boat back to Batangas where your driver will be waiting to take you back to Manila. On the way back, pass through Tagaytay and the surrounding landscape, including the Taal Lake.

Back in Manila, if you enjoy art, a stop by the Orlina Museum is a must. The center of arts and culture in Tagaytay, The Museo Orlina is also a popular venue for shows and festivals and makes an enjoyable diversion.

Manila Airport

Day 14: Manila Airport, Departure Day

Depending on your international flight schedule, you may have time for another short visit in the city; a fun option is to stroll along the avenues of Makati, the business district, and walk through the pedestrian subways, to admire the beautifully painted walls.

With your return flight in mind, your driver will be ready to transfer you from your hotel to the airport, allowing 3 hours before your departure time.