The Philippines: Mountains & Islands





Bike, hike and snorkel your way around the Philippines
Discover the Philippines on this 17-day adventure, blending cultural encounters with refreshing natural moments. Starting in Manila and finishing in El Nido, you’ll cycle through the lively streets of Manila, see the crater lake of Mt. Pinatubo and hike the UNESCO World Heritage-listed rice terraces of the Cordilleras with local guides. Visit the Batak and Tagbanua Tribal Village in Sitio Kawasan, discover the limestone caves of Sabang and island hop around El Nido. With a mix of guided experiences and free time, this trip offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Philippines.
Start: Manila, Philippines
End: El Nido, Philippines
- Duration
- 17 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
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- Explorer
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- Hike the UNESCO World Heritage-listed rice terraces in the Cordilleras, crafted over 2000 years, and trek to the crater lake of Mt Pinatubo for breathtaking views.
- Savour Manila’s food scene, enjoy a community feast in Tarukan village and learn culinary secrets from a Baguio chef.
- Set off on a full day of island hopping and snorkelling off the coast of El Nido and Port Barton. Look to the bottom of these clear waters and swim among the coral and tropical fish.
- Meet the Batak Tribe, one of about 70 Indigenous communities of the Philippines, on a leader-led hike to the Batak and Tagbanua Tribal village in Sitio Kawasan.
- Enjoy plenty of time at the beach to choose your own adventure. Maybe take a daytrip to the Nacpan Beach, cruise the waters in a kayak or have a drink (or two) at one of the many beachside restaurants.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Itinerary
Kumusta! Welcome to the Philippines. Located on the island of Luzon – the largest of the county’s 7641 islands – Manila is the Philippines' lively capital. Your adventure officially starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive before then, take some time to explore the city and get your bearings. A walk around Rizal Park, conveniently located in the city's centre, is a great place to start. In the evening, maybe get your group together for dinner and sample some regional specialities, like abodo (pork marinated in vegetables and spices) and buko pie (coconut pie).
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
After breakfast, dive into a guided tour of multicultural Manila. Taste the different flavours that have been cooking up in the country over the past few hundred years with food tastings in the Muslim Quarter and the world’s oldest Chinatown. Then hop on an eco-friendly bamboo bike and ride around Intramuros – a historic walled area that was constructed by the Spaniards in the 16th century. Enjoy a lunch together and then leave Manila behind and drive to the foot of Mt. Pinatubo for tonight. Arrive in the early evening and you'll stay in a lovely local guesthouse in the countryside with a swimming pool.
- Guest House (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Manila - City Tour
- Manila - Intramuros bamboo bike cycling tour
Your travel time today is approximately 4 hours.
You’ll set off for Crow Valley this morning so you can get a view of the crater of Mt Pinatubo. You’ll arrive at the foot of the trailhead by a 4WD jeep. The hike isn’t easy – but the views of the crater lake at the top are definitely worth it. Formed after Mt Pinatubo erupted in 1991, the rainwater lake is framed by dramatic cliffs. Reward your body with a traditional lunch in Tarukan Village with the Aetas, the earliest inhabitants of the Philippines. The chieftain and a local interpreter will join you, making it a unique cultural experience. Do as the Aetas do and eat the meal – which will be laid out on banana leaves – with your hands. Head back to your lovely guesthouse afterwards for another peaceful night in the countryside.
- Guest House (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Mt Pinatubo - Crater hike
- Tarukan Village - Community lunch
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Your walking time will be approximately 4 hours. Please ensure you have sturdy footwear with good grip for this hike.
From March to May, there may be some erosion of the path due to rainfall which will make the drive longer and the trek shorter. Please note that there are several stream crossings in ankle-deep water on this trek, so please be prepared for your footwear to get wet.
On Day 1 your leader will advise if permits have been secured to visit Mt Pinatubo. If the government doesn’t approve those permits, you’ll visit Tutulari Gorge instead. This area is part of the Aeta people’s ancestral lands and has only been open to visitors since 2022. You'll take a jeep to the gorge, take a short hike in this stunning location and enjoy a picnic lunch with the Aeta people.
Wake up early and head for Banaue, travelling through rice fields and mango plantations. Break up the drive with a stop in Bacolor – this town was devastatingly destroyed by the Mt Pinatubo eruption. Visit the local church that has been half buried by lahar – yet locals still use it to worship by climbing through the upper windows. Hit the road again before stopping off for lunch at a local restaurant. You’ll arrive in Banaue in the late afternoon, where you can enjoy a free evening before exploring the rice terraces tomorrow. For dinner, maybe ask your leader for recommendations on where to try pinikipan (a local chicken dish).
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours.
The visit to Bacolor may be skipped if the entry permit to Mt. Pinatubo is rejected and you'll continue on directly to Banaue.
Jump on the local jeepney this morning to Sadel, where you’ll start the trek through the UNESCO listed Banaue rice terraces. These rice terraces were created by the Ifugao people and can be traced back 2000 years. A feat of engineering, the terraces were crucial to the survival of the people and are now known for their combination of functionality and beauty. Stop for lunch in Batad, where you’ll have the opportunity to talk to local Ifuago people in the village and try some rice activities. Return to Banaue in the late afternoon and spend the rest of the day as you wish.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Banaue - Bangaan rice terrace hike
Your total travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.
Your hiking time will be approximately 4 hours.
Travel to Sagada and embark on a half day tour around the town. Your local guide will bring you to some of the key spots, like the Hanging Coffins – an ancient burial tradition where coffins are suspended on a cliff – and the Lumiang Cave – home to coffins over 500 years old. Next, head to the home of famous Spanish photographer Eduardo Masferre, where family members will show you his rare photos chronicling the Ifuago way of life in the 1930s. The afternoon is then yours to explore Sagada in your own way – maybe you’ll check out the coffee plantations (and sample the delicious Sagada coffee), explore local farms, or simply relax and get ready for your next day's trekking.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Sagada - City tour
- Sagada - Eduardo Masferre’s home visit
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
Get ready for another trek through rice terraces – this time you’ll start in Bontoc and hike along the Maligcong Rice Terrace to Faverey village. Listen to stories from a Kalinga local guide along the way and find out about their traditions. When you arrive in Faverey, you’ll learn about one pretty unique tradition in the village – the practice of living with deceased family members. Hike back to Bontoc and refuel with lunch before going back to Sagada
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Bontoc - Maligcong rice terrace hike
- Bontoc - Favarey Village visit
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Your hiking time will be approximately 4 hours.
This morning, drive to Baguio, affectionately called the City of Pines due to the greenery that thrives here. When you arrive, you’ll have a free afternoon. Maybe walk around Mirador Hill and Eco Park – a Japanese-inspired garden – or the Igorot Stone Kingdom – a modern-day castle. Later, come back together as a group for an interactive dinner with a famous local chef. Take a stroll through local market with your leader and learn about key ingredients for traditional Cordillera meal at the market, then join the chef and his wife for a live cooking demonstration. When you’ve picked up some tips, tuck into the grilled goods you helped prepare!
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Baguio - Cooking class & dinner
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Get to know Baguio culture today by visiting the local art studios and galleries, which showcase a mix of traditional and contemporary pieces. Stop by the Harvest Hub Studio and learn about a foundation set up to support women weavers in the Cordilleras through entrepreneurship training. These mountain-based women are working to scale their businesses and need this vital support. You’ll be guided through the studio, where you can meet local artists and learn about their craft, and maybe even try some traditional techniques yourself! Head back to Manila in the afternoon and perhaps rally your group together for a farewell dinner.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Baguio - Art gallery visit
- Baguio - Women's weaving studio co-op visit
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Today is a free day in Manila. You’ll have another welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your new group members and leader. Until then, relax in Manila and maybe explore some of the parts you missed the first time around. If you're looking for a souvenir, head to Bonifacio High Street, where you'll find lots of modern shops, or explore the Quiapo street market for more traditional finds. After your meeting, perhaps get your group together to sample foods like lechon (whole roasted pig) and longganisa (Philippine sausage).
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
This is a combination trip, meaning your local leader and group members will likely change today.
This morning, take a short flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa. When you arrive, you'll instantly see the slower pace of this island compared to the busy capital. Puerto, as the locals call it, is the capital of Palawan and has been internationally recognised as the cleanest and greenest of all cities in the Philippines. This afternoon, visit a local farm and take part in preparing local rice snacks. Snacking (merienda) is a way of life among Filipino rural folks. Tonight, relax by the Iwahig River and watch as glowing fireflies dart in and around the mangroves.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Puerto Princesa - Iwahig River Firefly Boat Tour
- Puerto Princesa - local farm visit
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
After breakfast, drive to Sabang. When you arrive, jump on a boat and travel along the Subterranean River, which passes through a limestone cave and into the ocean. After lunch, continue to the starting point of today's hike. Lace up your hiking boots and join your local leader on a hike to the Batak and Tagbanua Tribal Village in Sitio Kawasan, set against the backdrop of the majestic St. Paul Mountain. Meet the Batak Tribe – one of about 70 Indigenous communities of the Philippines – and maybe try some fruit directly from the cashew trees (weather dependent). This visit provides the opportunity to connect with the Batak and Tagbanua communities, learn about their traditions, and appreciate the harmony of their way of life within a beautiful natural setting.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Sabang - Puerto Princesa Subterranean River boat trip
- Sabang - Batak tribe hike
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Your hiking time will be approximately 3 hours, 2 kilometers each way
The hiking route is generally flat, with some uphill sections. Although the hike won't be strenuous, please ensure you have comfortable walking shoes.
This morning, travel to Port Barton – a slow-paced coastal town located on the largest island of the Palawan region. When you arrive, enjoy a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. Maybe hike to the Pamuayan Falls, relax on the white sandy beach or watch the sunset over the region.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
Today, set off on an island-hopping adventure where you’ll spend the day exploring the beautiful hidden gems of Port Barton. See crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and white-sand beaches as you travel to secluded islands like Turtle Sanctuary, Exotic Island and Paradise Island. During your island-hopping tour, step into the shoes of a local fisherman and learn about the age-old fishing tradition in Port Barton, where simplicity meets skill. Unlike modern methods, this technique uses only a hand-held hook tied to a single nylon line (kawil). This region is perfect for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing on the beach shores, so be sure to pack a hat and your bathers!
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Port Barton - Island Hopping
- Port Barton - Traditional fishing demonstration
Say farewell to Port Barton today and travel to El Nido this morning. With a backdrop of marble cliffs and white sandy beaches, El Nido is the base for many island adventures. There are over 50 beaches to discover, all of which are accessible by the boats docked nearby. This afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace – maybe pack a picnic lunch and head out on an adventure to an isolated beach. Later, maybe join your fellow travellers for a drink at one of the many beachside restaurants.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
This morning, head off on a full-day snorkelling trip as you island hop around El Nido. As you travel to the island, take in the surrounding landscape of jagged limestone islands, rocky coves, virgin rainforest and white sandy beaches. When you arrive, put on your snorkel and dive under the clear water, where you’ll see the beautiful coral and many different species of colourful fish that call this area home. After an included lunch, venture out on various trips to lagoons throughout the afternoon. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your fellow travellers and toast to your final night in the Philippines.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- El Nido - Island hopping boat trip & snorkelling
- El Nido - Kayak Hire - PHP700
- El Nido - Bike hire - PHP500
With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave the accommodation at any time. This doesn’t mean your Philippines adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to spend more time in El Nido, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
- Breakfast
If you wish to depart today, please note that El Nido has a small airport that services flights to Manila. Air Swift operates multiple flights daily from El Nido to the capital.
Inclusions and activities
16 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners
Boat, Jeepney, Private Minibus, Plane
Hotel (14 nights), Guest House (2 night)
- Manila - City Tour
- Manila - Intramuros bamboo bike cycling tour
- Mt Pinatubo - Crater hike
- Tarukan Village - Community lunch
- Banaue - Bangaan rice terrace hike
- Sagada - City tour
- Sagada - Eduardo Masferre’s home visit
- Bontoc - Maligcong rice terrace hike
- Bontoc - Favarey Village visit
- Baguio - Cooking class & dinner
- Baguio - Art gallery visit
- Baguio - Women's weaving studio co-op visit
- Puerto Princesa - Iwahig River Firefly Boat Tour
- Puerto Princesa - local farm visit
- Sabang - Puerto Princesa Subterranean River boat trip
- Sabang - Batak tribe hike
- Port Barton - Island Hopping
- Port Barton - Traditional fishing demonstration
- El Nido - Island hopping boat trip & snorkelling
- El Nido - Kayak Hire - PHP700
- El Nido - Bike hire - PHP500
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, learn more about our climate commitment.
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Before you book you should know
- There are a few days of long drives and early starts on this trip. The journey will be rewarding but just be prepared for extended travel times and early mornings – make sure you read the itinerary below before booking.
- There are several hikes, mostly on established trails. You’ll need to have a good level of fitness to fully enjoy them.
- This trip doesn’t involve a lot of time in Manila, but we would recommend you spend extra time exploring this dynamic city. Contact your booking agent to arrange additional accommodation if you wish to extend your stay.
- The Island of Palawan is less developed compared to other South East Asian countries, so you might experience delays when ordering food at local restaurants and major festival periods can cause a hold-up in travel journeys. Despite the possibilities of delays, the laidback nature of this spot is well worth the wait.
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
TWIN SHARE
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin basis.
CHECK-IN TIME
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
Lyf Hotel
Malvar corner Vasquez Street Malate
Manila
Luzon
1004
PHILIPPINES
Instructions
An arrival transfer is bookable upon request. You'll need to advise your flight details no later than 14 days prior to departure. Please speak to your booking agent for more details.
If you have a confirmed arrival transfer, our designated representative will be waiting at any of the following areas, holding a signage with your name on it. Please follow below instructions:
For international arrivals,
- At NAIA Terminal 1 Arrival EXTENSION Area Bay 6
- At NAIA Terminal 3 International Arrival Exit Front of BDO Counter (near Gate 5)
For domestic arrivals,
- At NAIA Terminal 2 Bay 10 for Air Asia Flights and Bay 16 for Philippine Airlines flights
- At NAIA Terminal 3 Domestic Arrival Exit (Left side of the glass wall) near Gate 3
- At NAIA Terminal 4 Main Arrival Exit
If you have any trouble finding our representative, please contact our local emergency number.
Otherwise, you may take a taxi to get to your hotel. A taxi from the airport to the hotel will take approximately 30-60 minutes (depending on traffic) and will cost around PHP 500 (USD 12). Please be aware of taxi tout and only use official taxis (yellow and white taxis with taxi booths).
You may also use GRAB taxis which are easily available with more transparency on the taxi cost too. But you'll need to setup an account first to use it.
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip and is subject to availability. Please consult your booking agent if you are interested.
2. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking for the flight ticket on this trip. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
3. A scanned copy of the personal details page of your passport needs to be sent to your booking agent no later than 40 days before departure in order for us to purchase a permit for Mt Pinatubo. Occasionally, the government doesn't approve these permits, and your group will follow an alternative itinerary. Please refer to Day 3 of the Itinerary for more details.
4. Internal flight includes 20kg checked luggage plus 7kg carry on.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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