2-week cultural roadtrip in the mountains of Philippines

🔍 You never do things like the others ? You prefer going off-beating tracks ? You love nature and would live to meet secluded tribes ? You have 2 weeks of vacation ? Well this itinerary is perfect for you ! 😍
Discover breathtaking landscapes, from mountains to rice fields.

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Itinerary for this two weeks rad trip in the mountains of Philippines

 

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🗺 Need a road map to prepare your itinerary ? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read !

📗 You want to buy a paper travel guide ? We recommend this one ! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date !

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The itinerary : step by step

 

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What to do in Manila ?

Philippines’ capital, Manila is constantly changing. Big city blending past and future. Its nightlife is very busy.

• Explore the city’s historic neighbourhood. The Intramuros neighbourhood is the oldest in the city with its churches, cathedrals, museums … For instance the Saint Augustin Church, which will tell you about the history of Philippines.
• Rent a jeepney or just walk around the many streets.
• Passionate about Spanish colonization ?  Head to Santiago Fort (Intramuros), one of the rare ruins in the Philippines. And if you want to save money, keep in mind that you can get in for free on Sundays !
• Stroll through Rizal Park (Intramuros) where locals spend most of their spare time having fun, having a pic-nic or just relaxing.
• You love animals ? Go to Manila Ocean Park (Intramuros) a theme park that will let you get a closer look of the local wildlife, from small fish to big reptile.
• Let’s get out of the Intramuros neighbourhood and head to Chinatown. Go shopping in the huge malls with international brands.
• In Quiapo neighbourhood, explore Saint Sebastien Basilica, a hidden gem not many tourists know about. This basilica is entirely made out of steel, which is very unusual in Asia. Beautiful walls, sculptures and gardens to admire.
• Do not leave without having tasted the traditional Lechon. This spit-roast suckling pig dish is delicious !

 

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What to do in Pampanga ?

A 1 and a half hour drive from Manilla, Pampanga is the place to get back to nature and calm. 

• With friends or family, have fun at Sky Ranch Amusement Park in San Fernando.
• 1 hour away, explore Mount Arayat National Park where you can swim in a natural cold water pool or in the indoor hot water pools and take a break to have lunch when you want.

 

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What to do in Baguio City ?

Summer capital, Baguio City is located in the mountains.

• Stroll around the typical market, famous for its local produce.
• Relax in Burnham Park in the middle of the city. A breath of fresh air with many activities.
• Art and nature lovers, discover the BenCab Museum where you’ll find ethnic objects as well as a garden that looks like the rice fields of the north of the country.
• A 2 hours and 40 min drive away, Kabayan will please the hikers. Going up Mount Pulag will be an outstanding experience. Just imagine the beautiful pictures you’ll get to take from up there !

 

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What to do in San Fernando ?

Passionate surfer ? Head to San Fernando in the La Unión region.

• Go surfing on the city’s beautiful beaches, world’s surf capital.
• Discover the calm and soothing atmosphere of the buddhist temple of  Ma-Cho and its view of the ocean.
• Go for a tuk-tuk ride following the coastline to the usual village of San Juan.

 

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What to do in Tagudin ?

In the Ilocos Sur region, Tagudin is a small typical Filipino city living at its own pace, not the tourist’s. 

• Rent a tuk-tuk and go for a short road trip around the village.
• Watch the village’s children play and meet locals.
• Admire the sun setting in the South China Sea.

 

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What to do in Sagada ?

At the heart of the Luzon region’s mountains, Sagada is a typical mountain city, calm with fresh temperatures and a relaxed atmosphere. 

• Discover many caves and waterfalls like the Sumaguing Fall where the slippery rocks will make you live thrilling moments.
• Go for a hike through the mountains and discover caves that bats have made their homes.
• Absolutely do book an exclusion to discover the suspended coffins in Echo Valley. You’ll ask the locals how and why this happens !
• Taste « moma » a popular chewing stimulant made from a betel nut, an indigenous vine leaf, lime, and tobacco. These are known to give you a kick of energy -just like coffee, a warm sensation. It will make your mouth all red !
• Rent a jeepney and go discover an impressive waterfall, the Bomod-Ok Falls. Athletes, it is also a very nice hike to do, and once at the top you will probably want to take a dip in the fall’s water.
• Relax at Lake Danum and enjoy a sunset while remembering today’s adventures.

 

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What to do at Banaue’s rice terraces ?

Considered to be the 8th Wonder of the World, Banaue’s rice terraces are a must-see when traveling to the Philippines. These terraces on the mountains sides are a gorgeous landscape, you’ll want to take so many pictures. A green lanscape, a breathtaking view … What are you waiting for ?

 

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What to do in Tabuk ?

Typical filipino village on the mountain heights, Tabuk is a cultural stop. 

• Explore the winery of the typical village of Luzon.
• Take the bus with the locals to the Balbalasang National Park and admire outstanding views over the valley and rice fields.

 

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What to do in Tuguegarao ?

Tuguegarao will be the relaxing stop of your trip. 

• Rent a tricycle with a driver or a jeepney to go to the beautiful Callao caves.
• Step in the city’s Cathedral and appreciate its impressive baroque architecture.
• Rent a kayak and go for an adventure on the Cagayan river.

 

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What to do in Manila ?

Back in Manila for the last few days. Enjoy the busy city and buy your last gifts ! 

• Explore the city’s historic neighbourhood. The Intramuros neighbourhood is the oldest in the city with its churches, cathedrals, museums … For instance the Saint Augustin Church, which will tell you about the history of Philippines.
• Rent a jeepney or just walk around the many streets.
• Passionate about Spanish colonization ?  Head to Santiago Fort (Intramuros), one of the rare ruins in the Philippines. And if you want to save money, keep in mind that you can get in for free on Sundays !
• Stroll through Rizal Park (Intramuros) where locals spend most of their spare time having fun, having a pic-nic or just relaxing.
• You love animals ? Go to Manila Ocean Park (Intramuros) a theme park that will let you get a closer look of the local wildlife, from small fish to big reptile.
• Let’s get out of the Intramuros neighbourhood and head to Chinatown. Go shopping in the huge malls with international brands.
• In Quiapo neighbourhood, explore Saint Sebastien Basilica, a hidden gem not many tourists know about. This basilica is entirely made out of steel, which is very unusual in Asia. Beautiful walls, sculptures and gardens to admire.
• Do not leave without having tasted the traditional Lechon. This spit-roast suckling pig dish is delicious !

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To learning more…

 

• You want to know all the information about the country ? it’s here.
• Finally, to book a flight at the best price, we advise you this website.

 

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