From the Rice Terraces of Banaue to the Blue Lagoons of Palawan

Our driver, English-speaking, is a professional, courteous, careful and attentive to your needs. You will decide, in consultation with him, on your stops.

The vehicle is a Toyota Altis or equivalent. It is a recent, spacious and comfortable sedan-type vehicle, suitable for long journeys. The rental, fuel, insurance, driver's salary, meals and accommodation are included.

The afternoon will be free, we will propose a tour to discover the city. You can then return to your hotel to freshen up and rest before going out for dinner.

A long day of driving awaits you, but you are entering the true discovery of the Cordillera Central.

You will leave your hotel around 07.00 or 07.30.

You will make a first stop in the nearby town of La Trinidad, in the district now known as "Valley of Colors".

You will then continue on the road to tackle the Halsema Highway, this famous 150km road that winds through the mountains. Before that, make a stop at the La Trinidad vegetable farms. In season, buy a basket of strawberries!

Here is a list of points of interest along your route. Your driver will usefully point out the must-sees, knowing that time is obviously limited.

• Guerilla Saddle, along km 26, at the level of the village of Atok. It is a memorial site of World War II. More interesting is the Northern Blossom Flower Farm. Famous for its Cabbage Roses (Provence roses). Continue the short walk to Sakura Park.

• Philippine Pali, the highest point of the Philippines road system, at 2,225 m altitude. It offers a beautiful view of Mount Pulag, Mount Timbac, Kabayan, Atok and the deep Agno Valley to the south. The vast Natubleng vegetable gardens to the north and the sprawling Naguey Rice Terraces to the west, complete the panorama.

• The Naguey rice terraces form a complex of 33 hectares, on the banks of the Naburgo River planted with rice and vegetables. These terraces with stone walls can be seen along kilometer 40, approaching Mount Toyangan.

• The Amburayan River flows for approximately 30 km from Barangay Pasdong to Naguey.

Sagada is a picturesque town, nestled in a high valley, at 1,500m altitude, in the heart of Mountain Province. The environment is conducive to hiking, swimming in waterfalls and caving.

All tours in Sagada must necessarily be done with an accredited local guide, assigned by the tourism office. Your driver will connect you with one.

You will depart early in the morning for the Paytokan Walk, a walking tour of approximately 3 hours. This visit starts in the town center and takes you through the Mission Compound (MC), until Baweng Creek, popularly known to tourists as Echo Valley.

Here, you will be able to see beautiful rock formations and the slopes covered with pine trees of Mount Kanip-aw. You will venture further into the valley to get a close-up view of the hanging coffins, a centuries-old funeral tradition in Sagada.

You will leave Sagada early in the afternoon and make a stop at Bontoc to visit the museum dedicated to the life of the Igorot tribes The Bontoc Museum.

You will then take the mountain road to reach Banaue at 1200m altitude.

Along the way, don't miss the stop at the village of Bay-yo, to admire the superb terraces, overlooking the houses. A beautiful waterfall is located nearby and is visible from the road (Tummey Falls).

Before arriving at Banaue, it is possible to explore the Maligcong rice fields.

Upon arrival at Banaue, you will make stops at the different viewpoints over the terraced rice fields, before going to settle at the Banaue Hotel.

The Ifugaos have been cultivating rice for over 500 years. To enable irrigation, the ancestors built terraces on the mountainsides. These developments create impressive landscapes that change with the seasons and the light.

You will visit two impressive sites today:

• The Banga'an terraces, which house a traditional village typical of the Ifugao ethnic group

• The Batad terraces which are nestled in a steep amphitheatre with a village at its base.

Your English-speaking local guide will pick you up at your hotel at 08.30. From Banaue, you will travel by jeepney or tricycle (the local rickshaw) to the heights of Bangaán.

This journey takes about an hour and will be punctuated by several stops to enjoy the scenery. You will walk down to the village of Bangaan along trails that pass along the edges of the terraces. The elevation change is minimal, this pleasant 30-minute stroll is a good warm-up. Your guide will explain the rice cultivation cycle along the way.

In the village, you will settle into a hut for a presentation of various elements of local culture: from the way rice is pounded to family customs… Above all, it will be a rich and joyful moment of exchange and immersion. You can even try on traditional clothing.

After this discovery you will take the vehicle again to admire the landscape formed by the Snake River, which winds through the terraced rice fields above the small village of Ducligan.

It is time to leave for Batad.

After a break at a small inn on the hillside, you will have the opportunity, depending on your preferences and disposition:

• Either to descend to the village of Batad, accessible only on foot, by walking on the retaining walls of the terraces

• Or to explore the amphitheater laterally, by limiting the elevation change.

You will discuss the possibilities with your guide. The elevation gain is significant at Batad and you must keep your balance on the stone walls! No need to worry though, the local guides are attentive, courteous and helpful.

Whichever option you choose, it is a memorable experience. The landscape is magnificent. It gives the appearance of a place outside of time.

You are at Batad, far removed from the hectic pace of major cities. Here, life flows slowly and human desires are subject to magnificent, but unforgiving terrain.

Return to Banaue in the late afternoon.

Your circuit in the Cordillera Central is coming to an end. You must head back down to Manila. It is a day of transfer necessary to return to civilization. You can break it up with a few stops.

You will arrive in late afternoon in Manila, and you will settle in for one night at the Tryp hotel.

In the evening, you can take a stroll along San Miguel Bay. This 2km walk starts from your hotel and runs along the bay heading South. You will find many bars and restaurants there, and a good-natured atmosphere.

Flight to Coron and hotel transfer.

After these five days in the mountains, it's time to head to the islands. Over the next few days, you will explore Northern Palawan.

Palawan is known throughout the Philippines as the "last natural frontier". This vast archipelago of 1700 islands owes this reputation to its remote position in the west relative to the rest of the Philippines, its incredible marine and terrestrial biodiversity, and its magnificent landscapes.

Our driver will drop you off at the hotel.

Then go relax at the Maquinit Hot Springs. They are located 10 km to the Southeast of Coron. The best option is to hire the services of a tricycle, which will wait for you there.

On your way back, take a stroll through the picturesque little town of Coron.

Don't miss visiting Aramintas Arts and Crafts, a shop specializing in authentic tribal craftsmanship.

Go for a drink at La Sirenetta for the sunset view.

You can then dine at Trattoria Altrove or at one of the many restaurants on Real Street, the trendiest street in Coron.

You will go at the time scheduled during the briefing to the boarding point (usually: 8am at the Coron Town port!). The Skylodge reception will arrange your transfer by tricycle.

From the pier, you will board the banca of our partner Buhay Isla, a specialist in expeditions between Coron and El Nido. You are embarking on an adventure that will be one of the highlights of your trip: three days of sailing with two nights camping on the small islands of the archipelago stretching between Coron and El Nido.

You will share these three days with a friendly team that takes care of everything: boat piloting, accommodation, food, fishing, snorkeling, village visits, etc. You travel with a small group of people (12-14 maximum), coming from all around the world.

What you need to know:

• Comfort on board and during stopovers is of a rustic nature.

• You are participating in an adventure, in magnificent landscapes, but in a remote region. You will need to follow certain rules, adapt to local living conditions and be flexible because you are at sea and the trip's schedule also depends on the weather. It's worth it!

We won't reveal all aspects of the trip to you. It's an experience to be lived fully, so we limit ourselves to the useful information you need to know before departure:

• You are going for 3 days and 2 nights under a tent or in traditional cottages

• Meals and equipment are included.

• Your luggage travels with you on the boat, but don't bring unnecessary items (limit your main bag to 20 kg!).

• Bring the basic equipment for a sea trip in the tropics: water shoes, UV-protection T-shirt, sunscreen, snorkel mask, fins if you have them… plus a basic first-aid kit.

• Filtered water is available on the boat.

• Follow the guides' instructions and keep them informed if you move away from the base camp (you travel under their responsibility).

• Of course don't forget: camera, video camera, waterproof if you have one, with a good stock of memory cards and spare batteries.

The itinerary presented below is given as an indication. The first day of the expedition is dedicated to exploring part of the Calamian archipelago, including notably:

• The immense pristine sand bank of Ditaytayan Island.

• Araw Beach, a taste of turquoise paradise.

• An evening sunset on the beach and bonfire, with an overnight stay at Dayo camp, on Linapacan Island

The second day of your cruise takes place between the Linapacan and Daracotan islands. The main stops are:

• A small gem called Takling Island.

• The sandbank of Cobra Island.

• The wreck at Daracotan Island

• Your base camp on Daracotan Island is simple and rustic, but the environment is exceptional.

The third day of your journey takes you to the Bacuit Bay.

It is an unforgettable experience to approach this miraculous bay by sea. You enter a mini-archipelago of 50 uninhabited islands and islets, made up of karst cliffs rising vertically from the water, and dozens of secret lagoons and beaches, nestled in small sheltered coves protected from the waves.

Among the surprises the bay has in store for you, note:

• Pasandigan Beach

An unmissable beach in the Bacuit bay, with its iconic row of coconut trees, fine sand, crystal-clear waters, and coral reef. There are kayaks available and you can also do snorkeling. The crew of Buhay Isla will guide you to see the best spots.

• Cadlao Beach and Lagoon

Two other great classics, used as a playground by the Dutch version of Koh Lanta.

You will set foot on shore in mid-afternoon and settle in for 2 nights at Angel Nido. You just need to rent the services of a tricycle.

Transfer guaranteed to Manila, then to your departure terminal for your international flight.