Philippine Escape: From the Rice Fields of Banaue to the Reefs of Puerto Galera

Welcome to the Philippines! After your flight, you are warmly welcomed by your driver who takes you to your hotel located in the Ermita district. This central area, close to Manila Bay and the historic streets of Intramuros, allows you to gently experience the atmosphere of the capital.

Once settled, you can head on foot to Intramuros, the emblematic district founded in 1565 by the Spanish. Walking through its semi-pedestrian streets, you will immerse yourself in a setting shaped by several centuries of history, between colonial architecture, traces of the 1945 battle and lively local life. This contrasting territory, where past and present coexist, constitutes a first privileged encounter with Philippine cultural heritage.

Even though the main monuments generally close in late afternoon, a stroll through this district is enough to feel its importance in the country's history and to better understand the cultural diversity that makes the wealth of the Philippines. An ideal introduction to begin your tour.

Late in the morning, your guide and driver will pick you up to head to Pampanga province, approximately 2.5 hours away by road. The journey is smooth and comfortable, accompanied by our attentive local team.

Along the way, we recommend a stop in Bacolor, one of the oldest towns in the Philippines, located 75km North of Manila.

You will discover the San Guillermo Parish Church, partially buried in 1995 by a lahar flow from the eruption of Mount Pinatubo.

This visit, marked by local history and resilience, is an excellent introduction to discovering the volcano that you will approach the next day.

Your day begins with an off-road vehicle adventure, approximately one hour through the canyons shaped by the lahars from Mount Pinatubo.

You then continue on foot: a hike of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, with 400 m of elevation gain, takes you to the crater lake. Accompanied by local guides, you enjoy a picnic at the summit before beginning the descent, marked by encounters with the Aetas, the indigenous population of the volcano.

Once peaceful, Pinatubo experienced a major eruption in 1991 that profoundly reshaped the region. Its caldera and emerald lake today remind us of the power of this natural event and offer a unique setting for this day.

Please note: since late 2024, access permits to Mount Pinatubo are no longer guaranteed. In that case, we will offer you other pleasant alternatives in the surrounding area.

After your day at Pinatubo, you head back on the road towards Baguio, the « Summer Capital » of the Philippines, located approximately 3 hours to the north.

As you move towards the Cordillera Central, you enter the Cordillera Autonomous Region. Autonomy here is symbolic, but it reflects the presence of several indigenous peoples grouped under the name of Igorot, the « mountain people ». Perfectly integrated, these communities nonetheless preserve their own traditions and values. The road rises gradually and the last 20 kilometers consist of hairpin turns.

Free evening in Baguio

Situated at 1,500 m altitude, Baguio offers a refreshing break in your journey. Built in 1900 by the Americans as a mountain station, it blends nature and colonial heritage.

You can start with the public market, a vast animated labyrinth where local products abound. Continue with a stroll around Burnham Park, at the foot of the cathedral, then along Session Road, the main shopping thoroughfare.

Depending on your time, a visit to the Baguio Museum can enrich your discovery. You can also gain altitude at Engineer's Hill to enjoy a panoramic view, treat yourself to a moment of relaxation at the North Haven Spa, then dine at the Hill Station, an appreciated restaurant housed in a restored colonial mansion.

Your day begins with a spectacular road along the Chico River, before heading West to reach Sagada, located approximately 1.5 hours away. This stage allows you to approach the typical reliefs of the Cordillera, between deep valleys and forested slopes.

From Sagada, you set off on the Paytokan Walk, a hike of approximately 3 hours through the valley commonly called The Echo Valley. The trail leads you into the heart of a landscape of rock formations and slopes covered with pines, dominated by Mount Kanip-aw.

As you advance through this peaceful environment, you reach the famous hanging coffins, witnesses to an ancient funeral tradition unique to Sagada.

After this cultural and natural immersion, you resume your journey to Banaue, approximately 2.5 hours of travel, to continue your discovery of the northern Cordillera.

Departure at 08h30 with your English-speaking guide for a day dedicated to the famous terraced rice fields of Banga'an and Batad. You start with a scenic jeepney ride before reaching Banga'an.

A short uphill walk takes you to the village in Ifugao Province, where you discover rice culture and other local traditions still very much present.

You then continue to Batad to admire its impressive natural amphitheater. Depending on your preference, you can descend to the village or explore the terraces laterally.

This day combines encounters, understanding of the Ifugao way of life and discovery of spectacular landscapes shaped over centuries.

You will dedicate this day to the return trip to Manila, where you will spend the night.

Once settled in, if you still have energy, you can take advantage of your evening to discover Poblacion, the dynamic nightlife district of Makati.

Its lively streets reveal a friendly atmosphere, with art galleries, bars and restaurants in varied styles. An ideal place to experience the creativity and diversity of the Manila urban scene before the rest of your journey.

Your driver will take you this morning to Batangas Port, located approximately 2 hours' drive away.

You then embark on approximately one hour's crossing to reach Puerto Galera.

Upon arrival, you will be settled into your beachfront hotel to begin a stay focused on relaxation.

Puerto Galera is renowned for its beaches, its clear waters and its marine richness, offering an ideal setting for you to rejuvenate and fully enjoy the Philippine coastline.

You are back on the road today in the opposite direction, starting with the transfer to Batangas Port for your ferry crossing of approximately one hour.

Upon arrival in Batangas, your driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Manila.

With your international flight scheduled for the next day, this evening gives you time to rest before your departure.

We wish you an excellent journey home and hope you take wonderful memories of your trip to the Philippines with you.