Philippines Nature & Culture Adventure: Rice Terraces to Coral Reefs - 10 Days

Highlights

• Learn how to make traditional Filipino dishes with a local chef 
• Trek across rice terraces, keeping an eye out for water buffalo
• Wake up at dawn for a sunrise hike up Mount Kupapey
• Enjoy a free day in Anilao to snorkel and swim at your leisure

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Manila, Market Tour & Cooking Class, Intramuros Bike Tour

Welcome to the capital of the Philippines, Manila! Meet your driver outside Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport to transfer to your hotel in the city. After settling in, you'll venture out on a private market tour and cooking class with a local chef. Meet your friendly host at the market to find the right ingredients for your dishes before heading to their house to start cooking. Learn about some of the traditional herbs and spices you'll use, then choose between a hands-on lesson or a cooking demonstration as you start to prepare Filipino recipes that have been passed down through generations.

When you're done cooking, sit down to enjoy the delicious meal you helped prepare. Finish with a sweet treat of pie made with calamansi, a type of citrus grown in the Philippines, then jump on a bicycle to discover Intramuros, the old walled city of Manila. As you pedal across the cobblestone streets, keep an eye out for historic churches, charming plazas, and ancient fortifications. Your guide will stop at notable sites, like Fort Santiago and San Agustín Church, to teach you about their rich history and give you time to explore. After the four-hour tour, rest your feet at one of the many restaurants in the area for dinner. 

Day 2: Transfer to Banaue's UNESCO-Listed Rice Terraces

Say goodbye to the capital city, as this morning, you head out on an eight-hour transfer to Banaue, a municipality nestled in the heart of the Cordillera mountain range. Don't worry, there'll be plenty of stops along the way for you to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat. As you leave the bustling metropolis of Manila behind, you'll be greeted by the tranquil countryside while you drive through quaint towns and rolling hills. The highlight of the journey is the final ascent into the mountains, where the famous Banaue Rice Terraces come into view. After the long drive, settle into your new hotel for the night.

Day 3: Guided Hike Across the Banaue Rice Terraces, Transfer to Maligcong

After breakfast, visit the Banaue Rice Terraces on a moderate hike to explore the famous emerald rice paddies. Lace up your shoes and head into the UNESCO World Heritage Site, walking along ancient stone-walled pathways winding through the terraces. As you walk, enjoy panoramic views of terraced slopes and distant mist-covered peaks, appreciating the generations of sustainable farming practices. The trail will descend as you approach the village of Bangaan, revealing a cluster of traditional thatched-roof huts and providing a glimpse into the daily lives of the Indigenous Ifugao community.

Meander around the village to admire the thatched houses, meet the Ifugao people, and discover the wet market. Watch as locals cook traditional dishes, create handmade crafts, and sell their wares. After spending some time with the villagers, hop in a private car for your 2.5-hour transfer to Maligcong, another village known for its rice terraces. When you arrive, stop at one of the local eateries for some delicious Filipino food, then settle into your hotel for the night.

Day 4: Sunrise Hike Up Mount Kupapey, Transfer to Sagada

Set an early alarm because this morning, you'll leave the hotel around 4 am for a sunrise trek up Mount Kupapey. Although the hike is entirely uphill, it's relatively easy, so don't be intimidated. Start your trek at the bottom of the mountain while it's still dark, walking among the pine trees and passing through foggy clearings. After two hours, you'll reach the observation deck, where you can watch the sunrise above the village and the emerald-green Maligcong Rice Terraces. While you watch the golden hues brighten the sky, enjoy a nourishing boxed breakfast.

Day 5: Trek to the Hanging Coffins of Echo Valley & Bomod-ok Falls

It's another active morning as you set off on a three-hour trek into Echo Valley to see the iconic hanging coffins dangling from the cliffs. Start at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, built in 1904 by American missionaries, then continue across the nearby Anglican cemetery to get to the top of the valley. Descend into a forest of towering pine trees surrounded by jagged limestone cliffs and walk until you reach the suspended wooden coffins. Listen as your guide teaches you about the burial practices of the Igorot people, who believe interring their loved ones in elevated coffins brings them closer to ancestral spirits.

Return along the same path, then transfer back to the hotel to rest a bit before your next adventure, a leisurely hike to Bomod-ok Falls. Walk through picturesque rice terraces under the shadows of towering mountains for an hour until the cool mist from the waterfall reaches you. Jump into the pool at the bottom for a refreshing dip or lay on the moss-covered rocks to relax. When you're ready, trek back to the beginning of the trail and return to your hotel for the night. 

Day 6: Transfer to Baguio, Half-Day Tour of the Summer Capital

Bid farewell to Sagada this morning as you join your driver for the 5.5-hour transfer to Baguio. Known as the Philippines' "Summer Capital," this small city's cool climate offers a respite from the intense heat the rest of the country experiences. Settle into your new hotel, then venture back out on a guided tour. Start in Burnham Park for a walk around its manicured gardens and lagoon, then move on to Mines View Park, named for its panoramic views of Itogon, an old mining town. The tour continues at Camp John Hay, once a military facility for the United States Armed Forces, now a well-manicured resort.

Hike through the serene pine forest, look out for colorful butterflies in the sanctuary, or zipline from a 60-foot (18 m) tall tree. When you're done exploring, head to Baguio Cathedral atop Mount Mary, offering panoramic views of the city. Admire the church's twin spires, then enter to see the stained glass windows up close. Continue your cultural immersion at Tam-awan and the Woodcarver's Village to see traditional Cordilleran huts, Indigenous art, cultural performances, and woodcarving. End this action-packed day at the Saint Louis Filigree Shop to learn about the filigree jewelry-making process.

Day 7: Transfer to Manila, Explore at Your Own Pace

Leave the Filipino countryside behind as you transfer back to Manila this morning. After the 4.5-hour drive, check into your hotel, then venture out to explore the city on your own. If you want to shop, there are plenty of malls and markets to browse, such as the Mall of Asia, one of the biggest shopping complexes on the continent. You'll also find an IMAX theater, an Olympic-sized ice skating rink, and an amusement park within the complex. When you get hungry, pop over to the vast food hall to choose from an array of local and international cuisines. 

If shopping isn't your thing, visit the National Museum Complex instead to discover the three museums within. Start at the National Museum of Fine Arts, browsing the works of renowned Filipino artists before continuing to the National Museum of Anthropology to delve into the country's ethnographic and archaeological history. End your tour at the National Museum of Natural History, where you can marvel at the country's diverse flora, fauna, and geological formations. Once you've worked up an appetite, head to Makati, the central business district, to try one of the many restaurants.

Day 8: Transfer to Anilao, a Haven for Underwater Enthusiasts

Trade the city for the bay today as you transfer 2.5 hours to Anilao, a municipality in the Batangas province known for its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and colorful coral reefs. After checking into your hotel, the day is yours to spend as you wish. You can stay in the resort to enjoy the amenities, such as the pool or spa, or head to a nearby beach to lay on the white sand. If you're looking for a more adventurous activity, you can rent a kayak and paddle along the jagged coastline, enjoying views of the lush greenery, hidden lagoons, and pristine beaches.

If you prefer to stay on land, take a hike up Mount Gulugod Baboy, which translates to "Pig's Spine," as the mountain's rolling landscape resembles the shape of a pig's back. As you ascend, following the well-maintained trail, you'll be treated to panoramic views of Batangas Bay, Balayan Bay, and the distant Mindoro Island. The summit is the perfect vantage point for sunset, so try to time your hike to watch the coastline transform in the fading light. Return down the same path, then find a beachfront restaurant for a fresh seafood dinner.

Day 9: Self-Guided Snorkeling, Diving & Boating in Anilao

Grab your bathing suit and get ready to discover the underwater world surrounding Anilao. You can choose your excursion depending on your interests and comfort level, as snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, and kayaking are all available. No matter which excursion you choose, you're sure to spot some incredible underwater creatures, like the pygmy seahorse, octopus, or frogfish. 

If you'd rather stay above the surface, you can still explore the coastline on a boat tour to Sombrero Island, named for its distinctive, hat-like shape. Hop in the boat and enjoy the 30-minute ride to the island as you cruise across the crystal-clear waters. Disembark and stroll across the white sand and rocky coastline to admire the white corals on the shore. When you're ready, jump back in the boat and return to Anilao, where you can enjoy dinner and a cocktail at your resort. 

Day 10: Transfer to Manila, Depart

After a delicious breakfast at the resort, return to Manila for your flight home. If you have some time before your flight, you can explore more of the city on your own. Head to one of the many markets, such as Divisoria Market, for some last-minute souvenirs. Browse the stalls for products like textiles, clothing, or accessories. If you want to find handmade crafts, Quiapo Market is a better option. While you're here, you can pop by and see Quiapo Church, a pilgrimage site for Catholics. Keep an eye on the clock, as a driver will be meeting you back at the hotel to take you to the airport. Safe travels!