7 Days / 6 Nights PRIVATE Banaue, Sagada, Vigan & Hundred Islands

Itinerary

Day 1: Manila- Banaue

06:30 – depart Manila for Banaue via Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya and stopping at San Jose for lunch. We then stop at one of the scenic lookout points along Dalton Pass followed by late afternoon arrival in Banaue.

Day 2:  Banaue – Batad Village – Banaue

08:00 – We have an early breakfast and then you depart with your English-speaking local guide. From Banaue Batad is approximately 16 kms away, the first 14 kms of which will be traveled by our privately chartered local jeepney. The rest of the distance is on foot using a mountain trail. The trip to Barangay Batad in Banaue, to witness the amphitheater shaped terraces located at 3600 ft., takes only a 30 minutes hike (*).

(*) Provided you have a good level of physical fitness (expect unpaved and narrow mountain trails with steep irregular terrain, usually under a hot sun) and should you wish to trek for three further demanding hours we can offer you:

a) the Tappiya waterfall after Batad.    With a phenomenal 70 metre fall in rainy season and a naturally formed pool at its bottom suitable for a cooling swim ( dress conservatively), Tappiya waterfall is an unique location in the area.

b) Banga-an village instead of Batad. Banga-an village showcases a typical Ifugao community. Wet weather causes damage so the steps need constant renovation. You are rewarded with spectacular views.

We stop at the panoramic Banaue viewpoint at 4800 Ft. that provides a perfect experience of the enormity & extent of the terraces,  followed by a visit to the Banaue Museum. Banaue Museum features decades-old books by anthropologist Otley Beyer and Igorot artefacts collected by his son William. The museum is on two floors featuring weaponry, jewellery, traditional dress and photographs of Banaue 100 years ago.  

Time permitting we can stop at the market and souvenir shop before dinner.

Day 3: Banaue – Bontoc – Sagada

After breakfast we first visit the Banaue Museum. This features decades-old books by anthropologist Otley Beyer and Igorot artefacts collected by his son William. The museum is on two floors featuring weaponry, jewellery, traditional dress and photographs of Banaue 100 years ago.  

We hit the road and after a 2 hours drive we arrive at Bontoc’s charming Museum of Mt.Cultures with artifacts and unique pictures from the mountain tribes.

Proceed to Sagada, an hour away, and check in at standard accommodation. You will meet with your local, English speaking, guide who will guide you to glimpse the Lumiang Burial Cave near Echo Valley which houses more than 100 coffins stacked in the entrance. The oldest is around 500 years old. Many of them have images of lizards carved on them which are symbols of fertility and long life. We then enter the impressive Sumaguing Cave, known for its rock formations and impressive chambers.

Evening free to mingle with the locals and see the world famous Masferre photos.

Day 4: Sagada – Vigan  

After 07:00 am breakfast (advice to bring snacks/packed lunch) we board for a scenic mountain trail drive using the Cervantes road (approx 8 hours since partly unpaved) to Vigan offering spectacular views. Optional we can make a stop at the monument at the Bessang Pass where the Japanese forces makes their last stand during WWII.

Check in at standard accommodation in Vigan for 2 nights stay.

Day 5: Vigan – Laoag – Vigan

At 08:00 am after breakfast we depart for your guided Vigan tour. Part of this tour you will be driven around in a ”Calesa”, a horse-drawn carriage. Enjoy two different Vigan museums, visit an ancestral mansion and the “Pagburnayan”, a local pottery maker.

After lunch in a relaxing garden setting you will depart for Laoag, another old Spanish town. See Laoag’s Paoay Church, Bell Tower, Marcos Museum & Mausoleum and  Malacanang of the North.

Day 6: Vigan – Pangasinan

After breakfast, proceed to Lingayen, El Puerto Marina Beach Resort (Pangasinan) or Baguio (Le Monet or Camp John Hay Manor), for an overnight stay.

Day 7: Hundred Islands – Manila

1.) After breakfast, we drive in 45 mins to Lucap Wharf, the entry point to Hundred Islands. Enjoy half day island hopping tour to major islands in a private boat.

2.) We spend the morning  on a Baguio City Tour including the Mines View, the Mansion & Wright Park plus a choice of either (a) Wood Carver’s Village & the fabulous BenCab Museum.

Return trip to Manila (approx. 4-5 hrs). Drop off at your hotel / home in Manila estimated at 18:30 pm (depending on weather and traffic conditions).