15-Day Philippines Tour: Rice Terraces, Sagada and El Nido
This private, tailor-made tour takes you from the cool mountains of northern Luzon to the islands of Palawan. Walk among the 2,000-year-old rice terraces of Banaue and Batad, see the hanging coffins of Sagada and travel the high Halsema Highway to Baguio. Then fly south to Palawan to explore the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and spend three nights in El Nido, island hopping between lagoons, coral reefs and quiet beaches. The trip ends with a heritage walk through old Manila.
The Best Time To Visit
December to May
The best time to visit the Philippines is from December to May, during the dry season. This period offers cooler temperatures and less rainfall, ideal for beach activities and island hopping. December to February is particularly pleasant, while March to May can be warmer. The wet season from June to November brings increased rainfall and the potential for typhoons, making the dry months the best choice for an enjoyable experience
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View mapPhilippines Tour: Rice Terraces, Sagada and the Islands of El Nido
This 15-day private tour takes you from the cool mountains of northern Luzon to the turquoise lagoons of Palawan. In the Cordillera, walk among rice terraces carved by the Ifugao people more than 2,000 years ago, see the hanging coffins of Sagada and travel the high Halsema Highway to Baguio. Then fly south to Palawan to explore the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and spend three nights in El Nido, island hopping between hidden lagoons, coral reefs and quiet beaches. The trip ends with a heritage walk through old Manila.
The whole journey is private, with your own driver and local English-speaking guides, and every day can be changed to suit you. This itinerary was put together by our Philippines specialist Alex Robinson. See more ideas on our Philippines holidays page.
Trip Highlights
- Trek down to the village of Batad, surrounded by UNESCO-listed rice terraces, and swim at Tappiya Waterfall
- See the hanging coffins of Echo Valley in Sagada with a local guide
- Drive the Halsema Highway, one of the highest roads in the Philippines, to Baguio
- Paddle into the Puerto Princesa Underground River
- Two days of private island hopping in El Nido’s Bacuit Archipelago
- Explore Intramuros and eat your way through Binondo in Manila
| Length | 15 days, 13 nights |
| Price | From £3,480 per person, including return flights from the UK |
| Route | Manila, Banaue, Batad, Sagada, Baguio, Puerto Princesa, El Nido, Manila |
| Best time to go | December to May, the dry season |
| Activity level | Moderate. Some steep walking at Batad and long drives in the mountains |
Philippines Tour: Rice Terraces, Sagada and the Islands of El Nido
This 15-day private tour takes you from the cool mountains of northern Luzon to the turquoise lagoons of Palawan. In the Cordillera, walk among rice terraces carved by the Ifugao people more than 2,000 years ago, see the hanging coffins of Sagada and travel the high Halsema Highway to Baguio. Then fly south to Palawan to explore the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and spend three nights in El Nido, island hopping between hidden lagoons, coral reefs and quiet beaches. The trip ends with a heritage walk through old Manila.
The whole journey is private, with your own driver and local English-speaking guides, and every day can be changed to suit you. This itinerary was put together by our Philippines specialist Alex Robinson. See more ideas on our Philippines holidays page.
Trip Highlights
- Trek down to the village of Batad, surrounded by UNESCO-listed rice terraces, and swim at Tappiya Waterfall
- See the hanging coffins of Echo Valley in Sagada with a local guide
- Drive the Halsema Highway, one of the highest roads in the Philippines, to Baguio
- Paddle into the Puerto Princesa Underground River
- Two days of private island hopping in El Nido’s Bacuit Archipelago
- Explore Intramuros and eat your way through Binondo in Manila
Day 1: Fly to Manila
Depart the UK (or other destination of your choice) on your overnight flight to Manila, usually with one connection in the Middle East or Asia.
Read More About Day 1
Day 2: Arrive in Manila
Welcome to Manila, the vibrant capital of the Philippines! Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city at your leisure. Enjoy the bustling atmosphere or unwind and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
See more about day 2
Day 3: Manila → Banaue
An early start for the long drive north, around eight to nine hours with stops, through the farmland of Central Luzon and up into the Cordillera mountains. Banaue, in Ifugao province, is home to rice terraces carved into the hillsides by the Ifugao people more than 2,000 years ago. Arrive in time for sunset over the terraces. Overnight at the Banaue Hotel.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
See more about day 3
Day 4: Batad Rice Terraces and Tappiya Waterfall
Take a jeepney to the Saddle, then walk down with a local guide to Batad, a village set in an amphitheatre of terraces that is part of the UNESCO-listed Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras. Continue to Tappiya Waterfall for a swim, then climb back up to the Saddle. The trail is steep in places, so good shoes are essential. Overnight at the Banaue Hotel.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
See more about day 4
Day 5: Banaue to Sagada via Bontoc
Drive north through the mountains to Bontoc, where the Bontoc Museum tells the story of the Cordillera peoples and their traditions. Continue to Sagada, a cool town of pine forests and limestone hills. In the afternoon, a local guide takes you to Echo Valley to see the hanging coffins, an ancient burial tradition in which coffins are placed on the cliff face. Overnight at the Masferre Country Inn.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
See more about day 5
Day 6: Sagada to Baguio
Follow the Halsema Highway, one of the highest roads in the Philippines, south through the mountains. Stop at Mount Timbak for views over the vegetable terraces and to learn about the old burial caves of the area. Arrive in Baguio, the cool “summer capital” of the Philippines, in the afternoon, with time to walk around Burnham Park and the market. Overnight in Baguio.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
See more about day 6
Day 7: Baguio to Manila
In the morning, visit the BenCab Museum, with its collection of Cordillera art and its gardens, or the view from Mines View Park. Then drive back to Manila, around five to six hours. Overnight in Manila.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
See more about day 7
Day 8 – Manila → Puerto Princesa
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Puerto Princesa. Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel, where you can unwind and relax. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Overnight accommodation is provided.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
See more about day 8
Day 9: Puerto Princesa Underground River
Drive about two hours to Sabang, then take a boat along the coast to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A paddle boat takes you about 1.5 km into the cave, past huge limestone chambers, along an underground river that is about 8.2 km long and flows straight into the sea. Look out for monitor lizards and macaques around the entrance. Overnight in Puerto Princesa.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
See more about day 9
Day 10: Puerto Princesa to El Nido
Drive north to El Nido, around five to six hours, through the countryside and fishing villages of Palawan. Arrive in the afternoon, with time for sunset on the beach. Overnight in El Nido.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
See more about day 10
Day 11: El Nido Island Hopping (Lagoons)
Board a private boat to explore the Bacuit Archipelago. Kayak or swim into the Big Lagoon and the Secret Lagoon on Miniloc Island, snorkel among the corals of Shimizu Island, and stop for a beach picnic on Payong-Payong. End the day at Seven Commando Beach, where turtles are sometimes seen. Overnight in El Nido.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
See more about day 11
Day 12: El Nido Island Hopping (Beaches and Shrines)
A second day by boat. Snorkel at Helicopter Island and Tapiutan Island, visit the old Matinloc Shrine with its views over the sea, and swim at Secret Beach and Hidden Beach, reached through gaps in the limestone cliffs. Overnight in El Nido.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
See more about day 12
Day 13 – El Nido → Manila
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning. You’ll have the day free until check-out, allowing you to relax or explore at your own pace. Afterward, you’ll transfer to the domestic airport for your flight back to Manila.
Upon your arrival in Manila, you’ll be greeted by an airport representative who will assist you with your transfer to your hotel. Check in and settle in for your overnight accommodation.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
See more about day 13
Day 14: Manila Heritage Tour
A guided tour of old Manila. Walk along Roxas Boulevard and through Rizal Park, then explore Intramuros, the walled Spanish city, with Fort Santiago, Casa Manila and San Agustin Church, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Finish with a food walk through Binondo, one of the world’s oldest Chinatowns. Overnight in Manila.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
See more about day 14
Day 15: Depart Manila
Transfer to Manila airport for your flight home.
- Board Includes:
- Breakfast
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What’s included
- Domestic flights from Manila to Puerto Princesa and from El Nido to Manila
- 13 nights in comfortable hotels, with breakfast daily
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver, and local English-speaking guides
- Jeepney, boat trips and island-hopping tours as listed
- Puerto Princesa Underground River permit and all listed entrance fees
- Airport transfers
Not included
- Return economy flights from London, Manchester or Birmingham (other UK airports on request)
- Lunches and dinners, unless stated
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Optional activities and personal expenses
Tailor Your Tour -
Potential Highlights
- Banaue Rice Terraces
- Tappiya Waterfalls
- Sagada Hanging Coffins
- Pagsanjan Falls Adventure
- Puerto Princesa Underground River
- Island Hopping in El Nido
- Helicopter Island Visit
- Baguio City Tour
- Intramuros Exploration
Experience All The Philippines Has To Offer
Our itineraries are purely suggestions. Activities you want to experience? Wildlife you wish to see? We can create a bespoke itinerary, just for you.
Tailor Your Tour
Unsure Where To Start?
Connect with a specialist to craft your journey.
Each specialist has travelled extensively in the countries they plan. Whether it’s uncovering hidden gems or planning immersive cultural experiences, we design trips that go beyond the ordinary. Get in touch today!
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Speak to our Philippines travel expert today
Alex Robinson, Travel Journalist, Photographer and Travel Specialist
Speak to our Philippines travel expert today
Alex Robinson, Travel Journalist, Photographer and Travel Specialist
Tailor Your Tour -
Potential Highlights
- Banaue Rice Terraces
- Tappiya Waterfalls
- Sagada Hanging Coffins
- Pagsanjan Falls Adventure
- Puerto Princesa Underground River
- Island Hopping in El Nido
- Helicopter Island Visit
- Baguio City Tour
- Intramuros Exploration
Experience All The Philippines Has To Offer
Our itineraries are purely suggestions. Activities you want to experience? Wildlife you wish to see? We can create a bespoke itinerary, just for you.
Tailor Your Tour
Philippines – From Highlands To Islands 2027 & 2028
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