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DAY 1: ARRIVE MANILA Arrive at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Manila is located on Manila Bay in Luzon, the Philippines’ largest island. Though Quezon City has more residents, Manila actually boasts the highest population density of any city in the world. What began many centuries ago as a small Muslim settlement has grown into the cultural and economic center of the Philippines. DAY 2: MANILA Today, enjoy a half-day of private city touring in Manila and a gourmet lunch of traditional Filipino cuisine. Filipino cuisine incorporates influences from China, Malaysia, and Spain, and is usually tasty and innovative. Included in your city touring is the old walled city (Intramuros) founded by the Spanish with the historic Fort Santiago, Casa Manila, and the National Museum. Lunch will be at La Cocina de Tita Moning’s, an art-deco style mansion of the Legarda family that was converted into a restaurant. (B,L) DAY 3: MANILA - PINATUBO - BANAUE This morning, depart by road for Banaue. Along the way, stop to inspect the ruins of Pinatubo. On June 15, 1991, Mount Pinatubo erupted violently and destroyed much of the surrounding area, including 40,000 houses. In an attempt to find some positive upside in the aftermath of the disaster, locals began offering tours of the region. Truly, the ash and sand covering the region has created an eerie landscape – in some places, the material towers 20 meters in the air. After walking through the ravines in the terrain, continue on by road to Banaue, where the magnificent rice terraces are located. (B) DAY 4: BANAUE RICE TERRACES After breakfast, depart by road to see the famous Banaue Rice Terraces. Ifugao people, who live in North Luzon’s Central Cordillera mountain range, spent over 2,000 years building these by hand. For good reason, the rice terraces are commonly referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Upon your arrival, enjoy a short tour of Lily Luglug Museum, which offers a splendid display of Ifugao arts and crafts. (B) DAY 5: BANAUE - SAGADA This morning, drive to Sagada to visit the burial caves and explore the hanging coffins of the Ifugao tribes. Good footwear is advised because the caves can be narrow in places and the ground uneven. After touring the caves, take some time to look around the pleasant and popular town of Sagada. Also visit the nearby town of Bontoc, only an hour away from Sagada. Bontoc is the capital of the Mountain Province and is well known for the woven materials that are made here. (B) DAY 6: SAGADA - BAGUIO Early this morning, depart for Baguio via the scenic Halsema Road. Known officially as the Halsema Mountain Highway, it is actually more of a rustic (and largely unpaved) trail road that provides unforgettable glimpses of small towns and stunning scenery along the way. The city of Baguio, located in the midst of the striking Cordillera Range, is a cool retreat filled with flowers, fruits, and vegetable gardens. It is a popular vacation spot during the hot months. (B) DAY 7: BAGUIO Spend a half-day with a guide exploring Baguio and seeing the main attractions. Though Baguio suffered a major earthquake in 1990, the city has largely recovered and is a vibrant and colorful destination for Filipinos and visitors alike. Highlights of the area include the Mansion House, the Good Shepherd Viewpoint, Burnham Park, and the city market, where you can browse for basket ware, textiles, and woodcarvings. (B) DAY 8: BAGUIO - MANILA Transfer to the airport for your flight to Manila and spend one night there. (B) DAY 9: MANILA - PALAWAN After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to the domestic airport for the flight to your Palawan resort. Palawan is the largest province in the Philippines, but it also remains the least touristy and developed. It is known for its fabulous beaches while the interior is a vast ra inforest. The province has been declared a protected area, making it one of the world’s largest nature reserves. DAY 10: PALAWAN Today is at leisure to enjoy the sea, surf, and sun at El Nido Resort (Lagen Island). DAY 11: DEPART MANILA After breakfast, fly back to Manila and transfer to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for your onward flight. (B) |